Free travel services for Disney & Universal destinations

Jasmina Pique, Travel Agent

Hi, my name is Jasmina and I am a local travel agent specializing in Disney &amp; Universal destinations. I provide personalized planning, expert tips, and help with secure the best options available at no extra cost to you. From park tickets and hotels accommodations to dining reservations and personalized itinerary guidance, I make planning your vacation simple and stress-free. *Bonus: When you book your vacation package with me, you may qualify for special client perks or gift card incentives! Let’s start planning your next magical adventure! Follow along for travel tips and inspiration: Instagram: @jaspique_martinmagicaltravels

Contra Costa County

Contra Costa

Oakley

California

Hi, my name is Jasmina and I am a local travel agent specializing in Disney & Universal destinations. I provide personalized planning, expert tips,...

<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/intermittent-flaring-martinez-refinery-electrical-issue/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CBS Bay Area</a> January 27, 2026 Occasional flaring is expected at the Martinez refinery on Monday, Contra Costa Health said. The Martinez Refining Company said intermittent flaring may happen as employees "return the refinery to planned rates" after an internal electrical issue affected operations. The electrical issue happened just before 11 a.m., and around the same time, Contra Costa Health said it received multiple complaints from Benicia and Martinez residents about a "strong odor."<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/intermittent-flaring-martinez-refinery-electrical-issue/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Click here for the full story via CBS San Francisco</a> <blockquote><a href="https://twitter.com/AirDistrict/status/2015919647456166210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> </blockquote> <hr />CBS Local Digital Media personalizes the global reach of CBS-owned and operated television and radio stations with a local perspective.

January 27, 2026 Occasional flaring is expected at the Martinez refinery on Monday, Contra Costa Health said.

The Martinez Refining Company said intermittent flaring may happen as employees "return the refinery to planned rates" after an internal electrical issue affected operations. The electrical issue happened just before 11 a.m., and around the same time, Contra Costa Health said it received multiple complaints from Benicia and Martinez residents about a "strong odor."

<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/intermittent-flaring-martinez-refinery-electrical-issue/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Click here for the full story via CBS San Francisco</a> <blockquote><a href="https://twitter.com/AirDistrict/status/2015919647456166210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> </blockquote> <hr />CBS Local Digital Media personalizes the global reach of CBS-owned and operated television and radio stations with a local perspective.

Bay Area

Martinez

Intermittent Flaring Possible At Martinez...

Occasional flaring is expected at the Martinez refinery on Monday,  Contra Costa Health said.

Intermittent Flaring Possible At Martinez Refinery After Electrical Issue Affected Operations

Health & Fitness

Pleasant Hill

Solano County

Benicia

Angela Woodall

Concord

Walnut Creek

Pinole-Hercules

Lamorinda

El Cerrito

Alameda County

Fernando Haro

Berkeley

Albany

Rockridge

Todos Santos Plaza

5th annual free Bay Area SpringFest is TODAY&nbsp;celebrating spring with plants, arts &amp; crafts, music and food in Downtown Concord at tree-lined Todos Santos Plaza in the largest city of upscale Contra Costa County. 
There will be music on the Todos Santos stage, a dozen eclectic food vendors, beer and wine garden, free activities for kids and myriad shopping opportunities.
SpringFest is open from 12 noon to 7pm with free admission and ample free neaSpringFest is open open Rain or Shine.rby parking in historic Downtown Concord. 
This free outdoor fair allows shoppers to see the unique goods and services from 100 vendors, home-based businesses and commercial exhibitors. Arts &amp; crafts, jewelry, apparel, plants, CBD products, home improvement, technology and much more will be available at SpringFest.
Attendees of all ages can bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit in the park and enjoy the spring day. Pets on a leash are welcome as well.
Our Beer &amp; Wine Garden features beer from popular Concord brewery <a href="https://www.sidegatebrewing.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Side Gate</a><a href="https://www.drmwinery.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">.</a>
Proceeds from the Beer &amp; Wine Garden benefit <a href="https://sustainablecoco.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Sustainable Contra Costa</a>.
<a href="https://eventhub.net/events/Bay-Area-SpringFest-2026_7090" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Click here for Exhibitor information and application.</a>
Live music at SpringFest entertains attendees enjoying spring in downtown Concord:
12:30-2pm The Commanders Jazz Band celebrates America’s musical heritage performing the rich sounds of small group jazz. Part of the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, The Commanders harness musical excellence, honoring our nation and those who have served. Their performance will conclude with a Musical Tribute to America’s 250th Birthday this year.
2:45-4:15pm Audio Mynde is a long-standing Bay Area band specializing in classic rock, blues and hits from the '60s through the 2Ks. Founded in 1990, the band has regularly played in the area for over 3 decades.
5-7pm Katie Knipp: The Concord native is a 4x Top 10 Billboard Blues Albums artist. Her music celebrates eclecticism and genre-fluid creativity. Her band features Pancho Tomaselli on bass (War, Tower of Power, Philm), Steve Utstein on the B3 (Cafe R&amp;B, Bo Diddley, Junior Wells, Lonnie Brooks), Chris Martinez on guitar (Sac Blues Hall of Fame, Guitar Mac, Arbess Williams) &amp; Neil Campisano on drums (4 top 10 Billboard albums).
Kid's activities include free balloon animals and hats.
The first 400 attendees will receive a SpringFest Goody Bag sponsored by Hamilton Tree Service and Ecomulch. Each registered attendee will receive a free raffle ticket for numerous SpringFest-themed prizes.
Donation of food to the Monument Crisis Center will earn the donor another raffle ticket for each can donated.
Pre-register here and receive a free $2 Spring Buck
at check-in at the YELLOW Bay Area Festivals Tent and you are automatically entered in our free raffle with SpringFest-themed gifts.
Bay Area SpringFest is in Todos Santos Plaza in Downtown Concord at 2175 Willow Pass Rd. This outdoor festival is free to the public with two free parking garages on the block. SpringFest is held rain or shine.
Exhibitor booths are available. <a href="https://eventhub.net/events/Bay-Area-SpringFest-2026_7090" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Click for information and application.</a>

Local Event: Bay Area SpringFest FREE in Concord TODAY

Bay Area SpringFest FREE in Concord TODAY

5th annual free Bay Area SpringFest is TODAY celebrating spring with plants, arts & crafts, music and food in Downtown Concord...

The Commanders Jazz Band, part of the&nbsp;United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, will Celebrate America's 250 Birthday&nbsp;TODAY opening the music performances at the free Bay Area SpringFest in Concord's historic Todos Santos Plaza.
5th annual free Bay Area SpringFest is THIS&nbsp;Saturday&nbsp;celebrating spring with plants, arts &amp; crafts, music and food in Downtown Concord at tree-lined Todos Santos Plaza. There will be music on the Todos Santos stage, a dozen eclectic food vendors, beer and wine garden, free activities for kids and myriad shopping opportunities.
 The Commanders Jazz Band&nbsp;kicks off the SpringFest musical line at 2:30pm with a lunchtime performance celebrating America’s musical heritage performing the rich sounds of small group jazz. Part of the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, The Commanders harness musical excellence, honoring our nation and those who have served. Their performance will conclude with a Musical Tribute to America’s 250th Birthday this year.
As a part of the Band of the Golden West, the Commanders’ mission is to harness musical excellence to honor our nation and those who have served, inspire patriotism and resilience in our Airmen, Guardians and nations’ citizens, and connect the Air Force with the American public and community partners.
The United States Air Force Band of the Golden West is stationed at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield. The only active-duty Air Force band west of the Rockies, the Band of the Golden West is comprised of about 60 talented and versatile Airmen-musicians under the command of Captain Brian O’Donnell.
In addition to performing for civilian communities throughout California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona and Nevada, the band supports 13 Air Force bases, 8 Air Force reserve wings, and 6 recruiting squadrons in over 250 annual performances for 1.5 million listeners. 
SpringFest is from 12 noon to 7pm with free admission and ample free nearby parking in historic Downtown Concord. 
This free outdoor fair allows shoppers to see the unique goods and services from 100 vendors, home-based businesses and commercial exhibitors. Arts &amp; crafts, jewelry, apparel, plants, CBD products, home improvement, technology and much more will be available at SpringFest.
Attendees of all ages can bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit in the park and enjoy the spring day. Pets on a leash are welcome as well.
Our Beer &amp; Wine Garden features beer from popular Concord brewery <a href="https://www.sidegatebrewing.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Side Gate</a><a href="https://www.drmwinery.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">.</a>
Proceeds from the Beer &amp; Wine Garden benefit <a href="https://sustainablecoco.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Sustainable Contra Costa</a>.
<a href="https://eventhub.net/events/Bay-Area-SpringFest-2026_7090" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Click here for Exhibitor information and application.</a>
Live music at SpringFest entertains attendees enjoying spring in downtown Concord. After the The Commanders Jzz Band:
2:45-4:15pm Audio Mynde is a long-standing Bay Area band specializing in classic rock, blues and hits from the '60s through the 2Ks. Founded in 1990, the band has regularly played in the area for over 3 decades.
5-7pm Katie Knipp: The Concord native is a 4x Top 10 Billboard Blues Albums artist. Her music celebrates eclecticism and genre-fluid creativity. Her band features Pancho Tomaselli on bass (War, Tower of Power, Philm), Steve Utstein on the B3 (Cafe R&amp;B, Bo Diddley, Junior Wells, Lonnie Brooks), Chris Martinez on guitar (Sac Blues Hall of Fame, Guitar Mac, Arbess Williams) &amp; Neil Campisano on drums (4 top 10 Billboard albums).
Kid's activities include free balloon animals and hats.
The first 400 attendees will receive a SpringFest Goody Bag sponsored by Hamilton Tree Service and Ecomulch. Each registered attendee will receive a free raffle ticket for numerous SpringFest-themed prizes.
Donation of food to the Monument Crisis Center will earn the donor another raffle ticket for each can donated.
Pre-register here and receive a free $2 Spring Buck
at check-in at the YELLOW Bay Area Festivals Tent and you are automatically entered in our free raffle with SpringFest-themed gifts.
Bay Area SpringFest is in Todos Santos Plaza in Downtown Concord at 2175 Willow Pass Rd. This outdoor festival is free to the public with two free parking garages on the block. SpringFest is held rain or shine.
Exhibitor booths are available. <a href="https://eventhub.net/events/Bay-Area-SpringFest-2026_7090" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Click for information and application.</a>

Local Event: US Air Force Band celebrates America's 250th Birthday TODAY in Concord

US Air Force Band celebrates America's 250th...

The Commanders Jazz Band, part of the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, will Celebrate America's 250...

US Air Force Band celebrates America's 250th Birthday TODAY in Concord

Our Savior's Lutheran Church

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free . . .&nbsp; .&nbsp; "
Tapestry Ringers and Singers presents the second of three free concerts celebrating 250 years of America.&nbsp; Talented women's chorus and English bell ringers perform uplifting music ranging from folk music to spirituals to Gershwin to Leadbelly.&nbsp; The stirring poem at the base of the Statue of Liberty provides the basis for the concluding piece, "I Lift My Lamp."&nbsp; These free concerts will conclude with a 4 p.m. show at Walnut Creek United Methodist Church on May 3.&nbsp; The Walnut Creek event adds the enticement of American pie after the show.&nbsp; Voluntary contributions to the non-profit Swords into Ploughshares.

Local Event: Tapestry Celebrates 250 Years of America with Free Concert

Tapestry Celebrates 250 Years of America with...

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free . . .  .  "
Tapestry Ringers and Singers presents...

Tapestry Celebrates 250 Years of America with Free Concert

<h1>INNER URGE: A TRIBUTE TO SAXOPHONIST &amp; COMPOSER JOE HENDERSON </h1>Step into an evening honoring the life and legacy of Joe Henderson—one of the most profound and quietly revolutionary voices in Jazz. From his years at Blue Note Records to the expansive, exploratory soundscapes of his time in San Francisco, Henderson was a master of tone, space, and storytelling in Jazz. Known for his deep collaborations with artists like pianist Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, and trumpeter Lee Morgan, Henderson’s journey from New York’s hard bop scene to the creative openness of the West Coast was a passionate pursuit of artistic freedom that forever changed Jazz music and culture. Now, joined by one of his most dynamic drummers, San Francisco’s own Sylvia Cuenca, The Muse Jazz Collective will reimagine some of his most popular songs, such as Inner Urge and Black Narcissus.
THE COLLECTIVE: We are a community of Bay Area Jazz musicians, lovers, and advocates seeking to awaken more beauty, love, and justice for the world through Jazz.
THERE ARE TWO CONCERTS ON SUNDAY MAY 3: The first concert starts at 5:30 PM and the second concert starts at 7:30 PM. Each concert will be at the Vineyard and will be 90 minutes of iconic music. Doors open 15 minutes prior. You can enjoy dinner before or after the concert or you are free to bring your own food or drink from any of the amazing restaurants within one or two blocks of the venue. Plan to bring cups, wine cork, etc as these items are not available on-site. Anyone drinking alcohol must be 21yrs or older.
- There will be a Q&amp;A at the end of the performance, so as you listen think of some questions about the music, the musicians, the history, the songwriters, or anything else that comes to mind.
- Lastly, be sure to join the collective by subscribing to our newsletter and tag us on social media.
Here's a few of our favorite restaurants within easy walking distance of the venue:- Cafe Napolina - 1950 Grant Street | Ste B- Taqueria Los Dos Gallos - 1950 Grant Street | Ste A- I Love Teriyaki &amp; Sushi - 1980 Galindo Street- Aung Burma - 2151 Salvio Street- Naan n Curry - 2068 Salvio Street
There are two parking garages on Salvio Street- one near the Vineyard and one near Skipolini's Pizza and Concord Avenue.
THE VENUE: The Vineyard is on Todos Santos Plaza in downtown Concord. This concert venue is tied to the history of jazz through Dave Brubeck - who grew up on this site in Concord - and was one of the first musicians to fight for a racially integrated band.
See you soon!

Local Event: The Muse Jazz Collective @ The Vineyard

The Muse Jazz Collective @ The Vineyard

INNER URGE: A TRIBUTE TO SAXOPHONIST & COMPOSER JOE HENDERSON Step into an evening honoring the life and legacy of Joe...

Join us for a memorable evening featuring Olivier Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time, a work of profound beauty and spiritual depth. Composed during Messiaen’s time in a wartime prison camp, this piece explores time, endurance, and transcendence through its unique rhythms and harmonies.
The first half of the concert will feature a guided exploration of the quartet by our Artistic Director, highlighting key themes and movements to enhance your listening experience.
The second half will be dedicated to a full performance of this iconic work, followed by a festive post-concert reception where you can celebrate the season with our musicians and fellow concertgoers.
Don't miss this unforgettable evening of music and community as the Benicia Chamber Players closes the 2025-2026 season!

Local Event: For the End of Time

For the End of Time

Join us for a memorable evening featuring Olivier Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time, a work of profound beauty and...

Lucca Bar & Grill

Return engagement/dance party, after last November's extremely fun dance party! Featuring the Bay Area's best rock and blues musicians--Marc Russo, Tal Morris, Curtis Ohlson, Kevin Hayes, John R. Burr, Margaret Bolton, and Marvin McFadden--Good times!

Local Event: Don Arbor and the Bay Area All-Stars

Don Arbor and the Bay Area All-Stars

Return engagement/dance party, after last November's extremely fun dance party! Featuring the Bay Area's best rock and blues...

A young, not yet 6-years old, Benicia child is discovering that everyday walks in nature can become meaningful scientific contributions.
Participating in this week's City Nature Challenge, the child recorded 10 research-grade wildlife observations that are now part of global biodiversity databases used by scientists studying ecosystems around the world.
From spotting insects and plants in local parks to noticing patterns in wildlife, these small moments of curiosity became part of real scientific data collection.
For families in Benicia, the story highlights how science learning doesn&rsquo;t always begin in a classroom&mdash;it often begins outdoors, through observation and exploration.
The participant is also part of the National Wildlife Federation Junior Ranger 2026 Competition, which encourages young people to explore, learn about, and care for wildlife and natural spaces.
&#128073; Learn more or support participation here:&nbsp;

<a href="https://jr-ranger.org/2026/ayaan-a392" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">jr-ranger.org/2026/ayaan-a392</a>

Local Benicia child contributes real science...

A young, not yet 6-years old, Benicia child is discovering that everyday walks in nature can become meaningful scientific contributions....

Local Benicia child contributes real science data in global nature challenge + Junior Ranger voting 

🌱 Patch AM: Which Martinez neighbors just won...

And on the Martinez Patch calendar - Bay Area SpringFest FREE in Concord TODAY

🌱 Patch AM: Which Martinez neighbors just won the city’s first Sustainability Awards?

Community Corner

Los Angeles County

Hollywood

What To Watch This Weekend: 'The Devil Wears...

Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Anne Hathaway lead a weekend that moves from supernatural mystery to sharp‑edged fables.

What To Watch This Weekend: 'The Devil Wears Prada 2,' 'Hokum,' 'Animal Farm,' 'Deep Water' And More

Arts & Entertainment

San Francisco County

San Francisco

Mysterious Creatures Washing Up On NorCal...

Narcan boxes coming to East Bay; popular comedian to perform at North Bay vineyard, and more nice news. 


Mysterious Creatures Washing Up On NorCal Beaches +  Massive Sea Lion At SF's Pier 39: Saturday Smiles

Across America

Mom Knows Best: Tell Us About Her For A Mother...

We want to hear about the best advice your mom or mother figure ever gave you, who she was, and what you’d like others to know about her.

Mom Knows Best: Tell Us About Her For A Mother’s Day 2026 Tribute: Survey

Seasonal & Holidays

🌱 Patch AM: "Once Upon a Mattress" Musical at...

Spotted on the Martinez calendar: Open House in Danville - Fabulous, Updated Townhouse

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Health & Fitness

Intermittent Flaring Possible At Martinez Refinery After Electrical Issue Affected Operations

Occasional flaring is expected at the Martinez refinery on Monday, Contra Costa Health said.

CBS San Francisco, News Partner

Find out what's happening in Martinezfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Martinezfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

More from Martinez

Pastor Receives Life Sentence In Child Sex Abuse Case

'Blessing Of The Fleet' Bay Area Maritime Ritual Celebration Returns For Year 130

76-Year-Old Crashes Into Bay Area Safeway, Injures 71-Year-Old Shopper: Report