East Bay Scholar's Tight-Knit Family Keeps Him Close To Home

"He's smart. He's caring. He wants to do good by everyone," said Sheila of her son.

Contra Costa Parents May Have Products Linked To 90 Baby Deaths

New federal safety regulations for baby sleep products may affect what Pinole and Hercules parents already have in their homes.

Pumpkin Patches Near Pinole, Hercules 2020

Yes, there are pumpkin farms open this year with plenty of fun activities. Check our list and links!

Contra Costa County Fair Canceled: Coronavirus

It was scheduled to run May 14-17 but has already been called off.

Sex Offenders In Pinole, Hercules: Halloween Safety Map 2019

Find out where the registered sex offenders are living in Pinole, Hercules and nearby before the kids go out trick or treating.

5 Ways Families Can Avoid Overspending This Summer — And Beyond

Summer spending doesn't have to break the bank! Here are a few ways to cut back while still having some big fun all year.

Remembered By Her Kids, Grandkids: Mother's Day Photos

Debra is no longer with us, but her daughter wants to honor her just the same.

Helpful Pregnancy Advice That Moms-To-Be Should Embrace

If you're pregnant, don't stress— a new book explains just what to do while making your baby, from healthy diets to the checklist you need.

Tidying Up: How To Declutter Our Lives As Parents

It's common to feel suffocated by all of our material objects. Luckily, there are some ways to simplify our lives as parents and people.

7 Expert Tips On Managing Your Picky Little Eaters

Every parent wants to crack the code on their picky eaters — without having to force-feed them. Here are some techniques that will help.

Traveling With A Toddler: Pro Tips And Avoidable Fails

Planning a getaway with a toddler? It might not be as sunny as you hoped, if you're not prepared. Here are some tips to remember!

7 Signs You Might Be Over-Parenting

A recent book suggests that over-parenting your child could be doing more harm than good — but how do you know when you're guilty of it?

What Is A Lawnmower Parent — And Are You One?

You've heard of the helicopter parent, but there’s a new term sweeping the playgrounds. Are you guilty of it?

6 Ways To Balance Parenthood And A Successful Career

With a little creative thinking, courage, and planning, you can find a modern-day workflow that actually works for you and your family.

FREE Lynx Service for Opening of the Salesforce Transit Ctr in SF

Join us for the Granding Opening / Neighborhood Block Party at San Francisco's New Salesforce Transit Center Saturday 8/11/18

Computers, Summer Camp Materials Stolen From Boys, Girls Club

The Boys & Girls Club of Contra Costa lost $20,000 worth of items in the overnight burglary.

Field Trip: Hercules Police Station

Two classes from a local elementary school visited.

Free Summer Lunch at the Library - Several Locations

There are three nearby locations offering lunch and other programs.

RECARO Issues Voluntary Recall of Car Seats

The recall affects 173,063 ProRIDE and Performance RIDE units all manufactured before June 9, 2015.

What Are America's Top Baby Names?

These are the official, registered names from the Social Security Administration. Did your baby's name make the list?

How To Build Happy, Close-Knit Families In Midst Of Busy, Gadget-Filled Lives

Routines as simple as "Taco Tuesdays" are key. And maybe let the kids Skype Grandma, Stanford child and family coordinator says.

Traveling This Labor Day Weekend? Tips for Taking Your Pet Along

Hitting the road with the entire fam in tow, including Fifi and Fido? Plan ahead so everyone enjoys the trip.

5 Tips To Fight 'Super Lice' As Pinole and Hercules Kids Go Back To School

Some preventative and treatment steps to take.

Kids And The Law: Contra Costa Public Law Library Has Info For Parents

The resources can help guide parents through juvenile law issues.

Your 'Birth Lottery' Determines Your American Dream? - New Study

American children born into high-income families see far greater earnings over their lifetimes than children born into low-income homes.

You Tell Us, Pinole and Hercules: Should Minions Be Used to Sell Candy and Junk Food?

A nonprofit watchdog group that monitors nutrition is calling for the Minions to be removed from candy and junk food. Do you agree?

Boy Scouts Takes Major Step Toward Ending Ban on Gay Scout Leaders

A Boy Scout Executive Committee voted to allow gay scout leaders. If ratified, troops would be able to determine their own policies.

444,923 People Attend Alameda County Fair in 2015

The Alameda County Fair wraps up a groundbreaking season. Here are the staggering stats and highlights from the 17 days of Fair fun.

Kids Bowl Free This Summer In Several East Bay Communities

Get the kids out of the house and over to the bowling alley where they can bowl free every day all summer.

Pooch Preps: Get Your Dog Ready for an Earthquake

Some easy tips for pet preparedness -- TO DO NOW -- in the event of a natural disaster.

12 Things To Do Near Pinole, Hercules To Celebrate First Day Of Summer

Sunday is the longest day of the year. Here are some free (or cheap) things to do in the East Bay to take advantage of that extra daylight.

Your Divorce Is Not Part Of Your Teen's Graduation

You and your spouse decided to get divorced, not your teen. Forget your divorce today, and let the day be what it should be - a celebration.

4 Tips for Picking the Perfect Summer Camp for Kids

A day camp close to home or a sleep away extravaganza in Colorado? Here’s how to make summer camp an epic experience.

Top 4 Destinations in California for Spring Break

Spring Break is just weeks away..book now to lock-in deals.

Love Waterfalls? California has 2 on This List of Top 5

Looking for a getaway this weekend or for spring break? Check these beautiful photos.

Warriors Guard Klay Thompson Stuffs Bag Lunches for Hungry East Bay Residents

The lunches were distributed to homeless assistance organizations in the East Bay.

Free Entry into East Bay Parks This Friday

Get outside this Friday with free entry into parks.

Donate Halloween Costumes to Benefit SHELTER, Inc. of Contra Costa County

The drive is underway through Oct. 10 for kids and families receiving services at the homeless nonprofit

Saint Mary's College High School's Thirtieth Golf Invitational

The tournament honors Berkeley Police Captain Phil Doran. Reservation deadline for golf and social is September 2.

11 Years After 'Heaven,' What Life is Like for the Burpo Family

The movie, in stores July 22, is about a real-life boy who says he went to Heaven and met Jesus during surgery. We spoke with the family behind the film about how it can help start a discussion in your town.

24 Amazing Ways Residents Inspire Their Communities

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

Everyday Inspirations: Incredible Ways People Give Back Locally

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

'Coupon Queen' Gets $800 Grocery Bill Down to $7, Gives Savings Away

A New York woman is so good at bargain shopping that she's used her skills to donate groceries and other goods to charity. Learn how you can follow her lead locally.

Charitable Children: 'No Matter What Age You May Be, You Can Change the Life of Another'

As a part of our "Everyday Inspirations" series, we look at how children across the country are making big impacts locally.

Harp Healing: Woman Uses Music Therapy to Help Hospital Patients

After losing three people close to her in eight months, Edie Elkan picked up a harp for the first time in 28 years. Now she runs a program training others to play the instrument for patients in hospitals.

Nominate 'Everyday Inspirations' in Your Town

Patch wants to share stories about people who work every day to change others' lives for the better.

Happy Holidays from Patch to You!

A big thank you to all our users for the incredible contributions you bring to Patch sites all year long.

Best Blogs on Patch: Remembering Newtown

A weekly round-up of some of the best blogs from Patch sites around the country.