Shopping with a Purpose: Good Deals for a Great Cause

Shepherd's Gate New Life Thrift Store

Give Your Unused Things New Life at Shepherd’s Gate New Life Thrift Store! Your donations of gently used clothing, shoes or household items to the Shepherd’s Gate New Life Thrift Store in Livermore will do more than make room in your home — you’re giving those items a second chance to be useful and meaningful. The women and children who come to Shepherd’s Gate are seeking to start a new life. They are able shop for free at the thrift store for clothes for job interviews and school as well as items to furnish a new place to live after graduation. Proceeds from the thrift store directly support the women and children at Shepherd’s Gate by providing care, safety, education and encouragement as they rebuild their lives. For more information, visit us online at shepherdsgate.org/thrift-store

Alameda County

Michael Wittner

Bay Area

Livermore

California

Give Your Unused Things New Life at Shepherd’s Gate New Life Thrift Store! Your donations of gently used clothing, shoes or household items to the...

Personal Training with Unlimited DEXA and VO2 Max

Custom Fit

Most training programs run on guesswork. Custom Fit replaces it with measurement. At its San Francisco studios, Personal Training and Partner Training memberships include unlimited DEXA body-composition scans and VO2 max testing — diagnostics usually sold one scan at a time or reserved for specialized clinics. Custom Fit members can test as often as they train. The reasoning is straightforward. A DEXA scan measures fat, lean muscle, and bone density with clinical precision. A VO2 max test measures the body's maximum oxygen uptake, one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular fitness and long-term health. Run those tests on a regular cadence and a member can see exactly what is changing, where, and whether a program is working — rather than relying on the scale or the mirror. That is the idea behind Custom Fit's positioning: not a gym, a performance lab. Every program is built from a member's measured body composition and cardiovascular capacity, then adjusted as the data moves. The goal is to eliminate the guesswork that defines most fitness routines and to treat training as something you can verify. The model also brings longevity diagnostics that usually live in concierge medicine into a routine training week. Body composition and cardiovascular capacity are central markers of how well a person is aging, and regular testing keeps those numbers visible rather than treating them as an occasional, expensive add-on. Custom Fit operates in Hayes Valley (323 Octavia Street), on Market Street (1844 Market), and with a Downtown San Francisco location on Battery Street (570 Battery) opening soon. Personal Training, Partner Training, and select memberships include the testing. More information is available at customfitsf.com.

San Francisco

San Francisco County

Fernando Haro

Most training programs run on guesswork. Custom Fit replaces it with measurement. At its San Francisco studios, Personal Training and Partner...

2 weeks of unlimited classes for $59 ☀️ No commitment

Jazzercise Dublin CA

Summer strength loading…. New customer offer: 2 weeks for $59 💃 Dance it out, sculpt it up, and stay consistent all summer long 💪 Get stronger, feel energized, and have fun doing it at Jazzercise Dublin CA! Our high-energy group fitness classes blend dance cardio, strength training, Pilates, kickboxing, and HIIT for a full-body workout that builds endurance, tones muscles, and boosts mood. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your fitness routine, our welcoming community supports all fitness levels. No dance experience needed — just show up ready to move, sweat, and feel amazing. Proudly serving Dublin and surrounding Tri-Valley communities. 12 CLASSES WEEKLY 8:30am M Tu W F Sa Su 4:30pm M W 5:30pm M-Th Love Your Workout! Step onto the dance floor and shake it up with Jazzercise—where cardio, strength, and the latest hit music come together for the ultimate feel-good sweat. Every routine is choreographed to a specific song, so you’ll move to tracks you already love while discovering new favorites. With fresh music and choreography updated regularly, every class feels brand-new. A Workout for Every Body. Our instructors guide you through every move with low, medium, and high-impact options plus strength training modifications. No matter your fitness level, you’ll build strength, boost confidence, and have fun while you move! Check out our Signature Class Formats and explore our Playlists at jazzercise.com Jazzercise Dublin is offered in partnership with the City of Dublin Parks and Community Services Department.

Dublin

Summer strength loading…. New customer offer: 2 weeks for $59 💃 Dance it out, sculpt it up, and stay consistent all summer long 💪 Get stronger,...

5100 Hopyard Rd Pleasanton, CA 94588 (925) 847-9100 <a href="http://www.blackbeardiner.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.blackbeardiner.com</a>

Pleasanton

Black Bear Diner of Pleasanton

Local Voices

Contra Costa County

San Ramon

Union City

Fremont

Castro Valley

Danville

Newark

San Leandro

Santa Clara County

Milpitas

Sycamore Grove Park

<a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Livermore/LivermoreIndependenceDayDash" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">From RunSignUp.com</a>:&nbsp;The 5K
Race Start: 8:00 a.m.
The 5k race is fun for the whole family or seasoned runners who want to leave their family in the dust.
Whether you're aiming for a personal best or just out for a relaxed jog, the 5k offers a flat, fast course on a mix of paved and dirt trails—perfect for a fun start to your 4th of July.
T-shirt included in 5k Race fee.&nbsp;
Kids Run (10 and Under)
Race Start: 9:15 a.m.
Kids ages 10 and under can join the fun with a 400-meter dash designed just for them. It’s a quick, energetic run where kids race to the finish while family and friends cheer them on.
Let's make some memories and start the holiday weekend with a bang! T-shirt included with Kids Run Race Fee.&nbsp;
Parking:
Please park at Independence Park (2798 Holmes Street, Livermore) and walk to the park entrance on Wetmore Road.&nbsp;

Local Event: Independence Day Dash 5K and Kids Run 2026

Independence Day Dash 5K and Kids Run 2026

From RunSignUp.com: The 5K
Race Start: 8:00 a.m.
The 5k race is fun for the whole family or seasoned runners who want to leave...

Central Park

From the <a href="https://sanramon.ca.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=10826130&amp;pageId=11687301" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">city of San Ramon</a>: <h4>The 2026 Run San Ramon presented by the City of San Ramon is celebrating its 40th year!&nbsp; Get a healthy start to your 4th&nbsp;of July with this Independence Day Classic.&nbsp; Enjoy the paved and looped 5K/10K course through San Ramon. The Fastest Mile is an out and back. All participants will receive a short sleeve commemorative shirt, bib, and participation medal.&nbsp; The Run San Ramon is a chip timed race. </h4>Kick off America's 250th with patriotic music from Olympia Fields Brass followed by a high-energy concert featuring&nbsp;The Cheeseballs, bringing you the best of funk &amp; soul with hits from the 80's, 90's and today. Grab your friends, family, and picnic blanket for a spectacular evening of dancing, singing and summer fun. Beer, wine and food will be available from several food trucks.&nbsp;Shade structures, tents, and umbrellas will only be permitted at the top of the ridge/hill to ensure lines of sight remain open. 
Additional Parking Available at Iron Horse Middle School. Please see map for ADA parking and Loading and Unloading Area.&nbsp;

Local Event: July 4 Run San Ramon Race & Independence Day Concert

July 4 Run San Ramon Race & Independence Day...

From the city of San Ramon:   The 2026 Run San Ramon presented by the City of San Ramon is celebrating its 40th year!  Get a...

July 4 Run San Ramon Race & Independence Day Concert

San Ramon Community Center

2026 Run San RamonSaturday, July 4, 2026 - 8 a.m.<a href="https://runsanramon.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=5859" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">From Run San Ramon:</a>"The 2026 Run San Ramon presented by the City of San Ramon is celebrating its 41st year! Run San Ramon features 5K and 10K events as well as the Fastest Mile! Get a healthy start to your 4th of July with this Independence Day Classic. Enjoy the paved and looped course through San Ramon. The Run San Ramon 5K, 10K and Fastest Mile will be a chip timed race."<a href="https://runsanramon.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=5859" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">More info here.</a>-- Image via Shutterstock

Local Event: Run San Ramon 2026: San Ramon Community Center, San Ramon

Run San Ramon 2026: San Ramon Community Center,...

2026 Run San RamonSaturday, July 4, 2026 - 8 a.m.From Run San Ramon:"The 2026 Run San Ramon presented by the City of San Ramon...

Run San Ramon 2026: San Ramon Community Center, San Ramon

Livermore Municipal Airport

From <a href="https://www.livermoreca.gov/our-community/things-to-do/fourth-of-july-celebration" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">city of Livermore:</a> <h3>Mark your calendar for the 3rd annual Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Livermore Municipal Airport.&nbsp;</h3>
This family-friendly event features a variety of military aircraft, remote-control aircraft, and displays of emergency vehicles, jets, and helicopters.&nbsp;

Local Event: Livermore July 4 Celebration 2026

Livermore July 4 Celebration 2026

From city of Livermore:  Mark your calendar for the 3rd annual Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 9...

Paseo Padre Parkway

PARADE BEGINS AT 10:00AM SHARP!
Please be advised that the following read closures will be in effect from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM:
<ul><li>Paseo Padre Parkway between Mowry and Stevenson</li><li>Capitol Avenue between Paseo and State</li><li>Liberty Street between Beacon and Capitol</li><li>Walnut Ave between Liberty and Paseo</li><li>Hastings Street between Mowry and Capitol</li><li>Stevenson Blvd between Civic Center and Paseo</li></ul>
HANDICAP PARKING
<ul><li>Available in the Kaiser parking lot off of Civic Center Drive.</li></ul>
PUBLIC PARKING
<ul><li>Public parking is available on side streets outside of the staging area and parade route or in parking lots outside of those areas.</li><li>THERE IS NO PARKING on the parade route, on closed streets or anywhere in the staging area.</li></ul>

Local Event: Fremont 4th of July Parade

Fremont 4th of July Parade

PARADE BEGINS AT 10:00AM SHARP!
Please be advised that the following read closures will be in effect from 7:00 AM to 1:00...

Dublin Sports Grounds

From the <a href="https://dublin.ca.gov/2876/Red-White-Blue-Backyard-Bash" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">city of Dublin:</a> Join the City of Dublin for the Red, White &amp; Blue Backyard Bash on Saturday, July 4, 2026, as we celebrate Independence Day and commemorate two historic milestones—America’s 250th anniversary and California’s 175th anniversary.
This family-friendly community celebration will feature live entertainment, delicious food, games, activities, and patriotic fun for all ages. Gather with friends, family, and neighbors to honor our nation’s rich history, celebrate California’s legacy, and enjoy an evening filled with community spirit.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and their patriotic pride as we come together for a memorable Fourth of July celebration. Whether you're enjoying the entertainment, exploring vendor booths, or participating in family activities, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Don’t miss this special opportunity to celebrate the past, present, and future of our country and state at Dublin’s Red, White &amp; Blue Backyard Bash!&nbsp;

Local Event: Dublin's Red, White & Blue Backyard Bash 

Dublin's Red, White & Blue Backyard Bash 

From the city of Dublin:   Join the City of Dublin for the Red, White & Blue Backyard Bash on Saturday, July 4, 2026, as we...

Lions Wayside Park

Pleasanton Community Concert Band's Annual July 4th Celebration
Saturday, July 4, 2026 - 12-1:30 p.m.
<a href="https://www.mad4p.org/celebratingjuly4th/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">From Make a Difference for Pleasanton:</a> “Celebrating Freedom and its Evolution since the Revolution,” Pleasanton’s annual concert and picnic, will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on the Fourth of July. &nbsp;Lions Wayside Park is located at 4401 First Street, across the street from one of the event sponsors, Meadowlark Dairy.
This free event, a program of Make A Difference for Pleasanton, involves dozens of volunteers, including the members of the Pleasanton Community Concert Band, American Legion Post #237, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6928, Boy Scout Troop #908, and other individuals.
Six hundred hot dogs lunches, cooked and served by Lions Club members, will be available for purchase. Vegetarian options will be available.&nbsp; Lions also will provide free hand-held American flags to the first 300 adults to arrive.
Audience members should plan to bring their own chairs or blankets to sit on.&nbsp; (Fifty folding chairs beneath a shade canopy will be available, courtesy of the Pleasanton Community Concert Band.)&nbsp; Participants of all ages are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue.
“This will be the twenty- fifth time that volunteers have put together ‘Celebrating Freedom and its Evolution since the Revolution” for our community,” said founder W. Ron Sutton.&nbsp; “On this &nbsp;250th Independence Day, we celebrate our shared heritage with an old-fashioned Fourth.&nbsp; Even if we disagree July 5 on current politics, we will do so with our expected behaviors of Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, Honesty, and Integrity.&nbsp; We celebrate living in a Community of Character!”
Also being recognized during the program are the 2026 Ed Kinney Community Patriots: Pam Yeaw and Anne and Brock Roby.
Included in the program will be a presentation by Randy Brown about the story behind our national anthem.
Established in 2005, the award honors the memory of Ed Kinney, who was a past mayor of the city and also the first Master of Ceremonies for the local Fourth of July event.
Current Masters of Ceremonies Les Duman and Herb Ritter will provide commentary.&nbsp;&nbsp; Mayor Jack Balch will provide brief opening remarks.
Founder W. Ron Sutton will offer a discourse on “The REAL Birthday” of our nation.
Lions Wayside Park, 4401 First St., Pleasanton, CA
<a href="https://www.mad4p.org/celebratingjuly4th/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">More info here.</a>
-- Image via Shutterstock

Local Event: Pleasanton Community Concert Band's July 4 Celebration 2026: Lions Wayside Park, Pleasanton

Pleasanton Community Concert Band's July 4...

Pleasanton Community Concert Band's Annual July 4th Celebration
Saturday, July 4, 2026 - 12-1:30 p.m.
From Make a Difference...

Pleasanton Community Concert Band's July 4 Celebration 2026: Lions Wayside Park, Pleasanton

Robert Livermore Aquatic Center

From <a href="https://www.larpd.org/2026-07-04-4th-of-july-pool-party" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Livermore Area Recreation &amp;&nbsp;Park District:</a> Celebrate Independence Day with LARPD at the Robert Livermore Aquatic Center's 4th of July Pool Party. This family-friendly community event offers a fun and festive way to enjoy the holiday with recreational swimming, music, lawn games, and food trucks.
Cool off in the pool, spend time with family and friends, and&nbsp;enjoy a day of community celebration.
<h3>Event Information</h3>
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 12-5 pm Location: Robert Livermore Aquatic Center
<h3>Activities Include</h3>
<ul><li>Recreational swimming</li><li>Music</li><li>Food trucks - Kona Ice and Tear It Up&nbsp;</li><li>Lawn games</li></ul>
<h3>Admission</h3>
Free for Livermore Residents Only
Non-Resident Guests are $7 per person
Participants should be prepared to provide proof of residency upon entry.

Local Event: Livermore July 4 Pool Party

Livermore July 4 Pool Party

From Livermore Area Recreation & Park District:  Celebrate Independence Day with LARPD at the Robert Livermore Aquatic Center's...

Alameda County Fairgrounds

From <a href="https://annual.alamedacountyfair.com/july-4th/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Alameda County Fair:</a> The Alameda County Fair will be open on July 4 until the end of the Firework Spectacular Show. Celebrate the 250th anniversary of America and Blues Fest with a full day of rides, entertainment and festivities, then enjoy the Fireworks to close out the night.
The Chaperone Policy will be in place. Parking Lots close at 4:30pm and Admission Gates close at 5pm.<h2>PLEASE PLAN AHEAD FOR JULY 4TH</h2>
<ul><li>The Fair will be open on July 4 with special programming and performances celebrating 250 years of America and Blues Fest</li><li>Parking lots close at 4:30pm</li><li>Admission gates close at 5pm (arrive early for the fireworks)</li><li>No re-entry after 5pm, even with handstamp</li><li>Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult age 25 and older, no exceptions</li><li>A large Firework Spectacular Show will take place in the evening, Fair closes following the show</li><li>Picnics are not permitted on the Fairgrounds during Fair or on July 4th</li><li>July 4th is a popular day to attend, plan ahead to avoid back-ups at the gates</li></ul>
No refunds, no exchanges
July 4th Chaperone Policy
The following Chaperone Policy has been updated for July 4, or any other day necessary to ensure the safety and security of all guests, partners and staff&nbsp;
<ul><li>Minors 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult chaperone 25 and older</li><li>Chaperones must present a valid government-issued photo identification with date of birth at entry</li><li>One (1) chaperone, age 25 or older, must accompany no more than five (5) guests 17 or younger per day</li><li>Each chaperone must accompany their party during entry, remain inside the park during their visit and be available by phone throughout their stay</li><li>Guests who are ages 17 and younger found inside the Fair unaccompanied by a chaperone are subject to ejection without a refund</li></ul>
The safety and security of our guests is the number one priority of the Alameda County Fair. We are committed to keeping the Alameda County Fair a place where families can come together to create memories that last a lifetime.

Local Event: July 4 Alameda County Fair 2026

July 4 Alameda County Fair 2026

From Alameda County Fair:  The Alameda County Fair will be open on July 4 until the end of the Firework Spectacular Show....

Emerald High School

Academic achievement alone will not prepare teens for the AI-era workplace. This 90-minute workshop for parents and caregivers focuses on the social-emotional competencies — self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making — that form the foundation for workplace readiness.
Top employers agree. In a January 2025 Education Week feature, Google's global head of education impact, Jennie Magiera, named these exact CASEL competencies as traits her teams prize, noting that Google values social-emotional skills as much as technical talent.¹ Microsoft's vice president of education, Paige Johnson, added that the top skills needed to navigate complexity and change in the age of AI remain uniquely human.¹ These "durable human skills" also underpin the capabilities the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 identifies as essential for tomorrow's workforce, including resilience, flexibility, creative thinking, and lifelong learning.²
Led by Heather Thompson of Attachment Matters, LLC, the session explores how attachment styles shape a child's capacity to develop these competencies and thrive. You'll leave with practical strategies to build the secure foundation your teen needs for future career readiness.
Learn more about attachment at <a href="https://www.attachmentmatters.co" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.attachmentmatters.co</a>.
<hr>
Sources
¹ Lieberman, Mark. "The SEL Skills Google, Microsoft, and Other Top Companies Want Schools to Teach." Education Week, January 13, 2025. <a href="https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/the-sel-skills-google-microsoft-and-other-top-companies-want-schools-to-teach/2025/01" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/the-sel-skills-google-microsoft-and-other-top-companies-want-schools-to-teach/2025/01</a>
² World Economic Forum. The Future of Jobs Report 2025. Geneva: World Economic Forum, January 8, 2025. <a href="https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/</a>

Local Event: Ensure Your Teens Have the Durable Human Skills to Succeed in an AI Workforce & Life

Ensure Your Teens Have the Durable Human Skills...

Academic achievement alone will not prepare teens for the AI-era workplace. This 90-minute workshop for parents and caregivers...

Ensure Your Teens Have the Durable Human Skills to Succeed in an AI Workforce & Life

World Cup Ticket Prices Plummet For USA's Bay...

Prices dropped more than 50 percent as USA takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday in the first knockout stage round of the World Cup.

World Cup Ticket Prices Plummet For USA's Bay Area Showdown

Sports

Dublin Hosting July 4 Watermelon Eating Contest

Forget hot dogs - Dublin wants to see who can consume this quintessential summer snack in the fastest amount of time.

Seasonal & Holidays

Across California

LeBron James To Leave Lakers In Upcoming 2026...

Per ESPN, James will wrap up his Lakers career ranked in the top 10 in NBA franchise history.

LeBron James To Leave Lakers In Upcoming 2026-2027 NBA Season: Report

🌱 Patch AM: Tri-Valley Businesses Win 'Best Of...

Coming up on the Pleasanton Patch calendar: Independence Day Dash 5K and Kids Run 2026

🌱 Patch AM: Tri-Valley Businesses Win 'Best Of Bay' 2026 Awards

Community Corner

Tri-Valley Businesses Win 'Best Of Bay' 2026...

Several Tri-Valley businesses were nominated and voted winners and finalists by SFGATE readers. 

Tri-Valley Businesses Win 'Best Of Bay' 2026 Awards

Business

Shop The Tucson Farmers Market Like A Pro, Info...

Farmers markets offer fresh, local food and support the community. Find info on your local market's healthy fare here.

Shop The Tucson Farmers Market Like A Pro, Info Here

Snuggliest New Business: Mini Cat Town Kitten...

Mini Cat Town Kitten Lounge is the best of both worlds: petting and cuddling kitties (who need homes) while shopping. 

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