The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District announced Wednesday that an invasive mosquito species has been detected in Antioch and larvicide will be sprayed to control larval mosquitoes later this week.

The district will use truck-mounted spray equipment to apply the larvicide between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. Friday.

A news release said that the “area to be treated is bordered on the north by Mountaire Drive and Ashburton Drive; on the south by Brookside Drive and Burwood Way; on the east by Barmouth Drive; and on the west by Garrow Drive.”

The detection in the region of the Aedes aegypti, an invasive disease-spreading mosquito, prompted this action.

The larvicide VectoBac WDG only impacts mosquito larvae, and no other animals or insects will be affected by it, the district said.

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QUESTION: What’s the best job you’ve ever had, and what’s the worst?

The post The Water Cooler – The Best Job You’ve Ever Had & The Worst Job You’ve Ever Had appeared first on CLAYCORD.com.

**Red Flag Warning Issued for East Bay Hills and North Bay Mountains as Strong Winds Raise Fire Danger**

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of the Bay Area, including the East Bay Hills and North Bay Interior Mountains, as dangerous fire weather conditions are expected late Wednesday night through Thursday morning.

Forecasters say the warning will be in effect from 11 p.m. Wednesday until 9 a.m. Thursday. During that time, humidity levels are expected to drop to between 10% and 20%, creating extremely dry conditions that can help fires ignite and spread quickly.

Strong offshore winds are also expected, with gusts reaching 35 to 40 mph in many areas. Ridge tops could see gusts exceeding 60 mph, increasing the risk of rapid fire growth if a fire starts.

The National Weather Service warns that any new fire ignition could exhibit extreme fire behavior and spread rapidly under these conditions. Residents are urged to avoid activities that could produce sparks, including using equipment that generates heat or flames outdoors.

Areas under the warning include the hills surrounding the East Bay, including portions of Contra Costa and Alameda counties, as well as mountainous areas of Napa, Sonoma, and surrounding North Bay counties.

The warning comes as Northern California enters a period of warm, dry weather, with vegetation becoming increasingly susceptible to fire. Fire agencies are encouraging residents to remain vigilant and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately.

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Several Bay Area transit agencies announced their plans Tuesday for late-night coordinated services during the FIFA World Cup, with the goal to move people around the region safely and efficiently.

General managers from BART, Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority gathered in downtown San Francisco’s Powell Street station to discuss their plan to move an estimated 200,000 World Cup soccer fans to and from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara starting this weekend.

The stadium, usually home to the San Francisco 49ers pro football team, will host six World Cup matches, starting Saturday with Qatar vs. Switzerland.

BART General Manager Bob Powers said the agency will run limited special service starting from Milpitas with stops at Bay Fair, Dublin, MacArthur, El Cerrito del Norte, Pleasant Hill, and Powell Street stations — after normal operating hours end. He said that special event trains are not running on a set schedule but will depart when VTA trains arrive at the Milpitas station and drop off passengers. Powers emphasized the interagency coordination to keep the experience as efficient and positive as possible.

“Unlike other areas throughout the country, there’s not any surge pricing here,” said Powers. “Each of the operators are going to flood the system with additional personnel, from safety and security ambassadors to transportation professionals.”

Carolyn Gonot is the general manager for the VTA, the public transit agency that directly serves Levi’s Stadium, and she estimated over 30,000 people will be using public transit every day during the festivities. Gonot said the agency gained valuable experience during this year’s Super Bowl football game at the same stadium and will run light-rail service every 10 to 15 minutes to help clear stations late at night.

“No one will be left on platforms,” said Gonot. “Trains from Great America and Lick Mill stations will continue operating for up to two hours after the game, or as long as the crowds are there or waiting on the platform.”

World Cup fans transferring between systems will be able to travel by VTA to either the Milpitas BART station via gate F in the stadium or the Mountain View station via gate A for Caltrain service.

San Francisco residents and visitors returning from Santa Clara will see late-night shuttle service by the SFMTA. Shuttles will circulate between Union Square, South of Market, BART and Caltrain at 4th and King and serve stops along the 45 Union/Stockton line.

Capitol Corridor and Altamont Corridor Express trains will be operating late night services as well, to and from the Great America station. Capitol Corridor Managing Director Robert Padgette said staff members will be present to direct passengers to the Great America station.

Public transit officials urge the public to plan ahead, arrive early, and use either their Clipper Card or tap with their bank card to pay their fares.

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BART is testing advertising wraps on fare gates at nine stations, including Concord, as the transit agency looks for new revenue sources ahead of a projected budget deficit beginning in Fiscal Year 2027.

The pilot program places advertisements on the clear plexiglass doors and metal consoles of the newer fare gates. BART says the materials were tested beforehand to ensure they would not damage the gates or interfere with visibility for employees and police officers.

Stations included in the pilot are Concord, 19th Street Oakland, Downtown Berkeley, Dublin/Pleasanton, Fremont, 16th Street Mission, and Daly City. Additional wraps are expected to be installed at San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport stations before the FIFA World Cup.

The fare gate advertising test follows a separate train-wrap pilot launched earlier this year. BART officials say both programs are aimed at generating additional revenue while the agency continues efforts to reduce costs.

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Injuries were reported after a rollover collision in the area of Clayton Rd and Mendocino Dr in Concord on Tuesday evening. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Thanks to the anonymous Claycordian for the photos.

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A Red Flag Warning has been issued for portions of the Bay Area and Northern California as hot temperatures, gusty winds, and extremely low humidity create dangerous wildfire conditions through Thursday. The warning covers the North Bay interior mountains and East Bay hills, while separate fire weather alerts are in effect across the Sacramento Valley and surrounding inland areas. Forecasters say northerly winds could gust above 45 mph in some locations, while humidity levels are expected to drop below 20% overnight and potentially below 10% during the day. These conditions can allow even a small spark to quickly ignite and spread a wildfire.

The warning comes as temperatures climb into the upper 90s and triple digits across inland Northern California, including parts of the East Bay. Fire officials are urging residents to avoid activities that could start a fire, including outdoor burning, using equipment that creates sparks, or parking vehicles on dry grass. The heightened fire danger also has PG&E considering Public Safety Power Shutoffs for thousands of customers in several Northern California counties to reduce the risk of power-line-related fires. Officials are reminding residents to stay alert, have an evacuation plan ready, and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately as California enters what is expected to be an active wildfire season.

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Federal agents searched the Contra Costa County Assessor’s Office in Martinez and two East Bay homes Tuesday as part of an ongoing investigation, according to a report by the San Francisco Chronicle.

The FBI confirmed that search warrants were served at the Assessor’s Office, a residence in Martinez, and a home in nearby Pacheco. The locations are reportedly connected to outgoing Contra Costa County Assessor Gus Kramer and Assistant Assessor Vince Robb, who was elected last week to succeed Kramer as assessor.

According to the Chronicle, citing reporting from the Mercury News, one of the search warrants sought evidence related to wire fraud and other potential offenses. The warrant was signed by a federal magistrate judge on June 4.

No arrests or criminal charges had been announced as of Tuesday, and authorities have not said whether Kramer, Robb, or anyone else is the target of the investigation.

The Assessor’s Office is responsible for determining taxable property values throughout Contra Costa County, which help establish property tax bills and funding for local governments, schools, and special districts.

Robb won the June 2 election with more than two-thirds of the vote and is scheduled to replace Kramer, who has served as county assessor since 1994 and is retiring at the end of his term.

The FBI has not released additional details about the investigation.

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QUESTION: If you could eliminate one monthly bill forever, which one would you choose (besides rent/mortgage)?

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Two neighboring restaurants on Clayton Road in Concord were temporarily shut down by Contra Costa Environmental Health on June 3 after inspectors found evidence of rodent infestations during complaint investigations. Inspectors suspended the health permits for Min’s Kitchen and Concord Tap House after documenting rodent droppings.

At Min’s Kitchen, inspectors reported finding rodent droppings throughout the facility, including on food preparation equipment, stored plates, shelving, dry-storage areas, beneath kitchen equipment, and near the dishwashing station. The report noted that the operator told inspectors the rodent activity had been “getting consistently worse.” More than 50 droppings were found beneath a water heater, while dozens more were discovered in storage areas and food preparation spaces. Inspectors also found rodenticide pellets scattered throughout the restaurant and identified numerous holes and gaps in walls, doors, windows, and utility penetrations that may have allowed rodents to enter the building.

At Concord Tap House, inspectors found rodent droppings in restrooms and storage areas, including behind a water heater and near a rear delivery area. The report noted that a recent pest control inspection had documented a rat caught in an attic trap and identified structural and sanitation issues contributing to pest activity.

Both businesses have since been reinspected and reopened.

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A complaint about a rat in the grocery section of the Walmart store in Martinez led Contra Costa Environmental Health officials to temporarily suspend food sales at the store following an inspection on June 4. According to an investigation report, a complainant alleged that a rat jumped from a grocery aisle shelf onto food products. During the inspection, health officials found evidence of rodent activity in multiple food aisles, including dozens of rodent droppings, signs of urine contamination, and chewed packaging. Inspectors reported finding approximately 30 to 40 rodent droppings in a beverage aisle, along with a sticky liquid buildup and a mild urine odor. Additional droppings were discovered in a popcorn aisle, and a damaged six-pack beverage package showed signs of rodent chewing.

The report also noted that pest control records reviewed during the inspection documented rat activity inside the store in May, including a rat that had been caught in a trap. Due to what officials described as a significant amount of rodent activity in food areas, Contra Costa Environmental Health ordered an immediate suspension of food sales and required the store to block off food sections from customers. The remainder of the store was not ordered closed.

The store has been reinspected, and food sales have since resumed.

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Residents across Concord and much of Central Contra Costa County should prepare for the hottest weather of the year so far, with temperatures expected to climb into the triple digits later this week. After a relatively mild start to the week, forecasters say temperatures will rise sharply beginning Wednesday. Concord is expected to reach the mid-90s Wednesday before peaking around 100 to 102 degrees Thursday, making it one of the hottest days of 2026 so far. Temperatures are then expected to ease slightly into the low 90s Friday and through the weekend. The National Weather Service says inland portions of the East Bay, including Concord, could experience the Bay Area’s first triple-digit temperatures of the year as a strong area of high pressure settles over Northern California. Nearby cities including Clayton, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Martinez, Pittsburg and Antioch are also expected to see temperatures well into the 90s, with some locations potentially reaching or exceeding 100 degrees during the peak of the heat.

Forecast Highs For Concord:

• Tuesday: 84°
• Wednesday: 96°
• Thursday: 102°
• Friday: 92°
• Saturday: 93°
• Sunday: 89°

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QUESTION: You wake up and you’re the last person on Earth. What is the first thing you would do? Crying isn’t an option.

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The City of Martinez has been selected to receive the 2026 Planning Agency Award of Excellence from the American Planning Association California Chapter’s Northern Section, city officials announced.

The award recognizes outstanding achievement in public sector planning and highlights the city’s efforts in areas such as housing policy, waterfront revitalization, economic development, and long-range planning.

According to the Northern Section, Martinez stood out for the amount of planning and development work it has successfully managed as a smaller community. Officials noted the city’s ability to balance growth and change while preserving its character.

Mayor Brianne Zorn praised the city’s Planning Division, saying the recognition reflects the team’s commitment to addressing housing and economic development needs while maintaining the qualities that make Martinez unique.

The award will be presented during the Northern Section Awards Gala in September 2026. As a regional winner, Martinez will also advance for consideration at the statewide level.

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For almost half California families, fresh fruit and vegetables are no longer a grocery staple – they are a luxury. A new survey of 3,004 households by Advance America found that 48% of California families are buying less fruit and vegetables on each shopping trip (compared to a national average of 34%), while 51% say their overall diet is less healthy than it was two to three years ago.

The produce aisle has become a decision between good intentions and grocery math.

For households that have not reduced their intake, the costs are still being felt. On average, California families say they are now spending an extra $41.60 per month just on fruit and vegetables – 16% more than at the same time last year.

Some states are feeling that increase more sharply than others. The top five states spending the most extra per month on produce are:

1. North Dakota – $99 extra per month; 38% increase*
2. Idaho – $52 extra per month; 20% increase
3. Arkansas – $44 extra per month; 17% increase
4. Georgia –  $44 extra per month; 17% increase
5. New Jersey – $44 extra per month; 17% increase

*Percentage increases reflect the average reported rise compared to last years produce expenditure.

Infographic showing study results

The survey also asked families what they have done over the past 12 months to reduce what they spend on fresh produce. The most common answer was a practical one: 20% have bought more frozen fruit or vegetables. Another 13% have visited multiple stores to compare prices, turning the weekly shop into something closer to a price-checking expedition. Other cost-cutting moves included:

• 9% have stopped buying certain fruits entirely.
• 9% have bought more canned produce.
• 6% have chosen cheaper processed foods instead.
• 4% have switched to lower-quality produce.
• 3% have skipped produce for themselves but still bought it for their children.

The emotional side of rising produce prices is just as revealing. 40% of respondents said they feel frustrated, while 25% said they feel angry that grocery prices have reached this point. Another 8% said they are concerned about their health, and 3% said they are concerned about their children’s diet.

Perhaps most strikingly, nearly one in three families say healthy eating now feels financially out of reach. When asked which statement best reflected their current view, 28% said healthy eating is becoming financially unrealistic for them. A further 30% said they still try to eat healthily but compromise more often now.

Only 19% said they continue to prioritize healthy eating no matter the cost, while 15% said grocery prices have not changed their eating habits.

The survey also found:

• 64% of families worry at least occasionally that their diet is less healthy because of grocery costs.
• 24% say they worry about this frequently.
• 51% feel their overall diet is less healthy than it was two to three years ago because of grocery prices.
• 48% say they have been eating more processed foods because they are cheaper than fresh produce.

Together, the findings paint a picture of a state where the gap between wanting to eat well and being able to afford it is quietly widening.

“Fresh fruit and vegetables should feel like basic groceries, not premium add-ons,” says Laura McCutcheon, VP of Marketing at Advance America. “When parents are skipping produce for themselves to keep buying it for their kids, that tells you everything about the kind of quiet sacrifices families are making right now. ”

Methodology 

This study surveyed 3,004 respondents in May 2026 to examine how rising grocery prices are affecting Americans’ fruit and vegetable purchasing habits, including whether shoppers are buying fewer fresh items and how much extra they estimate spending each month. Respondents were selected from a geographically representative online panel, balanced by age, gender, and region. To ensure data quality, responses underwent screening measures including bot detection, geo-verification, speeding checks, and manual review. Results were weighted to reflect national population benchmarks.

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