Contra Costa County shelters are FULL! FREE Adoptions for ALL spayed or neutered dogs & adult cats (cats over 1 year old, kittens are not included) June 22-30, 2016.
Please share this article to help find homes for all these wonderful shelter animals. Adopt a new best friend today! Love is adoptable!
For a complete list of animals available for adoption at Contra Costa Animal Services, please visit their website www.ccasd.org.
Posted in Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg / Bay Point, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Pablo, San Ramon, Walnut Creek
AAA’s “Tipsy Tow” initiative will be offering New Year’s Eve partygoers a FREE ride home tonight. No membership required. The company offers this in the hope of getting people home safely on one of the biggest party nights of the year.
Anyone who has celebrated the New Year with a little too much to drink will be able to catch a free ride with Tipsy Tow rather than risking more dangerous ways to get home.
The Tipsy Tow program is open to everyone. You do not need to be an AAA Member to take advantage of this service to the community.
AAA typically offers the service to drinking drivers from 6 p.m. on the holiday to 6 a.m. the following day in Northern California, Nevada and Utah. For specific dates and times, see the list below.
During the period Tipsy Tow is available, drivers, potential passengers, party hosts, bartenders, and restaurant managers can call 800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free tow home of up to ten miles. Just tell the AAA operator, “I need a Tipsy Tow,” and a truck will be on its way.
The service will provide a one-way ride for the driver and vehicle to the driver’s home. If there are additional passengers who need a ride, they will be taken to the driver’s home as long is there is sufficient room for them to be transported safely in the tow truck. You cannot make a reservation.
Whatever you do, please don’t drink and drive.
AAA offers the following tips to stay safe and keep others safe on the roads:
We hope you all have a fabulous (& safe) evening! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Nov 27, 2015 5 – 8PM – Danville Tree Lighting Celebrations
Come to the Lighting of the Old Oak Tree on Diablo Road, Danville. Holiday entertainment & refreshments for the whole family! For more information, email: events@danvilleareachamber.com
Nov 28, 2015 – Dec 28, 2015 – Shadeland Ranch Holiday Faire Since 1983, the Holiday Faire has been a seasonal tradition at Shadelands. During this two-week event, dozens of vendors will offer a wide variety of hand-crafted items and gifts for sale inside the Museum. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free.
Nov 28, 2015 10-4pm – Holiday BOWtique – Brentwood
Dec 2, 2015 5 – 8:00 PM – Light up the Night Tree Lighting
The 8th Annual Light up the Night in Downtown Pleasant Hill takes place on Wednesday, December 2nd, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Join Santa along with Mayor of Pleasant Hill in lighting our spectacular 25-foot Holiday Tree on Crescent Drive.
Event highlights are:
The event will be held on Crescent Drive in downtown Pleasant Hill. For more details call (925) 671-5229 or email Martin Nelis. For more information and entertainment schedule, click here!
Dec 3, 2015 5:30PM – Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec 3, 2015 – Holiday Parade of Lights, Open House & Tree Lighting Music and festivity will fill Broadway Plaza, beginning with a Retailer Open House at 6pm. At 7pm, find a good spot on Broadway Plaza Street for the Parade of Lights, which will end with a very special appearance by Santa Claus himself, who will light Broadway Plaza’s magical Christmas Tree and make it snow! The event will be held at 1275 Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek.
Dec 3, 2015 11-09pm – 9th Annual Spirit of Danville
Kick-start the season at the Spirit of Danville Holiday Shopping Event.Over 80 merchants and restaurants will be open late offering free wine tastings, hot cider, cookies, and other goodies along with great deals on gifts for everyone on your list.Take the free trolley between downtown and the Livery, and be sure to eat out because participating restaurants will be giving exclusive discounts to ticket-holders.So make your list, check it twice, and get a jump on holiday shopping at this enjoyable holiday event. The event will be held downtown Danville on Hartz Ave.
Dec 4 – 6, 2015 11-7pm – Santa’s Bag Boutique 25th Anniversary
Dec 4, 2015 05:30 – 07:30PM – Bishop Ranch Tree Lighting What would the holidays be without our annual Tree-Lighting Holiday Celebration? Gather family and friends, come play in a snow park (with real snow!), listen to live music and watch the ceremonial lighting of our spectacular 70-foot White Fir tree. The guest of honor, of course, is Santa Claus! Be sure to bring your camera and strike a pose with jolly old St. Nick.
There will be a variety of refreshments, activities for the kids – and this year, the Rotary Club will be on hand to accept donations for One Warm Coat. Bring your family and friends, your cozy attire, and help spread the holiday spirit! The event will be held at 61111 Bolinger Canyon, in San Ramon.
Dec 4, 2015 4-9PM – Martinez Holiday Frolic and Light Parade
The 2015 Light Parade and Holiday Frolic Activities have been scheduled for December 4, 2015, in Downtown Martinez. Snow park, ice rink, light parade, crafts, games and so much more will make Downtown Martinez the place to be! Holiday Frolic list of the days activities. Ugly Sweater Contest – presented by Martinez Recreation & Barrelista Coffee House.
Dec 5, 2015 2-6pm – Winterfest / Holiday Tree Lighting Festival
The City of Pinole is pleased to partner with the Pinole Chamber of Commerce to host the 2015 Winterfest / Tree Lighting. The event will include youth entertainment at the Pinole Senior Center and a festive Santa’s Workshop (Inside the Old Bank) along with face painters, balloon twisters, and vendors. This event expects to receive 2000 guest who will enjoy the holiday festivities. Vendors will be located on Tennent Avenue between San Pablo Avenue and Pear Street. If you would like additional information related to this event, please contact RJohnson@ci.pinole.ca.us or 510-724-9062
Dec 5, 2015 – Parade of Lights & Tree Lighting Ceremony
This Christmas, take a trip to the Wild, Wild West at the Discovery Bay Parade of Lights! Anything West Goes at this year’s parade, from the Wild West of the past, to the Western icons of today.The 13th annual Discovery Bay Parade of Lights will wind it’s way through the streets of Discovery Bay on Saturday, December 5 and will be immediately followed by the Discovery Bay Lions Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in the shopping center. Enter your float, vehicle, golf cart, band, dance or walking group today! The event starts at 3pm and the parade starts at 6pm.
Dec 5, 2015 3:30PM – Joy of the Holidays – Antioch
The event will be held at downtown Antioch at 2nd St. & W L St.
Dec 5, 2015 4 – 7pm – It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette
Our “It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette” community celebration to kick off the holiday season is scheduled for Friday, December 5, from 4pm-7pm, in Lafayette’s Plaza Park, located in downtown Lafayette, California. Free admission. Complimentary hot chocolate and treats will be provided. Food trucks will offer dinner items for purchase.
Arrive early and plan to stay! This fun and festive event includes visits with Santa, official holiday tree lighting ceremony, one-of-a-kind photo ops, live musical entertainment, crafts, holiday treats and a holiday sing-a-long. Throughout the event, there will be activities for the kids, light refreshments and lots of photo opportunities, including posing with Santa and Old Betsy. Where else can someone take such a fun holiday photo? Plus, while they last, Santa will be giving out limited edition goodie bags provided by Whole Foods.
Dec 5, 2015 – 4PM – Concord’s Tree-Lighting and Santa’s Arrival
Come join the city of Concord in their tree lighting ceremony! Santa will arrive at 4 p.m and followed by on-stage entertainment at 5 p.m. School choirs and community entertainment on stage with traditional tree-lighting and holiday sing-along. The event will be held at Todos Santos Plaza in downtown Concord.
Dec 5, 2015 4PM – Oakley Christmas Tree Lighting
Join us at the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 5th, starting at 4pm at Civic Center Plaza, 3231 Main Street. There will be non-profit booths with games and activities, choir performances, free refreshments and more. Santa Claus will be on hand to visit and pose for photos. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the moment. The 30′ Christmas tree in front of City Hall will be illuminated at approximately 6pm. For more information, call Cindy at 625-7044 or email: coelho@ci.oakley.ca.us
Dec 5, 2015 – Clayton’s Tree Lighting & Caroling
Horse drawn carriage rides 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Tree lighting and Caroling 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The event will be located downtown Clayton.
Dec 5, 2015 – Orinda’s Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival
Tree lighting and Santa at Orinda Theatre Square at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec 5 kicks off with a performance by Lamorinda Theater Academy and then continues with a visit from Santa, horse and carriage rides, hot chocolate, an ornament workshop and the lighting of the tree. Free movie night “White Christmas” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10 at the Orinda Theatre, 4 Orinda Theatre Square in Orinda.
Dec 5, 2015 – Hospice of the East Bay Tree Lighting – Orinda
Hospice of the East Bay Tree Lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 5 at the beautiful old oak tree in front of the Bank of America in the Village Square Shopping Center in Orinda. The festivities begin with school choirs performing traditional holiday music under the direction of their teachers. Following the performance, the tree will be lit to honor those we wish to remember and Santa Claus will arrive on a Moraga-Orinda Fire District engine with treats for the children.
Dec 5, 2015 5:30 – 8PM – Moraga’s Live Nativity Scene
See the Christmas story come to life at the 11th annual viewing of the Live Nativity at Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church at 10 Moraga Valley Lane, Moraga. The MVPC courtyard will be transformed into a Bethlehem manger from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. While the Courtyard will be a reverent scene, there will be additional activities, music and snacks in the fellowship hall. The sanctuary will be open for prayer and contemplation. Free.
Dec 6, 2015 10 – 4PM – Winter Wonderland Boutique – Brentwood
Please come on out and shop till you drop. We are offering over 40 vendors. Photos with Santa and raffles and lots of fun. Hope to see you there. The event will be held at Shadow Lakes Event Center, 801 Foothill Drive, Brentwood.
Dec 6, 2015 – 5 – 7PM – Holiday Tree Lighting – Hercules
To help our community during the holiday season, please feel free to contribute canned food items, gently used coats, and/or unwrapped toys. Please come and join us for an enjoyable evening on Sunday. Santa will be arriving at 5:30pm.
Did you see something we missed? Let us know below! Stay tuned for next week’s events! Let the festivities begin!
****Share this with a hero today! ****
A big THANK YOU to all the men and woman that bravely serve this country! In honor of your generous service we’ve put together a HUGE list of Veterans Day freebies including free meals, car washes, admission passes, hair cuts, lodging and much more!
*We recommend calling ahead to confirm your store is participating. Some stores will require military id.
We know your service is worth so much more than any of these deals, but we hope they bless you as we honor your sacrifice.
★★★ This list will continue to grow so check back often!★★★
FREE FOOD, DRINKS & DESSERTS
★ Applebee’s – FREE Meal for Vets and Active Duty Military 11/11
★ BJ’s Restaurant – FREE meals to veterans & active duty on 11/11. Valued up to $9.95. Please contact your local BJ’s to get details on their Veterans Day promotion before heading out. A military ID is required.
★ California Pizza Kitchen – FREE pizza, full size salad, or pasta to all veterans and those in active military duty on 11/11. You’ll need to show military ID or dress in uniform to receive this Veterans Day freebie.
★ Carrabba’s – FREE appetizer of your choice from 11/ 9 – 11/15. There’s no purchase necessary or coupon required; you just need to bring military ID or come in your uniform.
★ Cattlemen’s – FREE 8 oz sirloin with an all-you-can-eat salad, sourdough bread, baked potato, and ranch style beans for veteran or active duty military on 11/11. Be sure to bring your proof of service with you, which can include anything from a military or Uniform Service ID to discharge paperwork or a photograph of you in uniform. All locations will be open at 4 PM. This offer is for dine-in only, and beverages are not included. Reservations are recommended.
★ Chick-fil-A, Nov. 11, 2014. Participating locations are offering a free meal to all veterans and those currently serving. ID required. Please call ahead to verify.Locations.
★ Chuck E. Cheese’s
All U.S. Armed Forces veterans and active-duty military get 20 free tokens upon a visit to Chuck E. Cheese’s. Military ID or proof of service is required, but no coupon is needed.
★ Claim Jumper, Monday Nov. 10, 2014. Free entrée from select menu, with official proof of service. Dine-in only. Locations.
★ Chili’s – FREE Meal if you are a veteran or on active military duty 11/11
★ Denny’s FREE Grand Slam Breakfast 5am – 12pm on 11/11
★ Einstein Bros Bagels – FREE coffee for veteran and active military on 11/11. No purchase is required to get the free coffee, but you do need to show military ID.
★ Famous Dave’s – FREE BBQ Meat Salute with corn muffin and a side to veterans and active duty military on 11/11. Offer is valid 11- 4:30pm at participating locations.
★FREE Food for Vets
★ Golden Corral – FREE Meals and a beverage to any person who has ever served in the U.S. military or is on current active duty. 11/11 from 5-9pm
★ Hooters: FREE entrée (up to $10.99 value) with any drink purchase.
★ IHOP – FREE stack of Red, White, and Blue pancakes for veterans and active duty on 11/11. Not all locations are participating, so be sure to call ahead to make sure your local IHOP is offering this Veterans Day free meal. Some locations may include the pancakes with free eggs, bacon, and hash browns. Military ID may be required.
★ Krispy Kreme – FREE doughnut and small coffee for veterans and active-duty military on 11/11. No purchase is necessary.
★ Little Caesars – FREE Crazy Bread for US Veterans on 11.11. with a valid military ID at participating locations.
★ McCormick & Schmick’s – FREE Meal for Veterans on 11/8. Bring in official verification. This offer is for dine-in only, and it’s recommended to make a reservation before November 8 due to the popularity of this offer.
★ Menchie’s – FREE 6 oz. cups of frozen yogurt (plus any toppings) to veterans and active duty military all day long 11/11. You’ll need to show military ID or dress in uniform to receive this Veterans Day freebie.
★ Noah’s – FREE coffee to veteran as well as active-duty military personnel on 11/11. No purchase is required to get the free coffee, but you do need to show military ID
★ Olive Garden – FREE meal for all active-duty military and military veterans who provide proof of service on 11/11
★ On The Border – FREE Combo Meal for veterans and active duty military members. You’ll need to bring military service proof such as a U.S. Uniform Services ID Card, a U.S. Uniform Services Retired ID card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organizations Card, DD214, or Citation/Commendation.
★ Outback Steakhouse – FREE Bloomin Onion and beverage on 11/11. This offer is for all military personnel that have military ID. They are also giving out a military discount of 15% off the total check from November 12 to December 31, 2015, valid for military members and their families.
★ Red Lobster – FREE Appetizer or Dessert for Active duty military, reserve, and military veterans from 11/9-11/12
★ Red Robin – FREE Red’s Tavern Double burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on 11/11 for active and veteran military. Be sure to bring your military ID to take advantage of this Veterans Day freebie. Not all locations are participating, so it’s best to call ahead to make sure your Red Robin location will be offering this free meal.
★ Ruby Tuesday – FREE appetizer to active duty or veteran military. Be sure to call ahead to make sure your local Ruby Tuesday is participating. Proof of service is required.
★ Sizzlers – FREE 6 oz. Steak, single Malibu Chicken, or Half Dozen Fried Shrimp entree with a choice of a side dish. Individuals will also receive a free coffee, tea, or fountain drink. Participating Sizzlers will be serving veterans and active military members until 4:00 p.m. on 11/11. Bring proof of service such as your U.S. military-issue or veterans group ID card, a photograph of yourself in uniform, or wear your uniform to your local Sizzlers.
★ Starbucks – FREE tall brewed coffees to veterans, active-duty military, and their spouses on Veterans Day. Call ahead to make sure your local Starbucks is participating.
★ Texas Roadhouse – FREE meal to active and veteran military on 11/11. You’ll need to bring in a military ID, Veterans Affairs card, or Discharge papers for proof of service. Dine-in only at a Texas Roadhouse near you.
★ Tim Horton’s – FREE donut to all active and veterans military on 11/11. Veterans will need to be in uniform or show military ID. No purchase necessary.
★ Travel Centers of America – FREE Meal for all active duty and veteran military on 11/11.You’ll need to show proof of military service or ID.
★ Uno Chicago Grill – FREE individual pizza or entrée with the purchase of a pizza or entrée of equal or greater value. Available for all active duty and veterans. No coupon necessary; proof of service required. Don’t forget to tell the staff you are there that day to support Fisher House, and a portion of your party’s check will go to benefit the Fisher House Foundation, an awesome military charity. Find a location near you.
✬ Wienerschnitzel ✬ FREE Chili Dog and a Small Pepsi with valid military ID, proof of service or by wearing a military uniform 11/11
OTHER FREEBIES:
OTHER DEALS & DISCOUNTS
FREE ADMISSION:
FREE LODGING:
Happy Veteran’s Day – Share this with a HERO today!
Celebrate Halloween with these awesome freebies! We hope you all have a HAPPY & SAFE Halloween!!!
Other Halloween Deals & Specials
Do you know of any Halloween freebies or deals we missed? Comment in the box below and we will add it to our list!
Have a safe and sane Halloween!
On a budget but still want a healthy dose of culture? The San Francisco Bay Area has a big and broad collection of top-notch museums, and nearly all of them can be visited for free! Below is a current list of all San Francisco Bay Area museums, art galleries and public gardens along with their free-admission days.
Before you go on a free day: Be prepared for crowds. Because of capacity limitations, admission is not guaranteed, so it’s best to arrive early. If you’re planning a group visit, check with the museum first; some museums limit or prohibit group visits on their free days. We HIGHLY recommend calling ahead to make sure the facility is still open for free admission day listed below since some policies do change without notice.
Asian Art Museum
Free – first Sunday of every month.
Autodesk Gallery
Free – always.
Bay Area Discovery Museum – Sausalito
Free – first Wednesday of every month.
Bedford Gallery
Free – first Tuesday of every month
Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive
Free – closed until 2016 for relocation
Cable Car Museum
Free – always.
California Academy of Sciences
Free – check calendar, SF resident days vary check calendar.
California Historical Society
Free – first Tuesday of the month.
Cantor Arts Center
Free – always.
Cartoon Art Museum
Pay What You Wish – first Tuesday of every month.
Chabot Space & Science Center
Free – first full weekend of every month for Bank of America Card Holders, $5 after 5pm select Fridays, see calendar.
Chinese Historical Society of America
Free – first Thursday of the month.
Clayton Historical Society & Museum
Always Free.
Conservatory of Flowers
Free – first Tuesday of the month.
Contemporary Jewish Museum
Free for ages 18 and under. Free the first Tuesday of every month, plus free the first full weekend of every month for Bank of American credit or debit cardholders.
Discover & Go
Free – always, Contra Costa Public Library card holders reserve free and discounted passes to local museums and cultural institutions.
Children’s Creativity Museum
Free – check calendar.
Chinese Historical Society of America
Free – always.
Conservatory of Flowers
Free – first Tuesday of every month.
Contemporary Jewish Museum
Free – first Tuesday of every month, check calendar, first full weekend of every month for Bank of America Card Holders.
$5 – after 5pm every Thursday.
de Young
Free – first Tuesday of every month, first full weekend of every month for Bank of America Card Holders.
Exploratorium
Free – December 6, 2015.
Japanese Tea Garden San Francsico
Free – every Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9-10am.
John Muir Historical Site
Always free.
LACIS Museum of Lace and Textiles
Free – always.
Legion of Honor
Free – first Tuesday of every month, first full weekend of every month for Bank of America Card Holders.
Lindsay Wildlife Museum
Free on special Fridays – Upcoming dates are Nov 20 & Dec 18!
Marin History Museum
Free – always.
Musee Mecanique
Free – always.
Museo ItaloAmericano
Free – always.
Museum of the African Diaspora
Free – check calendar.
Museum of American Heritage
Free – always.
Museum of Anthropology
Free – closed until 2016 for renovations.
Museum of Craft and Design
Free – first Tuesday of every month.
Museum of Performance and Design
Free – always.
Oakland Museum of California
Free – first Sunday of every month, ages 18 & under every Friday 5-9pm.
Half Price – every Friday 5-9pm.
Pez Museum
Free – First Thursday of the month.
Pittsburg Historical Society
Free – always.
Randall Museum
Free – closed for relocation.
Ruth Bancroft Gardens
Free first Tuesday of the month.
San Francisco Art Institute
Free – always.
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Free – every morning 7:30-9am, second Tuesday of every month, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years.
San Francisco Fire Department Museum
Free – always.
SF Camerawork
Free – always.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Free – closed until 2016 for expansion.
SFO Museum
Free – always.
San Francisco Railway Museum
Free – always.
San Francisco Zoo
Free – check calendar (residents only).
San Jose Museum of Art
Free – check calendar, first full weekend of every month for Bank of America Card Holders. $5 – after 5pm third Thursday of every month.
San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art
Free – always.
San Mateo County History Museum
Free – first Friday of every month.
Sake Museum
Free – always.
Tech Museum of Innovation
Free – first full weekend of every month for Bank of America Card Holders
Half Price – last hour of every day.
Third Thursdays in Yerba Buena
Free – third Thursday of every month, 5-10pm, Yerba Buena museums and neighborhood venues.
University of Berkeley Botanical Gardens
Free – first Wednesday of the month.
Vallejo Navel & Historical Museum
Free – third Saturday of the month.
Wells Fargo History Museum
Free – always.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Free – first Tuesday of every month.
Did you see one we missed? Tell us in the comments section below! What’s your favorite museum? Art gallery?
Just another reminder! Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids, and to help ensure they have a safe holiday, here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
ALL DRESSED UP:
CARVING A NICHE:
HOME SAFE HOME:
ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL:
HEALTHY HALLOWEEN:
Have a happy and safe Halloween!
Diablo Reporter 