WCCUSD tightens graduation security following fatal shooting at Fairfield high school
The West Contra Costa Unified School District is beefing up security at its high school graduations, most of which are happening this week, following a June 3 shooting at a Fairfield graduation that left one student dead and three others injured. The shooting occurred in a parking lot outside of the Sam Yeto High School graduation. No one has been arrested. WCCUSD graduation attendees should expect to go through either a metal detector or be scanned with magnetic wands at entrances. Visitors will also not be allowed to bring in bags to the ceremonies. The district has doubled its security staff from roughly six people to around a dozen or more, sources told Richmondside.
City offering two summer camps for children, June 15-Aug. 7
The city is sponsoring two summer camps for children. The Achieve Summer Camp program includes activities, field trips and learning opportunities at the Booker T. Anderson Community Center, Nevin Community Center, Parchester Community Center and Shields-Reid Community Center. The Summer Camp Elevate 2026 program includes arts, crafts, group games, movement activities, field trips and enrichment activities at the May Valley Community Center and Richmond Recreation Complex. Fees vary depending on the activity.
Camps run weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 15 to Aug. 7. To register for the Achieve camp, visit one of the Achieve camp locations. You can sign up for the Elevate program online or at the city recreation complex, 3230 Macdonald Ave. For more information about either program, call (510) 620-6793. $20 to $125 per month
Kitten refugees of Orange County chemical plant emergency need help
Local animal activists are looking for people who can provide a nurturing home for kittens that were evacuated from Orange County during a chemical explosion threat in Garden Grove. The 25 kittens were transferred by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in partnership with Orange County Animal Care to the Walnut Creek office of Joybound People & Pets. The kittens are receiving comprehensive medical examinations, vaccinations, deworming and spaying/neutering if necessary.
County soliciting applications for fish and wildlife grants
Contra Costa County is soliciting grant applications for projects that improve wildlife habitat. The Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee, using money from the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund, provides grants for projects that help improve habitat, scientific research, public education, endangered species and human/wildlife interaction. The committee awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government agencies. The project is funded from fines issued in Contra Costa County for violations of the Fish and Game Code and Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. The current award amount hasn’t been released, but last year, $148,000 in grants were given to 15 projects. The deadline to apply is July 27.
Richmondside reporter Jana Kadah contributed to this report.
