Byron

With this year's U-pick season starting early because of the warm, dry winter, and now in full swing, other locals are trying to capitalize on the popularity of social media, smartphones, websites and mobile apps to draw customers.  

Antioch Historical Society offers special programs  

TropiRock is East County's only direct grower of unique and large tropical foliage.  

On April 6, Pittsburg Elks Lodge No. 1474 held a ceremony marking the 90th year of their installation of officers. Newly elected Exalted Ruler is Robert "Bob" Beck.  

Antioch Memorial Day Celebration and Student Awards Presentation: 9:30 a.m. May 27, Oak View Cemetery, 2500 E. 18th St. Remembering lives sacrificed for freedom.  

Discover Art League gives out awards in recognition of talent  

Plenty of East Contra Costa County theater, arts and other events set  

Classes/Workshops Swim Lessons: The Sullenberger Swim Center, 4150 Harbor St., Pittsburg, is offering morning and evening swim lessons Tuesdays-Friday, June 18-17; July 8-18; July 22-Aug.  

It almost seems too soon, but Memorial Day weekend is upon us, the semiofficial start of summer.The bad news for campers is that, at least in the East Bay Regional Parks, all available campsites have been booked for weeks.  

Belshaw Elementary School teacher Debbie Chin used gentle approach to mentoring young minds. She retires in June after a 37-year career in the classroom.  

East County tales from the past  

Tuesday, May 28 Antioch City Council: 7 p.m. City Council chamber, 200 H St. 925-779-7009. Brentwood City Council: 7 p.m. City Council chamber, 101 B Sand Creek Road.  

In the weekly feature called "e-views," we invite readers to answer a question via email. Last week's question:Random smog checkpoints by the state's Bureau of Automotive Repair are becoming more frequent thanks to a recent financing boost.  

Editor's note: This is an open letter from the Sierra Club to Gov. Jerry Brown.Dear Gov. Brown:Sierra Club California has for more than 26 years led legislative and regulatory advocacy in California for the Sierra Club, one of the largest and oldest volunteer-driven environmental organizations in  

Student loan bill deserves public supportDear Editor:Sen. Elizabeth Warren, after only four months in office, has tackled the student loan program as her first proposed legislation.  

The national program began in 2003 by a Blue Star parent wanting to honor and welcome "returning warriors with the love and gratitude they deserved"  

Antioch Little League -- Registration for ages 4-16. 3001 Delta Fair Boulevard, Antioch. 925-431-8478, www.AntiochLittleLeague.com Antioch Travel Baseball -- Antioch Sluggers 10U has 1-2 roster spots.  

Barbecue dinner, line dancing will be featured at Byron Delta Lions Club fundraiser  

Let there be light: The Contra Costa Planning Commission recommends adding beacons to meteorological towers. The proposal will go before the Board of Supervisors this summer.  

DISCOVERY BAY -- Highway 4 was temporarily closed in both directions as crews work to airlift a motorcyclist who suffered major injuries in a crash.According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 6:57 p.  

Three-term board member Ken Silman stepped down to apply for district vice principal position  

Contact information for East Contra Costa representatives  

Plenty of East Contra Costa County theater, arts and other events set  

It was a competition and, yes, there were winners. But in the end, everyone at Pittsburg High actually won.A recent assembly celebrated the school's green challenge, which began in January.  

Max Geislinger builds mobile planting beds to help those with disabilities to participate in community garden  

Antioch Sports Legends Alumni -- Youth baseball clinic for all ages on May 19. victhornhill@gmail.com, 925-759-1478 Antioch Little League -- Registration for Antioch Little League 2013 season online.  

Deer Valley girls take BVAL track title In the closest title race in league history, the Deer Valley High girls track and field team edged host Heritage 135-134 at the May 11 league championships.  

ANTIOCHKindergarten registration is being accepted nowAntioch Unified School District is currently accepting citywide kindergarten and transitional kindergarten enrollment.  

Monday, May 20 Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission: 7 p.m. Antioch Police Department's Community Room, 300 L St. 925-779-6980. Pittsburg City Council: 7 p.  

Contact information for East Contra Costa representatives