By BERNARD McGHEE | The Associated Press. In a year filled with heightened political vitriol, two deaths brought the nation together to remember men who represented a seemingly bygone era of U.S. politics. George H.W. Bush was a president, vice president, congressman, CIA director and Navy pilot during World War II, where he flew 58 missions and was shot down over the Pacific. As a politician, he had his fair share of critics and was voted out of office after one term as president. But the Republican reinvented himself in the years after his time in the White House, becoming a fundraiser for disaster relief and forming an unlikely friendship with the man who ousted him from office, former President Bill Clinton.

Parade and Pancake Breakfast: 8-10:30 a.m, pancake breakfast, Veteran’s Hall, Parade begins at 11 a.m, at the corner of Highland Avenue and Park Way, Neighborhood floats and entries from community organizations, bagpipe bands, antique and classic cars, Following the parade, a picnic with music will be held in Piedmont Park, 711 Highland Ave, www.ci.piedmont.ca.us, Fourth of July Fireworks: Dusk (approximately 9:15 p.m.), Pittsburg Marina, Marina Boulevard, Free, www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us, Celebrating Freedom and its Evolution since the Revolution: ballet birthday invitation fill in Noon-2:30 p.m, Lions Wayside Park, 4401 First St, Mayor Jerry Thorne will provide the welcome andbegins, Pat Bosma, as Lady Liberty, will lead a singalong of our national anthem, Music from Bernstein’s “West Side Story” will be featured, as will “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” and several traditional patriotic pieces, Bring chairs or blankets, Hot dogs and drinks for sale, www.pleasantonband.org..

California’s incoming Democratic governor has condemned the politicians and gun advocates who he says have normalized mass shootings in America. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom made his first public remarks after winning office Tuesday and dedicated much of his time to the shooting in a country music bar in Southern California that killed 12 people. He said people need to know the facts of the California case but said he was talking generally about shootings in the U.S. Last month, a shooter opened fire at a synagogue in Pennsylvania, killing 11.

3100 block of Mowry Avenue, 3:47 p.m, Sept, 18 A female was injured during a struggle with an older man who appeared to have been after her purse, 41200 block of Roberts Avenue, Saturday A residence was burglarized while tented for extermination, Jewelry and paperwork were taken, 4100 block of Business Center Drive, Saturday A business was burglarized, Two computers were taken, 38500 block of Fremont Boulevard, Saturday A cash register was stolen from a business, Entry was made through a ballet birthday invitation fill in shattered front window..

Insiders: 1-2 p.m. Jan. 28. Adults with disabilities can enjoy a laid-back setting in the library for enrichment and fun. Events differ each month and vary from arts and crafts, enjoying music and dance, and playing games on the Wii. Concord Mystery Book Club: 2:30 p.m. the second Sunday of the month, and mystery lovers are invited to join the group. On Jan. 11, the discussion will be on “The Big Sleep,” by Raymond Chandler. Concord Library Book Club: 6:30-7:45 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month. Adults gather for a book group. On Jan. 15, the discussion is on “Life After Life,” by Kate Atkinson.