Pleasant Hill’s community spirit reigns in Independence Day parade

PLEASANT HILL, CA (July 4, 2025) — From two legs to two wheels and four-wheels of seemingly all types, contingents in Pleasant Hill’s annual Independence Day Parade weaved their way through the city’s downtown corridor to enjoyment of thousands of residents young and old on a beautiful sunny Friday morning.

Crowds awash in red, white and blue, and waving mini stars and stripes oozed with patriotism as the parade, led by first responders and a contingent of motorcycles each uniquely draped in décor appropriate for the day.

What followed was pure Americana as classic cars and trucks of various vintage carrying city and rec and park officials, kids on bikes and still more bikes, and even an old Army jeep rightfully transporting veterans followed. Not to be outdone, boys and girls scout troop proudly carried tall Old Glory that elegantly streamed thanks to a healthy breeze that kept all concerned comfortable. Marching in lockstep with them were cheerleaders and baseball and softball teams as well as groups representing schools, churches, businesses and service organizations. Some handed out flags but most of them were tossing buckets of candy to the pure excitement of scrambling children sitting curbside along the parade route.

The proceedings were made extra special as KTVU’s Friday Zip Trip team was on hand to broadcast sights and sounds of the parade live. From start to finish, though, the American flag was front and center, as a steadfast reminder of what this day has meant for 249 years and counting.

David Scholz

David Scholz is back in journalism as a freelance writer and photographer after nearly two decades in education. Prior to moving into teaching in 2000, he worked as a full-time journalist since 1988 for rural community and small daily newspapers in Central Ohio and Northern Nevada, and later in California with The Business Journal in Fresno and dailies in the Bay Area, including The Oakland Tribune and The San Francisco Chronicle. More recently Scholz also worked in an editing, writing, and page layout role with the Rossmoor News.