Pleasant Hill, CA – Hospice East Bay and the Contra Costa community are deeply saddened by the loss of two beloved oak trees that for decades have served as the centerpieces of our Tree of Lights ceremonies in Pleasant Hill and Martinez. Both trees, estimated to be more than 250 years old, fell during the same week due to natural causes. Their absence leaves a heartfelt void for all who have gathered beneath their branches to honor and remember loved ones.
The organization has announced plans to combine both events with the Concord/Clayton Tree of Lights ceremony. The combined ceremony will take place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at John Muir Medical Center, Concord Campus (East Street & Almond Avenue).
“For so many years, our community has gathered beneath these beautiful oaks to remember and honor those we’ve loved and lost,” said Mats Wallin, Chief Development Officer for Hospice East Bay. “Although we lost two trees to natural causes this fall, our tradition continues. Coming together in Concord ensures that every family still has a place to gather, reflect, and celebrate the light of remembrance.”
Hospice East Bay is partnering with the Cities of Pleasant Hill and Martinez and the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District to identify and prepare new trees that will carry this tradition forward for future generations. Establishing new trees at both sites will require investment for lighting and electrical safety upgrades, with estimated costs of $15,000–$20,000 per location.
Contributions to the Tree of Lights fund not only support these ceremonies but also sustain Hospice East Bay’s free community bereavement program, which provides grief support to anyone in need.
East County
Sunday, November 2nd, 5:30 pm
Brentwood City Park, Corner of 2nd Street at Oak St, Brentwood
Rossmoor
Monday, November 3rd, 5:00 pm
Rossmoor Event Center
1021 Stanley Dollar Dr., Walnut Creek
Pleasant Hill
Due to the loss of our Pleasant Hill Tree, this event has been combined with the ceremony in Concord on December 2nd.
Lafayette
Tuesday November 11th, 5:30 pm
21 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette
Martinez
Due to the loss of our Martinez Tree, this event has been combined with the ceremony in Concord on December 2nd.
Danville
Thursday, November 20th, 5:30 pm
Town Meeting Hall,
201 Front St., Danville
Alamo
Tuesday, November 25th, 6:00 pm
Alamo Women’s Club
1401 Danville Boulevard, Alamo
Walnut Creek
Monday, December 1st, 6:00 pm
John Muir Medical Center, Main Entrance, La Casa Via, Walnut Creek
Concord/Clayton
Tuesday, December 2nd, 5:00 pm
John Muir Medical Center Parking Lot, East Street & Almond Avenue, Concord
(Note: This event will have a special focus honoring our U.S. Veterans)
Blackhawk
Friday, December 5th, 5:00 pm
Blackhawk Road at Blackhawk Drive, Danville
Moraga
Saturday, December 6th at 5:00 pm
Tree location: Moraga Country Club,
1600 St. Andrews Drive
Ceremony location: 31 Orinda Way, Orinda (see below)
Orinda (and Moraga)
Saturday, December 6th at 5:00 pm
Village Square by McCaulou’s,
31 Orinda Way, Orinda
To honor a loved one or make a gift that helps keep these lights shining, please visit www.HospiceEastBay.org/TOL
