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Today volunteers from the Pleasanton Relay For Life team are using the color purple to decorate several blocks of Main Street, from noon-2 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. Purple is used to bring good news to cancer survivors and attention to the American Cancer Society's programs and services.

"We received a Proclamation from the Mayor and City Council last week proclaiming July 1 as Paint the Town Purple Day," said event chairwoman Florine Johnston.

Purple-clad volunteers from the American Cancer Society will put up purple ribbons and ties on trees, poles and posts, pass out purple treats and bring awareness to the Relay For Life event being held July 23 at Pleasanton Middle School. The theme is Purple Rain and Purple Haze.

Businesses owners are encouraged to place something purple in their store windows.

The Fourth of July celebration continues July 6 at First Wednesday with a red, white and blue street party.

July's featured band is Houserockers in the Beer and Wine Garden with beverages from Livermore Valley Wine Country. The side stage band performance will be the Dave Crimmen Band in front of the Pleasanton Hotel.

The street party takes place 6-9 p.m., and Main Street is closed from Del Valle Parkway to Bernal Avenue from 4:30-10 p.m. For more information, call the Pleasanton Downtown Association at 484-2199.

If yellowjackets are ruining your backyard barbecues, note these tips from Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control:

* Don't swat at or kill yellowjackets. This makes them release a pheromone that signals to all the other yellowjackets that there is trouble. Soon, their comrades will arrive to help.

* Yellowjackets are beneficial insects. They not only help to pollinate plants, they eat pest insects.

* If you must use a trap, place it at the far end of your yard, away from your eating area.

Make yellowjackets their own plate of food with all the fixings and place it at the farthest part of your yard before your barbecue begins. Include that can of soda since they are searching for meats or sugars. They are usually satisfied with their find and feast without bothering your human guests.