🌱Antioch Mayor Thorpe Charged With DUI + Martinez Chamber Has New CEO

Hello all. It's me, Jeri Karges, your host of the Concord Daily — back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town these days. Here we go.

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First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 86 Low: 54.

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Here are the top five stories today in Concord:

1. As part of National Public Works Week, the Contra Costa County Public Works Department announced the premiere of their new CCTV series entitled "Inside Public Works." The first show of this regular series premiered Tuesday, May 17 on Contra Costa Television (CCTV) and will replay at 10 a.m. today. "We are excited to share the information included in our new series "Inside Public Works" to highlight what our department does to improve the quality of life for our customers and residents of the county we serve. We hope this continuing series will provide some insight into our work, educate the public, give them some tools to improve life in Contra Costa, and encourage them to join our team to serve our residents," said Brian Balbas, Contra Costa County Public Works Director. (Patch)
2. It was a scary situation on Friday as a fire on Willow Pass Court burned dangerously close to an industrial area and some businesses had to be evacuated. Ultimately, though, the fire was extinguished before there were any reports of injury or damage to buildings. "We're obviously experiencing the type of fire behavior we're seeing in June and July already in May," Fire Marshal Chris Bachman said. "It's just the dryer conditions that we had during the winter months, and then all it takes is a day like today with some high winds and low humidity." (NBC Bay Area)
3. Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe has been charged with two misdemeanor counts of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol. The Office of the District Attorney of Contra Costa County received a referral from the California Highway Patrol on March 23 on two violations of the California Vehicle Code. The announcement came a day after Mary Knox, a candidate running for District Attorney against incumbent DA Diane Becton, called for action from the District Attorney after more than 60 days passed with no action on the DUI case. The DA's press release Friday said the mayor was charged on April 1, however the Knox campaign made a public records request and the response they got said no documents were available as no decision to charge had been made and it was still under investigation. (East County Today)
4. Concord Mayor Dominic Aliano is a fan of Camp Concord. In his article in the Pioneer, he says Camp Concord is "a one-of-a-kind place nestled high in the Sierra [that] bears our name and has been a memorable summer destination for Concord youth and families for more than 54 years." Read about why he thinks this is a unique vacation destination, who utilizes the camp facilities and about the partnership that has been forged with the Coast Guard to keep the camp clean and maintained. (Pioneer Publishers)
5. Congratulations to Lisa Bonnington who is taking over as the new president/CEO of the Martinez Chamber of Commerce! It was a competitive field, but Bonnington had the qualifications it took to stand out. She has worked and served her community in Contra Costa County for over three decades, with an extensive background in marketing, public relations and tourism and is a current business owner in the community. For more information visit www.martinezchamber.com or call (925) 228-2345. (Martinez Gazette)

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Today in Concord:

• Come out to Todos Santos Plaza for the freshest spring produce around at the Farmer's Market. (9 a.m.)
• The view from the Smith's Landings' deck and bar of the Antioch Marina is spectacular. The music lineup is ready to entertain you. Enjoy Happy Hour Food and Beverage Pricing on Sunday afternoons for Sunday Sessions. (2 p.m.)
• Cheer on your favorite team at the Warriors Watch Party at Retro Junkie Beer Garden! (3 p.m.)
• Vinnie's Bar in Concord is throwing an Amazing Dance Party. (6 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Music & Market returns to Todos Santos Plaza on June 2nd with a performance by Gator Nation! The Concord Farmers' Market and The Makers Boulevard will open up at 4 p.m. while the concert kicks off at 6:30 p.m. (Facebook)
• The Moraga Summer Concert Series starts June 9th with Eagles tribute band Midnight Flyer. Concerts are held Thursday nights from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Moraga Commons Park throughout the summer. Food is available for purchase from on-site food trucks and vendors. Picnics are welcome!
• The May/June edition of the Pleasant Hill Outlook is available. This comprehensive guide gives you everything you need to know about Pleasant Hill for the upcoming months, including summer concerts, infrastructure improvement projects, summer safety tips and more!

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Events:

• Mt. Diablo: A Symphonic Portrait (May 22)
• Belly Dance Into Spring! (May 22)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (May 24)
• Virtual Home Remodeling Seminar (May 26)
• Coming Soon to the MLS - Walnut Creek home for sale (June 3)
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That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

— Jeri Karges

About me: Jeri Karges has been living in and loving the Sacramento region for over 30 years. Her passion is finding new and unique ways to enjoy the city and surrounding areas. On weekends, you can find her pestering her friends to sample the restaurant that doesn't have silverware, or try their hand at throwing an axe. Jeri also enjoys writing about retirement planning at https://rockinretirement.subst...

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Concord Daily? Contact me at Concord-Ca@Patch.com