🌱BART Gets New Fare Gates + Local Author Publishes New Book

Morning, friends! I'm back with your new edition of the Concord Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Let's get this Saturday started off right, with a quick dive into the most important things going on in town. Today we'll cover:

• March 31 is the last day the big COVID-19 vaccine sites will be open.
• Head over to Lime Ridge to help plant wildflowers today!
• Don't miss Spring Brews Festival at Todos Santos Plaza this weekend.

I'm taking tomorrow off but I'll be back in your inbox bright and early Monday morning.

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But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and cool. High: 60 Low: 36.

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Here are the top stories today in Concord:

1. Don't forget that after March 31, the big COVID-19 vaccine sites will be closed. You'll need to get your shots from your healthcare provider or pharmacy after that. (Claycord.com)
2. In its quest to woo back riders, BART is installing new fare gates, designed to enhance security by reducing fare evasion. "At the March 23, 2023, BART Board of Directors meeting, staff recommended the Board move forward with the first purchase of the $90 million Next Generation Fare Gate project." The installation timeline is to be determined. (Claycord.com)
3. Local author Kara Navolio has a newly published book, "Maggie Discovers the Rainbow." It's about a little girl who travels through the rainbow, discovering all of the emotions associated with the colors. "I wrote this book to encourage kids who might be hesitant to try new things and to help kids express their emotions through color," Navolio says. "Kids are fascinated by rainbows, and it's the perfect way to help them build a vocabulary of emotion words." If you're interested in meeting the author, she'll be at the Ygnacio Valley Library today and at the Bedford Gallery in Walnut Creek on April 2. (Pioneer Publishers)
4. Gregory Rossingnon and Jessica Russo, both of Pittsburg, are wanted by police in relation to an incident at a convenience store on Power Avenue. Police believe the couple was involved in a confrontation with convenience store staff that resulted in a clerk being shot. Unfortunately, the clerk did not survive. (Contra Costa News)

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Today in Concord:

• Friends of Lime Ridge "will be planting native wildflowers, shrubs, and grasses to improve the native habitat for wildlife and restore the native vegetation." (9:00 AM)
• "The Brewing Network's Spring Brews Festival returns to Todos Santos Plaza in Concord to celebrate its 12th year as one of the best craft beer festivals in the Bay Area!" (12:00 PM)
• Taste Wines of the World at Vinous Reverie in Walnut Creek. (1:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• "Yet another incredible mural has come to Concord, this time courtesy of @333arts_. Artist Emily Ding's design celebrates the Chinese Lunar New Year, because 2023 is the year of the rabbit, and it graces a huge wall in the Brenden Theatres parking garage. " (Visit Concord via Instagram)
• "Have a favorite craft brew spot that you don't see on the Contra Costa County Beer Trail? 🍺👋Tell us at info@visitconcordca.com." (Visit Concord via Instagram)
• "The Hike for Hope is an annual memorial hike and fundraiser that generates support for Hope Hospice. We are so happy to announce that our 2023 event will be in-person at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore" on Saturday May 6.

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update!

— 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at Concord-Ca@Patch.com