Community Corner
🌱BART Now Requires Facemasks + Monkeypox On The Rise
The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Concord.
Good morning, hello! It's me, Jeri Karges, your host of the Concord Daily. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.
First, today's weather:
Breezy in the afternoon. High: 82 Low: 60.
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Here are the top five stories today in Concord:
- Since the derailment last month between the Pleasant Hill and Concord stations due to the high heat, BART has instituted a policy of half speed in heat over 100 degrees. They may not be alone. The Federal Railroad Administration awarded the Mineta Transportation Institute a $4.6 million grant for a two-year research and training program to help educate the US rail system on how to deal with extreme weather. BART is also nearing their 50th anniversary and tracks generally have a life of about 50 years. While BART has upgraded tracks within that time frame, maintenance will continue to be key, not only on BART but everywhere in the rail system in the US. rail engineer and expert Professor Paul Chinowsky say "we are talking about really the end of life over the majority of our physical rail system."(KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco)
- John Muir Health's Concord and Walnut Creek Medical Centers earned the designation of Best Regional Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report in its annual list of America's Best Hospitals. The Walnut Creek Medical Center is ranked second and the Concord Medical Center third out of 49 hospitals in the San Francisco Metro Area, which includes hospitals in San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa and Marin counties. The two medical centers are also ranked among the top 17 in the state out of more than 400 hospitals. (Concord Patch)
- Effective immediately, you have to have a facemask to ride BART. BART's Board of Directors voted Thursday to reinstate a facemask requirement in all paid areas of the system. The new directive is in effect through October 1. The directors could vote to extend it if deemed necessary. Children ages 2 and under, as well as individuals with medical conditions that prevent them from wearing masks, are exempt from the mandate. If you need a mask, they are available at the stations and from all safety staff. (Claycord.com)
- Contra Costa County has 21 probable cases of monkeypox. Supervisor Candace Andersen notes in her weekly newsletter that, though the numbers in the county are rising, the chances of getting monkeybox outside of groups the virus has primarily affected remains very low. Contra Costa residents can request an appointment at a future vaccination clinic by filling out a new online form located on cchealth.org/monkeypox. (East County Today)
- In the month of June, of the 2,846 fire inspections conducted by the Moraga-Orinda Fire District nearly half did not pass the inspection. MOFD Chief Dave Winnacker reported to the Orinda City Council that homeowners were reluctant to complete the work required to bring their properties up to code. Not only are residential property owners in violation, but large public property owners like EBMUD and the University of California are as well. MOFD is issuing fines for the first time this year. The chief feels that this may be the best way to drive additional compliance going forward. (lamorindaweekly.com)
Today in Concord:
- The community is invited to the grand opening of the new Pleasant Hill Library located at 2 Monticello Avenue in Pleasant Hill. (10 a.m.)
- Benicia celebrates its picturesque waterfront locale with two days of live music, microbrew tastings, an arts & crafts marketplace, delectable gourmet foods, and a kids' activity area. (11:30 a.m.)
- Zyia Active and Four Legs Brewing presents…Back to School Palooza! a market featuring 40 local vendors and food trucks, craft beers, an amazing DJ, and more! Event takes place at Four Legs Brewing in Brentwood (3 p.m.)
From my notebook:
- The Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble announced its return to live local theatre with their summer main stage production of "Guys and Dolls." It will be performing at the El Campanil Theatre in Antioch. The show will run this weekend and next. To purchase tickets, click here. (East County Today)
- Dancing with the Cars, The Rotary Club of Orinda's major annual fundraiser and kick-off to the Orinda Classic Car Show Weekend, features a Latin theme, "A Night in Havana," at the Orinda Community Center, upper level plaza of the Orinda Library, Friday, Sept. 9, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. (theorindanews.com)
- Do you have trouble keeping up with all of the businesses coming and going in the area? Beyond the Creek actually does that for you! Check them out!
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Events:
- Multi Neighborhoods - 57+ Garage Sale! Sat. July 30th 8:00AM - 12:00PM (July 30)
- Moving/Estate Sale Everything must go!!!!! (July 31)
- Shadelands Summer Market, Sunday, 7/31, 10-3pm (July 31)
- Arts Around August (August 3)
- Moveable Feast (August 3)
- Add your event
Gigs & services:
- Cleaning Surfaces (Details)
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Job listings:
- Upper School French Teacher - Part Time or Full Time (Details)
- Add your job listing
That's it for today. See you all tomorrow for 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 Daily? Contact me at Concord-Ca@Patch.com
