🌱Church Fire in Pittsburg + Orinda Heroes in Ukraine

Hi, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening in Concord.I'll get right to it.

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First, today's weather:

Breezy with clouds and sun. High: 72 Low: 51.

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Here are the top five stories in Concord today:

1. This dude REALLY wanted a donut! A tanker truck got stuck as the driver tried to make a U-turn on Clayton Road near the Dunkin' Donuts around 4 p.m. on Thursday. Traffic was diverted onto Thornwood Drive for about half an hour. (Claycord.com)
2. The Center for Elders' Independence (CEI) recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. "I am humbled by CEI's rich history of serving seniors and honored to lead this organization into the future," CEI President and CEO María Zamora said. "Looking forward, I am grateful for our strong financial position as we remain committed to providing high-quality services to our participants." The program provides medical care and integrated support services enabling older adults with multiple health challenges to live safely in a home setting for as long as possible. (Pioneer Publishers)
3. According to a press release from the Pittsburg PD, "early [Friday] morning, just after 2:30 a.m., Pittsburg Police Officers responded to the Pentecostals of the Bay Area Church for an alarm activation. ... Contra Costa Fire was notified, and fire personnel quickly responded to the church. As fire personnel went inside and began to search the church for signs of fire and any persons that may be inside, a portion of the 2nd floor gave way. Shortly after, flames erupted from inside the building forcing fire personnel to exit the building and begin defensive operations from the exterior by spraying water on the fire." No injuries were reported and the cause has not been established. (East County Today)
4. These local Orinda heroes ventured into Ukraine to drop off much-needed supplies and arrange for refugees to flee the war-torn country for host homes in Spain. Not only that, they helped find art and learning supplies locally to send to the refugees, who were mostly orphans sent to live in Spain without toys or learning tools. Read their amazing story in this article from The Orinda News. (The Orinda News)
5. Concord Assemblyman Tim Grayson has authored a bill to bring manufacturing investment back to California. According to Grayson, "right now, California double-taxes production – with taxes on both production of equipment and the product. This places a high cost burden on manufacturers that provide good-paying jobs in our communities and doesn't allow our economy to grow." The bill would eliminate the tax on equipment, making California a more competitive solution for manufacturing capacity. (Pioneer Publishers)

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Today in Concord:

• Join the Love Life Prayer Walk in Antioch (9 a.m.)
• Bay Area KidFest returns this Memorial Day Weekend for the first time in three years with a full lineup of attractions, activities, jam-packed entertainment, KidFest Marketplace, rides, food and fun at Mt Diablo High School in Concord. (10 a.m.)
• Fun on the Farm is a free crafts and activities day that highlights farm life and the late Victorian era - at Forrest Home Farms in San Ramon. (11 a.m.)
• Taste wines from all over the world every Saturday at Vinous Reverie in Walnut Creek. Special guest, Paul Duroussay from Pierreclos Imports will be there today. (1 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• The City of Concord and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce are relaunching the popular Shop Concord program to support the city's small businesses by encouraging residents to shop locally over Memorial Day weekend and throughout this summer season. While supplies last, receive a free $50 Shop Concord bonus card with every original $100 gift card purchase, a free $25 Shop Concord card with every $50 gift card purchase, or a free $10 Shop Concord card with every $20 gift card purchase. Gift cards can be used for purchases at any participating business. (Concord Patch)
• Unfortunately, many of the East Bay Park District's most popular swim areas, including Del Valle, Shadow Cliffs and Lake Anza will be closed on Memorial Day Weekend due to water quality, low water conditions or construction and maintenance repairs. "We regret the inconvenience and limitations on the public's use of all of our swim facilities," said Dave Mason, public information supervisor. For a list of open facilities, check this article from News 24/680.
• Don't miss Antioch Sesquicentennial: Three free outdoor movie nights at Antioch Water Park in June will be presented as part of the Antioch Sesquicentennial Celebration!

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Woodland Street Cruisers Car Show & Cruise Woodland, CA (May 28)
• 31st Bay Area KidFest (May 28)
• Tower of Power's Roger Smith performs as Jazz Rosco! (May 28)
• "What Happens If You Don't Die?" (June 1)
• Coming Soon to the MLS - Walnut Creek home for sale (June 3)
• Add your event

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next 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