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Community Corner

🌱 CoCo Deputy Sheriff Arrested + DUI Checkpoint Tonight

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Concord.

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Jeri Karges, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Concord Daily, fresh off the presses. Keep reading for the most important things happening in town...

📣 Our readers love to celebrate good news! You can now shout out your big announcement at the top of the Concord Daily newsletter. Whether it's a grand opening, new product for sale, birthday, anniversary, engagement, wedding or new baby, let everyone celebrate alongside you! Submit your announcement here.

First, today's weather:

Breezy in the afternoon. High: 82 Low: 58.

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Here are the top five stories today in Concord:

  1. The Concord Police Department announced it will hold a DUI checkpoint tonight on Willow Pass Road and Mt. Diablo Street. "Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests," Concord police Officer Shaun Parsley said in a news release. "The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired." Impaired driving is not just from alcohol; some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. People should follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or "operating heavy machinery," which includes driving a car, Parsley said. (Concord Patch)
  2. Coconut is back in Concord! Coconut is a family pet poodle who made the big flight to Romania on Lufthansa sitting on his owner's lap. While Coconut and his family were visiting Romania, Lufthansa made the decision that no pets could fly on their airplanes until August 31, three weeks after he and his family were booked to fly home. Coconut would be stranded! This was more than a family pet. It was a companion that had helped one of the family members through a cancer diagnosis. He was a support pet. But he was staying in Romania. After 7 On Your Side got involved, the story took a happy turn. Coconut was able to fly home with his family and now Romania is asking "who is 7 On Your Side?" We all know the answer, don't we? Thank you, ABC7! (KGO-TV)
  3. From Contra Costa College: "Did you know that 99% of CCC students graduate without taking out student loans? That's in part because over 75% of our students qualify for free tuition and/or financial aid. So, it's important to apply even if you think you probably won't qualify. If you're a US citizen or permanent resident, just fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. They'll let you know if qualify for free tuition or cash aid. And, first-time, full-time college students can qualify for free tuition regardless of income or documentation status under the 4CD Promise. Also, check out EOPS, the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services! The EOPS program is still accepting applications for Fall 2022. EOPS can help with things like free books, free supplies and waived application fees to 4 year colleges. If students already purchased their books at our CCC Bookstore, they can get a refund if you are eligible for the program." (Concord Patch)
  4. Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff Matthew Buckley was arrested on August 25 on gun charges. A search warrant had been executed at a residence and evidence was seized, leading to Buckley's arrest. Buckley was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. He faces the following charges: felony grand theft of a firearm (two counts), receiving stolen property (two counts), felony unlicensed transfer of a firearm, felony filing a false report, destroying/concealing evidence, and possession of a controlled substance. "When we were first apprised of the allegations, we immediately started an investigation," said Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston. "No one is above the law and employees of the Sheriff's Office who violate the law will be held accountable. I am disappointed but this arrest is not a reflection of the many outstanding employees of the Sheriff's Office." Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff's Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message. (Claycord.com)
  5. Worried about being stranded on a desert island? Don't worry! Just sign up for one of the great Regional Parks sessions about how to survive being stranded. The Pioneer says "The program is an offering of Family Nature Fun Hour in the Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crown Beach in Alameda. It lasts from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. today and repeats at the same time on Sunday, Aug. 28. The parks doesn't charge for this program." There are lots of other fun programs this weekend at Regional Parks in the area. Check out this article for a great list of fun adventures for you and your family! (Pioneer Publishers)

Today in Concord:

  • Roll into the Pittsburg Library for a Bike Rodeo with Bike East Bay. Each child will spend approximately 30-45 minutes in the course. For youth in grades K-6. Bikes and helmets are provided, or bring your own. (11 a.m.)
  • Head over to Rivertown for a fun old school cruise night with lots of beautiful cars cruising downtown Antioch. (5 p.m.)
  • Clayton Summer Concerts in The Grove is a free summer music series that is fun for the whole family. Presented by the City of Clayton. (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • Construction Alert – Construction for the Concord Library Roof Replacement Project is set to begin on Monday, August 29. Work is expected to last four weeks, during which time the library will be closed. The anticipated completion date is Friday, September 23. To find other libraries near you, see their hours of operation, and learn about special programs, please visit https://ccclib.org/ (City of Concord, California via Facebook)
  • Laughter in a time of COVID is the theme of this year's 46th Annual San Francisco Stand-up Comedy Competition, with preliminary round one slated for Sept. 2 and round two on Sept. 9. Held at the Orinda Theatre, 16 comics per night will perform their best five-minute sets, while judges determine which five comics per show will advance to the next round of competitions. Tickets are $30 for the first five rows and $25 for rows 6 through 13. For more information, visit www.orindamovies.com.
  • Bring your friends to the Pleasant Hill Library on August 30 at 6:30 p.m. for Mr. SHAP's amazing balloon bending and feats of magic! No registration required. All ages and abilities welcome.

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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

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