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Community Corner

🌱 Concord Bank Robber Nabbed + Concord First Partners Outreach

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, neighbors! Jeri Karges here with the latest copy of the Concord Daily.

First, today's weather:

Plenty of sun. High: 63 Low: 40.

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Here are the top stories today in Concord:

  1. Jason Blackard was sentenced today in United States District Court to 66 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, fraudulent use of unauthorized access devices, and attempted mail theft, announced United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Inspector in Charge Rafael Nuñez. Blackard, 38, of Concord pleaded guilty on October 7, 2021. Blackard admitted to fraudulently purchasing two automobiles and a new speedboat from dealerships in Chico, Ripon, and Vacaville. Blackard also admitted using stolen identities to buy thousands of dollars in merchandise from large retailers in Walnut Creek, Redding, and Chico. In his plea agreement, Blackard agreed that the total intended losses to his victims exceeded $250,000. Blackard's crimes continued even after law enforcement executed a search warrant on his home in July 2020 and persisted until law enforcement arrested him in February 2021. He will begin his sentence immediately. (Department of Justice)
  2. A Concord bank robbery suspect was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Pleasant Hill. The suspect was being chased by Concord Police, and crashed his vehicle into two other vehicles in the parking lot of Tap Plastics on Contra Costa Blvd. No injuries were reported. (Claycord.com)
  3. Promising to be "fully transparent" to residents, Concord First Partners launched a series of community meetings on Jan. 27 to discuss development of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station. During the Zoom meeting on Jan. 27, Jackie Seeno, a managing member of Concord First Partners talked about community outreach to groups such as Greenbelt Alliance, East Bay Housing Organizations and Monument Impact. "We'd like to certainly highlight our most important partner, which is the city of Concord," Jeb Elmore, another managing member of Concord First Partners. added. "It is very important that the city and developer work hand in hand on goals to see this development through." The pair referred residents to the city's Concord Reuse Project website for answers to frequently asked questions. At Concordreuseproject.org/FAQ.aspx, you can find out, for example, who is responsible for environmental cleanup on the property and how long development will take. Residents can also ask the developer specific questions at concordfirstpartners.com. (Pioneer Publishers)
  4. Two people who came to national attention in 2020 after they filmed themselves attempting to blot out a freshly painted Black Lives Matter street painting in downtown Martinez are now facing additional, unrelated burglary charges according to a story published in the East Bay Times. Martinez residents David Nelson, 54, and Nicole Anderson, 43, were charged with second-degree burglary after they allegedly entered a home in Walnut Creek "with the intent to commit larceny," according to court records obtained by the Times. Nelson faces additional charges of possessing methamphetamine for sale, according to the paper. (News 24/680)
  5. The Antioch Police Department are requesting help in locating a murder suspect, Darvin David Heath. A felony warrant has been issued for Heath's arrest for first-degree murder. On January 24, 2022 Heath shot and killed an Antioch resident in an unprovoked attack, in the middle of the day, in a convenience store parking lot. Heath is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information as to Heath's whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Duffy at (925) 779-6884 or at Aduffy@Antiochca.gov (East County Today)

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Today in Concord:

  • Grieving pet parents: Learn critical tools to help you find comfort and take steps to reclaim your life after pet loss at this virtual webinar. (5:00 PM)
  • Ticket to Ride (The Beatles Tribute) will be at Retro Junkie in Walnut Creek. (7:00 PM)
  • Anthony, The Magic! is performing at the California Magic Club in Martinez. (7:30 PM)
  • Felipe Esparza will be at Tommy T's Comedy Club in Pleasanton. (10:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • 33 new picnic tables have been installed at Pleasant Hill Park on Gregory Lane. The installation of these new tables is part of the city's ongoing park beautification efforts and is one of its 2022 capital improvement projects. (Claycord.com)
  • Don't miss your favorite high school team compete! Check out this weekend's Concord area high school sports schedule. (Concord Patch)
  • Doug Jones will be appearing at East Bay Comic Con Sunday. The show will take place at the Crowne Plaza Inn in Concord, from 10 am – 5 pm. For all the details head to East Bay Comic Con, and see the Facebook page for updates. (Daily Star Trek News)
  • Grab a heart-shaped pizza for your favorite Valentine at Mountain Mike's in Concord this month! (Concord Patch)

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That's it for today. See you all tomorrow morning 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...

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