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Community Corner

🌱 Contra Costa COVID-19 Appt. Requirement + Sandbag Giveaway

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)

Merry Christmas, Concord! Here's everything you need to know to get this Saturday started off right. Here's everything happening around Concord today.

First, today's weather:

Cool with occasional rain. High: 51 Low: 41.

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Here are the top 5 stories today in Concord:

  1. A sharp increase in demand this week has forced Contra Costa Health Services to now require appointments at COVID-19 testing locations in Richmond and San Ramon. Testing appointments can be made by going to https://bit.ly/3ql41kX or by calling (833) 829-2626. Appointments for testing at state-operated clinics in Antioch, Brentwood, Pleasant Hill and San Pablo are also available at https://lhi.care/covidtestingo or by calling (833) 829-2626. (Claycord.com)
  2. Following the release of the final district maps by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission on Monday, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) announced he is running for re-election in the newly redrawn 8th Congressional District of California. The district now encompasses most of Solano County and the northern, waterfront portions of Contra Costa County including Richmond, El Cerrito, San Pablo, El Sobrante, Pinole, Hercules, Rodeo, Crockett, Bay Point, Pittsburg and portions of Martinez and Antioch. Garamendi is a former California State Assemblyman, State Senator, two-time Insurance Commissioner, and Lt. Governor. (Contra Costa Times)
  3. The "We Are Pleasanton" group has completed its first project — the Amador Valley High shade structure for the Dons lunch area. The $225,000 needed for the project was raised in an amazing three months. The group was pleased to announce that the project came in $15,000 under budget, leaving the surplus to go toward the next project, which is the athletic fields at Pleasanton Middle School. (Pleasanton Weekly)
  4. One person was found dead inside the wreckage of a car found submerged at the end of a boat ramp at the Martinez Marina early Friday. A diver located the victim at approximately 2 p.m. A witness reported the sound of a car splashing into the water near the ramp shortly before midnight and notified authorities. (News 24/680)
  5. One person was shot twice during a freeway shooting on northbound Interstate 680 south of Diablo in Danville late Thursday night. The incident was reported shortly after 10 p.m. with one person suffering gunshot wounds to the side and abdomen. The wounded person's condition was described as "critical." (News 24/680)

Today in Concord:

  • Join Momleta Walnut Creek for a fun workout with your child at Heather Farm Park! (9:30 AM)
  • Try your voice at karaoke at the iconic Roundup Saloon. (1:00 PM)
  • Party the night away at Retro Junkie's Merry Christmas Party featuring DJ Darkerdaze (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • Need sandbags this winter? Residents can take up to 25 sandbags thanks to the city at 1455 Gasoline Alley, 24/7. (Concord Patch)
  • The holidays can be a joyful time filled with good tidings and cheer, but not everyone feels happy during the busy holiday season. The "holiday blues" is a real phenomenon that can lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as excessive drinking, overeating and insomnia. Here are some stress management coping tips for the holidays.
  • A Pittsburg, native serving in the United States Navy will celebrate Christmas and New Year's with her fellow sailors aboard USS Gravely. "The holidays, to me, are a soft reminder of the strength that unity and love can bring to the people around you," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Kianna Carrethers. Carrethers wants family back home to know they are missed this holiday season.

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday! 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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