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Community Corner

🌱East Bay Holiday Happenings + Antioch Credit Union Groundbreaking

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, Concord! I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know that's going on in town. Because community news matters! In today's issue of the Daily, you'll find these stories and more...

  • The Noor Islamic and Cultural Community members recognized local first responders.
  • A Concord man was arrested in the case of an alleged second sexual assault.
  • Play Bingo with Santa!

But first, today's weather:

Sunny much of the time. High: 55 Low: 32.

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Here are the top stories in Concord today:

  1. Looking for a menorah lighting, a Nutcracker ballet or a "procrastinator's peculiar holiday pop-up market?" Patch has you covered! We've got a list of all of the holiday happenings in Concord and all over the East Bay. (Concord Patch)
  2. Police arrested 22-year-old Rafael Mendoza-Reyes for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman walking on Minert Road, near Oak Grove Road in Concord. The police allege that earlier in the day Mendoza-Reyes attempted to kidnap a different woman walking in the same location. Mendoza-Reyes was convicted in June of this year for sexually assaulting an Alamo woman. He was released from jail on that charge in October. Police believe there may be other victims and are encouraging them to come forward. (Claycord.com)
  3. November 16 was Police Appreciation Day at the Noor Islamic and Cultural Community Center. Members of the police department were greeted with a red rose upon entering the ceremony. "None of our classes, programs or refugee assistance would be possible without their service. They have kept us safe, and we are grateful."said NICCC president Dr. Siddique Popal. (Pioneer Publishers)
  4. Did you see people in business suits and hard hats on Hillcrest in Antioch on Wednesday? They were out there breaking ground for the new Travis Credit Union branch. "This new 3,500-square-foot branch will also provide space for financial education workshops [and] community-focused business development programs." (Contra Costa News)
  5. On Tuesday, Contra Costa Health (CCH) notified the Martinez Refining Company that "it has determined the Nov. 24-25 incident was a Major Chemical Accident or Release (MCAR), a legal designation that allows CCH to thoroughly investigate the cause of the incident through an independent investigation, perform follow-up work to fill safety gaps, and publicly report its activities through a transparent process." This incident sent 20 tons of "spent catalyst" into the air in Martinez overnight Nov. 24 -25, and CCH found that the refinery failed to report it to authorities as it was required to do. (Claycord.com)

Today in Concord:

  • Bingo with Santa?? Heck, yes! Sign me up. The festivities come "complete with a coffee and pastry breakfast from Sunrise Bistro & Catering!" at Civic Park in Walnut Creek. (10:00 AM)
  • Bethel Baptist Church offers a free drive-through Nativity scene. (6:00 PM)
  • The Quitters Trio hits Roxx On Main in Martinez. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • The Grant Street/East Street Pavement Rehabilitation project is "moving on to the next phase of work. On Friday, December 16, work will focus on paving on East Street between Bacon Avenue and Salvio Street, with vehicle traffic reduced to a single 11-foot lane in both directions. On Saturday, December 17 work will continue on East Street between Bacon Avenue and Salvio Street, with a full road closure in effect for this day only." (City of Concord, California via Facebook)
  • Police in Antioch will host a gun buyback event Saturday. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the department, at 300 L St.
  • "Join [the community of Lafayette] for the 8th Annual Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony as we celebrate the spirit of love & unity in the Lamorinda community. Enjoy a fire show, Latkes, Sufganiyot (jelly donuts), Chocolate Gelt, Menorahs & candles, Dreidels & lots of holiday spirit. Free of charge." (News 24/680)

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That's it for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with 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

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