🌱Ex-Co Co Sheriff's Volunteer Arraigned + Deer Valley Arsonist Caught

Hi all. I'm back with your new copy of the Concord Daily. Keep reading for the most important things going on in town these days.

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Now, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 90 Low: 60.

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Here are the top five stories in Concord today:

1. On Tuesday the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors received a report from the U.S. Department of Health regarding issues with the county's head start programs. The Board acknowledged the information in the report and is committed to fixing them within the prescribed time frame. Per Claycord.com, "the county must submit a quality improvement plan, approved by the Board of Supervisors, detailing a plan for corrective action within 30 days. The county then has anywhere from 30 to 120 days to correct each problem." District 4 Supervisor Diane Burgis said it was her understanding many of the issues were self-reported and program turnover may have helped delay the process. "This is something I know all of us find very important … it's the babies, the kids, who are the most important folks in all of this," Burgis said. District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover said the audit will make the Head Start programs stronger. "Actually, I appreciate the fact that we're looking at this, and that we're doing this update, because sometimes you find yourself where you can get lax and comfortable and some of these things you may not have had the oversight over." (Claycord.com)
2. For now, there will not be an independent board to oversee the county Sheriff's Office. The Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, on Tuesday, instead decided to approve a recommendation by its public protection committee to receive quarterly reports from the Sheriff's Office. The vote was unanimous. (Claycord.com)
3. Antioch native Nathan Bingham is making it big in Hawaii with little vehicles. Bingham has opened the flagship location for NIU smart and eco-friendly two-wheelers in Kaimuki in Honolulu. "Providing Hawai'i customers a modern mode of transportation is our goal. NIU provides a safe, comfortable, efficient and fun way to get around town," Bingham said. "The all-electric mopeds, kick scooters, motor scooters and e-bikes aren't just beautiful in design, but are very easy to maneuver. They are better for the environment in so many ways, including a significant reduction in noise pollution as NIU products make no sound." Asked about future plans, in what he referred to as "the micro-mobility market," Bingham said, "what's great about NIU is they're always coming out with new products, including an electric motorcycle. So, we will continue to build the brand. The goal is to get a presence in all the islands." (East County Today)
4. A 54-year-old former volunteer with the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office was arraigned on two felony counts for possession of assault weapons and one felony count for manufacturing or assembling an unregistered firearm. John Michael King entered a plea of not guilty. King had been under investigation for possessing illegal firearms and in January authorities seized 132 guns from his property. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 29 at 8:30 am in Martinez. (East County Today)
5. A two-alarm fire that ignited near Deer Valley Road in Antioch and closed the road for several hours was determined to be arson. A suspect has been arrested in the case. The suspect, who fled the scene, was identified as Maeweather Marshall, 37 of Oakland. Marshall was identified by witnesses and arrested later that night. (East County Today)

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Today in Concord:

• Everyone, particularly seniors, should have an Advance Health Care Directive. Contra Costa Senior Legal Service will complete on free of charge. For an appointment at Concord Senior Center, call (925) 671-3320.Events take place from 9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (9:15 a.m.)
• Todos Santos Plaza has a Farmers' Market and a free music Concerts in the Park with a great line-up of wonderful Bay Area musicians playing Salsa, jazz, zydeco, blues, and more. (6 p.m.)
• Come on out to Broadway Plaza for free music on Broadway Plaza Street. The stage is near Nordstrom. Limited seating is provided; bring your own chairs. (7 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• An original piece written by San Francisco resident Justin P. Lopez, "The Re-Education of Fernando Morales" will have a one-night-only staged reading at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 at Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette. Learn about the play and the man who wrote it at this link from Lamorinda Weekly. (lamorindaweekly.com)
• The Concord Fall Activity Guide is out! Whether you want to learn pickleball or tai chi or take a holiday lights tour of San Francisco, this guide has that and more!
• Looking for your next job or career opportunity? Monument Impact in collaboration with the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County is hosting a job fair on Friday, August 12, from 2 to 5 p.m. at 2699 Monument Boulevard. The City of Concord will be there with job opportunities, along with Bay Area Rapid Transit, Southwest Airlines, Amazon.com, Umpqua Bank, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Behavior Treatment & Analysis and many more.

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Clayton Valley Village "Lunch and Learn" "Brave Little Nell" - The Eleanor Roosevelt Story" (August 11)
• Tower of Power's Michael Jeffries, performing with BeaufunK (August 12)
• Benicia Peddlers Fair (August 13)
• Contra Costa Crystal Fair (August 13)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (August 16)
• Add your event

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! See you all tomorrow 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...

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Concord Daily? Contact me at Concord-Ca@Patch.com