🌱FEMA Relief Available In Concord + 8 New Walnut Creek Eagle Scouts

Hello again, neighbors! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Concord Patch newsletter. Let's get this Sunday started off right, with a quick guide to everything you need to know that's happening around town. Today you'll find these stories and more:

• Contra Costa suffered about $44 million in damages from the January storms!
• Thirteen people were arrested in one week in Contra Costa for human trafficking.
• Original Joe's is coming to Walnut Creek!

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But first, today's weather:

A shower and t-storm; breezy. High: 57 Low: 36.

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Here are the top stories in Concord today:

1. FEMA relief is available in Concord if you suffered damage from the recent storms. Applications for assistance must be submitted directly to FEMA. The applications can be found at this address: www.disasterassistance.gov. "Note: If you have insurance, you must file a claim with your insurance company first before applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA assistance cannot aid with losses already covered by insurance." (City of Concord, California via Facebook)
2. Alan Safahi, 60, of Orinda, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for his part in a prepaid debit card scheme. Safahi was found guilty on June 30, 2022. The judge also " imposed a $100,000 fine on Sahafi and ordered three years of supervision of him following his release from prison." (Claycord.com)
3. Walnut Creek has eight brand new Eagle Scouts! The eight joined Walnut Creek Mayor Cindy Silva at Grace Presbyterian Church for the presentation of the honor. Does Eagle Scout look like a goal you'd like to pursue or help others pursue? "Now that their eight new Eagles will be moving on to college and beyond, the Troop will be actively recruiting both young Scouts and prospective merit badge counselors." (News 24/680)
4. The totals are in. The recent storms caused about $44 million in damages in Contra Costa County! "The City of Pittsburg had an estimated $9.5 million in damages while the City of Martinez had $5.9 million. Meanwhile, the City of Antioch an estimated $4.4 million in damages with the Town of Danville at $2.3 million." That was one painful series of storms we weathered! (Contra Costa News)
5. During the week of January 23 through January 28, 13 people were arrested in Contra Costa County who were suspected of human trafficking, and 30 survivors were identified. The effort was part of a statewide program to identify and recover survivors of human trafficking. "My office stands ready to evaluate these cases for prosecution and hold traffickers accountable for their exploitation of vulnerable members of our community," noted District Attorney Diana Becton. (Claycord.com)

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Today in Concord:

• Need some hummus, sweet potatoes and smoked fish? The Walnut Creek Farmers' Market has you covered! Head over and see what other fresh unique finds you uncover. (9:00 AM)
• Experience the 5th Super Valentine's Boutique in at the Concord Hilton. "Shoppers will be able to pamper themselves and buy gifts for their Valentine's Sweethearts." (11:00 AM)
• "The Knights of Columbus will be hosting their Super Bowl Fund Raiser (aka Crab Feed)." Bring a few friends and enjoy the succulent feast! (2:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• America's Got Talent's Jimmie Herrod is coming to Orinda. Howie Mandel dubbed Herrod "best male vocalist" of his season. Herrod will perform at the Orinda Theatre on February 19 "as part of the Live At the Orinda! concert series." (theorindanews.com)
• Original Joe's is coming to Walnut Creek! The opening is scheduled for 2024. The restaurant will occupy the storefront across from Macy's in Broadway Plaza. Can't wait! (Mercury News vis MSN)
• If you head over to Orinda Village and pop inside Orinda Books, you'll see a new photograph exhibit called "Orinda: Photographs by Jeff Heyman." It's a collection of six photographs of the iconic locations throughout the city of Orinda. Neat! (lamorindaweekly.com)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at Concord-Ca@Patch.com