🌱Heads Up Sports Is Closing Down + Kristi Yamaguchi In San Ramon

Good morning, everybody! It's Saturday in Concord and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally. Today you'll learn about:

• If you're looking for a place to eat on Thanksgiving that's not your dining room table, Patch has you covered with all of the great restaurants that will be open in the area.
• The City of Martinez announced that Andrew White will become its new Chief of Police.
• More traffic headaches for the Grant Street/East Street area, as phase 2 of the construction project launches on Monday.

I'm taking tomorrow off, but I'll be back in your inbox bright and early Monday morning!

But first, today's weather:

A shower in the afternoon. High: 59 Low: 38.

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Here are the top stories today in Concord:

1. After 25 years as a Concord mainstay, Heads Up Sports is closing its doors. The owner, Dennis Danziger, says it was a great run, but supply chain issues are making it tough to keep the shelves stocked, and he's ready to retire and make some time for travel. After a 40-year career in concessions, he never expected the run at the store to last this long, but he has loyal customers who prefer his store to the chains and big box retailers. He's grateful, but ready to move on. (KRON4)
2. Looking for someone else to cook on Thanksgiving? Thankfully, several restaurants in the Concord area will remain open for the holiday. Many of them are taking reservations, so you may want to jump on that. My favorite is LB Steak in San Ramon, but you really can't go wrong with any of these selections. (Concord Patch)
3. The City of Martinez issued a statement saying Clearlake Police Chief Andrew White will become the new Chief of Police for Martinez. It appears to be just a formality that the City Council has yet to approve the hire; it's poised to do so next week. White has a long and impressive history in public service, including a 15-year career as "an instructor in the basic police and dispatch academies at Napa Valley College." Is it too soon to say "Welcome, Chief White?" (Claycord.com)
4. Two people, at least one of whom lives in Concord, were arrested after a traffic stop revealed marijuana packaged for sale and two loaded firearms in their vehicle. The Concord resident was also a previously convicted felon and a search warrant was issued for his home, where more incriminating evidence was found. (Claycord.com)
5. The Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink has returned to San Ramon this year, as did Kristi Yamaguchi herself! She was at the grand opening of the rink that bears her name. Yamaguchi and Mayor Dave Hudson were on hand at the celebration on Friday, which also featured performances from local figure skaters, and caroling from San Ramon Voices. (danvillesanramon.com/ subscription may be required)

Today in Concord:

• Bring your old electronics that you want to toss out to the E-Waste Event at the Mt. Diablo Recycling Center. No hazardous waste or appliances accepted. (9:00 AM)
• Take a docent-led tour of the Antioch Sand Dunes. "Here's your chance to explore this refuge that is usually closed to the public." (10:00 AM)
• "Join best-selling author, Edna Castillo, for a local Celebration and Book Signing" at Unity of Walnut Creek Bookstore. (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• "Pavement rehabilitation for the Grant Street/East Street Pavement Rehabilitation is ongoing, and transitioning into the next phase of work on Monday, November 14. Phase 2 will focus on construction on the exterior lanes, with traffic being redirected to utulize (sic) interior lanes." (City of Concord, California via Facebook)
• The GoodGuys Autumn Get-Together Car Show will return to Pleasanton this year. "The event will feature thousands of American-made or -powered vehicles including custom hot rods, muscle cars, restored classics and trucks of all years, plus live entertainment, local food and vendors, FREE Kid Zone, autocross racing and additional activities for the whole family." (East County Today)
• "The Lamorinda Arts Council presents paintings by Nicole Reader, photography by Farzeen Taban, woodturning by David Fleisig and hats by Denise Goodman in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library during November." (The Orinda News)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right! See you 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...

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