🌱 Help Find Antioch Murder Suspect + Concord Dog Parks Closing

Hello, people of Concord! Jeri Karges here with a fresh Concord Daily.

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First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 62 Low: 41.

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Here are the top five stories today in Concord:

1. Eric O. Berg, 55, of Concord, has been reappointed Deputy Chief of Health in the Division of Occupational Safety and Health at the California Department of Industrial Relations, by Governor Gavin Newsom. Berg has served there since 2015. Berg held several positions in the Division of Occupational Safety and Health from 1997 to 2015, including Principal Safety Engineer, Acting Principal Safety Engineer, Senior Safety Engineer, Associate Safety Engineer, Associate Industrial Hygienist and Assistant Industrial Hygienist. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $179,832. Berg is a Democrat. (Office of Governor Gavin Newsom)
2. The Antioch Police Department is requesting help in locating murder suspect Robert Mathews. A felony warrant has been issued for his arrest for first degree murder and attempted murder with gang enhancements. On Nov. 10, 2021 Mathews shot and killed Johnta White in an unprovoked attack, in the middle of the day, at a busy gas station on Lone Tree Way. Matthews is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information with his whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Whitaker at (925) 779-6890. (East County Today)
3. The City of Concord's two dog parks are scheduled to be closed for annual turf renovation and general maintenance. New hall Park Paw Patch Dog Park will be closed from Thursday, February 3 through Friday, March 18. The City's Baldwin Dog Park will be closed beginning on Friday, March 18 and will reopen on Tuesday, April 19. Renovations will include aeration, re-seeding, adding organic mulch, and allowing time for the natural turf grass to grow and fill in the worn areas. (Claycord.com)
4. Low-income California renters could see relief under a bill unveiled Wednesday by State Senator Steve Glazer from Orinda and co-authors representing more than one-third of the Legislature. Under the bill, eligible households would receive a credit of $500 for single residents and $1,000 for single parents and couples. Currently, eligible renters have their tax liabilities offset by only $60 for single filers or $120 for joint filers. The renter's credit was established in 1972. Since its only increase in 1979, rents in California have more than quintupled while the renters credit remained flat. (Contra Costa Herald)
5. The City of Oakley is excited to announced that Paul Beard has been appointed the Oakley Police Department new Chief of Police, effective immediately. "This is a very exciting time for Oakley, and we look forward to working under Paul's leadership in law enforcement," said Josh McMurray, Oakley's City Manager. Chief Beard has been with the OPD since the City established its own police department in May of 2016. (East County Today)

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From our sponsor:

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Today in Concord:

• Bring your buffalo nickel or steel penny to the Concord Coin Show at the Clarion Hotel and find out what they're worth. (10:00 AM)
• Don't miss the Annual 'Comfort Food Week' 2022 in Concord (11:00 AM)
• Carlos Reyes will be at Roxx on Main in Martinez. (7:00 PM)
• The Spazmatics will be at Dan's Irish Sports Bar in Walnut Creek. You don't want to miss this one! (9:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Sports seasons are well underway at high schools in and near Concord, and Patch is teaming up with ScoreStream to give you this week's upcoming schedules for your favorite local teams. Here are the upcoming games in the Concord area. (Concord Patch)
• From San Ramon Regional Medical Center: "We had such an overwhelming response to our upcoming blood drive at San Ramon Regional Medical Center that we've added another date! Thank you to everyone who helped us spread the word about this important cause. We will be hosting a second drive on February 17th, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in our South Building at 7777 Norris Canyon Road. Those interested in donating can head to redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code SRRMC to make an appointment at our hospital." (News 24/680)
• LEGO® Day is January 28th, but the Oakley Library is celebrating all month long! During the month of January, each time you check out books at the Oakley Library you'll receive a small bag of LEGO® bricks to add to our community library LEGO® tower. The more you check out, the bigger the tower will be. (bibliocommons.com)
• Due to health concerns Contra Costa Con 3 At Hilton Concord has been rescheduled for April 10. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right. I'll see you soon!

— 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...