🌱Hike Mt. Diablo For Free + Foster Families Needed

Hey, neighbors! Jeri Karges here with your Thursday edition of the Concord Daily, filled with everything you need to know that's happening in town.

• A three-car crash in Martinez left one dead on Wednesday.
• Nominate an environmentalist for the William Penn Mott, Jr. Award
• Check out The Pioneer's latest event calendar for something to do this weekend!

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But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 56 Low: 45.

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Here are the top stories today in Concord:

1. Looking to head up to Mt. Diablo for a hike? You may be able to get in free with your library card. "CalWORKs families, Social Security recipients, fourth graders and library card holders can have their admission fees waived." You need to check with your library. Each branch has an allotment that they can check out to cardholders. These passes unlock entry to 200 different state parks, including Mt. Diablo. (Claycord.com)
2. Contra Costa County is looking for more resource (or foster) families. The need for families that can accommodate "teens, LGBTQIA+ youth, and children with developmental and medical needs" is especially keen. If you're interested in this opportunity, you can attend an orientation to further explore this role. "For more information about becoming a foster parent and the upcoming orientation schedule please click here." (Pioneer Publishers)
3. A three-vehicle collision resulted in a fatality on the westbound lanes of Highway 4 in Martinez early Wednesday morning. A Ford hatchback made contact with the center divide, blocking one lane of traffic. Two other cars traveling westbound collided with the hatchback. The driver of the hatchback was pronounced dead at the scene. The other drivers were not injured. An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. (News 24/680)
4. Another collaborator was sentenced in the "billion-dollar Ponzi scheme involving DC Solar." Ryan Guidry, 45, of Pleasant Hill, pleaded guilty in 2020 to "conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and aiding and abetting money laundering." The principals of DC Solar, Jeff Carpoff, 52, and Paulette Carpoff, 49, both of Martinez, were sentenced to 30 years and 11 years in prison, respectively, in 2021 and ordered to pay restitution of $790.6 million. Guidry was sentenced to six years and six months in prison and ordered to pay $619.4 million in restitution for his part in the scheme. (Contra Costa News)
5. William Penn Mott, Jr. Environmental Award nominations are open. This award honors individuals or groups who have "displayed outstanding contributions in education and/or environmental preservation." You can send your nominations to The Orinda Association at oa@orindaassociation.org. Nominations will be accepted through March 10. (theorindanews.com)

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Today in Concord:

• The Antioch Library is having a big used book sale! Thousands of books must go! ( Noon)
• Paint a beautiful Starry Haystack Rock painting at Painting with a Twist in Pleasant Hill. (6:30 PM)
• It's Salsa and Bachata Dance Night at Vinnie's Bar in Concord. (8:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• In honor of Black History Month, Visit Concord has some information about Thurgood Marshall Regional Park, home of the Port Chicago 50. "On June 1, 2021, [the park] was officially named after the first African American U.S. Supreme Court Justice and the group of 50 Black sailors he advocated for as a civil rights attorney for the NAACP." Read more about it in the blog entry here.
• STAND!'s Youth Against Violence program has created a public service announcement that will play this month in local Century Theaters. The campaign is titled "Abuse Ain't Attractive!" and is designed to encourage teens to stop glamorizing abuse through media such as music and television. (STAND! For Families Free of Violence via Facebook)
• Tired of hunkering down inside? Get out and enjoy the East Bay! The Pioneer has a calendar of events to help you do just that. Try the Camellia Tea in Clayton or watch Diablo Ballet's rendition of Swan Lake!

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Zydeco Flames with opener Michael McNevin & The Spokes (February 3)
• Open House - 2615 Star Tree Court, Martinez (February 4)
• Crab Feed Drive Thru at Holy Shepherd in Orinda (February 4)
• Super Valentine's Boutique - FREE in Concord This Sunday (February 5)
• The history of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe - lunch and program (February 11)
• Add your event

Gigs & services:

• Mold Growth From The Heavy Rains? (Details)
• Add your gig or service

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with a new 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