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Community Corner

🌱 Holidays In San Ramon Valley + Orinda Nutcracker + Blood Drive

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Concord.

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Jeri Karges, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Monday, neighbors! Let's get this day started. Here's everything worth knowing in Concord today.

First, today's weather:

Clouds, then sun. High: 67 Low: 45.

Here are the top stories in Concord today:

  1. The eastbound lanes of State Route 4 in Concord were blocked for nearly an hour by a traffic collision that caused major injuries late Saturday night. The collision involved multiple vehicles and occurred just east of the Willow Pass Road exit. The California Highway Patrol reported at 12:22 a.m. Sunday that all lanes were again open. (SFGate)
  2. The American Red Cross is urging citizens to donate blood in December due to a decade-low blood supply for this time of year. Fewer blood drives at schools and colleges contributed to a 34% decrease in new blood donors compared to the previous year. People who donate between November 29 and December 16 will receive a $10 Amazon gift card as well as a chance to win a private screening of "The Matrix Resurrections" for themselves and 50 friends. Donors can schedule an appointment by downloading the Red Cross donor app, visiting redcrossblood.org, or calling (800) RED CROSS (733-2767). (Concord News Journal)
  3. In the spirit of the season on Sunday the Museum of the San Ramon Valley opened a new exhibit called Holidays in the Valley. This exhibit shows how two valley cultures celebrate their holidays. One is the traditional Christmas holiday the other Chinese New Year. (News 24/680)
  4. The Orinda Ballet Academy announces its annual holiday ballet, "A Sweet Dream Nutcracker," Dec. 10-12 at the Orinda Library Auditorium, 26 Orinda Way. Masks are required, for both audience and performers, but the magic will be overflowing. Times and prices vary. For ticket information, visit www.orindaballetacademy.com or email patricia@orindaballetacademy.com. (The Orinda News)
  5. A woman found dead on the morning of Nov. 20 in the backyard of a Bay Point home is believed to be an 87-year-old woman who was reported missing, authorities said. Adela De la Pena was last seen the evening of Nov. 16 at her home in the 600 block of Victoria Court in Bay Point. The coroner will confirm the identity and determine the cause of death, the sheriff's office said Saturday on social media. (NBC Bay Area)

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Today in Concord:

  • Come out for the Holiday Faire at Shadeland's Ranch. During this two-week event, the house is overflowing with beautiful handcrafted items and gifts of every description, offered by dozens of vendors. Admission and parking are free. (10:00 AM)
  • Join the Golden State Warriors Watch Party at Retro Junkie in Walnut Creek. (5:30 PM)
  • Salsa, bachata, reggaeton music and dancing at Nica Lounge in Concord. Doors open at 6:30pm. Live music starts at 8 pm with different Latin bands every Sunday. (6:30 PM)

Concord Patch Notebook

  • As is the case every rainy season, South Park Drive at Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley is closed to vehicle traffic to make the road safe for newt migration. At Tilden, the migration route crosses South Park Drive on the way to Wildcat Creek, which would be potentially fatal to the newts if vehicles were allowed. Park visitors are welcome to walk and bicycle on South Park Drive during the closure. But be advised: Newts have a toxin on their skin, so keep your dogs away from the newts and don't handle the newts yourself. (Pioneer Publishers)

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That's it for today. I'll see you around! If you're into these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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? Reach out anytime to Concord-Ca@Patch.com.

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