Community Corner
🌱La Russa Severs Ties With ARF + Pittsburg Parks Closed
The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Concord.
Hey, everybody! It's Friday in Concord and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know that's happening locally, including:
- COVID-19 vaccination sites in Antioch, Concord and Richmond will close permanently on March 31.
- Tesla involved in a collision with a fire truck on I-680 was on autopilot.
- E-40 and Joe Nichols are playing at the Alameda County Fair in June.
But first, today's weather:
A.M. downpours, then showers. High: 60 Low: 46.
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Here are the top stories today in Concord:
- All parks in the City of Pittsburg are closed until further notice. Officials are concerned about high winds and heavy rainfall unearthing trees and causing branches to fall. They will reassess the situation after the current storm passes. (Claycord.com)
- The La Russa family severed ties with the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) in Walnut Creek that they founded 30 years ago. The story of the beginning of the nonprofit is a charming one. As the A's manager, Tony La Russa cornered a stray cat on the field at the Oakland Coliseum during a game. He and his wife couldn't find a suitable no-kill shelter, so they founded one. However, the organization recently ran afoul of its founder, with him stating, "The foundation was like an extended family, everyone contributed to this close-knit personal culture ... That is, sadly, no longer the case, which is why we no longer want to be associated with the foundation we created." (Claycord.com)
- The state COVID-19 testing sites in Pleasant Hill and Antioch are closed. Free at-home tests are still available through the online form or the call center, 1-833-829-2626. On March 31, vaccination sites in Antioch, Concord and Richmond will close. Vaccinations will still be available through healthcare providers and pharmacies. (Pioneer Publishers)
- The National Transportation Safety Board says it believes that the accident that caused the death of the driver of a Tesla on I-680 last month happened when the vehicle was on autopilot. The crash also injured the passenger and four firefighters who were onboard the fire engine that the Tesla crashed into. "A special crash investigation team is taking a closer look at the crash" to make a final determination. (News 24/680)
- The Concord City City Council allocated $7 million of its federal American Recovery Plan Act to 22 nonprofits at its meeting on Tuesday. The final list was culled from 70 applicants who met the qualifications. You can see a list of the recipients and the amounts allocated at this link from the city: (cityofconcord.org)
Today in Concord:
- For the Masses is playing at Retro Junkie in Walnut Creek. (6:00 PM)
- Paint a Moonlit Waterfall at Painting with a Twist in Pleasant Hill. (7:00 PM)
- "Definitely don't wanna miss The Gary Payton All-Star Comedy Jam Vol. 1 Hosted by Mike Jones" at Tommy T's in Pleasanton. (7:30 PM)
From my notebook:
- "Concord native and hilarious actor @blakeanderson appeared on a new episode of the California Now Podcast to dish about his favorite hang spots all over the state, including right here in his hometown." (Visit Concord via Instagram)
- E-40 and Joe Nichols are among performers who will grace the stage at the Alameda County Fair in June. "Early access to the first shows will be available to Season Pass holders on March 15 and available to the general public on March 17." (Contra Costa News)
- "Karen Mason can't wait to bring her show Kander and Ebb and All That Jazz to Orinda March 26 ... Mason will share stories from her impressive career, which includes shows such as Sunset Boulevard (Norma Desmond), Hairspray (Velma von Tussel), Wonderland (The Queen of Hearts) and originating the role of Tanya in Abba's Mamma Mia!" (The Orinda News)
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That's it for today! See you all tomorrow 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...
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