🌱Music & Market Takes Final Bow + BART Parking Takes Credit Cards!

Morning, everybody. Jeri Karges here with your fresh copy of the Concord Daily, filled with everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Today we'll cover...

• If you missed the Concord City Council candidates go head to head, discussing their views on the issues, you can see a replay courtesy of the Concord Chamber of Commerce.
• The Orinda Rotary held two very successful fundraisers last month, both involving beautiful, vintage automobiles.
• You can take a tour of Vasco Caves Regional Preserve in October! Hurry! Spots for the hikes are sure to go fast.

---

But first, today's weather:

Clouds giving way to sun. High: 79 Low: 56.

---

🏡 Attention, real estate pros in Concord! We're now offering an exclusive sponsorship opportunity for an agent interested in attracting local clients and standing apart from the competition. Click here to learn more.

---

Here are the top stories in Concord today:

1. BART has upgraded their parking and "add fares" machines to now accept credit and debit cards at all stations, including those in Concord, Pleasant Hill and throughout Contra Costa County. "This upgrade is perhaps the biggest customer experience improvement to date for those who drive and park at BART stations," the announcement reads. The machines have also been reprogrammed to accept $10 and $20 in addition to $1 and $5 bills. (Claycord.com)
2. Did you make it out to the Concord City Council candidate forum last Wednesday? Candidates discussed their positions on homelessness, police funding, affordable housing, the Naval Weapons Station development and many more topics. Two notable people who did not participate were Concord Mayor Dominic Aliano and treasurer challenger D'Marco Anthony. Aliano yielded his time to other candidates because he is running unopposed in District 3. Incumbent treasurer Patti Barsotti spoke at the forum, but her challenger D'Marco Anthony declined to participate. If you weren't able to attend, you can see the full forum on the Chamber's YouTube channel. (Pioneer Publishers)
3. Well, it's official, summer is in the books and so is the Music and Market series, until next year, hopefully! Judging by the throngs of people who flocked to the venue week after week, few in Concord missed this fun music and farmers market activity. If you did happen to miss one of the Thursdays, The Pioneer has some pictures and videos for you! And we can all use these to remember this summer as we look forward to the next one. (Pioneer Publishers)
4. Thursday, Sept. 29, our very own Congressman Mark DeSaulnier announced House passage of the Mental Health Matters Act (H.R. 7780). This legislation will increase access to mental health support, services, and resources for children, students, workers, and families. "From children and young adults experiencing an uptick in mental health challenges to educator burnout, our country is experiencing a mental health and substance abuse crisis. As someone who lost their father by suicide, I am proud to have led this comprehensive approach to strengthen mental health resources for students, educators, and workers with Chairman Scott," said DeSaulnier. Next, it's on to the Senate for consideration. (Contra Costa Herald)
5. The Rotary Club of Orinda had back to back fundraisers last week that included both a gala and car show both featuring classic automobiles. Another thing both events had in common was that they were each a huge success! Orinda Rotary raises funds for Meals on Wheels, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties, scholarships, outings for the Boys and Girls Club, and many other local, regional and international projects. These events go a long way toward the Club's funding of these worthy causes. Thank you to all who came out, donated and supported Orinda Rotary! (theorindanews.com)

---

Today in Concord:

• Pumpkins and pears and persimmons, oh my! There all here for the choosin' at the Walnut Creek Farmers Market at 1799 Locust St. (9:00 AM)
• Sample foods, beer and wines from 30 downtown restaurants at the 15th annual Taste of Concord at Todos Santos Plaza. Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting Key Club leadership programs at Mt. Diablo HS, Concord HS, and Clayton Valley Charter HS and other worthwhile non-profit organizations. (1:00 PM)
• Enjoy happy hour food and beverage pricing on Sunday afternoons for Sunday Sessions between 2-5 PM at Smith's Landing Seafood Grill in Antioch. Watch boats enjoy fresh and tasty food and some of the Bay Area's best entertainers! (2:00 PM)

---

From my notebook:

• The Concord Police Department is proud to announce the re-launching of their Cadet Program. The Police Cadet program is for individuals 14-21 years old and serves as an opportunity to give participants a unique insider's look at the inner workings of the Police Department. To learn more, visit the Cadet Program website: https://www.cityofconcord.org/201/Police-Cadet (City of Concord, California via Facebook)
• Whether you're planning to bake a pie, carve a jack-o'-lantern or just add some festive flair to your stoop, there are plenty of places to pick up a pumpkin near Concord. Patch has a few suggestions in Contra Costa County and around the East Bay: (Concord Patch)
• Take a tour of the Vasco Caves Regional Preserve in October! Take a 2-3 mile hike on land that is sacred to local California Indigenous Peoples. There are 4 dates to choose from. (Contra Costa Times)

---

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Curry House — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Blue Devils Special Needs Color Guard looking for new members (October 3)
• New Cupcake Specials for October (October 4)
• High Holiday services (October 4)
• Fall Contra Costa Crystal Fair (October 8)
• Clyde Artist Network Arts & Crafts Festival (October 8)
• Absolute Trust Academy Trust Administration 101 - Free Virtual Event (October 28)
• Add your event

Job listings:

• Musical Theatre Teacher (Details)
• Sales Associate (Details)
• Add your job listing

---

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Sunday! See you tomorrow morning for your next 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