This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

🌱New Mascot for Concord High + Co Co Teacher of the Year Finalists

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

Jeri Karges's profile picture
Jeri Karges, Neighbor
|
(Patch Media)

Good morning, people of Concord! It's me again, Jeri Karges, your host of the Concord Daily. Happy Cinco de Mayo!

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and cooler. High: 72 Low: 56.

Are you a local business owner or marketer? We can help you effortlessly run effective ads that reach customers in Concord. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top five stories in Concord today:

  1. Tsar Nicoulai Caviar has become the target of anti-Russian sentiment. But it's not Russian. Headquartered in Concord, it was formed in San Francisco by a Swedish family with no ties to Russia. Unfortunately, the name has made the company a target in recent days. In April, an alarming letter arrived at their headquarters. It said "Go back to Russia! Or suffer severe consequences!" And that's not the only ill that has befallen the company since the War broke out in Ukraine. Sales have fallen by 50%, while the company has had to increase security at its Concord facility and Ferry Building outpost out of concern for staff safety. The owners are considering shortening the Tsar Nicoulai name to T&C. They feel torn between preserving the company's history and countering modern-day perceptions. (San Francisco Chronicle)
  2. The Contra Costa District Attorney has filed murder charges against 34-year-old Ismael Alvarez and 44-year-old Francesca Charlene Lopez according to the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office. The Concord couple is currently being held at the Martinez Detention Facility for the murder of Felipe Dejesus Lopez which occurred on January 31, in Concord. Alvarez and Francesca Lopez are also charged with two special circumstances allegations accusing the pair of murder for financial gain and murder in the course of a burglary. (Claycord.com)
  3. The Concord High Cows has a ring to it, doesn't it? It's one possibility for a new mascot for the school, according to a survey that was emailed to parents and students. Apparently, the "Minutemen" mascot had it's minute in the sun, but will now be replaced. The new mascot for Concord High will be either the crocodiles, coyotes, condors, cows, kangaroos, chargers, chameleons or cats (Claycord.com)
  4. The Contra Costa County Office of Education this week announced the four teachers who have been selected 2022-23 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year finalists. The announcements came on National Teacher Appreciation Day which celebrates teachers in the classroom throughout the country. The four were selected from a pool of 18 district teachers of the year. County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey made the announcements in surprise visits to each of the finalist's classrooms. (Pioneer Publishers)
  5. During the Antioch Chamber of Commerce's annual Gala, Emerald HPC International, LLC was honored as the 2021 Antioch Small Business of the Year. Since 1992, Emerald HPC has provided consulting, coaching, education, and training to empower and equip leaders of businesses, non-profits, foundations, education institutions and governments. When reached for comment about the honor business owner Keith Archuleta shared, "At the end of this month, Emerald HPC International, LLC celebrates its 30th year in business. We have been proud to serve this community over the last 22 years and Iris and I are especially honored to be recognized as the 2021 Antioch Small Business of the Year!" (Antioch Herald)

Today in Concord:

  • Wacoal, the nation's leading designer intimate apparel brand, launches its fall Fit for the Cure® event series in partnership with Susan G. Komen® to support the fight against breast cancer, at the Macy's in Concord. (10:00 AM)
  • Farm-fresh produce and fresh-cut flowers along with arts and crafts vendors, specialty foods, baked goods, and numerous gourmet food vendors are all yours for the taking at the Benicia Certified Farmers Market in Downtown Benicia. (4:00 PM)
  • Enjoy a Cinco de Mayo feast with $3 Build Your Own Taco Bar. All Beers $4. Happy Hour Food and Drink Menu All Day at Smith's Landing Seafood Grill in Antioch. The Max Cortes Trio will be playing Salsa, Cumbia, Latin, and Jazz music. (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • Concord Police are asking residents and businesses to join what they call a new police-community partnership known as the Community Electronic Eye (CEE) Program.
    Police say the goal is to help "solve crime" with the help of the community's private video cameras. Participation in this program is voluntary and free. Police are asking community members to register their privately-owned surveillance camera systems. To find out more or to register, go to Cityofconcord.org/1001/Camera-Registry. (Patch)
  • On Wednesday, the East Contra Costa Fire protection District reminded residents to destroy weeds and abate flammable vegetation and rubbish. The due date to abate properties is May 15. The reminder applies to residents within the District which includes: City of Brentwood, City of Oakley, Town of Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Byron, Knightsen, and Marsh Creek area. For more information, visit: https://www.eccfpd.org/
  • To best serve the needs of an evolving Bay Area, BART is revisiting their System Expansion Policy. Your valuable input helps plan future projects and continue to provide the best service for Bay Area riders and residents. They want to hear from you! Make your voice heard by taking the survey: http://s.alchemer.com/s3/BART-System-Expansion-Policy-Survey

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

  • Meet Mary Knox - Candidate for CC County District Attorney (May 6)
  • California Honey Festival Woodland, CA (May 7)
  • Mother's Day Specials (May 8)
  • Diablo Symphony: Mother's Day with Florence Price and Duke Ellington (May 8)
  • Hire A Pro To Tackle Mom's To-Do List (May 8)
  • 2022 Hike for Hope (May 14)
  • Ygnacio Valley High School Class of 1971 50th (+1) Reunion (May 21)
  • Add your event

Announcements:

Gigs & services:

Job listings:

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. 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...

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Concord Daily? Contact me at Concord-Ca@Patch.com

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Concord