🌱New Mt. Diablo Trail Opens March 29 + MUSD Staffer Convicted

Hello all! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Concord Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know that's happening locally.

• Dick's Sporting Goods in Pleasant Hill was hit 8 times in 7 days!
• Clayton City Councilmember Peter Cloven speaks out about termination of the city's agreement with the Clayton Business and Community Association.
• Don't miss Contra Costa Con 5 today at the Hilton!

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But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy, showers around. High: 63 Low: 52.

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Here are the top stories in Concord today:

1. Ex-Martinez Unified School District network engineer Ahmed Kamal Ismaiel was convicted on Friday, on charges including unlawful electronic contact with a minor and arranging to meet a minor for sex. The charges stemmed from an incident in 2018, when Ismaiel arranged to meet the minor in a Pleasant Hill parking lot, but instead was arrested by authorities on his arrival. "Ismaiel faces a maximum prison term of four years and a $5000.00 fine." His sentencing hearing is April 7. (Claycord.com)
2. Dick's Sporting Goods in Pleasant Hill reported eight incidents of shoplifting and/or suspicious circumstances in the last seven days! Clothing and shoes were the most popular items to pilfer. (Claycord.com)
3. One member of the Clayton City Council is speaking out after the council voted to terminate its agreement with the Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA). The CBCA puts on several well-known Clayton events each year. Councilmember Peter Cloven was highly critical of the decision and of Clayton Mayor Jeff Wan, in his statement. (Contra Costa News)
4. The Knobcone Point to Riggs Canyon trail connection on Mt. Diablo will officially open to the public on March 29. "This section of trail winds through the upper 560 acres of Mount Diablo's Curry Canyon Ranch, through one of Mount Diablo's wildest areas. It travels from Balancing Rock and Knobcone Point, to Cave Point, to Windy Point and Riggs Canyon." The opening ceremony will take place near Balancing Rock at 11:00 a.m. on March 29. (Antioch Herald)
5. March is now American Red Cross Month in the City of Concord. The City Council proclaimed it so at its March 7 meeting. "American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region volunteers have provided community service such as emergency and disaster response, first aid, and support for military personnel and their families. They also collect[ed] important blood donations and held 20 blood drives in Concord this past year, which received enough donations to help more than 1,000 lives! Additionally, 7,000 people were trained locally in first aid and CPR through the Red Cross in 2022," the city said on its Facebook page. (City of Concord, California via Facebook)

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Today in Concord:

• Don't miss the best produce of the season at the Walnut Creek Farmers' Market. (9:00 AM)
• "Contra Costa Con 5 returns indoors to the Hilton Concord Hotel this Sunday to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Return of the Jedi and all things Star Wars." (10:00 AM)
• "Enjoy Happy Hour Food and Beverage Pricing on Sunday afternoons for Sunday Sessions" at Smith Landing Seafood Grill in Antioch. (2:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• "Join The Speakeasy Baking Co at The Dough House in Downtown Brentwood as they host a Kids Club Cookie Decorating: St. Patrick's Day. You are invited to sign up and attend in your favorite green attire and ready to decorate cookies!" (Contra Costa News)
• Celebrate your favorite transit driver on Transit Driver Appreciation Day on March 18 and ride for free on Tri Delta Transit, County Connection, and WestCAT! (Antioch Herald)
• "This mural of African wildlife can be found on a building under construction. Do you know where it is? Enter your best guess for the chance to win dinner at an East Bay restaurant."

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Featured events:

• Contra Costa Con 5 Celebrating 40th Anniversary of Return of the Jedi (March 12)
• Danville Community Band presents Musician's Request (March 12)
• Fuddruckers Comedy Night (March 16)
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• Castro Valley USD Education Job Fair (March 25)
• Vote for Roxx on Main - Diablo Magazine Best of the East Bay (March 31)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Sunday off right! I'll see you around.

— 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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