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

Community Corner

🌱 Slow Speed Chase in Pleasant Hill + New Lafayette Mayor

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)

Happy Saturday, Concord! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started off right. Here's everything worth knowing today in Concord.

First, today's weather:

Chilly with clouds and sun. High: 48 Low: 36.

Rent this space:

Are you a local business owner or marketer in Concord? We love connecting local businesses with our amazing readers. Learn more about how it works.

Here are the top five stories today in Concord:

  1. COVID-19 testing is apparently taking a break for the holidays in Contra Costa County. All county and state COVID-19 testing sites in Contra Costa County will be closed for the days surrounding Christmas and the new year. As of December 16, there were 1,436 active cases of COVID-19 in Contra Costa County, and 10 people were hospitalized in the ICU. (Claycord.com)
  2. A masked man who reportedly attracted the attention of the law by spitting at a crew of tree-cutters and hurling abuse at others in Lafayette took a convoy of law enforcement officers on a slow-speed chase that lasted most of the afternoon and ended when the man's truck was spike-stripped in Pleasant Hill Thursday. The reason for the strange behavior remains unknown. The driver has not been identified and it may take some time to sort out the agency with jurisdiction. (News 24/680)
  3. Todd Quackenbush received a lifesaving kidney transplant from Concord's own Suzie Scher, 40 years after they met at Juana Briones Elementary School. Quackenbush has Dandy-Walker syndrome, a congenital brain malformation of the cerebellum, and he is blind. Scher couldn't bear the thought of her old friend, who already lives with a disability, being in failing health. When it turned out she was a match, she didn't hesitate to offer to donate her kidney to her old friend. The surgery was a success and Quackenbush now calls his new organ "Suzette" in honor of his donor. (Palo Alto Online)
  4. On Wednesday, citing "family care" reasons, Vice President Dr. Clyde Lewis declined the possibility of being nominated for Antioch Unified School Board president. The board then voted 3-2 after some debate to appoint Trustee Gary Hack. Board President Ellie Householder asked Lewis if they nominated him for the position would he accept it. Lewis replied, "I would likely decline for this year… it's not that I don't want the position, it's because I have family things that I have to deal with." For vice president, Lewis nominated Trustee Hernandez which passed in a 5-0 vote. (East County Today)
  5. At the December 13, 2021 Lafayette City Council meeting, the City Council unanimously voted for Teresa Gerringer to serve as Mayor and Carl Anduri to serve as Vice Mayor of the city for the upcoming year. The City Council and others also thanked Councilmember Susan Candell for her leadership, round-the-clock commitment, and dedication as Mayor in 2021. (News 24/680)

Today in Concord:

  • Come out for the 2nd Annual Pine Canyon Cleanup Day. (9:00 AM)
  • Gather at Memory Gardens Cemetery to honor and remember those who have served our country in the US Armed Forces. Following a short ceremony, wreaths will be placed on the graves of local Veterans. (10:00 AM)
  • Pressed, the leading cold-pressed juice and plant-based treats brand, is celebrating the Grand Opening of its newest location at The Veranda in Concord! (2:00 PM)
  • Check out Flock of Seagirls (Ladies of the 80's Tribute) at Retro Junkie in Walnut Creek. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • Big thank you to the Concord Art Association and instructor John for this festive virtual art class! Click here to learn how to paint beautiful holiday themed rocks. (Facebook)
  • Check out the Gingerbread House Competition sponsored by Estates by Wendy! Which is your favorite? (Facebook)
  • Look back at the 2021 School Year in Review. There were lots of changes. Sometimes the more things change, the more they stay the same. (Pioneer Publishers)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

  • Brighten The First Day Of Winter With 15 Percent Off FTD's Sunniest Blooms (December 21)
  • Christmas Comedy Bash Starring Kabir Singh from AGT LIVE in Pleasanton (December 23)
  • Christmas Eve Special Take-Out Dinner - Roxx on Main (December 24)
  • New Years Eve Party at Roxx on Main (December 31)
  • Add your event

Free stuff:

Gigs & services:

Loving the Concord Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. See you all tomorrow morning 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...

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

More from Concord