🌱Snow On Mt. Diablo + Brentwood Deluge + Contra Costa Road Closures

Good morning, friends! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Concord Daily. Come along for the most important things happening in town.

• Congressman John Garamendi secured $37 million dollars of the federal budget for his constituents.
• Bay Area construction is starting to slow down.
• Don't miss Joy of Chinese Brush Painting with Pauline Tsui at the Orinda Library on February 6.

---

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 55 Low: 38.

---

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Concord who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

---

Here are the top stories today in Concord:

1. Check out the beautiful snow on Mt. Diablo! Turns out there are some redeeming features of this nasty weather we've been having, after all. (News 24/680)
2. Congressman John Garamendi is working for the citizens of the Bay Area. He secured $37 million dollars of the federal budget for projects in the Bay Area as well as Solano, Yolo and Sacramento counties. According to the congressman, these funds will support "transportation, workforce development, affordable housing, drinking water improvement, and flood control projects." Seems like we could have used those flood control dollars last year! (Contra Costa News)
3. Brentwood got walloped in the latest round of Mother Nature's atmospheric river circus. For some, it was the third time their properties were overwhelmed with water, and the third time they're cleaning up after the water receded. Hopefully, the third time is the charm and they won't have to do that again, but that Ma Nature can be a jokester. We'll see what she has in store for us for the rest of the winter. (Mercury News vis MSN)
4. A slowdown is starting to hit the Bay Area construction industry. "The headwinds are plenty: Higher interest rates for construction loans. Rising labor and material costs. Slowing demand from homebuyers squeezed by more expensive mortgages. And fears of a looming recession as cities continue to recover from the pandemic." That slowdown could make it difficult for us to meet the state mandated number of low-income housing units this year. (The Mercury News)
5. Road closures plagued Contra Costa County due to flooding overnight on Sunday night. Deer Valley was closed in several spots. A tree was down on N. Civic Drive in Walnut Creek, and Port Chicago Highway by Military Ocean Terminal Concord was also shut down for a time. Contra Costa Public Works is working furiously to get us back in business as quickly as possible. (Contra Costa News)

---

Today in Concord:

• Dodge the raindrops and head over to the Concord Farmers' Market at Todos Santos Plaza. (9:00 AM)
• "Do you have basic computer and technology questions? Need help with eBooks, emailing, printing, or basic web searching? Drop in to the Concord Library for help from one of our tech volunteers!" (2:00 PM)
• "DJ Delta Dave provides free line dancing lessons with a country-themed night," at Vinnie's Bar in Concord. (8:00 PM)

---

From my notebook:

• "Explore some of the East Bay's premiere hiking and natural areas with Save Mount Diablo in 2023, including places rarely open to the public. The Discover Diablo outings series offers guided hikes, themed walks, and other outdoor activities: mountain biking; rock climbing; trail running; meditation in nature; plein air painting events; and property tours. All are free to the public." (Antioch Herald)
• "Learn the basic concepts and techniques of Chinese painting and appreciate its unique aesthetic quality through hands-on instructions" at Joy of Chinese Brush Painting with Pauline Tsui at the Orinda Library on February 6.
• "Moraga is actively seeking civic-minded volunteers to serve on all of its Committees and Commissions." Applications are due January 26.

---

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Indie Pop Star Michelle Lambert Plays Market and Main in Martinez! (January 19)
• Forejour: Popular Tribute Band to FOREigner and JOURney returns to Walnut Creek! (January 21)
• Publicizing Diablo Women's Chorale "SINGERS WANTED" (January 23)
• Add your event

---

Thanks for following along and staying informed! 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...

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