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Community Corner

🌱The Soggy Saga Continues + Possible Martinez Refinery Flarings

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

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Jeri Karges, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy New Year, Concord!

  • Two men have accepted a plea deal for a 2014 homicide in Antioch.
  • A 15-year-old was arrested in connection with the shooting death of another 15-year-old in Pittsburg.
  • Watch the Niners play the Raiders at Retro Junkie today!


But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 60 Low: 41.

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Here are the top stories today in Concord:

  1. What a mess it is outside! We're going to get a small break today, but check out these pictures from yesterday. And it's about to get soggy again, so don't "attempt to drive through flooded areas!" (Claycord.com)
  2. Juan Barocio Jr., 29, and Rafael Arturo Lopez, 34, accepted plea deals in the 2014 homicide of 18-year-old Victor Gutierrez of Antioch. Both will receive over a decade of prison time. Barocio and Lopez were suspected to be members of the Sureño gang, court records show. Both men are serving their time in Pleasant Valley State Prison. (The Mercury News)
  3. Next week, the Concord City Council will vote on contract terms for the Naval Weapons Station reuse project. "The highly-anticipated vote comes after years of public frustration, most recently stemming from the selection of Seeno, a family-run company that for generations has held great influence over real estate development in Contra Costa, and has become notorious in the East Bay for regularly suing public agencies and fighting environmental groups." The special session will take place on January 7. (The Mercury News)
  4. A 15-year-old juvenile was taken into custody after the shooting death of another 15-year-old in Pittsburg last Thursday. "Through the investigation, a 15-year-old juvenile was found to be responsible for the shooting," police said. "He was arrested and booked on [an] involuntary manslaughter charge and transported to Juvenile Hall." The investigation remains active. (Concord Patch)
  5. The Martinez Refining Company is warning of possible flarings from operations. "Although we always strive to minimize flaring, the potential for flaring increases during shutdowns and startups. Planned flaring primarily results in the combustion of treated process gas, hydrogen, and purchased natural gas," the company said in a statement. Residents can register to receive Community Warning System alerts at https://cwsalerts.com/. (Contra Costa News)


Today in Concord:

  • Watch the Niners vs Raiders at Retro Junkie in Walnut Creek. (12:30 PM)
  • Paint a beautiful sunrise at Painting with a Twist in Pleasant Hill. (1:00 PM)
  • Comedian Tony Roberts will be at Tommy T's in Pleasanton. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • The Drama Factory will hold auditions for a Shakespeare "remake" in Antioch on Jan. 17 and 18. "Auditions are held in a 'cattle call' style. You just show up on either date listed, fill out a form for us, we take your picture and in you go! The Director will have you do a cold read from a sheet of provided material and maybe do a little improv. It is all pretty quick and easy." (Antioch Herald)
  • "Come join Cunamacué, a dance group based in Oakland, for a fun dance class for kids and parents alike" at the Antioch Library on January 7!
  • "Join [the Pleasant Hill Library] for The Next Blank Page, an 8-week writing journey. Each week, you will receive an envelope in your mailbox with writing prompts for the week, along with tangible elements for inspiration. " Starts January 9.

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You're all caught up for today. 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

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