🌱 Concord Police K9 Heroes + Monica’s Riverview Open today

Merry Christmas Concord!

• Where were you when the plane crashed in Sunvalley Mall 37 years ago?
• Congressman DeSaulnier got $21.7 million in federal funding for Contra Costa County.
• It’s a beautiful day to leave Ice skating!

I’m off tomorrow, but I’ll be back in your inbox early Tuesday morning!

But first, today’s weather:

Areas of fog, then sun. High: 61 Low: 43.

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Here are the top stories at Concord today:

1. K9 officers Hancock and Max bring credit to Concord Police! Thanks to the two of them, two illegal firearms are removed from the streets. The K9s were called to the scene of an altercation on Monument Blvd and they used their trained sniffers to extricate the weapons. Thanks to Constables Hancock and Max and the entire Concord Police Force for helping us keep us safe over the holiday season. (Concord Police K9 Association via Facebook)
2. Concord scores another sad anniversary of the plane crash in the Sunvalley Mall. The accident happened 37 years ago. Claycord has a YouTube of one of the reports of the incident. I lived just down the street in Walnut Creek at the time. My roommate and I opened our Christmas present that night before we both went to our family’s house for Christmas, otherwise we probably would have been to the mall. I think everyone in the area has a story of that night. (Claycord.com)
3. Congressman DeSaulnier, of Concord, announced that he had secured $21.7 million in federal funding for 15 projects to benefit Contra Costa County in the $1.7 trillion national budget. “Also included in the bill is language that Congressman DeSaulnier drafted to add Nystrom Elementary School to the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historic Park. (Contra Costa News)
4. Huge Illegal Marijuana Shipment Worth Over $14.8 Million Seized during a raid of four Antioch houses on Wednesday. According to David Hafner, spokesman for the California Department of Cannabis Control, “16,614 plants, 674 pounds of processed flowers, $14,818,650 – estimated total value of all unauthorized cannabis products seized and $11,725 ​​in cash.” (Herald of Antioch)
5. There are a growing number of people, some of whom are your neighbors, who are scammed out of their middle class tax refund. Bob at Concord writes, “Even before I used the card, bandits had illegally purchased $335 worth of candy. My next door neighbor experienced the same phenomenon and other people in the neighborhood as well.” 7 On Your Side is trying to help. “If your card has been compromised, contact 7 On Your Side at ABC7news.com.” (KGO TV)

Today in Concord:

• If it’s Ice skating you’re looking for, look no further than Ice at the Veranda. (11:00)
• Head to Civic Park in Walnut Creek for Walnut Creek on the ice. “Walnut Creek On Ice is subject to closing for holidays, private parties and private ice rental at any time. ” (1:30 p.m.)
• Do you like Brazilian steakhouses or teppanyaki? Whatever your tastes on this beautiful Christmas day, OpenTable offers you restaurants open today that will tickle those taste buds. (All day)

From my notebook:

• “Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery has excellent tips for being eco-responsible this holiday season! Against Sustainable Coast” (Greater Concord California Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• If you are looking for a good place to celebrate, Monica’s Riverview will be open Christmas Day and New Year’s Day! (Herald of Antioch)
• Did you miss the annual tree lighting at Concord in 2019, 2020, 2021 or 2022? Do not worry! Concord TV show them all day today! Check them out.