Welcome to the City of Concord's e-newsletter. This publication is designed to keep you informed about what's happening in your community. Sign up here to subscribe to our City News updates. |
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Masks Required as COVID Surges |
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With the highly contagious COVID-19 omicron variant circulating in Contra Costa County, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) announced a health order requiring masks in all public indoor places.
The order, which went into effect on Dec. 29, 2021, now requires all people in Contra Costa, regardless of vaccination status, to mask in public indoor settings. This includes, but is not limited to places such as offices, gyms, fitness centers and indoor college classes – even if they are not open to the public.
"The omicron variant is very contagious, and we now know that anyone, regardless of vaccination status, can spread this variant to other people," said Dr. Ori Tzvieli, Contra Costa County deputy health officer. "We anticipate the case rate and hospitalization numbers to increase over the coming weeks. To reduce spread, cases and hospitalizations, we all need to wear masks anytime we are in an indoor public setting."
Omicron Surge
As of Jan. 5, Contra Costa County is in the High (red) level of COVID-19 Community Transmission, with average new cases per day increasing rapidly. In Concord, 660 new cases have been reported in the last 14 days.
With 76.8% of Concord residents fully vaccinated, health officials continue to urge people to get vaccinated and receive their booster shot as soon as possible, according to the recommended timeline.
Getting Tested
Free COVID-19 tests are available at County sites, State sites and other commercial healthcare provider sites. Please note that walk-ins will not be accepted at County and State testing sites; you must make an appointment.
Call (833) 829-2626 to schedule an appointment at any county or State site or schedule online.
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Redistricting Efforts Continue Jan. 10 |
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The City of Concord will continue its redistricting process at a public hearing on Monday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m., when the City Council will receive an update about how the process is going, receive public input, and provide initial direction to the demographer on the composition of the draft maps.
The City is interested in receiving feedback regarding “communities of interest” – populations with common social or economic interests that should be in a single district for fair and effective representation. Residents are also invited to submit their own draft maps, which are due by Jan. 18.
Following the hearing, the City will also hold a virtual, one-hour drop-in session on Tuesday, Jan. 11 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. for anyone who would like to call in to ask City staff about the process and how to use the mapping tools.
Los enlaces a las herramientas y los recursos e información adicionales están disponibles en el sitio web de Redistribución de Distritos de la Ciudad: www.cityofconcord.org/Distritos.
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Concord Library Closed Jan. 10-25 for 'Refresh' |
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The Concord Library will be closed January 10-25, 2022 while the children’s area undergoes a refresh, including new paint, carpet and shelving, as well as a new design of the space. For the safety of staff and patrons, the building will be closed during the project, which is being funded in partnership with the City of Concord.
The book drop will not be open, and holds will not be available for pickup during the closure. Library materials not picked up by the end of the day on Saturday, January 8 will remain on the shelf and can be collected when the library reopens on Wednesday, January 26. The hold period will be extended an extra week to February 2.
During the closure, patrons may place holds online and pick them up at the nearby Clayton or Martinez libraries or any other Contra Costa County Library.
Visit www.ccclib.org to sign up for a library card and get connected to books and resources.
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Take Concord's Housing Survey - Win $40 Gift Card |
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Help shape the future of housing in Concord! The City of Concord is seeking the public’s input for its Housing Element Update, which will develop a housing plan for 2023 to 2031.
The Housing Element serves as a policy guide to address the housing needs of all economic segments within our city.
Take an easy 10-minute survey on how Concord should meet its future housing needs, and be entered for the chance to win a $40 gift card.
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The City of Concord is seeking motivated, public service-minded individuals to fill openings in several departments, including Engineering, Finance, Information Technology, Parks & Recreation, and Public Works.
We are also actively recruiting for police officers, trainees, volunteers, cadets and civilian staff in the Police Department. Interested in a job in law enforcement or with the Concord Police Department? You can learn more about opportunities to protect and serve your community at www.joinconcordpd.com.
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Making Emergency Preparedness a Priority |
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Is Emergency Preparedness Part of your 2022 New Year’s Resolutions?
Being prepared could help save you and your family in a sudden disaster. Here are five simple steps you can take today to help your family get disaster ready:
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Register for Alerts. Your first step to getting ready is knowing what risks are in your area and how you can get alerts to stay informed when a disaster strikes. Register for the County's Community Warning System. After you register, you will automatically receive all emergency alerts for the county directly to your phone and/or email. If you work in a neighboring county, consider registering for that county’s alert system, too. Check out this emergency alert system list for each county in California to sign up.
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Make a plan to protect your family. Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. Practice the plan regularly.
- Pack a Go-Bag. Most disasters are unexpected and happen fast. You might not have time to shop, or even to pack. Pack things for each member of your household, including pets. Think about what you would take if you had 15 minutes of notice to leave your home. Pack up important items now, so you and your family will have what you need later.
- Build a Stay-Box. In some disasters, you may be safer staying at home. Add items to a Stay-Box for when you can’t leave home. Prepare for at least three days without water or electricity. Save up a little at a time, until you have enough for everyone in your household to get by. Remember to include items for pets.
- Share these preparedness tips with friends and family.
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Concord Restaurant Week Returns |
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Mark your calendars! The 5th Annual Concord Comfort Food Week returns January 14-31, promising mouthwatering, delicious culinary favorites for those ready to indulge.
A part of California Restaurant Month, Comfort Food Week is a celebration of Concord’s local restaurants, many family-owned, and the hard-working, nimble staff that manage each location.
New this year: Participating restaurants will each offer specials for anyone showing their Comfort Food Passport at any of the 30-plus venues. Locals and visitors everywhere will be able to download their FREE Comfort Food Passport from VisitConcordCA.com beginning January 7, 2022. Then starting January 14, they can present that passport to receive offers as a part of their dining experience.
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Get Out & Move with the Winter Walk Challenge |
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Sign up and receive a new challenge each Monday, through March. Complete challenges to earn entries in weekly drawings for $35 Amazon gift cards and be entered to win the iPad Grand Prize.
Start 2022 on the right foot and sign up today!
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Classes to Keep You Active this Winter/Spring |
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There are myriad ways to stay active this winter and spring! From tennis and soccer to dance and "Chicago Ball," the City of Concord has something for everyone.
And if you're just looking to play a nice round of golf (see photo above), check out Concord's own Diablo Creek Golf Course.
Let's stay active, Concord!
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