🌱 Concord Drenching + Dining and Vaping Ordinances

Hey, Concord! It's Jeri Karges, your host of the Daily. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening these days in town. Today's issue includes news about:

• A local author published a book on the history of Orinda.
• Walnut Creek Magazine has a mouthwatering list of local confections.
• Don't miss Visit Concord's Holiday Gift Drive!

But first, today's weather:

An a.m. shower; mostly cloudy. High: 54 Low: 38.

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Here are the top stories in Concord today:

1. We got quite a drenching over the past weekend. Concord received 1.29 inches of rain, while our neighbor to the south, San Jose, received nearly 4 inches! Don't get too optimistic yet that the drought will be over, but if we can put a few of these storms together this year, we'll be in a much better position than we've been the past few years. (Patch)
2. Just as Walnut Creek picked up 1.41 inches of rain, it's working on outdoor dining policies. At the City Council meeting today, the council will "consider rules for private dining patios and privately-owned parking lot dining patios." I guess we can all dream about the summer months when we can put these policies to good use. (Claycord.com)
3. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will discuss ordinances dealing with the delivery of cannabis vaping products at its meeting today. Staff is "urging the Board to pass the ordinance." According to Contra Costa News, "The proposed ordinance would continue to prohibit the sale or delivery of all tobacco vaping products, all flavored tobacco and cannabis products, and menthol cigarettes in the entire unincorporated County area." (Contra Costa News)
4. Local author Alison Burns created a book about the history of Orinda aptly titled Orinda. It's a subject that's near and dear to her heart, as she also "worked tirelessly to revamp and rebuild the Orinda Historical Society," which had a grand opening on December 1. You can purchase Orinda for $23.99 at the Orinda Historical Society, Orinda Books, The Orinda Association or online at Arcadia Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. (The Orinda News)
5. Looking for local culinary indulgences to give as gifts? (And, if you are, can I be your friend?) Look no further than Walnut Creek Magazine's list of things that are delicious and served locally. There's something for everybody on your list, including Italian rainbow cookies for Santa. (Walnut Creek Magazine)

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Today in Concord:

• Brave the cold and head over to Todos Santos Plaza for the freshest produce around, at the Concord Farmers Market. (9:00 AM)
• Paint a Starry Phone Booth and play trivia at Painting with a Twist in Pleasant Hill. Drinks are only $4! (6:30 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:

• If you've got a few hard-to-shop-for folks on your list this year, "hit up the Holly Jolly Trades Show on Dec. 10 at Todos Santos Plaza downtown. This free event will also have food and drink vendors alongside lots of area artisans!" (Visit Concord via Instagram)
• "Consider donating an unwrapped toy to [Visit Concord's] Holiday Gift Drive this week. Needed gifts are listed on our website. " (Visit Concord via Instagram)
• "The Gift 4Martinez e-gift card makes it fun and easy to keep holiday spending local. Purchase a Gift 4Martinez e-gift card to use at any participating shops.... The Gift 4Martinez e-gift card can be stored on your phone, or you can print it out – making it the perfect gift or stocking stuffer." (Contra Costa News)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Diablo Symphony "Home for the Holidays" Family Concert (December 10)
• Star Quest Holiday children's show (December 10)
• Blackhawk Chorus presents "Home for the Holidays" ft. DSO (December 10)
• Diablo Women's Chorale "BELLS AND NOELS" Fall 2022 Concert (December 11)
• Christmas in Hercules (December 11)
• A Joyous Christmas Concert (December 11)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday! I'll see you soon.

— 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