Concord Celebrates Grand Opening of New Outdoor Fitness Area, Crosswalk at Willow Pass Park

City leaders and community members cut the blue ribbon to officially open Concord's new outdoor fitness area at Willow Pass Community Park.

City leaders, staff, and community members gathered on Nov. 20 to celebrate the completion of two exciting projects at Willow Pass Community Park: the new Salvio Street crosswalk and a brand-new outdoor fitness area.  

The park has long served as the City’s premier sports complex, with lighted sports courts, ballfields, and athletic fields that support a wide range of activities (pickleball, anyone?). 

The new outdoor fitness area is the first of its kind in Concord. Situated west of the pickleball courts, the 2,000-square-foot space features a variety of KOMPAN brand equipment including magnetic “bells” for weightlifting, two stationary bikes with touch screens (control the tension using an app on your phone!), suspension trainers, a multi-purpose net, step/jump box platforms, and more. 

Each piece has a QR code, which links to information on how to use that particular station. Additionally, Concord’s Recreation Services team is planning to offer instructor-led classes at the fitness area beginning in 2024. 

Funding for this project was made possible through Proposition 68, the California Department of Parks & Recreation grant, in conjunction with City funds, which allowed for the renovation of the old infrastructure and the addition of new lighting, fencing, and rubberized surfacing. 

The goal of this new facility is to keep residents – of all ages and abilities! – active and healthy by offering a free, accessible place to work out during park operating hours, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.  

Crosswalk 

Willow Pass Community Park is one of the busiest in the City, with tens of thousands of visitors each year. To make it easier and safer for people to cross between the north and south sides, we installed a new crosswalk on Salvio Street with Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (blinking lights that alert drivers to pedestrians), accessible curb ramps, and high-visibility paint.  

Crews broke ground on this project in October and it was successfully completed within three weeks. Now, people can cross the street more safely, and it increases accessibility to parking, restrooms, and park concessions.  

The new crosswalk on Salvio Street bridges the north and south sides of Willow Pass Park.

Channeling the Beatles ("Abbey Road" album cover), City leaders cross Salvio Street using the new crosswalk at Willow Pass Park.

Rent Stabilization, Just Cause for Eviction to be Considered Dec. 12

Due to a public notice publishing error, the City Council will not take up its consideration of a draft ordinance on rent stabilization and just cause for eviction on Nov. 28. Instead, the public hearing is set for Tuesday, Dec. 12.  

Earlier this year, as part of the City's 6th cycle Housing Element Update, the Concord City Council committed to adopting rent stabilization and just cause for eviction policies by the end of the year. The goal of the new regulations is to stabilize the community and minimize displacement of residents, while also allowing property owners to make a fair return on their investments.  

After receiving more than five hours of public testimony on Sept. 5 the Council provided direction to staff at meetings on Sept. 12 and Oct. 10 on what major elements to include in the new ordinance, which is now available for public review. 

Members of the public are encouraged to review the draft ordinance as well as the staff report for this item, and come to the Dec. 12 meeting prepared with comments responding to the draft ordinance. 

Below-Market Rate Home Available for Purchase by Lottery

Concord's Housing team recently announced a new Below-Market Rate Homeownership (BMR) opportunity located within the Bancroft Grove subdivision at 1881 Whitman Road. This newly constructed 4-bedroom home features solar panels and an attached garage.

The sales price is $360,000, and it is available to households earning 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or below.

A buyer will be selected through a lottery process. An information workshop will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. and applications are due by Friday, Dec. 15. The lottery will be held on Thursday, Dec. 21.

For more information, please visit Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance.

CORE Team Shares Success

Concord's full-time Coordinated Outreach, Referral and Engagement (CORE) team - contracted through Contra Costa County - continues to make a positive impact in the community. In October, CORE was able to assist 21 individuals in finding stable exits from the streets.

Work on Concord's Homeless Strategic Plan Continues. The Working Group will meet again on Monday, Nov. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Senior Center (2727 Parkside Cir.); it is open to all.

Learn more.

Holiday Safety Tips from the Concord Police Department

As we gear up for holiday shopping, please remember to prioritize safety! Here are 10 tips from the Concord Police Department to keep in mind during this shopping season:

1. Park Smartly: Choose well-lit areas and park in busy lots. Don't forget to lock your car, and never leave any valuables inside. 
2. Be Aware: Be alert to your surroundings. Keep your phone and belongings secure, and avoid distractions while walking.
3. Shop in Pairs: It's always safer to shop with a buddy. Look out for each other and ensure everyone gets back to their vehicles safely.
4. Online Caution: Use trusted websites for online shopping, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Check for secure payment options.
5. Package Protection: If you're expecting deliveries, schedule them when you'll be home or use a secure location. Avoid leaving packages on your doorstep.
6. Be Cautious with Cash: Use credit or debit cards when possible. If you must use cash, keep it secure and avoid displaying large amounts in public.
7. Keep an Eye on Kids: If you're shopping with kids, establish a meeting point in case you get separated. Teach them to find a store employee or security guard if needed.
8. Tell a Friend: Before heading out for a shopping excursion, inform a trusted friend or family member of your plans, including your expected return time.
9. Check Your Surroundings: Before entering your vehicle, check around and inside. If something feels off, return to the store and ask for assistance.
10. Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Report any suspicious activity to store security or law enforcement. 

Let's work together to make this holiday season safe and joyous for everyone! 

Shop Concord E-Gift Card Returns for Holiday Season

Time to get out and support local businesses! The Shop Concord e-gift card program is back for the holidays.

While supplies last, receive a free $50 Shop Concord bonus card with every original $100 gift card purchase, a free $25 Shop Concord card with every $50 gift card purchase, or a free $10 Shop Concord card with every $20 gift card purchase.

Visit concordfirst.com/gift-cards to buy your gift cards today!

Salvio Street Night Market Happening Saturdays Through Dec. 23

The all-new Salvio Street Night Market is here!

Every Saturday, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Salvio Street Night Market uses the new Salvio Street promenade and fountain courtyard in Salvio Pacheco Square (right in front of Hop Grenade) to provide an eclectic and lively outdoor shopping space for all to enjoy. It focuses on unique vendors and products and showcases local talent, crafts, clothing, music, and more!

Stroll down Salvio Street, shop, dine, and enjoy all that Downtown Concord has to offer.

Apply to be a vendor.

Letters to Santa to Be Collected Nov. 27-Dec.8

As the holiday season approaches, Concord's Recreation Services elves are helping to collect letters to Santa! This magical tradition allows children to write a letter to Santa and, in return, receive a special response from the North Pole, sparking joy and wonder in little ones throughout our community. Join in on the fun to add a bit of enchantment to your children's holiday festivities.

How it Works

• Children can write letters to Santa, sharing their holiday wishes, dreams, and more.
• Drop off these letters between Nov. 27 and Dec. 8 at our special mailboxes at either of our convenient locations, open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Willow Pass Community Center, 2748 E. Olivera Road 

Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Drive 

• Our team of Santa’s helpers will ensure every child receives a personalized response filled with warm wishes and festive cheer.
• Response letters will be mailed to children’s homes to arrive in time for holiday festivities, creating an unforgettable surprise.

Important Notes

• Letters will be accepted Monday, Nov. 27 through Friday, Dec. 8, including at Concord's Dec. 1 Tree Lighting & Mayor's Sing-Along event.
• Include your child’s name and return address with your letter.
• Responses will be mailed out on Friday, Dec. 15.

Tree Lighting and Mayor's Sing-Along Returns Dec. 1

Join us for Concord's Annual Tree Lighting and Mayor's Sing-Along. This free family-favorite event is set for Friday, Dec. 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Todos Santos Plaza.

Families can take pictures with Santa, and kids will have a chance to feed Santa's reindeer! Children are also welcome to write and mail letters to Santa, which will all receive a response from the jolly good fellow. For those who want to create a festive decoration, the Concord Art Association will be hosting a free, make-your-own holiday craft booth.

Shopping for holiday gifts? Visit Santa's Village featuring handmade artisan goods by local vendors, thanks to The Makers Boulevard!

The event will also feature live performances by the Concord High Jazz Band and Orchestra, The HoneyTones Barbershop Group, Queen of All Saints children's choir and cheerleaders, Westwood Elementary children's choir, D’Ann’s Dance Academy, and a concert by Music & Market favorite, The 925 Band!

Following the performances, Concord Mayor Laura Hoffmeister will lead the crowd in a sing-along and light the tree at 7:30 p.m.

More Merriment

In addition to all the fun in the park, the Todos Santos Business Association will be sponsoring carriage rides for $5 a person, and hosting a Sip 'n' Stroll for $20. Take a leisurely stroll through downtown, soak up the holiday spirit, and enjoy tasty bites and beverages provided by local restaurants.

Learn more, find a list of participating businesses, and buy your tickets!

Concord Senior Center's Gift & Craft Fair - Saturday, Dec. 9

Support local artists and complete your holiday shopping at the annual Gift & Craft Fair at Concord's Senior Center! With 70 vendors and more than 300 visitors each year, you can find everything from jewelry to knitted goods, custom cups, and more.

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

2727 Parkside Circle, Concord

Check out our vendors and what they will be selling.

Be a Santa to a Senior

The City of Concord's Commission on Aging and Senior Center will host "Be a Santa to a Senior" (BASTAS) this holiday season. BASTAS is a service program that provides holiday cheer to seniors who may be lonely, in financial need, and are least likely to receive a gift.

You can easily participate in this amazing service, starting right now! This week, participating

businesses will receive trees with paper ornaments containing gift requests. Simply take one of the

ornaments with the gift request, purchase the gift, and join us on Saturday, Dec. 16 for the wrapping

party.

For more information on this event, including a list of participating local businesses, please visit the BASTAS web page. You may also email questions to Concord Senior Center or call 925-671-3321.

Request a Vacation House Check

If you are headed off on vacation and would like a member of Concord's Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program to check on your home, you can submit an online request.

Trained volunteers will perform an inspection of your property at least once per week while you are away, paying close attention to the details provided by you on the Vacation House Check Request Form. Vacation house checks include a perimeter check, physical and/or visual check of all doors and windows, and verification of vehicles left on the property. 

Vacation House Check requests must be submitted online at least 48 hours prior to your departure date and cannot be requested for longer than 60 days.

Request a vacation house check.

2024 Concert Season Shaping Up for Toyota Pavilion at Concord

Live Nation has begun announcing shows for the upcoming 2024 concert season! So far, the following artists are scheduled to perform at the Toyota Pavilion at Concord:

• May 8: NEEDTOBREATHE. This Grammy-nominated rock band From South Carolina is playing as part of The Caves World Tour, with special guest Judah & the Lion.

• Aug 17: Sammy Hagar. Rock & Roll Hall of Famer will be joined by special guest Loverboy for The Best of All Worlds Tour.

• Aug 24: Lainey Wilson. This Louisiana native is one of music's hottest and most buzzed-about new artists. Country's Cool Again Tour will also include Jackson Dean and Zach Top.

• Sept 1: Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago. These two music legends and critically acclaimed bands will join forces to co-headline the Heart & Soul Tour 2024.

• Sept 19: Lynyrd Skynyrd & ZZ Top. Titans of American classic rock announce their first co-headlining tour, The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour.

You can purchase your tickets and find more information about the shows on the Live Nation website. 

Warm Wishes from Us to You!

From all of us at the City of Concord, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

We are very grateful for you, dear reader.

To our residents, businesses, friends, and partners -- we wish you a joyful day full of abundance.

Please note that, in observance of the holiday, City offices and facilities will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 23 and Friday, Nov. 24.

The City of Concord's upcoming public meetings include:

• Wednesday, Nov. 22: Zoning Administrator - CANCELLED
• Thursday, Nov. 23: Design Review Board - CANCELLED
• Monday, Nov. 27: Homeless Strategic Plan Working Group
• Tuesday, Nov. 28: City Council
• Thursday, Nov. 30: Design Review Board Special Meeting
• Tuesday, Dec. 5: City Council
• Wednesday, Dec. 6: Planning Commission - CANCELLED
• Wednesday, Dec. 6: Recreation, cultural Affairs, and Community Services Committee Special Meeting
• Tuesday, Dec. 12: City Council

See the full calendar.

To receive email or text notifications when the meeting agendas are posted, please subscribe to alerts using the "Notify Me" tool on the City's website.

City Council and Planning Commission meetings are broadcast live on Concord TV (Astound/Wave 29 and 1026, Comcast 28, U-verse 99) and streamed through the City's website as well as rebroadcast at later times.