Homeless Strategic Plan Ready for Review, Goes to Council Feb. 6

Following a year of community input, working group meetings, research, and direction from Council, Concord's Homeless Strategic Plan has been drafted for final review, and it will go back to Council on Tuesday, Feb. 6 for acceptance.

This plan is a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing homelessness in the community. The completed draft, featuring recommended strategies is now ready for review online.

This pivotal document will serve as a roadmap for the City of Concord, detailing the comprehensive approaches and initiatives that will be undertaken to address and alleviate homelessness within the community.

Members of the public may participate in this discussion by attending the Feb. 6 meeting in person, or comments may be submitted in advance by email to CityClerk@cityofconcord.org. Comments received before 3 p.m. on Feb. 6 will be provided to Councilmembers prior to the meeting and will be included in the official meeting record.

The agenda and staff report for this meeting will be posted to the City's agenda web page no later than 5 p.m. on Feb. 2.

Council to Consider Term Sheet for Base Reuse Project Feb. 20

The City of Concord Local Reuse Authority (LRA) and master developer Brookfield Properties are making substantial progress in negotiating the Term Sheet for the redevelopment of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station.

As discussions continue, the parties expect it to be ready for release and consideration by the City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

The term sheet is a document that establishes procedures and standards for the negotiation and drafting of a Project Specific Plan and a comprehensive proposed Disposition and Development Agreement. 

For more information on the project and to subscribe to updates, please visit www.concordreuseproject.org.

Construction Cycle Continues, CIP Budget Process Begins

Thanks to funding from voter-approved Measure V, Concord launched several major roadway construction projects in 2023. Many have been completed, others are underway, and many more are set to break ground in spring 2024.

As we reported in our September 2023 update on Measure V, projects for 2024 include the second phase of Treat Boulevard (San Miguel Road to Clayton Road), Willow Pass Road (Galindo Street to Landana Drive), and Monument Boulevard (Detroit Avenue to Mohr Lane). Other roads that will be upgraded next year include portions of: Alberta Way, Concord Boulevard, Clayton Road, Landana Drive, Port Chicago Highway, Laguna Street, and Diamond Boulevard. In addition, 12 residential neighborhoods will receive roadway improvements.

Last fall, Concord’s engineering team kicked off its work on the FY 2024-26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget. Over the next several months, staff will be discussing which roadway and infrastructure projects to prioritize during the two-year period that begins July 1, 2024.

The first public meeting to present draft recommendations on the budget will be held early April 2024. To share your feedback about Concord’s CIP budget, please email CIPBudgetPublic@cityofconcord.org.

Read the full article from our Winter/Spring City News & Activity Guide.

Preschool Open House Set for Feb. 10

Preschoolers and their parents are invited to begin their journey into the world of play and discovery with Concord Preschool at our annual Open House! Explore the preschool classrooms at Baldwin Park or Centre Concord to meet our teachers, ask questions, and embark on an adventure full of excitement and endless learning opportunities. 

The annual preschool Open House will take place on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at both locations: Centre Concord at 5298 Clayton Road and Baldwin Park at 2790 Parkside Circle.

The Concord Preschool Program offers a positive first school experience for the young learner.

“All of my kids have attended the Concord Preschool Program and absolutely loved it. The teachers are warm, positive, and such a joy. I recommend this program to family and friends,” said one happy parent.

Morning and afternoon classes are available for 2, 3 and 4-year-olds. Registration for the 2024-2025 school year opens on Friday, March 1.

Learn more about our preschool program.

Roaring Twenties Fundraiser for Seniors Feb. 10

Come party with us -- for a great cause!

The Concord Senior Center is excited to announce the evolution of its annual fundraising event. Formerly known as Hawaiian Fusion, this year’s gala will transport attendees back to the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties.

The Roaring Twenties Dance, set to take place on Saturday, Feb. 10, promises an evening filled with Gatsby-esque extravagance, live jazz music, dancing, costumes, and more. Attendees can expect an immersive experience that pays homage to the iconic era of flappers, jazz, and speakeasies.

The funds raised from this event will be earmarked for recreational scholarships and transportation needs of Concord Seniors, ages 50+, ensuring they have access to a variety of enriching activities, including classes, social events, and trips.

Tickets for the Roaring Twenties Dance are on sale now, and the Concord Senior Center invites the community to join in this lively celebration for a good cause. Tickets, which include a buffet dinner, dancing to a live jazz band, raffles and more, can be purchased for $69 (Concord resident) and $76 (non-resident) online.

Mayor Birsan to Deliver Annual State of the City Address Feb. 15

Tickets are going fast, but seats are still available!

Join us on Thursday, Feb. 15 at the Hilton Concord as Mayor Edi Birsan delivers the annual State of the City address at the Mayor's luncheon, hosted by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce.

Participants will have the opportunity to network with business and civic leaders and learn about the City's priorities for the year ahead.

Register Today!

Community Academy Seeks Applicants for Spring Session

Dates for Concord's Community Academy have been announced and the application period is now open! Join us for an engaging six-class session that will allow participants to gain valuable insight into City operations, connect with neighbors, meet elected officials and City staff, and participate in lively discussions and fun activities.

The Spring classes will be held:

• Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Thursday, April 18, 6-9 p.m.
• Saturday, April 27, 8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
• Thursday, May 2, 6-9 p.m.
• Thursday, May 9, 6-9 p.m.
• Saturday, May 11, 8:30 a.m.-noon

Get a sneak peek through the video below, and apply today!

Applications are due by Friday, March 8 at 5 p.m.

Learn more.

Can Rain Increase the Risk of Mice?

Yes. According to the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District, the more rain we receive, the more vegetation grows and the more dense the vegetation can become. Plentiful, dense vegetation creates more areas where mice can find shelter and protection to grow their population.

And when that dense vegetation is on your property or close to your property, these curious animals, which are known to venture out of their shelter dozens of times per day, can stumble upon food sources in your yard like fallen fruit, vegetables, seeds, snails, and other eatables at their disposal. If they find both shelter and a food source on your property, they are less likely to leave the area on their own.

What can you do about mice on your property?

• Thin or remove any dense vegetation on your property. When thinning the vegetation, make sure there are at least 10 inches of open space at the base of any shrubs or other dense vegetation. The open space allows light to pass under the plant and reduces the risk that mice would use the vegetation for shelter.
• Trim climbing vegetation at least four feet from the roof, walls, fences, utility poles, and trees.
• Store wood and lumber piles at least 12 inches above the ground and 18 inches away from any structure.
• Harvest fruit and nuts as they ripen.
• Pick up fallen fruit and nuts daily.
• Feed pets amounts of food that will be totally consumed at each feeding. Do not leave pet food outside at night.
• Keep shed doors closed at night and install a screen on the base of the shed to prevent animals from establishing shelter under the shed.

Contra Costa County residents can request the District's Rat and Mouse Service.

The above article was provided courtesy of the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District. Read their full e-newsletter here.

The City of Concord's upcoming public meetings include:

• Wednesday, Jan. 31: Planning Commission
• Tuesday, Feb. 6: City Council
• Wednesday, Feb. 7: Community Services Commission - Special Meeting
• Wednesday, Feb. 7: Planning Commission
• Thursday, Feb. 8: Design Review Board
• Tuesday, Feb. 13: City Council
• Wednesday, Feb. 14: Zoning Administrator
• Thursday, Feb. 15: State of the City, Mayor's Luncheon (see article above)

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.