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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.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving, Concord! We are so grateful for our community!

From our team to your family, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth and goodness in abundance.

In observance of the holiday, City offices and facilities will be closed on Nov. 25 and 26.
Shop Concord Gift Card Program Returns for the Holidays
The City of Concord and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce have relaunched the highly successful Shop Concord program to support the city’s small businesses by encouraging residents to shop locally this holiday season. The Shop Concord program will support and increase sales for local businesses while also providing a boost to the local economy.   

Shop Concord will launch with a $10,000 contribution from the City of Concord to supply a bonus gift card with every purchase, while supplies last. Customers can purchase a $100 e-gift card through Shop Concord and receive a free $50 e-gift card in return, which can be used for purchases at any participating business. In addition, a $50 and $20 e-gift card option are also available, whereby consumers receive a $25 and $10 e-gift card, respectively, in return. 

The e-gift cards can be purchased on the City of Concord’s Yiftee page until the allotted $10,000 is distributed. The City of Concord’s Yiftee page also includes a list of participating merchants. The value of the cards purchased can be redeemed at any participating Concord business. The digital nature of the gift cards allows customers to split the original and bonus portions to keep for themselves or gift to others via text or email. The Concord City Council allocated the funds for this program from the city’s general fund in an effort to encourage local spending, support small businesses and boost the local economy. 

Businesses can continue to sign up for Shop Concord even after the initial launch, so customers are encouraged to check back frequently to see the expanding merchant list. There is still time for local business owners to sign up to participate in the Shop Concord program. Instructions for how to become a participating merchant are online at www.concordfirst.com/shop-concord.
Redistricting Process Continues, Mapping Tools Available
Every 10 years, local governments use new data from the Census to consider whether there is a need to redraw district lines to reflect how local populations have changed.

Concord kicked off its redistricting process at a public hearing on Nov. 2.

On Nov. 15 and 17, the City hosted virtual workshops to review Concord's voting district boundaries and demonstrate how the available mapping tools work.

If you missed the workshop, but would like to see the presentation, including the brief overview of how the mapping tools work, please watch this video.


Pine Hollow Complete Streets Survey Closes Dec. 10
The City of Concord, in partnership with the City of Clayton, is examining transportation challenges along the Pine Hollow Road/Alberta Way corridor between Clayton Valley Charter High School and Mt. Diablo Elementary School, and developing preliminary improvement concepts to enhance safety, bicycle and pedestrian circulation, and residential and school access. 

Community members interested in this project are being asked to take this survey. Please take 5-10 minutes to provide feedback on the potential roadway improvements being considered.

If you missed us at the virtual community workshop earlier this month, the presentation and additional supporting information is available on the project website.

The survey deadline is Friday, December 10!

For more information, please visit: www.cityofconcord.org/pinehollow
City Seeks Youth Members for Parks Commission
Do you know a Concord youth (ages 13-21) who likes to implement change? Is interested in activities and parks in Concord? Wants to get involved in their community?

The City of Concord is currently seeking youth members for its Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission (PROSC). There are two youth member positions available, and the City is now accepting applications from students ages 13-21.

The PROSC advises the City Council on matters related to public parks, open space, recreation, and youth; reviews and recommends Council action to develop, modify, and/or improve City parks; promotes recreation and park programs; assesses park and recreation needs; and recommends capital improvement projects and fees.


Applications are due to the City Clerk by Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, at 5 p.m. Have questions? Email City Clerk Joelle Fockler.
A Message from Contra Costa Health Services
With the holidays quickly approaching, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) encourages everyone to celebrate safely and protect themselves and loved ones from COVID-19.
 
Holiday traditions are important for many families in our community, and we know many are wondering: Is it safe to gather with friends and family this year? Here are some ways to make the season safer.
 
The best way to safely celebrate the holiday season is by getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Now is a great time to consider getting a vaccine before reuniting with friends and family. All the vaccines are safe, effective and free in Contra Costa County for anyone who is 5 or older.
 
For fully vaccinated people who are 18 and older, our top tip for holiday safety is to get a booster dose as soon as you are able. A booster is like a top-off for your immune system – it makes your protection against COVID-19 even stronger.
 
Regardless of your vaccination status, gathering with people you live with is the safest choice. If you do gather with people who don’t live with you, keep gatherings small and outdoors if possible.

Tree Lighting & Sing-Along Return to Todos Santos Dec. 3
Concord's Annual Tree Lighting and Mayor's Sing-Along is back! The City will host this family- favorite event on Friday, Dec. 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Todos Santos Plaza.

Families can take pictures with Santa in a Snow Globe, sponsored by Henley’s Custom Cabinets, 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.

The event, which will be emceed by local TV personality and musician Dan Ashley, will also feature live performances by the Concord High Jazz Band, D’Ann’s Dance Academy, Concord Parks & Recreation Ballet, the Westwood Elementary 3rd Grade Choir, and a concert by Music & Market favorite, The 925 Band! Following the performances, the Mayor will lead the crowd in a sing-along and light the tree at 7:30 p.m.

In addition to the fun, the Todos Santos Business Association will be sponsoring carriage rides for $5 a person, and hosting a Sip 'n' Stroll! Local restaurants will provide tasty bites and beverages from 5 to 8 p.m. for $15. 
Holiday Cheer for the Littles
Holiday elves have delivered a very special mailbox for children to drop off their letters to Santa! Letters must be received between November 30 and December 8 so that Santa can respond in time.

The mailbox is located in Centre Concord's lobby (5298 Clayton Rd) and is accessible on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Be sure to include your first name, last name, and mailing address so Santa can deliver a letter back to you!

You can also mail your letters to Santa at the City of Concord's Tree Lighting and Mayor's Sing-Along event on Friday, Dec. 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Todos Santos Plaza.
Craft Fair Returns to Senior Center Dec. 4
Attention holiday shoppers: Concord's annual Gift and Craft Fair returns to the Concord Senior Center this year on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event, which is free to attend, will feature more than 50 vendors selling homemade gifts and crafts -- from soaps and candles to kitchen towels and holiday décor - shoppers are sure to find something special for everyone on their list.

Information about the vendors and their crafts will soon be posted to: cityofconcord.org/GiftandCraftFair.
City of Concord | www.cityofconcord.org