THE FINAL TWO PUBLIC MEETINGS FOR THE CONCORD NAVAL WEAPONS STATION REUSE PLAN

The final two public meetings are set to decide the fate of the property we know as the Concord Naval Weapons Station.

The first meeting is tonight at the council chambers, and the next is later this month on the 23rd.

Both meetings will discuss the final environmental impact of the "Clustered Villages" and "Concentration & Conservation" plans.

The city, which we told you last year, prefers the "Clustered Villages" alternative. It would add 28,900 more people to the City of Concord, 12,300 more housing units and about 3,200 acres of parkland and open space.

However, the Concord Naval Weapons Station Neighborhood Alliance believes the Concentration/Conservation plan would fit better ....

Just two design plans are now being considered for the Concord Naval Weapons Station; the Clustered Village Alternative and the Concentration and Conservation Alternative. Both alternatives have relatively the same number of significant environmental impacts and the same number that cannot be mitigated to a level that is not significant.

Given that the potential significant impacts of the two alternatives are relatively equal, the quantitative and qualitative differences betweenhe two are marginal. Because the Concentration and Conservation Alternative results in a smaller footprint, less traffic, and lower GHG emissions than the Preferred Alternative, however, it is judged to be the environmentally superior alternative.

Tonight's meeting starts at 6:30 at the council chambers on Parkside Drive. For the full report on tonight's meeting, click HERE.

COUNCIL TO VOTE ON SMART METER REQUEST....

Tonight, at the Concord City Council meeting, the council is expected to approve a request from PG&E to install communication equipment on one existing city-owned street light pole as part of their Smart Meter Network. This will give PG&E a wireless network to remotely read the meters for all customers within the City.

The following is from the council agenda....

PG&E submitted a request to the City to install new communication equipment on a city-owned street light on Bassett Drive.

This installation is part of their Smart Meter Network that provides a wireless network to remotely read the meters for all customers with the City of Concord.

PG&E's Smart Meter program is a system of automated metering infrastructure and a supporting communications network.

The system will collect customer energy use data electronically and does so more frequently than the traditional manual meter readings.

This agreement would be for a 20-year period. PG&E is required to pay an upfront cost of $780 to use the streetlight for their equipment.

Also, according to the report....

The City will also collect $1,548 for processing this agreement. PG&E will be required to obtain an encroachment permit, pay the necessary permit fees, and pay an additional $39 per year for each additional installation on a city-owned street light.

To read more about this request, click ON THIS LINK.

STABBING IN CONCORD, VICTIM IS UNCOOPERATIVE

Around 10pm tonight, a man was stabbed near the corner of Nicholas and Tilson in South Concord.

Lt. Garrett Voerge with CPD says they don't have much information on the crime because the victim isn't cooperating with police....

The victim reported he had been riding his bike near the intersection when five suspects confronted him.

The victim sustained two minor non life threatening stab wounds to his abdomen.

The victim was uncooperative with investigating officers.

Thanks to Lt. Voerge for the information on the incident.

map: yahoo maps

CITY OF CONCORD MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE DAY

The City of Concord municipal code of the day on CLAYCORD.com has to do with the painting of paved surfaces, including curbs.

Please click on the photo above for more information.

CONCORD BOY MURDERED LAST NIGHT IN OAKLAND

A 17-year-old Concord boy was shot and killed inside an Oakland home last night around 9pm on East 17th Street, according to OPD.

No suspects have been arrested.

The boy has been identified as 17-year-old Romero Cervantes.

BEWARE OF THE CLAYCORD CURB PAINTING SCAM

Sometimes I view CLAYCORD as a big neighborhood watch group. With cases like this, it's important to get the word out to alert the community in case these guys show up at your doorstep....

An anonymous reader wrote in with the following information....

Just a quick reminder about the curb painting scam that never seems to go away. I had them come to my door in Martinez today asking if I wanted it done and I politely said no.

The guy seemed kind of shifty so I decided to go outside and take a look. It appears that they scraped my old address off the curb in front of my house (as if to show me how bad it was).

When I looked around one guy was going door to door with the paint bucket in his hand and another guy seemed to be doing the scrape work. After I kinda checked them out and their vehicle (a white toyota pickup with a camper shell), they quickly hopped in the truck and took off like a bat out of hell.

Who knows if they were up to no good but they sure seemed like it. I know alot of people who in the past felt pressureed into this but the best thing folks can do is ask for a permit and call the cops if that don't have one.

Good information, thanks for the heads up!

THE STATE BUDGET & THE WALNUT CREEK SD....

Beginning this month, the Superintendent and Governing Board in the Walnut Creek School District have been holding Budget 101 meetings to explain how the continuing State budget crisis will affect the Walnut Creek School District.

If you missed the first three meetings, you still have time to hear the information.

Click on the picture above to view the times, dates and locations of upcoming meetings.

CONCORD & W.CREEK VIDEO STORES CLOSING....

The Hollywood Video store on Clayton Road in Concord, and the one on Bancroft Road in Walnut Creek are closing.

Hollywood Video recently announced the news on their website....

We are closing these because they are not profitable and because funds from liquidating them can help us moving forward.

Both stores are expected to close within the next 30-days.

30-YEAR-OLD MARTINEZ MAN ARRESTED FOR DUI AND HIT & RUN AFTER STRIKING POWER POLES

A 30-year-old Martinez man is behind bars on suspicion of drinking and driving, and leaving the scene of an accident after striking two power poles at about 2 o'clock this morning.

The Martinez Police say the man, Aaron Demill, left a license plate at the scene of the crash, and was located driving on Morello Avenue a short time later....

Two power poles had to be completely replaced on Arnold Drive near Morello. The extent of the power outage has not been determined.

Thanks to the Martinez Police for the information on the crash.

CFD, CPD RESCUE TWO DRUNKS FROM WATER

On Saturday morning just before noon, the Concord Police, along with ConFIRE were called to the area of Treat Boulevard and Bel-Air Drive after reports came in about two drunk men who fell down an embankment, and into the creek.

Lt. Steve Dyer with CPD says the two men suffered minor injuries....

Upon arrival officers were flagged down by Rickie Fisher who directed them to the subjects who were trapped in waist deep water.

Due to recent heavy rain fall the current in this area was very strong and neither subject could lift themselves onto the embankment.

Firefighters were able to assist both the intoxicated subjects and get them out of the water. They were transported to John Muir Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries.

The intoxicated victims have been identified as 38-year-old Michael Solari and 57-year-old Steve Sorahan.

Thanks to Lt. Steve Dyer for the information on the incident.

You might remember the name Steve Sorahan, he's better known by his stage name, The Concord Cranksta. Click HERE to view a video of him rapping (warning, it's graphic).

HOUR LONG POLICE PURSUIT STARTS IN CONCORD, GOES TO OAKLAND & ENDS IN PITTSBURG

A 19-year-old Pittsburg man was arrested after an hour long pursuit, which started in Concord and went through the cities of Martinez, Hercules, Richmond, Berkeley, Oakland, Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette, Walnut Creek & Pittsburg.

Lt. Steve Dyer with CPD says it all started just after midnight....

Shortly after midnight a patrol officer noticed a 1990 Toyota Camry driving on Detroit Avenue near Toyon Drive with a burned out headlight.

When the officer made a U-turn to catch up to the Toyota it accelerated to a speed greater than the posted speed limit.

The officer attempted to initiate an enforcement stop on the Toyota for the broken headlight and speeding, however the driver failed to pull over and a pursuit was initiated.

The driver of the Toyota led officers on a chase from Detroit Avenue to westbound Clayton Road and then onto northbound Market Street. Speeds on the surface streets varied between 40 and 80 miles per hour. The pursuit entered northbound Hwy 242 from Market Street and eventually onto westbound Highway 4.

While on the freeway speeds varied between 70 and 115 miles per hour. Three Concord police units pursued the Toyota from Highway 4 onto westbound I-80. The California Highway Patrol took over the pursuit in Berkeley near the Gilman exit, at which point the Concord officers terminated the pursuit and returned to Concord.

The California Highway Patrol continued the pursuit through the Oakland area and onto eastbound Highway 24. The pursuit continued on Highway 24 to northbound Highway 242 through Concord and onto eastbound Highway 4.

The Toyota exited eastbound Highway 4 at Railroad Avenue and continued on several surface streets in north Pittsburg before it eventually crashed into a parked car. The 19 year old driver and two female juvenile passengers were detained without further incident.

The Toyota was “cold plated” (license plates from a different vehicle) and it was discovered to be stolen out of Antioch.

The driver was arrested by CHP for being in possession of a stolen vehicle and felony evading arrest and transported to the Alameda County Jail. The female juveniles were detained for questioning and eventually released to their parents.

The portion of the pursuit the Concord units were involved in lasted 18 minutes and covered approximately 29 miles.

The driver of the stolen Toyota was identified as 19 year old Rodolpho Gutierrez out of Pittsburg.

This chase was amazing, and the Concord Police did a great job, as did other agencies to make sure no innocent person was hurt.

Thanks to Lt. Dyer for the information on the high-speed pursuit.

BEAUTY IN THE LAND KNOWN AS CLAYCORD....

Our friend GoGo Gomez took this picture the other day, but it's been so busy lately that I haven't had time to post it.

Even though it's a little sideways, it's still awesome, the sidwaysness adds to the beauty.

GoGo also has a blog with all his pictures on it, click HERE to view.

CONCORD MAN BEATEN & ROBBED ON SUNSHINE

A Concord man, on his way to work at about 4am on Saturday was beaten and robbed on Sunshine, near Meadow Homes Park.

Lt. Steve Dyer with the Concord Police tells us what happened....

The 22 year old male victim was walking to work when he was accosted by three Hispanic male suspects.

The victim was punched repeatedly and knocked to the ground where the suspects kicked him in the head and face several times.

The suspects then stole the victims backpack, iPhone and wallet before fleeing to a nearby vehicle and driving out of the area.

The victim sustained facial injuries and was transported to John Muir Hospital Concord.

The suspect vehicle is a silver or grey older model 4 door Nissan Altima or Sentra, unknown plate.

The three suspects are Hispanic males, 20 to 25 years of age. One of them is 5’8” 175 pounds with short hair and wearing a light blue polo shirt. The second suspect is 5’10”, “chunky” build, with shoulder length light colored hair, possibly dyed blonde.

Anybody with information should call the Concord Police.

Thanks, once again, to Lt. Dyer for the information.

POSSIBLE ROBBERY PREVENTED BY ALERT CLAYCORDIAN ON FRIDAY EVENING IN CONCORD

A 16-year-old boy was arrested, and three others were detained after police found a gun and ski masks inside a vehicle on Friday evening.

Lt. Steve Dyer with the Concord Police Department says it all happened because of a report from an alert resident....

A resident in the 1500 block of Nuala Street saw 4 male subjects walking in the area. The alert resident noticed one of the subjects had a pistol tucked into the waistband of his pants. As the suspects were getting into a white Honda and preparing to leave the area, the resident called CPD and provided the dispatcher with the license plate number of the Honda. CPD units responded to the area however the Honda had already left in an unknown direction.

Approximately an hour and a half later a CPD K9 unit located the Honda driving through the Park and Shop Center on Willow Pass Road near Mira Vista. An enforcement stop was initiated on the vehicle and the four occupants (18 year old driver, 17, 16, and 14 year old passengers) were detained. During the stop one of the passengers told officers there was a BB gun under the front seat.

During a search of the vehicle officers located a BB gun and several ski masks. The 16 year old passenger admitted the BB gun was his and further admitted to having it concealed in his waistband while walking on Nuala Street earlier in the evening. He was arrested for displaying and exposing an imitation firearm in a public place which is a misdemeanor. He was transported to CPD where he was booked and released to a parent. None of the subjects could explain why they had the ski masks in the vehicle.

Lt. Dyer also says this tip might have prevented a robbery....

As a result of reporting the suspicious circumstance to the police department, the alert resident on Nuala Street may have prevented an armed robbery. The CPD will check with other local law enforcement agencies to see if these subjects can be linked to any recent armed robberies.

Great news! Good job to the alert citizen who noticed something suspicious, and wasn't afraid to make a call to the Concord Police.

Thanks to Lt. Steve Dyer for the information on the incident.

OPEN CARRY EVENT, TODAY IN WALNUT CREEK....

Today's open carry event went down with no problems. Nobody was shot, and a lot of salad and meat was consumed at the Buckhorn Grill in downtown Walnut Creek from 11-1 this afternoon.

Radar attended today's event, he says about 100 people showed up wearing unloaded guns and ammunition clips strapped to their belts. They had lunch at the Buckhorn Grill and afterwards, went to Starbucks for coffee and dessert.

Besides taking the pictures above, Radar also listened in on and recorded an interview being done with Antioch resident Gus Konstantaras, he's the Bay Area Open Carry spokesman, click HERE for the audio interview. It has a little background noise, but it's an interesting and good interview.

Thanks a ton to Radar for all your hard work today! You got some great shots (no pun intended) of today's open carry event!

AMAZING PICTURES OF OUR FRIEND "BAILEY"....

Look at these awesome photos, which were taken this week of our camel friend "Bailey". Great shots, thanks, Radar!

EXCLUSIVE: THE SECRET LOCATION FOR SATURDAY'S "OPEN CARRY" EVENT IN NutCREEK

We first reported about a month ago that the controversial group "Bay Area Open Carry" would be meeting on February 6th at California Pizza Kitchen in Walnut Creek for an open carry event.

After California Pizza Kitchen announced the group wasn't welcome if they had their guns, then "BAOC" decided to pick another location, but decided to keep it a secret from the general public and the media.

Well, tonight we can exclusively report that the group will meet on Saturday morning at 11am at the Buckhorn Grill, which is located at 1171 Locust Street in Walnut Creek.

Here's what they had to say about their event....

Individuals' associated with Bay Area Open Carry hold meetings in the community to raise awareness about the legal right to open carry in the State of California.

We want our friends and neighbors in the community to know the law and excercise their right to keep and bear arms.

We have information that can help you follow the law. Come and ask us about open carry.

If you don't like guns, then stay away from downtown Walnut Creek on Saturday morning at 11am.

Anybody plan on going?....

TALK ABOUT WHATEVER ON CLAYCORD.com....

Happy Friday to all the wonderful citizens in the City of CLAYCORD.

This is a post with no subject, you can talk about whatever you want. If breaking news happens (such as an earthquake), or you hear about something newsworthy, feel free to post it here.

I've created a link to "whatever" on the top lefthand sidebar. So, during the week, as the whatever post gets further down the page, it'll provide you a quick way to access the "weekly whatever".

FALLEN SOLDIER SCOTT BARNETT IS BACK HOME

Scott Barnett, the Soldier who was killed earlier this week during the War in Iraq, is now back to his hometown of Concord.

Barnett's body was flown in to Buchanan Field today, and was greeted and saluted by a large crowd of family, friends, law enforcement, other military and the general public.

To view more details on the Soldier's death, including the plans for his funeral, please click ON THIS LINK.

Thanks to Mars, Melissa and Radar for the images in the slideshow.

WCSD: SUSPICIOUS MALES NEAR FOOTHILL....

Read the alert above, which was issued earlier today by the Walnut Creek School District. Click on the photo for a larger view.

CPD: GIRL MADE UP STORY ABOUT ATTEMPTED KIDNAPPING NEAR OAK GROVE INTERMEDIATE

The Concord Police are saying the girl who claims she was almost kidnapped on January 29th near Oak Grove Intermediate, was lying.

Please remember, this case is seperate from the kidnapping that occurred on January 28th in the same area.

Captain Brian Wiesendanger with CPD tells us the girl admitted to fabricating the story about the attempted kidnapping....

The Concord Police Department conducted extensive follow-up into this incident. During the course of this follow-up, a number of inconsistencies were uncovered regarding the original account of the incident as provided by the victim.

In a subsequent interview with the victim, she admitted that her original statement was not accurate and indicated that the attempted abduction did not occur.

The victim reported that she was not the victim of any attempted abduction, that she was never chased, and that no crime had actually occurred. She did state that a white van drove by her while she was waiting in front of the school, and that the lone occupant and driver of the van whistled at her. He did not stop, nor did he attempt to approach her in any way.

On a separate note, the Concord Police Department is continuing with its follow-up on the incident that was reported to have occurred on David Ave. on January 28, 2010.

The suspect vehicle description in this case was a black PU or SUV. This case is not related to the above incident, and anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Concord Police Department at 925-671-3333, the Concord Police Department Tip Line at 925-603-5836, or the Bay Area Crimestoppers at 800-222-8477.

To view the sketches of the possible suspects, please click HERE.

Thanks to Captain Wiesendanger for the information.

SUSPICIOUS DEVICE WILL SOON BE BLOWN UP IN PLEASANT HILL, NEAR DVC ON GOLF CLUB ROAD

Friday afternoon, 12:26pm: Pleasant Hill Police, along with the Walnut Creek Bomb Squad are about to detonate a suspicious device in Chilpancingo Park, near DVC Plaza.

The device, which could be explosive, will be detonated in the next few minutes, according to the Pleasant Hill Police Department.

Lt. Peter Enea with PHPD says they have no idea who left the device, but the DVC Plaza, along with the park have both been evacuated.

DVC has been alerted, but no evacuation is necessary at the college.

Golf Club Road will be shut down for a short time while the bomb squad detonates the device, which is expected to happen soon.

Chilpancingo Park is located on Golf Club Road, in between El Tapatio and DVC Plaza.

Thanks to Lt. Enea for the information on the incident.

UPDATE: It's been blown up. No injuries were reported.

SHERIFF: DUI PATROLS ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

Contra Costa County Avoid the 25 is teaming up with the National Football League, California Office of Traffic Safety, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and law enforcement officials to remind everyoneto designate a sober driver if they plan to be drinking alcohol on Super Bowl Sunday.

Super Bowl Sunday is one of America’s biggest and most entertaining national sporting events as friends and families gather to socialize and watch the big game. Yet, it has also become one of the nation’s most dangerousdays on the roadways due to impaired driving.

The Avoid the 25 DUI Task Force will be deploying DUI saturation patrols throughout the county targeting those who drive impaired.

In California, 11 people were killed Super Bowl Sunday 2009 and another 133 were injured in alcohol involved collisions.

Tragically, that is 3 times the daily average killed in California with alcohol as a factor. On Super Bowl Sunday in 2008, 12 people were killed in alcohol related collisions.

Please click on the press release above for more information.

SERIAL REALITY SHOW CONTESTANT, ONCE CLAIMED TO BE FROM THE CITY OF PLEASANT HILL

The girl pictured above, according to TMZ.com, was once on the reality show Fear Factor, and claimed to be from Pleasant Hill.

Since then, she's been on four other shows, including Making the Band, Next, Date My Mom, and most recently, American Idol, where she claimed to be from Italy, and even had an Italian accent, which didn't appear in the other shows she was on.

She's gone by several names, including Nicci Nix, Nicci Palmeri & Nicole.

Anybody know this girl? Is she really from P-Hill?

photo: courtesy of TMZ.com

HELICOPTER OVERHEAD, BURGLARS CAPTURED

Friday morning, 1:53am: A helicopter is overhead in Concord this morning checking for burglars on the rooftops near Pike Lane.

Here's what happened....

About an hour ago, the Concord Police received a call from an alarm company saying they heard voices and a window smash inside 4095 Pike Lane, which is a business called Apria Healthcare.

CPD set up a perimeter, eventually entered the building & detained two suspects. The helicopter is just checking to make sure no other suspects are on the loose.

As soon as I get the names of the suspects, I'll let you know.

Great job, Concord Police!

map: yahoo maps

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT AT CLAYCORD SCHOOLS

Anybody else notice the huge amount of motor cops lately around CLAYCORD schools? It's good to see. Keep it up, CPD.

CLAYCORD.com, THE WEEK IN REVIEW....

It's Friday, finally, which means it's also time for the CLAYCORD.com "Week in Review", so let's get started....

Here are the top stories from the past 7-days....

• CPD: KIDNAPPING INVESTIGATION IN CONCORD
• ANOTHER VEHICLE WITHOUT TIRES IN CONCORD
• ALAMO RESIDENTS ARRESTED BY MARTINEZ PD
• AN UPDATE ON BABY LIAM & HIS TRANSPLANT
• BEAUTIFUL LITTLE GIRL FROM PLEASANT HILL NEEDS A BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT TO LIVE
• ACCIDENT ON CLAYTON ROAD, NEAR MATHESON
• $3M WORTH OF BROADCAST AIR-TIME, FOR FREE
• THE APPLEBIRDS OF CLAYCORD HAVE ARRIVED
• TEN HOMES ON A 0.98 ACRE SITE IN CONCORD
• MISSING CAT IN CONCORD NEAR AYERS ROAD
• STATE-OF-THE-CITY SPEECH BY MAYOR BJERKE
• "SAVE MT. DIABLO" RESPONDS TO PROPOSED NAME CHANGE OF OUR BELOVED MOUNTAIN OF DIABLO
• AN UPDATE ON THE WCSD BUDGET SITUATION

Also this week on CLAYCORD.com....

• DOG PARK CLOSED, "SNOOPY" NOT VERY HAPPY
• CPD: ANOTHER POSSIBLE ATTEMPTED KIDNAPPING
• BURGLAR NEAR CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
• TODAY'S QUESTION: WHAT IS "KINGERGARTEN"?
• THE NEW LED LIGHTS ON YGNACIO VALLEY ROAD
• GOVERNOR RELEASES STATEMENT, SERVICES ANNOUNCED FOR FALLEN CONCORD SOLDIER
• CITY WANTS PUBLIC INPUT ON BUDGET SITUATION
• GRAFFITI IN NORTH CONCORD, ALL OVER THE PARK
• CLAYCORDIANS, TELL US YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY
• SKETCHES OF CONCORD KIDNAPPING SUSPECTS
• THE SCHOONER FORESTER, VISIT IT IN MARTINEZ
• PLEASANT HILL BART WILL CHARGE FOR PARKING

The big story of the week on CLAYCORD.com is the death of Concord Soldier Scott Barnett. He died this week while fighting in the War in Iraq. Please click HERE for the story about his death.

Thanks to everybody for all your tips, pictures and story ideas this week. It's been almost 3-years now, and each week you continue to be better than ever!

"Radar", thank you again for another great week. You're unbelievable and amazing pictures of "Bailey" are coming up later today!

And to our advertisers, thank you, too!

Please click on their links for more information on their business....

Advance Construction - Kitchens, Baths & Remodels
Russell Heating and Air - Residential and Commercial
Club Sport Valley Vista - Tennis and Fitness Resort, Walnut Creek
For Your Eyes Only - Dr. Wayne Martin, Optometric Center
Pacific Coast Carpet - Discount carpet, linoleum, remnants & more
Fast-Teks - On-Site Computer Services

Thanks again to all our sponsors for your continued support!

And that wraps it up! I hope you all have a great weekend. Whatever you plan to do, do it safe, and don't forget to lock your doors!

Thanks again for reading CLAYCORD.com!

CITY OF CONCORD MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE DAY

Today's City of Concord municipal code of the day on CLAYCORD.com has to do with going to the bathroom in public.

Click on the link above for more information on the muni-code.

PLEASANT HILL BART WILL CHARGE FOR PARKING

Well, it was bound to happen sometime....

Beginning February 22, BART will begin charging a $1.00 daily parking fee at Pleasant Hill Station.

Drivers who park at this station on weekdays from 4:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. will be required to pay the daily fee.

Parking fees help us meet our difficult financial challenges and maintain the quality service that you’ve come to expect.

That quote was taken directly from BART's website.

Please note that the original Pleasant Hill Station garage was built with Federal highway funds as a rideshare facility.

There will be several ways to pay the fine fee. Go ahead and click ON THIS LINK to learn more about how you can pay.

THE FALLEN SOLDIER, COMING HOME TOMORROW

Scott Barnett, the Concord Soldier who died this week while fighting the War in Iraq, will be flying home tomorrow.

Below are the details on his arrival into Buchanan....

Scott will be flying in to buchanan airfield tomorrow at 1:40pm. The public is asked to join our family in the return of Scott.

There will be crowd control and only the family's vehicles will be allowed to enter, but being in the viewing area and watching him arrive is okay.

For details on Scott's funeral, please click HERE.

THE SCHOONER FORESTER, VISIT IT IN MARTINEZ

Amazing, I had no clue this was out there.

If you look out into the water at the Martinez Marina, you can view a partially sunken/burned down ship, "The Schooner Forester".

Here's information from the Martinez Historical Society....

The Forester went into service as a lumber carrier, taking long, straight logs of Pacific Northwest spruce and fir to ports in China, India, Australia, the South Sea Islands, and South America.

Sometimes the logs were piled up to fifteen feet on her decks. She would bring back copra (dried meat of a coconut from which coconut oil is extracted), tropical hardwoods, coal and general merchandise.

Old records show that she often netted between $12,000 and $19,000 per trip for her investors.

In 1932 Captain Daeweritz bought out his partners and had the schooner towed through the Carquinez Strait to tideland property west of Grangers’ Wharf in Martinez.

Captain Daeweritz continued to live on the Forester with his faithful companion, the dog “Texas”, until his death on November 28, 1947.

The ship burned down on June 18, 1975.

To learn more, check out the Martinez Historical Society.

Thanks to "GoGo Gomez" for this great picture!

SKETCHES OF CONCORD KIDNAPPING SUSPECTS

Concord Police have released two composite sketches of the kidnapping suspects who took a teenager girl from outside of Oak Grove Intermediate on January 28th, then dropped her off, uninjured, in Walnut Creek a few hours later.

The top sketch is the driver of the vehicle, and the bottom sketch is the passenger, both sketches are from the Concord Police.

The suspect vehicle in this case was described as a black SUV.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Concord Police Department at 925-671-3333, the Concord Police Tip Line at 925-603-5836, or the Bay Area Crimestoppers at 800-222-8477.

For more information on this kidnapping, please click HERE.

CLAYCORDIANS, TELL US YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY

Sometimes we just need to take a break from all the crazyness to relax a little and talk about something not so serious.

So, I'm gonna ask a question....

Think back, what's your favorite childhood memory, and why?

Mine has to be camping with my Mom, Dad & Sister near Lake Alpine. There's nothing like riding in the big van with no seatbelts, playing in the creek for a couple of days and watching wild horses run through the mountains!

Your turn....

CITY OF CONCORD MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE DAY

Today's City of Concord municipal code of the day on CLAYCORD.com has to do with hang gliding.

The code shown above, which you can click on for a larger view, only says it's illegal to hang glide over the Concord Pavilion. Interesting.

GRAFFITI IN NORTH CONCORD, ALL OVER THE PARK

Sounds like the graffiti bandits are once again active along Olivera Road in North Concord.

Here's an email from a reader, who said she's sick and tired of seeing these markings all over town....

I drive to/from work every day using Olivera Road. For the past 3 weeks, Graffiti Bandits have hit the Olivera Road corridor.

They have targeted the nice signs at Pixieland Park that the City of Concord has put in. The cement wall ones naming the Willow Pass Park. They have also targeted Hill Crest Park, sign and fences. Luckily the city workers have noticed this and have been able to cover it up by the next day.

Today as I was driving to work, I noticed that Concord American Little League Fields got hit hard. The fences were tagged and the ENTIRE wall of the score booth up by the bleachers. Obviously it's a gang thing.

I was wondering if maybe you could post a message to all your readers to be on the lookout or something in this area.

It's very frustrating living in a community where dirt bags as these, find it amusing to vandalize the community where kids and families frequent.

I know it's an on going problem with no easy solution, but I'd like to see these individuals get caught and pay for the damage.

I agree, it's frustrating. Fortunately the anti-graffiti team does a good job cleaning it up, but it's still annoying to see.

Has anybody out there ever caught somebody in the act of tagging?

CITY WANTS PUBLIC INPUT ON BUDGET SITUATION

Due to the recent budget problems with the City of Concord, community leaders have set up an online survey & community workshops to receive input from the public on the budget situation.

According to the City of Concord, "In January, the City conducted a Community Priorities telephone survey of 600 randomly selected residents. Members of the community who were not contacted for the telephone survey may take the survey online or fill out a paper survey and return it to City offices.

The telephone survey mentioned above, along with this online survey cost the City of Concord over $27,000 to conduct, you might remember that story from back in December of 2009.

To read more about the new online survey & upcoming community workshops, click the photos above.

Or, for a direct link to the online survey, click ON THIS LINK.

GOVERNOR RELEASES STATEMENT, SERVICES ANNOUNCED FOR FALLEN CONCORD SOLDIER

Governor Schwarzenegger has issued a statement in regards to the death of Concord Soldier Scott Barnett.

"Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Private First Class Scott Barnett. Scott was a brave soldier who dedicated his life to protecting his fellow citizens. He served our nation proudly and on behalf of all Californians, we honor his sacrifice. Our hearts are with Scott's family, friends and fellow soldiers during this difficult time."

Barnett, 24, died January 28 in Tallil, Iraq, of injuries sustained while supporting combat operations. Barnett was assigned to the 412th Aviation Support Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, U.S. Army, Katterbach, Germany.

In honor of Pfc. Barnett, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Also, funeral services have been announced....

With weather permitting (they are expecting a snowstorm in dover, deleware, where Scott is) Scott will be flying in to California sometime on Friday.

Sunday, February 7th at the Ouimet Brothers Funeral Home in concord, there will be a viewing from 2pm-4pm.

On Monday February 8th at 11am there will be a Public service at St. Bonaventure Church in Concord, located at 5562 Clayton Rd.

Scott will be buried at Sacramento Valley National Cemetary. Burial services are private for family only.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that any donations be made to to Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pets -167 Candleberry Circle, Hotsprings, AR 71913-2019. Scott was an animal lover, who had many pets himself, felt that soldiers need to be able to not worry about their pets and also be reunited with them when they come home after any type of deployment.

For more information on the death of Scott Barnett, click HERE.

CITY OF CONCORD MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE DAY

Today's City of Concord municipal code of the day on CLAYCORD.com has to do with loitering in or near tunnels, bridges & other areas.

Please click on the image above to view the muni-code.

THE NEW LED LIGHTS ON YGNACIO VALLEY ROAD

The City of Walnut Creek has installed new LED lights along Ygnacio Valley Road. Here's the information, from Walnut-Creek.org....

The replacement improved the lighting levels with less glare and more uniform distribution light.

The number of lights in this project represents 2.7 percent of the street lights within the City of Walnut Creek.

This conversion reduces the total monthly usage from 11,966 kWh to 5,714 kWh. This also translates into the savings of $9,810 per year.

PG&E offered a turn-key solution where they perform all the needed steps from installation to adjusting of billing and processing rebates.

Personally, I like the warmer yellow lights, but if it saves money and energy, then I guess the white lights will be ok.

What's your opinion on the new LED lights along Ygnacio Valley?

DINE & DONATE TO HELP MUSIC IN THE MDUSD....

Tomorrow is the Mount Diablo Music Foundation's "Dine and Donate" night in CLAYCORD.

Here's the deal. If you go to any of the restaurants listed above, they will donate a percentage of the proceeds to the foundation to try and save music within the MDUSD.

The donation varies from restaurant to restaurant.

If you go to a restaurant, you must print out a flyer and present it to the waiter or waitress. To find a flyer for one of the restaurants shown above, just click HERE, then scroll down a little to print one out and see how much they'll donate.

TODAY'S QUESTION: WHAT IS "KINGERGARTEN"?

In case you forgot, today is "kingergarten" registration at the schools in the MDUSD.

As you can tell, they're ready for "kingergarten" at Mt. Diablo Elementary, which is where this photo was taken this morning.

This has got to be the best funny sign we've had in a while. Maybe one of the incoming kingergartners can fix the spelling. :)

BURGLAR NEAR CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Several burglaries have occurred in a neighborhood near Clayton Valley High School recently.

A victim of the burglar has some good information on what you should do if somebody's trying to steal from you....

About 2 weeks ago someone broke into a large locked solid steel cargo/storage shed and stole everything near our house!

Then last week at 4 am our other neighbor got her car broken into and completely destroyed as they were trying to steal it and got caught in the act. A lady looked out the window and saw him so she called CPD they came and K- 9 tracked him through our street but then lost him.

We were in bed sleeping the other night and at 11:02 pm someone knocked on my door very lightly 3 times. We got up and looked out the door. Our sensor light was on so we went to check our cars and on the neighbors cars as well, and all of their lights were off. He came back to bed and a few minutes later we heard a loud noise from our side yard so he called the police.

We turned on our lights which they think is what scared him off and they arrived quickly but he got away.

CPD told us that it is probably the same guy, he is very comfortable in this area, and that robbers knock on the door lightly to see if you are awake and then wait in hiding to see if you open the door or turn on a light.

This is scary and as CPD said he made it to our back yard. This is 3 times in 2 weeks on our little court. Please advise people of the "knock" and to keep their doors locked with their ears open.

Thanks for the details on "the knock". I've never heard of that, so it's nice to know.

CITY OF CONCORD MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE DAY

Today's City of Concord municipal code of the day on CLAYCORD.com has to do with dangerous buildings.

Please click on the photo above for a larger view of the muni-code.

CPD: ANOTHER POSSIBLE ATTEMPTED KIDNAPPING

For the second time in less than a week, a student is reporting a possible attempted kidnapping near Oak Grove Intermediate.

Lt. Jim Lardieri with the Concord Police gives us the details....

On Monday, February 1st just before 3 p.m. a Concord Police Officer was dispatched to the Oak Grove Intermediate School on Minert Rd. regarding a possible attempted kidnapping.

A 13 year old female reported that on Friday, January 29th just after 6 p.m. she was waiting to be picked up from an after-school program at the intermediate school. She reported that she was standing on Weaver Ln. near the campus.

The student said a white van approached on Weaver Ln. She said van stopped in the middle of the street.

The victim said the driver called her over to the van and after engaging her in conversation, grabbed her arm from inside the van.

The victim ran back towards the school. She reported that a second subject from the van started to give chase but stopped. She was able to return to the school where she called for a ride.

The victim reported that she was unsure about reporting this incident when it initially happened and reported the incident to school officials today.

The van is described as an older model that was white in color. She described the driver as a Hispanic male in his 30’s.

She described the second suspect as a Hispanic male about 25 years of age. She indicated that there was a third male subject in the van who she could not describe.

The school district completed a parental notification of this incident.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Concord Police Department at (925) 671-3333, the Concord Police Department Tip Line at (925) 603-5836, or the Bay Area Crimestoppers at (800) 222-8477.

The other possible attempted kidnapping was reported last Thursday, you can click HERE for that story.

DOG PARK CLOSED, "SNOOPY" NOT VERY HAPPY

The Concord Dog Park was closed over the weekend, and obviously at least one dog didn't like the news!

Thanks to "Guy" for this funny picture. :)

AN UPDATE ON THE WCSD BUDGET SITUATION....

Walnut Creek School District Superintendent Patricia Wool has provided us with an update on the district's budget situation.

Please click HERE for the complete update.

"SAVE MT. DIABLO" RESPONDS TO PROPOSED NAME CHANGE OF OUR BELOVED MOUNTAIN OF DIABLO

"Save Mount Diablo" has responded to our recent story about the proposed name change of Mt. Diablo to Mt. Reagan.

Click on the photo above to view their response.

STATE-OF-THE-CITY SPEECH BY MAYOR BJERKE....

Concord Mayor Guy Bjerke's State-of-the-City speech is now available to view online. To check it out, just click ON THIS LINK.

MISSING CAT IN CONCORD NEAR AYERS ROAD....

CLAYCORDIANS, "Sammy" is missing from Paul Lane, near Ayers and Concord Boulevard.

Here's his information....

Hope you can help us find our cat, Sammy. He got out of the house sometime yesterday and we are frantic.

He is a large Maine Coon cat, about 24 lbs., 3 years old, neutered male, black-brown body color, white chest and paws.

He is an indoor-only cat so we are really nervous about him being outside. We live on Paul Lane near Ayers and Concord Blvd.

If you know where "Sammy" might be, then email me HERE.

TEN HOMES ON A 0.98 ACRE SITE IN CONCORD....

Back in November of 2009, we talked about the project shown above, and told you the plan was to put 13 houses on a 0.98 acre site on the corner of Farm Bureau and Wren Avenue.

Well, things have changed (a little). Now, instead of 13 houses, the developer wants to put 10 homes.

Check out the flyers above for information on a neighborhood meeting on February 10th regarding the project.