Mayor of Concord California

Kidnapping Not Illegal in CoCo County Says Deputy DA Yamaguchi

Mayor Concord California — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:54:19 +0000

I guess the rumors of the Contra Costa County District Attorneys office are true. They have become very lax on crime with all of the budget cuts. Most recently the DA’s office has failed to file charges on a man who was arrested and confessed to taking a 4 year old child from his front yard.

In a bizarre twist, Jose Camal a Concord transient flagged down police officers a short time later and explained he had taken the kid to eat dinner. I guess after drinking a case of beer, he got hungry and wanted to have some company.

Since the DA’s office could not find a crime commited, they let Camal back onto the street. Legally, I guess I get it. Generally, kidnapping occurs when a person, without lawful authority, physically asports (i.e., moves) another person without that other person’s consent, with the intent to use the abduction in connection with some other nefarious objective.

Since this guy was too hammered to think straight and all he did was remove this child from his yard to go eat dinner, there was NO real crime. Hey, from the reports, the child told Camal he was hungry too so I guess this 4 year old gave consent. Sometimes the laws are just mind boggeling.

So what have I learned from this? It’s alright to steal a child as long as you plan on returning him in a hour or two. The DA’s office considers this child ‘borrowing’ and not kidnapping.

Doing Drugs in Concord Ca

Mayor Concord California — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:36:04 +0000

Head over to the Myrtle Drive blog and read the most recent post. The blogger’s attention was called to a strange car in front of their house yesterday with the people inside snorting drugs in the front seat. I envy the fact that they have external camera on their house and capture stuff like this on video.

There are always going to be drug users and doing the hardcore crap like meth or coke or whatever they were doing is just a ruined life in the making. What I don’t understand is why people would pull into a random neighborhood in front of a strange house and o this in full view of people. Are they looking to get caught?

On a side note, I’m not sure about the timing but could this be the same SUV involved in the fatal Pleasant Hill Crash yesterday?

The Final Bid for The Concord Movie Role

Mayor Concord California — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:36:00 +0000

The Concord Movie had placed an offer on Ebay for a walk-on role as a background performer, with the possibility of a line or two. The movie is about four teenagers who enter a 24-hour film contest to win a cash prize. While filming their movie they inadvertently capture a robbery on film.

The bidding on this role started at $9.99 and in four short days ended this afternoon at a whopping $2,025.00. There was a small bidding war after the $1000. mark but someone had to win. Congratulations t***o.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - Contest Results

Mayor Concord California — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:39:31 +0000

I was worried that giving away free tickets to Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince would not be a very popular contest. I was wrong. Between comments on the post, Twitter and even some requests on the Mayor of Concord Facebook page, there are a lot of people eager to see the new Harry Potter flick. So I took all of the comments, added the Twitter responses and tacked on the few Facebook posts.

So without any further delay, let me announce the winner of the two free Harry Potter tickets.

Thanks again to EVERYONE that participated. Be on the look out for the next contest. If there is something other than movie tickets you would like to have as a prize, leave the suggestions in the comments.

Young Man Returns Other Stolen Items and Apologizes

Mayor Concord California — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:32:35 +0000

The Cellular Store store just keeps on going. The young man in the video who was seen taking the cell phone with his mom, went into the store today and apologized for his actions. Not before returning some other stolen accessories he had taken off camera.

The boy and his family must be reading the blogs in Concord because I can’t imagine any other reason he would have come forward after the fact. It takes some guts to walk into a store that you’ve been identified as a thief in and apologize while handing over other stolen merchandise. As much as I hate a thief, I can respect the move this kid made. He’s very fortunate that Gary isnt pressing charges.

Traffic Is A Mess On HWY 4. Did You Get Stuck?

Mayor Concord California — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:49:22 +0000

I got a call from a buddy heading home from work complaining about Highway 4 being a parking lot. I jumped onto the all knowing Google Maps and saw that there was an injury accident near the Bay Point Willow Pass road exit with an ambulance responding. Since it’s early commute time and just about to be time for EVERYONE to start heading home, this is a warning to think of alternative routes.

The backup seems to be all the way past the 680 / 4 junction. That’s almost 10 miles of bumper to bumper traffic.

BART Strike - What are you going to do?

Mayor Concord California — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:14:13 +0000

BART has a daily ridership of about 355,000. As the contract negotiations continue, the talk of a sytem wide strike seems inevitable. Contract negotiations between BART management and its labor unions continue and are expected to continue until at least the extended deadline of 11:59 p.m., Thursday, July 9. At present, the labor unions have not issued a 72-hour strike notice. Under the current negotiation ground rules, ATU 1555 and SEIU 1021 have agreed to notify BART management at least 72 hours before beginning a strike and since that has not been done then it looks like the system is safe for this week, but what about next week?

BART Strikes people suffer
I’m all for employees doing what they have to do for benefits and salary increases. That’s the whole idea around setting a contract that gets reevaluated. Thankfully, the public safety arm of BART is not allowed to strike and my opinion is that emergency services should never be able to stop working because of events like this.

by drain

What’s your plan?

In 1997, the last time BART workers went on strike, the system was shut down for six days and wreaked havoc on Bay Area commute times. Freeway commutes typically took 30 minutes longer than usual as masses of additional cars packed the freeways. Since the ridership of BART has increased a lot since 1997, the expected delays on freeways would be much longer.

People that ride BART to work should let their management know that this is going to impact their schedules. Maybe telecommuting is an option you can look into. This could also be a good opportunity to use some of the PTO time you have coming to you. There is no saying how long a strike like this could last but having some time off while BART decides how to fix the negotiation mess would be nice. If neither of these are options, you should just bite the bullet and expect a longer commute to the office for a while. Maybe see if there are people around you that can join a carpool into work.

What ever you decide, make sure you have a plan so that if Monday comes around and BART isn’t running then you will know what to do.

Cell Phone Thief’s Mother Claims Ignorance

Mayor Concord California — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:37:03 +0000

The story of the boy who stole a cell phone from the Concord Cellular Store just gets better. After releasing the videos on YouTube and the local blogs here in Concord, the boy’s father did the right thing and returned the phone to the store and apologized for his kids actions.

Some people (including me) think that this criminal is getting off easy. Granted, I’m not going to say the owner of the store Gary should still file charges. I do think the young man who stole the phone should have been man enough to apologize in person instead of having his father do it for him.

There was some question about the woman in the video. Because of the age difference I assumed it was his mother but there was chatter that it may have been his girlfriend or just a friend. Turns out the woman in the video was the boys mother and she also went into the store to apologize to Gary about the theft. Gary wasn’t working so she left him a voice mail. She claims that she had no idea her son was stealing the phone. HUH?!? No idea? Really?!? It’s clear as day in the video that you watched him put the box in his pants then turn around to pull security for him as he walked out of the store.

I was going to let this story drop. I figured the stolen merchandise was returned. Not exactly in the most honorable fashion but it was returned with an apology none the less. Then the mom had to say she didn’t know what her son was up to. It sounds like the father in this family is the only one with any dignity. The son wouldn’t return the phone and the mom denies any responsibility of the crime. Is this really where our society is heading?

Dance Benefit for Richie Zuniga of Concord

Mayor Concord California — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 04:19:34 +0000

The last day Richie walked was October 21, 2006 due to a spinal cord injury sustained in a car accident.

Richie has been involved in sports since he was 4 years old. He played baseball, football, was in karate but his love was playing soccer. Richie was awarded “ATHLETE OF THE YEAR” at Concord High his senior year. He was also given an award by the United States Marine Corps for his athletic achievements.

Richie broke his neck in 3 places in the accident and has been diagnosed a quadriplegic. Richie’s doctors have told him he will never walk again, something that Richie just does not want to accept. Of the 11,000 spinal cord injuries a year, the percent of people who regain the ability to walk again is very small. The reason is not always the injury, but the treatment!

The GOAL is to send Richie to SCI-FIT (Spinal Cord Injury Functional Integrated Therapy) to provide the most comprehensive, post-traditional, exercise based therapy for those individuals who have suffered a debilitating injury.

SCI-FIT maximizes the potential for each individual suffering from spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders by utilizing strategic exercises and providing the proper stimulation for an optimal functional outcome.

Richie has been to 4 sessions so far at SCI-FIT and on his 3rd visit he was able to stand up on his own, holding on to a bar for balance.

This HUGE achievement has given Richie so much HOPE that he will become independent again, it is hard to describe with mere words.

Unfortunately because this treatment is new cutting edge treatment, it is not yet covered by insurance. The cost for SCI-FIT is $95.00 per hour. Richie is doing the minimum workout, which is one day a week for 2 hours. The minimum alone cost Richie and his family $760.00 per month. It would be ideal for Richie to workout 3-5 times a week for 2 hours a day. It will also take several years of intense workouts before Richie can truly think about being independent again, and not have to depend on his family and friends for literally everything in his life.

Please join in this effort to help former Concord High School “Athlete Of The Year” regain some independence!

Donation Admission: $20.00
Contact Sandra Rangel for tickets 650.740.2371
Email SLRANGEL@AOL.COM

Saturday July 25th 2009 9:00 P.M.-1:00 A.M.

Bleeding Guy on Denkinger Rd

Cellular Store Concord Gets Stolen Cell Phone Returned By Thiefs Father

Mayor Concord California — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:22:03 +0000

I got an email from Gary the store owner and also see that Claycord has posted the information too. The father of the boy (16 years old) who was video taped stealing a cell phone from the store last week returned the stolen merchandise and apologized for his child’s actions.

The kid is only 16, and the father said he is being extremely disciplined.

There is no way to tell if the kid really learned a lesson or not. From meeting and talking with the father and getting my merchandise back I will not be seeking further legal action against him.

From what I gathered he became pretty much the fool in his circle of friends, school, etc. Lesson learned? I hope so. Maybe this will keep him out of jail at a later time in his life as he will think twice about doing something that stupid. I hope anyway.

I think the kid got off easy. Sure he may be made fun of by his buddies and his dad is probably 100 times more embarrased than the kid. The kid should have been man enough to return the phone himself. I doubt Gary would have pressed charges if the kid came in and expressed his humility. Then again what do I know, I dont have a kid stealing stuff from stores.

Your Independence Day Fireworks Suck

Mayor Concord California — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 06:04:47 +0000

I have nothing against the holiday. It’s actually one of my favorite long weekends. Eating BBQ, drinking some beers and hanging out with friends is really the order of the day. Everything leads up to the setting of the sun and a chance to watch a show that only comes around once a year. No I’m not talking about the Singing Flag. I’m referring to the colorful explosions that fill the sky.

Fireworks are awesome. Let me rephrase that, fireworks are awesome when they are used by professionals. Going into your front yard or in the middle of the street and blowing stuff up is not cool. I’d be interested to get the number of fires started in the city over the weekend by fireworks. Listening to the police scanner, I already know of 3.

I don’t care so much about the big explosions. If you want to risk losing a few fingers then fine by me. It makes you easier to identify later. What I don’t understand or appreciate are the bottle rockets and other projectiles you shoot off. Listening to these fire over the house or just into the air pisses me off. You’re not just endangering yourself, you’re endangering everyone around you. Next year I may find out who the culprits are and lob a few mini mortars towards their house and see if it bothers them.

Happy Independence Day. Stay safe and don’t burn down my house.

Cell Phone Theft at Cellular Store Concord

Mayor Concord California — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:54:21 +0000

Cellular Sales is located in Concord, CA 94520, in front of Fry’s Electronics in Concord Park and Shop. Being the areas largest cellular retailer, they get targeted by dishonest people from time to time. Good thing they have a bazillion cameras and a special YouTube channel where they post all of the videos of the criminals.

This video was sent to me today from Gary. It shows a couple of cell phone thieves caught on camera taking a phone out of the display case. What I don’t understand is why this guy’s mom is there. She seems to be the mastermind and he’s just doing the deed.

Either this store has a great covert security system of these people are blind since the camera seems to be right in their face.

Yeah…Real slick guy.

Worst Luck Ever or Just a Sign of the Times

Mayor Concord California — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:47:32 +0000

I had to read this email from a reader a few times to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. The email explained how a single Concord family has become the victim of numerous crimes in just the span of a few days.

The message starts off with a strong statement. (The email was in CAPS and I’m lazy and just cut and paste it)

CONTRARY TO COMMON BELIEF,REGARDING THE GOOD REPUTATION OF LAW & ORDER SITUATIONS IN THE U.S. IN GENERAL,IT IS ASTONISHING & APPALLING TO SEE THE REALITY IN THE CITY OF CONCORD. HOUSE BURGLARY SEEMS THE ORDER OF THE DAY HERE.

Next this Concord resident describes the story of a single family in their neighborhood and the crimes committed against them. (I have removed specific address info from the email.)

THIS IS IN INFERENCE TO SERIES OF INCIDENCES IN HOUSE [removed] CONCORD CA-94521, WITH IN SPAN OF ONE & HALF MONTHS, WHICH SPEAK VOLUMES ABOUT THE PRESENT STATE OF AFFAIRS. FIRST, ON 14th.MAY,09, CONCORD POLICE CHASED A CAR (PROBABLY WITH A DRUNKEN DRIVER) WHICH SMASHED INTO & RANSACKED THE GARAGE & LIVING ROOM OF ABOVE HOUSE , CAUSING LOSS OF PROPERTIES WORTH THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO ONE IN THE LIVING ROOM, HENCE NO DAMAGE & LOSS TO LIFE.

THERE AFTER, ON 16th MAY,09, A BURGLARS SNEAKED INTO THIS HOUSE & COMMITTED THEFT FEARLESSLY. NOW, ON 1st. JULY 09, BURGLARY TOOK PLACE IN DAY LIGHT IN THE SAME HOUSE, WHICH IS HEIGHT OF LAWLESSNESS. APPARENTLY, MISCREANTS & BURGLARS ARE FEARLESS IN THE CITY OF CONCORD ON ACCOUNT OF INEFFECTIVENESS OF LAW ENFORCING AUTHORITIES.

I HOPE ,APPROPRIATE, RESPONSIBLE & COMPETENT AUTHORITIES WILL TAKE A SERIOUS NOTE TO THIS ILL STATE OF AFFAIR & TAKE IMMEDIATE NECESSARY SUITABLE MEASURES TO PREVENT SUCH INCIDENCES & WILL ENSURE SECURITY & SAFETY OF LIFE & PROPERTIES OF CONCORD CITY DWELLERS.

NEEDLESS TO MENTION, INSENSIBILITY, INEFFICIENCY, INEFFECTIVENESS & CONTINUOUS FAILURE ON THE PART OF LAW ENFORCING AUTHORITIES, MAY AMOUNT TO ENCOURAGEMENT TO ILLELEMENTS, MISCREANTS, BURGLARS & EVEN TO OTHER CRIMINALS. IF NOT CHECKED EFFECTIVELY WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY, SITUATION MAY GO BEYOND CONTROL.

Now I don’t want to point any fingers but I think this resident is clearly calling the Concord Police ineffective.

What do you think? Does this person have the right to complain about our beloved Concord PD?

Local Basketball Player Gets Recruited into the PAC-10

Mayor Concord California — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:48:52 +0000

From De La Salle to California Golden Bears, Brandon Smith is joining the PAC-10 conferance. I don’t follow basketball like some people but I would bet that the PAC-10 is the college scene to watch. Good luck Brandon and have a safe season. We’ll be sure to follow your rise into the NBA since you are a member of the Concord community.

Movie Contest Announcement: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Mayor Concord California — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:53:04 +0000

It’s been a while since the last movie contest. When I gave away tickets to the Watchmen the response was great. So I wanted to give away another pair of tickets to a movie I am sure many of you are going to want to see. Sure I could have gone for Transformers 2 but I missed the boat on that. I figure Harry Potter and the half blood prince would be a nice one for families.

A couple things I learned from the last movie contest will come into play with this one. First off, I am not going to say what theater you go to. This contest is open to everyone and anyone can win the tickets.

I am giving away 2 tickets. You can enter to win in a few different places and increase your chances of getting the free movie tickets. Here are the rules.

Chance to win on the blog:

Leave a comment on THIS post for a chance to win.
One comment per person.
Valid email address must be provided. (So I can notify you as a winner)

If you are a follower on Twitter, you can get another chance to win

Tweet “@concord_blogger I want the free Harry Potter movie tickets“
Can be entered more than once. Just Retweet again. Dont go crazy. One a day should be fine.
Must be following @concord_blogger. (So I can DM you when you win)

Tell me you want the tickets on the Mayor of Concord Facebook page. If you are not a fan already you should become one.

Another chance to win the tickets by writing on the wall.
Write anything but make it clear you are looking for the tickets and not just saying HI.

There you go. Three places you can enter to win the tickets and other than the blog comments, you can enter multiple times. I will choose the winner on July 10th using the randomize method used last time.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort’s defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn’t counted on Romilda Vane’s chocolates! And then there’s Hermione, simmering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings.