Working together, we can move toward a better future
CONCORD, CA—[Editor’s Note: At the Dec. 8 Concord City Council meeting, Tim McGallian was reelected to a second one-year term as mayor.]
As 2020 winds down and we begin to look ahead with hope toward a brighter year, I’d like to take a moment to wish you and your family a happy holiday season.
It has been a very challenging year, to be sure. And yet there is still so much to be thankful for – including our vibrant Concord community.
While the city had to cancel the annual mayor’s sing-along and tree lighting ceremony due to limitations on mass gatherings, we tried to keep the holiday spirit alive by creating a fun video that captures the joy of the season. It features special messages, songs, performances by local groups and a virtual tree lighting. If you missed the December 5 premiere, you can still check it out on the city’s website, Facebook page and our Concord TV channel.
This season, more than ever, we are encouraging our residents to support local businesses by shopping locally for all of their holiday gift purchases. In partnership with the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, we have launched the Shop Concord gift card program that enables customers to shop at dozens of local retailers with a single Yiftee gift card. While supplies last, customers who purchase a $50 gift card will receive a bonus $25 gift card and those who purchase a $20 gift card will receive a bonus $10 gift card.
While you’re in the giving spirit, please consider pitching in to help out one of the many local non-profits working so hard to support families in need. The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Monument Crisis Center, Shelter, Inc., and White Pony Express are just a few examples of groups providing food, clothing, shelter and resources to struggling families.
This has been an especially tough year for people who have lost their jobs or housing, had unexpected health care costs or had to care for loved ones. These organizations are seeing growing demand for assistance and are striving to increase their capacity. I would like to extend a special thank you to all of the non-profit organizations that have responded to the sudden and urgent calls for help.
Of course, 2020 was also a big election year. I congratulate my two City Council colleagues who were reelected: Carlyn Obringer in District 2 and Edi Birsan in District 4. I look forward to continuing to work with them to keep our city moving in the right direction.
Measure V
Also on the November ballot was the city’s sales tax measure known as Measure V. I am grateful to Concord residents for passing Measure V, which will help us address our budget challenges and enable us to make meaningful investments in our community priorities. That includes roadway repairs and enhancing our emergency mental health response in partnership with the county.
Of course, our most pressing priority will be to help our community deal with and recover from the ongoing pandemic. Moving back into the Purple Tier of the state’s color-coded risk matrix was disappointing, but we must continue to heed the advice of our local health officials.
We still need to be vigilant and protect ourselves and others by wearing masks and keeping our distance. We also need to avoid large gatherings, even though big celebrations may be part of our family traditions. I celebrated Thanksgiving with my wife and three kids. It was a much smaller dinner party than we’re used to, but we made that sacrifice and I’m asking our community to do their part in keeping infection rates down by avoiding large get-togethers.
We know that a vaccine is coming, and the city stands prepared to partner with the county Health Department and our local health care providers to support its quick and effective distribution. We realize this process could take many months, so we ask for your patience.
Finally, I would like to express my deep gratitude for the dozens of dedicated women and men who work for the city of Concord, the Concord Chamber of Commerce and Visit Concord. Through our long-standing partnership, we have forged a team of hard-working individuals who are committed to making Concord an awesome place to live, work and play.
Mayor Tim McGallian can be reached at Tim.McGallian@cityofconcord.org