2020—That’s a wrap
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY—If Queen Elizabeth thought 1992 was annus horribilis, 2020 was worse – longer, crazier, darker and scarier.
Pandemics, lockdowns, a state on fire and a protracted political campaign followed by weeks of post-election madness. Businesses closed, then opened (sort of), then closed again.
We learned a whole new vocabulary: novel coronavirus, community spread, herd immunity. We watched as case numbers reached the stratosphere, measuring the sick and dead on bar charts and computer screens. And we learned we were both better and worse than we thought.
Throughout the year and despite the gloom, little points of light continued to pierce the darkness. Neighbors reached out. Families got closer. Nana and Gramps learned to Zoom. Essential workers pulled shift after shift. Masks got creative. People stepped up. And we kept on keepin’ on.
Stop the presses
Here at the Pioneer, we watched several independent, community newspapers go dark. Many of these were colleagues. Some were friends.
Local journalism has never been more critical for the well-being of an informed community. We have a responsibility to you, and we take it seriously.
That we are still standing is testament to our resilience and usefulness
We send heartfelt thanks to our readers, leaders and advertisers for your support. And we ask that you continue to look to the Pioneer – and others like us – as critical to democracy and the health of the whole.
Community
While the needs are great, our community is greater. Our support for one another does not waver. Let it continue into the coming year.
Whenever possible, please buy from our local businesses – even if it costs a little more. Because the cost of not supporting them is far, far greater than the few dollars we might save on Amazon.
As Concord City Councilman Edi Birsan says, “Happy All Holidays.” And may each of you find peace and joy in the season and hope for the coming year.
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