So This Happened…Week of Sept. 19 through 25, 2022

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Sept. 25, 2022) — We can probably thank the stress of COVID and remote learning for the high amount of administrative turnover at local schools – including the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, the Contra Costa School of Performing Arts, and Clayton Valley Charter, De La Salle and Carondelet high schools.

However, the pandemic has given a boost to the city of Concord, which plans to allocate $19 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds at the Sept. 27 meeting.

Meanwhile, candidates for the Concord council and city treasurer will appear at a voter forum on Sept. 28. Those running for the Clayton council will be at an Oct. 10 event that will also focus on the state propositions.

Helping those in crisis: The League of California Cities has awarded Contra Costa County for its behavioral health crisis response plan called Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime (A3). “Effectively responding to mental health emergencies by establishing A3 as the fourth arm of emergency response in Contra Costa County is transformational and will have a lasting impact on public health,” said Valerie Barone, Concord’s city manager.

Another victory for open space: The East Bay Regional Park District and Save Mount Diablo have a plan to purchase the 768-acre Finley Road Roach, one of the largest unprotected open spaces adjacent to Mount Diablo State Park. “It’s a spectacular property, most of it unseen by anyone other than the owners for over a hundred years,” noted park board member Beverly Lane.

More stories

Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered in the last week:

Contra Costa County Fire responds to early morning vehicle fire.

Concord’s Hoffmeister sentenced to probation for DUI.

California DMV offers specialized options for seniors over 70.

Affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ save lives.

Listen up: New FDA rule on hearing aids opens up options.

Sports roundup: Concord player hosts national blind golf tournament. CVCHS catcher Ryder Helfrick named All-American Classic MVP. First Tee of Contra Costa teen golfer Emily Knox in PGA’s PURE Insurance Championship. Also, Pioneer Sports Shorts. 

Governor Newsom signs world’s toughest social media law.

Even without iconic smokestack, The Crossings still draws happy homeowners.

Key Hope Hospice founder dies. And, an obituary for Harry William “Chip” Stewart III.

Heirloom apples offer a taste of history at Concord’s Farmers Market.

Track down all the mysteries surrounding “Horse.”

ARF pets Bertie and Lover Boy looking for forever homes.

If you would like to check out past weekly roundups, click here.