So This Happened…Week of Feb. 17-23, 2025
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Feb. 23, 2025) — Golf star Yealimi Noh of Concord won her first LPGA tournament championship in Bradenton, Fla., earlier this month. After the four-shot victory, she said she was “just really, really happy and just really proud of how I kept it together.”
In other local sports news, nine basketball teams competed in section playoffs and the Northgate High group won the Cheer championship title in Las Vegas. Plus, take a look at the latest edition of the Pioneer’s Sports Shorts.
Two crime-related fatalities in Concord: In the early morning hours of Feb. 18, Concord police officers shot and killed a man who was stabbing a family member on Natoma Drive. The victim is expected to survive. Then late in the evening on Feb. 22, an employee shot and killed an armed robbery suspect at a convenience store at 3200 Willow Pass Road. Concord officers are continuing to investigate both deaths. For more from Concord PD, see the latest arrest report.
Assessing the fire threat: Pioneer writer Peggy Spear talks with local experts about whether a firestorm like the recent L.A. disaster could happen here. Short answer: Yes. But, there is much residents and officials can do to thwart such an event.
Meanwhile, state Sen. Tim Grayson provides an update on the Fight for Firefighters Act of 2025, which would make the 3,000 nine-month seasonal CalFire firefighters into year-round employees. “This bipartisan legislation will fully staff all 356 CalFire fire engines and helitack bases 365 days a year while ensuring CalFire wildfire vegetation management crews can do their good work for a full 12 months,” Grayson wrote.
On the entertainment front, Concord’s John Paul Hodge dedicates his new single “Grab One Toy (The Fire Song)” to all who have faced wildfire tragedies. “I’ve had close friends that have literally had to grab their kids and pets and run, and that’s eye-opening to the intensity of that situation,” Hodge tells music columnist Dave Hughes.
More news
Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered recently:
From Clayton Mayor Kim Trupiano: New hires aim to strengthen city services.
In Concord: Hear Ann Notarangelo’s interview with Mayor Carlyn Obringer at the State of the City luncheon.
Obituary: Daniel DeSousa, of Clayton, Jan. 8, 2025
On the national scene: Congressman Mark DeSaulnier ready for “bumpy ride” after federal funding pause.
Local theater: Video game the star of “Froggy,” while “Cake” explores religious beliefs.
In real estate: The “Super Bowl Effect” hits local market, plus is the equity in your home calling?
In the schools: Clayton Valley Charter opens Introduction to Design Course for Class of 2029.
Read past installments of “So This Happened…”: Click here.
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