So This Happened…Week of March 3-9, 2025

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Mar. 9, 2025) — As the Concord City Council OK’d $20,400 to continue the Downtown Welcome & Cleanliness Program through June 30, city officials also warned the Todos Santos Business Association (TSBA) that the funding might soon come to an end. The council pointed to a decrease in anticipated revenues.

TSBA president Walter Eichinger said the program has reduced the number of “negative contacts” with individuals downtown while also decreasing the presence of new graffiti. Read the complete story.

State water woes: The decision to halt further expansion of the Los Vaqueros Reservoir is just another sign of the state’s water storage problems. Federal, state and regional water agencies had planned to nearly double the reservoir’s capacity before the Contra Costa Water District withdrew its support. “It is a shame, because the project was an excellent regional resource,” said U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier said. Read the complete story.

Meanwhile, food columnist Cindy Gershen is working to help high school students learn about the value of diet, food and water. She also points out that residents are using more water than they realize on a daily basis.

More news

Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered recently:

From our elected officials: Follow the lead of Pleasant Hill’s Diversity Commission, and Farias eager to tackle housing, climate change in Assembly.

In local history: Travel back in time at Clayton’s general store, and county Historical Society gets $20,000 boost.

The local art scene: Concord Art Association enjoying sixth decade with unwavering spirit, John Muir Hospital Art Sale to raise funds to support Concord volunteers and Terry Hughes’ life of art, sports and reinvention.

Wildfire prevention: Three key ways Contra Costa County residents can prepare.

In our schools: Live jazz, Cajun cuisine and dancing to support CVCHS music on March 29.

In sports: Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Eric (Ej) Warrick of Mt. Diablo High.

Dining out: From lumpia to barbecue, Filipino food stars at local eateries, plus Claytonville BBQ and Roadside 22 planning special May menu.

In the garden: Choosing the right ornamental tree for springtime charm.

From the Concord Chamber: Embracing sustainable living and fitness.

From the police: The latest reports from Clayton and Concord.

On a personal note: Cemeteries allow us to reconnect with our past, and the evolution of skincare: stem cells and exosomes.

Read past installments of “So This Happened…”: Click here.

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