As 2019 winds down, The Pioneer recalls a year of headline stories
2019 certainly had its share of ups and downs. We at The Concord Clayton Pioneer look forward to sharing the news of 2020 with you. But before we say goodbye to 2019, join us for one last look back at the photos that made front page headlines over the past 12 months. Thanks to everyone who supports local news. Have a happy new year.
For a more in-depth look at the news of 2019, Click here.
January, Dancing Queen
Concord’s Liz Wood began dancing when she was three-years-old and now just months before her 70th birthday in April she’s a member of the Hardwood Classics, the new senior dance team of the world champion Golden State Warriors (Photo courtesy NBA Photos/Warriors). Click here for the story.
February, Spiritual Foundation
Members of the Hindu community, Concord dignitaries and well-wishers gathered at Concord’s Shiva Murugan Temple for a traditional ceremony on Jan. 26. The priest, contractor, architect, engineer and temple director placed the consecrated foundation stone in the ground at the northeast corner of what will be the new temple. Tamara Steiner photo. Click here for the story.
March, Unsung Heroes
Unsung Hero winners, from left, Isabel Lara, Dave Pitman, Carlos Marroquin, Father Richard Mangini, Rosalia Ramos de Palomera and Ronald Berliner. The six were recognized by the organization for their often behind-the-scenes volunteer efforts to improve their communities. Click here for the story.
April, Hall of Fame
Concord league commissioner Ana Villalobos made her acceptance speech to 800 attendees at the Play Ball Lunch in San Francisco when she was inducted in the Junior Giants Hall of Fame. Behind her are Giants radio announcers Jon Miller (left) and Dave Flemming (right). John Noguchi, co-chair of the Giants Community Fund, stood right behind Villalobos. (Photo courtesy San Francisco Giants). Click here for the story.
May Day March
A May Day rally and march began at Meadow Homes park with a call for rent control action from city leaders. Hundreds then marched through downtown streets to Todos Santos Plaza where local musicians and dance groups performed. (Amir Saadiq photo). Click here for the story.
June, All That Jazz
Ellen Findlay Herdegen helped with the original Concord Jazz Festival in 1969, held in what is now Dave Brubeck Park. She will be grand marshal of this year’s July 4th parade in her hometown, with the theme “All That Jazz.” (Jay Bedecarré photo). Click here for the story.
July, Whodunnit?
Former Concord resident Kyle Newacheck relaxes on the set of “Murder Mystery” in Italy with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston. Click here for the story.
August, True Blue (Devils)
Concord’s Blue Devils reign over the drum corps world once again after winning their 19th DCI World Championship and eighth in the past 13 years last Saturday evening in Indianapolis. The Devils color guard perform in “Ghostlight” at Lucas Oil Stadium in the finals. (Ryan Carr photo courtesy Blue Devils). Click here for the story.
September, Sweet Serendipity
Seniors America Miramontes (middle) and Rosario Garcia enjoy instructor Kevin Fuller’s menu tips in the all-new Serendipity Restaurant on the Mt. Diablo High School campus. The restaurant is part of the Concord school’s International Hospitality and Tourism Academy. Fuller explains that students learn more than only skills for the hospitality field. Garcia talks about becoming a movie director and Miramontes—in her fourth year in the Academy—a kindergarten teacher. (Tamara Steiner photo). Click here for the story.
October, The Renters Strike Back
Tenants protested at last month’s Coffee with the Mayor in Concord, demanding the city do something about exorbitant rent hikes and unjust evictions. Mayor Carlyn Obringer says the new state housing law, AB 1482, does both. (Photo courtesy Tenents Together. Click here for the story.
November, Helping Hand
Food Bank Executive Director, Larry Sly, works alongside other volunteers at the Antioch High School site Oct. 26 as part of the twice monthly produce distribution effort for clients in Central Contra Costa County. Sly will step down as director in 2020 (photo David Scholz). Click here for the story.
December, Christmas Spirit
A dedicated crew of volunteers is committed to keeping Berkshire Books open while owner Lynn Kuehl (seated, center) recovers from a leg amputation. The volunteers include former Clayton Books owner and local attorney, Joel Harris (standing) Cleo Bolen (left) and Bria Stevens, (right). Bolen is a former Clayton Books customer and Stevens is a student at Diablo Valley College. (Tamara Steiner photo). Click here for the story.