So This Happened in 2022 — A Year of Pioneer News
Open space, fire safety, family fests are high points

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Dec. 28, 2022) — As the world continued to crawl out of its COVID hibernation this year, local residents welcomed the return of favorite community events like art festivals, concerts in the parks and the always popular Fourth of July celebrations.

Progress was made on other fronts, too, including the opening of the state-of-art Pleasant Hill Library and the successful transition of the East County Fire Protection District into the county fire district. But there were still hard times, with California’s extended drought leading to water use restrictions and a county survey showing an increase in those experiencing homelessness in our area.

Here’s a look at some of the stories the Pioneer covered in 2022:

January

Historic preservation plan: Save Mount Diablo purchased a conservation easement to protect almost 154 acres of open space near Clayton. The partnership allows the Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association to continue to use the property while preserving it for future generations. In November, the conservation group acquired an option agreement to purchase the Krane Pond property adjacent to Clayton and Mount Diablo State Park – part of the “Missing Mile” on North Peak.

Top cop: The Concord Kiwanis Club honored Officer Dylan Luciano as Officer of the Year for his community service. In nomination papers, Lt. Robert Garcia noted Luciano’s “passion for police work and a commitment to bettering the community he serves.”

Guiding city policy: In his introductory column for the Pioneer, first-time Mayor Dominic Aliano recalled growing up in Concord and then returning to his hometown after college. “I have always had a passion for service and helping others,” he noted. Over in Clayton, Peter Cloven also took the mayoral post for the first time, saying: “I vow to be an example of the traits integrated into our city motto’s ‘Do the Right Thing’ – kindness, self-discipline, respect, integrity, courage, responsibility and inclusion.” In Pleasant Hill, long-time Councilmember Michael G. Harris became mayor again – and for the final time – as he entered his last year on the council.

February

Delving into city finances: The Clayton City Council discussed putting a parcel tax on the November ballot due to a looming budget deficit. But in May, Mayor Peter Cloven reported that a polling firm’s data indicated that any tax measure on the November ballot would likely fail. As the year draws to a close, the funding crisis remains unresolved.

Another try for weapons station plan: As the new master developer, Concord First Partners launched a series of community meetings to discuss development of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station: “We really do want this project to be local and that’s what we’re here to be, because we are the local group,” said Jeb Elmore.

Going Coastal: The Concord City Council approved the city’s first storefront cannabis retailer, with Coastal Dispensary subsequently opening in the Park & Shop Center on Aug. 10. “I am grateful for their commitment to becoming a good community partner,” Mayor Dominic Aliano said.

March

Boosting fire protection: The county’s Local Agency Formation Commission approved annexing the East County Fire Protection District into the larger Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. The two entities celebrated the transition on July 1, with Supervisor Diane Burgis stating: “Our communities are safer today and will be safer in the future.”

Questions about roadway’s namesake: County Supervisors Karen Mitchoff and Federal Glover proposed a new name for Kirker Pass Road, after accusations that James Kirker killed more than a hundred Native Americans in the 1840s. Mitchoff later reported that the county Public Works Department began discussions with representatives of Concord and Pittsburg, with Concord deciding against the plan. “Several residents living in an apartment complex on Kirker Pass Road came out to the meeting and said they did not want the name change,” she told the Pioneer in November. According to Mitchoff, Pittsburg officials are still exploring the idea.

Boosting mental health crisis response: The county is expanding its A3 (Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime) behavioral health crisis initiative into a 24/7, fully staffed program. “Teams that include mental health professionals, substance abuse counselors, if appropriate, peer counselors and others will be dispatched,” said Chad Pierce. “Law enforcement personnel will only accompany them if deemed necessary.”

April

Another victory for open space: Save Mount Diablo celebrated the opening of the Mangini Ranch Education Preserve, which will give school and community groups access for educational purposes. The area includes grasslands, canyons and woodlands and is home to a variety of wildlife.

Cheers for a return to normalcy: Crowds gathered in downtown Clayton as the popular Art & Wine Festival made its return after a pandemic shutdown. “Folks are ready to once again experience the joy of gathering together with their friends and family at our event,” said festival chair Sandy Johnson. Concord’s Bay Area KidFest and Pleasant Hill’s Art, Wine & Musical Festival were up next in May, followed by a slew of other community events throughout the summer.

May

Time to be water-wise: The Contra Costa Water District approved a 15% reduction in water use – along with increased fees – as the state heads into its third year of drought. “We know that further reductions can be a challenge, but our customers are conscientious water users who step up for their community,” said board president Lisa Borba.

Keeping an eye on crime: The Concord Police Department asked residents to register their home and business security cameras, so the PD can access video to help solve crimes. Some, however, raised privacy concerns about the Community Electronic Eye program.

June

Homelessness on the rise: A county survey showed a 307 increase in the unhoused since 2019 – thanks in part to pandemic pressures. “The county’s 2022 point-in-time count estimates that nearly 3,100 people are staying in shelter beds or living outdoors on an average night in Contra Costa, compared to 2,295 in 2019,” said Brittany Goldman, a spokesperson for Contra Costa Health Services.

Clayton shows its Pride: June 25 marked the first Clayton Pride Parade, with the theme “Every Color in the Rainbow.” “Clayton’s first LBGTQI+ Pride Parade shows that even little towns out in the suburbs have room to celebrate the queer community,” said Max Hartlove, a 17-year-old Clayton Valley Charter School student.

Good day for incumbents: DA Diana Becton led a pack of incumbents holding onto their seats in the June primary, from Sheriff David Livingston, County Assessor Gus Kramer and Auditor-Controller Robert Campbell to Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and Assemblyman Tim Grayson.

July

Addressing tenant rights: The Concord City Council approved a Residential Tenant Anti-Harassment Protection Ordinance that restricts landlords’ ability to evict residents. “It’s my sincere hope that this will lift the fear from people, and that people will feel comfortable coming forward if their roof is leaking or someone is taking away their parking space,” Councilmember Carlyn Obringer said.

Community art project: Guided by Local Edition Creative, artists gathered in Todos Santos Plaza to paint 12 6-foot by 6-foot portable murals. “Art is beautiful, inspiring, thought-provoking and also a way for people to understand one another,” noted Sage Loring.

August

Still fighting for justice: Jason Felisbret is committed to exoneration for the 50 Black sailors who refused to work after the 1944 explosion at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in Concord. So, he was optimistic about a summer House vote to address the issue in the National Defense Authorization Act. In November, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier’s office reported that the Senate and House were negotiating the proposal – with a vote expected by year’s end. “It should be a badge of honor that our relatives served in a war effort, but there’s this stain on their memories that we would absolutely like removed,” said Felisbret, whose uncle died in the blast.

Books and beyond: More than 3,000 people visited the new, $33 million Pleasant Hill Library on opening day. “Pleasant Hill deserves a modern, state-of-the-art library facility that not only meets our current needs but will meet our future needs as well,” said Mayor Michael G. Harris.

September

We’re watching you: The Concord City Council approved 65 license plate cameras around town, hoping to make an impact on missing person cases and help solve smash-and-grab crimes. “Anything that is an aid to the police force and public safety, I am in support of that,” said Councilmember Laura Hoffmeister.

Honoring business boosters: Pioneer reporter Jay Bedecarré received the Champion Award from the Concord Chamber of Commerce for his work on Kidfest, Contra Costa Con and other local events. Marathon Renewable Fuels won the Catalyst award, with Jenniffer Jimenez of La Fritanguera taking the Convener award for her help launching the Negocios Hispanos de Concord, or Hispanic Business Committee.

October

Back on the stage … and in the streets: Clayton Theatre Company presented “Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits,” its first post-COVID show. Grants from the Clayton CARES program and the Clayton Business & Community Association helped get the troupe back up and running. “When we knew we could finally open, we wanted something fun. I feel we all need to laugh and escape into live theater for two hours,” said managing director Roxanne Pardi. And she was right – the show played to sold-out audiences throughout its run. In another sign of a return to normalcy, record crowds filled downtown Clayton as Oktoberfest returned after a two-year hiatus.

Housing help on the way: Five housing projects are underway in Concord, with another four in planning stages. The second phase of the Grant, a mixed-used development with market rate apartments, is opening this month – about the same time as the groundbreaking is expected on the Argent’s affordable housing complex.

November

History in the making: After launching the organization in the 1970s, the Concord Historical Society celebrated the opening of the Concord History Museum. Displays include memorabilia from jazz great Dave Brubeck and the Concord Pavilion as well as items from the city’s Rancho days.

Outdoor education: The Mount Diablo Interpretive Association is working to raise $3 million to build a new education center to replace a small portable trailer in Mitchell Canyon. “A new educational complex with ADA compliant facilities at Mitchell Canyon would make it possible to accommodate field trips by bus for the first time to the mountain and provide outdoor education, natural history and environmental science opportunities that are not currently available,” said Lynn Mackay, Contra Costa County’s superintendent of schools.

December

Keeping a safe watch: Richard McEachin launched his career in Clayton as a police officer in the 2000s. Now, he’s back running the department. “It takes a special kind of officer to work in a small community,” he noted. “You’ve got to really want to get out there and be involved in the community and not just respond from call to call.” Meanwhile, the Noor Islamic and Cultural Community Center offered lunch – and gratitude – to members of the Concord Police Department for bringing peace of mind to the local Afghan community.

End of an era (times three): In their final Pioneer columns, outgoing District 4 Supervisor Karen Mitchoff and Pleasant Hill Mayor Michael G. Harris looked back at their accomplishments. Harris thanked the city staff, his fellow council members and, finally, the citizenry. “We couldn’t have done it without you,” he wrote. Meanwhile, Concord City Councilmember Tim McGallian lost to political newcomer Laura Nakamura. It was the first time in 30 years that an incumbent had been ousted in a council race there.

Concerns about Clayton Quarry: After the county approved Cemex’s reclamation plan for the site, Mitchell Canyon neighbors are rallying together – citing health and safety issues. “We’re living in a million-dollar dust bowl,” said long-time resident Melinda Moore. “Something has to be done.”

The Pioneer wishes you a happy new year. Thank you for supporting your local newspaper!