So This Happened…News Summary for Dec. 21-27

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY—If you want to hit the trails – but avoid the mud, columnist Ned MacKay offers up some dry options for in between the rainstorms.

Or there might still be time to catch some local light displays to keep your holiday spirit going through New Year’s Eve. Unless you were already one of the 5,000 or so who have driven by the extraordinary exhibit at 711 Terrapin Court in Concord each night. “It has a better Disney look than it has in the past years,” notes homeowner Erik Hake. But if you want to stay warm and cozy at home, tune into “Jingle Jangle” on Netflix and gaze at your own decorations. Unless you’re one of those who dumps the tree promptly on Dec. 26.

Spotlight on Concord: Columnist George Fulmore delves into some solutions for renters impacted by COVID-19, including some city-sponsored programs. Meanwhile, the Concord City Council will enter 2021 with a new vision for the former Concord Naval Weapons Station. “I think the most important thing for us to focus on is to get to the point where we have a developer,” Councilman Edi Birsan said.

Local loyalty: Pioneer editor Tamara Steiner ends the year with a plea for residents to continue to support local businesses – including community newspapers like the Pioneer, which she calls “critical to democracy and the health of the whole.”

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

• 2021 Contra Costa County Fair canceled.
• A new take on street food in Concord.
• Contra Costa COVID-19 vaccination update.
• Drunk driving death forever changes family.
• Contra Costa County residents among lowest credit card debtors in California.

Each week, the Concord Clayton Pioneer posts a summary of our news stories called “So This Happened…” If you would like to check out past weekly roundups, click here.