So This Happened… Week of April 11 through 17, 2022
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Apr. 10, 2022) — Just hours after completing a “4/4/48” fundraiser for war relief in Ukraine, retired Marine Mike Hudson of Concord learned that his Ukrainian friend Nick Nikonov had died in Mariupol. The two servicemen had been in daily contact since Russia invaded Ukraine in February. Hudson’s wife Cristela and daughter Yullina are also involved in raising money for the war-torn country through Ygnacio Valley Christian School in Concord.
A comic hit: Cosplay costumes were key to the success of April 10’s Contra Costa Con 3 at the Concord Hilton. The popular event also featured guest appearances by Eric and Eliza Roberts, C. Andrew Nelson and Alan Fernandes. “It was our biggest show to date,” co-producer Mike Mundy reported.
Pizza with pizzazz: Pioneer dining out columnist Richard Eber extolls the joys of the unique pizzas at Freewheel in Clayton. Owner Randy Martin focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients for his East Coast pizza with a “Wine Country twist.” Customers need to order online if they want in on the action.
Spring showcases: Clayton and Concord gardens are the stars of two upcoming events: the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour April 30-May 1 and the Clayton Gardens Tour May 6-7. Tour-goers will find everything from drought-resistant natives to a tropical oasis.
Clayton Art & Wine returns: After a two-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Clayton residents are eager to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the popular Art & Wine Festival on April 23-24. Beyond the art (and crafts) and wine (and beer), festival visitors can enjoy Mexican, dim sum, barbecue and teriyaki options as well as live music from local bands The 151, Shameless, Plan B and The PhD’s.
More stories
Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered in the last week:
Four vying for Contra Costa clerk-recorder post in first race without incumbent.
Clayton’s Team Smarties preparing to return to Odyssey World Finals.
Murals ‘for everyone’ joining Concord’s cityscape in June.
MDUSD completes bond refinancing, saving taxpayers $49 million.
Concord council prioritizes staffing, weapons station development, homelessness.
Clayton vice mayor urges a closer look at housing affordability.
CVCHS board removes interim title from executive director Dave Fehte.
Court sides with Save Mt. Diablo against Seeno in Faria project dispute.
Meals on Wheels exec honored for helping ‘the whole person.’
Guest Editorial: Stop the harassment of vulnerable tenants in Concord.
Local open mic nights let musicians ‘do their thing.’
Clayton salon stays in local hands after death of popular owner.
Girls get fired up at daylong camp.
Junior Giants finally get to have their eighth season this summer in Concord.
Mom now knows pregnancy is not for her.
Concord Chamber cuts the ribbon for new businesses.
Obituaries: Ann Leslie Welty and Jack Sogomonian.
Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Andrew LaVay of Northgate High.
Morgan Territory gated estate waiting for your personal touch.
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.
Bev Britton
Bev Britton graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of North Dakota and moved to the Bay Area with her soon-to-be husband Jim in 1986. She was features editor at the Contra Costa Times in Walnut Creek before becoming managing editor of the Contra Costa Sun in Lafayette in 1995. She retired from newsrooms in 2001, but an ad for the Clayton Pioneer drew her back in. The family moved to Lake Wildwood in the Gold Country a few years ago - but working at the Pioneer keeps her in touch with her old neighborhoods in Concord and Clayton.