So This Happened…Week of April 17 through 23, 2023

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (April 23, 2023) — New owners have a two-phase plan to restore the Grayson Woods Golf Course, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood in Pleasant Hill.

“We bought it as a place for our kids to play golf and for other kids to improve their games,” says Kyin Chiou. “It’s peaceful out here.”

Darting to the rescue: Members of Contra Costa’s California Disaster Airlift Response Team (CalDART) pitched in when snow clogged access points in San Bernardino Count. Local residents also came together to create Operation Mountain Strong.

A new chief in town: After almost 23 years with the department, Scott Vermillion is now the chief of police in Pleasant Hill. “In the world of law enforcement, Pleasant Hill is a great place to work as a police officer,” he says. “It has a supportive community that has its values in the right and appropriate places.”

More stories

Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered recently:

In Concord: City goes back to drawing board a third time for CNWS master developer. Also, council OKs police report on use of military equipment and the mayor talks about progress on potholes.

In Clayton: Residents cleaned up in advance of the April 29-30 Art & Wine Festival. And, the mayor outlines the city’s efforts to cover the budget deficit.

In the schools: El Monte Elementary in Concord gets donation for new A/V system. Ygnacio Valley, Olympic high educators county finalists for Teachers of the Year, plus Pioneer Athlete Spotlights on Alana Sevier of Concord High and Courtney Ward of Clayton Valley.

In entertainment: Theater show pays tribute to Fats Waller. At the movies, new “Wick” disappoints; opt for “Dungeons” or “Super Mario” instead. And, from jazz to death metal, local musicians have it covered.

From the police: Pleasant Hill missing teen found safe. Plus, Concord police report.

Obituaries: Tony Diaz and Heather Georgene Sobotka.

Contra Costa County working to address climate change.

It may not be possible for boyfriend to move beyond systemic racism.

Don’t box yourself in – go for a container garden.

Hope Hospice offering free grief workshops in May

Life for seniors is good at TreVista.

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

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