So This Happened…Week of April 24 through 30, 2023

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (April 30, 2023) — Gun control, access to mental health services and green energy top the list for U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, who was back in Concord recently to present a $631,200 check to the Concord City Council for pedestrian and traffic safety

The Democratic Congressman also remains committed to exoneration for the Port Chicago 50. “The Navy has admitted to some wrongdoing but still stops short of full exoneration,” he says of the 50 Black sailors who refused to return to work after an explosion during World War II.  Read the full interview.

Filling a need: State Sen. Steve Glazer honored Concord resident Janet Frazier with the “Women Making Herstory” award for her Bags of Hope project, which provides snacks for those waiting on a loved one at the hospital. “I just want to say thank you, and this meal was so crucial to me here that I am at loss for words,” says a recipient named Crystal.

Artful endeavor: Clayton resident Julia O’Reilly wants her JOR Fine Art Gallery to be a downtown gathering spot. She welcomes school kids walking by, along with anyone else who just wants to hang out. “After the pandemic, we all need art therapy to get back to normal,” she notes.

Lifesaving service: The Pleasant Hill Police Department will host a presentation May 23 to discuss Project Lifesaver, a program designed to rapidly locate individuals with cognitive disorders or those prone to wandering. “We are always looking for new tools that will help us do our jobs better and make a positive impact in the community,” says Officer Nicholas Filippini.

Police updates: The Walnut Creek Police Department is continuing its investigation after a student was arrested in the stabbing of another student at Northgate High School. Meanwhile, Pleasant Hill police are crediting a resident who alerted them to a man walking into Nordstrom Rack with a gun. Officers arrived quickly and detained the individual without incident. Over in Concord, the police now have more than 200 cameras registered in a voluntary registry program. For more crime news, see the Concord PD’s latest report.

College-bound athletes: Seventeen local seniors will be playing 11 different sports in colleges across the country next fall. Check out our story for the complete list. Meanwhile, the spring sports season has begun – with students competing in baseball, lacrosse, swimming and track and field. For more local sports info, read the Pioneer’s Sports Shorts.

More stories

Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered recently:

In the schools: Activism marks start of two school board meetings. And, Contra Costa school staff selected as Employees of the Year. *Pete: two stories here

What’s on the menu: Pleasant Hill’s Off the Grid fuels friendships and fun, while Troy offers for the best of Greek food. For those watching what they eat, learn about the benefits of weighing your food. Meanwhile, White Pony Express is asking local restaurants to donate their surplus food.

Record rainfall in Contra Costa creates perfect conditions for mosquitoes.

Letter to the Editor: Pleasant Hill tries to gerrymander district lines.

“Ethical” trauma is hurting LGBTQA+ community.

A chatbot walks into a bar … are you worried?

Bringing out the crystal ball to see Concord’s future.

Join Father’s Day 5K Run for Rotary June 18 at Clayton Community Park.

Chewy and Luke are looking for a forever home.

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

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