So This Happened… Week of Aug. 16 to 22, 2021

So This Happened... Week of Aug. 16 to 22, 2021
Clockwise from Left: Officer Nooria Achakzai named top cop for 2021 by Kiwanis Club, new car dealership breaks ground as part of Diamond Blvd. revitalization plan, and local hero Kathy Gleason helps the homeless.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Aug. 22, 2021) — After nine hours of presentations and questions, the Concord City Council voted 3-2 Saturday, Aug. 21, to select a local joint venture as the new master developer for the former Concord Naval Weapons Station. The group includes Discovery Homes/Seeno Companies, Lewis Planned Communities and the California Capital Investment Group. Read full story.

Rough financial future for Clayton: In his Pioneer column, Mayor CW Wolfe writes about the limited options the small town faces with deficits predicted after fiscal year 2022. “Now is the time for you, our citizens, to voice your thoughts and suggestions,” he says. Read full story.

COVID updates: With Contra Costa County’s return to an indoor mask mandate leading to increased stress and anxiety, a local doctor says one key to recovery is staying connected to others – in a safe manner. Meanwhile, the Family Justice Center has opened a new Contra Costa Trauma Recovery Center for victims of violent crimes who may have been overlooked due to COVID lockdowns.

As Pioneer reporter Jay Bedecarré delves into what the new business openings in Concord mean for the city’s economic recovery, Editor Tamara Steiner laments the step backward brought on by the Delta variant and low vaccine rates. Local schools remain front and center in the struggle as the new academic year begins, and more local events are being canceled – including Concord’s popular KidFest.

Above and beyond: As the pandemic raged on, Concord Police Officer Nooria Achakzai continued to combat crime – with a special focus on professionalism along the way. For her efforts, the Kiwanis Club named her Police Officer of the Year.

“She is a great example to her fellow officers of why it is important to be proactive in locating and stopping dangerous criminal behavior before it becomes a public safety issue,” said Sgt. Jason Passama, who nominated her for the award. Read the full story.

More stories

Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered recently:

Homeless cats, homeless people: Concord woman lends a hand to all.

Citizen-designed park is the hub of downtown Clayton.

Long-time water district board member an advocate for equality and the environment.

Kara Kohler’s 2nd Olympics ended by less than a second after a bad start.

Concord chamber recognizes key business leaders.

New Concord car dealership breaks ground as part of Diamond Blvd. revitalization.

Nine Northern California national forests closing as fire battles continue.

‘Black Widow,’ ‘Stillwater’ both compelling.

Pioneer Athlete Spotlights on Kaylee Pond and Tanner Keys.

‘Scalia/Ginsburg’ a tribute to a special friendship.

Survey shows strong support for use of drones.

Go from dreary and drab to your dream kitchen.

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
Copy Editor at The Concord Clayton Pioneer | bevbritton@sbcglobal.net

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.

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