So this happened...Week of Aug. 17-23 -

With about 600 wildfires scorching California in the last week, Concord and Clayton residents are on high alert.

Updates from Cal Fire: To help people stay safe, Cal Fire has posted an online evacuation map for the SCU Lightning Complex fire to the south. Read the full story.

Park closures: Meanwhile, the East Bay Regional Park District has shut down all areas except some shoreline parks and inter-park trails until further notice. Extreme heat, poor air quality and high fire danger are expected throughout the week. Read the full story.

Election season: Candidates for the City Councils in Clayton and Concord responded to the Pioneer’s questionnaires about key issues. High-density housing is among the top concerns in Clayton, while the city budget crisis looms large for the Concord candidates. Check out our Election coverage.

Highlighting essential workers: As Labor Day approaches, the Pioneer talked to an inspector for Central San as well as workers at the Dianne Adair Day Care Center about the effects of the pandemic. “You can have some anxiety,” said day care director Shauna Potts, “but after coming back in June, I realized how much I’ve missed seeing kids play.” Read the full story.

Answering the call: Local church leaders are pushing through social distancing and other regulations to continue to serve their congregations. “It’s been a bit different preaching sermons through a mask, but I find it to be an easy way I can love my neighbor,” said Pastor Andrew Jones of First Lutheran Church in Concord. Read the full story.

Are you an even or an odd? If you found the August issue of the Pioneer in your driveway, you are an “even” in our new rotating distribution cycle. If you don’t want to miss a single issue, please subscribe. Read the full story.

So this happened…
Week of Aug. 17-23

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