So This Happened…Week of August 21 through 27, 2023

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Aug. 27, 2023) — Solo Opera executive director Sylvia Amorino says the upcoming “Three Feathers” has something for all ages. “We chose this opera not only for its beautiful music and charming libretto, but for the important messages it shares,” she says of the show opening Sept. 8 in Walnut Creek. (Read the complete story)

Bad week for robbers: Police from several jurisdictions surrounded the Bank of America on Sunvalley Boulevard Aug. 25 after reports of a robbery in progress. They arrested a suspect as he left the Concord bank. Using a helicopter to search, Concord and Contra Costa County officers also were able to nab a suspect in the armed robbery of a mail carrier on Aug. 24. For more local police news, see the latest Clayton police report.

In Pleasant Hill: Mayor Tim Flaherty is encouraging residents to take part in Community Service Day on Sept. 23. “If you’re looking for a way to give back to your community, Community Service Day is the event for you,” he writes. Meanwhile, the city suffered another setback as the state once again denied the proposed Housing Element. “What they are asking for is difficult to achieve considering we are pretty built out,” said Councilmember Sue Noack.

In Concord: Given they were the only developer left, the City Council selected Brookfield Properties as the next master developer for the Concord Naval Weapons Station. Housing America Partners had withdrawn its application prior to the Aug. 26 meeting. In another hot-button issue for the city, Councilmember Edi Birsan shared results of a recent survey on issues surrounding homelessness.

In Clayton: In a new twist on summer jobs, Matteo Mitchell turned other people’s trash into new treasures – by buying and selling items he discovered online. The former Clayton Valley athlete will use the money to help offset his tuition at USC, where he is a hammer thrower for the track and field team. Looking back in time, Debbie Eistetter recalls Clayton’s iconic eucalyptus grove.

In sports: For the third time in a row, Dana Hills took home top honors at the county swimming championship. Meanwhile, two Clayton Valley Charter students competed in the National Junior Olympics, with Zoe Lahanas placing third in the 800-meter. In other sports headlines, local football teams kick off with new challenges, plus a Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Daniel Messer of Clayton Valley.

More stories

Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered recently:

In the schools: Clayton Valley Robotics Club compete in first VEX VRC competition. And, Mt. Diablo Unified School District approves 7% raise for Teamsters workers. 

Rep. DeSaulnier to hold Town Hall at Contra Costa Animal Services on Monday. Plus, Animal Services offering everyday adoptions through August.

Concord Pavilion drives away with new sponsor.

Artist enjoys creating beautiful ecosystems.

Support is essential for non-binary people; be an ally.

Toddler found unresponsive in Concord pool taken to hospital.

Characters and their connections fill “Good Bean Café.”

Seller impersonation fraud gains ground in real estate.

Create usable square footage instead of wasting it.

Brasas do Brazil a special treat from cocktails to dessert, with BBQ in between.

Diablo Valley Literacy Council seeking tutors for ESL Adults.

Contra Costa needs applicants for African American Holistic Wellness Hub Steering Committee.

Classical Hindu dance at Pleasant Hill Library.

Using AI defenses to ward off AI attacks.

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