So This Happened… Week of Dec. 6 to 12, 2021
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Dec. 12, 2021) — In response to recent smash-and-grab thefts and a general lack of prosecution, the mayors of Concord, Clayton, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek and Martinez urged District Attorney Diana Becton to take action to fight escalating crime.
“What is needed to combat this increase and curtail further such attempts is strong leadership from your office and other district attorney’s offices in partnership with our police departments,” the mayors wrote in a joint letter dated Nov. 30.
Becton is scheduled to provide a report to the Concord City Council on Dec. 14.
In his Pioneer column, Concord Police Chief Mark Bustillos also called for holding arrestees accountable for low-level crimes.
Canines to the rescue: As recent graduates of the First Responders Canine program (FRK9), Ryan and Cooper are doing their dog-gone best to help two police officers in need.
“I can’t put into words how helpful Ryan is to me,” says James Franklin. “Ryan saves my life every day.”
It’s a wrap: Check out the Pioneer’s year-end stories looking at everything from the COVID-19 pandemic to local politics and sports.
Passing the gavels: Following the traditional rotation, Peter Cloven took over as mayor in Clayton, while Dominic Aliano will lead the Concord council for the next year. Meanwhile, outgoing Concord Mayor Tim McGallian presented his Community Service Awards to Dominic Machi, Christa Fairfield and Raymond Barbour for their stellar efforts during the pandemic.
More stories
As the Pioneer completed its final print edition of 2021, here are some other stories we covered in the last week:
Holiday roundup: Global supply chain woes affecting local food nonprofits. Put Concord on your holiday destination plan. The magic is back as holiday shows open. When Santa comes a-calling. Give your home some TLC for the holidays.
Another atmospheric river hits Contra Costa.
Clayton’s Village Market founder dies at 87.
Save Mount Diablo marks half a century of land preservation.
De La Salle’s season ends short of state title game.
Pleasant Hill continues to work on Housing Element.
Volunteering adds personal value to local artists’ lives.
EBASE seeks an end to landlord harassment in Concord.
Clayton’s Groveside Bistro elevates brunch to an event.
Timing must be right to meet the boyfriend’s daughter.
‘C’mon’ offers compelling delve into bipolar disorder.
Pioneer Athlete spotlights on Sheridan Donovan and Laine Moraes.
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 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.