So This Happened…Week of Feb. 12 through 18, 2024
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Feb. 18, 2024) — The Concord City Council approved a Residential Tenant Protection Program on Feb. 13, in a vote that pleased tenant advocates but angered some landlords.
The ordinance outlines payments all landlords must make for certain just-cause, no fault evictions as well as establishing a Rent Stabilization Program for multi-family rental complexes of two or more units built before Feb. 1, 1995. Mayor Edi Birsan said the policy addresses “a crisis” over rising rents and evictions.
Meanwhile, Birsan spelled out the city’s new Homeless Strategic Plan in his latest column for the Pioneer. “It will serve as a roadmap to begin implementing strategies we believe will make a real difference to our community,” he said.
Stabbing in park rocks community: The family of the slain Pleasant Hill parks worker established a Go Fund Me account to help cover costs, as police continue to investigate the stabbing death of Santiago Jacobo. “The safety of our community is the No. 1 priority of our police department, and I know that they are using every resource available in finding the person responsible,” said Mayor Matt Rinn.
Preserving the Clayton way of life: Some forward-thinking residents pushed for Clayton’s incorporation in the 1960s – staving off potential annexation from Concord. When the measure passed on March 3, 1964, residents gathered to celebrate at the home of Clayton’s first mayor, Bob Hoyer. Now, Mayor Jim Diaz is helping plan a 60th birthday party for the small town.
More stories
Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered recently:
Hindus trek 21 miles on spiritual pilgrimage to Concord temple.
Lions roaring in Year of the Dragon.
Spirit rally introduces Concord High’s new mascot, Grizz.
“Blooms of love” express heart-felt Valentine’s thanks
Actresses order up Broadway finesse for “Mystic Pizza.”
The link between black history, ethnic studies and LGBTQIA+ liberation.
Soccer playoffs feature seven local teams.
Artists get personal with new musical releases.
Concord postpones Feb. 20 Naval Weapons Station meeting to March 19.
Enjoy February’s garden beauty – but get to work.
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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.