So This Happened…Week of Jan. 11-17

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY—How to help – and house – the estimated 200 people living on the streets in Concord is “the billion-dollar question,” says City Councilwoman Carlyn Obringer.

In a new series, the Pioneer delves into the complex problems surrounding the city’s homeless population. And, Police Chief Mark Bustillos will address the mental health issues at the Jan. 26 Concord City Council meeting. Read the full story.

Charitable drives: A Clayton couple expanded their effort to help the homeless over the holidays (Read story), a local fifth-grade class found success with a “Socktober” fundraiser (Read story), and Concord Mayor Tim McGallian and Vice Mayor Dominic Aliano worked quickly to secure extra storage for non-profits helping feed the hungry (Read story). “Finding this space was one of those things where Dominic and I just put our heads down and made it happen,” McGallian told the Pioneer.

Leading the charge: New Clayton city manager Reina Schwartz shared her background and vision for Clayton in a Pioneer column (Read story). Meanwhile, editor Tamara Steiner looked back at retiring Clayton City Councilwoman Julie Pierce’s impact on the small town (Read story). At the county level, Diane Burgis talked about her role as chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors during this “pivotal year.” (Read story)

More news

Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered in the last week:

How one family made it through the pandemic and came out the other side.

Clock is ticking for resumption of high school sports.

Clayton Valley Charter to provide free COVID-19 testing every Wednesday.

Concord Comfort Food Week is back.

Clayton couple release debut album with their band Nineteen Hand Horse.

Local teachers receive micro-grants for art projects.

Concord’s Hillcrest Park holds a treasure trove of hidden gems.

Addressing housing, small businesses essential in 2021.

Stress relief is just a few steps away.

Moving forward together for a better 2021.

Animatronic pets comfort isolated patients at Hope Hospice.

Woodminster extends season with twist on Dickens classic.

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.