So This Happened… Week of Jan. 17 through 23, 2022

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Jan. 23, 2022) — A new California law has cities digging deep to try to implement updated composting standards.

“Every city and county will have to figure out how to deal with the law’s requirements; some are further along than others,” said Susan Hurl of Republic Resources. “The key to success is public education, helping folks understand the new rules and the reasoning behind them.”

A victory for nature: Working with the Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association, Save Mount Diablo will oversee almost 154 acres near Clayton – maintaining the area as open space. “This agreement will assure that future generations will be able to fully enjoy the natural beauty of this area of California without the threat of development,” said Diane Jorgensen of the trail ride group.

Kiwanis’ top cop: Concord Officer Dylan Luciano considers a career in law enforcement to be a privilege, something his dad taught him at a young age. And he has great respect for his fellow officers. “I can’t do this job alone,’’ said Luciano. “I am only successful because of my partners whom I work with and being with an agency that supports its officers.”

Clayton Council to the rescue: The city of Clayton is encouraging local business owners and residents to apply for funds under the American Rescue Plan Act. The plan, dubbed “Clayton Cares,” provides interest-free, forgivable loans of $5,000 to qualifying businesses and $1,500 grants to low-income households.

Eye on the county seat: The five candidates for the District 4 spot on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors share their views on key issues in the race – including crime, homelessness, mental health services, jobs and the need for more housing.

Heading to the hoop: Clayton 11-year-old Jackson Ramirez gave it his all, hitting 50 out of 50 shots at the Elks Hoop Shoot National Championship. And he’s not done yet; he’ll be in Modesto next month for round.

More stories

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

Ygnacio Valley High senior is county student Humanitarian of the Year.

Local music for your moods – from deep instrumentals to pop culture

Before suburbia struck, Clayton was all about farming.

Black history is everyone’s history.

New Concord mayor reflects on passion to serve.

First-time Clayton mayor up for the challenge.

State-of-the art library just one of many things on deck in Pleasant Hill.

Community heroes work quietly among the homeless.

Customize your cream puff at Concord’s new Japanese-themed bakery

Six more De La Salle senior athletes make fall college commitments.

Pioneer Athlete Spotlights on Andheya Aurelio and Jeremiah Dargan.

“Matrix” and “Licorice Pizza” worth a look, but skip “West Side Story” remake.

Clayton’s Easley neighborhood home to a friendly bunch.

How to make a safe exit from a friend group.

Take steps to prevent winter’s onslaught.

Embrace the corruption in Plotline’s dark comedy.

Train your pet to love “spa day,” starting with a nail trim.

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.