So This Happened...Week of July 10 through 16, 2023

So This Happened…Week of July 10 through 16, 2023

So This Happened...Week of July 10 through 16, 2023
Clockwise from left: “American Ninja Warrior” contestant Sean Bryan from Concord runs the fastest time for his qualifying run on the TV show. The Japanese American Club’s Summer festival is happening July 29-30. Dana Estates held their Night Out celebration with music, food, fun and a cake walk.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (July 16, 2023) — Retired Contra Costa County supervisor Karen Mitchoff has had seven months to think about what to do next. This week she announced she is eyeing a California Assembly seat. If current Assembly member Tim Grayson decides not to run in 2023, look for Mitchoff to enter the race.

As local police departments and fire stations prepare for the annual National Night Out celebrations, Dana Estates had its own gathering recently. These events offer local food, treats and games, but they also provide a chance for residents to get to know each other and their local police officers. According to the Concord Police Department, it’s an opportunity to build important relationships that help keep neighborhoods safe. The Dana Estates event had live music, bouncy houses and even an old-fashioned cakewalk. National Night Out is Aug. 1, 2023.

Diablo Japanese American Club has announced the return of its Summer Festival after a hiatus during the pandemic. The event features Bonsai, Ikenobo flower arrangements, Taiko drums, dancing and Japanese food favorites. Mark your calendar for July 29-30. The festival takes place at the Japanese American Religious & Cultural Center at 3165 Treat Boulevard in Concord. Look for more upcoming events on the Pioneer’s calendar page. We update every week with local activities, concerts, theater and more.

Movies and TV

Pioneer movie reviewer Jeff Mellinger gives his take on two recent animated films—Pixar’s Elemental and the second installment in Marvel Comics’ Spider-Man series, Across the Spiderverse. And they may not be Spider-Man, but maybe the next best thing: several Concord residents appear in the new season of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior. Concord residents Alan Coneally and Sean Bryan, as well as Clayton Valley Charter High School wrestler Noah Jones, have all completed the qualifying round of the obstacle course challenge. Tune in Mondays to see who advances to the semi-finals in a quest for the $1 million prize.

More stories

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