So This Happened…Week of July 17 through 23, 2023
Hitting the trail: John Mercurio’s commitment to diversity and family will serve him well in his role on the board of directors for the East Bay Regional Park District. “John’s love of trails and hiking and running will only add to his value as park director,” notes his friend and hiking partner Joe Sullivan. Read more.
Education advocate: As principal of St. Agnes School, Concord native Karen Mangini always looked out for those in need. “She was a fierce defender of the downtrodden. She wanted to help people advance themselves educationally and socially,” her brother, Father Richard Mangini, recalled after her death at age 80. Read more.
Seeno’s new showcase: Not much has been made public about the private warehouse and museum Albert Seeno Jr. is building off Highway 4 near Concord. Although the curator declined to elaborate, plans call for artifacts relating to the African jungle, African mountain game, the Ice Age, dinosaurs, Native Americans, Asia, New Zealand and Europe. Read more.
More stories
Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered recently:
In Pleasant Hill: July 4 house fire likely caused by bad lithium battery. And in city news, the council approves by-district election ordinance and the mayor advocates for an involved electorate.
In Clayton: Council to vote on updated fee schedule Aug. 15. Plus, city maintenance worker enjoys helping the community.
In entertainment: Concord Jazz Around Town returns in August. Check out new local music, from indie rock to alt-country. Plus, “It Runs in the Family,” “Carmen” and “The Three Feathers” among local theater offerings.
Also this week
Housing market shows resilience amid interest rate hikes.
State budget will aid Family Justice Centers, firefighters.
New director ready to embrace all that is Rainbow.
Monument Crisis Center needs backpacks for at-risk students.
The colorful collage world of Pat Viera.
Pioneer Athlete Spotlights: Jackson Ramirez and Damik Van Fanos.
Pulse of Concord: Know no vs. no know.
Letter to the Editor: Holding big cannabis accountable in Concord.
Obituaries: Charlotte Grace Burgess and Karen Ann Mangini.
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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.