So This Happened…
Week of July 20–26

As we draw nearer to August, local schools are under pressure to chart a safe course through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Online option only

The Mount Diablo Unified School District plans to resume on Aug. 13 with distance learning only. The district’s earlier Roadmap to Reopen had included some in-person classes. Read the full story.

Sports on hold

Meanwhile, the California Interscholastic Federation and its North Coast Section announced a condensed season January-June 2021. The plan will place a premium on gym time as well as coaches who often handle both boys and girls teams. Read the full story.

A unifying effort

With coronavirus cases still on the rise in Contra Costa County, local groups continue to reach out to health-care workers. Clayton’s Bahai’i faith community recently provided 360 lunches at John Muir hospitals in Concord and Walnut Creek. Staff at La Veranda restaurant in Clayton prepared the meals “As the coronavirus has engulfed the world, humanity has woken up to the realization that we need to be armed with the power of unity,” Bahai’i member Hugh Toloui wrote. Read the full story.

Policing and mental health

The Concord City Council hosted “the first of many” forums on the Police Department’s budget, policies and procedures on July 15. Many residents spoke about the need for mental health services rather than armed officers. Mayor Tim McGallian plans to invite representatives from countywide agencies to the next meeting to work toward solutions. Read the full story.

Here are some other local stories the Pioneer covered

• Port Chicago’s national memorial a key step in remembering the tragedy.
• Contra Costa Historical Society added Sharkey documents to online collection.
• Top 10 East Bay hikes with awesome views.

Check out our past weekly news summaries