CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Aug. 4, 2025) — Since 2009, Little Free Libraries have been popping up around the globe – including our little corner of the world. Jessica Davis opened “Laura’s Library” in Concord to honor her late mother-in-law, and Pleasant Hills’ “Oakvue Blue” aimed to represent the three Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle.

“We live in a community that’s full of young kids, dog owners and dedicated folks getting their steps in, so there’s lots of people walking by every day,” Davis reports. “The idea was to build a community waypoint that brightened people’s days and brought our community together through the love of reading.” Read the complete story.

Reevaluating the housing market: Pioneer columnist Jennifer Stojanovich explains that despite rising housing inventories, buyers may not be jumping into the market. “While there are more homes for sale, higher interest rates, economic uncertainty and affordability challenges have many buyers pausing to catch their breath,” she notes.

Meanwhile, Anna Kussmaul delves into why reserve mortgages might be the answer for some seniors. “For older homeowners, especially those facing rising healthcare costs and wanting to stay in their homes, a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage can be a smart, strategic financial lifeline,” she writes.

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More local news

Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered recently:

In sports: Mumbai by the Bay writes new chapter in Coliseum’s iconic history, plus Pioneer Athlete Spotlights on Diego Castaneda of Clayton Valley Charter High and James Voorhies of College Park.

Chick Boss: Clayton entrepreneur empowers Guatemalan women through handcrafted jewelry training.

Pulse of Concord: Figuring out how to explore issues of diversity and bias.

From the Concord Chamber: It’s nice to be nice.

Interfaith Academy: Faith and civic leaders sign peace pledge.

Dining out: Wasabi heats up Concord’s Japanese food scene.

Obituary: Frederic “Fred” Edward Pueringer.

From the police: Latest reports from Clayton and Concord.

Bev Britton

Copy Editor at The Concord Clayton Pioneer | Calendar@PioneerPublishers.com

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.