So This Happened...Week of July 29 through Aug. 4, 2024 -

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (August 4, 2024) — Three-time Olympian Kara Kohler put forth a valiant effort in today’s women’s single sculls final, ultimately finishing fifth in a fiercely competitive race. Battling against the defending world and Olympic champions, Kohler moved up from sixth to fourth place mid-race before being overtaken in the final stretch. Despite missing the podium, Kohler reflected on the honor of racing against such a talented field.

Pioneer in Paris: Meanwhile, Pioneer sports editor Jay Bedecarre is visiting Paris for the Olympic games and covering local athletes who are competing. He brought his family along and shares some of his Olympic experience along with the sports coverage. Read his first impressions of the experience here.

Success story: When Victor and Sonia Rodriguez opened Isla in 2020, the odds seemed stacked against them. Amid the COVID pandemic, lacking experience, and situated in a low-traffic location on Clayton Road, their restaurant’s future looked bleak. However, Isla thrived thanks to its exceptional food and personalized service. Word-of-mouth endorsements highlighted their menu, featuring seafood from Mexico’s Baja region, leading to their prosperity even as other restaurants closed. Sonia’s culinary inspiration comes from her upbringing on Isla Navidad, where her fisherman father provided fresh seafood that she now masterfully recreates in their Concord restaurant. Read the complete story here.

Helping hand: Local seniors have a dependable ally in Rotary’s HOME Team, which provides free handyman services and small repairs right in their homes. This support is crucial for seniors who may not have anyone to assist with household tasks. Their mission is to help seniors stay in their homes as they age. Besides assisting seniors, the nonprofit also makes Christmas boxes for the unhoused, art boxes for disadvantaged children, and runs a car donation program, showcasing their broad commitment to community support. Read the complete story here.

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