So This Happened…Week of June 23-29, 2025
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (June 29, 2025) — After an increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests in Concord, hundreds of protesters made their way to the Immigration Court on Gateway Boulevard on June 10. Things got heated, with many pushing federal agents and attempting to block vehicles with detainees inside. (Read the complete story.)
Meanwhile, Contra Costa County is piloting a Services and Access for Everyone (SAFE) program designed to connect immigrant individuals and families with resources, support and opportunities.
“As federal support for immigrants and refugees continues to erode, local leaders must step up,” Supervisor Ken Carlson wrote in his Pioneer column. “Building safe, inclusive communities has always been central to my public service.”
The conservative side of a blue county: “We may be outnumbered almost two-to-one, but we’re here,” noted Republican Sonia Ledo, who ran unsuccessfully against Anamarie Avila Farias for California’s 15th Assembly District seat last year. Ledo is among local Trump supporters who approve of his agenda and “Big Beautiful Bill.” “It will help things like medical spending waste,” she said. “We don’t want California’s money spent on certain groups of people who aren’t paying taxes.” (Read the complete story.)
A matter of Pride: It’s well-known that duct tape can solve almost any problem, so a roll of rainbow-colored tape was just what was needed after vandals slashed two welcome banners at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Pleasant Hill. “An act like this is designed to hurt and scare people who are already under attack and feeling threatened,” said the Rev. Liz Tichenor. (Read the complete story.)
More local news
Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered recently:
From Concord’s mayor: Finding familiar faces at Rick Judd grand opening.
In sports: Ten athletes earn spring sports MVPs for DAL and EBAL honors.
The arts: Charles White’s tranquil landscapes reflect decades of quiet artistic mastery, and K-Pop comes to Music and Market.
In real estate: One simple mortgage tip that could save you thousands.
Carrasco Construction: Veteran owned and trusted since 1990.
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