So This Happened…Week of March 10-16, 2025
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Mar. 16, 2025) — Pioneer columnist Nathalie Montijo writes about the importance of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the implications of the United States’ withdrawal.
“Certainly, the highest profile work of the organization revolves around global communicable threats but WHO has greater reach. It also focuses on cancer, diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases. WHO articulates standards for international health, gathers global health data and provides a forum for policy discussions,” she notes. Read the complete story.
Beyond the Oscars: Film critic Jeff Mellinger lists his top films of 2024 – and his picks don’t always match films nominated for Academy Awards. Yes, he liked “A Complete Unknown” and “Conclave,” but he also suggests the horror film “Oddity” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” from the Marvel Universe.
Fire hazard update: The California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention released new Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for Contra Costa County. Con Fire has until June 24 to adopt the new maps.
More news
Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered recently:
BART update: Concord station begins installation of next generation fare gates.
In sports: Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Ruby Bartholomew of Clayton Valley Charter.
Community events: Downtown Pleasant Hill Easter Celebration planned for April 18, Clayton Cleans Up on April 19 and Hope Hospice’s Hike for Hope on May 17.
Be a part of history: Contra Costa Historical Society offers membership discount.
For book worms: “Twice the Family” explores the adoption of twins.
For high school students: Mark DeSaulnier announces 2025 Congressional Art Competition.
From Concord PD: The latest arrest report.
Read past installments of “So This Happened…”: Click here.
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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.