So This Happened… Week of March 14 through 20, 2022
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Mar. 20, 2022) — Bargaining teams for the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and the Mt. Diablo Education Association have reached a tentative agreement, averting a potential strike. Both sides say the settlement is the best path forward at this time.
Key vote for fire merger: Contra Costa County’s Local Agency Formation Commission has unanimously approved annexation of the East County Fire Protection District to the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. Consolidation is expected by July 1.
“(Annexation) has rightly been characterized as a historic achievement, resolving service deficits that have plagued East County for decades,” said Supervisor Diane Burgis.
Working to limit trash: A bill introduced in the state Assembly would drastically increase the fines for illegal dumping. Those caught would also have to pay for cleanup and could lose their business licenses. Meanwhile, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department is planning more surveillance cameras in the Marsh Creek/Morgan Territory to Deer Valley/Camino Diablo area to help curb the trash piles.
The race for DA: Incumbent District Attorney Diana Becton is locked in a key battle with long-time prosecutor Mary Knox. Becton wants to find other programs to help those accused of crime, while Knox “wants to protect the victims.”
Development controversy: The Faria/Southwest Hills project will be back in court this week, after Discovery Builders asked for a new trial following a Contra Costa County Superior Court ruling that halted the plan. The land in unincorporated Pittsburg overlooks the former Concord Naval Weapons Station.
Questions about James Kirker: The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is looking into renaming Kirker Pass Road after Daniel Kelly published an article claiming Kirker killed more than a hundred Native Americans in Mexico in the 1840s.
More stories
Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered in the last week:
Clayton council continues to refine potential tax measure.
Resident participation needed in Pleasant Hill’s General Plan update.
Guest Editorial: How affordable homes can really happen at the Concord NWS.
Move over Gordon Ramsay, Mt. Diablo High’s Cindy Gershen is cooking on TV.
Heroes Among Us: Volunteer “hooked” on cleanup.
Local troupes ready to reopen with a song and a dance
East Bay housing group wants to ensure that everyone has a home.
Plant now to enjoy best of summer veggies.
The Beat of Diablo: Notes from the Underground.
Education foundation planning bocce tournament in Clayton.
Letter to the Editor: Questions about Clayton’s proposed parcel tax.
De La Salle mock trial team places third in county championships.
Pioneer Athlete Spotlights on Concord High’s LJ Majarucon and Clayton Valley’s Jordan Woolery.
Terrapin swimmers have a blast at Phoenix Winter Invite in first full team travel meet.
HBO’s pirate comedy “Our Flag Means Death” flounders.
My girlfriend’s debt is stopping me from proposing.
A fervent call for kindness in reflecting on life, loss and love.
aRt Cottage a hidden gem in Concord.
Spring forward with home maintenance.
Apply to lifeguard for park district.
Each week, the Concord Clayton Pioneer posts a summary of our news stories called “So This Happened…” If you would like to check out past weekly roundups, click here.