So This Happened…Week of May 12-18, 2025
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (May 19, 2025) — Concord’s Shiva Murugan Temple was the place to be on May 16, as an estimated 10,000 people congregated at a consecration ceremony of the new spiritual home.
“This sacred event is a milestone in our temple’s history, symbolizing not only the spiritual awakening of this divine space but also the unity of our vibrant community,” said temple president Athappan Nallappan. “Through the unwavering dedication of our devotees, volunteers and generous donors, we have transformed this space into a sanctuary of peace, faith and cultural heritage.”
In the hot zone: The designation of most of Clayton as “very high” fire danger is a cause of concern for city officials and residents alike.
Laura Corrall, who lives adjacent to the Oakhurst golf course, is wary of the dry vegetation backing up to her yard. “I wish I’d never moved here,” she said. “It’s terrifying. It seems like a million times a day, I look out the window and think: Fire! Fire! Fire!”
Meanwhile, City Councilmember Holly Tillman notes that a June 3 weed abatement deadline is looming large. “We’re down one person in our weed abatement department, and it’s going to take an extra full-time and a part-time employee to get the hours in,” Tillman said.
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50 years of entertainment: The Pioneer’s Jay Bedecarré looks back in time to when the Concord Pavilion opened in May 1975 – from the structure itself to the decades of concerts and other events.
“The design of exposed steel and concrete would win awards, including from the American Institute of Architects and the steel industry,” he noted, while also recounting the A-list lineup over the years – including Santana, Bette Midler, Willie Nelson and Leonard Bernstein.
As part of the community celebration of the anniversary, Bay Area KidFest will move to the Toyota Pavilion May 24-26.
More news
Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered recently:
In sports: De La Salle swimmers win first local NCS spring championship.
In entertainment: Love and murder collide in “Happy Pleasant Valley,” Music & Market signals the beginning of a great summer and after a long setup, “Sinners” worth the reward.
In Clayton: Budgeting for the town’s future.
Obituary: Merwyn Claire Powell.
From the police: “Click It or Ticket” campaign reminds Californians to always buckle up, and the latest report from Concord PD.
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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.