So This Happened…Week of Nov. 18 through Nov. 24, 2024
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Nov. 24, 2024) — Steps toward solving housing crisis: A Mobile Resource Unit and hotel space will bring more options to Concord’s unhouse population. The new services are part of $5 million in one-time funding from the City Council.
“Once people have a roof over their heads, they can start putting their lives together,” notes Deanne Pearn of Hope Solutions, which is in charge of the dozen motel rooms. Along with showers, the mobile unit will bring access to social workers, medical providers and veterans services. Read the complete story.
Meanwhile, Supervisor Ken Carlson reminds us all that November is Homelessness Awareness Month, offering ways for the homeless to reach out to needed services – along with things all residents can do to help out. Read the complete story.
And as part of the solution to the state’s housing shortage, Concord has applied for funding through a $2.5 million state pilot program to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). “I have been a staunch supporter of cities seeking new and unique ways to spur the production of housing while blending new developments within the fabric of their communities,” said state Sen. Steve Glazer, who helped secure the funding. Read the complete story.
Growth at Buchanan Field: Along with a new terminal for JSX, an 18,000 sq. ft. building will be home to the Airports Division administrative office. “Contra Costa County citizens can rightly be proud of Buchanan Field Airport as a major player in the Northern California mega region,” said former county supervisor Karen Mitchoff, who helped work on funding for the structure. Read the complete story.
The season of giving: Diane Covington’s goodie bags bring some holiday cheer to often lonely residents of local nursing homes. “It just brings joy to watch their faces light up when you hand them a gift and they’re grateful. I think that’s what this world needs,” she said of her Adopt a Grandparent program. Read the complete story.
More stories
Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered recently:
Local arts scene: Artists unite for a magical evening in “Christmas at the Biltmore ,” Dancer’s journey takes her from Fresno to the stage, and Concord concert supports guitar lessons for local kids.
Library launching pilot Sunday hours Dec. 1 in Concord.
Carondelet sophomore Lily Peng medals at NCS golf championships.
Birsan offers his wish list for city of Concord.
Skincare ingredients to avoid.
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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.