So This Happened…Week of Nov. 6 through 12, 2023
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Nov. 12, 2023) — With more families facing food insecurity due to cuts in pandemic era programs, the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano is gearing up for a 20% increase in the need for its services. And, there are several ways you can help provide for those less fortunate this holiday season. “We’re prepared to serve our community however they may need us,” says spokesperson Krystine Dinh. Read the complete story.
Ready to serve, again: When Normandy and Battle of the Bulge participant Jake Larson was sidelined due to illness, Pearl Harbor survivor Chuck Kohler gave an emotional, off-the-cuff speech at the Veterans Day remembrance at Todos Santos Plaza. “I joined for fightin’, not hidin’,” Kohler said. Meanwhile, the Animal Rescue Foundation announced a new program to increase the number of service dogs ready to meet the needs of veterans experiencing PTSD, anxiety, agoraphobia and traumatic brain injuries.
Good health on the menu: Pioneer food writer Cindy Gershen is excited to be involved with the new East Bay Health clinic, which she says “holds the promise of helping more people eat healthier.” Gershen will teach patients about fresh, unpackaged food and also provide community members with open kitchen time to learn about healthy cooking.
More stories
Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered recently.
In sports: Red Devils join Spartans, Ugly Eagles in NCS football playoffs, plus Mt. Diablo celebrates 2023 Sports Hall of Fame class and Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Maya Canada of Clayton Valley.
In entertainment: “Flower Moon” an important story, yet film falls flat, finding the spirit of the season at the Lesher Center and group proves music can help keep us forever young.
From the police: Quick tips to keep thieves at bay, gun safety calls for frank talk and Concord PD report.
In the schools: YV engineering teacher Joseph Alvarico adds state honor to resume.
The great outdoors: East Bay Regional Parks using new technology to reduce fire risk, and invaluable lessons bluebird, barn owl nesting boxes.
Obituary: Harvey Wall.
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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.