So This Happened…Week of Sept. 18 through 24, 2023
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Sept. 24, 2023) — Joseph Alvarico of Ygnacio Valley High School and Annalouisa Gonzalez-Ortega of Freedom High School are Contra Costa County’s Teachers of the Year.
“Joseph and Annalouisa exemplify all the extraordinary public school teachers in our county,” said Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey. “Next stop is the state’s Teacher of the Year program.”
Meanwhile, officials from the Mt. Diablo Unified School District discussed Narcan in schools and anti-bullying initiatives during a meeting with the Concord City Council.
Grayson Creek flood project: If you’ve crossed the bridge along Chilpancingo Parkway, you might have noticed crews working around Grayson Creek. The project, which will reestablish the original creek flow, is expected to be completed by Oct. 16. “The benefit of the sediment removal provides much-needed hydraulic capacity,” said Randy Sanders, a senior civil engineer for the county.
CNWS project moving forward: The Concord City Council moved quickly in approving an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Brookfield Properties for development of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station. “We’re pushing hard, because the Navy really expects us to get back on track as soon as possible,” Guy Bjerke, the city’s director of Economic Development and Base Reuse, said at the Sept. 19 meeting. Bjerke also detailed specifics about the project’s residential, retail, sports and educational plans at an earlier meeting.
Another project in the works in Concord will be expanding the “urban forest,” thanks to a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. “Concord has a rich history as a ‘Tree City USA,’ having been awarded that distinction over the last 43 years,” noted Mayor Laura Hoffmeister.
More stories
Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered recently.
In sports: Mt. Diablo High has area’s best football record and player, Weekly Football scores update. plus Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Ben Hosler of Northgate.
Clayton mayor explains his rationale for new fee schedule.
New artist draws on past experiences.
Understanding Fair Plan key to today’s home insurance market.
Contra Costa Health recommends new vaccine.
Concord Chamber rehires Cabral as president/CEO.
DeSaulnier seeking district representative.
Barney’s Hickory Pit in Concord still delivers home-cooked flavor.
Self-improvement: Building support for healthy food, and being the best version of yourself.
Local events: Fiesta Cultura celebrates Latin culture; successful fundraising gala for Monument Impact; and a cool crossing of generations at ice cream social.
Obituary: Gerald E. Henderson.
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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.