So This Happened… Week of Sept. 20 to 26, 2021
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Sept. 26, 2021) — As we enter Autumn, Mt. Diablo’s tarantulas are coming out of hiding for mating season.
Although tarantulas aren’t aggressive, Pioneer columnist Ned MacKay advises keeping your distance when walking in their environs like Mitchell Canyon and Diablo Foothills Regional Park.
The changes in our gardens are another sure sign of fall. Columnist Nicole Hackett provides some drought-tolerant options, while Debra Morris offers ways to preserve the season’s favorite fruits.
Improving fire service: The boards for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (ConFire) and the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) have adopted resolutions to annex ECCFPD into ConFire. The Contra Costa Local Agency Formation Commission still needs to approve the plan.
“I am so excited and proud of the teamwork that has brought us to this point,” said Supervisor Diane Burgis. “We are a giant step closer to providing improved fire and rescue services in East Contra Costa County.”
Making an impact: Monument Impact hosted a virtual gala on Sept. 23 as the non-profit celebrated 20 years of helping Contra Costa County’s immigrants and refugees.
“We’re proud of our 20 years of service, while remaining clear-eyed about what the next 20 years may bring,” said executive director Debra Ballinger. “As the cost of a home in cities like Concord approach record highs and renting a stable, affordable home remains out of reach for thousands of Contra Costa immigrants, refugees and low-income residents, our work is ever more vital.”
More stories
Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered in the last week:
Four-month construction on Kirker Pass Road to begin Monday.
Mt. Diablo Unified School District refinances bonds, saves taxpayers $48 million.
Concord Visitor Center holds long-postponed grand opening.
Tour site of new park planned at former Roddy Ranch golf course.
Here comes the sun – exploring the energy chain.
Create a unique bedroom décor that’s a dream come true.
California statewide fire summary.
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.
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.