Checking it twice – the year that was

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Dec, 9, 2021) — After the approval of several COVID-19 vaccines, 2021 began with new hope for a return to normal activities.

“Together, we have weathered this terrible storm of a pandemic, and we can now see brighter days ahead,” Mayor Tim McGallian wrote in the spring.

Things were indeed looking up – with the Concord Pavilion reopening for graduation ceremonies and a limited concert series and local musicians returning to Concord’s Todos Santos Plaza and The Grove in Clayton.

But by August, Contra Costa County was among agencies relaunching mask mandates and the list of canceled events grew longer by the day.

The backslide prompted Pioneer editor Tamara Steiner to speak out against vaccine hesitancy.

“Fighting an attack on your community is not just a ‘personal choice.’ It’s the moral response to an invasion by a common enemy,” she wrote in a front-page editorial.

But as 2021 comes to a close, hope once again hovers on the horizon – with children age 5 and up now eligible for vaccines and booster shots available for all adults.

Through it all, local life went on. Here’s a look at stories the Pioneer covered along the way:

January

Focusing in on nature: The Pioneer launched a new series featuring local parks, starting with Hillcrest Park in Concord. Through the year, columnist Lisa Fulmer walked readers through the highlights of Markham Nature Park and Arboretum, Lydia Lane Park. Brazil Quarry Park, Newhall Community Park, Meadow Homes Spray Park, The Grove, Concord Community Park and Pleasant Hill Park.

An ever-evolving development plan: The Concord City Council began 2021 with a new ad hoc committee to refine the vision for the future of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station. In April, the council approved a Request for Qualifications. Three companies submitted applications, with the council ultimately selecting a bid from local developers Discovery Homes/Seeno Companies, Lewis Planned Communities and California Capital Investment Group. Many in the community expressed dismay over the selection, given Seeno’s ­history of environmental violations and extensive lawsuits.

Looking at Pierce’s legacy: As the Clayton City Council began the new year, it was the first time in several decides that Julie Pierce wasn’t on board. After 33 years in local and regional government, Pierce stepped away from not only the City Council but her involvement with groups like the Association of Bay Area Governments and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority.

Understanding Clayton’s vision: City Manager Reina Schwartz wrote a guest column to discuss her goals in her new position. “My job as city manager is to serve the community of Clayton in support of the vision of being recognized as a premier small city. My highest priorities in the near future are to learn as much as possible about the city and community of Clayton in support of that vision,” said Schwartz, the city’s third city manager in recent years.

February

The heart of Clayton: As Clayton’s first mayor, Bob Hoyer, turned 100, he could recall dates, names, events and places with acuity impressive in someone half his age. And, he was optimistic about the future. “Things will be a little more liberal but better for everyone. I’m talking about 10 years down the road,” he told the Pioneer.

Hampton comes to town: After a zoning change and approval from the Concord City Council, Hampton by Hilton began construction on a new hotel just off Highway 242. The four-story building will have 86 rooms, with occupancy expected by spring 2023.

Tracking rental property: Despite objections due to privacy concerns, the Concord City Council voted to move forward with a Rent Registry Program. On July 1, the city began collecting information from owners of multi-family complexes of four or more units. According to community relations manager Jennifer Ortega, a baseline report was posted to the Housing Division webpage on Dec. 3. Data included a citywide analysis of average rents, changes in occupancy and owner-initiated terminations.

Helping those in crisis: Concord Police Chief Mark Bustillos touted two pilot programs targeted at the homeless and mentally ill – a Concord-specific Coordinated Outreach Referral and Engagement (CORE) team and a full-time Mental Health Evaluation Team (MHET).

“The two will work proactively to provide linkages to appropriate outpatient mental health services and assistance in obtaining resources to promote remaining in the community safely,” he said. In November, the City Council also approved two new full-time positions – a community services manager and a social worker – to respond to the region’s persistent homelessness challenge.

Ellis Lake refurbishment: The City Council applied for a $7 million state grant for improvements at Ellis Lake Park. According to Jennifer Ortega of the city of Concord, the state has delayed awarding any grants through the Parks, Environment and Water Bond Act. “The project is dependent on a grant award to proceed,” she noted. “If the city is not awarded the grant, then the project would remain as a concept plan for future grant opportunities.”

March

Former mayor dies: Dan Helix, who played a key role in Concord politics and community life for more than five decades, died at the age of 91. “The legacy of Dan’s service and the wisdom of his example will continue to guide the city of Concord,” said Mayor Tim McGallian. The Helix family held a memorial in June at the Concord Pavilion, which Helix was instrumental in getting built in the 1970s.

Upgrades at Buchanan Field: The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors committed $5.7 million for a new $11.7 million, 20,000 sq. ft. airport terminal at Buchanan Field Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration will provide the remaining funding for the project to replace a 30-year-old temporary facility. The terminal is expected to be ready by the end of 2022.

Fire district consolidation effort: Chief Brian Helmick of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District reported completion of the first phase of a feasibility study to evaluate consolidation with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. After finishing the full study, the Board of Directors voted in September to move forward with the consolation in an effort to increase service availability. Helmick told the Pioneer in November that he expected the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to take action in January, followed by a review from the State Board of Equalization. If all goes as planned, Helmick said annexation will take place in April 2022.

April

Tackling race relations: Clayton resident Jonathan Lee organized a Stop the Hate rally in The Grove in downtown Clayton. Lee, who is Asian, said he was harassed by a neighbor.

“It pains me that we even have to be here today,” Clayton Councilwoman Holly Tillman said. “But I’m grateful that we are all here to support our neighbor who has spoken out and said: ‘Enough.’ ”

Crime and punishment: As the Concord City Council reviewed crime statistics, Police Chief Mark Bustillos and council members expressed frustration about the lack of prosecution for repeat offenders. Members of the Clayton City Council brought up similar concerns when District Attorney Diana Becton spoke during a virtual meeting in October. Becton cited Sheriff’s Department’s COVID protocols that hamper the ability to hold those arrested. She hopes a county plan for Neighborhood Community Courts will help resolve some lower-level crime issues.

Back to the books: Contra Costa County library branches prepared to reopen April 26 with regular hours for the first time in more than a year. “The libraries are going to look and feel a little differently at first, but this is a temporary change to library services,” said librarian Alison McKee. “We have made every effort to prepare our libraries for reopening with as many services as possible while providing an environment that is safe for patrons and staff.”

May

A spiritual homecoming: After a 25-year search, Clayton Community Church won Planning Commission approval for a 13,000 sq. ft., $3 million building adjacent to Mt. Diablo Elementary School. But as church officials worked this fall to submit more specific building plans to the city, Pastor Shawn Robinson told the Pioneer about the challenges of rising building costs due to COVID shortages. But he added: “We are determined, and we are going to keep moving forward. Our goal is to have shovels in the ground by May, at the latest – I hope.”

Meanwhile, the church community is meeting in person at the Clayton Library on Sundays, along with virtual options.

Cannabis sales in Concord: As part of an ongoing effort to regulate cannabis, the Concord City Council approved three candidates to apply as storefront retail cannabis businesses, along with other firms for microbusiness and non-storefront retail licenses. “City staff is currently working with selected businesses to complete the required approvals necessary to begin operating,” community relations manager Jennifer Ortega told the Pioneer in November. “The majority of selected businesses are anticipated to open in 2022.”

June

Honoring Marshall and the Port Chicago 50: The East Bay Regional Park District voted to name a planned park in Concord after civil rights pioneer and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. The 2,540-acre park’s will officially be called Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50. As lead counsel of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Marshall accepted the Port Chicago 50’s request to observe their court martial trial after a munitions blast that killed 320 in 1944.

An intellectual journey: The six-member Odyssey of the Mind team from Clayton’s Mt. Diablo Elementary School qualified for the World competition, ending up in 32nd place out of 73 teams from around the globe. “Being at home and sheltering in place and distance learning, Odyssey gave them an outlet for creativity,” said team advisor Renee Culp.

July

A place to call home: The Monument Crisis Center launched a capital campaign to purchase its current building at 1990 Market St. in Concord. The non-profit had been renting the site for seven years as they assist low-income and at-risk families. Just a few weeks later, the purchase was completed – thanks to donations and new funding from the state. “This is life-changing,” said executive director Sandra Scherer.

Braving the ups and downs: Concord’s Todos Santos Plaza was the site of a world record event for 10 days, as Chuck Walker and Mike Hartshorn broke a teeter totter record that Walker had set 50 years ago at the age of 18. “I spent so many years remembering that record as a goofy stunt. I began to recall how much fun everyone had, especially the kids,” Walker said. “Surely my kids and grandkids would get a kick out of it as well. After all, they’ve been hearing about it all of their lives.”

August

Water warrior: The Bette Boatmun Conservation Garden is a testament to Boatmun’s legacy at the Contra Costa Water District, where she served on the board for 46 years. In that time, she helped guide the district through two severe droughts and development of the Los Vaqueros Reservoir. She recalled the challenge of balancing recreation desires at the reservoir. “We put in some regulations that many people did not like because it restricted some of the recreational activities that they wanted,” she said. “But recreation was not the first purpose of that reservoir – the first purpose was to have a water supply for our customers.”

Answering the call: Concord PD Officer Nooria Achakzai embraces social awareness, an attribute that led her to being named the Kiwanis Club of Concord’s Police Officer of the Year. Sgt. Jason Passama nominated her for the award, pointing to her tenaciousness in identifying crime trends and performing enforcement efforts at a high level. “She is a great example to her fellow officers of why it is important to be proactive in locating and stopping dangerous criminal behavior before it becomes a public safety issue,” Passama said.

September

Rallying for refugees: Concord’s tight-knit Afghan community gathered supplies and donations as families began to arrive from war-torn Afghanistan. Congressman Mark DeSaulnier joined the effort, noting: “We have a moral obligation to support the refugees.”

History in the making: The John Marsh House in Brentwood is one step closer to renovation, thanks to a $1.4 million boost in the new state budget. “Given the house’s standing in our local history and the rich archaeological composition surrounding it, restoring this treasure will be a huge benefit to students, nature lovers and history buffs from throughout the region,” said state Sen. Steven Glazer said.

The house will be the centerpiece of the proposed John Marsh State Park, a 3,700-acre parcel set that will commemorate the site’s Native American, Vaquero and early American pioneer cultures.

October

Embracing the village concept: As the Pioneer expanded its coverage to Pleasant Hill, we checked in on Pleasant Hill Cohousing – where residents have made a commitment to “live in a community that ­fosters harmony with each other, the larger community and nature.” It’s part of a growing movement of intentional communities that focus on governance by consensus and shared services.

Warmth for the soul: The relaunch of the Winter Nights program means more local families will have a place to call home – and a path forward from homelessness. Organizers and volunteers welcomed the program’s return after the pandemic shutdown made providing services even more difficult.

Coming into focus: A new mural in downtown Concord is full of vivid imagery and local details. “Arsenio Baca’s thoughtful mural is the perfect mix of art and culture, and it highlights Concord’s commitment to our artist community,” said Elaine Cortez Schroth, CEO and president of Visit Concord.

November

Eyes in the sky: With a $30,000 grant, the Concord Police Department is funding an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) program to help in certain situations. “We see (the drone) as a tool available to officers in the field who come across dynamic and often critical incidents where the technology can be leveraged for de-escalation to obtain critical real-time information,” said Police Chief Mark Bustillos.

Reclaiming a lost civilization: In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the Pioneer explored the history of our area’s Indigenous people and the struggle as today’s descendants strive to retain their heritage. “Many languages and identities are being reclaimed; Indians are returning to their roots,” said Beverly Ortiz of the Native California Research Institute. “The tragedy of colonization is that we don’t know more. So much was lost.”