Week In Review: Rain, Schools, Jobs, Board Members

Here's a look at some of the stories this past week that made news in Pleasant Hill.

Rainy, Windy Weather

More rain and win hit the Pleasant Hill area this weekend as another storm moved through the East Bay.

No major power outages or flooding was reported. Pacific Gas & Electric Company did have crews standing by.

The forecast calls for a mostly sunny day on Monday, Christmas Eve, and a partly sunny day on Tuesday, Christmas Day.

Unemployment Dips Slightly

The unemployment rate in the East Bay decreased slightly to 8.4 percent in November.

Contra Costa's jobless rate now stands at 8.3 percent. Pleasant Hill's unemployment rate is listed as 6.7 percent.

The state Economic Development Department said on Friday the East Bay added 4,900 jobs last month, mostly in the retail sector.

School Officials Disagree With NRA Plan

Local school officials disagreed with a plan for school security laid out on Friday by the National Rifle Association.

NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre called for armed officers at every school in the country.

Mt. Diablo Unified School District board member Lynne Dennler said "Sadly, the NRA continues to place their personal interest in guns over the good of the whole.  What thinking person would suggest the answer to our problems with weapons, be more weapons?"

Park District To Appoint New Member

The Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District board voted Wednesday night to appoint a new member rather than hold a special election.

The board will interview candidates and appoint a new board member at its Jan. 24 meeting. The deadline to appy is Jan. 16.

The trustee will replace longtime board member Cecile Shepard, who resigned in early December.

New Council Members Welcomed

The Pleasant Hill City Council on Monday night welcomed new members Ken Carlson and Tim Flaherty.

The two were sworn in for four-year terms along with re-elected incumbent David Durant. They were the top three vote recipients in the Nov. 6 election.

The council also said goodbye to former Mayor John Hanecak, who decided not to run for re-election after eight years on the council.

Councilman Michael Harris was selected as the new mayor.