In brief: Pittsburg High’s new football Hall of Fame inductees announced
PITTSBURG
Herc Pardi will head a group of nine individuals and two teams set for induction into the 2026 class of Pittsburg High School’s football Hall of Fame.The new additions were recently introduced when the Pittsburg High Pirates hosted the Big Little Game against arch-rival Antioch. Pardi, who coached the Pirates from 1991 to 1995, led Pittsburg to a stunning 35-27 victory over De La Salle at the Oakland Coliseum for the 1991 North Coast Section 3A title. No NCS team has beaten the Spartans since then.
Joining Pardi in the 2026 class will be Modern Day players Shawn Beals (1982-83), Benji Simonton (1988-89), George Jordan III (1993-95), Alex Toeaina III (2001-03) and Matthew Lemley (2004-05). Also being inducted will be Old-Time player Martin DiMercurio (1951-52), Distinguished honoree Leonard Marquez (1990-91) and Contributor Denise Earl.
Teams being inducted will be the 1965 Pirates, who went 7-1-1, and Pittsburg High’s 1995 team that finished 11-2. Among the individual honorees, Beals played in the NFL for the 1988 Philadelphia Eagles. The May 30 ceremony will take place at Pittsburg’s Good Shepherd Church, featuring no-host cocktails from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by the dinner and awards program. Ticket prices and other details will be announced at a later date.
— Mike Lefkow
BRENTWOOD
State office grants city’s police $120,000 for traffic safety
The Brentwood Police Department was recently a $120,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to help deter unsafe driving behaviors and make the city’s roads safer for everyone.
With this funding, there will be increased patrols throughout the community and expanded traffic safety programs aimed at reducing serious injuries and saving lives. Together, the city’s police are working to make Brentwood’s roads safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
— city of Brentwood
WALNUT CREEK
Council appoints Wilk as city’s mayor for next 12 months
Walnut Creek Mayor Cindy Darling passed the gavel to Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Wilk at the city’s Dec. 2 council meeting. The City Council unanimously approved the appointment of Wilk, who will serve as the city’s mayor through early December 2026. Councilmember Matt Francois will serve as the Mayor Pro Tem. Before Wilk’s selection, outgoing Mayor Darling reflected on the past year of city operations.
“Our city made great progress on our priorities this year including public safety, sustainability, economic development and creating a welcoming city,” Darling said. “I am especially proud of the progress we’ve made revitalizing our parks with new lights and turf fields. I’m proud to turn the gavel over to Kevin Wilk. We will be in good hands.”
Wilk was elected to the council in November 2016 and previously served as mayor in 2021.
“Under Mayor Darling’s leadership, Walnut Creek took great strides in upgrading our infrastructure and increasing affordable housing,” Wilk said. “I look forward to continuing that progress, while ensuring that our downtown remains the most vibrant community for residents and visitors and ensuring Walnut Creek is a safe and welcoming city for everyone.”
— city of Walnut Creek
CONCORD
Community invited to Be a Santa to a Senior in December
The Concord Commission on Aging, in collaboration with the Concord Senior Center and Home Instead, invites the community to participate once again in the Be a Santa to a Senior (BASTAS) program.
Now in its 15th year, this heartwarming initiative spreads holiday cheer to seniors in our community who may experience loneliness or financial hardship. Each year, hundreds of thoughtful gifts make their way to seniors living in nursing homes; board and care facilities; and subsidized housing — reminding them that their community cares.
Find a Be a Santa to a Senior tree at participating businesses, including city of Concord facilities (the Civic Center, Concord Community Pool or Senior Center), the Concord Library, Pleasant Hill YMCA, Visit Concord, Concord Chamber of Commerce, Luna Restaurant, Fiore Restaurant, Min’s Kitchen and the Old Spaghetti Factory.
BASTAS has one more volunteer opportunity to consider — join them from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday for a gift-wrapping party at the Concord Senior Center. Enjoy holiday music and a festive atmosphere while you contribute to wrapping more than 500 gifts that will be delivered to seniors the following week. For more information, visit the BASTAS webpage at cityofconcord.org/975/BASTAS.
— city of Concord