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At the Plaza series
The Town of Danville has announced a new concert series aimed at staving off the winter blues and bringing new life to Prospect Park Plaza, which was impacted last year by both the closure of a prominent Starbucks location and a fire that struck neighboring businesses on the block.
The series kicks off Saturday (Jan. 17) with live music from acoustic guitarist Paul Stefani and hands-on crafts for kids. Stefani will return for the Valentine’s Day performance on Feb. 14, with Irish music set for the St. Patrick’s Day performance on March 14.
South Park playground renovations
Workers kicked off construction on playground renovations at Danville’s South Park this week in what town officials are calling a “significant investment in updated play amenities for local families.”
While the playground will be closed to the public during the construction process through the spring, the rest of the park at 1885 Camino Ramon is set to remain open.
“When the project is complete this spring, families can look forward to a refreshed play space designed to serve children of a wide range of ages and abilities,” town officials said in a press release last week.
Specifically, the renovations will include a primary play structure and secondary elements aimed at encouraging movement and exploration.
“The redesigned playground will include a primary play structure, along with several secondary elements designed to encourage movement and exploration,” town officials said.” New features will support active play opportunities such as climbing, balancing, spinning, and swinging, as well as a relocated sand play area that provides additional space for imaginative and hands-on play.”
More information on the project and construction updates are available here.
Santa Cruz murder trial update
Prosecutors in Santa Cruz County are in the midst of setting hearings for the criminal case against a man who is accused of murdering a San Ramon woman in 2024.
Samuel Stone is facing murder charges and enhancements after police responded to a call he made at Seabright State Beach on Feb. 23, in which he allegedly confessed to killing his girlfriend, 21-year-old Zainab Mansoor of San Ramon, who was a student at the University of Santa Cruz.
Despite lifesaving measures from firefighters and paramedics, Mansoor ultimately succumbed to her injuries after being transported to a local hospital.
The case was initially set to go to trial later that year after Stone was found competent to stand trial in April 2024. That trial date was cancelled, with numerous pre-trial conferences and setting hearings since then.
Stone has remained in custody on no bail in Santa Cruz since his arrest in 2024. The next hearing in the case is set for Feb. 24.
Gómez selected as EBMUD board president
The EBMUD Board of Directors has appointed Luz Gómez to head the board as its president in a unanimous vote Monday.
“It is an honor to serve in this capacity, and I appreciate my fellow board members for placing their trust in my ability to lead this organization,” Gómez said in a press release Tuesday. “I look forward to an impactful year as we continue to serve our 1.4 million customers while maintaining our core values of stewardship, integrity, respect and teamwork.”
Gomez is serving in her first full term on the board where she represents the utility district’s second ward, consisting of a majority of the San Ramon Valley. She won election in 2024 after being appointed to the role amid the departure of her longtime predecessor, John Coleman, earlier that year.
Ward 6 Director Valerie Lewis was selected by the board as vice president.
Draeger's Market closing store in Blackhawk, cites 'declining condition' at plazaJanuary 9, 2026 4:37 pm