Last Week in Danville and Alamo: Unemployment Rate Edges Up, School Budget Issues Continue and More Work on I-680

Did you get a chance to visit Danville Patch last week? If you missed your daily reading, here are a few highlights.

We told you about changes in the unemployment rate, which ticked upward for most East Bay cities. In Danville, the jobless rate jumped to 6 percent, up from 5.8 percent in February. In Alamo, the rate rose to 4.2 percent, up from 4.1 percent in February. 

We told you about nominations for awards from the Warren W. Eukel Teacher Trust. Three teachers will be awarded $10,000 at a November gala at the Diablo Country Club.

We followed ongoing budget issues for the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. The school board approved a reduction in hours for classified employees as well as the possible elimination of classified positions at a Tuesday meeting. 

Samuel Samson explored Mount Diablo through Macedo Ranch.  The East Bay landmark can be accessed by a network of unique trails. 

We told you about extra safety measures residents should take in case of mountain lion sightings. A resident reported seeing one near Charlotte Middle School on Monday night before school officials sent out emails reminding readers about precautionary measures. 

We updated you on construction work on I-680. Repairs are scheduled to take place during the rest of this month and into May as part of a project improving the freeway from Rudgear Road in Walnut Creek to Alcosta Boulevard in Dublin. 

We profiled Tom Del Beccaro, elected last month as chairman of the California GOP. The Walnut Creek attorney and Lafayette resident offered his views on where he wants to take the Republican Party, which he said has lost touch with Californians.