Week in Review: Woman Competes in Miss California USA, Construction Continues Throughout Town

Readers had lots to say when news surfaced that 12 individuals submitted applications for a vacant city council seat. The list includes two council candidates who ran for office in November’s election and two planning commissioners. to see the full list and read more about the appointment process.

A 19-year-old beauty is hoping to put this town on the map. Yesenia Franco is competing in the Miss California USA Pageant this weekend as Miss Newark CA. The Newark Memorial High School graduate hopes to win the pageant and go forth with her dream of becoming a fashion designer. For more on Franco, . Miss California USA will be crowned tonight. Click here to watch a live stream online.

Construction projects are well under way in Newark. On Friday, the demolition of the Mowry Crossing Shopping Center began. And throughout the week, renovations of the Chevron gas station on Jarvis Avenue and the building of two new commercial buildings where Cattlemen’s Restaurant once stood continued. to read more about the demolition. To learn more about the Four Corners construction projects, .

Two teens were arrested Wednesday after a strong-arm robbery occurred at the Ranch 99 Market off Newark Boulevard. Police said a group of six teenagers robbed a woman of her purse on Wednesday night. For the full report, click here.

A medical marijuana dispensary in Union City but announced it would be "closed until further notice" this week. Meanwhile, the Happy Wellness Center medical marijuana dispensary in Newark, , has continued to remain open, and an official with the state Department of Justice confirmed Thursday night that an investigation of the Happy Wellness Center  is ongoing.