Last Week in San Ramon

Here are some of the stories that made news in San Ramon the past week.

Unemployment rate down: San Ramon's unemployment rate dipped from 4.4 percent in August to 4.2 percent in September. The state Employment Development Department reported the East Bay's jobless rate fell from 10.6 to 10.1 percent. The department also reported the East Bay lost 600 jobs last month.

Campaign finances: A complaint was filed against the committee for Mayor H. Abram Wilson's campaign for City Council. The treasurer of a rival candidate filed the complaint with the state Fair Political Practices Commission, saying the mayor's most recent campaign financial statement was incomplete. The mayor and his campaign treasurer did not return calls for comment.

Fire department distinction: The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District was recognized as a "department of distinction." The honor was designated by the California Special Districts Association. The San Ramon Valley district is the largest district to receive the award.

Kingdom Hall built: A group of volunteers built a Kingdom Hall for by the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The religious facility was built from the ground up in less than 10 days. The hall is located on San Ramon Valley Boulevard.

School payment: The San Ramon Valley Unified School District board of education voted Tuesday to give a one-time payment to compensate for two furlough days taken last year. The payment will cost $1.1 million and be taken from the district's reserves. The payment is for current district employees only and will be awarded before the holiday season.