Contra Costa Herald

Free pass allows for unlimited free visits to 54 participating state parks for state’s fourth graders and their families.

By CA State Parks

SACRAMENTO — More California fourth-grade families are gaining free access to the nation’s largest and most diverse state park system. Since Governor Gavin and Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced a new, simplified name and sign-up period for California State Parks’ Free Fourth Grade Pass, downloads have increased by 46% compared to the first six weeks it was offered in 2026.

“Making this pass easier to find and use means more fourth graders are getting outside, discovering their state, and making memories with their families. We won’t stop bringing down barriers and expanding access to the places that make California so special,” said Governor Newsom.

For the first time since the pass was created five years ago, incoming California fourth graders in public school could get their Free Fourth Grade Pass in August and start the new school year with unlimited free access to 54 participating state parks. Fourth graders previously couldn’t sign up for the pass – formerly known as the California State Park Adventure Pass – until September, after the school year had already started in many districts throughout the state. In addition to opening in August, the pass is now valid for up to 13 months, through Aug. 31 of the following year, so it can be used from the time students start fourth grade until they begin fifth grade.

Parents and guardians can download the free pass for their fourth graders at ReserveCalifornia.com.

“Removing barriers to state parks is at the heart of Outdoors for All, and the numbers are already showing that the updates to our Free Fourth Grade Pass are doing exactly that,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “There’s still plenty of time for fourth graders to get their free pass and start exploring the nation’s largest and most diverse state park system. Get your Free Fourth Grade Pass today!”

Outdoors for All

The free pass is a cornerstone of Outdoors for All, Governor Newsom and the First Partner’s commitment to equitable park access, ensuring all Californians can enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits of the outdoors. Since the free pass program was launched in September 2021, more than 140,000 passes have been distributed to fourth graders and their families.

Along with all fourth graders in public school, California residents from all walks of life — including families receiving public assistance and anyone with a library card — can access free parks passes as part of Outdoors for All:

• California State Library Parks Pass: Allows library cardholders to check out a pass from any public library for free vehicle day-use entry at 200-plus state parks. It’s just like borrowing a book, with more than 33,000 passes available at over 1,100 public and tribal libraries in the state.
• Golden Bear Pass: This free annual pass provides vehicle day-use entry at over 200 state parks for families who receive CalWORKs, individuals who receive supplemental security income, income-eligible Californians over age 62, and participants of California’s Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. To date, Californians have received more than 148,000 Golden Bear Passes.

State Parks also recently completed a wildly popular free promotion of its Historian Passport, which saw more than 454,000 passes downloaded in just over two weeks. The pass is good through the end of the year.

Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors

The 54 participating state parks of the Free Fourth Grade Pass help complement the fourth-grade curriculum, bringing to life what fourth graders are learning in the classroom. Fourth grade is a unique time in a child’s development where they begin to better understand how the world around them works in concrete ways, and they are more receptive to engaging with nature and the environment.

Studies indicate that access to parks and green space can lead to improvements in children’s physical well-being, social-emotional learning and academic outcomes, with children experiencing reduced stress and demonstrating more enthusiasm for school.

How to Get Your Free Fourth Grade Pass

Signing up for the Free Fourth Grade Pass is easy. A parent or guardian can apply on ReserveCalifornia.com (account required) to download the pass. The only information required is a name, address, phone number and email address.

For more information about the Free Fourth Grade Pass program, visit parks.ca.gov/4thGrade.

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At 54th Annual Dinner & Celebration

By Contra Costa County Office of Education

CONCORD, CALIF. — We’re thrilled to celebrate Contra Costa County’s 2026 Teachers of the Year, Rebecca St. Michel and Stephanie Sado! The Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) honored them and 20 other educators at the 54th Annual Teachers of the Year Dinner and Celebration at the Concord Hilton on Thursday, September 17, 2026. The evening included performances by the Hercules High School Concert Choir.

Rebecca, a fifth-grade teacher at Brentwood Elementary School in the Brentwood Union School District, and Stephanie, a literacy intervention teacher in the Orinda Union School District, were in San Francisco on Friday for an interview at KRON 4 with anchor Reyna Harvey, who served as emcee for Thursday night’s Celebration.

Rebecca and Stephanie are outstanding representatives of the educators who inspire students every day through their dedication, expertise, and commitment to learning. We are incredibly proud of both of them and look forward to sharing the interview once it becomes available.

Congratulations, Rebecca and Stephanie. Your time to shine!

As county winners, St. Michel and Sado will advance to the California State Teachers of the Year competition.

“These two educators represent the dedication and commitment demonstrated by public school teachers across Contra Costa County,” Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “Rebecca St. Michel and Stephanie Sado have deep roots in their Brentwood and Orinda communities and exemplify the impact educators can have when they build meaningful connections with students. Drawing from her own experiences overcoming learning challenges, Rebecca creates a classroom where students feel supported, empowered, and capable of success. Stephanie has helped transform literacy instruction by advancing strategies that support both students and staff in reaching their goals. We are proud to recognize their achievements and congratulate them as they represent Contra Costa County educators at the state level.”

Rebecca St. Michel A fourth-generation educator with more than 27 years of classroom experience, St. Michel has spent her entire teaching career serving students at Brentwood Elementary School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and Sciences from San Diego State University and her California teaching credential from California State University, East Bay.

St. Michel traces her passion for teaching to experiences as a teenage Girl Scout and junior swim coach, where she first discovered her passion to lead and teach others. It was during these experiences with younger children that she honed what she called “Type A personality traits” into organization and leadership skills. Before beginning her career as a teacher at Brentwood Elementary, she had already taught more than 1,000 children how to swim.

Her own experiences as a student with a learning disability have also shaped her approach to teaching and advocacy. She is committed to creating a classroom culture where challenges are seen as opportunities for growth, students feel valued, and families receive support navigating IEPs and educational systems. St. Michel’s philosophy is grounded in the belief that learning is possible for every student, and that growth comes through perseverance, encouragement, and meaningful support.

Additionally, she truly believes each day is a new fresh start for the students in her classroom and gives students grace to make tomorrow a better day.

Stephanie Sado Sado holds a Master of Arts in Teaching Leadership from Saint Mary’s College and a Bachelor of Science in General Studies with a Spanish concentration from the University of Southern California, along with a CLAD Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

Her passion for education began in childhood and was reaffirmed during her college years when she enrolled in her first education course and discovered her calling to teach. Over the past 12 years, Sado has focused on helping students develop strong literacy skills while ensuring they experience reading as a source of confidence and enjoyment.

Drawing from her own struggles with literacy as a child, Sado is committed to providing early intervention and ensuring students receive the support they need before frustration or self-doubt takes hold. Beyond working directly with students, she has led professional development, helped establish districtwide literacy systems, and played a key role in developing a comprehensive K-5 reading intervention program across Orinda Union School District elementary schools.

One parent shared that while reading intervention felt shameful when she was a child, Sado’s “Reading Club” made her daughter feel excited and supported. When the program ended, the student was saddened to see it conclude because she enjoyed it so much. Experiences like these continue to inspire Sado’s belief that all students can achieve at high levels when given the right support.

Finalists and Next Steps 

St. Michel and Sado were selected from a group of four finalists. The other finalists were Evette Evers-Threatt of Martin Luther King Jr. Junior High School in the Pittsburg Unified School District and Julee Henderson of Acalanes High School in the Acalanes Union High School District.

Both county honorees will now represent Contra Costa County in the California State Teacher of the Year competition, with statewide winners expected to be announced in mid-October.

The Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year program is coordinated annually by the Contra Costa County Office of Education.

This year’s honorees represent more than 8,000 teachers from 17 county school districts, the Contra Costa Community College District, and CCCOE Student Programs who were chosen by their respective districts earlier in the year.

FINALISTS FOR COUNTY TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

• Evette Evers-Threatt (Pittsburg Unified School District, Martin Luther King Jr. Junior High School)
• Julee Henderson (Acalanes Union High School District, Acalanes High School)
• Stephanie Sado (Orinda Union School District, Various schools)
• Rebecca St. Michel (Brentwood Union School District, Brentwood Elementary School)

2026-2027 DISTRICT TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

• Julee Henderson, Acalanes Union High School District, Acalanes High School
• Arielle Foley, Antioch Unified School District, Black Diamond Middle School
• Rebecca St. Michel, Brentwood Union SD, Brentwood Elementary School
• Kimberly Berry, Byron Union School District, Timber Point Elementary School
• Destiny Castellanos, CCCOE Student Programs, Multiple School Sites
• Angie Goularte, John Swett USD, Rodeo Hills Elementary School
• Noelle Gould, Knightsen Elementary SD, Knightsen Elementary School
• Melissa Johnston, Lafayette School District, Spring Hill Elementary School
• Stephen Apel, Liberty Union High School District, Freedom High School
• Katie Collins, Martinez Unified School District, Martinez Junior High School
• Christina Mignano, Moraga School District, Los Perales Elementary School
• April Saldivar, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Shore Acres Elementary School
• Mary Acebu, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Riverview Middle School
• Wendy Perry, Oakley Union Elementary SD, Geheringer Elementary School
• Stephanie Sado, Orinda Union ESD, Wagner Ranch Elementary School
• Evette Evers-Threatt, Pittsburg USD, Martin Luther King Jr. Junior High School
• Austin Glimme, San Ramon Valley USD, Vista Grande Elementary School
• Wally Bean, San Ramon Valley USD, Windemere Ranch Middle School
• Brittany Forrette, Walnut Creek School District, Parkmead Elementary School
• Benjamin Carpenter, West Contra Costa USD, Kennedy High School
• Carolyn Landau, West Contra Costa USD, Kensington Elementary School
• Aaron Prater, Contra Costa County CC District, Diablo Valley College

All but one county school district participated this year, along with CCCOE and the community college district.  Mt. Diablo, San Ramon Valley, and West Contra Costa Unified School Districts may nominate two teachers because of their size. The community college nominee rotates each year among Diablo Valley, Los Medanos and Contra Costa colleges and is recognized only at the county level.

The event was made possible through the support of Corporate Sponsor Travis Credit Union and Visionary Sponsors Lesher Community Foundation and Martinez Refinery Company.

Visit https://www.cocoschools.org/toy to learn more about the Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year program or to make a donation. Follow CCCOE on social media: @cocoschools.

About Contra Costa County Office of Education

One of 58 counties in California, Contra Costa County has the 11th largest public-school student population in the state (approximately 169,394 students). Officially established in 1932, CCCOE has a long history of providing direct services to some of our county’s most vulnerable students, including young people who are incarcerated, homeless, or in foster care, as well as students who have severe physical or emotional challenges.

CCCOE also provides support services to schools and school districts in Contra Costa County; services that can be handled most effectively and economically on a regional basis rather than by each of the county’s 286 schools or 18 school districts. These services range from budget approval and fiscal support to technology infrastructure, communication support, and high-level professional development opportunities for educators. CCCOE maintains a website at www.cocoschools.org.

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First community workshop set for Tuesday, Sept. 22 in Antioch

By East Bay Regional Park District

OAKLAND, Calif. — The East Bay Regional Park District is inviting residents to help shape the future of swimming and recreation at Contra Loma Regional Park, beginning with a community workshop on Sept. 22 in Antioch.

The community workshop will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Antioch Community Center located at 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch 94531. Participants will be asked to share their ideas for future swimming, aquatic features, and other recreational amenities at the park.

“Contra Loma Regional Park has been an important part of this community for decades, and we want to hear directly from the people who use this park about what should come next,” said Max Korten, general manager. “Whether you swim, fish, hike, or picnic here, we encourage every member of the community to attend a workshop, take the survey, or reach out to our team. Your input will shape the swim and recreation features we bring forward for this park.”

The Sept. 22 workshop is the first step in a broader public planning process that will include additional meetings, outreach at community events, surveys, and interviews to explore all options for recreation at Contra Loma Regional Park.

The Contra Loma Swim Lagoon was closed by the East Bay Regional Park District in 2022 due to maintenance and engineering issues. In 2025, the Park District drained the lagoon while evaluating options for the site’s future. Since then, the Park District has continued to invest in Contra Loma, including new fishing docks, a renovated boat launch, expanded paths and green space, new ADA-accessible restrooms and picnic sites, and the reopening of the Loma Island picnic area.

The Park District also provides lifeguard services at the Ambrose Aquatic Center to support daily operations during peak swim season and partners with Antioch Unified School District to offer swim and water safety lessons at Antioch and Deer Valley high schools.

Public engagement on the Contra Loma project will continue through spring 2027. Visit ebparks.org/contra-loma for workshop dates, an online survey, and project details. For information about the park, visit ebparks.org/parks/contra-loma.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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By CA Department of Parks and Recreation

SACRAMENTO — California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is now accepting grant applications from organizations that teach on-the-water boating safety education to the public. Up to $1.4 million in grants is available to local public agencies, nonprofit organizations and colleges/universities operating within California for the Aquatic Center Grant program. The deadline to apply is Friday, Oct. 30, at noon.

The grants are competitive and can be used to:

• Purchase boating equipment and supplies.
• Provide student scholarships for on-the-water boating courses.
• Offset costs for boating instructor training.
• Offset costs for boating safety-related events.

Interested applicants should first review the FAQs listed on DBW’s website to determine if they meet the grantee eligibility requirements. Grant applications must be submitted through OLGA, the division’s online grant application system, accessed here.

Each application will be ranked and scored based on its demonstration of the applicant’s ability to safely and effectively teach on-the-water boating safety courses and enhance boaters’ knowledge of boating laws, practical handling of vessels, weather and water conditions and other boating safety information.

The Division of Boating and Waterways administers this grant. Funding is provided by the federal Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which is managed by the United States Coast Guard.

Detailed information regarding the Aquatic Center Grant program is available on DBW’s website.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.

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HR Executive Compliance Council provides members with professional education, expanded workforce, resources while positioning Pleasant Hill as an East Bay hub for business education and networking

By Jeremy Carlson, Executive Director, Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce & Marci Trevino, Founder and President, HR Executive Compliance Council

PLEASANT HILL, Calif. – Small and mid-sized businesses throughout Pleasant Hill and the greater Bay Area will gain expanded access to professional human resources education, employment-law updates and compliance resources through a new partnership between the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce and the HR Executive Compliance Council (HREXCC).

Under the partnership, Pleasant Hill Chamber members will receive one year of complimentary membership in the HR Executive Compliance Council, providing access to the Council’s educational programming, including expert-led webinars, legal and regulatory updates, leadership development and opportunities to connect with HR, legal and business professionals.

The partnership addresses a challenge faced by many small and mid-sized businesses: employers are expected to navigate an increasingly complex employment and regulatory environment without necessarily having the internal HR departments, legal resources or compliance teams available to larger organizations.

“Small businesses don’t get a different set of employment laws simply because they’re small,” said Jeremy Carlson, Executive Director of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce. “Too often, an HR or compliance issue doesn’t receive the attention it needs until it becomes a much larger and potentially costly problem. Our goal is to give our members access to high-level education and resources before they reach that point. This partnership is exactly what we mean when we talk about creating greater value from Chamber membership.”

The HR Executive Compliance Council is a California not for profit organization founded and led by President Marci Trevino. The organization provides practical employment and labor-law education, with particular emphasis on California’s rapidly changing regulatory environment, alongside leadership development and professional peer networking.

The Council’s programming serves executives, HR professionals, business owners and emerging leaders, with sessions led by attorneys and subject-matter experts.

“Our mission has always been about giving business and HR leaders practical knowledge they can actually use,” said Marci Trevino, Founder and President of the HR Executive Compliance Council. “Partnering with the Pleasant Hill Chamber allows us to bring that education to an even broader business community while creating a place where professionals can learn from experts and from one another. Jeremy and I both call Pleasant Hill home, and we see tremendous potential for this community to become a gathering point for business education, professional development and meaningful connections throughout the Greater Bay.”

Building a Regional Business and Education Hub

The partnership extends beyond providing HREXCC membership to Chamber members.

The two organizations will collaborate on Chamber initiatives involving internships, employment opportunities, workforce development, job search and talent connections, as well as future educational and networking programs.

Together, the organizations have a larger objective: to establish Pleasant Hill as a central hub for business education, professional resources and networking in the East Bay and greater Bay Area.

“Pleasant Hill is exceptionally well positioned for this,” Carlson said. “We’re at the center of an incredibly active business corridor, and we have an opportunity to create a place, both physically and virtually, where businesses from throughout the region can come to learn, make connections, find resources and develop their workforce. We don’t want every Chamber program to stop at the city limits. When we can bring businesses from throughout the Bay Area into Pleasant Hill while simultaneously giving our own members access to a larger professional network, everyone benefits.”

The partnership also supports the Chamber’s continuing effort to expand both membership and the value provided to existing members. The Pleasant Hill Chamber currently represents businesses and organizations, with continued membership growth among its priorities.

Rather than attempting to independently duplicate specialized professional resources, the Chamber is increasingly developing relationships with organizations that already possess deep expertise and making those resources more accessible to its members.

“Partnerships should create something tangible,” Carlson added. “This one does. A Pleasant Hill Chamber member isn’t simply joining another business organization. They’re gaining access to professional education and expertise that can help them operate a stronger, better-informed business. That’s the kind of value we want Chamber membership to represent.”

First Joint Program Set for January 2027

The organizations’ first major joint program will take place January 27, 2027, at National University in Pleasant Hill, with a California Legal Update focused on employment and workplace issues businesses should be preparing for in the new year.

The full-day program will bring together business owners, executives, HR professionals, managers and other organizational leaders for timely education surrounding California’s evolving employment and regulatory environment.

In addition to the primary legal update programming, the event will feature multiple breakout rooms offering focused educational and professional-development sessions, giving attendees opportunities to explore specific workplace, leadership, compliance and organizational topics in greater depth.

The program will conclude with an evening networking mixer, providing attendees, presenters and participating organizations an opportunity to continue conversations and build professional connections following the day’s educational sessions. Lunch and admission to the evening mixer are included with event registration, with a no-host bar available during the mixer.

A limited number of complimentary registrations will be available for HR professionals, and early registration is encouraged due to limited availability. HREXCC members participating through the Pleasant Hill Chamber partnership will also receive complimentary admission to the event. General admission for non-members will be $100 per person, which includes the day’s educational programming, lunch and evening mixer.

The event will also feature a Strategic Partner Exhibition, connecting attendees with organizations and service providers offering resources, expertise and solutions relevant to employers, HR professionals and business leaders. A limited number of exhibition tables will be available, creating an opportunity for strategic partners to participate directly in the day’s program and engage with attendees throughout the event.

Hosting the program at National University in Pleasant Hill further advances the partnership’s broader goal of establishing Pleasant Hill as a regional destination for business education, workforce development and professional connection.

“This is exactly the kind of program we want to bring to Pleasant Hill,” Carlson said. “It goes beyond gathering people in a room for a presentation. We’re creating an environment where business owners, executives and HR professionals can learn from experts, explore subjects in greater depth, discover resources and build relationships with one another. Having National University serve as our host gives us the educational setting and space to bring all of those elements together.”

Additional educational programs, webinars, professional-development opportunities, cooperative networking events and workforce initiatives are expected to follow as the partnership develops.

Through the collaboration, the Chamber and HREXCC envision Pleasant Hill becoming an increasingly important destination for business owners, executives and HR professionals seeking education, resources and professional connections throughout the East Bay and greater Bay Area.

About the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce

The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce works to strengthen the local business community through advocacy, connections, professional development, community engagement, strategic partnerships and programs designed to create opportunities for businesses to grow and thrive. Through its members, Board of Directors and community partners, the Chamber works to connect business, government and community while supporting a strong and vibrant Pleasant Hill. For more information visit www.pleasanthillchamber.com.

About the HR Executive Compliance Council

The HR Executive Compliance Council is a California not for profit organization providing HR and business leaders with practical employment and labor-law education, leadership development, regulatory updates and professional networking. Its programming helps organizations navigate complex workplace challenges and evolving regulatory requirements while strengthening leadership and organizational decision-making. For more information visit www.higherresources.org.

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It’s Councilwoman Claudia Jimenez vs. Ahmad Anderson in the November run-off

By Allen D. Payton

The League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa County is holding a Richmond Mayoral Candidate Debate “A Community Conversation” between Richmond Councilwoman Claudia Jimenez and Ahmad Anderson on Monday, Sept. 21st in the Richmond Council Chambers.

Richmond’s current mayor, Eduardo Martinez, placed third in the June 2nd primary behind Jimenez, the District 6 councilmember, who placed first, and Anderson who placed second. They top two are now competing in the November General Election run-off.

The Richmond City Council elections were also held in June, and all three incumbents were re-elected, Cesar Zepeda who run unopposed in District 2, Doria Robinson in District 3 with 68.94% of the vote, and Soheila Bana in District 4 with 67.74% of the vote. Jiminez is not up for re-election this year and if elected mayor will have to step down from her seat and either her replacement will be appointed by the other council members or another, special election will be held to fill it for the remaining two years of the term.

About Jiminez

According to her bio on the City’s website, Jiminez, whose campaign claims she will be, “The Next Progressive Mayor of Richmond,” is “a trained architect who has worked to design and build affordable housing and watershed management projects in Colombia. She received her Master’s degree in Environmental Planning from U.C. Berkeley. She lives in District 6 of Richmond with her husband and two children.”

She says she’s “Rooted in Colombia, Growing in Richmond” and claims, “More than one-third of Richmond residents were born in another country. Claudia Jimenéz is an immigrant who has chosen to make Richmond her home.”

According to her LinkedIn Profile, since June 2015 Jiminez has worked as a Consultant to The California Endowment, “a private, statewide foundation dedicated to improving health and racial equity across California,” to “Strengthen the infrastructure to support women of color in political leadership positions.”

Her endorsements include a variety of organizations, including the Democratic Socialists of America East Bay and another Democratic group, two fellow Richmond council members, the Richmond Firefighters, the Contra Costa Labor Council and other unions.

About Anderson

According to his campaign website, Anderson, who offers “A Vision for One Richmond,” says he’s “Rooted in Richmond” because he was born and raised in the city. Anderson is a longtime community volunteer for over 40 years and city committee member, and former vice president of the Richmond NAACP, whose father and mother both served as mayor of Richmond. On his Facebook page Anderson shows two other campaign slogans, including one on a button that reads, “A Voice for You” and another on a shirt which reads, “For a Safer Richmond.” His campaign also has an Instagram account.

Anderson “has worked as a Human Resources Director at an international company that employs 380,000 people,” the National Pacifica Foundation, and is also a graduate of U.C. Berkeley and attended Columbia University’s Teachers College from 1996-2003.

According to his LinkedIn profile, since Aug. 2020, Anderson has been the Founder and Managing Partner of Designing Effective Organizations. Previously, he worked as Vice President for Human Resources at Goodwill Industries of the Greater East Bay from Dec. 2010 to Nov. 2013; as Senior Human Resources Business Partner for the U.S. Western Region of DHL Express from May 2014 to Sept. 2018; as Senior Human Resources Business Partner in the Northern California Operations Sales Division of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits from Nov. 2018 to Jul 2020; as Director, People & Culture for SFJAZZ from June 2021 to Aug. 2022; and as Director, People & Culture for Gardens of Golden Gate Park from Aug. 2022 until Apr. 2026.

Anderson has endorsements from most of the Democratic leaders and organizations covering the county, including the California Democratic Party, Contra Costa Democratic Party and the West County Democratic Club, as well as the other three Richmond council members, three former Richmond mayors (not including his parents), DA Diana Becton, plus, the Richmond Police Officers, Contra Costa Building and Construction Trades Council and other unions.

Neither candidate offers their phone number or email address to contact them, only online forms on their websites, and Jiminez’s city council email address, Claudia_Jimenez@ci.richmond.ca.us.

The debate can also be viewed on KCRT TV on Comcast cable Channel 28.

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Hear directly from the candidates.

By Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce

The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2026 City Council Candidate Forum on Wednesday, September 23 at 6 PM at Pleasant Hill City Hall.

Candidates will participate in a moderated forum, with questions submitted by the community, including current Mayor and District 3 incumbent Zac Shess and challenger Jason Seto, and Councilmember At Large Sue Noack and challenger Dr. Quy Tran running in District 4.  Noack was elected in 2022 before the City switched to district elections in 2023 and which took effect in the November 2024 General Election.

• Pleasant Hill City Council Chamber inside City Hall at 100 Gregory Lane
• Doors open around 5:40 PM | Forum begins at 6 PM
• The forum will also be available on the City of Pleasant Hill’s YouTube channel.

Have a question for the candidates? Submit it in advance to candidateforum@pleasanthillchamber.com.

Join us, September 23 and hear directly from those seeking to serve on our City Council.

Presented by the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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By Gail Murray, League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley

How secure are our elections? On September 24 at 2:00 p.m., join a Community Conversations informative webinar exploring the safeguards that protect our voting systems and ensure every eligible vote is counted accurately.

Panelists will describe election security, ballot protection, and the processes that help maintain public confidence in our democracy. Whether you’re a new voter or a longtime election volunteer, you’ll leave with a better understanding of how safe and secure our elections really are.

Panelists:

• Kristin Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters

Reelected in June; focus is on voter access, election transparency and battling election misinformation.

• Helen Hutchison, past president of the League of Women Voters of California

Serving at the state League, worked on initiative and referendum reform, ballot measures and redistricting.

Register here to join: https://ccclib.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/6a849254bf1aec09082b6699

Information on how to access the Zoom webinar will be sent to your email address 24 hours before the program.

The webinar will have simultaneous Spanish interpretation and the Contra Costa County Library will provide closed captioning. This program will be recorded and uploaded to the Library’s YouTube and the LWVDV YouTube channels after the event. For special accommodations, please contact the Library with 72 hours’ notice.

Sponsors include the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley, the League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa County Library and Contra Costa TV.

Contact programs@lwvdv.org for more information.

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A set of investments, projects and strategies to improve efficiency, reduce delays and move more people and buses across the most-traveled bridge in the Bay Area.

By Metropolitan Transportation Commission

The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (Bay Bridge) corridor is a vital lifeline for commuter and business travel to and from the City of San Francisco and the East Bay.  It is consistently ranked the most congested corridor in the region. Severe traffic congestion occurs on the approaches to the bridge, especially in the morning commute hours. Vehicles spend more hours delayed approaching the Bay Bridge than on all the other Bay Area east-west crossings combined.  At times, this congestion prevents high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs) and buses from accessing the existing by-pass lanes at the toll plaza – and is worse than the congestion on the bridge itself.  At the same time, high rates of people driving alone and lower transit ridership means that more than half of the seats in vehicles crossing the Bay Bridge are empty.

The Bay Bridge Forward Program proposes solutions that would increase the number of people moving through the area by filling empty seats. This would improve operations and reduce congestion without hefty capital investments. Bay Bridge Forward includes a suite of projects to: improve transit travel time and reliability; promote carpooling and transit ridership; increase the number of people who can move through the corridor (person throughput); and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Project 6 – Interstate 80, Bay Bridge & Carquinez Bridge HOV Lane Hours of Operation

Part of the Bay Bridge Forward commute initiative, the Interstate 80, Bay Bridge & Carquinez Bridge HOV Lane Hours of Operation is one of several projects that aim to improve traffic congestion for the Interstate 80 (I-80) corridor between the Carquinez Bridge and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

• Overview

This project is evaluating extended hours of operation of the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes along the Interstate 80 corridor between the San Francisco-Bay Bridge and the Carquinez Bridge and at the approaches to both bridges.

While the corridor experiences significant congestion beyond traditional peak periods, the current HOV hours of operation are limited to weekdays between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Project 6a’s analysis and implementation will evaluate expanding the hours to include midday and weekend operations.

This project aims to:

• Provide more reliable travel times for transit riders and carpools during periods of prevalent midday and weekend congestion; and
• Encourage transit use and carpooling.

• Project Schedule

As of the latest update in April 2026, the estimated completion dates for the Traffic Analysis is 2026, for Final Design is 2027 and for Construction is 2028.

Project 6 – Interstate 80 HOV Lane Access Restrictions

Also part of the Bay Bridge Forward commute initiative, the Interstate 80 HOV Lane Access Restrictions is one of several projects that aim to improve traffic congestion for the Interstate 80 (I-80) corridor between the Carquinez Bridge and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

• Overview

This project proposes to implement access restrictions along select segments of the existing high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on the Interstate 80 corridor between the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the Carquinez Bridge. Access restrictions are expected to improve traffic flow in the HOV and general purpose lanes by limiting merges between lanes in congested areas.

Currently, the HOV lane is separated from general traffic by a dashed line, which indicates that it is OK to enter and exit the HOV lane at any point. Project 6b would add lane access restrictions by replacing the existing lane striping and painting double solid white lines between the existing HOV lane and the general-purpose lane, to restrict vehicles from entering or exiting the HOV lanes at select segments. Double white lines indicate it is illegal to enter and exit the lane.

• Project Schedule

As of April 20226, the Project Initiation Document was completed in April 2026, and the estimated completion date for the Project Approval & Environmental Document is sometime this year, the Final Design in 2027 and Construction in 2028.

Project 6 – Interstate 580 Westbound to Interstate 80 Eastbound Connector Bus Lane

The Interstate 580 Westbound to Interstate 80 Eastbound Connector Bus Lane is one of several projects of the Bay Bridge Forward commute initiative that aim to improve traffic congestion for the Interstate 80 (I-80) corridor between the Carquinez Bridge and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

• Overview

The Interstate 80 (I-80) Bus-on-Shoulder Feasibility Analysis assessed the feasibility of pursuing bus-on-shoulder or bus lane segments on or connecting to I-80, and identified potential segments to move into project development.

One of the segments moving forward is the Interstate 580 (I-580) westbound to I-80 eastbound Connector Bus Lane. This project would construct a bus-only lane by reducing the existing right and left shoulders on the westbound I-580 to eastbound I-80 direct connector ramp. The project aims to:

• Reduce bus delays;
• Provide travel time reliability for buses; and
• Encourage the use of public transit in this congested segment.

• Project Schedule

The Feasibility Analysis was completed in Summer 2025; the Project Initiation Document (PID) is expected to be completed sometime in 2026 and the estimated completion date for Project Approval & Environmental Document and Final Design is in 2027 and Construction in 2029.

Project 6 – Interstate 80 Localized Transit Priority/HOV Strategies

Part of the Bay Bridge Forward commute initiative, Interstate 80 Localized Transit Priority/HOV Strategies is one of several projects that aim to improve traffic congestion for the Interstate 80 (I-80) corridor between the Carquinez Bridge and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

• Overview

The Interstate 80 (I-80) Localized Transit Priority/HOV Strategies project aims to enhance access to HOV preferential lanes and/or add transit signal priority (TSP) equipment at nine interchange locations.

The project is intended to:

• Provide travel time savings for carpools and buses; and
• Increase bus system reliability.

• Project Schedule

The Preliminary Analysis was completed in Summer 2025; the estimated completion date for the Project Initiation Document (PID) is sometime in 2026, Project Approval/Environmental Document (PA/ED) in 2027, Final Design in 2028 and Construction in 2029.

Project 2 – Interstate 580 Westbound HOV Lane Extension

The Bay Bridge Forward’s Interstate 580 Westbound HOV Lane Extension project proposes to extend the existing high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane on westbound Interstate 580 to reduce traffic backup during morning peak hours.

• Overview

The Interstate 580 (I-580) westbound corridor serves as an approach to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and is a key transbay commute corridor that connects the East Bay to San Francisco.

The corridor experiences heavy traffic congestion during morning peak hours, with traffic backing up to the Interstate 980 (I-980)/State Route 24 (SR-24) interchange.

MTC – in partnership with Alameda County Transportation Commission – proposes to extend the existing HOV lane on I-580 westbound to the area by the I-980/SR-24 interchange as a near-term improvement.

The I-580 Westbound HOV Lane Extension Project seeks to:

• Move more people through the corridor during peak hours.
• Improve travel time reliability to support buses and HOVs.
• Provide time travel savings for HOV and transit users, to encourage people to carpool or take transit.

The project proposes to convert a portion of the far-left lane of westbound I-580 to an HOV lane. From just east of the Piedmont Avenue undercrossing in Oakland, the new HOV lane would connect with the existing HOV lane at the toll plaza approach (just west of the MacArthur maze), a distance of approximately 2.3 miles.

• Project Schedule

The Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Studies were completed in June 2024, Final Design was completed in October 2024, and Construction is estimated to be completed in 2027.

Project 3 – Interstate 80/Powell Street Interchange Transit Access Improvements

Another part of the Bay Bridge Forward commute initiative, the Interstate 80/Powell Street Interchange Transit Access Improvements project aims to improve traffic flow during morning peak commute hours for transit vehicles that enter and exit Interstate 80 through Powell Street.

• Overview

The Interstate 80 (I-80)/Powell interchange currently services multiple transbay bus routes including Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) lines and the Capital Corridor (Amtrak) connecting bus between Emeryville Station and San Francisco.

The existing transit route on the West Frontage Road and I-80 Powell Street loop on-ramp are highly congested during morning peak commute hours. This project is needed to improve vehicle flow and reliability for transit vehicles that enter and exit I-80 through Powell Street.

MTC – in partnership with Alameda County Transportation Commission, the City of Emeryville and AC Transit – is proposing transit facility improvements within the I-80 Powell Street interchange to:

• Improve transit reliability and travel time;
• Improve transit accessibility;
• Promote safety for transit riders; and
• Encourage transit use.

The improvements include:

• The construction of a dedicated transit lane on Powell Street;
• New bus stops with improved pedestrian and bicycle access; and
• Dedicated transit-only signals and detectors at the ramp intersections to facilitate transit priority.

• Project Schedule

Preliminary Engineering & Environmental Studies were completed in July 2023, Final Design was estimated to be completed in Summer 2026, but completion of Construction is To Be Determined as of April 27, 2026.

Project 4 – Interstate 80 Westbound HOV/Bus Lane

The Bay Bridge Forward’s Interstate 80 Westbound HOV/Bus Lane project proposes adding a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane to westbound Interstate 80 (I-80) between the Powell Street Interchange and the Bay Bridge toll plaza.

• Overview

The Interstate 80 (I-80) westbound HOV lane and the HOV connector ramp (also known as the I-80 flyover ramp) serves HOV traffic on the I-80 corridor. The I-80 flyover ramp provides a direct connection to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge toll plaza, allowing buses and HOVs to bypass a major bottleneck north of the I-80/I-880/I-580 junction. Heavy traffic congestion in the vicinity of the I-80 Powell Street interchange can prevent buses and HOVs from accessing the I-80 flyover ramp.

MTC – in partnership with Alameda County Transportation Commission – proposes adding an HOV lane to the outside of the westbound I-80 between Powell Street Interchange and the Bay Bridge toll plaza. This project will benefit transit vehicles entering from the Powell Street interchange, as well as other HOVs traveling on westbound I-80 that cannot use the existing leftmost HOV lane due to congestion. This project seeks to:

• Improve the operational efficiency and travel time for buses and HOVs on westbound I-80;
• Move more people through the area during peak hours; and
• Encourage carpooling and transit use.

• Project Schedule

The Preliminary Engineering was completed in July 2025 and the estimated completion date for Environmental Studies is To Be Determined.

Project 1 – West Grand Avenue Bus & High Occupancy Vehicle Lane

The Bay Bridge Forward’s West Grand Avenue Bus & High Occupancy Vehicle Lane project will construct a dedicated westbound bus and carpool lane on West Grand Avenue for travelers approaching the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

• Overview

In 2016, MTC – in partnership with Caltrans and the City of Oakland – proposed the construction of a dedicated bus and carpool lane on West Grand Avenue to improve the travel time for buses and carpoolers approaching the Bay Bridge toll plaza from West Grand Avenue.

The project is separated into two phases.

• Phase 1: Complete

In 2019, the first phase was constructed, which created a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane on the Interstate 80 (I-80) West Grand Avenue on-ramp. It converted approximately 1,300 feet of right shoulder into a bus/HOV lane.

The bus/HOV lane is open to buses 24 hours a day, seven days a week. HOVs with three or more occupants are allowed to use the lane during weekday peak hours, 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.  The new HOV lane has provided substantial travel time savings for buses and HOVs, bypassing congestion during the morning peak period.

• Phase 2: In Progress

As of April 2026, development of the second phase is currently underway. It will extend the existing bus/HOV lane from its current terminus on the West Grand Avenue on-ramp further east to Frontage Road. This would allow buses to bypass a major queue on West Grand Avenue. The new bus/HOV lane will be open to HOVs with three or more occupants during the weekday peak hours (5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.).

Phase two of the project also proposes to construct a class I multi-use path on the south side of West Grand Avenue to close a 0.7-mile gap in the existing West Oakland bicycle network. The multi-use path would provide a key connection to the existing class I multi-use path on Maritime Street to the west and class II bike lanes on Mandela Parkway to the east of the project area.

Phase two construction is expected to begin in 2027. When completed, the project will bring additional benefits for carpools, buses, pedestrians and bicyclists.

• Project Schedule

Phase 1 Construction was completed in 2019, Phase 2 Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Studies were completed in Summer 2023, Phase 2 Final Design is expected to be completed sometime in 2026 and Phase 2 Construction in winter 2027.

See an expanded version of the Bay Bridge Forward program projects map. Project details are below.

Project 5 – Smart Transbay Transit

The Bay Bridge Forward’s Smart Transbay Transit project aims to deliver near-term Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) enhancements.

• Project Overview

The Smart Transbay Transit project is split into two phases. Phase one, now complete, consisted of planning and analysis. A future phase two will include technical design.

In phase one, MTC collaborated with Contra Costa Transportation Authority, WestCat, AC Transit, Alameda County Transportation Commission  and local cities in the East Bay.

The goals of the first phase were to:

• Assess current transbay bus operations;
• Analyze strategies to improve transbay bus service; and
• Define preferred corridors and concepts for project development.

The first phase recommended the implementation of Transit Signal Priority and traffic signal enhancements to select corridors. Traveler information strategies were also assessed.

• Project Schedule

Planning and Analysis were completed in Spring 2026, and the estimated completion dates for Technical Design is in 2027 and Implementation in 2027-28.

View the expanded Bay Bridge Forward Projects Map.

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By Patrick McCarran, Real Estate Broker

An offer has been accepted, and a closing date has been set. Now the home is going through escrow, and the process begins and ends once the financing is approved and the buyer and seller have fulfilled their requirements. So how does it work?

A neutral third-party agent of the principals—buyer, seller, lender and borrower—is designated the escrow holder. This agent assists with the transfer of ownership by ensuring that the terms of the transaction are completed including safeguarding all funds (including the buyer’s deposit) and documents.

The escrow holder is given instructions from the buyer and seller and keeps track of obligations. For example, if the seller is required to supply a termite inspection, the escrow holder will make sure it is fulfilled before any funds are transferred to the seller. Findings in the termite inspection report must be corrected on or before the close of escrow.

In addition, the escrow holder receives from the title company a complete ownership history of the property and any liens on record in the preliminary title report. Any discrepancies that affect the condition of the title, such as condo liens, judgments, etc., against the buyer and seller, must be addressed prior to close of escrow.

The escrow process can last any number of days depending on what is agreed upon between the buyer and the seller. To ensure a timely closing, it is important that each party provides the escrow holder requested information as soon as possible. For example, a lender will not fund a new home without a homeowner’s insurance policy. Without the lender’s verification that there is insurance, the escrow process may be delayed.  An unsecured source of funding, such as a personal check, can also delay the process, because it takes longer for those types of funds to clear.

Most buyers think that their check will not be cashed until the close of escrow, but that is not the case. The check is cashed by the escrow company immediately and held in a trust account. If anything out of the ordinary is to be done at the close of escrow with the seller’s proceeds, the escrow holder must be notified. A signed amendment is required for wiring funds or splitting proceeds.

The escrow process is just one step towards fulfilling the dream of homeownership. Your real estate professional can provide more detail on the escrow process, as well as answer other questions you may have about home buying and selling.

Patrick McCarran is a local Realtor and Broker DRE# 01325072. He can be contacted by phone or text at (925) 899-5536, pmccarran@yahoo.com or www. CallPatrick.com. An independently owned and operated office.  In association with Realty One Group Elite DRE# 0193160. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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