Contra Costa Herald

Artwork by The Herald.

In response to allegations against the late farm workers’ union leader

By Juliet V. Casey Geary, Director of Marketing & Media Design, Los Medanos College

Greetings from Los Medanos College,

In light of recent news concerning César Chávez and allegations of abuse of women and minors, Los Medanos College (LMC) is reorienting the awards that honored his legacy to focus instead on the collective work and values that are being recognized to strengthen community, social justice, labor rights and leadership. Since 1995, LMC has honored generations of activists, service providers, educators, students and more. We are proud of that tradition and will continue to honor the leaders born out of East Contra Costa County’s agricultural community. This year we will offer La Fuerza del Pueblo: Farmworkers’ Movement Legacy Awards.

Honorees will receive recognition at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, in the Student Union Conference Center, 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg. This event recognizes community members who stand as models of service, activism and non-violent social change. This year’s award categories include:

Exemplary Community Service

For long-standing commitment to service to others, sacrifice, helping the most needy, determination, non-violence, acceptance of all people, respect for life and the environment, celebrating community, knowledge, and innovation.

East County Educator Award

For demonstrating a commitment to student success and equity, particularly for students of color and those from low-income families.

La Fuerza del Pueblo Spirit Award

For emerging/student leader(s) who embodies the spirit of the movement, and who within the past year, made a significant impact on the local community in the areas of advocacy and social justice.

Legacy Award Values

• Service to Others: Empowering individuals by engendering self-determination, self-sufficiency and self-help, rather than charity.
• Sacrifice: Recognizing the obligation every individual has to contribute to their community, despite having to endure great hardship.
• Help the Most Needy: Supporting efforts to reach those in need, those dispossessed, and those most forgotten individuals.
• Determination: Instilling an attitude that through steadfast commitment, patience, and optimism, people can overcome great adversity.
• Non-violence: Achieving social and economic justice and equality through bold and courageous action.
• Tolerance: Promoting and supporting ethnic and cultural diversity as a means toward informing and strengthening communities.
• Respect for Life: Holding land, people, and all other forms of life in the highest regard.
• Celebrating Community: Sharing expressions of cultural identity through art, song and dance.
• Knowledge: Pursuing self-directed learning, the development of critical thinking, and constructive problem-solving.
• Innovation: Creating strategies and tactics to resolve problems and situations that often seem insurmountable.

About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Took life of 41-year-old Pleasant Hill female cyclist

Bail set at $350K, bonded out of custody Thursday morning

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – On March 17, 2026, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office charged a Concord woman in a DUI-related hit-and-run collision that took the life of a Pleasant Hill woman.

45-year-old Angelina Marina Solis faces charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury, driving with a .08% blood alcohol content causing injury, and leaving the scene of an accident. Three charges have enhancements: One with fleeing the scene of a crime and two for great bodily injury to the victim.

At approximately 1:49 a.m. on March 8th, Solis was traveling northbound on Contra Costa Blvd. when she ran a red light at the intersection of Taylor Blvd. in Pleasant Hill. Her vehicle struck a 41-year-old Pleasant Hill woman who, along with another individual, was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. After the collision, Solis fled the scene.

Pleasant Hill Police responded to 911 calls from bystanders and immediately rendered aid to the female bicyclist who had sustained critical injuries after being struck by the suspect’s vehicle. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. The other individual was uninjured.

During the investigation into the fatal crash, officers located and arrested Solis later that morning. She was taken into custody with bail set at $350,000, booked into the Martinez Detention Facility and posted bail the same day.

Officers continued their investigation and presented the case to the District Attorney’s Impaired Motorist Prosecution and Crimes Team on March 17th. The IMPACT Team, a specialized unit dedicated exclusively to prosecuting serious DUI fatality and injury cases, reviewed the case and filed charges in Superior Court.

This afternoon, Solis appeared in court and entered not guilty pleas to all charges and denied all enhancements. Her next court appearance – a preliminary hearing — is scheduled for March 27th at 8:30 a.m. in Department 27 at the A.F. Bray Courthouse in Martinez.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “Driving under the influence is a serious and entirely preventable problem. This tragic incident is exactly why the IMPACT Team exists — to hold accountable those who choose to drink and drive and, as a result, kill or injure others. We hope that greater awareness of the legal consequences leads to more people making responsible choices before getting behind the wheel.”

Case No. 01-26-01626 | The People of the State of California v. Angelina Marina Solis

See People v Angelina Marina Solis Complaint

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report

The Cal State East Bay Pioneers men’s basketball team celebrate their 2026 West Regional Championship with the trophy Monday, March 16, 2026. Photos: CSEB

Cal State East Bay earns No. 2 seed, set for matchup against Oklahoma Baptist

Only undefeated team remaining in NCAA men’s basketball

By CSEB Athletics

Cal State East Bay men’s basketball are still perfect!  The Pioneers incredible season continued on Monday behind a dominant second-half performance in a 73-58 win over Point Loma in the NCAA Division II West Regional Championship.  East Bay improved to 33-0 on the season and punched their ticket the NCAA DII Elite Eight in Pittsburgh next week.

The Pioneers set the tone early, getting off to a quick start with Jaayden Bush scoring the game’s first points on a strong finish inside before adding a mid-range jumper to keep them in front in the opening minutes. The first half, however, was tightly contested, with Point Loma responding with a 9-0 run midway through the period to take an 11-6 lead. The Sea Lions extended their advantage to as many as eight following a three-pointer from Caden Harris, putting East Bay in an early hole.

The Pioneers responded with composure. A transition three from Ramsey Huff off a steal by Tyree Campbell sparked momentum, and Amare Campbell added a bucket inside to help chip away at the deficit. East Bay continued to battle, with Jalen Foy converting a putback and Matt Williams knocking down a key three-pointer to bring the Pioneers within one. Late in the half, Tyree Campbell delivered a three-pointer to give East Bay a 30-28 lead, but Point Loma answered just before the break to take a narrow 31-30 advantage into halftime.

The second half however belonged to the Pioneers.  After briefly falling behind 33-32, East Bay seized control with a decisive run fueled by defense and transition play. Tyree Campbell sparked the surge with a three-pointer, then found Amare Campbell for a fastbreak layup following a steal. Moments later, another three from Campbell pushed the lead to 42-35, capping a 10-2 burst that swung momentum firmly in East Bay’s favor.

From there, the Pioneers never looked back. Takai Emerson-Hardy provided a spark off the bench with a strong finish inside, while Payden White added a mid-range jumper to keep the lead steady. Point Loma briefly cut the deficit to one, but East Bay answered again as Jalen Foy knocked down a three-pointer to extend the lead back to four.

With under five minutes to play, East Bay delivered the knockout punch. A steal by Matt Williams led to a fastbreak jumper from Amare Campbell, and moments later, Tyree Campbell scored in the paint to push the lead to seven. The Pioneers’ defense tightened down the stretch, forcing multiple turnovers and contested shots, while Josh Ijeh threw down a fastbreak dunk off a feed from Amare Campbell to ignite the home crowd.

East Bay closed the game at the free throw line, with Foy, Amare Campbell, and Bush all converting key attempts before Bush punctuated the victory with a breakaway dunk in the final minute. The Pioneers outscored Point Loma 43-27 in the second half.

Tyree Campbell led the way and was named West Regional Most Outstanding Player after leading all players with 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, while adding six rebounds and three steals. Amare Campbell was named to the All-Tournament Team and provided a strong all-around effort with 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists.  He was joined by Bush who added 11 points, six rebounds, three steals, and two assists.  Foy also tacked on 11 points and pulled down five rebounds.

With the win, Cal State East Bay became the first team to claim a spot in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight in Pittsburgh starting next Thursday, March 25th.

Photo: CSEB

Fresh off their historic West Regional Championship, Cal State East Bay is headed to the national stage as the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Championship, advancing to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1986.

The Pioneers (33-0) are the only undefeated team remaining in NCAA men’s basketball.  They will take on Oklahoma Baptist Bison, the tournament’s No. 7 seed, in a national quarterfinal matchup on Tuesday, March 25. Tipoff is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. PT at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh.

East Bay earned its place in the Elite Eight by capturing the NCAA West Regional title, capping off a dominant postseason run and extending its perfect season to 33-0. Tyree Campbell added to his historic senior season, earning NCAA West Regional Most Outstanding Player to go along with his West Region Player of the Year and CCAA Player of the Year honors.

Oklahoma Baptist enters the matchup following an impressive regional showing of its own, winning the Central Region after entering is the No. 2 seed.

The winner of the East Bay–Oklahoma Baptist contest will advance to the Final Four on March 27, facing the winner of the matchup between No. 3 seed Gannon and No. 6 seed Michigan Tech. The opposite side of the bracket features top-seeded Nova Southeastern against No. 8 Black Hills State, and No. 4 Daemen versus No. 5 Lander.

The national championship game is scheduled for April 5, as the remaining teams battle for the Division II title.

The Bollinger Canyon Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing Project received three awards. Source: ACEC California

Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing in San Ramon named 2026 APWA Project of the Year, two more awards

County Public Works receives three project awards

By Allen D. Payton

Eight public works projects in Contra Costa County and BART received awards from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Northern California Chapter and American Council of Engineering Companies of California (ACEC).

APWA Nor Cal Chapter Awards

The Iron Horse Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road was named the 2026 Project of the Year Winner by the APWA Northern California Chapter. Other winners honored at the 2026 Project Awards Luncheon in Vallejo on March 5th include:

BART for the Next Generation Faire Gates;

Central Contra Costa Sanitary District for the Phase 1 Stream and Aeration Blower Systems Renovations;

City of Antioch for its Brackish Water Desalination Plant (see below);

City of Pleasant Hill for the Contra Costa Blvd. Complete Streets Improvements Projects;

City of Richmond for the Ferry to Bridge to Greenway project;

Contra Costa County Public Works for three projects including the County Administration Building B, Saranap Trash Capture Installation and the Wildcat Canyon Road Slope Failure Repair.

A total of 25 projects were nominated and 15 received an award. All winners will be moving on to the APWA National at Public Works Expo 2026 in Houston, TX in August for consideration.

The APWA Northern California Chapter is a dynamic and engaged community of professionals dedicated to advancing the goals and mission of our association at the local level. The chapter is an integral part of the larger APWA network, representing a vibrant community of professionals in Northern California. We are committed to fostering professional growth, facilitating meaningful connections, and promoting excellence within the industry.

Source: City of San Ramon

Bollinger Canyon Road Overcrossing Project Also Wins League of California Cities Award

The Bollinger Canyon Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing Project also received the 2026 Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Award from the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), League of California Cities (Cal Cities), and County Engineers Association of California (CEAC). It is the highest award presented annually at the California League of Cities Public Works Officers Institute Spring Conference.

“Counties and cities across California lead in delivering sustainable and enduring transportation projects,” said Johannes Hoevertsz, President of CEAC and Sonoma County Public Infrastructure Director. “By applying innovative approaches, local governments are strengthening mobility while protecting the long-term performance of their streets and roads.”

Source: CA League of Cities

This year’s overall winner, the City of San Ramon, is recognized for its Iron Horse Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road, a transformative project that enhances safety and access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Overall Winner:
Iron Horse Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road, City of San Ramon

The $29M Iron Horse Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road is a 340-foot, cable-stayed bridge that provides a safe, grade-separated crossing over one of San Ramon’s busiest corridors.  Anchored by 900 feet of MSE wall approaches, it eliminates a previously signaled crossing and completes a link in the 30-mile regional Iron Horse Trail system. The project integrated context-sensitive landscaping with over 7,000 native and drought-tolerant plants and 80 trees along with community gathering spaces enhanced by architectural lighting.

“This project represents years of thoughtful planning and hard work from our Engineering team to improve safety and accessibility across one of the city’s busiest roadways,” a Facebook post on Thursday, March 12th reads. “Congratulations to our Engineering team for their dedication and hard work in bringing this important project to life!”

The overcrossing officially opened to the public on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

During the ACEC California awards ceremony on Feb. 19, 2026. Photo: ACEC California

ACEC California Awards

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority and City of San Ramon received an Honor Award from ACEC California, one of eight in the San Francisco Region, for the Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road. The project was submitted by the Oakland office of COWI North America, Inc., of the ACEC California Bay Bridge Chapter.

According to ACEC California, COWI was contracted by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority for the overcrossing project — a striking new pedestrian and cyclist bridge that provides a safe crossing across the busiest arterial corridor in the city and uninterrupted connectivity along the Iron Horse Trail. The City of San Ramon is the owner.

As Prime Consultant and Engineer of Record, COWI led the design, engineering, and design support during construction for the $21.6 million project. The result is a 340-foot, six-span cable-stayed bridge with 570 feet of retaining wall approaches, a central V-shaped steel pylon, and architecturally integrated lighting and railing systems.

The overcrossing enhances safety and connectivity for tens of thousands of San Ramon residents and trail users along the region’s most popular trail. While the project utilized its full budget, COWI’s innovative design and accelerated construction strategies generated substantial indirect savings by minimizing traffic disruption, shortening construction duration, and reducing environmental and community impacts.

“This bridge is a celebration of safe, sustainable design and community placemaking,” said Matt Baughman, Associate Project Director at COWI. “From concept to completion, COWI’s team worked closely with our client and stakeholders to deliver a truly iconic project.”

Source: City of Antioch

There were two other local ACEC California winners including the City of Antioch which received a Merit Award for its Brackish Water Desalination Plant, submitted for consideration by Carollo Engineers’ Walnut Creek office of the East Bay Chapter. The plant was inaugurated on September 15, 2025. According to the City of Antioch, this facility strengthens Antioch’s water supply by using a combination of existing and new infrastructure to increase reliability and provide greater operational flexibility. This facility is a landmark investment in the City’s future, ensuring a more resilient water supply for the community.

The City of Martinez received a Commendation Award from ACEC California for the Alhambra Avenue Downtown Improvements, submitted by LCC Engineering & Surveying, Inc. of Martinez, also of the ACEC California East Bay Chapter.

According to LCC, the company was hired by the City of Martinez in Winter of 2022 to provide land survey and civil design services for this Complete Street Improvement Project which included one mile of mill and fills, base-failure repairs, crack-sealing and micro-surfacing, re-striping to include Class 2 buffered bike lanes, new ADA compliant curb ramps and crosswalks.  The project was a federally funded project which triggered extensive environmental studies due to the proximity to significant historical buildings.  LCC teamed with HDR for the extensive environmental studies required.  However, LCC performed all of the right of way and utility coordination to obtain the Right of Way Certification for the Project. Construction was completed in spring 2025.

LCC has provided civil engineering and land surveying services to the City of Martinez since the firm was established in 1954.

The ACEC California’s annual Engineering Excellence Awards competition recognizes outstanding achievements in engineering and land surveying projects completed by California firms. Entries are accepted into one of 12 project categories: studies, research and consulting engineering services; building/technology systems; structural systems; surveying and mapping technology; environmental; waste and storm water; water resources; transportation; special projects; small projects; energy; and industrial and manufacturing processes and facilities.

Projects were recognized for demonstrating an exceptional degree of innovation, complexity, achievement, and value. Twenty projects earned the prestigious Honor Award distinction, twenty-seven were recognized with Merit Awards, and fifteen Commendation Awards were granted.

“We are proud to recognize these ACEC California firms for delivering an exceptional degree of value and technical excellence to our communities,” said Tyler Munzing, Executive Director of ACEC California. “Quality infrastructure—from dependable drinking water to safe, efficient roadways and structurally sound public spaces—is essential to our state’s success. These award-winning projects showcase how our engineering and land surveying firms are passionately building a more resilient and connected California.”

The awards were announced at the Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet at the Disneyland Hotel on February 19, 2026. Themed “Dream Builders: Engineering the Magic of Tomorrow”, the conference highlighted how engineers and land surveyors can influence the future through innovation, imagination and impact. The annual celebration was also a fundraiser for the ACEC California Scholarship Foundation 501(c)3, which provides scholarship awards to graduate and undergraduate students who are recognized for their notable and outstanding academic achievements.

Learn more about the awards:

2026 Projects of the Year Award – APWA Northern California Chapter

2026 Engineering Excellence Award Winners – American Council of Engineering Companies of California

Held on $1,030,000 bail

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office detectives investigating a homicide that occurred in Bay Point on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, arrested the suspect early Friday afternoon, March 13th. He is identified as 85-year-old Rogelio Barajas Martinez of Bay Point (born 6/13/1940).

He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on one count of murder. He is being held in lieu of $1,030,000 bail. Detectives say this incident is domestic related. The investigation is ongoing.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, six-inch tall, 180-pound Martinez has a court appearance scheduled for Monday, March 16 at 1:30 p.m. in Martinez Superior Court Dept. 05.

Man also found stabbed at scene

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide that occurred yesterday in Bay Point.

On Wed., March 11, 2026, at about 4:27 PM, Muir Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a home on the 100 block of Riverside Place in Bay Point for a medical call with a request for police response.

Deputies arrived and found a couple, a man and woman, suffering from stab wounds. The man was taken to a local hospital; the woman was pronounced deceased at the scene. She is not being identified at this time.

The Homicide Unit continues to investigate this case. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

The Martinez Old Train Depot on Marina Street in downtown. Photo: City of Martinez

Proposals due April 26, 2026

By Eve Kearney, Executive Assistant, City Manager’s Office, City of Martinez

Martinez, CA — The City of Martinez is pleased to announce the release of a Request for Qualifications and Conceptual Proposals (RFQ/P) inviting experienced development teams to submit proposals for the revitalization of the Old Train Depot, located at 401 Marina Vista Avenue.

Constructed in 1877, the Old Train Depot served as Martinez’s first train station and remains a recognizable landmark within the community. Positioned between downtown Martinez and the Marina Waterfront, the building represents a unique opportunity to rehabilitate and reactivate an important historic structure while supporting the continued economic vitality of the downtown area.

The Old Train Depot occupies the most central, visible location in Downtown Martinez. The site has a rich history and it is envisioned that the building would be transformed into a destination – with some combination of food, retail, cultural, and/or activated uses – that will help increase tourism and visitors to the Downtown. In 2026, the City will be seeking a development team that has the appropriate expertise, financing, approach, and vision to successfully bring the property back to active use.

Martinz Old Train Depot location map. Source: City of Martinez

Over the past year, the City has taken several steps to prepare the site for redevelopment, including completing compliance with the State’s Surplus Land Act, conducting a Historic Resource Evaluation, obtaining a Preliminary Title Report, and advancing hazardous materials remediation.

The City is now seeking development teams with expertise in historic rehabilitation and adaptive reuse to restore the building and introduce a vibrant use that complements the downtown and enhances the visitor experience. Potential proposals should demonstrate a thoughtful approach to preserving the character of the structure while activating the site with a viable and engaging use.

“This building represents an important piece of Martinez’s history,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn. “Revitalizing the Old Train Depot gives us the opportunity to preserve a landmark while creating a new destination that supports our local businesses and strengthens connections between Downtown and the waterfront.”

Historic photo of the Martinez Old Train Depot. Source: City of Martinez

Site History

The Old Train Depot was built to provide passenger and freight service for the newly arrived Southern Pacific Railroad. In 1916, the building was enlarged to handle booming railway freight business. When the Martinez-Benicia Bridge opened in 1930, the Depot took on increased prominence as a major stop along national railway routes, and it saw an especially high volume of military traffic during World War II. In 1941 the building experienced a major remodel and modernization. In 1982, the building was remodeled one final time to adapt it to Amtrak service. In 2001 a new Amtrak station opened two blocks west of the Old Train Depot; and since 2001 the Old Train Depot has been vacant and periodically used for storage.

The RFQ/P process will allow the City to evaluate both the qualifications of development teams and their conceptual vision for rehabilitating and activating the building. Following review of proposals, the City may enter into negotiations with a selected development team to further advance plans for the property.

The RFQ/P will be available on the City of Martinez website beginning March 11, 2026, with proposals due April 26, 2026.

Interested parties can learn more about the opportunity by visiting: https://www.cityofmartinez.org/departments/planning/major-development-projects/old-train-depot

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced Tuesday that 408 middle schools and high schools have been selected for the prestigious 2026 California Distinguished Schools Program, California’s school recognition program that recognizes exceptional schools that distinguish themselves on the basis of exemplary student outcomes.

Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students. The 2026 California Distinguished Schools, along with 2025 California Blue Ribbon Schools, 2026 Green Achievers, 2026 Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award Schools, and 2025 Civic Learning Awards of Excellence will be recognized at the California School Recognition Program Awards Conference & Celebration at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on April 24, 2026.

“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 408 schools for their efforts to move the needle for student achievement, no matter what,” Superintendent Thurmond said. “An excellent public education has the power to transform lives, and I commend the educators and school communities who have dedicated themselves to producing exemplary results. This year’s California Distinguished Schools represent the hard work of our middle and high school educators and school staff, who provide our secondary students with life-changing educational opportunities.”

The 2026 California Distinguished Schools recognition program aims to recognize exemplary instructional programs throughout California public schools, the largest public school system in the United States.

This year’s award categories build on long-standing recognition of the following two categories:

1) Exemplary High Achievers: Schools that are among the highest in the state in academic achievement for all students, which have also ensured that historically underserved student groups are maintaining or increasing academic progress.

2) Achievement Gap Closers: Schools that are accelerating academic progress for two or more groups that have been historically underserved, while also demonstrating achievement for all students that is above the state median and maintaining or increasing academic performance for all students.

This year, California Distinguished Schools added a third category of recognition:

3) Beacons of Opportunity: Schools serving rural and Title 1 school communities that distinguish themselves through multiple student outcomes at very high performance levels.

For years in which middle schools and high schools are eligible, the outcomes considered include graduation rates as well as rates of college and career readiness.

Eligibility for all categories is determined by metrics generated through the California statewide accountability system for public schools, the California School Dashboard. The 2026 California Distinguished Schools were determined using data from the 2025 California School Dashboard.

In keeping with statewide standards for accountability, schools must have at least 95 percent participation in statewide assessments to qualify for Distinguished School recognition. Schools may not earn recognition as a California Distinguished School if they have concerning school climate indicators, such as very high suspension or chronic absenteeism.

Schools need not apply for California Distinguished Schools, as every school’s data is automatically considered in alternating years. To further clarify, elementary schools and kindergarten through eighth-grade schools were considered in 2025 and will next be considered in 2027. Middle schools and high schools are being considered in 2026 and will next be considered in 2028. Schools motivated to achieve this statewide distinction are encouraged to set annual schoolwide goals aligned to their progress and areas of growth on the Dashboard.

Information regarding the 2025 Dashboard is provided on the CDE California School Dashboard and System of Support web page.

2026 California Distinguished Schools – Contra Costa

Acalanes Union High – Miramonte High School

Liberty Union High – Liberty High School

Martinez Unified – Martinez Junior High School

Mt. Diablo Unified – Diablo View Middle School

Mt. Diablo Unified – Pleasant Hill Middle School

San Ramon Valley Unified – Charlotte Wood Middle School

San Ramon Valley Unified – Diablo Vista Middle School

San Ramon Valley Unified – Iron Horse Middle School

San Ramon Valley Unified – Los Cerros Middle School

San Ramon Valley Unified – Pine Valley Middle School

San Ramon Valley Unified – San Ramon Valley High School

San Ramon Valley Unified – Stone Valley Middle School

West Contra Costa Unified – Middle College High School

Sponsors

We are thankful for our California School Recognition Program Sponsors who help to make the California Distinguished Schools Program a success! The CSRP would not be successful without the generous support they provide. We appreciate their willingness to support our efforts to recognize California’s exemplary schools, teachers, and classified school employees, for achievement and for advancing excellence in education.

A sponsorship in the CSRP is a commitment to an ongoing partnership with public education by helping ensure that the dream of a world-class public education lives on in California.

For more information about the program, please visit the CDE California Distinguished Schools Program web page.

For more information about the California Department of Education please visit the California Department of Education’s website or follow the department on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

EarthGrid’s plasma boring technology will benefit CyberTran’s innovative rail transit system

Richmond, CA – EarthGrid and CyberTran, two Richmond, California-based technology companies, have entered into a collaborative agreement to address critical global infrastructure challenges. The partnership brings together complementary technologies to support the development of next-generation underground “SuperGrid” systems capable of efficiently transporting renewable energy, data, communications, water and freight.

Technology Overview

EarthGrid has developed a patented plasma boring system that uses thermal spallation to disintegrate hard rock, including granite. This zero-contact approach uses only air and electricity, enabling tunneling and trenching at up to 10x the speed and a fraction of the cost of conventional boring methods.

CyberTran provides an ultra-light rail freight and transit system designed to operate within EarthGrid’s tunnels. Originally developed by the U.S. Department of Energy, the system has been built and tested and is engineered to move freight and passengers by distributing smaller loads along a guideway at high speeds, increasing efficiency and throughput.

Utility and Transit Applications

Aging utility infrastructure increasingly contributes to reliability failures, safety hazards, and wildfire risk. Existing systems are struggling to meet surging demand driven by renewable energy integration, AI and data center growth, EV charging, and advanced communications networks.

The combined EarthGrid-CyberTran solution offers a scalable underground alternative to deliver power, water, fiber and transit capacity across the United States and beyond.

Economic Development

The collaboration has the potential to support significant economic growth through infrastructure development, manufacturing, real estate investment, and logistics-related employment. The companies are currently engaged in discussions regarding major California-based projects that could benefit from their integrated technologies.

About EarthGrid

EarthGrid is pioneering Solid State Plasma Boring technology to reshape America’s underground infrastructure. The company’s patented plasma tech disintegrates hard rock using thermal spallation with no contact, no chemicals, and no mechanical cutters. EarthGrid has filed 162 patent claims, holds CPCNs (Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity) across 46 states covering 97% of the U.S. population, and has raised $50M to date. EarthGrid is boring through a $2 trillion grid infrastructure market.  (See related article)

About CyberTran

CyberTran International, Inc. is a Richmond, California-based company providing ultra-light rail freight and transit systems designed to reduce environmental impact and improve urban transit efficiency. Originally developed by the U.S. Department of Energy, CyberTran’s technology is engineered to move freight and passengers at high speeds with lower cost and greater operational efficiency than traditional transit systems. (See related article)

Note: The publisher of the Contra Costa Herald has a financial interest in CyberTran International.

2026 CCAA champion Cal State East Bay Men’s Basketball Pioneers team members celebrate their conference victory Saturday, March 7, 2026, by holding up a display of the tournament brackets. Photo: Cal State East Bay

With brackets chosen will face No. 8 Cal Poly Humboldt in First Round of West Regionals March 13

All games to be played on home court in Hayward

Team now No. 2 in national rankings

Head Coach Bryan Rooney named CCAA Coach of the Year

By Kimberly Hawkins, Senior News and Media Manager/PIO, Cal State East Bay

One of the most dramatic turnaroundsin college sports now owns the national spotlight.

Last year, Cal State East Bay’s men’s basketball team finished 11–17. Today, the Pioneers stand as the only undefeated team remaining in NCAA Division II at 30–0.

That remarkable rise brings the postseason home to Hayward. For the first time in 38 years, the Pioneers will host the NCAA Division II West Regionals March 13-16, welcoming eight teams from across the West Coast and Pacific Northwest for three days of high-stakes competition. Games begin Friday, with the champion advancing to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.

The Pioneers secured their place by winning the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament, Saturday, March 7, 2026, for the first time in program history — defeating Cal Poly Humboldt 80–63 in the championship game. Under Head Coach Bryan Rooney, named the CCAA Coach of the Year, East Bay has climbed to No. 2 in the national rankings — completing a transformation few could have predicted a year ago.

Now, with the stakes higher, the lights brighter and perfection intact, the Pioneers turn to their next chapter. Their rise — proof that in sports — and sometimes in life — transformation can happen faster than anyone expects.

Source: NCAA

Game schedule:

First Round — Friday, March 13 (PST)

• 12:00 p.m. | No. 3 Point Loma vs. No. 6 Northwest Nazarene
• 2:30 p.m. | No. 2 Saint Martin’s vs. No. 7 Hawaii Pacific
• 5:00 p.m. | No. 4 Alaska Anchorage vs. No. 5 Cal State Dominguez Hills
• 7:30 p.m. | No. 1 Cal State East Bay vs. No. 8 Cal Poly Humboldt

Second Round — Sunday, March 15 (PST)

(Matchups TBD — winners of Friday’s games)

• 5:00 p.m. | Game 1 (Winners of 12:00 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. games)
• 7:30 p.m. | Game 2 (Winners of 5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. games)

See 2026 NCAA DII Tournament Brackets.

NCAA DII Men’s Basketball West Regionals Tournament Brackets. Source: NCAA

All tournament games will be played in Pioneer Gym at 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd. in Hayward.

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