Contra Costa Herald

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.

Work Area Map. Source: CCC Public Works

By Kelly Kalfsbeek, Community & Media Relations Coordinator, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works Department

Antioch and Brentwood, CA – Contra Costa County Public Works will perform road traffic safety improvements at four sites along Deer Valley Road between Empire Mine Road and Marsh Creek Road, from Tuesday, September 8, 2026, through Friday, November 20, 2026, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will occur between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, weather permitting.

Traffic control will be used at each site with restrictions in place to minimize impacts during commuting hours. Message boards will alert drivers to the work. Drivers should expect delays through the work zones and consider alternative routes during working hours.

The project is intended to enhance safety at four locations on Deer Valley Road. Funding for this project is provided by the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and Local Gas Tax SB1. For more information about this project, visit www.contracosta.ca.gov/Deer-Valley-Road-Traffic-Safety-Improvements

About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:

The Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) is responsible for the maintenance and operation of over 650 miles of roads, 79 miles of streams and channels, and over 150 County buildings. CCCPWD services include parks and recreation, sandbag distribution, flood control, road and facilities maintenance, and storm water management. CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord and Byron Airport in Byron. For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us at: www.cccpublicworks.org.

Photos: San Pablo PD

By San Pablo Police Department

Friday night, Sept. 18, 2026, your San Pablo Police Department graveyard officers kept busy.

One traffic stop led to the arrest of a prohibited felon who was carrying a concealed firearm equipped with a conversion device that made the firearm capable of fully automatic fire.

A second traffic stop resulted in the discovery of an individual possessing methamphetamine.

Two stops. Two dangerous discoveries.

The name of the game that night was “Crystals & Pistols.”

Our officers remain vigilant around the clock, working to keep our streets safe. Great work by the graveyard shift!

Rendering of planned future Open-Road Tolling toll gantry at the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge toll plaza. Source: Kimley Horn and Associates

Then expand to Antioch, Benicia-Martinez and Carquinez Bridges in 2027-28; San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, San Mateo-Hayward and Dumbarton Bridges in 2028

Offers high-speed toll collection system; see how an ORT gantry works

By Bay Area Toll Authority

Acting Caltrans District 4 Director and Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) Commissioner Doanh Nguyen reminds drivers that the toll booths at the Bay Bridge and other state-owned toll bridges will soon be a thing of the past. “The transition to open-road tolling already is underway, with the new system set to debut next year at the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.”

Open Road Tolling (ORT) Program will streamline the driver experience when the toll booths are removed from the seven state-owned toll bridges which currently use All-Electronic Tolling (AET). They will, over time, be converted to ORT.

Why Do We Need the Open Road Tolling (ORT) Program?

The ORT Program will replace the current, aging toll system with newer “toll gantry” technology that will be optimized to process all tolls electronically.

These days, it is not necessary for drivers to stop at toll booths to pay the toll. The ORT Program will remove the toll booths and update the roadway through the toll plaza area, improving safety and highway operations.

Project Benefits

The implementation of ORT will result in more efficient tolling, increased safety at toll plazas and provide a consistent regional experience to Bay Area travelers. Implementing ORT has also been shown in other regions to improve traffic flow and reduce vehicle emissions.

What’s a Toll Gantry?

A toll gantry is an overhead structure with mounted toll readers.

Bay Area Express Lanes use gantries above part of the roadway. In the former toll plazas, the ORT Program will install gantries that cross the entire roadway.

In the illustration at the top of this page, a conceptual toll gantry design is shown at the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. A The toll plaza has been removed and replaced with toll equipment centered over the lanes.

ORT Toll Gantry illustration. Source: BATA

How Does ORT Work?

The ORT toll system is a roadside system that detects vehicle information as drivers pass through the toll zone.

A typical ORT roadside system is shown in the figure above.  Overhead cameras, antennae and associated toll equipment are mounted on gantries that span the entire width of the roadway. This equipment captures toll tag and license plate information. Inductance loops are embedded in the pavement and centered on the travel lanes. These loops are used to count the number of axles to assign the right toll rate. The Roadside Toll Equipment Enclosure houses computer processors that package the pieces of information into a single toll transaction. This data is transmitted to the FasTrak Customer Service Center to collect the toll from customers

Construction Period

Construction began in spring 2026 on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, the first of the Bay Area’s state-owned bridges to convert to open road tolling.

Before, during and after construction, the collection of tolls will be seamless to the customer. Customers will continue to be able to use their FasTrak toll tag or use their license plate to get an invoice in the mail. While this program will shift the location where tolls are collected from the traditional toll plaza to a gantry over the road, the toll collection process is unchanged.

Map of the Bay Area including San Francisco and the East Bay, showing the location of the seven bridges that are part of the ORT program (Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Richmond-San Rafael, San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, San Mateo-Hayward and Dumbarton Bridges). Source: BATA

How Do Drivers Pay Tolls?

Toll payment options will be no different under the ORT Program. Drivers can set up a FasTrak account or a Pay By License Plate account to pre-pay tolls. Vehicles without pre-paid accounts will receive an invoice in the mail. A FasTrak toll tag in the designated HOV lane with the required occupancy is required to receive HOV discounts. For more information visit the FasTrak website.

No More Cash Collection

The toll plazas in use today were designed for both cash and electronic payment.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Newsom removed the cash toll booth collectors from the toll plazas on March 21, 2020. This is a permanent change, so there will be no more cash collection at Bay Area toll booths. This effectively changed the toll collection system to operate as an all-electronic system.

Source: BATA

Notice of Exemption for Antioch, Benicia-Martinez & Carquinez Bridges

In September 2025, a Notice of Exemption was issued by the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) on the California Environmental Quality Act website for the ORT Conversion Northern Bridges Project specifically for the Antioch Bridge, Benicia-Martinez Bridge and Carquinez Bridge toll plazas. The project would replace existing toll booths with new toll gantries, which will serve the same purpose and capacity as the toll booths without expanding the use of existing highways or streets, nor create additional automobile lanes.

BATA, in coordination with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), proposes Open Road Tolling (ORT) systems at the Antioch Bridge (State Route-160 [SR-160]), Benicia-Martinez Bridge (Interstate 680 [I-680]), and Carquinez Bridge (Interstate 80 [I-80]) toll plazas in Contra Costa and Solano counties.

Rendering and photo of the proposed toll gantry at Carquinez Bridge with toll booths removed. Source: BATA

The purpose of the project is to replace aging tolling system infrastructure to improve operational efficiency through bridge toll plazas and improve safety by eliminating the need to pass through existing toll booths. The project is needed to address operational and safety deficiencies for vehicles traveling through the Antioch Bridge, Benicia-Martinez Bridge, and Carquinez Bridge toll plazas.

The existing toll collection system is aging and needs to be replaced. The existing toll collection booths and other civil infrastructure are physical barriers that act as fixed objects within the travel way of the road. The existing fanning and merging of travel lanes near the toll plazas increase the potential for collisions.

Rendering and photo of proposed Antioch Bridge toll plaza with no toll booths and new overhead gantry. Source: BATA

The proposed project would remove and replace existing toll booths, toll equipment, and canopies with ORT systems at the Antioch Bridge, Benicia-Martinez Bridge, and Carquinez Bridge toll plazas. This includes the construction of new ORT gantries and the installation of toll equipment buildings along SR-160, I-680, and I-80. Northbound I-680 and eastbound I-80 would be restriped to four general purpose lanes and one high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane through the toll plazas. Northbound SR-160 would be restriped to one lane through the toll plaza. Entrance and exit ramps to and from toll administration buildings and parking lots would be modified. Existing roadway signs would be removed, replaced, or relocated at all three bridge locations, as needed.

BATA’s Toll Policy will provide toll discounts to HOVs with FasTrak® Flex tag. All project activities are within State right-of-way, except for minor widening on the maintenance ramp for Bridgehead Road, which lies within City of Oakley right-of way. Construction is planned to begin in 2026 and is anticipated to take approximately 20 months.

Source: BATA

Public Comment

Staff updates on the program will be provided during BATA Oversight Committee meetings. Members of the public are invited to comment during these meetings.

Comments and questions may also be directed to info@bayareametro.gov with the subject line “ORT Webpage Comment.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Contra Costa County Office of Education

PLEASANT HILL, Calif.— Several high schools across Contra Costa County earned top statewide and national rankings in the newly released 2026-27 U.S. News Best High Schools Rankings. The report recognized the schools for strong academic performance and college readiness. U.S. News reviewed more than 27,000 public high schools nationwide and ranked nearly 18,000 schools based on student outcomes, state assessment performance, college readiness and graduation rates.

Leading the county was Dougherty Valley High School in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, which ranked No. 25 in California and No. 190 nationally. Miramonte High School in the Acalanes Union High School District followed at No. 29 in California and No. 205 nationally, and Campolindo High School, also in the Acalanes Union High School District, received a ranking of No. 34 in California and No. 243 nationally.

“These rankings reflect school communities that have the resources, rigor and strategic support in place to foster student achievement,” Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “Their performance among the top schools in the state is truly something to celebrate. My hope is that schools throughout our county can learn from these examples and help even more students thrive academically while preparing the next generation for success.”

Five Contra Costa County schools ranked among the top 100 public high schools in California:

• Dougherty Valley High School (San Ramon Valley Unified School District) — No. 25
• Miramonte High School (Acalanes Union High School District) — No. 29
• Campolindo High School (Acalanes Union High School District) — No. 34
• Acalanes High School (Acalanes Union High School District) — No. 87
• Monte Vista High School (San Ramon Valley Unified School District) — No. 92

According to U.S. News, the rankings are based on six factors, including college readiness, state assessment proficiency and performance, graduation rates, curriculum breadth and the performance of underserved students.

Top 10 Contra Costa County High Schools

• Dougherty Valley High School (San Ramon Valley Unified School District) — No. 25 California, No. 190 National
• Miramonte High School (Acalanes Union High School District) — No. 29 California, No. 205 National
• Campolindo High School (Acalanes Union High School District) — No. 34 California, No. 243 National
• Acalanes High School (Acalanes Union High School District) — No. 87 California, No. 594 National
• Monte Vista High School (San Ramon Valley Unified School District) — No. 92 California, No. 622 National
• Las Lomas High School (Acalanes Union High School District)— No. 147 California, No. 913 National
• Northgate High School (Mt. Diablo Unified School District) — No. 166 California, No. 995 National
• California High School (San Ramon Valley Unified School District)) — No. 222 California, No. 1,353 National
• Dozier-Libbey Medical High School (Antioch Unified School District) — No. 229 California, No. 1,396 National
• Making Waves Academy (Charter School in Richmond, CA) — No. 240 California, No. 1,489 National

For complete rankings and methodology, visit U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools rankings website.

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 169,225 students). Officially established in 1932, CCCOE has a long history of providing direct services to some of the 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.

PLEASANT HILL, CA – The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the opening of Good Roots Psychotherapy’s third location with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, September 24, at 4:30 p.m. The event will take place at 395 Taylor Blvd., Suite 205 in Pleasant Hill.

Owned by Dina Castrillo, Good Roots Psychotherapy is a collective group of Marriage and Family Therapists, Ph. Ds, Clinical Social Workers, and Associate Interns working in their own private practices within the leasing cloud of Good Roots Psychotherapy offices, providing mental health services for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. The practice brings together a team of mental health professionals with a variety of specialties and approaches.

The new location marks an exciting expansion for Good Roots Psychotherapy and its growing presence in the local community, adding to their existing location in Pleasant Hill and another in Walnut Creek. The ribbon cutting will also celebrate the practice’s new membership with the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber members, local businesses, community leaders, friends, and residents are invited to attend and help welcome Dina Castrillo and the Good Roots Psychotherapy team to the Chamber. Guests will have an opportunity to celebrate the growing business, connect with fellow community members, and show their support for a growing local business.

For more information about Good Roots Psychotherapy, visit goodrootspsychotherapy.com.

The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Good Roots Psychotherapy to its membership and celebrate the continued growth of local businesses in our community.

For more information about the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce visit www.pleasanthillchamber.com.

As he leaves the hospital on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, Pittsburg Police Officer Jimmy Sanchez is greeted by Chief Phil Galer and congratulated by his fellow officers and other department staff. Photos: Pittsburg PD

By Allen D. Payton

A post on the Pittsburg Police Department’s Facebook page on Friday, Sept. 18th, announced that the officer who was shot inside the police station on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026, Jimmy Sanchez, was able to leave the hospital.

As previously reported, on that day Pittsburg Officers arrested 31-year-old Michael Arthur-Sanchez Gardner Martin for driving a stolen vehicle and outstanding felony warrants. He was transported to the police department for booking. While in booking a physical altercation between the suspect and a solo officer occurred during which a firearm was discharged striking both Officer Sanchez and the suspect.

According to Chief Phil Galer, the suspect was searched at the time of his arrest and again after being transported to our booking facility. During both searches, the same officer failed to locate a firearm concealed in the suspect’s clothing. Officer Sanchez was not the arresting or searching officer.

Officer Sanchez was transported to a local hospital and was listed in serious but stable condition. The suspect was also transported to a local hospital and listed in stable condition.

On Friday the Department wrote, “Today is a day we’ve been waiting for. After being shot in the line of duty, Officer Jimmy Sanchez is finally leaving the hospital to continue his recovery surrounded by the people who love him most.

“Jimmy isn’t just a Pittsburg Police Officer, he’s Pittsburg through and through. A homegrown kid who was raised in this community and grew up to serve and protect the same city that helped shape him. That makes today’s milestone even more special.

“Today marks a tremendous step forward. Jimmy’s courage, strength, and determination throughout this ordeal have been truly inspiring.

“To the doctors, nurses, first responders, law enforcement agencies, community members, and everyone who called, sent messages, or kept Jimmy and his family in their thoughts, THANK YOU. Your support has meant more than words can express.

“And to Officer Jimmy Sanchez: Welcome Home, Jimmy.

“Your PPD family, and the Pittsburg community are with you every step of the way.”

Fund A Hero Account to Support Officer Sanchez & His Family

A Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) Fund A Hero account has been established by the Pittsburg Police Officers Association to raise funds “to help provide Officer Sanchez and his family with meals and other essential expenses while they navigate his recovery.”

See related articles here, here, here and here.

Source: CA State Parks

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.

Governor Newsom’s wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, State Parks Director Armando Quintero and Assemblymember Jessica Caloza and others celebrate with California students during the launch event announcing the newly renamed Free Fourth Grade Pass last month at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento. Photo: California State Parks.

“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.

Source: CCCOE

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.

2026-27 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year Stephanie Sado and Rebecca St. Michel were presented with bouquets following the announcement Thursday night, Sept. 17, 2026. Photo: CCCOE

“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.

KRON 4’s Reyna Harvey interviewed Stephanie Sado and Rebecca St. Michel in studio on Friday, Sept. 18. Photo: CCCOE

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.

Source: CCCOE

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)

Contra Costa County 2026-27 District Teachers of the Year were also honored Thursday night. Photo: CCCOE

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.

Contra Loma Regional Park reservoir and Recreation Lagoon. Photo: EBRPD

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.

Map of Contra Loma Regional Park. Source: EBRPD

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.