Contra Costa Herald

To be held at Concord Pavilion

By Diablo Valley College

Congratulations Class of 2026! DVC is honored to celebrate our graduating students at an in-person 74th Annual Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 22, 2026.

We’re excited to announce that commencement is moving to the Toyota Pavilion at Concord, giving our graduates and their guests a bigger, more comfortable, and truly celebratory experience worthy of this milestone moment!

• Spacious, covered seating so guests can relax and enjoy the ceremony in comfort
• More restrooms and amenities, including concessions, for a smoother, stress-free experience
• A professional stage, sound, and video setup so every name is clearly heard and every smile seen
• Experienced event staff on site to ensure a seamless, well-organized celebration from start to finish

Graduation Ceremony Event Details

• Location: Toyota Pavilion at Concord, 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord
• Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
• Time: 6:00 p.m.

• 4:00 p.m. – Parking Lots Open / Early Arrival Encouraged – Graduates and guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow sufficient time for parking, entry, and seating.
• 4:30 p.m. – Venue Gates Open – All guest entrances open. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• 5:45 p.m. – Processional Begins
  Graduates, faculty, and platform party begin the formal processional into the venue.

See digital Commencement Program.

Events at the Pavilion are rain or shine.

Free Parking

Guests should plan ahead for parking at Toyota Pavilion at Concord and arrive early, as lots fill up closer to the ceremony. Multiple entrances off Kirker Pass Road will help with traffic flow. Carpooling or ridesharing is encouraged. Parking is free for the event.

Watch Live Online

A live video feed will be available on the day of the ceremony. Visit Commencement Ceremony | Diablo Valley College on May 22 for the feed!

About DVC

For over 75 years, Diablo Valley College has provided quality education to the community it serves. A million students later, enrolling at DVC is one of the best ways you can ensure acceptance at a four-year college. DVC is not only recognized as one of California’s best community colleges, but it also leads the state in transfer to four-year institutions. For more information visit www.dvc.edu.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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Free event

By Metropolitan Transportation Commission

MTC is a proud sponsor of the Move Bay Area summit series. The East Bay Summit will be held Friday, May 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Don Tatzin Community Hall in the Lafayette Library at 3491 Mount Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette.

This free event brings together public officials, community advocates and transportation leaders to look ahead and define the innovative funding strategies and bold transit improvements needed to truly connect the Bay Area.

Seats are limited — reserve a spot today at movebayarea.org and be part of shaping the region’s transportation vision. Breakfast and lunch included.

What to expect:

• Visionary + Successes Panel— Hear from leaders who are championing the transformational funding and infrastructure needed to deliver mobility, clean air, and healthier communities across the Bay Area.
• Full-Room Discussion & Activity— Every voice in the room contributes to shaping our shared regional transportation vision.
• Keynote Q&A— Local luminary answers questions big and small.

 Invited and Confirmed Speakers Include:

• Opening Remarks by Congresswoman Lateefah Simon
• Keynote Q&A by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (invited)
• Seamus Murphy, Executive Director of SF Bay Ferry
• Ryan Manriquez, Disability Justice Advocate, Civic Spark Fellow and former President of the Associated Students at UC Davis
• Stephen Baiter, Executive Director of East Bay EDA
• Robert Rayburn, BART Board Member
• Debbie Toth, President of Choice in Aging
• Carlyn Obringer, Concord City Councilmember
•  Rob Thompson, WestCAT General Manager
•  Harpreet S. Sandhu, AC Transit Board Member (invited)
• Candace Andersen, Contra Costa County District 2 Supervisor, Metropolitan Transportation Commission Commissioner (invited)

Who Should Attend: All are welcome: transit riders, transportation professionals, planners, advocates, local officials, community organizations, students, and anyone invested in improving transportation in the East Bay.

Let’s keep up the momentum!

About Move Bay Area

Move Bay Area brings transportation, climate, and health leaders with community in-person to discover commonality and regional solutions to our transportation challenges with the goal of shaping a regional transportation vision together.

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Applies to all Contra Costa College Spring 2026 graduates

Graduation this Friday, May 22nd

By Contra Costa College

Nearly 200 Contra Costa College students woke up to a surprise on April 12, 2026: A text informing them that the CCC Foundation has paid off their outstanding fees and tuition.

This initiative applies to all Contra Costa College Spring 2026 graduates who qualify for California residency under California’s tuition structure. That includes refugees and other immigrants who qualify for in-state tuition under California law.

International and out-of-state students, who are enrolled under a different tuition model, were not able to be included in this effort. Neither are high school students, who already qualify for free tuition and fee waivers.

Full-time students can also qualify for free tuition at the college. Many students, however, have work and family obligations that prevent them from attending full time.

The move will allow impacted students to receive their diplomas and certificates, access other college services, and request the transcripts they need to transfer to a four-year university or get certain jobs.

More importantly, it is one less bill to pay in a challenging economic environment. On average, each student carried about $173 in remaining debt. While that amount may seem small, for many students balancing school, work, and family responsibilities, this relief represents something much bigger: a clean slate.

“The foundation has had a good year, philanthropically,” said Contra Costa College Foundation Executive Director Sara Marcellino. “And the cost of living is exceptionally high right now, particularly in the Bay Area. Our donors and board wanted our graduates to leave knowing their community is behind them, investing in their success, and celebrating everything they’ve accomplished.

The largest debt owed was $980; the smallest was just $2.

“We know that life is expensive,” said Contra Costa College President Dr. Kimberly R. Rogers. “Our students work, they have families, yet at the same time they still come to school. Sometimes, you find yourself in debt, and the last thing we want is for our students to graduate and still owe money to the college. As someone who had a lot of student loans, if I’d had this opportunity, it would have made such a difference in my life. And to work at this institution, to work with people who truly believe in education and in supporting students is just an amazing thing to be a part of. I’m grateful to be here, and I know our graduates won’t ever forget this moment in their lives.”

Rogers points to a similar effort undertaken five years ago by Marcellino and previous CCC President Dr. Damon A. Bell for laying the groundwork for this project.

Contra Costa College serves a diverse student population, and is officially designated a Black Serving Institution, an Hispanic Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. It also boasts one of the most diverse faculties in the nation, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.

It has long prioritized affordability and access, with 99% of students graduating without ever taking out a student loan.

The college is also increasingly known for academic excellence. CCC was recently named an Achieving the Dream campus, as well as NASA’s only Northern California Aerospace Scholars campus. It is home to the most-awarded two-year college media outlet in US history, and this year instructor Mark Wong was named one of five national finalists for Faculty Member of the Year by the Association of Community College Trustees.

2026 Graduation

Congratulations, Class of 2026! The 2026 CCC Commencement Ceremony will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Contra Costa College Football Stadium, 2600 Mission Bell Drive, San Pablo. Gates open to guests starting at 3:00 p.m. For more information visit www.contracosta.edu/admissions-records-office/graduation-requirements/graduation-ceremony/.

About the Contra Costa College Foundation

We at the Contra Costa College Foundation believe that every person, regardless of resources, should have access to a meaningful education and training at Contra Costa College.

That’s why our 501c(3) nonprofit organization has been working since 1967 to increase financial support for CCC students as well as to help ensure the long term stability of Contra Costa College.

Research shows that completing college courses increases employment and learning opportunities as well as fosters safety and economic growth in our local communities, but tuition along with living expenses, textbooks, and transportation can cost students up to $24,000.

For more information visit Foundation – Contra Costa College.

About Contra Costa College

Contra Costa College (CCC) has served the dynamic and diverse communities of West Contra Costa County since 1949. A proud Hispanic-Serving Institution with a commitment to equity, student success, and community empowerment, CCC offers strong academic support, small class sizes, and career-connected programs. The college is also home to nationally recognized programs, including its Middle College High School partnership, award-winning student newspaper, and NASA-affiliated STEM initiatives.

The college is located on 83 acres of a beautiful, naturally landscaped site accentuated by Wildcat Creek running through the rolling hills of San Pablo and Richmond.

CCC affirms that all individuals have inherent worth and dignity and are entitled to develop their full potential. The college is an integral part of the greater community and serves as a model of excellence providing education to help its students fulfill their dreams. The college maintains that its students will enjoy an improved quality of life, that communities will prosper economically and socially, and that families and neighborhoods will be strengthened when residents share a commitment to lifelong learning.

To learn more visit www.contracosta.edu.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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By Lisa Tucker

PACHECO – Assistant County Assessor Vince Robb is campaigning for Contra Costa County Assessor in this year’s election. “I am running for County Assessor to ensure the fair and accurate assessment of every residential, commercial and business property in Contra Costa County,” he stated.

Robb is the current Assistant County Assessor, bringing a unique skillset, special technical knowledge and the legally required state certification needed to serve on day one. He has worked in the Assessor’s Office for almost 21 years, either in or has overseen the operation of every division. In that time, the office has had near-perfect evaluations for accuracy from the State of California. He also leads the valuation teams in assessment appeal cases before the County’s Assessment Appeals Board.

“I have the insight and experience to continue to modernize daily operations, keep records secure, and steward your tax dollars responsibly and fairly,” said Robb.

Robb is a member of the California Assessors Association and the Government Finance Officers Association.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Robb is a lifelong resident of Contra Costa County and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Business and Economics from Saint Mary’s College of California in 2004.

He serves as Chair of the Pacheco Municipal Advisory Council, and as a volunteer youth baseball and soccer coach for his three children.

You can learn more about Robb and his campaign at www.vincerobbforassessor.com.

The election is Tuesday, June 2nd in which he faces two opponents. If no candidate receives 50 percent plus one vote, the top two vote-getters will face off in the General Election in November.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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Class of 2026 is largest graduating class in LMC history; to be held at Concord Pavilion

By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College

Pittsburg, Calif. — Los Medanos College (LMC) will celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026 during its 52nd Commencement Ceremony at 10 a.m., Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Concord (Toyota) Pavilion, 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord, CA 94521.

This year marks the largest graduating class in the college’s history, with 1,623 students earning a total of 2,755 awards. Graduates will receive a range of credentials, including 48 noncredit certificates awarded to 35 students, 1,075 certificates of achievement, and more than 1,640 Associate Degrees of Science and Arts. The Class of 2026 reflects the rich diversity of the community, with graduates ranging in age from 16, two of the youngest recipients, to 71, the college’s two eldest scholars.

The Class of 2026 represents significant growth for the institution, increasing 19.4% from 1,358 graduates in 2025 to the largest cohort to date. Total awards are up 21.5% over the 2,266 awards given last year. The certificates of achievement increased 54% this year from 698 in 2025, and associate degrees saw a 19.8% boost over 1,398 from the prior year. These milestone underscore Los Medanos College’s expanding role in providing accessible, high-quality higher education and career training opportunities across the region.

“Our ceremony highlights the transformative role that higher education and career training play in shaping students’ futures, while strengthening our community,” LMC President Pamela Ralston said. “Graduates will cross the stage representing a wide spectrum of academic pathways and career goals, including transfer-bound scholars and workforce-ready professionals.”

This year’s ceremony will feature two student speakers whose stories reflect the spirit and mission of Los Medanos College:

• Benjamin N. Osborn, a founding member and president of RISE, LMC’s support program for students who have experienced the justice system, will deliver a graduate address. Osborn is also a representative of the Berkeley Underground Scholars program at LMC and leads the nonprofit “From Shackles to Scholarships,” advocating for educational access and second chances. His journey exemplifies perseverance and the transformative impact of education.
• Maria Guadalupe Mendoza, an honors student, will also address the graduating class. Over the past three years, Mendoza has balanced her academic pursuits with extensive community service, volunteering with Kaiser Permanente in the mom-baby and labor and delivery units. She has also supported local communities through her work with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano and Clean Start Homeless Outreach, demonstrating a deep commitment to service, compassion, and leadership.

Family members, friends, faculty, and community supporters are invited to attend and celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026.

Ceremony Admission & Seating Information

The ceremony is general admission, and no tickets are required to attend. There is NO RESERVED SEATING at the pavilion. The pavilion has wheelchair access with limited seating for people with disabilities. Designated ASL seating will be available in section 104 for guests who require sign language interpretation. Guests should arrive early for optimal seating.

Watch Live Online

The link to watch the ceremony live online will be available on the LMC website at www.losmedanos.edu/graduation/ceremony.aspx.

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. For more information visit www.losmedanos.edu.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

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“In My Humble Opinion: Musings of a Sports Columnist”

Martinez author and former sportswriter, Matt Sieger just published a new book entitled, In My Humble Opinion: Musings of a Sports Columnist.

According to the description on Amazon.com, the book “is a rich, intelligent, and deeply personal collection of sportswriting that goes far beyond scores and statistics. Written by veteran journalist Matt Sieger-also the author of The God Squad: The Born-Again San Francisco Giants of 1978-this engaging book brings together a lifetime of observation, experience, and love for the games that shape us.

“Drawing from his work as a columnist, reporter, and lifelong fan, Sieger explores not only baseball, basketball and legendary athletes, but also race, faith, ethics, sports culture, books, movies, and the timeless beauty of “the thinking person’s game.” With wit, warmth, insight, and a storyteller’s eye for unforgettable detail, Sieger invites readers into a world where sports serve as a lens for understanding character, memory, competition, and life itself.

“Whether recalling childhood ballfields, reflecting on iconic players, or offering sharp commentary on the meaning behind the games we love, he writes with authenticity, intelligence and heart. In My Humble Opinion is an ideal book for devoted sports fans, thoughtful readers, and book buyers seeking a fresh, substantial, and highly readable voice in sports literature.”

Purchase a copy of Sieger’s new book at https://www.amazon.com/My-Humble-Opinion-Musings-Columnist/dp/163132280X

Read his article published last year by the Herald entitled, “Giants of the Faith”, here.

About the Author

Matt Sieger has a B.A. from Cornell University and a master’s degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. He was a sports reporter for the Cortland (New York) Standard, The (Vacaville, California) Reporter, the Martinez (California) News-Gazette, and the Ithaca (New York) New Times. He is a Jewish believer in Jesus and has written numerous magazine articles about Christian athletes. Sieger and his wife, Leigh live in Martinez.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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Hosted by Nuvision Credit Union in partnership with VFW Post 1351 & American Legion Post 29

By Bill Meyer, AVP, Communications, Nuvision Credit Union

May is Military Appreciation Month, and Nuvision Credit Union is proud to be honoring local veterans this Memorial Day.  Nuvision is privileged to partner with VFW Post 1351 and American Legion Post 29 for the credit union’s upcoming Memorial Day Military Appreciation BBQ in Martinez, California.

The event is free and  takes place on Monday, May 25th from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Ward Street, Martinez.

The BBQ is to honor and thank the men and women who serve our country, welcoming all veterans, active-duty military members, and the families that serve alongside them.  The BBQ is open and free to all who have served, active military, and their families.

Baseball players from the Martinez Sturgeon, an independent professional baseball team, will be in attendance to honor our veterans and active military for their service and sacrifice, and will be serving lunch to attendees.

The luncheon will also highlight veteran-focused initiatives supported through local American Legion leadership, including programs and services benefitting veterans and their families.

Active military and veterans interested in attending are invited to register for the free BBQ.

Nuvision Credit Union Background:

• Headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, Nuvision was founded in 1935. Today, the credit union has more than $3.8 billion in assets.
• Nuvision has 6 branches in the Bay Area, serving the communities of Martinez, Walnut Creek, Brentwood, Pleasanton, Berkeley and Hayward.
• Nuvision serves more than 200,000+ members in 5 states, including California, Alaska, Washington State, Wyoming and Arizona.

Website: nuvisionfederal.com

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In the U-Pick Capital of the Bay Area and World!

By Harvest Time

Since 1976, Harvest Time in Brentwood has connected families and visitors to the U-Pick Capital of the Bay Area, and now, of the World! This year we celebrate 50 years of supporting local farms, farm stands, and agritourism across East Contra Costa County.

Fifty Years of Roots and Resilience: Celebrating a Half-Century of Harvest Time in Brentwood

For five decades, the spirit of Brentwood has been defined by more than just our borders; it has been defined by our soil. As Harvest Time in Brentwood marks its 50th anniversary, we find ourselves looking back with immense pride and looking forward with even greater excitement.

What started as a shared vision to protect our agricultural heritage has blossomed into a legacy that defines our city’s soul. We are honored to serve as the bridge between our hardworking farmers and the community, ensuring that our local farms don’t just survive—they thrive. It is because of this enduring partnership that Brentwood is recognized globally as the “U-Pick Capital of the World.” We also champion our farms through the annual Farm Trail Map to help visitors discover, support, and return to our local growers, season after season. And through our social media channels, we share the unique farm experiences that make this region special, shining a light on the people, places, and traditions that continue to make our region stand out.

The Heartbeat of Our Fields: A Century of Legacy

When you look across a cherry orchard or a field of summer corn, you aren’t just seeing crops; you are seeing the tireless dedication of local families. While Harvest Time is celebrating 50 years of service, the families behind these farms represent a legacy that stretches back over a century. Many of these families were stewards of this land long before Brentwood was even incorporated as a city, and their roots run deeper than the oldest trees in our valley.

The impact of these multi-generational families stretches far beyond the fence line of the farm:

Investing in our Future: They are the quiet benefactors of our schools, ensuring our children have the resources they need to grow alongside our crops.

Empowering our Youth: From sponsoring local sports teams to providing first jobs for our teenagers, our farmers invest in the character of the next generation.

Building the Community: They serve on our city boards, support our local small businesses, and have been the bedrock of our civic life since the very beginning.

These families have shaped the very identity of Brentwood. Their commitment to the land and each other is the reason so many people choose to move here. People come for the beauty, but they stay because of the values—the unique sense of place that only a deep-rooted agricultural community can provide.

A Legacy We Share With You

Whether you are a neighbor who has lived here for forty years or a visitor traveling from across the globe to experience the magic of a Brentwood harvest, you are part of our story. To our residents: Thank you for your fierce pride and for choosing to shop local. You understand that when you support a Brentwood farm, you are supporting a neighbor’s dream.

To our visitors: Thank you for making Brentwood a destination. Your appreciation for the “U-Pick” experience helps ensure that this land remains green and productive for the next fifty years and beyond.

As we celebrate this golden milestone, Harvest Time remains committed to our mission. We are proud of where we’ve been, we are inspired by the families who lead us, and we are more ready than ever for the growth to come.

Here’s to 50 years of Harvest Time, and over a century of farming excellence.

About Harvest Time

Harvest Time is a Non-Profit Organization, Mutual Benefit organized under the laws of the State of California, that is dedicated to educating the general public and “foodies” about farming and its products while improving Agri-tourism education in the Brentwood, California Region of East Contra Costa County. Each year, we produce an educational farm trail map that directs you to more than 65+ growers who sell direct to the consumer!

For more information visit https://harvestforyou.com/harvest-time-50th-anniversary/ or www.facebook.com/HarvestForYou/.

See the U-Pick farms’ Interactive Map – Harvest Time in Brentwood.

U-Pick Capital

U-Pick Capital, proudly presented by Harvest Time in Brentwood! We invite you to discover the incredible U-Pick experiences that make Brentwood the ultimate destination for fresh produce and cherished traditions.

Experience the vibrant tradition of Harvest Time in Brentwood, the U-Pick Capital that captivates hearts year-round! With over 65 farms offering a delightful array of U-Pick options, it is no wonder we’ve captivated the hearts of visitors near and far.

Join us as we share the magic of Brentwood with visitors seeking the freshest produce, vibrant farm experiences, and the abundance of our harvest. U-Pick isn’t just an experience; it’s a cherished tradition that farmers and visitors anticipate year after year.

For more information visit upickcapital.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

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Includes $1.1 million for CC District Attorney’s Office to fight organized retail theft, labor trafficking

By Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that he secured over $16 million for community projects across Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. These projects will support public health and safety, transportation accessibility and community development, and environmental protection and sustainability in California’s 10th Congressional District.

Each year, Congress provides Member-directed federal funding to a select number of community projects through the appropriations process. Under this process, each House member is allowed to submit 15 project requests on behalf of their Congressional District to the Appropriations Committee that meet the criteria set forth by the Committee.

“From lowering everyday costs for families to bolstering traffic safety to increasing access to public, recreational spaces, these projects will improve quality of life in our community, and I am proud to have fought for and secured the funding that will make them possible,” said DeSaulnier. “I am grateful for the partnership of our local governments and organizations in developing such thoughtful projects.”

Transportation Accessibility and Community Development Projects:

1. $1,970,010 for the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) to upgrade and develop a network of smart traffic signals between Antioch and Oakley to improve commute times, reduce delays and ease congestion.
2. $1,200,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to create a separate bike path to fill a gap in the County-wide bicycle network along Marsh Drive in unincorporated Pacheco, which will improve safety for all road users and access to local commercial centers, recreational centers, and additional connections to the local mass transit system.
3. $1,000,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to construct bicycle and pedestrian facilities on Treat Boulevard in the Contra Costa Centre Transit Village in Walnut Creek to close a critical gap along the Iron Horse Regional Trail, which would improve safety for non-motorized road users and improve connectivity for first and last mile connections to public transit and local commercial establishments.
4. $850,000 for the Town of Danville to install fiber optic cables and construct new conduit and junction boxes for 54 traffic signals in Danville to enable real-time traffic signal optimization to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety, and allow for future implementation of smart city technologies.
5. $850,000 for the City of Dublin to improve safety and accessibility of Village Parkway by narrowing vehicle lanes, adding lighting, and constructing buffered bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and protected intersections.
6. $850,000 for the East Bay Regional Park District to construct visitor facilities such as restrooms, drinking fountains, public parking areas, and a turnout lane on Bailey Road to allow for the Thurgood Marshall Regional Park to be opened up to the public.

Public Health and Safety Projects:

1. $1,915,000 for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) to replace and install equipment, including backup generators, shore power plugs, and automatic transfer switches, at radio towers across Contra Costa County that are used for communication between law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services to improve system reliability during emergencies and disasters that result in the loss of power.
2. $1,145,144 for the Diablo Water District to provide structural and foundational reinforcements to water infrastructure to mitigate risks associated with major seismic events, safeguard water supply, and contribute to the region’s overall disaster preparedness strategy.
3. $1,034,487 for the City of Concord to make improvements to the Emergency Operations Center in Concord to ensure its longevity, efficiency, and resilience as it serves as a critical hub for bolstering regional preparedness, response, and recovery efforts during emergencies and disasters.
4. $1,000,000 for the City of Walnut Creek to purchase 120 body worn cameras, charging docks, and equipment to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust in the police department.
5. $600,000 for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to create an Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Prevention and Prosecution Unit with the goal of addressing increased levels of retail theft crimes, helping local law enforcement better confront these types of crimes, and improving public safety.
6. $500,000 for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to enhance the identification and referral of survivors of labor trafficking and cases of labor trafficking occurring in the County, increase the capacity of the District Attorney’s Office to investigate cases of labor exploitation and trafficking, and improve the quality and scope of services provided to underserved and marginalized victims of human trafficking.

Environmental Protection and Sustainability Projects:

1. $2,000,000 to the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) to construct a battery system to allow the agency to charge its zero emission buses overnight, and provide a source of power to maintain operations during emergencies.
2. $1,092,000 to the Central Conta Costa Sanitary District (Central San) to upgrade the water treatment facility’s ultraviolet (UV) technology to reduce the energy footprint of water treatment and protect public health and water quality in the region.
3. $273,000 for the Marine Mammal Center to help build scientific literacy and environmental stewardship of the coastal zone for 2,700 students and their teachers in Contra Costa County and to develop a pipeline for the future STEM workforce.

“Federal Community Project Funding for Organized Retail Theft Prevention is an investment in safer communities and a stronger justice system. These resources empower my office to hold offenders accountable, disrupt organized criminal enterprises, and protect the businesses and residents that help our county thrive,” said Diana Becton, District Attorney, Contra Costa County. “Supporting the Healing and Justice for Labor Trafficking Survivors Project honors the resilience of survivors and reinforces the commitment to justice with compassion. This funding will expand critical services, remove barriers to recovery, and ensure that trafficking survivors have the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”

“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for securing this federal investment for the Antioch and Oakley Smart Signals Project. These upgrades will improve safety and make travel more reliable for everyone. They also complement CCTA’s countywide effort to modernize intersections across every city and town in Contra Costa County, building a more connected signal network that helps traffic flow and improves safety regionwide as more locations come online,” said Darlene Gee, Chair of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Board of Commissioners.

“We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for his leadership and support of our Community Project Funding request, which will allow us to strengthen and modernize the emergency power infrastructure that supports the East Bay Regional Communications System. This investment will fund the replacement and installation of critical equipment at radio tower sites throughout Contra Costa County. These improvements will significantly enhance the reliability of the public safety radio network for firefighters, emergency medical services, and all first responders serving Contra Costa County and northern Alameda County, particularly during emergencies and disasters that include power outages. Congressman DeSaulnier’s continued advocacy helps ensure we have the dependable infrastructure to protect and serve our communities,” said Lewis Broschard, former Fire Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.

“The Town of Danville is deeply grateful to Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and his dedicated staff for their steadfast support in securing federal funding for our Townwide Fiber Project. This critical investment will modernize our traffic infrastructure, creating smarter, safer, and more efficient streets for everyone in our community. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership to deliver these transformative improvements,” said Mayor Newell Arnerich, Town of Danville.

“Central San is grateful for the leadership and support of Congressman DeSaulnier in securing Community Project Funding for our UV Disinfection Replacement Project. This funding will allow us to modernize critical wastewater infrastructure, improve system resilience, and ensure continued compliance with regulatory standards. By transitioning to a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient UV disinfection system, we expect to reduce energy demand by up to 60 percent while enhancing reliability for the communities we serve,” said Roger Bailey, General Manager of Central Conta Costa Sanitary District (Central San).

“This funding is a powerful investment in the next generation of ocean stewards,” said Jeff Boehm, Chief External Relations Officer at The Marine Mammal Center. “Through our Ocean Ambassadors program in Contra Costa County and beyond, we equip educators and young people with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to protect our ocean and the wildlife that depend on it. We are deeply grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing this project and for recognizing the critical role education plays in conservation.”

“This $2 million award represents an important step toward a more sustainable and resilient transit system for central Contra Costa County and leverages our state efforts to advance zero-emission infrastructure. We thank Congressman DeSaulnier for recognizing the value of this project and for his strong support of investments that benefit our community,” said Bill Churchill, General Manager of Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection).

“We are deeply grateful for this grant funding, which will enable us to upgrade our Body-Worn Cameras and strengthen evidence preservation infrastructure. These tools are vital for ensuring transparency, accountability, and public safety. While our department already utilizes Body-Worn Cameras, this upgrade is essential to maintaining cutting-edge technology and best practices in the years ahead. We sincerely thank Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and his team for their support and collaboration in securing this critical investment for our community,” said Ryan Hibbs, Chief of Police, City of Walnut Creek.

“The Marsh Drive Class I bike and pedestrian path will close a critical gap in Contra Costa County’s active transportation network, improving safety and access for people walking and biking in the Pacheco area. We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing this project and helping deliver infrastructure that directly benefits the community,” said Warren Lai, Director, Contra Costa County Public Works Department. “The Treat Boulevard Complete Streets project will make a key corridor safer and more accessible for non-motorized users, supporting walking and biking. The project will help connect non-motorized transport users from the high-density housing at the Pleasant Hill BART station with grocery stores and other essential services in Walnut Creek. We appreciate Congressman DeSaulnier’s leadership in securing this funding and advancing transportation improvements that enhance quality of life in Contra Costa County.”

“We thank Representative DeSaulnier for securing critical funding to advance the South of Bailey Road project at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50,” said John Mercurio, Director, East Bay Regional Park District. “The Representative is a longtime friend of the Park District. This support helps us move forward in opening public access to a landscape of both remarkable natural value and deep historical significance. As we develop the park, the Park District remains committed to honoring the legacy of the Port Chicago 50 and ensuring this important chapter of our nation’s history is remembered and shared with future generations.”

Transparency and Accountability

The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process, which is detailed here by the Appropriations Committee. Examples of this vetting include certifying that Members have no financial interest in these projects, an audit of a sampling of these projects by the Government Accountability Office, and a requirement for demonstrated community support and engagement for each submission. More information on each project and the certifications of no financial interest can be found here.

 

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Increases K-12 spending by $2.5 billion,

Association of California School Administrators “rejects the Administration’s proposal”

California School Boards Association President, California Teachers Association President not satisfied

By John Fensterwald – This story was originally published by EdSource.org (republished with permission)

Top Takeaways

• The governor included $1.7 billion in his allocation to K-12 and community colleges, but is keeping $3.9 billion until next year.
• Newsom would raise the statutory minimum COLA from 2.87% to 4.31%.
• The revised budget reduces the cost-of-living adjustment for the California State Preschool Program to 2.01% from the January proposal of 2.41%.

With one contentious exception, school districts can check off most items on their wish list for 2026-27 with the release on Thursday of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised state budget.

Newsom is proposing to target unexpected billions of dollars from surging state revenues to the priorities that school district leaders had prized, including a higher cost-of-living adjustment, billions of dollars more annually for special education, and a one-time, much larger discretionary block grant.

Also, all employees of community colleges and TK-12 schools will be entitled to up to 14 weeks of paid pregnancy disability leave beginning in 2026-27, which the higher COLA will pay for.

But there remains a major point of contention: Newsom is still withholding $3.9 billion in Proposition 98 funding that school organizations say should go to schools and community colleges now.

School districts had complained loudly that their base funding hadn’t kept up with rising expenses, particularly special education and declining enrollment. Amid overall record state funding, Newsom prioritized new initiatives, including the addition of transitional kindergarten, the creation of community schools and expanded learning after school and during the summer.

“People were looking for base money in their pocket,” said Sen. John Laird, D-Santa Cruz, who chairs the Senate Budget Committee. “The attention to a higher COLA and special education is welcome news.”

Ted Lempert, president of the nonprofit advocacy organization Children Now, said, “Big picture, the May revision puts $8.1 billion more than the January budget into education. While it’s not perfect, we really appreciate it. The governor and Legislature have done a better job in the last couple of years of protecting funding. That said, kids are still way behind.”

Tempering praise for the higher COLA and special education funding, California School Boards Association President Debra Schade said in a statement, “Unfortunately, the Governor’s May Revise masks the underfunding of the Proposition 98 school funding guarantee and the prolific use of one-time money to inflate funding levels in the short term without providing the stability and predictability schools need to plan effectively for student support. “

In his January budget, Newsom said he would withhold $5.6 billion from schools and community colleges until he was certain, early in 2027, that state revenue had actually come through. Schools objected, and the California Teachers Association and the school boards association have threatened to sue on the principle that the Prop. 98 allocations are a voter-approved constitutional guarantee.

In the May revision, Newsom included $1.7 billion in his allocation, but is still keeping $3.9 billion until early next year, when the next governor can reassess. This continues to frustrate school organizations.

“ACSA rejects the Administration’s proposal, as these funds belong in classrooms supporting students,” said Edgar Zazueta, executive director of the Association of California School Administrators. “As budget negotiations move forward, ACSA will continue advocating for a final budget that fully honors the state’s constitutional commitment to public education.”

CTA President David Goldberg said withholding the funds “causes serious harm to public schools. This means overcrowded, under-resourced, destabilized classrooms.” This week, he said, “more than 2,000 educators will find out if their layoff notice is permanent heading into the next school year … and their future is in jeopardy with threats to withhold vital funds from our local school districts.”

Asked about the issue during a state budget presentation Thursday, Newsom said education advocates should take a wider view.

“We made some accommodation to that concern, and I would just have them look at the entire balance sheet and be hard-pressed to find an administration over a seven-year period that’s invested more in transforming our TK — a brand new grade — to 12 education system,” Newsom told reporters “(We’ve made) unprecedented, historic investments per pupil, investments that are the envy of many other states.”

The revised funding estimate for Proposition 98, the 40% of the state general fund that must go to TK-12 and community colleges, would be a record $127.1 billion in 2026-27. Per student funding would increase to a record $21,013 per pupil. Funding per pupil from federal and other sources would be $28,282.

That overall revenue estimate, however, would appear at least several billion dollars less than the Senate and the independent Legislative Analyst’s Office had forecast. The May revision marks the starting line for a final dash toward the Legislature’s June 15 deadline, followed by negotiations between Newsom and legislative leaders, with final passage by the July 1 start of the fiscal year.

Laird said that including the withheld $3.9 billion for schools and community colleges will be one of the items. Additional revenue projections, based on May tax receipts, will be a factor.

Here are some budget specifics:

COLA: Newsom would raise the statutory minimum COLA of 2.87%, determined by a federal formula that does not consider the price of housing, to 4.31%. The effect would raise COLA for districts’ operating expenses, through the Local Control Funding Formula, from $3.1 billion proposed in January to $4 billion. Other programs, including special education, would get the statutory COLA of 2.87%

The 4.31% would become the new base for determining COLA calculations in future years.

SPECIAL EDUCATION: State and federal special education fall well short of districts’ obligations for students with disabilities. Additional state funding for special education offsets districts’ base expenses. Newsom would add $1.8 billion to the extra $509 million increase he proposed in January for a total of $2.4 billion — 43% more than a year ago.

Newsom characterized it as “the largest investment in special education in California’s history … maybe in American history.”

“It’s an area that has continued to be anxiety-inducing because you meet with parents, and they’re demanding more, and we’ve heard that call,” he said.

BLOCK GRANT: In January, Newsom proposed a one-time $2.8 billion grant; he has raised it to $5 billion. He calls it the Student Support and Professional Development Block Grant, and implies it should be used for teacher training for math, reading and literacy support for English learners, along with career pathways and expanding dual enrollment. But districts will have wide latitude to spend the money as they choose.

RAINY DAY FUND: Newsom would raise the Proposition 98 reserve to $10.3 billion, approaching the statutory maximum, as a cushion in the event of a recession or if the spigot of projected revenues from tax receipts from AI startups runs dry.

John Affeldt, managing attorney for Public Advocates, a public interest law firm, warned that the state should plan for that to happen. “Our state cannot continue to rely on temporary AI stock market bubbles,” he said. “To build a budget that will enable our residents to thrive, California needs more robust permanent revenue streams to support our schools and healthy communities. We cannot ask teachers to transform students’ lives while those same teachers are being priced out of the communities they serve.”

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS: Newsom would add $1 billion to the $4.1 billion previously invested in creating 2,500 community schools, which provide community partnerships involving wellness, mental health and career opportunities. His May revision would also repurpose nearly $500 million in extension grants to add more community schools.

“We lead and dominate the nation in community schools,” Newsom said Thursday.

LITERACY AND MATH INSTRUCTION: Since 2019, the state has funded $715 million to hire and train reading specialists and coaches in high-poverty schools — a key element in the state’s comprehensive early literacy plan. But that money, in one-time grants, will expire over the next three years. Newsom proposes $440 million to extend the grants through 2031.

He would also add $60 million to the $30 million funded last year for the Mathematics Professional Learning Partnership, which is creating a statewide network to train coaches and math specialists in the 2023 math framework. Still missing: funding for elementary schools to hire coaches.

Newsom is also encouraging districts to use some of the $5 billion in the discretionary block grant for literacy and math instruction.

Early education and care

In his presentation, the governor largely overlooked early education and child care. The proposal allocates $15 million toward training to help with the implementation of programs such as Transitional Kindergarten and $5 million in ongoing funding to support the use of the Multitudes dyslexia screener at no cost to districts.

But the revised budget reduces the cost-of-living adjustment for the California State Preschool Program to 2.01% from the January proposal of 2.41%. The governor also did not address calls from early education advocates to help support pre-K programs that have been struggling after losing large numbers of children to the new TK programs offered by the state’s public schools.

Patricia Lozano, executive director of Early Edge California, a nonprofit organization that advocates for accessible, high-quality early learning, said the reduction to the cost-of-living adjustment sends a troubling signal to providers who are already operating on the margins.

“Access to affordable child care isn’t just an early learning issue, it’s essential to families’ economic well-being,” she said. “The governor has been a strong champion for children during his years in office, and we’ll be urging the Administration and the Legislature to fulfill the promise of funding additional child care slots and restoring COLA before the budget is finalized.”

In particular, the governor’s plan to significantly increase the cost-of-living allowance for TK-12 schools while cutting it for preschools drew fire.

“He decided to backstop health premiums and local schools, while punting on aiding families who desperately search for affordable child care,” said Bruce Fuller, who co-authored a new report from the UC Berkeley Equity and Excellence in Early Childhood alliance on the dire outlook many pre-K programs are facing.

Lempert, of Children Now, said he hoped the cuts to the early education COLA would be reversed by the Legislature in the final budget.

the STATE BUDGET PROCESS

Governor’s initial budget proposal:

• Must be released by Jan. 10.
• Assumes an estimate of revenues the state will collect over the next 18 months (by June 30, 2027). Actual revenues often differ significantly due to economic conditions, federal policy and unforeseen events, such as the destructive fires in Los Angeles.

MAY 14 revision:

Governor issues May budget with revised general fund revenues, including its impact on Proposition 98.

LATE MAY to EARLY JUNE:

Legislature’s budget subcommittees report to the full budget committees.

JUNE 15:

Constitutional deadline for the Legislature to pass the budget bill.

MID-JUNE TO LATE JUNE:

Negotiations between the Assembly speaker and the Senate president pro tempore with the governor; the Legislature passes the final budget, and the governor signs it before the fiscal year starts on July 1.

Legislature’s response: 

The Assembly and Senate have until June 15 to hold hearings and respond with their own version.

Negotiation: 

Behind closed doors, legislative leaders and the governor settle differences. Lawmakers sign off, and the governor signs the final version.

Governors have increasingly used the budget to rewrite statutes outside the legislative process. That’s why it’s important to read the fine print in massive “budget trailer bills” written after the budget is passed.

About 40% of the state’s general fund will go to schools and community colleges. The bulk goes to keeping schools running, but in some years, new money is spent on new programs, such as transitional kindergarten and community schools.

Budget summaries

You can find the full budget by areas here.

• TK-12
• Higher Education

 

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