Contra Costa Herald

Justice for Linlin Guo & Her Mother – Support Her Children’s Future

By Allen D. Payton

According to a GoFundMe account set up by Lucy Chen, “On September 18, 2025, our dear friend Linlin Guo and her mother Beimin Cheng were tragically murdered in their home in Walnut Creek, California. The suspect, Howard Wang, Linlin’s husband, has been arrested and charged with double homicide. (See related articles here, here and here)

Linlin leaves behind 8-year-old twin girls who are now without both their mother and grandmother. The family is reeling from unimaginable grief and urgently needs support.

This campaign has been started with the consent of Linlin’s family. All proceeds will go directly to:

– Funeral and memorial expenses for Linlin and her mother

– Legal costs related to custody of the children

– Ongoing living and educational support for the children

This is more than a tragedy. It’s a wake-up call to the silent epidemic of domestic violence. Linlin was a loving mother, daughter, and friend. Her story deserves to be heard, and her children deserve a secure future.

If you wish to read more about the case, here is a link to the news article, https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/walnut-creek-man-charged-with-murdering-wife-mother-in-law/. More information can be found here, https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/accused-killers-mistress-faces-charges/3956455/.

Please consider donating or sharing this page. Every gift, no matter the size, brings comfort and hope to Linlin’s family.

With gratitude,

Lucy Chen

(On behalf of Linlin’s family and cousin Jie Shao, who is the campaign’s beneficiary)

为郭琳琳和她母亲伸张正义——帮助两个孩子的未来

在2025年9月18日，我们亲爱的朋友郭琳琳和她的母亲程蓓敏在加州 Walnut Creek 家中惨遭杀害。凶嫌是琳琳的丈夫，Howard Wang，他已被警方逮捕并被控双重谋杀罪。

琳琳留下了一对8岁的双胞胎姐妹，现在孩子不仅失去了母亲，也失去了外婆。这个家庭正经历着巨大的悲痛与创伤，也急需社会的支持。

本次募款活动是经过琳琳家人的同意发起的，所有善款将直接用于以下用途：

– 支付琳琳与她母亲的丧葬费用

– 两位孩子的抚养权法律诉讼费用

– 两位孩子今后的生活与教育支出

这不仅是一场家庭悲剧，也让我们正视家庭暴力的可怕与沉默。琳琳是一位充满爱心的母亲、女儿和朋友，她的故事不应被遗忘，她的孩子更值得拥有一个安全的未来。

如需了解更多案件信息，请点击相关新闻链接，https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/walnut-creek-man-charged-with-murdering-wife-mother-in-law/. 更多详情, https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/accused-killers-mistress-faces-charges/3956455/.

请伸出援手，捐款或转发此页面。无论金额大小，都是对这个家庭的关爱与希望。

衷心感谢，

Lucy Chen

（代表郭琳琳的家人及其表亲 Jie Shao 邵洁，也是本次募款的官方受益人）

 

Read More

Legal experts warn it’s “A Child Predator’s Dream Bill”

By Greg Burt, Vice President, California Family Council

SACRAMENTO, CA — Governor Gavin Newsom has once again proven his contempt for California parents. Yesterday afternoon, he signed AB 495, a bill that fundamentally undermines parental rights and opens the door for abuse, kidnapping, and government interference in family life, all while claiming it “protects parents and children.”

After months of warnings from parental rights advocates, faith communities, and constitutional attorneys, Newsom ignored every concern. In a calculated act of deception, his office released a statement claiming AB 495 safeguards parental authority. In reality, this law allows any adult, without verification, without parental consent, and without even notifying parents, to make medical and educational decisions for a child.

CFC President: Newsom’s Assault on Parental Rights Endangers Children

“Governor Newsom is deliberately trying to deceive parents by claiming this bill protects them, when in fact it does the opposite,” said Jonathan Keller, President of California Family Council. “AB 495 strips parents of their constitutional rights and hands them over to unverified strangers. It is unconstitutional, it is illegal, and no school or medical facility should recognize or accept the authority of a Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit without a verified signature from a parent or legal guardian. Newsom knows exactly what this bill does, but he’s hoping the press and the public won’t read it for themselves.”

“AB495 allows…any adult claiming to be a relative within five degrees of kinship can sign a Caregiver Authorization Affidavit giving them the ability to ‘authorize any other medical care.’ And all this can be done with no parent signature, no notary, no verification and no parent notification required.”

Despite claims to the contrary, AB 495 allows ANY adult to use the new Caregiver Authorization Affidavit as “sufficient to authorize enrollment of a minor in school and authorize school-related medical care.” Then any adult claiming to be a relative within five degrees of kinship can sign a Caregiver Authorization Affidavit giving them the ability to “authorize any other medical care.” And all this can be done with no parent signature, no notary, no verification and no parent notification required. This law will allow unvetted adults to make medical decisions, enroll children in school, and act as de facto guardians, even though parents would remain legal guardians.

Legal Experts Warn: “A Child Predator’s Dream Bill”

“Governor Newsom deceptively describes AB 495 as a caregiver planning tool for undocumented immigrant parents. It’s more accurately described as a child trafficker’s and child predator’s dream bill,” said Dean Broyles, Esq., President and Chief Counsel of the National Center for Law & Policy. “Its sweeping application is not limited to immigrant families, does not require any parental notice or consent, and lacks even the most basic safeguards to protect children. Anyone falsely claiming kinship can easily sign the affidavit, access a child, obtain medical care, and enroll them in another school. Even the most basic safeguard of a notary is not required to confirm the true identity of the person accessing your child.  AB 495 violates fundamentally constitutionally protected parental rights, endangers California’s children, and will be appropriately legally challenged and struck down.”

“With AB 495, state-sanctioned kidnapping is now legal,” warned Julianne Fleischer, Senior Legal Counsel at Advocates for Faith & Freedom. “This is more than overreach — it is a betrayal of families and a blatant disregard for parental rights. This unprecedented intrusion into parental rights marks a deeply concerning moment for our state — one for which Gavin Newsom must answer.”

“Governor Newsom’s actions define him, not his smooth talk and 100-watt smile,” added Erin Friday, Esq., President of Our Duty – USA. “Behind that veneer, is a man who consistently signs bills that eviscerate parental rights. Handing a child over to an adult five degrees separated by marriage, divorce, or blood based upon an unverified one-page document with any pre-authorization of the parents, is beyond the pale.”

CFC Calls for Defiance and Parental Vigilance

California Family Council is calling on schools, hospitals, and clinics to refuse to accept any Caregiver Authorization Affidavit that is not verified or notarized by the child’s legal parent or guardian.

“Governor Newsom may have signed this bill into law,” Keller said, “but parents are under no moral or legal obligation to accept its legitimacy. This bill violates both the Constitution and common sense. No one, not a school administrator, not a doctor, not a government bureaucrat, has the right to override a mother or father’s authority.”

CFC urges parents to take immediate action to protect their families:

* Update emergency contact lists at schools and medical offices to include ONLY those adults you trust to make educational and medical decisions for your child.

* Submit written directives stating that NO ONE outside your listed contacts is authorized to pick up or make decisions for your child.

* Support efforts to legally challenge AB 495 and restore parental rights in California law.

“This coalition will not rest,” Keller concluded. “We will work with our partners, our attorneys, and thousands of California parents to overturn this unconstitutional law. Parents, not politicians, are the rightful guardians of their children.”

About California Family Council

California Family Council works to advance God’s design for life, family, and liberty through California’s Church, Capitol, and Culture. By advocating for policies that reinforce the sanctity of life, the strength of traditional marriages, and the essential freedoms of religion, CFC is dedicated to preserving California’s moral and social foundation.

Read More

Help protect Grayson Creek and improve habitat for birds, turtles, otters, and other riparian species!

Please join The Watershed Project, the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District and volunteers from Friends of Pleasant Hill Creeks for a creek cleanup and wildlife observation event.

Grayson Creek is home to more than 100 bird species and also provides habitat for river otters, western pond turtles, and even beavers! Help protect this important community resource by removing trash from the creek banks.

Date: Saturday, October 18 · 9am – 12pm PDT

Event location: Driveway north of 250 Cleaveland Road, Pleasant Hill.

Age Restriction: Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. All volunteers under 18 years old must have parental permission to participate or be accompanied by an adult.

-See sign-up link for details and safety information

Details, Instructions & Directions

Dress appropriately for outdoor work. Wear long sleeves and long pants, sturdy shoes, and wear sun protection (hat and/or sunscreen). All cleanup supplies, water, and light refreshments will be provided. Please bring a reusable water bottle and your own gloves if you have them.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. All volunteers under 18 years old must have parental permission to participate or be accompanied by an adult.

Directions to site: Use Google maps to navigate to 250 Cleaveland Road in Pleasant Hill. There is a driveway just north of there. Drive west down the driveway through the opened Flood Control District gate. Park alongside the road.

Contact Paula White paula@thewatershedproject.org for more information.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grayson-creek-cleanup-tickets-1716934951659?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Read More

Five-county half-cent sales tax would include Contra Costa County, last 14 years; in addition to existing half-cent BART operations sales tax

By John Goodwin, Assistant Director of Communications & Rebecca Long, Director, Legislation & Public Affairs, Metropolitan Transportation Commission 

Gov. Gavin Newsom today, Monday, October 13, 2025, signed into law state Senate Bill 63, authorizing a November 2026 ballot measure to prevent major service cuts at BART and other Bay Area transit systems and to make improvements to transit affordability, accessibility and reliability in the region. The new law allows the measure to be placed on the ballot either through action by a newly formed Public Transit Revenue Measure District governed by the same board as the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) or via a citizen’s initiative.

The half-cent sales tax would be in addition to the half-cent sales tax for BART operations in Contra Costa, Alameda and San Francisco counties in place since the 1960’s.

Enactment of the bill — authored by state senators Scott Wiener (D-11) of San Francisco and Jesse Arreguín (D-7) of Berkeley, and co-authored by Sen. Laura Richardson of Los Angeles County and Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D-18) of Alameda County and Matt Haney (D-17) and Catherine Stefani (D-19) of San Francisco — clears the way for voters in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties to consider a 14-year regional transportation sales tax that would generate approximately $980 million annually across the five counties. The bill authorizes voter consideration of a half-cent sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and a one-cent sales tax in San Francisco.

Approximately 60 percent of the revenue that would be raised if voters approve the measure will be dedicated to preserving service on BART, Muni, Caltrain, AC Transit — which an independent analysis confirmed face annual deficits of more than $800 million annually starting in fiscal year 2027-28 — as well as San Francisco Bay Ferry and smaller transit agencies providing service in the five counties to keep buses, trains and ferries moving. About one-third of the revenue would go to Contra Costa Transportation Authority, Santa Clara VTA, SamTrans and the Alameda County Transportation Commission, with flexibility to use funds for transit capital, operations, or road paving projects on roads with regular bus service.

If a regional tax measure wins voters’ approval next fall, about 4.5 percent, equivalent to $43 million in fiscal year 2027-28, will go toward improving the rider experience, funding priorities identified in the 2021 Bay Area Transit Transformation Action Plan.

“In addition to averting major service cuts for regional operators, MTC advocated for the measure to include dedicated funding to make Bay Area transit more affordable, reliable, and easy to use so that it becomes a system that will attract more riders,” noted Commission Chair and Pleasant Hill Mayor Sue Noack.

The suite of rider-focused improvements includes:

• Free and reduced-fare transfers that could save multi-agency riders up to $1,500 per year and are estimated to increase transit ridership by some 30,000 trips per day.
• Expansion of the Clipper START^® program, which provides a 50% fare discount, to reach 100,000 additional low-income adults.
• Improvements to accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities.
• Transit-priority projects to make bus trips faster, and mapping and wayfinding improvements to make transit easier to use.

Bay Area transit riders take more than 1 million trips each day, with over 80 percent of these trips on Muni, BART, Caltrain or AC Transit. Riders include tens of thousands of students, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents who can’t afford to own a car. Clipper START customers accounted for nearly 400,000 transit trips across the region in August 2025 and the fare-discount program is growing at a rate of more than 20,000 customers each year.

SB 63 includes several oversight and accountability provisions to reassure voters their tax dollars will be used responsibly. These include establishing an independent oversight committee to ensure expenditures are consistent with the law. Membership will include at least one representative from each county in the Public Transit Revenue Measure District, appointed by each county’s board of supervisors.

The new law also requires BART, Muni, Caltrain and AC Transit to undergo a two-phase independent third-party financial efficiency review overseen by its own oversight committee composed of four independent experts, four transit agency representatives, and an MTC Commissioner. MTC is responsible for procuring the third-party consultant to conduct the review and for staffing the Oversight Committee.

A maintenance-of-effort clause in SB 63 requires BART, Muni, Caltrain, AC Transit, Golden Gate Transit, SF Bay Ferry and the bus operators in Alameda and Contra Costa counties to maintain existing levels of funding for operating purposes if a 2026 tax measure is passed by voters. The legislature established this requirement to ensure the measure supplements, rather than replaces, current operations support, with provisions for exceptions that are subject to MTC approval.

To provide additional oversight regarding the quality of the transit service provided in each county participating in the measure, the legislation allows a county transportation agency or board of supervisors within the District’s geography to require review by an ad-hoc adjudication committee if they believe a transit agency funded by that county’s portion of the measure’s revenue is not applying standards (such as service levels, fare policy, cleanliness, maintenance, access and safety) consistently across counties or if those standards disproportionately disadvantage service or transit equipment/station quality in that county. The committee is composed solely of representatives from counties contributing revenue measure funds to the transit agency under review. Its determinations are binding and may result in withholding up to 7 percent of the transit agency’s funds, a strong incentive for agencies to deliver high quality service that follows consistent standards across all five counties.

What Local Transportation Officials are Saying: 

“The BART Board of Directors supported SB 63 because it will cover a significant portion of BART’s operating deficit caused by remote work and will allow us to maintain current service levels and improve the rider experience,” said BART General Manager Bob Powers.

“SB 63 is a step towards protecting essential Muni service and will equip us with resources to continue meeting the needs of San Francisco and the growing region,” said Julie Kirschbaum, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Director of Transportation.

“Through Governor Newsom’s leadership and the support of voters, SB 63 will help protect transit for our more than three million monthly riders. In fact, this summer, we took proactive steps to preserve service by redesigning 103 bus lines through our new Realign network. Designed over two years, this all-new network maintains service at 85 percent of pre-pandemic levels. SB 63 gives voters a chance to ensure that these vital bus lines – and our riders’ lifelines – are protected for the future,” said AC Transit Board President Diane Shaw.

“Caltrain has been reinvented as a state-of-the-art rail system, delivering the best service this corridor has seen in its 161-year history. We are seeing the benefits every day with growing ridership, cleaner air, quieter trains, and less-congested roads. To sustain these benefits, it is essential that Caltrain be funded. We are deeply grateful to Governor Newsom and the California Legislature for their leadership in crafting and supporting this legislation, which gives voters the opportunity to consider the vital Connect Bay Area measure in November 2026,” said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard.

“SB 63 represents a transformative opportunity to invest in the future of public transit,” she said. With this measure, we can deliver faster, more frequent service and ensure better connections for all riders across Santa Clara County,” said Carolyn Gonot, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority General Manager and CEO.

“We’re excited the Connect Bay Area Act is moving forward and voters will soon have the opportunity to shape the future of public transit along the Peninsula and surrounding Bay Area communities. Next November’s vote will be a pivotal moment to secure reliable, connected and sustainable transportation. With this measure, we can ensure SamTrans, Caltrain and our regional transit partners have the stable funding needed to serve riders for years to come,” said SamTrans Board of Directors Chair Jeff Gee.

MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.

BART Issues Statement of Support

BART issued the following statement on Governor’s signing transit funding measure SB 63:

“BART is grateful to Governor Newsom for signing Senate Bill (SB) 63 into law. The Governor has been a steadfast advocate of transit and BART specifically, recognizing our role in moving the region and strengthening the economy. SB 63 is a historic opportunity to allow voters in five counties of the Bay Area to consider a sales tax measure in November 2026 aimed at preserving and improving transit.

A regional transportation funding measure would provide a reliable funding source for BART and other agencies to address deficits caused by remote work. The BART Board of Directors supported SB 63 because it will cover a significant portion of BART’s operating deficit and allow us to maintain current service levels and improve the rider experience.

Before measure funds become available, BART will rely on internal cuts, efficiency measures, and a series of one-time solutions to pay for operations. BART will continue to identify additional cost savings and efficiencies to address our deficit, and we welcome the enhanced accountability measures and financial efficiency review included in SB 63.

BART is also grateful to Senators Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguín for championing this legislation and their fierce advocacy for transit funding.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Read More

For more than 4,700 frontline healthcare workers across Northern California, securing progress on staffing, pay, working conditions 

By Jennifer Kelly, Media Relations, SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW)

OAKLAND, CA – As of Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, frontline healthcare workers at eight Sutter Health facilities across Northern California have reached a tentative contract agreement with Sutter executives, averting the strike workers had overwhelmingly authorized. The new agreement addresses critical issues around staffing and working conditions by ensuring fair pay and benefits for frontline healthcare workers, allowing them to continue serving patients without disruption. (See related article)

“This tentative agreement shows that when we stand united, we can win improvements that protect both healthcare workers and our patients,” said Dinora Garcia, a dietary clerk from Sutter Lakeside. “Reaching this agreement wasn’t easy but we stood together to advocate for worker and patient safety, improved staffing levels, and fair wages and benefits that reflect the vital work we do every day.”

The tentative contract agreement needs to be voted on and approved by the members before it is final. If approved, the agreement will provide 14 percent across-the-board raises for workers. The agreement also protects healthcare and retirement benefits for these frontline healthcare workers.

The tentative agreement averts a strike at eight Sutter Health facilities in Oakland, Santa Rosa, Roseville, Berkeley, Lakeport, Vallejo, Antioch, Castro Valley and San Francisco, where thousands of workers had been preparing to strike.

SEIU-UHW represents a variety of workers across Sutter Health, including nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, licensed vocational nurses, environmental services, food services, x-ray technicians, respiratory therapists and others. The ratification vote will be scheduled for later this month.

Sutter Health Issues Statement

According to a Sutter Health spokesperson, “Sutter Health and SEIU-UHW reached tentative agreements for new contracts on Saturday covering more than 4,400 employees at eight hospitals.

The parties have negotiated in good faith since July for an agreement that recognizes and rewards employees while supporting our ability to deliver safe, high-quality care. We believe the tentative agreements meet those goals.

SEIU-UHW will soon hold a ratification vote for its membership. We encourage all eligible employees to participate in the vote and support this fair contract offer.”

About SEIU-UHW

SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) is a healthcare justice union of more than 120,000 healthcare workers, patients, and healthcare activists united to ensure affordable, accessible, high-quality care for all Californians provided by valued and respected healthcare workers. Learn more at www.seiu-uhw.org.

About Sutter Health

Sutter Health’s integrated, not-for-profit system of associated clinicians, employees and volunteers support more than 3 million patients in diverse communities across two dozen counties. Headquartered in Northern California, Sutter provides access to high quality, affordable care through its hospitals, medical foundations, ambulatory surgery centers, urgent and walk-in care centers, telehealth, home health and hospice services.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Read More

5K, 10K & 1 Mile Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run

Come for the run, stay for the fun!

By Bay Front Chamber of Commerce

Join us Sunday, October 19 from 11AM–3PM at Bayfront Blvd. in Hercules for the 2025 Bay Front Festival — a day full of community, music, and celebration!

• Enjoy live local entertainment
• Support local artisans & small businesses
• Indulge in delicious bites from food trucks and vendors
• Fun, Free & Family-Friendly!

Hosted by Bay Front Chamber and City of Hercules.

7th Annual Bay Front Run

Join us on the beautiful Bay Front trail in Hercules for the 7th Annual Bay Front Run to support our local schools.

5K, 10K & 1 Mile Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run. All participants in person & virtual registered by 9/20 will receive an event t-shirt. The first 300 to register will receive a finisher medal. The race will begin and end at Bayfront Blvd. in Hercules. Run along the Bay Front Trail where you can expect beautiful views and a gentle breeze.

Every step you take helps build a brighter future for our students.

Register now: bayfrontrun.com

Come for the run, stay for the fun! The Bay Front Festival will follow directly after the run.

RACE TIMES

8:30 am 5K, 10K & 1 Mile
10:30 am Kids Fun Run (ages 3-6)
Kids Fun Run (ages 7-10)

Race Course: The race begins at Sanderling & Bayfront, it runs along Bayfront Blvd to the Bay Trail entrance at John Muir Pkwy. the run continues along the Bay Trail thru Hercules to Rodeo. The turn -about is at the end of the Bay Trail in Rodeo. Those doing a 10K will do a double loop.

Timing: 5K & 10K Run will be chip timed/scored and results will be posted after the event. Bib must be worn to be timed/scored.

5K & 10K Awards: Top Female & Male

Parking: on Bayfront Blvd. from Railroad to Promenade & on John Muir Parkway

PACKET PICKUP

EARLY PACKET PICKUP
Saturday, 10/18 – 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Dylan Apartments (formally The Grand)
2200 John Muir Parkway, Hercules
REGISTRATIONS WILL ALSO BE TAKEN DURING EARLY PACKET PICK UP

PACKET PICK UP AND LAST DAY (race day) REGISTRATION
Sunday, 10/19 at Sanderling & Bayfront Blvd., Hercules
5K, 10K & 1 Mile 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
Kids Fun Run 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. (Ages 3 – 10)

ENTRY FEES

5K, 10K & 1 Mile Run/Walk $35 – In Person ~ $35 – Virtual
Kid Fun Run $15 – In Person
The first 325 to register will receive a Finisher Medal.
Registration fees are non-refundable but can be transferred to another individual.

For more information about the Bay Front Chamber of Commerce visit http://www.bayfrontchamber.com.

Read More

Black and Latino students make progress; pandemic widened math gender gap; more English learners are proficient

New Titles for Four Levels of Achievement: Advanced, Proficient, Developing or Minimal

By Diana Lambert, Zaidee Stavely, Betty Márquez Rosales and Daniel J. Willis, EdSource.org, republished with permission

Top Takeaways

• California test scores show students still struggle with learning loss five years after the Covid pandemic.
• Students improved by 1.8 percentage points in math and English language arts last school year, the largest year-over-year increase since before the pandemic.
• Despite increases, serious equity gaps persist.
• Science scores were the only ones to return to pre-pandemic levels

Five years after the Covid pandemic closed schools and pushed students into a year of distance learning, California test scores show that — despite increases — students are still struggling with learning loss.

During the 2024-25 school year, the number of students who were advanced or proficient in math and English language arts improved by 1.8 percentage points in each subject — the largest year-over-year increase since before the Covid pandemic, according to Smarter Balanced test scores released Thursday. Science scores increased by 2 percentage points.

“There is greater progress this year than we had last year,” said State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond. “Gains in ELA and science are about four times the level of the gains last year, and the gains in math are about twice the level of the gains last year. So, it feels like there is some momentum toward improvement.”

New Titles for Four Levels of Achievement: Advanced, Proficient, Developing or Minimal

The titles of the four levels of achievement are different this year. In March, the California State Board of Education chose new titles to describe how students perform on standardized tests, including the Smarter Balanced tests.

Students will now be labeled as advanced, proficient, developing or minimal to describe their knowledge and skill level.

Students who are advanced, proficient and developing are all working within their grade level band, while students who are at the minimal level are not consistently showing grade-level standards, said State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond.

“Proficient is a pretty high bar because that is very thorough mastery of grade-level standards and advanced is very sophisticated,” she said.

Smarter Balanced tests are given to students in third through eighth grades and in 11th grade as part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), which also includes the English Language Proficiency Assessment.

CAASPP test scores for California nearly 1,000 school districts and 10,000 schools are available on EdSource’s searchable database.

Despite the improvement at all grade levels, the number of students who were advanced or proficient in English language arts last year only increased to 48.8%, 37.3% in math, and 32.7% in science.

That wasn’t enough to bring scores up to pre-pandemic levels when more than half of California students, 51.7%, met or exceeded state standards in English language arts, and 39.7% met or exceeded state standards in math.

Science scores were the only ones to return to pre-pandemic levels, with 2.8% more students scoring proficient or better last year compared to 2018-19.

Equity isn’t improving fast enough

“I think certainly these scores are headed in the right direction,” said Christopher Nellum, executive director of EdTrust-West, an education advocacy organization. “I would argue, at the wrong speed if we’re serious about equity … we need double-digit gains, not incremental gains.”

The California School Boards Association is also calling for a state plan to close the achievement gap that includes increased funding for school districts with a large population of high-needs students, as well as increased accountability and transparency from the state.

“We shouldn’t let a point or two in a positive direction detract from the fact that millions of California students are still being underserved and those students are disproportionately concentrated in certain demographic groups that have been lacking for decades,” said Troy Flint, chief information officer at the CSBA. 

Nation’s third graders have similar scores

California’s third-grade reading scores are similar to most other states in the country, which have grown about 1% a year between 2022 and 2025, said David Scarlett Wakelyn, a partner with Upswing Labs, a nonprofit that works with school districts to improve reading instruction. California has had 0.7% annual growth in reading scores in those years, Wakelyn said.

Third grade is considered a crucial year for students to begin reading to learn, a key indicator for academic success. Last school year, 44.21% of California third graders were proficient or advanced in reading. The year before that, it was 42.8%.

Only Louisiana has returned to pre-pandemic levels for third-grade reading, Wakelyn said. The state, which doesn’t use the Smarter Balanced test, has high-quality curriculum and instructional materials in use across the state, he said.

More English learners are proficient

Slightly more English learners tested as proficient on the English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC) than last year. Students who speak a language other than English at home and have not yet achieved proficiency in English are classified as English learners and must take the ELPAC every year until they achieve proficiency.

The test measures proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening in English, and has four levels of proficiency — “beginning to develop,” “somewhat developed,” “moderately developed,” and “well developed.”

The percentage of English learners with “well developed” English went up from 14.6% in 2024 to 15.5% in 2025, while the percentage of students at the other levels stayed relatively the same. In 2023, however, 16.5% of English learners achieved the “well developed” level of English.

Students’ progress on the ELPAC is important because once students are reclassified as “fluent English proficient,” they generally do better than native English speakers on English and math tests. For example, 60.2% of former English learners who are now considered proficient met or exceeded the standard in English language arts in 2025, compared to 53.3% of native English speakers.

Martha Hernandez, executive director of Californians Together, an organization that advocates for English learners statewide, said she’s happy that more students have progressed to “well developed” English on the ELPAC, but that the state needs to help more students learn English.

“We need to continue investing in professional development focused on comprehensive English Language Development, especially integrated ELD for all teachers across all subjects. I think that’s critical,” Hernandez said, adding that she was hopeful that the state’s new initiatives to teach reading and math with more focus on including instruction for learning English will help students.

She also said English learners need more access to bilingual programs, since research shows students have stronger outcomes in English when they are enrolled in bilingual programs.

Black and Latino students make progress

The number of Black and Latino students who met or exceeded the standard in English language arts, math and science grew somewhat, with the percentage of students in both groups increasing between 2% and 2.4 % over the last year.

Still, the overall percentage of both Black and Latino students meeting or exceeding the standards remained low, compared to white and Asian students. Only about a third (32.8%) of Black students met or exceeded the standard in English, and only about a fifth (20.1%) did so in math.

Among Latino students, 38.8% met or exceeded the standard in English and a quarter (25.7%) did so in math. In comparison, 61.8% of white students met or exceeded standards in English, and 51% in math, and among Asian students, 74.36% met or exceeded standards in English and 70.3% in math.

Students from all groups are still below pre-pandemic levels in both English and math.

“I don’t get why we are not outraged when two-thirds of any subgroup is not meeting proficiency in core areas like reading and math,” said Tyrone Howard, professor of education at UCLA. He said that state and school districts need to examine what may be helping some Black and Latino students and do more of it.

“I think we know to a large degree what works — high-dosage tutoring, that Black students have access to highly trained, culturally competent teachers, that we have the appropriate language supports for multilingual students,” said Howard. “We just haven’t been committed to it.”

Travis Bristol, associate professor of education at UC Berkeley and faculty director for the Center for Research on Expanding Educational Opportunity, said the small growth among Black and Latino students’ test scores should be celebrated.

“The fact that we see increases in Black and Latinx students suggests, at least to me, that some of the state’s strategies to improve outcomes for these students appear to be working,” Bristol said.

He said successful strategies include a state grant program that provides $25,000 incentive awards for national board-certified teachers in schools with large populations of low-income students, English learners or foster youth, as well as the community schools program, with wrap-around health and other services in schools.

“Because they’re paying off, we need to double down and continue to invest so we are not at a place where only a third of Black students meet or exceed the standard in English language arts, or only a quarter of Latinx students meet or exceed the standard in math,” Bristol said. “No one wants that.”

Pandemic widened math gender gap

For the second school year in a row, both girls and boys improved their scores in math and English language arts. This year’s scores show that 52% of girls met or exceeded English language arts standards versus 45% for boys. In math, 35% of girls and 39% of boys met or exceeded standards.

The difference, however, is in how quickly those improvements are occurring.

Between 2022-23 and 2023-24, math scores for girls and boys improved by 0.79 and by 1.04 percentage points, respectively. In comparing the rates of improvement between 2023-24 and 2024-25, girls’ math improved by 1.59 percentage points while boys’ scores jumped by 1.9.

And in English language arts proficiency, girls improved at about the same rate as boys in 2023-24. But the test scores for the most recent school year show a shift, with girls improving by 1.63 percentage points and boys by 1.91.

Due to the difference in the pace of improvement, boys’ scores are much closer than girls to their pre-pandemic math and English scores.

A difference of a few percentage points between students might not be a big issue, “but what could be happening is that girls are interpreting that in a way that makes them feel discouraged about pursuing different types of careers,” said Ian Thacker, an associate professor of educational psychology at the University of Texas at San Antonio who previously also taught math and physics in California.

Prior to the pandemic, girls were advancing in math at such rates that they either nearly or fully closed gender gaps across California. But since the pandemic, the gap has widened. A recent analysis by the Associated Press, using data from the Stanford Education Data Archive, found that girls had higher math scores than boys in 62% of California districts in 2018-19, but in only 4% in 2023-24.

Researchers say there is no known definite reason for this shift, but theories range from higher rates of mental health challenges among girls during the pandemic to gendered differences in academic expectations for girls and boys.

A study Thacker co-authored in 2022, for example, showed differences in teachers’ beliefs about their students’ capacity to succeed in math.

“It’s more than just ‘how skilled are these students,’” Thacker said. “There’s a lot more going on beneath the surface, especially when it comes to cultural social stereotypes, kind of driving people’s self-perceptions.”

Megan Kuhfeld, director of growth modeling and data analytics for the education research company NWEA, has found California’s scores mirror national trends.

“It is important for districts to reexamine classroom dynamics and instructional practices, particularly in STEM classes. If pandemic-era shifts in behavior and teacher attention have disproportionately benefited boys in STEM classrooms, this may be contributing to the divergence we see in achievement,” Kuhfeld said.

Economically disadvantaged students make gains

Statewide, about 38% of socioeconomically disadvantaged students met or exceeded English language arts standards, up from 37% from the prior year, and just over 26% met or exceeded math standards, up from 25% from the prior year.

The socioeconomically disadvantaged subgroup includes students who meet one of eight criteria, including those eligible for free or reduced-priced meals, experiencing homelessness, enrolled in school while at juvenile hall, and eligible for foster care.

While their test scores remain lower than pre-pandemic levels, they have improved year-over-year, with the most recent test scores showing that socioeconomically disadvantaged students are less than 1 percentage point away from their 2018-19 English language proficiency levels and 1.29 percentage points below their math proficiency levels.

What stands out is that the rate of improvement slowed down this year, particularly in math.

During 2023-24, this student group improved by 1.54 percentage points in English and by over 2 percentage points in math. The most recent scores show they improved by 1.4 in English and by 1.2 in math.

Several of the students included in this subgroup have some of the highest rates of chronic absenteeism and often live in unstable environments, at times moving repeatedly due to changes in foster placement or inability to get to school on time because of inconsistent transportation.

Local context is critical, noted Kuhfeld. “State and national data provide helpful starting points, but the real value comes from using those data to guide deeper, community-level inquiry into which students need the most support and where resources can have the greatest impact.”

It’s important to be aware that a focus on proficiency rates could “obscure meaningful trends,” she added.

“Given what we know about how achievement dropped off for lower-performing students during the pandemic, paying attention to those students is critical,” Kuhfeld said. “Without that level of detail, we risk missing the students most in need of support.”

Read More

10-member, all-volunteer Council will further land conservation mission

By Laura Kindsvater, Senior Communications Manager, Save Mount Diablo

WALNUT CREEK, CA—Save Mount Diablo has created an Advisory Council to help further our organization’s land conservation mission for Mount Diablo and the mountain range it is a part of and sustained by, the Diablo Range.

Save Mount Diablo’s all-volunteer Advisory Council consists of distinguished individuals who are willing to contribute their expertise, guidance, connections, and support to further the organization’s mission.

The organization’s Board of Directors and staff will benefit from the knowledge and expertise of the Advisory Council members. Advisors will also act as ambassadors for Save Mount Diablo helping the organization positively connect with strategic peoples and communities.

There are multiple reasons why Save Mount Diablo created its Advisory Council. It gives the organization a way to honor and recognize individuals for their distinguished service to Save Mount Diablo.

It provides a way to involve people who are willing to give critical assistance but have limited time. It provides a way of involving people who would be good candidates for the Board of Directors, but who are unable, or may not be ready, to serve in that role right now.

It provides a way to keep important supporters closely connected to the organization. It creates a direct link to important professional and technical expertise. It elevates and empowers selected people to serve as ambassadors for the organization.

It is a way to assist in efforts to increase philanthropic support. It enlists various types of needed help from the Advisors and their networks.

The basic structure of Save Mount Diablo’s Advisory Council is as follows. The organization’s Board Governance and Nominating Committee reviews and recommends appropriate Advisory Council candidates to the Board of Directors for approval.

Advisors must be elected by the Board of Directors. Advisory Council members advise and assist the organization largely on an as-needed basis. The Advisory Council will be invited to meet at least once annually, typically as part of a Board of Directors meeting or event.

Organizational communications with the Advisory Council, as a group or individually, will typically come from the Executive Director or Board President. The Advisory Council has no governing function within the organization.

The Board of Directors will determine term lengths, if any, the total number of members for the Advisory Council, and other related details.

After careful consideration, the Board of Directors approved creating an Advisory Council at their January 2025 annual Strategic Plan retreat.

After that, Save Mount Diablo’s Board Governance and Nominating Committee worked on creating a list of talented people to invite to be part of the inaugural class of the Advisory Council.

This inaugural class for our Advisory Council, which was approved by the Board of Directors at their October 1, 2025, meeting, consists of the following people:

Stewart Beatty

Stewart Beatty is the Head Chef at Postino, where he specializes in creating farm-to-table dishes that highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients. A lifelong resident of the Mount Diablo area and current Clayton resident, Stewart has a deep connection to the region and its community. He generously shares his culinary talents by providing meals for Save Mount Diablo’s Four Days Diablo and summit dinners, bringing people together to celebrate and support local land conservation efforts.

Joseph Belli

Joseph Belli has been a dedicated Save Mount Diablo donor since 2021 and is a conservation biologist and author, widely recognized as one of California’s leading experts on the Diablo Range.

His deep knowledge and passion for the region have made him an invaluable contributor to Save Mount Diablo’s mission. Joseph has participated in our BioBlitz events and Mary Bowerman Science and Research program, and served as the opening speaker for our first annual Diablo Range Convening in June 2025. In July 2025, he was also featured as a speaker for Save Mount Diablo’s Executive Director Speaker Series, sharing his insights on the unique ecology and conservation challenges of the Diablo Range.

Tom Dowd

Tom has a passion for helping organizations and individuals and transforming people’s lives. He was the founder and CEO of a chemical distribution company (Dowd and Guild, Inc.); he serves on the John Muir Health Foundation Board of Directors as well as on the Advisory Board of Heritage Bank of Commerce. Tom founded Keiretsu Forum Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raised $1 million for more than 100 charities. After selling Dowd and Guild, Inc., Tom has shifted to full-time charitable work.

Robert E. Doyle        

Robert E. Doyle, General Manager Emeritus, East Bay Regional Park District, worked for 47 years as a park professional at the East Bay Regional Park District in Oakland, California. Bob was a founding Board member of Save Mount Diablo, working with California State Parks to expand one of the original “Olmsted State Parks.” He was also a founding Board member of the East Bay Conservation Corps. Bob currently serves as Board member and Advocacy Co-Chair of the Washington, DC–based City Parks Alliance. He has served as a Board member for the National Association of Olmsted Parks and is a member of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, where he was awarded the prestigious Cornelius Pugsley Medal. In 2024, Bob joined the San Francisco–based Save the Redwoods League Board of Councilors. Bob has received a Save Mount Diablo Mountain Star award for his good work.

Peter Frazier

Peter Frazier, a retired investment professional, has been a Save Mount Diablo supporter for over 40 years, demonstrating a strong commitment to land conservation and environmental education. As a dedicated contributor, Peter helps support programs that inspire and educate future generations about the importance of protecting the Diablo Range and its natural resources. Peter has also helped make possible other important projects for Save Mount Diablo, like the organization’s 50th anniversary oral history project with the Bancroft Library at the University of California, Berkeley.

John Kiefer

John Kiefer is a retired systems applications specialist at Pacific Bell, inventor of the Kiefer Sustainable Chicken Coop, and a longtime supporter of Save Mount Diablo since 1975! He has remained deeply involved through leadership, advocacy, and community building. He is especially supportive of Save Mount Diablo’s environmental education programs and efforts to connect more people to nature and each other. Over the years, John has led hikes on Mount Diablo and has supported Save Mount Diablo in many ways, from hosting events at his home to funding community breakfasts and other events. His passion for trails and open space led to his service on the Lafayette Parks, Trails, and Recreation Commission (1986–1994), where he worked hands-on to maintain trails, collaborated with landowners to create public access, and later served as the city’s field representative for trails. In recognition of his contributions, the John Kiefer Trail was dedicated in his honor in 2014.

Beverly Lane

Beverly Lane has been a dedicated Save Mount Diablo supporter since 1988 and is a respected local historian, published author, and curator of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. She helped found the Contra Costa History Alliance and the Tri-Valley History Council, fostering the preservation of regional history. Beverly served as Mayor of Danville and represented central Contra Costa County as a Director for the East Bay Regional Park District from 1994 to 2022. She is also an active member of the Anza Trail Foundation, which promotes the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, and Friends of San Ramon Creek, reflecting her lifelong commitment to conservation, history, and community.

Doug McConnell

Doug McConnell is a long-time Save Mount Diablo supporter and renowned television host and storyteller with a passion for exploring and protecting the natural world. He hosted NBC Bay Area’s OpenRoad with Doug McConnell beginning in 2009 and served as host and editor of the beloved series Bay Area Backroads from 1993 to 2008. Doug is the founder of Convergence Media Productions, creating content that highlights conservation and outdoor adventure. In addition to his media work, he serves as an Advisory Board member for San Francisco Baykeeper, advocating for the protection and preservation of the Bay Area’s natural resources. Doug has received a Save Mount Diablo Mountain Star Award for this good work.

Jeff Stone

Jeff Stone is the CEO of Diamond Construction and co-founder of Enkasa Homes, bringing extensive expertise in environmentally sensitive building and development to his work. A dedicated supporter of land conservation, Jeff served as a Save Mount Diablo Board member (2016–2025). He continues to contribute his leadership, expertise, and passion to support Save Mount Diablo’s land conservation work.

Jeanne Thomas

Jeanne Thomas has been a Save Mount Diablo donor since 1989 and is a proud member of the Diablo Legacy Circle. A retired employee of Kaiser Industries, Jeanne has been a steadfast supporter of Save Mount Diablo for decades, serving on the Development Committee from 2006 to 2014. She has played a vital role in supporting events, acting as a liaison to the Rossmoor retirement community, and was honored with the Mountain Star Award for her dedication. An avid nature enthusiast, Jeanne has spent countless hours hiking Mount Diablo and photographing its wildflowers, reflecting her deep love for the land she helps protect.

We are very grateful that this talented and special group of people answered the call to serve on Save Mount Diablo’s Advisory Council!

With the creation of our Advisory Council, made up of such terrific people, Save Mount Diablo has successfully and strategically expanded our team to help further our land conservation work for Mount Diablo and its Diablo Range.

About Save Mount Diablo

Save Mount Diablo has been preserving lands on and around Mount Diablo and educating the public to the mountain’s natural values since 1971. We are biologists, conservationists, hikers, bikers, equestrians, bird watchers, and people who just love to look at the mountain. Save Mount Diablo is a tax-exempt nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID 94-2681735). For more information visit savemountdiablo.org.

Read More

51-year-old Lawyer Dushan McBride convicted of killing Rashanda Franklin with her children in the car

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

Martinez, California – A judge today, Friday, October 10, 2025, sentenced 51-year-old Lawyer Dushan McBride (born 1/14/1974) to life in prison after a jury found him guilty earlier this year of murdering Rashanda Franklin in 2017. (See related article)

The Honorable Judge Mary Ann O’Malley sentenced McBride to 95 years to life in state prison. This consists of a determinate sentence of 20 years and 4 months, followed by an indeterminate sentence of 75 years to life.

McBride, who was 43 at the time, waited for Franklin, 30, in a church parking lot where she dropped off her children for school. He had been following and harassing her for weeks after she ended their two-year relationship but was not the father of the children. Fearing for her safety, Franklin called 911 and drove away with her children still in the car.

As both vehicles neared the intersection of 29th Street and Rheem Avenue in Richmond, McBride cut off Franklin’s car and got out to confront her. The 911 recording captured Franklin’s desperate plea: “I’ve got my kids in the car.” McBride replied, “I ain’t playing with you,” then shot and killed her.

In addition to murder, McBride was sentenced for related offenses of firing into an occupied vehicle, stalking, using a firearm to cause death and inflicting great bodily injury in circumstances involving domestic violence.

“This tragic case underscores the devastating reality of domestic violence, which claims far too many lives,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “While no verdict can bring back a mother taken from her children in such a senseless act of violence, this sentence provides the victim’s family with a measure of justice and accountability. It also sends a clear message that stalking and harassment are warning signs that must be taken seriously, and that those who perpetrate such violence will be held responsible under the law.”

See surveillance video in ABC7 News report.

According to localcrimenews.com, McBride is Black and was also arrested in November 2020 for theft as reported by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 220-pound convict was arrested on May 2, 2025, and is currently being held in the Martinez Detention Facility.

For anyone experiencing domestic violence, help is available at Contra Costa’s Family Justice Centers cocofamilyjustice.org, by calling STAND! for Families free from Violence 1-888-215-5555, or at StaySafeContraCosta.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Read More

“To put Proposition 50 on the ballot for the voters of California to decide, the California legislature had to violate the California Constitution multiple times.”

By Mark Meuser, Attorney

I am tired of hearing that California is redistricting to combat President Trump and Texas redistricting efforts. Texas was forced to redistrict because the Biden DOJ sued Galveston County and lost which changed the law thus making four Texas Congressional Districts unconstitutional.

When Texas drew its congressional districts in 2021, they created four congressional districts where they combined two minority communities to create a minority-majority district (Coalition minority districts).

On March 24, 2022, the Biden DOJ sued Galveston County Commissioners because Galveston did not draw a coalition minority district for the Black and Latino population.

On October 13, 2023, a Federal Judge agreed with Biden’s DOJ and found that Galveston County was required to draw a Commissioner seat by combining two minority communities.

On November 10, 2023, a three Judge panel of the 5th Circuit found that combining two minority groups to create a minority-majority district was unconstitutional and thus asked for an en banc panel to review the issue to overturn prior precedents.

On Aug. 1, 2024, the en banc panel of the Fifth Circuit concluded “that coalition claims do not comport with Section 2’s statutory language or with Supreme Court cases interpreting Section 2.” The Fifth Circuit ruled coalition minority districts are unconstitutional.

On July 7, 2025, President Trump’s DOJ sent a letter to Texas highlighting the 5th Circuit Order, pointing out that there are four coalition minority congressional districts that are now unconstitutional and that Texas needed to fix the problem.

Texas made a prudent choice to redraw the congressional districts so as to save their taxpayers the expense of litigating the losing case of defending minority coalition districts.

Texas did not have to redraw four minority coalitions districts because of President Trump. Texas had to redraw the lines because Biden sued Galveston County and the law was clarified that coalition minority districts were unconstitutional.
It is important to understand that the 2021 lines drawn by the California Independent Redistricting Commission have never been challenged in Court as unconstitutional because districts were drawn to create coalition minority districts.
Since Texas law requires that the Texas legislature draw the congressional districts, the Texas legislature followed the law.

However, the California Constitution prohibits the California legislature from drawing congressional districts and instead places that responsibility on the Independent Redistricting Commission.

To put Proposition 50 on the ballot for the voters of California to decide, the California legislature had to violate the California Constitution multiple times.

The California legislature is asking the voters of California to forgive them for violating the California Constitution when they should have asked the voters for permission to draw the maps.

I was a part of two lawsuits filed before the California Supreme Court asking the Court to stop Proposition 50 before it went to the voters because the California legislature violated the California Constitution. Unfortunately, the California Supreme Court refused to require the California legislature to defend their unconstitutional acts and simply dismissed the Writ without even deciding the merits of the matter

While I am preparing the next lawsuit that will be filed, it is important that the voters of California stand up against the unconstitutional actions of Gavin Newsom and the California legislature by voting No on November 4th to Proposition 50.

The next time someone tells you that Newsom had to Gavinmander the State of California, remind them that the reason Texas had to redraw Congressional Districts is because Biden sued and lost which resulted in Texas having to redraw its lines.

Meuser practices election and constitutional law at the Dhillon Law Group.

 

Read More