Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Contra Costa Community College District Honors outgoing Trustee John E. Márquez for more than 55 years of service

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Source: 4CD

By Jennifer Ortega, Director of Communications and Community Relations, Contra Costa Community College District

Martinez, Calif. – The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) Governing Board recognized outgoing Trustee John E. Márquez on Nov. 10 for his more than 55 years of service and leadership dedicated to expanding educational opportunity, supporting student success, and strengthening communities throughout Contra Costa County.

“For more than five decades, John Márquez has demonstrated a deep commitment to education, equity, and public service,” said Governing Board President Diana Honig. “He has always led with extraordinary kindness, and his leadership has helped shape our District, strengthen our communities, and transform the lives of countless students. We are proud to recognize his remarkable legacy and lasting contributions to the Contra Costa Community College District.”

Márquez’s connection to 4CD began in the late 1960s when he enrolled at Contra Costa College (CCC) using the G.I. Bill after serving in the U.S. Army. As a student, he became an advocate for increasing Latino student enrollment and worked alongside college leaders to encourage more students from local high schools to pursue higher education.

During the 1970s, Márquez helped establish some of CCC’s first Chicano Studies courses, contributing to programs that helped elevate Latino history, culture, and perspectives within the college curriculum. After earning his degree from San Francisco State University, he returned to the District as an instructor, teaching Spanish and serving as a part-time faculty member for more than 25 years.

“Contra Costa College changed my life,” Márquez said. “I wanted to make sure other students understood that higher education could open doors for them, too.”

Following his retirement from teaching in 2000, Márquez was elected to the 4CD Governing Board as the trustee for Ward 1, representing West Contra Costa County. In this capacity, he has continued to advocate for equitable access to higher education, student achievement, and strong pathways to college and career success. Throughout his tenure, he has remained focused on ensuring students from all backgrounds have access to the resources and opportunities needed to reach their goals.

“John Márquez has dedicated so much of his life to the Contra Costa Community College District and to the community he cares about so deeply,” said Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh. “His leadership has always come from the heart and has been grounded in a steadfast commitment to opening doors for others. I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside him, and his impact on our students, our colleges, and our communities will be felt for generations to come.”

His contributions have earned numerous honors, including being named Contra Costa County Hispanic of the Year and receiving the 2026 Future Leaders of America Latino Lifetime Achievement Award.

Márquez’s current four-year term on the Governing Board ends in December 2026, and he chose not to seek reelection. Two candidates competed to succeed him in the November 2026 General Election. As of Nov. 10, 2026, education advocate Dr. Raquel Donoso had received approximately 60% of the votes counted. She is expected to be sworn in as the trustee for Ward 1 on Monday, Dec. 14.

About 4CD

The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. 4CD serves 1.2 million residents, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. 4CD is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College with campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, and Los Medanos College with campuses in Pittsburg and Brentwood. The District headquarters are located in downtown Martinez. Each college is individually accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. For more information, visit www.4cd.edu.

CA State Parks promotes safe, responsible recreation during Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Week Nov. 14-22

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During OHV Safety Week, free safety classes for all-terrain vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles and motorcycles will be offered at several state vehicular recreation areas. Photo from California State Parks.

FREE off-highway vehicle (OHV) safety classes and events will be offered throughout the state

By CA State Parks

SACRAMENTO – California State Parks will be offering 17 OHV safety courses and events during the fifth annual OHV Safety Week (Nov. 14-22). Off-road enthusiasts can learn about the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division’s “Ride to Ride Again” OHV Safety Week theme, which emphasizes the importance of riding responsibly and respectfully. Visitors can also participate in hands-on safety activity events during the week at several state vehicular recreation areas (SVRA).

“California’s state vehicular recreation areas offer some of the most spectacular and diverse riding terrains in the world,” said Jack Gorman, OHMVR Division assistant chief. “But it’s important that visitors understand the risks and know how to ride and drive responsibly. During the week, we want to remind all riders that the best day on the trails is a safe day. That’s why we’ve partnered with the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute, Motorcycle Safety Foundation and Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association to make training free for all California residents.”

Key Safety Tips In collaboration with RideOHV.com, State Parks reminds all riders of the importance of responsible recreation. Following a few key safe practices helps ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy these great experiences.

  • Get trained: Take advantage of free online all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and side-by-side safety training, then sign up for hands-on training to build skills and ride with confidence.
  • Wear the right protective gear: Always wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmet and appropriate protective gear every time you ride. In a side-by-side, always wear your seat belt.
  • Ride and drive responsibly: Stay on designated trails and riding areas, follow posted signs, travel at a safe speed and help protect the trails for the future.
  • Choose age-appropriate vehicles: ATVs are not one-size-fits-all, and young riders should ride on models designed for their age and size. With side-by-sides, drivers must be 16 years or older with a valid driver’s license.
  • Keep off-road vehicles off paved roads: ATVs and side-by-sides are designed for off-road use only.

Everyone on the trail has a responsibility to contribute to a safer, more informed off-highway recreation community.

Throughout OHV Safety Week, free ATV, side-by-side and motorcycle safety classes will be offered statewide in collaboration with RideOHV.com. California’s SVRAs will offer OHV safety-focused programming, such as junior ranger programs, informational pop-ups and a poker ride. The week will culminate by celebrating Ocotillo Wells SVRA’s 50th anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 21.

Prairie City SVRA will host the “Ride to Ride Again” Poker Run, which includes educational stops to instruct riders about the aspects of pre- and post-mechanical inspections and other safety principles. Riders can score points for prizes and will receive a commemorative patch at the end of the run. A free RIDE Day event at the Honda Rider Education Center in Colton, Nov. 21 and 22, will provide an opportunity for new users to experience ATVs or side-by-sides with a training demo. Vehicles, riding gear and coaches will be provided at no cost. Information about the event is also available at RideOHV.com. For further information about these and other scheduled events and free safety classes during OHV Safety Week, visit the OHMVR Division website or RideOHV.com.

For additional resources on OHV safety or to find a SVRA near you, visit ohv.parks.ca.gov.

About the OHMVR Division California’s OHMVR Division was created in 1971 out of the critical need to better manage the growing demands for OHV recreation, while fostering respect for private property rights and protecting the state’s natural and cultural resources. Today, there are nine SVRAs across California: Carnegie, Clay Pit, Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch, Heber Dunes, Hollister Hills, Hungry Valley, Oceano Dunes, Ocotillo Wells and Prairie City. The OHMVR program also supports safe and responsible OHV recreation beyond the state park system. Since 1971, more than $884 million in grants, managed by the OHMVR Division, have been awarded to federal and local partners, funding acquisition and development, resource protection, safety and education, and law enforcement for OHV recreation. For more information about the OHMVR Division, including grant opportunities, please visit ohv.parks.ca.gov.

In October 2020, the California OHMVR Commission passed a resolution dedicating one week of the year to promote and focus on safe and responsible OHV practices.

California State Parks and the recreational programs supported by its divisions of Boating and Waterways, Historic Preservation and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide the opportunity for families, friends, and communities to connect. Off-highway motor vehicle recreation, boating activities, horseback riding, cycling, hiking, camping, rock climbing, tours, hikes, school group enrichment, and special events are just some of the activities enjoyed in 280 park units organized into 21 field districts throughout the state. Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov.

 

Over 184,000 estimated ballots left to count in Contra Costa

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Source: Herald file photo

Could affect outcomes in close races

By Allen D. Payton

As of Thursday afternoon, Nov. 5, 2026, the Contra Costa Elections office announced there are 184,200 unprocessed ballots remaining to be counted in the county from Tuesday’s election.

Also, they announced the next results update is expected to be provided Friday afternoon, Nov. 6 at 4:00 p.m.

The remaining ballots could affect the outcome of several close races in the county.

Following is the breakdown of the Estimated number of unprocessed ballots:

Ballots voted at a voting location – 200

Vote-by-mail ballots received on or before Election Day – 165,000

Vote-by-mail ballots received after Election Day – 12,000

Provisional ballots – 500

Conditional Voter Registration Provisional ballots – 4,000

Other (In Review, Damaged) – 2,000

Total – 184,200

Next Results Expected (date and time): Friday, 11/6/2026 – 4:00 PM.

As of Wednesday morning’s update at 12:12 AM, a total of 280,686 ballots had been counted, out of 733,037 registered voters in the county. The remaining ballots make up almost 40 percent of the total 464,886 estimated ballots cast. They don’t include ballots that can still arrive by next Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. that were mailed and postmarked this past Tuesday.

CA Rental Housing Association opposes Bay Area Air District’s gas appliance ban amid affordability concerns

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Said at yesterday’s meeting amendments don’t go far enough to address costs of mandated appliance renovations

By Keegan Coleman, Director, Actum

SAN FRANCISCO – The California Rental Housing Association (CalRHA) issued a statement after the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Board of Directors yesterday voted to adopt amendments to Rule 9-6, the district’s ban on the sale and installation of new natural gas water heaters.

According to a post on the Air District’s X account Wednesday afternoon, “The Air District Board approved updates to the zero-NOx water heater rule that delay implementation to January 2028 and allow exemptions for low-income homeowners, properties with electrical limitations and space-constrained homes.” (See meeting agenda and presentation, watch video and see related article)

CalRHA was joined by hundreds of Bay Area residents including housing and property organizations, such as Better Housing Policies, Business and Housing Network, Santa Clara Association of Realtors, San Mateo County Association of Realtors, East Bay Rental Housing Association, Berkeley Property Owners Association, South County Business Alliance, Silicon Valley Business Alliance, and Small Property Owners of San Francisco Institute, in opposing the gas appliance ban and testifying at the Air District’s September, October and November board meetings. CalRHA will continue to advocate for policies that protect residents, small rental property owners and the renters who depend on them.

“Today’s vote to delay implementation by one year happened despite concerns from Board members over costs, impact to seniors and families on fixed incomes, and electric grid blackouts,” said Adam Pearce, President, CalRHA. “We are grateful to every member, affiliate and coalition partner who spoke out at the September, October, and November Board meetings, and took time away from their families and businesses to make their voices heard. But a delay and set of unworkable exemptions don’t fix the core problem. A hard sales ban tied to replacement cycles still puts the financial and logistical burden on housing providers.

Under the amended rule, a gas water heater that fails after the compliance date must be replaced with an electric model, which in many Bay Area buildings constructed before 1980 means new circuits, upgraded electrical panels and often new service lines from the street. Upgrading panels and service lines alone can cost from $11,500 to more than $120,000 per building, according to a 2023 California Public Utilities Commission report.

“We have asked the Air District for a new cost analysis that reflects what conversion really costs in older buildings,” added Pearce. “We have also asked for alternative financial incentives, so mom-and-pop housing providers already dealing with rent control, rising insurance premiums and thinning margins aren’t left to absorb those costs on their own. We share the goal of clean air, and we will keep working with the Air District to reach it without making housing more expensive or pushing small housing providers out of the industry.”

For a small property owner with a duplex or fourplex, compliance could cost six figures across the property and wipe out years of net operating income, and where rent control applies, capital improvement pass-throughs are slow, contested and often capped far below actual costs.

About the California Rental Housing Association

The California Rental Housing Association represents 14,000+ members totaling more than 805,000+ units, made up of small, medium, and large rental housing owners throughout the State of California. Our purpose is to advocate for the best interests of the rental housing industry and collectively address industry needs.

Bay Area Air District Board adopts water heater rule amendments, delays implementation to Jan. 2028

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Source: BAAQMD

Directly address affordability concerns and installation barriers while maintaining public health benefits

One of Contra Costa’s three representatives, Gioia votes in favor, Carlson, Adams absent

By Bay Area Air Quality Management District Communications

SAN FRANCISCO – The Bay Area Air District Board of Directors voted on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, to amend Rule 9-6, delaying the zero-NOx residential water heater requirement by one year and establishing exemptions for low-income property owners and for properties where electrical or space constraints make the transition especially difficult. The motion passed 14-1 with eight directors absent.

The amendments delay the compliance date from January 2027 to January 2028. The standard applies only when a property owner replaces an existing water heater. It does not require any household to remove a working appliance, and it does not apply to stoves, dryers or fireplaces.

“Water heaters are a significant source of air pollution in the Bay Area, and cleaner alternatives can help people live longer, healthier lives,” said Dr. Philip Fine, executive officer of the Air District. “With these practical amendments, the Board focuses the rule on the properties that can most easily make the switch and gives relief to households that cannot afford the change without financial assistance.”

“The Board raised real questions about cost and implementation in May. Staff did the work, and the rule we adopted today reflects what we heard,” said Air District Board Chair Lynda Hopkins. “This decision protects public health and respects what households can manage. I thank the residents, contractors and local governments who took part in this process.”

Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia explains his vote in favor of the amendments to Rule 9-6 at the Bay Area Air District Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026. Video screenshot

During the Board discussion, Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, who is one of three representatives to the regional agency, along with District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson and Pittsburg’s current Mayor Dionne Adams, said, “…when we started this rule, we said we’re going to check in and that’s what we’ve done. We’ve checked in a couple times. We’re actually delaying the rule so we can allow more time. That was a promise we made to the public and that’s what we’re doing.”

“If this was the previous version as last year I wouldn’t be voting for it,” he continued. “But I think it’s come to us in a way to make it possible to vote for it, continue to evaluate, get what changes that need to be made, and we’re moving this industry to making higher quality, cheaper heat-pump water heaters and…there’s going to be plenty of health benefits…and in time, we’re going to get a better piece of equipment.”

“I want to get us to the point where we help lower-income residents take advantage of the incentives, so they don’t have to be exempt. The exemption is voluntary,” Goia added before voting in favor of the motion to adopt.

Neither Adams nor Carlson attended the meeting. He was sick, according to his Supervisor’s Office staff.

The Air District Board of Directors voted on November 4 to amend Rule 9-6, delaying the zero-NOx residential water heater requirement by one year and establishing exemptions for low-income property owners and for properties where electrical or space constraints make the transition especially difficult.

The Air District published the draft amendments on July 14, 2026, a rule proposal package on October 2, 2026, and accepted public comment through the fall.

The amendments establish exemption categories:

  • Low-income property owners, defined as those earning less than 80 percent of Area Median Income and including participants in programs such as Medi-Cal or CalFresh; or households paying more than 28 percent of their income toward their mortgage and property taxes.
  • Space-constrained properties without enough room or ventilation to install a compliant unit.
  • Properties with electrical limitations, such as panels below 100 amps, insufficient panel capacity or a need to run electrical lines more than 50 feet.

The adopted amendments also include allowances for temporary installations for emergency situations and a further delayed compliance date to January 1, 2033, for water heaters installed in multifamily buildings and deed restricted affordable housing as well as certain product categories such as hydronic units, specialized high heat uses, and large water heaters. Water heaters with capacity of 30 gallons or less and mobile home water heaters are not required to comply with the zero-NOx standard.

Rule 9-6 has been in place since 1992, limiting emissions of nitrogen oxides, or NOx, from natural gas-fired water heaters. The Air District amended the rule in 2023 to set a zero-NOx standard. NOx contributes to smog and fine particulate matter, and Air District analysis found that pollution from gas-fired water heaters and furnaces cause as many as 85 premature deaths and 15,000 asthma attacks in the Bay Area each year.

Property owners can find guidance on the compliance timeline, the exemption categories and available rebates on the Air District’s Building Appliances web page.

The Bay Area Air District is the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality in the nine-county Bay Area. Connect with the Air District via X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

CAL FIRE expands night operations capability statewide with specialized training Nov. 4-6

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CAL FIRE crewmembers participate in classroom training on Night Vision Goggles (NVG) and nocturnal flight safety at the CAL FIRE Aviation Training Center. Classroom instruction on night vision technology, spatial awareness, and crew coordination precedes simulator exercises and night flights during the weeklong joint training program (Left). CAL FIRE Helitack crewmembers walk toward a CAL FIRE HAWK (S-70i) helicopter on the tarmac as the sun sets. The training week marks a major milestone for CAL FIRE’s Aviation Program as it completes night operations capability across all 11 of its Helitack bases statewide. (Right) Photos courtesy of CAL FIRE Aviation

Expect helicopter activity around Rio Vista

By Linnea Edmeier, Aviation Communications Officer II, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

Sacramento, CA — CAL FIRE’s Aviation Program reaches a milestone as it conducts night operations training this week for crewmembers from three helitack bases—Kneeland and Bieber Helitack from Northern California, and San Diego Helitack from Southern California.

This training officially expands night firefighting capabilities to all 11 CAL FIRE Helitack crews statewide. Standardizing night operations across every base ensures that crews can seamlessly integrate during nighttime assignments anywhere in the state.

Context & Milestones

  • 2020: CAL FIRE introduced the CAL FIRE HAWK (S-70i) into its aerial fleet, laying the groundwork for advanced night-vision operations.
  • 2025: Virtual Reality Air Rescue Hoist Simulator introduced at the CAL FIRE Aviation Training Center (CATC). By year’s end, six simulators were operational: OV-10, S2T Airtanker, C130H Airtanker, S70i Helicopter, S70i Helicopter (NVG compatible), Hoist Air Rescue.
  • May 2026: CAL FIRE achieved two major milestones—the addition of its 11th Helitack base, thereby completing a full Helitack transition from the UH-1H Huey to the CAL FIRE HAWK.
  • November 2026: Night operations capability achieved across all 11 bases.

Importance of Night Operations Training

Nighttime operations are demanding and require advanced training that begins with classroom instruction on night vision, its limitations and crew coordination, followed by flight simulator exercises and nighttime flight training. While simulator hours reduce equipment wear and reduce operational risk, simulated environments cannot fully replicate the sensory inputs, spatial cues, and lighting of live nocturnal flight.

During night exercises, crews gain experience using Night Vision Goggles (NVG) for water drops and low-light navigation while building the coordination needed to operate safely and effectively after dark.

Community and Safety Notice

All training flights are conducted in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and CAL FIRE safety protocols.

Residents in and around the McClellan and San Diego training areas can expect helicopter activity during evening hours, concluding by 11:00 PM, Wednesday, November 4 – Friday, November 6. Training areas near McClellan include Mammoth Bar and Folsom Lake along with regional airports including Placerville, Georgetown, Grass Valley, and Rio Vista.

Areas in and around Ramona Airport in Southern California, including San Vicente, El Capitan, Henshaw, and Sutherland Reservoirs will experience helicopter activity.

We prioritize safety and are committed to minimizing local disruptions. CAL FIRE appreciates the community’s support as we prepare our Helitack crews for night operations.

Learn more at CAL FIRE Aviation Program.

Bay Point drug trafficker sentenced to six years in prison

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By William Elwood, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Attorney Northern District of California

OAKLAND – Carson Fries was sentenced today to 72 months in federal prison for drug trafficking.  U.S. District Judge Haywood S. Gilliam, Jr. handed down the sentence.

Fries, 34, of Bay Point, California, was charged by Criminal Complaint on September 22, 2025, and charged by Information on May 12, 2026.  Fries pleaded guilty on July 29, 2026, to Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)(viii)).  Fries was a significant drug supplier in Contra Costa County.  According to the plea agreement, Fries admitted to selling large quantities of meth on at least three instances between August 29, 2025, and September 9, 2025, in Bay Point.  On August 29, 2025, he sold approximately 478 gross grams of methamphetamine.  On September 3, 2025, Fries sold approximately 518 gross grams of methamphetamine.  And on September 9, 2025, Fries sold approximately 506 gross grams of methamphetamine.  Additionally, 160 grams of methamphetamine and 33 firearms and a stockpile of ammunition were found at Fries’ residence during a search conducted pursuant to a search warrant.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris made the announcement.  In addition to the prison term, Judge Gilliam also sentenced the defendant to four years of supervised release.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ivana Djak is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Jessie Chelsea and Amala James.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DEA and the Concord Police Department.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 200-pound Fries is White and was previously arrested Jan. 11, 2014 by CHP – Contra Costa for evading a police officer.

Further Information:

Case No. 26-CR-231

Electronic court filings and further procedural and docket information are available at https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. Judges’ calendars with schedules for upcoming court hearings can be viewed on the court’s website at www.cand.uscourts.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Martinez parents push city council to restore Alhambra Ave. bike lane before Wednesday vote

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Source: Walk ‘N Roll John Muir Elementary

By Walk ‘n Roll John Muir Elementary

MARTINEZ, Calif. — A group of John Muir Elementary families is calling on the Martinez City Council to reverse a decision that quietly downgraded a planned bike lane on Alhambra Avenue to a painted “sharrow” during recent repaving — a change parents say was made without public notice and contradicts the city’s own Safe Routes to School plan.

The issue comes before the City Council at its Wednesday, November 4 meeting, 7:00 PM, at Martinez City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street.

Alhambra Avenue was slated for a protected bike lane as part of a repaving project earlier this year. Instead, the city installed a sharrow — a shared-lane marking with no physical separation from traffic — a change advocates say was never brought to the community for input and leaves families with no safe way to bike or walk to John Muir Elementary

“We were told this street would have a real bike lane, and instead we got paint,” said Tom Gray, Co-Coordinator of Walk ‘n Roll at John Muir Elementary. “Every Friday, our kids walk and bike to school together because we want them to grow up knowing their neighborhood is safe to move through on their own. A sharrow on a street like Alhambra doesn’t protect anyone — it just puts the responsibility on an 8-year-old to not get hit by a car. Martinez has a Safe Routes to School plan on paper. Wednesday night, the Council gets to decide whether that plan means anything.”

Walk ‘n Roll JME, a parent-led group that organizes weekly walk-and-bike-to-school events at John Muir Elementary, is asking Martinez residents to attend Wednesday’s hearing or submit written comment to the mayor and city manager before the vote. The group has set up a simple online tool for residents to do either in under two minutes, at https://www.google.com/url?q=http://walknroll-action.delicate-flower-76f8.workers.dev&source=gmail&ust=1793681589718000&sa=E.

See meeting agenda Item 13.

About Walk ‘N Roll JME

Walk ‘n Roll is a parent-run program at John Muir Elementary in Martinez, CA that organizes weekly Friday walk-and-bike-to-school events and advocates for safer streets around the school. Follow the campaign at @walknrolljme on Instagram.

Six Contra Costa County schools among California’s best in 2027 U.S. News Rankings

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By Marcus Walton, Director, Communications & Special Projects, Contra Costa County Office of Education

PLEASANT HILL, Calif.— According to U.S. News & World Report, six Contra Costa County elementary and middle schools are among the top-ranked schools in California in its 2027 Best K-8 Schools rankings.

Wagner Ranch Elementary School in the Orinda Union School District (OUSD) ranked No. 36 among California elementary schools, followed by Happy Valley Elementary School in the Lafayette School District (LAFSD) at No. 37. Creekside Elementary School in San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) ranked No. 85 and Lafayette Elementary School in LAFSD ranked No. 92. Orinda Intermediate School in OUSD ranked No. 46 and Windemere Ranch Middle School in the SRVUSD ranked No. 61 among California middle schools.

“Congratulations to these school communities on this prestigious distinction.” Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “The rankings reflect the dedication of educators, administrators, staff, families, and community members who work together to create environments where students can learn and thrive academically. These schools are examples of what can be achieved when scholars are surrounded by strong resources, engaged families, and supportive communities.”

For the 2027 rankings, U.S. News & World Report analyzed more than 107,223 pre-K, elementary, and middle schools. 46,713 elementary schools and 24,756 middle schools across the country were evaluated as part of its 2027 Best K-8 Schools rankings.

The rankings were based on publicly available standardized test data from state education agencies and the U.S. Department of Education. Schools were evaluated on average student proficiency in reading/language arts and math. While considering the proficiency and performance in each subject, the report also accounts for socioeconomic context when interpreting test results. The methodology webpage of the report states, “The top-ranked schools are all high-achieving and have succeeded at educating all their students.”

Contra Costa County Schools in the Top 100 of the 2027 U.S. News Best K-8 Rankings

Elementary School Rankings

  • No. 36: Wagner Ranch Elementary School — Orinda Union School District
  • No. 37: Happy Valley Elementary School — Lafayette School District
  • No. 85: Creekside Elementary School – San Ramon Valley Unified School District
  • No. 92: Lafayette Elementary School – Lafayette School District

Middle School Rankings

  • No. 46: Orinda Intermediate School — Orinda Union School District
  • No. 61: Windemere Ranch Middle School – San Ramon Valley Unified School District

According to U.S. News & World Report, the top-ranked schools achieve strong academic results while effectively serving students across socioeconomic groups.

About Contra Costa County Office of Education

One of 58 counties in California, Contra Costa County has the 11th largest public-school student population in the state (approximately 169,225 students). Officially established in 1932, CCCOE has a long history of providing direct services to some of the county’s most vulnerable students, including young people who are incarcerated, homeless, or in foster care, as well as students who have severe physical or emotional challenges.

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

Another Dublin Federal Correction Institution officer pleads guilty to sexually abusing female inmates

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Sign at the former FCI Dublin women’s prison. Photo courtesy of Jesstess87.

10th at now closed FCI Dublin to plead guilty or be convicted to date

By William Elwood, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of California

OAKLAND – Former Bureau of Prisons (BOP) correctional officer David Perez pleaded guilty Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, to sexually abusing two female inmates at the Federal Correction Institution (FCI) in Dublin, Calif., a low- and minimum-security federal prison for females.  Perez also admitted to making false statements to federal investigators.

Perez was charged by Information on September 16, 2026.  He is the tenth correctional officer to have either pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial as part of an ongoing federal investigation into sexual abuse of inmates at FCI Dublin.

According to the plea agreement, Perez was employed at BOP from September 1994 to August 2019.  From approximately October 2014 until August 2019, Perez served as a Discipline Hearing Officer (DHO) at FCI Dublin.  In that role, he was responsible for adjudicating disciplinary actions against inmates who allegedly engaged in misconduct while in prison and issuing punishment if he found them guilty.

Between 2014 and 2015, Perez served as the DHO for four disciplinary hearings for a female inmate.  Each time, he found her guilty and assessed various sanctions, which sometimes included time in the Special Housing Unit (SHU) and loss of good time. Between August 2015 and September 2016, Perez repeatedly met with that inmate alone in a room in the Captain’s Complex.  During several of those meetings, Perez kissed the inmate and touched her breasts over and under her clothing.

In July 2016, Perez served as the DHO for another female inmate.  He found her guilty and sentenced her to a little over two weeks in the SHU, among other things.  After her release from the SHU, Perez began calling her to meet with him alone in the Captain’s Complex.  During those meetings, Perez complimented her looks, asked her to show him her breasts, and on one occasion told her that he had the power to add or subtract time from her sentence.  On two occasions when he was alone with this inmate, Perez kissed her and grabbed her breasts and buttocks.  On another occasion, Perez digitally penetrated the inmate’s vulva.

On October 8, 2024, Perez spoke with special agents with the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  During that interview, Perez falsely stated that the only time he had ever touched any female inmate was when he escorted them to and from discipline hearings.

Perez was released on bond.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 25, 2027, before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers.

Perez faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for the count of sexual abuse of a ward in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2243(b), two years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of abusive sexual contact in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2244(a)(4), and eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the count of false statements to a government agency in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2).  Any sentence will be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

Scandal Investigation Leads to Prison’s Closure

The investigation of the sexual misconduct scandal led to the facility’s closure.

According to a website about federal women’s prisons, the facility has been “closed since April 2024. It no longer houses anyone and is not a current federal designation.” It was a “low-security women’s FCI with an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp.”

“In January 2024, a 60 Minutes report and FBI activity at the prison brought a new wave of scrutiny. In a class-action lawsuit brought by women held at Dublin, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers moved in March 2024 to appoint a special master to oversee conditions at the prison. Legal advocates described it as the first time a special master had been ordered over a federal prison. Within weeks, on April 15, 2024, the Bureau of Prisons announced it was closing FCI Dublin.”

FCI Dublin Investigation

As part of the Department of Justice’s ongoing investigation into FCI Dublin, 11 FCI Dublin correctional officers have been charged with crimes related to the sexual abuse of the female prisoners at the facility.  The status of these cases is below:

Defendant Case Number Status
Warden Ray J. Garcia 4:21-cr-00429-YGR Convicted on all counts by jury on Dec. 8, 2022; sentenced to 70 months in prison
CO John Bellhouse 4:22-cr-00066-YGR Convicted on all counts by jury on Jun. 5, 2023; sentenced to 63 months in prison
CO Darrell Smith (a/k/a “Dirty Dick Smith”) 4:23-cr-00110-YGR Indicted on Apr. 13, 2023; charges dismissed on Dec. 22, 2025, following two hung juries
Chaplain James Highhouse 4:22-cr-00016-HSG Pleaded guilty on Feb. 24, 2022; sentenced to 84 months in prison
CO Ross Klinger 4:22-cr-00031-YGR Pleaded guilty on Feb. 10, 2022; sentenced to one year of home confinement
CO Enrique Chavez 4:22-cr-00104-YGR Pleaded guilty on Oct. 27, 2022; sentenced to 20 months in prison
CO Andrew Jones 4:23-cr-00212-YGR Pleaded guilty on Aug.17, 2023; sentenced to 96 months in prison
CO Nakie Nunley 4:23-cr-00213-YGR Pleaded guilty on Sept. 5, 2023; sentenced to 72 months in prison
CO Jeffrey Wilson 4:25-cr-00180-YGR Pleaded guilty on Aug. 7, 2025; sentenced to 52 months in prison
CO Lawrence Gacad 4:25-cr-00181-YGR Pleaded guilty on Aug. 7, 2025; sentenced to one year of home confinement
DHO David Perez 4:26-cr-00464-YGR Pleaded guilty on Oct. 28, 2026; sentencing scheduled for March 25, 2027

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Paulson, Sailaja Paidipaty, and Molly Priedeman are prosecuting these cases with the assistance of Amala James, Analisse Iniguez, and Aryan Sawant.  The prosecutions are the result of an investigation by the DOJ OIG and the FBI.

Case No. 4:26-CR-00464-YGR

Electronic court filings and further procedural and docket information are available at https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.