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Election 2012: School district Measure G

Voters in West County have a lot to think about this election when it comes to education. The West Contra Costa Unified School District is asking voters to approve a parcel tax extension. Read more about Measure G.

Opening day in capital murder case

Trial began Wednesday in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez for a 2009 double homicide at the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Nathaniel Burris is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend Deborah Ann Ross, and Ross’s friend Ersie Everette III on August 11, 2009. Senior Deputy District Attorney Harold Jewett has announced he will seek the death penalty for Burris. Before jurors were allowed in the courtroom, Burris, who is representing himself with the assistance of private attorney Larry Barnes, asked that Judge…

School Board Election 2012: Todd Groves

A longtime district volunteer, who brought WriterCoach Connection to El Cerrito High School and spearheaded the Middle School Math Initiative, Groves says he wants to take the classroom-level foundation he has built and apply it at the school board level.

Richmond’s war of the roses

“This one is called Laser,” said Flora Ninomiya, stroking the smooth petals of a small yellow rose she cultivates in a greenhouse along Brookside Avenue.

WhipOut brings gourmet sliders to Richmond

Last year, Rob John, who spent more than 20 years teaching first grade in Kensington, decided to leave teaching and try his hand at starting a small business. He loved food and enjoyed the fare he found at gourmet food trucks, so he raised money to buy an old courier truck (think UPS), found an outfitter in Hayward, and voila: the WhipOut food truck was born. “Richard Branson chose to build spaceships,” John said. “I wanted a food truck.” On…

School Board Election 2012: Randy Enos

Randy Enos, the son of a teacher, the father of a teacher, a 37-year-veteran of the classroom himself, is not much of what you’d call a politician. But the candidate for the West Contra Costa Unified School District board has retired from teaching, so maybe this is the next best thing.

Teachers at West County Adult Education program worry about more cuts

Maria Madrid sits at the back of a cluttered and worn classroom, in an annex building of St. Mark’s Parish on Harbour Way. In the back corner of the room a woman tries to keep a half dozen wiggly kids quiet and coloring so they won’t disturb the students. The brightly painted walls look faded, and there are holes in them that have yet to be repaired. A large crucifix is propped up in the left front corner. Madrid leans…

School Board Election 2012: Robert Studdiford

In eight years on the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee, seven on the Citizens’ Budget Oversight Committee, and years on PTAs and coaching soccer, Robert Studdiford taught himself how the West Contra Costa County Unified School District system works.