Poor East Bay Air Quality Prompts School Closures

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The Mt. Diablo, Antioch, Martinez and Pittsburg unified school districts are joining others from Contra Costa County in closing Thursday because of poor air quality resulting from the North Bay wildfires. Antioch school officials wrote on their district's website that the "extreme poor air quality" in the area prompted the school closures.

"Many of our students walk or ride their bike to and from school and will be exposed to the poor air quality even if we were to remain open and shelter in place like we did today," district officials said.

The district asked parents to make plans in case schools have to be closed on Friday as well.

Mt. Diablo and Martinez school officials said they made similar decisions out of safety concerns for students and staff.

West Contra Costa Unified School District officials earlier today also said they will close schools on Thursday because of the poor air quality from the wildfires.

The Contra Costa Community College District has decided to close all of its colleges and educational centers Thursday due to poor air quality from wildfires burning in the North Bay. The district operates Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, as well as
educational centers in Brentwood and San Ramon.

The Pittsburg Unified School District announced it will close its schools Thursday, as many other districts in the area have chosen to do.

"The health of our students and staff are of utmost importance to us and we feel it is better to close schools. This is not a decision we made lightly," Pittsburg school district officials said in a statement, adding that air conditions will be monitored Thursday afternoon before a decision is made about a closure Friday.

By Bay City News Service

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