Three Alumni Vie for Seats on West Contra Costa School District

CONTRA COSTA TIMES -- Ten candidates are vying for three open seats on the West Contra Costa school board, including two incumbents seeking re-election and eight challengers. Elaine Merriwather Professional background: Educator; elected to school board 2010 Personal background: Richmond resident; district parent Education: B.A., San Francisco State University Mister Phillips Personal background: Richmond resident; married with two children Education: J.D., UC Hastings College of the Law; B.A., English Literature and Political Science with honors from San Francisco State; associate degree in English, social science and liberal arts, Solano Community College Ayana Kirkland Young Professional background: Attorney Personal background: Hercules resident; married with district children; grew up in Pinole and graduated from Pinole Valley High in 1994 Education: J.D., John F. Kennedy School of Law; B.A., Liberal Studies, San Francisco State