West Contra Costa schools close at noon due to smoke, power outage

Power outages and poor air quality from wildfires have prompted the West Contra Costa Unified School District to shorten the school day Monday and dismiss students at noon.

District officials acknowledged the inconvenience and burden this will create for families and staff, but added that school personnel will remain on campus with students who cannot be picked up at noon.

All after-school programs, extracurricular activities and sporting events have been canceled.

District officials are monitoring air quality and will provide updates as necessary as the week continues.