EL CERRITO -- Early election returns showed that Mayor Janet Abelson of El Cerrito is leading in the city council election, and challenger Sandi Potter running second ahead of Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Perka. Updated Nov. 8, 10:55 am

MARTINEZ -- Deputy District Attorney Robert J. Kochly is headed for a promotion. With nearly 90 percent of the vote counted Tuesday night, the longtime county prosecutor was comfortably ahead of opponent Mike Menesini by almost five percentage points. Updated Nov. 6, 2:30 pm

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY -- Incumbents captured the three open seats on the West Contra Costa School Board Tuesday. With virtually all precincts counted, Karen Leong Fenton, Glen Price and Charles Ramsey decisively led the pack of six candidates. Updated Nov. 6, 1:30 am