The 'A-' rating on West Contra Costa Unified School District, Calif.'s $95 million GO bonds reflects the district's: Above-average income levels and steady tax base growth, Continued stable financial performance and recovery from financial mismanagement in the early 1990s, and Manageable debt burden. Unlimited ad valorem property taxes secure the bonds. The district, which encompasses more than 100 square miles, is 15 miles northeast of San Francisco, Calif. in western Contra Costa County. The district serves an estimated 184,000 residents in El Cerrito, Calif., Hercules, Calif., Pinole, Calif., Richmond, Calif., and San Pablo, Calif.; the unincorporated communities of El Sobrante and Kensington; and certain other unincorporated areas. The county's income levels are above average. Median household effective buying income is
