Contra Costa Herald

Mustangs’ catcher Chris Olson congratulates pitcher Kyoungseo Min in the come from behind win with a 7-4 victory over the West Vikings in the opening game of the 3C2A Baseball Playoffs at the Skyline Regional in San Bruno, CA on Friday, May 1, 2026. Photo: Professor B Media

By Professor B Media

San Bruno, CA —The Los Medanos Mustangs won with a come-from-behind thriller in the opener of the 2026 California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) playoffs at the Skyline Regional, Friday afternoon, May 1, 2026, on the campus of Skyline Community College, with a 7-4 win over the West Valley College Vikings from the Coast South Conference.

The Vikings led 4-1 through the first four innings before chipping away at the Vikings’  lead when by scoring a run in the 6th inning to slice the Vikings lead to 4-2 the outfielder Carlos Garcia hit a game-tying two run homer to tie the game at 4-4 then the Mustangs scored three more times to make the final 7-4 as the Mustangs overcame a 4-1 deficit to score six unanswered runs while Mustangs reliever Kyoungseo Min pitched 3 ⅔  no-hit scoreless innings giving up no runs, no hits, walked two with a strikeout to get the win in relief.

Leading the way for the Mustangs Carlos Garcia who went 2 for 5 with the big two-run homer to tie the game in the 7th inning while Nate Liddcoat went  2 for 2 at the plate with a pair of runs scored while third baseman Antonio Moriera went 1 for 4 at the plate with a pair of runs scored and Zack Madrigal went 1 for 3 at the plate scoring a pair of runs and a RBI.

Source: 3C2A

With the win Mustangs improves their record to (27-13) while West Valley falls to (27-13-1) as the Mustangs have now won 11 of their last 13 games. (See game details and game video)

The Mustangs (1-0) will now advance into the winner’s bracket as they will face either West  or Skyline from the loser’s bracket in game 3 of the Skyline Regional as the Vikings (28-13-1) upset the top-seeded host Skyline (30-12) Trojans 22-7 meaning the Mustangs are trying to remain in the winners bracket in game four Saturday afternoon as the Mustangs are now only one win away from to earn a berth and advance to the  Championship Final of the Skyline Regional.

For the latest of the 3C2A Baseball Championships please go to cccaasports.org/bsb/composite and for the latest on Mustangs Athletic please go to losmedanos.edu/baseball

Pictured left to right: Dr. Rob Nordgren; Genea Wilson; Dr. Derek Johnson; Claire Alaura, Deputy Chief of Staff of Contra Costa from County Supervisor Diane Burgis’ office; and Dr. Arzou Ahsan as they prepare to cut the ribbon on the expansion at the Brentwood Care Center. Photos: Sutter Health

By Pooja Nerkar

An important milestone for Sutter East Bay Medical Group and Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation was marked on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, by the opening of Suite 100 at Sutter’s Brentwood Care Center, expanding access to primary care for patients across the East Bay.

The expanded care center brings pediatrics, family medicine and internal medicine together in one location, increasing access to coordinated care close to home. Since opening, the clinic has welcomed more than 900 patients, reflecting strong community demand.

“Today is about growth, but more importantly, it’s about access,” said Genea Wilson, CEO of Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “It reflects our ongoing commitment to bring high-quality, comprehensive care closer to the communities we serve.”

Pictured left to right: Dr. Richard Singer; Claire Alaura; Genea Wilson; Dr. Susan Adham; and Sandra Zarich, N.P. with the Certificate of Recognition from the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.

Primary Care as the Foundation of Health

The expanded care center supports patients through prevention, early intervention and long-term care.

“Primary care is where health journeys begin,” said Dr. Rob Nordgren, chief medical officer for Sutter’s Greater San Francisco and East Bay Division. “It’s where families build long-term relationships, where preventive care happens and where chronic conditions are managed.”

Members of the Sutter East Bay Medical Group Primary Care department celebrate the new facility’s ribbon cutting on April 29, 2026.

Meeting growing demand with expanded access

As one of the fastest-growing cities in the Bay Area, the City of Brentwood continues to see rising demand for care. This expansion reflects long-term planning to ensure access keeps pace with community needs.

“This ribbon cutting reflects our long-term commitment to expanding access to care in the East Bay,” said Dr. Arzou Ahsan, president and CEO of Sutter East Bay Medical Group. “It represents thoughtful growth that follows community need and brings care closer to where people live.”

Expanded space and additional clinicians allow Brentwood Care Center to better serve a growing population. Many of the clinic’s original clinicians have remained with the clinic, supporting continuity of care and long-standing relationships with patients as the team has grown.

“With the addition of 11 new exam rooms, we’ve been able to expand services across primary care as well as OB/GYN, surgery, gastroenterology, cardiology and podiatry at the clinic,” said Dr. Derek Johnson, a family medicine physician who has practiced at the clinic since it opened in 2005. “The added space has increased OB/GYN presence on site and brought additional physicians to Brentwood who previously practiced only in Antioch, improving convenience for our patients.”

The clinic now includes 13 clinicians across family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics, serving patients in Brentwood, Discovery Bay, Oakley and surrounding communities. Growth in Antioch, now home to nine clinicians across the same specialties, further strengthens a connected East Bay primary care network.

Pictured left to right: Britney Gomes, Michelle Aragon, Dr. Brenda Chuksorji, Dr. Hardeep Saini, Sutter Health mascot River, Sandra Zarich, N.P., Dr. Jessica Tsai, Dr. Susan Adham, and Dr. Fatima Syed at the Brentwood farmer’s market.

A celebration rooted in the community

The care center’s impact extends beyond the clinic walls, with outreach and community engagement helping build trust and connect with patients.

On April 11, a few weeks before the ribbon cutting, primary care clinicians from the Brentwood and Antioch care centers hosted an outreach booth at the Brentwood farmers market, engaging with more than 350 community members.

“Having primary care in one place allows us to better support families at every stage of life,” said Dr. Susan Adham, a pediatrician with Sutter East Bay Medical Group. “This expansion means patients can access care closer to home from clinicians who are invested in the community’s long-term health.”

Wilson noted that additional growth is already underway across the East Bay, including investment in land at the Streets of Brentwood, as Sutter continues to expand services to meet future demand.

Committed second murder of man who paid his bail for the first murder

Fled to Mexico; multi-agency effort

Faces mandatory life without parole

By Solano County District Attorney’s Office

On April 21, 2026, in Department 23 of the Solano County Superior Court, before the Honorable John Ellis presiding, a Solano County jury found Defendant Richard Raymond Klein, age 55 of Martinez, guilty as charged: Two counts of First-Degree Murder in violation of Penal Code Section 187(a) and two counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The jury further found the following enhancements to be TRUE: Use of a Firearm Causing Death, Committing Murder While Out of Custody on Own Recognizance, and Multiple Murder Special Circumstance

The conviction followed a seven-week trial that detailed a 2022 killing and a subsequent fatal shooting tied to a key witness who paid for Klein’s bail following his first murder arrest.

In early 2022, Defendant was engaged in an ongoing dispute with Anthony Raymond Fuimaono (“Manny”) over the theft of narcotics. On April 21, 2022, Anthony Siu Fuimaono, Manny’s father, was together with friends playing dice outside a home in Fairfield when Defendant Klein showed up there. An argument ensued and suddenly Defendant Klein pulled out a gun and shot and killed Anthony Siu Fuimaono who was unarmed. After committing the murder, Defendant Klein fled to Tracy, California. There, he stayed with a friend and associate, Matthew Muller (“Mr. Muller”), and had him discard his .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun that was used in the murder.

On May 5, 2022, Defendant Klein was arrested for the murder of Anthony Siu Fuimaono. In July 2022, Defendant Klein learned that Mr. Muller was talking to mutual associates about still being in possession of the murder weapon that killed Anthony Siu Fuimaono, and heard that he was scheming to steal property from his garage. While in custody, Klein conspired with two associates during recorded jail calls to set Mr. Muller’s home in Suisun City on fire. On July 18, 2022, Mr. Muller’s home burnt down and Klein’s associates were convicted at trial.

On October 28, 2022, at the conclusion of a preliminary hearing, Defendant Klein was held to answer for the murder of Anthony Siu Fuimaono. He was scheduled to return to court for a Bail Hearing and Arraignment on the information on November 14, 2022. On November 9, 2022, Defendant Klein spoke to Mr. Muller. In that recorded jail call, Mr. Muller offered to pay Mr. Klein’s $450,000 bail money with the assurance that Mr. Klein would not come after him if released. On November 14, 2022, the Court released Defendant Klein from custody on pre-trial services over the People’s strenuous objection. At the prosecutor’s request, Defendant was required to wear a GPS ankle monitor.

On December 15, 2022, Defendant Klein and an associate drove to Mr. Muller’s new home in Suisun City, CA. Defendant parked his car and got out with a firearm and confronted Mr. Muller, who was sitting in the driver’s seat of a car parked in front of his house. A gunfight ensued and Klein shot and fatally wounded Mr. Muller. Klein cut off his ankle monitor and fled to Rosarita, Mexico.

Due to the diligent response of local, state, and federal law enforcement, Defendant Klein was apprehended in Mexico on January 7, 2023. Defendant was brought back to Solano County where he faced additional charges for the murder of Matthew Muller.

During the seven-week jury trial, Deputy District Attorney Barry Shapiro called over 40 witnesses to the stand to testify. He put on several key pieces of evidence including DNA, ballistics, GPS, surveillance recordings and recorded jail conversations. After hearing voluminous testimony, the jury deliberated and found Defendant Klein Guilty. The defendant is scheduled to return to court on June 26, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Department 23, for Judgment and Sentencing. Defendant faces a mandatory sentence of Life Without the Possibility of Parole.

Deputy District Attorney Barry Shapiro prosecuted the case, with the assistance of District Attorney Investigator Jason Thompson, Supervising Victim Advocate Jeff Lelea, and Clerical Supervisor Carlos Noriega.

Our office would like to extend our appreciation and say thank you to our law enforcement partners, specifically, Fairfield Police Department, Suisun Police Department, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Justice, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, Solano County Major Crimes Task Force and the U.S. Marshall’s Office, for their hard work and vigilance in this case. This was a multi-jurisdictional investigation that led to the apprehension, arrest, prosecution, and conviction of Defendant Richard Klein.

According to localcrimenews.com, the 280-pound Klein was also arrested in 2020 by Contra Costa CHP for an illegal speed contest. According to the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, he was born on March 20, 1971.

Case: People v. Richard Klein, F23-00728

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Source: Newsweek

13 Northern California hospitals named by Newsweek magazine as “America’s Best Maternity Hospitals”

By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Representative, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, Calif. – With a commitment to providing safe, high-quality maternity care to parents and newborns, 13 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are being recognized by Newsweek magazine as among the best in the nation.

According to Newsweek’s list of “America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2026,” Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals met rigorous standards for maternity care, such as low rates of elective early deliveries and adherence to important safety protocols to protect new parents and their babies.

The 13 hospitals to receive the prestigious honor include: Antioch, Fresno, Oakland, Redwood City, Roseville, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, South Sacramento, Vacaville and Walnut Creek.

This is the seventh year Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals have been recognized by Newsweek.

“Our hospitals are consistently recognized as among the top in the nation for the high-quality maternity care we provide and the personalized support we provide to our new families,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our clinical teams provide these new families with a seamless experience throughout every stage of their journey from prenatal to postpartum care.”

Kaiser Permanente delivers exceptional care

The national designation was awarded to only 460 hospitals in the United States with 65 of those in California. Kaiser Permanente has a total of 29 hospitals that received the elite designation in California, or about 45% of hospitals recognized in the state.

Newsweek and Statista, one of the world’s leading statistics portals and industry-ranking provider, partnered on this prestigious list, given that maternity care provided from pregnancy through birth and into postpartum is key to the long-term health of newborns and their mothers.

“Our physicians, midwives, nurses, and teams are proud to be recognized for providing comprehensive, patient-centered maternity care,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Kaiser Permanente patients in Northern California are 20% less likely to require a cesarean section than those receiving care elsewhere in the state — a reflection of our use of evidence-based practices and our commitment to honoring each family’s needs and preferences.”

Last year, nearly 40,000 babies were delivered in Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals.

A focus on comprehensive maternity care

Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s comprehensive maternity care focuses on safe, high-quality care from prenatal to postpartum, including midwife services, prenatal classes, and support for breastfeeding and mental health.

Members are encouraged to focus on their health even before pregnancy. If a pregnant patient has a high-risk pregnancy or a chronic condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, we tailor their care – including providing remote monitoring tools – to reduce risks, helping to keep mom and baby safe.

At Kaiser Permanente Northern California, we also partner with new parents to ensure they have the birthing experience they desire through a coordinated birthing plan that addresses everything from their delivery preferences to whether they want to breastfeed.

Support for mental and emotional health is another key component of maternity care at Kaiser Permanente. Regular screenings for prenatal and postpartum depression are part of every care plan, so we can connect those who are struggling with the care and support they need.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.6 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

Hosted by Contra Costa County Bar Association & League of Women Voters of the Diablo Valley

Meet Judge Jesse Hsieh and Stanislaus County Deputy District Attorney Valery Polyakov 

By Jody Iorns, Executive Director, Contra Costa County Bar Association

PLEASANT HILL, CA — The Contra Costa County Bar Association (CCCBA) and the League of Women Voters of the Diablo Valley are pleased to invite the public to a free Judicial Candidate Forum on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Performing Arts Center at Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill.

The forum will feature the two candidates vying for Position Q on the Contra Costa County Superior Court: Judge Jesse Hsieh (jesseforjudge2026.com) and Valery Polyakov, a Deputy District Attorney in Stanislaus County (polyakov4judge.com). This forum is an important opportunity for community members to hear directly from both candidates on their qualifications, judicial philosophy, and vision for the court.

Why This Forum Matters: A Rare Opportunity for Voters

Contested judicial elections are exceptionally rare in California. Under state law, incumbent judges who face no opposition do not appear on the ballot at all — meaning most voters never have the chance to weigh in on who sits on their local bench. When a judicial seat is contested, as it is here, it represents a unique and significant moment in our democracy. The June 2026 primary will give Contra Costa County voters a direct voice in who fills Position Q on their Superior Court — a responsibility that deserves informed participation. This forum is one of the only public opportunities to hear both candidates speak before Election Day.

The event is open to all members of the public. Admission is free. While walk-ins are welcome, early registration is encouraged to help with planning. Members of the public are invited to reserve their seats online at:

Register Here — CCCBA Event Page

About the Hosts

The Contra Costa County Bar Association (CCCBA) empowers its attorney members to deliver outstanding legal service while connecting members of the public to valuable legal resources and assistance.

The League of Women Voters of the Diablo Valley is a nonpartisan, civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Source: Karumbi for Auditor-Controller campaign

The dedicated public servant and CPA with an MBA offers 14 years of experienced financial leadership, integrity

By Allen D. Payton

For more than 14 years, Peter Karumbi has proudly served the people of Contra Costa County through his work in the Auditor‑Controller’s Office. His career began as an entry‑level Accountant I, and through hard work, integrity and a deep commitment to public service, Karumbi advanced to his current role as Assistant Auditor‑Controller.

With current Auditor-Controller Joanne Bohren not running for election after being appointed to the position last year, Karumbi is seeking the position with her support.

He is committed to:

• Protecting the fiscal integrity of the County’s financial records;
• Ensuring compliance with the California Constitution, state codes and Board of Supervisors directives;
• Providing accurate, timely financial information to the public and county partners; and
• Supporting county departments, employees, special districts and regional agencies with professionalism and respect.

Karumbi is also endorsed by retired Contra Costa County Auditor-Controller Robert Campbell, Retired Assistant County Auditor-Controller Harjit Nahal and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma.

His journey reflects not only professional growth but also a genuine dedication to strengthening the financial foundation of our county.

“I understand the responsibility that comes with managing public resources, and I have devoted my career to ensuring accuracy, transparency and accountability in county financial operations,” Karumbi said.  “I understand the responsibilities of this office because I’ve spent my career performing them.”

He also has experience in the private sector having worked for four-and-a-half years in Accounts Payable for Ross Stores, Inc. in Pleasanton.

Karumbi earned the designation of Certified Public Accountant in 2015 and earned a Master’s of Business Administration in 2013 from Cal State East Bay’s School of Business & Economics.

The first-time candidate for public office is married to Margaret Ng’ang’a and they have four daughters.

For more information about Karumbi and his campaign visit his LinkedIn profile and his website at karumbiforauditor.com. The election is Tuesday, June 2nd.

Note: Herald publisher Allen Payton is a paid consultant for the Karumbi campaign.

Emilio Alberto Esperanza-Pacheco receives 120 years to life, plus life without possibility of parole

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – A Contra Costa County judge has sentenced a former Richmond pastor — convicted on multiple counts of child sexual assault — to 120 years to life, plus an additional term of life without the possibility of parole.

As previously reported, on February 4, 2026, a Contra Costa County jury convicted former Richmond pastor Emilio Alberto Esperanza-Pacheco on five counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child under the age of 14 and 10 counts of forcible lewd acts upon a child. The jury also found that Esperanza-Pacheco committed a forcible lewd act upon a child during the commission of a first-degree residential burglary. The offenses occurred between June 1, 2023, and October 14, 2023.

At the time of the crimes, Esperanza-Pacheco was employed as a pastor at God’s Lighthouse of Truth Church in Richmond, where the victim and her family were members and had developed a friendship with him. Evidence presented at trial showed that Esperanza-Pacheco exploited his position within the church and his relationship with the family to prevent the victim from disclosing the abuse. The victim ultimately found the courage to tell her parents, leading to Esperanza-Pacheco’s arrest by Richmond Police on October 14, 2023. He remained in custody throughout the duration of the criminal proceedings.

Judge Danielle Douglas’s sentence on Friday, April 24, 2026, was driven by two sets of aggravating circumstances. The first was when Esperanza-Pacheco broke into the victim’s home with the intent to commit sexual assault. Under California law, a forcible sex crime committed against a child under 14 during a first-degree burglary carries a penalty of life without the possibility of parole. The second set involved three additional factors. First, the victim was particularly vulnerable. Second, Esperanza-Pacheco took advantage of his position of trust as a pastor and trusted family friend to gain access to the victim and carry out the abuse. Third, the defendant engaged in violent conduct indicating a serious danger to society.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “It is our hope that the victim and her family find some measure of peace and closure. The bravery the young victim showed by speaking up has led to an outcome where an abuser who exploited his position of trust will not have the opportunity to harm another child again.”

According to faithstreet.com, “God’s Lighthouse of Truth Church is a Nondenominational church in Richmond, CA featuring contemporary and traditional hymns worship and with children’s ministry and community service.” It is located at 3725 Macdonald Avenue in Richmond. No website or social media account could be found for the church from an internet search.

Case No. 02-23-01604 | The People of the State of California v. Emilio Alberto Esperanza-Pacheco

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Examples of multifamily housing located within the Study Area include the Argent (left) and Galindo Terrace (right) projects currently under construction. Renderings source: City of Concord

Rezoned 10 parcels for five development sites

By Colleen Awad, City of Concord Community Relations Manager

Concord, CA – On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the Concord City Council approved the City’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Program, a key initiative designed to expand equitable housing opportunities and support Concord’s long-term housing strategy.

The AFFH Program fulfills requirements under California state law, which directs jurisdictions to proactively plan for a diverse range of housing opportunities, particularly in higher-resource areas with strong access to employment, education, transit, and community services. Implementation of the program was identified as a commitment in the City’s state-certified 2023–2031 Housing Element.

In Concord, the AFFH program is being implemented through an overlay zoning approach, allowing up to 60 dwelling units per acre on approximately 20 acres of land. The overlay zoning district allows higher-density residential uses in addition to the uses already permitted. This approach enables residential development consistent with the AFFH Program while preserving the underlying zoning regulations and currently permitted uses.

As part of the approval, the City Council amended the Concord Municipal Code to apply the AFFH Overlay Zoning District to five sites that include 10 parcels: the former Kmart property; Clayton Faire near Centre Concord, along Clayton Road; Palm Lake Apartments at 780 Oak Grove Road; 5390 Myrtle Drive; and 1539 Kirker Pass Road. In total, the program allows for the potential development of up to 1,000 new housing units across these five sites.

“The AFFH Program represents an important milestone in Concord’s efforts to expand housing opportunities throughout the community,” said Mayor Nakamura. “This program, shaped through robust public engagement, supports the City’s commitment to fair and equitable housing while maintaining flexibility for property owners and ensuring thoughtful growth in areas with strong access to jobs, transportation, and services.”

For more Existing Multifamily Housing Examples located within the Study Area click, here.

For more information about the AFFH Program, please visit www.cityofconcord.org/AFFH.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Ygnacio Center is the location for the proposed Hall Equities Group’s Walnut Creek Senior Housing Transit Village with mixed-use retail project. Map source: Ygnacio Center CBRE Properties.

Initiative would update zoning to permit delivery of over 200 units and mixed-use retail

Learn more during community meeting 27th

By Adam Alberti, Singer Media

Walnut Creek, CA – Hall Equities Group, a Walnut Creek-based real estate investment company, today announced they’ve launched a signature gathering effort to qualify an initiative for the November 2026 ballot to allow for development of much needed senior housing and community-serving retail to Downtown Walnut Creek.

The Walnut Creek Senior Housing Transit Village Initiative aims to update zoning in Downtown Walnut Creek to facilitate delivery of over 200 units of senior housing and mixed-use retail to a 2.4-acre site located at the northeast corner of North California Boulevard and Ygnacio Valley Road, across the street from the Walnut Creek BART station.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to help address the clear and growing need for senior housing in Walnut Creek,” said Mark Hall, Chairman of the Hall Equities Group Board. “This initiative reflects our community’s evolving needs by giving seniors the option to remain close to friends, family, healthcare and cultural opportunities, while creating an accessible mixed-use center that serves both seniors and the broader Walnut Creek community.”

The initiative prioritizes high-quality senior housing near BART, enabling residents to easily access regional destinations, connect to the Downtown Trolley system and walk to shopping, dining, entertainment and everyday services. By concentrating housing near public transit, the proposal supports mobility, independence, health and wellness for seniors while reducing vehicle traffic.

The initiative also paves the way for a vibrant, mixed-use center that supports community-serving shopping, dining, entertainment and other convenient services. The center will serve senior residents, downtown visitors, nearby businesses and future development proposed by the city, adding valuable evening and weekend activity that strengthens the local economy.

The Walnut Creek Senior Housing Transit Village aligns with the city’s goals to create a range of housing opportunities for seniors, mixed-use development, healthy community design and growth near transit, all while supporting a diverse downtown economy.

Signature gathering is now underway to place the initiative on the November 2026 ballot.

When asked for renderings of the project, Haley Murphy of Singer Associates, which is running the campaign responded, “The Proponents are still in the signature gathering process and developing plans for the site, so there are not yet renderings to share. The current 2.4-acre site is zoned for ‘office-only’, so the campaign committee is planning to go to the voters directly to establish a new zoning district called ‘Mixed Use – Residential Senior & Commercial,’ to allow for senior housing and retail to be built.”

She was also asked for the specific location and if it will be a conversion of existing space at the Ygnacio Center Office Complex which Hall Equities Group acquired last year or in an existing landscaped area on Northern California Blvd. Murphy shared that the location is the landscaped area “but also includes the office buildings on the corner.”

Asked why they chose the initiative process instead of submitting the project through the normal city approval process Murphy responded, “The initiative process allows us to ask the voters directly, which we are doing. The voters get to decide directly if they agree with the concept. If they do, we will prepare and submit a project application that will follow the normal City approval process for the site considering the base zoning.  We think this will be a more certain, efficient and quicker process.”

Community Meetings April 27

To learn more about the Walnut Creek Senior Housing Transit Village Initiative visit www.wcseniorhousing.com or attend a community meeting.

DATE: Monday, April 27, 2026

TIME: 10 AM–12 PM

LOCATION: Rossmoor – Hillside Clubhouse (Diablo Room) – Located at 3400 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek

The events are drop-in. Light bites and refreshments will be provided.

About Hall Equities Group

Hall Equities Group (HEG) is a private, full-service real estate investment, development, and property management company representing the interests of select private investors and company-sponsored group investment entities. Hall Equities Group is a portfolio company of Walnut Creek, California based entrepreneur, Mark D. Hall, who also owns and operates affiliated company’s including, ZMC Hotels, National SportsMall Realty and COPA Innovation Laboratories.

The company was founded by Hall’s father, former Walnut Creek City Councilman Merle Hall in 1962 as a real estate brokerage business. He then renamed it to Merle D. Hall Company in 1976 and refocused on investment brokerage and property management for private investors. Mark joined Merle in 1986 and purchased 50% of the company’s stock and assumed control of operations in 1992. In 1999 Mark acquired the remaining 50% ownership of the company and renamed it to Hall Equities Group.

Ad paid for by Friends of Walnut Creek Senior Housing; Ad committee’s top funder Hall Equities Group and Affiliated Entities

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Free poetry and art workshops for ages 12-18 at the Contra Costa County District 3 and 5 libraries in Antioch (Tues & Thurs), Brentwood (Wed) and Pittsburg (Mon). Professional artists help youth build personal/educational skills. Snacks & supplies included!

A creative and supportive artist team works with youth to develop skills for personal growth, team building, educational, and professional opportunities.

The Youth Arts Connection library workshops are funded in part by Measure X.

See schedule: https://artscontracosta.com/youth/

For more information email info@artsccc.com.

Partners include the Contra Costa County Library, Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services, and Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County.