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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Homicide under investigation
By Richmond Police Department
Richmond Police Department Detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at approximately 10:59 a.m. in the 2400 block of Aberdeen Way.
Officers responded to reports of shots being fired and located one person deceased at the scene. A second involved subject self-transported to a local trauma center.
The preliminary investigation indicates the two involved parties exchanged gunfire with each other. At this time, investigators do not believe there are any outstanding suspects, and there is no known ongoing threat to public safety.
Detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Richmond Police Department Investigations at (510) 620-6616.
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37-year-old Cedric Demarcus Kelly of Richmond has history of arrests
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California — A new California law targeting sex buyers has resulted in Contra Costa County’s first felony conviction under the statute.
37-year-old Cedric Demarcus Kelly of Richmond (born Feb. 17, 1989) pleaded guilty on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, to one count of engaging or agreeing to engage in prostitution with a minor. The case is notable in that it was prosecuted under an amendment to Penal Code 647(b), which became effective on January 1, 2026. The amendment now allows prosecutors to charge the buyer with a felony when the minor was induced to engage in commercial sex through trafficking, or when the buyer is more than three years older than the minor.
In the case of Kelly, the minor, who was 16 years old at the time, engaged in an act of prostitution with Kelly. On February 21, 2026, Richmond Police Department responded to a 911 call from the minor after she reported a conflict with her trafficker. She noted to officers that she had sex for money with Kelly, which led to his arrest. The case was referred to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office on February 25th. After a review of the evidence, the case was filed with the court that same day. Before the case reached the preliminary hearing stage of the legal process, Kelly entered a plea agreement on April 22nd.
Kelly was sentenced by Judge Michael Nieto to 180 days in county jail, two years of formal probation, which includes a search and seizure condition — at any time, without needing a warrant — for evidence of solicitation. The court also issued a nighttime stay away order from the 23rd Street corridor in Richmond, and Kelly must complete an educational course on human trafficking and the exploitation of minors.
“Contra Costa County’s first felony conviction under the amended Penal Code 647(b) statute marks a turning point in how we prosecute those who buy sex from minors,” District Attorney Diana Becton said. “This law recognizes that buyers are not bystanders — they are participants in the exploitation of minors. We are grateful to the Richmond Police Department and the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force for their swift response and thorough work on this case.”
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 175-pound Kelly is Black and is being held in the West County Detention Center.
According to localcrimenews.com, Kelly has been arrested beginning in 2023, three times by Richmond PD and once by El Cerrito PD for crimes including sodomy with a person under 18 years, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, oral copulation with a person under 18 years, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, drug possession including for sale, vandalism: paint and driving without a license.
About the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force
The Task Force is a collaborative and multidisciplinary body that brings together diverse organizations from the local, state and federal levels to combat human trafficking throughout the county. The Richmond Police Department is a founding member of the Task Force and sits on its Core Leadership Team.
If you have information to share about potential sex or labor trafficking taking place in Contra Costa County, please call the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking & Workplace Justice Tip Line at (925) 957-8658 (non-emergency tips only).
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By Richmond Police Department
On April 17, 2026, at approximately 9:57 a.m., officers with the Richmond Police Department responded to the 5600 block of Clinton Avenue for a welfare check. The resident of the home sent an email to a family member indicating they planned to self-harm, and the family member contacted RPD.
Officers made entry into the residence and located two deceased individuals inside.
At this time, the incident is being investigated as a murder and suicide. Investigators believe this was an isolated incident, and there is no threat to public safety.
The investigation remains in its early stages, and detectives are continuing to gather evidence. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Richmond Police Department at (510) 620-6616.
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U.S. Navy First Division Officer Ensign Emma Crandell (official photo) serves aboard the Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) as it steams through the Pacific Ocean, April 8, 2026. John P. Murtha was underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations supporting NASA’s Artemis II mission, retrieving the crew and spacecraft following their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. NASA’s Artemis II mission sent four astronauts on a flight around the moon in the Orion space capsule, marking the first time humans journeyed to deep space in over 50 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Elyssia Rodriguez) The Orion space capsule Integrity inside the flooded well deck of the ship. Photo by Emma Crandell
First Division Officer Ensign Emma Crandell watched completion of historic space mission
“It was crazy to see water fill our deck and the capsule slowly pull into our ship. I thought, ‘Wow! That’s the Integrity right there.”
By Allen D. Payton
Emma Crandell of Antioch, serves as a First Division Officer Ensign aboard the USS John P. Murtha, which was chosen as the recovery ship for the Orion spacecraft and its crew upon their return from the historic Artemis II mission on Friday, April 10, 2026, which she witnessed. Crandell is the daughter of Jeff and Marie Crandell of Antioch.
Before she graduated from Deer Valley High School in 2021, Crandell was presented with a $200,000 Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship. She was selected through a rigorous process from among thousands of students across the state and nation.
Then-Petty Officer Byung Jung, of the Antioch U.S. Navy Recruiting Station, said the scholarship would “pave the way for Emma to get commissioned as an Officer in the Navy.” (See related article)
Emma took her scholarship and attended then, graduated from the University of San Diego, Class of 2025 with a Political Science major. Out of the entire naval fleet, she chose to serve aboard the John P. Murtha as a First Division Officer with the rank of Ensign.
U.S. Navy Ensign Emma Crandell with the Artemis II Orion space capsule Integrity following splashdown and recovery in April 2026. Photo courtesy of Emma Crandell
About the Recovery Mission
About the Artemis II recovery mission Crandell said, “Our ship was off the coast of San Diego and I was, actually on the bridge after being on-watch” which means she “was helping drive the ship, navigating it safely and served as the Conning Officer” as she had the ‘Conn’ “right before splashdown.”
“So, I could just observe it. I heard the sonic boom. We were up there with a lot of NASA contractors, most of the ship was top side and we just watched,” Crandell shared.
Asked about the recovering process she explained. “We had a team of small boats that went out with a team of Navy divers to medically assess the astronauts. When they were cleared, the helicopters flew in to do an air evacuation with assistance from the divers. It was a low and slow process. We were up until the wee hours of the morning.”
“We had to approach the capsule. There was a lengthier process to tow it into our well deck,” Crandell stated. “They rigged up the capsule to a piece of machinery that essentially pulled it into the dock.”
Asked if she witnessed that process, as well Crandell said, “I was on station the entire time as a safety observer.”
“It was crazy to see water fill our deck and the capsule slowly pull into our ship,” she stated. “I thought, ‘Wow! That’s the Integrity right there in our ship.’”
The Artemis program is the overarching name for multiple missions, Orion is the type of capsule, and the astronauts named this one, Integrity.
Asked why her ship was selected for the operation Crandell said, “Our main mission is to conduct amphibious warfare, so, we are built to extract amphibious vehicles and we’re a transport ship. I can’t speak specifically why the Murtha, but the back of our ship opens up to the ocean. We can ballast down to let the ocean in and extract the capsule. I don’t know why they chose us but I’m grateful that they did.”
“I’ve only been on board a few months. I’m pretty new to the ship,” she continued. “This was my first major mission, for sure.”
Her Basic Training was in ROTC during college. “I did intermittent summer trainings, but there wasn’t any boot camp,” she explained.
After college she remained in San Diego and went to work on the John P. Murtha which is stationed there.
Asked about her experience in the Navy, Crandell stated, “It’s been amazing so far. It’s opened up opportunities and I’ve got to do a lot of exciting things.”
Like meeting one of the four Artemis II astronauts.
“I got to meet Christina Koch briefly, the morning they were flying out,” Crandell stated. “After landing on the flight deck in the helicopters the astronauts stayed overnight on our ship.”
Asked why she wanted to join the Navy Crandell said, “It was a cool purpose behind it. A sense of leadership and ownership and getting to do cool stuff with amazing people.”
That’s her favorite thing about the Navy, “The people.”
U.S. Navy Ensign Emma Crandell dressed in her “civvies” was joined by her parents Marie and Jeff Crandell to see the Artemis II mission Orion space capsule Integrity on board the John P. Murtha in April 2026. Photo courtesy of Emma Crandell.
Although she hasn’t been home since she joined the John P. Murtha, her parents visited her last week.
“I invited them to come down and see the Orion capsule while it was on the ship,” Crandell explained.
Her mother, Marie, said about Emma’s experience, “Definitely huge Forrest Gump moments for her. Her dad and I are still shaking our heads. We’re still trying to wrap our heads around all the cool stuff she did.”
Marie shared about a People Magazine article entitled, Little green alien spotted at Artemis II crew’s splashdown following high-stakes mission around the moon, which shows a photo of the bridge of the John P. Murtha and Emma standing right next to “an inflatable green alien peeking out and appearing to wave along with the crew.”
Asked about her favorite subject in high school Crandell said, “Mock Trial was the best.”
In 2020, as a student in Deer Valley High’s Law and Justice Academy and a member of the school’s Mock Trial Team that made it to the third round of the county competition, she won a prosecution witness award.
That helped lead her to now doing legal work in the Navy.
Asked about her daily activities and future plans Crandell said, “A normal day for me is doing some administrative paperwork for my division, doing some legal paperwork. I also work as one of the Command legal officers. I try to spend time with my sailors getting to know them better. Then working on my qualifications to be a Surface Warfare Officer. It means I’m qualified to essentially drive the ship.”
Asked if it means she’d have the ‘Conn’ in that position Crandell shared, “I could have the ‘Conn’ but I would have the ‘Deck’ which is a stronger position and takes longer to obtain.”
Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) steams through the Pacific Ocean, April 8, 2026. John P. Murtha is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations supporting NASA’s Artemis II mission, retrieving the crew and spacecraft following their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. NASA’s Artemis II mission sent four astronauts on a flight around the moon in the Orion space capsule, marking the first time humans journeyed to deep space in over 50 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Elyssia Rodriguez)
About the John P. Murtha
According to Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jomark Almazan, the ship is named in honor of the late and long-serving Pennsylvania Congressman John P. Murtha and is a San Antonio Class Amphibious Transport Dock currently operated by the United States Navy. The USS John P. Murtha has been in active service for 10 years.
“It is a fitting tribute to Congressman Murtha, who dedicated his life to serving our nation, that the ship bearing his name will be integral to this historic moment in space exploration,” said Capt. Erik Kenny, commanding officer of John P. Murtha. “He was a champion for our military and a visionary. We are honored to carry on his legacy by supporting NASA and the Artemis II mission.”
A former Marine Corps officer, Murtha was the first Vietnam War veteran elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. (Source: Wikipedia)
The San Antonio class amphibious transport docks feature a large floodable well deck, advanced flight deck, and extensive command facilities. They can transport nearly 800 Marines along with vehicles, landing craft, and helicopters for effective ship-to-shore movement.
The Artemis II mission was the first crewed flight of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, sending four astronauts on an approximately 10-day journey that took them beyond the Moon. This mission marks humanity’s first crewed voyage to the vicinity of the Moon in over 50 years.
Upon completion of their mission, the Orion capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean west of San Diego, where John P. Murtha and its crew recovered the astronauts and the spacecraft.
The U.S. Navy’s amphibious transport dock has unique advantages, including a well deck, helicopter pad, onboard medical facilities, and communication capabilities needed to support the mission. The platform gave NASA the ability to recover the Orion space capsule and collect critical data to help ensure it’s ready to recover the astronauts and capsule during future Artemis missions.
MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 provided imagery support for NASA by tracking the Orion space capsule as it traveled through Earth’s atmosphere. After splashdown, HSC-23 helicopters recovered the astronauts once they emerged from the capsule and brought them to the ship for assessment and then transported them to shore.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 provided Navy divers to recover and transport the Orion space capsule from the ocean to the ship’s well deck. Navy divers are experts in mobile diving, salvage, towing and open water, small boat operations. In addition to the Navy divers, EODGRU-1 supported the recovery mission with a dive medical team which assessed and assisted the astronauts following their exit from the capsule.
Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed mission in a series of missions around and to the lunar surface where crew can build and test systems needed to prepare for the challenge of future missions to Mars. The mission launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, April 1, with four astronauts onboard, three from the U.S. and one from Canada.
For official imagery and video, please visit https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/Artemis.
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Monte Vista High School Speech & Debate Coach David Matley. Photo source: Monte Vista Speech & Debate Institute
Highest honor for speech and debate coaches
Will be recognized at the 2026 Hall of Fame Banquet in Richmond, VA June 14
By Shelby Young, National Speech & Debate Association
West Des Moines, IA — The National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) is proud to induct David Matley into its prestigious Hall of Fame, the highest honor for speech and debate coaches.
“Hall of Fame coaches are a pillar in the speech and debate community,” said J. Scott Wunn, Executive Director of the NSDA. “These coaches have gone above and beyond for their students, their schools, and their communities. We are proud to recognize them for their years of support and dedication to the activity.”
Matley has been a leader in the speech and debate community for more than 35 years. He created the speech and debate program in 1990 at Monte Vista High School in Danville, California. Over the years, he has coached more than 35 state champions and nine national champions. Since 1989 Matley has owned and operated the Monte Vista Speech & Debate Institute and since 1992 has offered summer camps for elementary through high school students to become more comfortable with public speaking and to learn the art of competitive speech and debate.
He is also a seven-diamond coach in the NSDA Honor Society and has held many titles such as president and Congress Director of the Golden Gate Speech Association, District Chair of the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the National Forensic League, and a member of the California High School Speech Association Hall of Fame and chair of the Congress Committee in the California High School Speech Association. He was inducted into the California High School Speech Association Hall of Fame in 2012.
Matley will be recognized at the 2026 Hall of Fame Banquet on June 14 during the largest academic competition in the world, the National Speech & Debate Tournament. The National Tournament will be held in Richmond, Virginia, June 14-19.
He is one of eight coaches who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. Throughout the 100-year history of the NSDA, around 200 coaches have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Matley represents fewer than one-percent of all member coaches.
Hall of Fame members must have at least 25 years of speech and debate coaching experience or be retired from speech and debate coaching. Learn more about the Hall of Fame at www.speechanddebate.org/hall-of-fame.
For more information on the National Tournament, visit www.speechanddebate.org/nationals.
About the National Speech & Debate Association
The National Speech & Debate Association is the authority on public speaking and debate in the United States. The Association builds the infrastructure for speech and debate competitions around the world by providing topics, educational resources, and training for students and coaches. For 100 years, the National Speech & Debate Association has built a platform for youth voices that culminates in the National Tournament, the largest academic competition in the world. The National Tournament brings together thousands of students from across the United States and world with different backgrounds and viewpoints to engage in civil discourse. For more information, visit www.speechanddebate.org.
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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.
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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.
Read MoreExamples 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.
Read MoreYgnacio 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.
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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.
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Homicide under investigation
By Richmond Police Department
Richmond Police Department Detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at approximately 10:59 a.m. in the 2400 block of Aberdeen Way.
Officers responded to reports of shots being fired and located one person deceased at the scene. A second involved subject self-transported to a local trauma center.
The preliminary investigation indicates the two involved parties exchanged gunfire with each other. At this time, investigators do not believe there are any outstanding suspects, and there is no known ongoing threat to public safety.
Detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Richmond Police Department Investigations at (510) 620-6616.
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37-year-old Cedric Demarcus Kelly of Richmond has history of arrests
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California — A new California law targeting sex buyers has resulted in Contra Costa County’s first felony conviction under the statute.
37-year-old Cedric Demarcus Kelly of Richmond (born Feb. 17, 1989) pleaded guilty on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, to one count of engaging or agreeing to engage in prostitution with a minor. The case is notable in that it was prosecuted under an amendment to Penal Code 647(b), which became effective on January 1, 2026. The amendment now allows prosecutors to charge the buyer with a felony when the minor was induced to engage in commercial sex through trafficking, or when the buyer is more than three years older than the minor.
In the case of Kelly, the minor, who was 16 years old at the time, engaged in an act of prostitution with Kelly. On February 21, 2026, Richmond Police Department responded to a 911 call from the minor after she reported a conflict with her trafficker. She noted to officers that she had sex for money with Kelly, which led to his arrest. The case was referred to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office on February 25th. After a review of the evidence, the case was filed with the court that same day. Before the case reached the preliminary hearing stage of the legal process, Kelly entered a plea agreement on April 22nd.
Kelly was sentenced by Judge Michael Nieto to 180 days in county jail, two years of formal probation, which includes a search and seizure condition — at any time, without needing a warrant — for evidence of solicitation. The court also issued a nighttime stay away order from the 23rd Street corridor in Richmond, and Kelly must complete an educational course on human trafficking and the exploitation of minors.
“Contra Costa County’s first felony conviction under the amended Penal Code 647(b) statute marks a turning point in how we prosecute those who buy sex from minors,” District Attorney Diana Becton said. “This law recognizes that buyers are not bystanders — they are participants in the exploitation of minors. We are grateful to the Richmond Police Department and the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force for their swift response and thorough work on this case.”
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 175-pound Kelly is Black and is being held in the West County Detention Center.
According to localcrimenews.com, Kelly has been arrested beginning in 2023, three times by Richmond PD and once by El Cerrito PD for crimes including sodomy with a person under 18 years, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, oral copulation with a person under 18 years, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, drug possession including for sale, vandalism: paint and driving without a license.
About the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force
The Task Force is a collaborative and multidisciplinary body that brings together diverse organizations from the local, state and federal levels to combat human trafficking throughout the county. The Richmond Police Department is a founding member of the Task Force and sits on its Core Leadership Team.
If you have information to share about potential sex or labor trafficking taking place in Contra Costa County, please call the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking & Workplace Justice Tip Line at (925) 957-8658 (non-emergency tips only).
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By Richmond Police Department
On April 17, 2026, at approximately 9:57 a.m., officers with the Richmond Police Department responded to the 5600 block of Clinton Avenue for a welfare check. The resident of the home sent an email to a family member indicating they planned to self-harm, and the family member contacted RPD.
Officers made entry into the residence and located two deceased individuals inside.
At this time, the incident is being investigated as a murder and suicide. Investigators believe this was an isolated incident, and there is no threat to public safety.
The investigation remains in its early stages, and detectives are continuing to gather evidence. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Richmond Police Department at (510) 620-6616.
Read MoreU.S. Navy First Division Officer Ensign Emma Crandell (official photo) serves aboard the Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) as it steams through the Pacific Ocean, April 8, 2026. John P. Murtha was underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations supporting NASA’s Artemis II mission, retrieving the crew and spacecraft following their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. NASA’s Artemis II mission sent four astronauts on a flight around the moon in the Orion space capsule, marking the first time humans journeyed to deep space in over 50 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Elyssia Rodriguez) The Orion space capsule Integrity inside the flooded well deck of the ship. Photo by Emma Crandell
First Division Officer Ensign Emma Crandell watched completion of historic space mission
“It was crazy to see water fill our deck and the capsule slowly pull into our ship. I thought, ‘Wow! That’s the Integrity right there.”
By Allen D. Payton
Emma Crandell of Antioch, serves as a First Division Officer Ensign aboard the USS John P. Murtha, which was chosen as the recovery ship for the Orion spacecraft and its crew upon their return from the historic Artemis II mission on Friday, April 10, 2026, which she witnessed. Crandell is the daughter of Jeff and Marie Crandell of Antioch.
Before she graduated from Deer Valley High School in 2021, Crandell was presented with a $200,000 Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship. She was selected through a rigorous process from among thousands of students across the state and nation.
Then-Petty Officer Byung Jung, of the Antioch U.S. Navy Recruiting Station, said the scholarship would “pave the way for Emma to get commissioned as an Officer in the Navy.” (See related article)
Emma took her scholarship and attended then, graduated from the University of San Diego, Class of 2025 with a Political Science major. Out of the entire naval fleet, she chose to serve aboard the John P. Murtha as a First Division Officer with the rank of Ensign.
U.S. Navy Ensign Emma Crandell with the Artemis II Orion space capsule Integrity following splashdown and recovery in April 2026. Photo courtesy of Emma Crandell
About the Recovery Mission
About the Artemis II recovery mission Crandell said, “Our ship was off the coast of San Diego and I was, actually on the bridge after being on-watch” which means she “was helping drive the ship, navigating it safely and served as the Conning Officer” as she had the ‘Conn’ “right before splashdown.”
“So, I could just observe it. I heard the sonic boom. We were up there with a lot of NASA contractors, most of the ship was top side and we just watched,” Crandell shared.
Asked about the recovering process she explained. “We had a team of small boats that went out with a team of Navy divers to medically assess the astronauts. When they were cleared, the helicopters flew in to do an air evacuation with assistance from the divers. It was a low and slow process. We were up until the wee hours of the morning.”
“We had to approach the capsule. There was a lengthier process to tow it into our well deck,” Crandell stated. “They rigged up the capsule to a piece of machinery that essentially pulled it into the dock.”
Asked if she witnessed that process, as well Crandell said, “I was on station the entire time as a safety observer.”
“It was crazy to see water fill our deck and the capsule slowly pull into our ship,” she stated. “I thought, ‘Wow! That’s the Integrity right there in our ship.’”
The Artemis program is the overarching name for multiple missions, Orion is the type of capsule, and the astronauts named this one, Integrity.
Asked why her ship was selected for the operation Crandell said, “Our main mission is to conduct amphibious warfare, so, we are built to extract amphibious vehicles and we’re a transport ship. I can’t speak specifically why the Murtha, but the back of our ship opens up to the ocean. We can ballast down to let the ocean in and extract the capsule. I don’t know why they chose us but I’m grateful that they did.”
“I’ve only been on board a few months. I’m pretty new to the ship,” she continued. “This was my first major mission, for sure.”
Her Basic Training was in ROTC during college. “I did intermittent summer trainings, but there wasn’t any boot camp,” she explained.
After college she remained in San Diego and went to work on the John P. Murtha which is stationed there.
Asked about her experience in the Navy, Crandell stated, “It’s been amazing so far. It’s opened up opportunities and I’ve got to do a lot of exciting things.”
Like meeting one of the four Artemis II astronauts.
“I got to meet Christina Koch briefly, the morning they were flying out,” Crandell stated. “After landing on the flight deck in the helicopters the astronauts stayed overnight on our ship.”
Asked why she wanted to join the Navy Crandell said, “It was a cool purpose behind it. A sense of leadership and ownership and getting to do cool stuff with amazing people.”
That’s her favorite thing about the Navy, “The people.”
U.S. Navy Ensign Emma Crandell dressed in her “civvies” was joined by her parents Marie and Jeff Crandell to see the Artemis II mission Orion space capsule Integrity on board the John P. Murtha in April 2026. Photo courtesy of Emma Crandell.
Although she hasn’t been home since she joined the John P. Murtha, her parents visited her last week.
“I invited them to come down and see the Orion capsule while it was on the ship,” Crandell explained.
Her mother, Marie, said about Emma’s experience, “Definitely huge Forrest Gump moments for her. Her dad and I are still shaking our heads. We’re still trying to wrap our heads around all the cool stuff she did.”
Marie shared about a People Magazine article entitled, Little green alien spotted at Artemis II crew’s splashdown following high-stakes mission around the moon, which shows a photo of the bridge of the John P. Murtha and Emma standing right next to “an inflatable green alien peeking out and appearing to wave along with the crew.”
Asked about her favorite subject in high school Crandell said, “Mock Trial was the best.”
In 2020, as a student in Deer Valley High’s Law and Justice Academy and a member of the school’s Mock Trial Team that made it to the third round of the county competition, she won a prosecution witness award.
That helped lead her to now doing legal work in the Navy.
Asked about her daily activities and future plans Crandell said, “A normal day for me is doing some administrative paperwork for my division, doing some legal paperwork. I also work as one of the Command legal officers. I try to spend time with my sailors getting to know them better. Then working on my qualifications to be a Surface Warfare Officer. It means I’m qualified to essentially drive the ship.”
Asked if it means she’d have the ‘Conn’ in that position Crandell shared, “I could have the ‘Conn’ but I would have the ‘Deck’ which is a stronger position and takes longer to obtain.”
Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) steams through the Pacific Ocean, April 8, 2026. John P. Murtha is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations supporting NASA’s Artemis II mission, retrieving the crew and spacecraft following their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. NASA’s Artemis II mission sent four astronauts on a flight around the moon in the Orion space capsule, marking the first time humans journeyed to deep space in over 50 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Elyssia Rodriguez)
About the John P. Murtha
According to Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jomark Almazan, the ship is named in honor of the late and long-serving Pennsylvania Congressman John P. Murtha and is a San Antonio Class Amphibious Transport Dock currently operated by the United States Navy. The USS John P. Murtha has been in active service for 10 years.
“It is a fitting tribute to Congressman Murtha, who dedicated his life to serving our nation, that the ship bearing his name will be integral to this historic moment in space exploration,” said Capt. Erik Kenny, commanding officer of John P. Murtha. “He was a champion for our military and a visionary. We are honored to carry on his legacy by supporting NASA and the Artemis II mission.”
A former Marine Corps officer, Murtha was the first Vietnam War veteran elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. (Source: Wikipedia)
The San Antonio class amphibious transport docks feature a large floodable well deck, advanced flight deck, and extensive command facilities. They can transport nearly 800 Marines along with vehicles, landing craft, and helicopters for effective ship-to-shore movement.
The Artemis II mission was the first crewed flight of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, sending four astronauts on an approximately 10-day journey that took them beyond the Moon. This mission marks humanity’s first crewed voyage to the vicinity of the Moon in over 50 years.
Upon completion of their mission, the Orion capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean west of San Diego, where John P. Murtha and its crew recovered the astronauts and the spacecraft.
The U.S. Navy’s amphibious transport dock has unique advantages, including a well deck, helicopter pad, onboard medical facilities, and communication capabilities needed to support the mission. The platform gave NASA the ability to recover the Orion space capsule and collect critical data to help ensure it’s ready to recover the astronauts and capsule during future Artemis missions.
MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 provided imagery support for NASA by tracking the Orion space capsule as it traveled through Earth’s atmosphere. After splashdown, HSC-23 helicopters recovered the astronauts once they emerged from the capsule and brought them to the ship for assessment and then transported them to shore.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 provided Navy divers to recover and transport the Orion space capsule from the ocean to the ship’s well deck. Navy divers are experts in mobile diving, salvage, towing and open water, small boat operations. In addition to the Navy divers, EODGRU-1 supported the recovery mission with a dive medical team which assessed and assisted the astronauts following their exit from the capsule.
Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed mission in a series of missions around and to the lunar surface where crew can build and test systems needed to prepare for the challenge of future missions to Mars. The mission launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, April 1, with four astronauts onboard, three from the U.S. and one from Canada.
For official imagery and video, please visit https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/Artemis.
Read MoreMonte Vista High School Speech & Debate Coach David Matley. Photo source: Monte Vista Speech & Debate Institute
Highest honor for speech and debate coaches
Will be recognized at the 2026 Hall of Fame Banquet in Richmond, VA June 14
By Shelby Young, National Speech & Debate Association
West Des Moines, IA — The National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) is proud to induct David Matley into its prestigious Hall of Fame, the highest honor for speech and debate coaches.
“Hall of Fame coaches are a pillar in the speech and debate community,” said J. Scott Wunn, Executive Director of the NSDA. “These coaches have gone above and beyond for their students, their schools, and their communities. We are proud to recognize them for their years of support and dedication to the activity.”
Matley has been a leader in the speech and debate community for more than 35 years. He created the speech and debate program in 1990 at Monte Vista High School in Danville, California. Over the years, he has coached more than 35 state champions and nine national champions. Since 1989 Matley has owned and operated the Monte Vista Speech & Debate Institute and since 1992 has offered summer camps for elementary through high school students to become more comfortable with public speaking and to learn the art of competitive speech and debate.
He is also a seven-diamond coach in the NSDA Honor Society and has held many titles such as president and Congress Director of the Golden Gate Speech Association, District Chair of the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the National Forensic League, and a member of the California High School Speech Association Hall of Fame and chair of the Congress Committee in the California High School Speech Association. He was inducted into the California High School Speech Association Hall of Fame in 2012.
Matley will be recognized at the 2026 Hall of Fame Banquet on June 14 during the largest academic competition in the world, the National Speech & Debate Tournament. The National Tournament will be held in Richmond, Virginia, June 14-19.
He is one of eight coaches who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. Throughout the 100-year history of the NSDA, around 200 coaches have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Matley represents fewer than one-percent of all member coaches.
Hall of Fame members must have at least 25 years of speech and debate coaching experience or be retired from speech and debate coaching. Learn more about the Hall of Fame at www.speechanddebate.org/hall-of-fame.
For more information on the National Tournament, visit www.speechanddebate.org/nationals.
About the National Speech & Debate Association
The National Speech & Debate Association is the authority on public speaking and debate in the United States. The Association builds the infrastructure for speech and debate competitions around the world by providing topics, educational resources, and training for students and coaches. For 100 years, the National Speech & Debate Association has built a platform for youth voices that culminates in the National Tournament, the largest academic competition in the world. The National Tournament brings together thousands of students from across the United States and world with different backgrounds and viewpoints to engage in civil discourse. For more information, visit www.speechanddebate.org.
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