Presented by East Bay Family Nights and 4Ever Me Foundation.
Richmond child predator arrested while caught in the act
22-year-old arrested on four charges including continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14
Charged by Contra Cost DA with 16 felony counts
Held on $7 million bail
By Lt. Donald Patchin, PIO, Richmond Police Department
On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at around 3:00 PM, a Richmond PD sergeant was flagged down by someone who wanted to report a possible sexual assault. The person provided information about a juvenile who was possibly the victim of a sexual assault. Officers immediately launched an investigation. They determined the possible victim was currently with the alleged suspect. They also determined the suspect and victim were alone and unsupervised.
Officers immediately responded to the victim’s location. Upon knocking on the residence door, a male subject clad in only a bath towel answered. Officers quickly located the victim inside the residence and found out that the suspect was the male who answered the door. Officers learned through the subsequent investigation that the suspect had been in the act of sexually assaulting the juvenile when officers arrived on the scene. Officers knocking on the door forced the suspect to end the sexual assault.
Although we wish we would have arrived in time to prevent the sexual assault, we are glad we arrived in time to prevent the assault from continuing and to rescue this juvenile victim from their assailant.
Special Victims Unit Detectives immediately responded to assume the investigation. Detectives worked with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office to ensure the suspect remained in police custody and that charges were filed.
On January 30, 2025, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed a 16-count felony complaint against the suspect, Marlon Alexander Maravilla Martinez, a 22-year-old resident of Richmond (born May 22, 2002). He remains in custody with a $7,000,000.00 bail. All sixteen counts relate to lewd and sexual acts on a child who is ten years old or younger.
The victim is now safe with her family and receiving the help and resources she needs.
According to localcrimenews.com, Martinez was arrested for 261(A)(1) – rape of a victim incapable of consent, 288.5(A) – continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, 288(B)(1) – forcible lewd acts upon a child, and 288.7(A) – engaging in sexual intercourse or sodomy with child 10 or more years of age.
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, six-inch, 215-pound Martinez is being held in the West County Detention Facility. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 19, 2025, in Superior Court in Martinez at 1:30 PM.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Take BART to NBA All-Star Weekend events in the Bay Area Feb. 14-16
BARTable and the NBA have partnered to reward riders for taking transit.
Events: Rising Stars, National Basketball Players Association Brotherhood Deli, NBA All-Star Concert Series at Pier 48, All-Star Saturday Night including Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest & Slam Dunk and All-Star Game
By Bay Area Rapid Transit District
Friday, Feb. 14, marks the start of the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend, hosted by the Golden State Warriors. BART looks forward to carrying fans to the games and events happening on both sides of the Bay. We’re also proud to partner with the NBA Players Association for the big weekend.
Follow our directions below to make your journey to games and events as smooth as Curry’s free throws. BART will adjust train lengths to accommodate ridership. For tickets and locations find a list of all the NBA All-Star Weekend events.
Win free tickets and prizes
Visit BARTable’s contests and deals page from now until Feb. 16 for a chance to win exclusive prizes and MVP experiences.
Those looking for more opportunities to get free tickets and other prizes, download the NBA Events app which has partnered with BART and other Bay Area agencies to encourage riding transit around the Bay.
After creating a free NBA ID account, visit the participating stations (see below), tap the tile on the dashboard corresponding with the station, and earn your check-in via your mobile device in mixed reality. Each check-in will also count towards unlocking NBA All-Star prizes through the NBA ID All-Star Rewards Program.
Participating stations:
• 16th St Mission
• Coliseum
• Embarcadero
• Lake Merritt
• Powell St
The Grand BART Prizes will be in the form of digital railgoods.com gift cards in amounts ranging from $10 to $100.
Take transit to Chase Center
Take BART to Powell St. Station and transfer to Muni T Third trains at Union Square Station. Signs on the platform and concourse will guide you to the right exit to catch Muni, and the special event trains will read “S Shuttle Mission Bay.” Disembark Muni at UCSF/Chase Center.
Take BART to 16th St./Mission Station and transfer to special Muni 78X bus service. Disembark at 16th St. & Illinois St. Your event ticket is your Muni ticket. Ride Muni to Chase Center for FREE with your event ticket (excluding cable cars). For more information, visit the Chase Center website.
• Friday, Feb. 14, 6pm: Castrol Rising Stars
• Saturday, Feb. 15, 5pm: State Farm All-Star Saturday Night
• Sunday, Feb. 16, 5pm: 74th NBA All-Star Game
Take transit to Oakland Arena
BART takes you directly to the Oakland Arena. Take BART to Coliseum Station and walk across the overpass and around the Coliseum to the arena. Use the arena’s North Entrance for a shorter walk.
• Friday, Feb. 14, 4pm: Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game
• Saturday, Feb. 15, 11am: NBA All-Star Practice presented by AT&T
• Saturday, Feb. 15, 2pm: NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T
Take transit to Moscone Center
Take BART to Montgomery Street Station and walk a short distance to Moscone Center.
• Friday, Feb. 14, to Sunday, Feb. 16: NBA Crossover interactive fan experience
• Sunday, Feb. 16: NBA G League Next Up Game
Take transit to the NBA All-Star Concert Series at Pier 48
The NBA will host a three-day concert series from Friday, Feb. 14, through Sunday, Feb. 16, at Pier 48. Headliners include Noah Kahan, The Chainsmokers, Zedd, and Flo Rida.
Take BART to Powell St. Station and transfer to Muni T Third trains at Union Square Station. Signs on the platform and concourse will guide you to the right exit to catch Muni, and the special event trains will read “S Shuttle Mission Bay.” Disembark Muni at Mission Rock and walk to Pier 48.
Take BART to Embarcadero Station and transfer to Muni N Judah trains on the upper level of the station. Disembark at King and 2nd streets and walk to Pier 48.
Take transit to the NBPA Brotherhood Deli at SPARK Social SF
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) will bring their Brotherhood Deli food truck – the only fan experience powered by the 450+ members of the NBPA – along with activations and programming to SPARK Social SF from Friday, Feb. 14, through Sunday, Feb. 16, 11am to 6pm. It’s a short walk from SPARK Social to Chase Center.
The celebration will include player appearances, photo opps, plant-based food, immersive gaming, and hourly slam dunk shows and fan shooting contests. To register and secure your spot during All-Star Weekend click, here: NBPA Brotherhood Deli.
Take BART to Powell St. Station and transfer to Muni T Third trains at Union Square Station. Signs on the platform and concourse will guide you to the right exit to catch Muni. Disembark Muni at Mission Rock and walk to SPARK Social.
Take BART to 16th St./Mission Station and transfer to the Muni 22 bus. Disembark at Mission Bay Blvd North and 3rd Street and walk to SPARK Social.
Are you excited for NBA All Star Weekend?
Share with us on social media at @SFBARTable and #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Instagram and Facebook to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and where to have fun around the Bay.
Richmond man wanted for felony domestic violence killed in officer involved shooting
Brandished what appeared to be a knife but determined later to be a sheath
CA Attorney General investigating
By Lt. Donald Patchin, PIO, Richmond Police Department
On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 8:13 p.m., officers from the Richmond Police Department responded to the 2700 block of Maine Avenue in an attempt to locate a wanted subject. The subject was wanted on a probation violation warrant related to domestic violence charges.
Officers located the wanted subject on the Union Pacific Railroad right of way just west of the 300 block of Carlson Blvd. The subject refused to cooperate with officers, and a standoff ensued. During the standoff, the suspect wielded an object that appeared to be a knife. The subject ignored multiple commands to drop the object. Officers spent approximately 32 minutes attempting to de-escalate the situation and reach a peaceful resolution.
Despite our officers’ efforts to defuse the situation and end the standoff peacefully, the suspect charged the officers with the object in his hand while raising it in a threatening manner. At approximately 8:53 p.m., an officer-involved shooting occurred, and the wanted subject sustained fatal injuries.
Suspect’s knife sheath discovered later. Photo by Richmond PD
We later determined the object was not a knife. The black knife sheath in the photo is the object the subject wielded, which investigators recovered at the scene.
The Contra Costa Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Protocol, a set of guidelines and procedures followed in cases of officer-involved fatalities, was invoked, and the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office responded to investigate.
We are committed to a thorough, transparent investigation.
Under the requirements of AB 1506, we recognized the California Department of Justice (DOJ) treats this as an “unarmed” officer-involved fatal incident, and we immediately notified them. The DOJ dispatched investigators to the scene to investigate.
We are fully cooperating with the DOJ’s independent investigation. We believe it is important to release information in a transparent manner. We intend to release additional information as soon as the investigation allows.
According to a press release issued on Wednesday, Feb. 5, “California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred in Richmond, California on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
Following notification by local authorities, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review.
More information on the California Department of Justice’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
DeSaulnier denounces U.S. Dep’t of Transportation’s upending electric vehicle use as “reckless”
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier. Official photo.
Rescinds National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program Guidance dated June 11, 2024, and all prior versions of this guidance
Congressman issues statement saying it, “leaves American drivers and consumers in the lurch.”
On Friday, February 7, 2025, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA10) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration suspended implementation of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.
“The transportation sector is the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Electric vehicles (EVs) are crucial to reducing GHG emissions and curbing the existential threat of climate change while also having the potential to save drivers hundreds or even thousands of dollars in gas money annually. Given the obvious benefits of EVs, it is in everyone’s best interest to make it easier for Americans to drive them.
As a former member of the California Air Resources Board and Chairman of the transportation committees in both the California State Assembly and the California State Senate, I have seen firsthand how California’s forward-looking policies on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions drive innovation, economic growth, and job creation. That’s why I authored the Clean Corridors Act, which helped create and fund a $2.5 billion landmark new EV charging infrastructure program through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make hydrogen fuel cell and electric battery powered cars more accessible and affordable for Americans.
The decision by the Federal High Administration of the Department of Transportation to suspend approvals of State Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plans, which are required to receive NEVI funding, undoes the progress these two programs achieved, sets us back in the fight against climate change, and leaves American drivers and consumers in the lurch.
In 2024, China’s share of the global EV market grew to 76%, outpacing the U.S. in sales, and vastly surpassed the U.S. in number of public EV chargers with over 3.2 million public charge points. If the U.S. wants to be a leader in the transportation and energy sectors, we need a strong federal investment in electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure to meaningfully address climate change, help lower energy and transportation costs for Americans, and maintain global competitiveness. As a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I urge the Secretary of Transportation to reverse this myopic and reckless decision.”
In a Feb. 6, 2025, letter to State Department of Transportation Directors, Emily Biondi, Associate Administrator of the Office of Planning, Environment and Realty wrote:
“The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) administers several grant programs under which the applicable statutes require the Secretary to apportion grant funds to States under a prescribed statutory formula. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program is one such program. Most statutory formula programs require the Secretary to make the prescribed apportionments to the States on a specific date and then make the funds available for obligation. See, e.g., 23 U.S.C. 104. The NEVI Formula Program, however, is unique in that this Program requires the Secretary to approve a plan for each State describing how the State intends to use its NEVI funds.1 The State plans are to be developed in accordance with guidance the Secretary provides on how States are to strategically deploy the electric vehicle (EV) charging network.2 The NEVI Formula Program requires the Secretary to approve each State’s plan prior to the obligation of NEVI Formula Program funds for each fiscal year.3
“The new leadership of the Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) has decided to review the policies underlying the implementation of the NEVI Formula Program. Accordingly, the current NEVI Formula Program Guidance dated June 11, 2024, and all prior versions of this guidance are rescinded. The FHWA is updating the NEVI Formula Program Guidance to align with current U.S. DOT policy and priorities, including those set forth in DOT Order 2100.7, titled “Ensuring Reliance Upon Sound Economic Analysis in Department of Transportation Policies, Programs, and Activities.” The FHWA aims to have updated draft NEVI Formula Guidance published for public comment in the spring. After the public comment period has closed, FHWA will publish updated final NEVI Formula Guidance that responds to the comments received. As result of the rescission of the NEVI Formula Program Guidance, FHWA is also immediately suspending the approval of all State Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment plans for all fiscal years.
“Therefore, effective immediately, no new obligations may occur under the NEVI Formula Program until the updated final NEVI Formula Program Guidance is issued and new State plans are submitted and approved. Instructions for the submission of new State plans for all fiscal years will be included in the updated final NEVI Formula Program Guidance. Since FHWA is suspending the existing State plans, States will be held harmless for not implementing their existing plans. Until new guidance is issued, reimbursement of existing obligations will be allowed in order to not disrupt current financial commitments.”
The letter includes the following footnotes and references:
1 See National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program provisos 4-9 of paragraph (2) under the Highway Infrastructure Programs heading in Title VIII, Division J of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. 117-58; November 15, 2021; 135 Stat.1422. See also Paragraph 5c of FHWA Notice N 4510.895 Apportionment of Fiscal Year 2025 Highway Infrastructure Program Funds for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program Pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as well as Paragraph 5c of FHWA Notices N 4510.863, N 4510.873, and N 4510.883 for the apportionments for Fiscal Years 22, 23 and 24, respectively. 2 See National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program provisos 14-15 of paragraph (2) under the Highway Infrastructure Programs heading in Title VIII, Division J of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. 117- 58; November 15, 2021; 135 Stat.1423. 3 See National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program provisos 4-9 of paragraph (2) under the Highway Infrastructure Programs heading in Title VIII, Division J of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. 117-58; November 15, 2021; 135 Stat.1422. See also Paragraph 5c of FHWA Notice N 4510.895 Apportionment of Fiscal Year 2025 Highway Infrastructure Program Funds for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program Pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as well as Paragraph 5c of FHWA Notices N 4510.863, N 4510.873, and N 4510.883 for the apportionments for Fiscal Years 22, 23 and 24, respectively.
DeSaulnier represents California’s 10th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Lunar New Year Festival at DVC in Pleasant Hill Saturday, Feb. 8
Celebrate the Year of the Snake!
Presented by the Contra Costa Chinese School and Diablo Valley College Community Education
This weekend celebrate the Lunar New Year with Diablo Valley College Community Education and the Contra Costa Chinese School with a Lunar New Year Festival, Feb 8 10am-3pm at DVC, 321 Golf Club Road in Pleasant Hill.
Experience food, cooking, and martial arts demonstrations, arts & crafts, as well as the Lion Dance Parade!
Scan the QR code in the graphic above to register. Questions? Email aanhpi@dvc.edu.
BART offers Valentraine Speed-Dating Event Feb. 14
This Valentine’s Day, hop on the Valentraine and ride your way to love or friendship
On Valentine’s Day, join BART for the first-ever speed dating/friend making event on a moving BART train
On the evening of Friday, Feb. 14, BART invites adults ages 18 to 35 to join us for an on-the-rails mixer aboard a moving BART train. Ride BART into someone’s heart on a special train reserved just for this event! It’s time to get off the apps and get on Trainder. This is speed dating – literally. We’ll help grease the wheels with icebreaker activities, conversation starters, a raffle, and BART-themed Valentines that you can give to potential connections. All adults are welcome as are those looking to make friends rather than find romance. We will have name tags with a space to write in what you are looking for. Participants must be ages 18 to 35 (we’ll explore hosting a similar event for those 35+ in the future).
What: BART speed dating/friend making
When: Friday, Feb. 14, 6:45pm to approx. 8:35pm
Where: Start at Downtown Berkeley Station and ride to 24th St./Mission before returning to Downtown Berkeley. The train will not stop for the duration of the ride.
Who: Adults ages 18 to 35 looking for love and/or friendship
RSVP Required: bartspeeddating.eventbrite.com
RSVPing via the Evenbrite link above is a requirement for participation, and registration is limited. The e-ticket you receive from Eventbrite is NOT your BART fare. Every participant must have a Clipper card – make sure you have at least $7.10 (BART’s excursion fare) on your card.
Here’s how things will go:
• Arrive at Downtown Berkeley Station no later than 6:45pm for check-in. Late arrivals will not be allowed onboard. We will meet inside the station on the concourse level under the rotunda. Look for BART staff with signage.
• Depart Downtown Berkeley at 7:10pm.
• We’ll ride the Red Line to 24th St./Mission, where the train will turn around and head back to Downtown Berkeley. The train will not make stops for the duration of the ride.
• Arrive at Downtown Berkeley Station at approx. 8:35pm.
• If you plan to park and ride, we suggest parking in the lot at Ashby Station (one stop up the line) and ride BART to Downtown Berkeley. There are also multiple parking lots and limited street parking near the station.
There will be additional staff and safety presence on each train car. BART has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual and gender-based harassment, consuming alcoholic beverages and illicit substances, and engaging in disruptive/disturbing behavior in our trains and stations. Read the full Customer Code of Conduct here. Violators will be removed from the train and face potential disciplinary action.
BART is experimenting with hosting events on trains such as this speed dating/friend making mixer as a way to engage our community, spur connections, and encourage riding BART. We’ve heard so many stories of people meeting partners and friends onboard, as well as those who’ve taken a train to get married. We hope this event will generate even more stories! Find links to a selection of these articles below.
Fatal head-on crash in Byron takes life of woman in her 70’s Thursday night
By CHP Contra Costa
BYRON, Calif. – A two-vehicle head-on crash that left one passenger dead and three others with major injuries
On February 6th, at approximately 6:11 PM, officers assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Contra Costa Area office responded to a two-vehicle head-on crash which occurred on Vasco Road, just south of Camino Diablo in the township of Byron.
Our preliminary investigation indicates a Honda CRV, driven by an adult male, was traveling northbound on Vasco Road when, for reasons still under investigation, it crossed over the double-yellow divider lines and crashed head-on into a Toyota Prius occupied by three.
Tragically, one passenger in the Prius sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. All other parties involved sustained major injuries and were transported to the hospital. An impaired driving investigation was also conducted, and DUI was ruled out as a factor in this crash.
According to Officer Dan Gilmore, the victim was an Asian female adult approximately 70 years old. He said he doesn’t know what city she lived in.
This crash remains under investigation. If anyone witnessed the incident or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa Area office in Martinez at (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.
The Mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Scales-Preston calls for oversight of refinery following fire
Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston.
Contra Costa Supervisor releases update to community
By David Fraser, Chief of Staff, Office of Supervisor Shanelle Scales Preston
MARTINEZ – Since Saturday’s fire at the Martinez Refining Company, District 5 Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston has been on the ground and in meetings with refinery representatives, Martinez Mayor Brianne Zorn, Contra Costa Health officials, first responders, and members of the community.
Today, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, Scales-Preston released the following statement:
“I understand the frustration, fear, and anger experienced by Martinez residents in the wake of Saturday’s fire at the Martinez Refining Company. This is the third major incident since PBF Energy purchased the refinery in 2020 and many more spills and releases have occurred since then. This is not acceptable, and I am working to get answers for our community.
“Currently, the County, and other regulatory agencies, will conduct an independent investigation into what caused the fire, what violations may have occurred, what potential environmental hazards linger, and what are necessary improvements needed to ensure public and worker safety and health. In addition, I am requesting a Full Facility Audit under the provisions of the County’s Industrial Safety Ordinance.
“This independent oversight is necessary if we are to have confidence in the management and operation of the refinery.”
Scales-Preston represents District 5 on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, which includes Martinez.
Contra Costa Health lifts Martinez Health Advisory following refinery fire
Martinez Refining Company refinery fire on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. Photo source: Bay Area Air Quality Management District
Contra Costa Health (CCH) has lifted a public health advisory today at 3:00 p.m. following confirmation that the fire at Martinez Refining Company (MRC) is out. Residents in the affected area can now resume normal activities and should open doors and windows to air out buildings and homes. (See related article)
CCH was first notified of the event when MRC, owned by PBF Energy, reported the fire through the county’s Community Warning System (CWS) at 1:49 p.m. on Saturday, February 1. CCH’s Hazardous Materials Program has continued to monitor air quality since Saturday.
In addition to a 72-hour report, due to the County later today, and subsequent 30-day reports, MRC will be required to perform a Root Cause Analysis, which is an investigation aimed at identifying how the incident happened and what can be done to prevent future similar incidents from occurring.
CCH is investigating the cause of the incident, in accordance with state requirements and the county’s Industrial Safety Ordinance and will explore all options available under the regulatory authority provided through the state as a Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) to ensure safety issues are all addressed.
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- 26
- …
- 465
- Next Page »