Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

FACE FOUNDRIÉ opens new location at The Streets of Brentwood

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Free gifts at Grand Opening Saturday, February 14th

Second San Francisco East Bay location by co-owner Julie Husic marks the brand’s 68th location nationwide

By Anna Gasiorowski, Senior Account Executive, Segal Communications

BRENTWOOD, CA — FACE FOUNDRIÉ, an efficient and effective focused facial bar providing affordable, approachable, and accessible skincare in a modern and inclusive environment, has announced the opening of its newest franchise location at The Streets of Brentwood. The Grand Opening celebration will be held on Saturday, February 14th, at 10 a.m. 

This opening marks the brand’s fifth location in California and the second franchise for Husic Beauty, a family-operated franchise group, following the successful debut of their first facial bar in Emeryville less than six months ago.

“We are thrilled to bring FACE FOUNDRIÉ to another wonderful East Bay community,” said Julie Husic, franchise co-owner. “Our experience in Emeryville reaffirmed the strong demand for quality skincare at an affordable price, and opening in Brentwood is an important step toward our goal of bringing this incredible brand to more communities throughout the region.”

Julie Husic oversees operations for the franchise group she co-owns with her two sons, FJ and Paris Husic, who lead marketing efforts. The expansion into Brentwood reflects FACE FOUNDRIÉ’s continued franchise growth and momentum in Northern California and represents a key milestone as the brand joins the re-envisioning of Streets of Brentwood by CenterCal Properties, LLC. The Husic family views this location as an opportunity to further serve the diverse needs of East Bay residents by offering an elevated yet affordable alternative to traditional spa services, while reinforcing FACE FOUNDRIÉ’s commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality experiences supported by strong local ownership.

Join us for the FACE FOUNDRIÉ Brentwood Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, February 14th from 10–11:30am at The Streets of Brentwood, 2455 Sand Creek Road, Suite 132, Brentwood, next to Chico’s on the east end of The Streets.

The first 50 guests in line will receive a free Focused Facial coupon and a goodie bag from local businesses, plus, enjoy mini FACE FOUNDRIÉ consultations, demos, and a photo/selfie station.

Hint: come early to secure your spot!

This wonderful team couldn’t be more excited to join the Brentwood community and to celebrate with all of you. We hope to see you there!

“We are excited to welcome FACE FOUNDRIÉ to The Streets of Brentwood,” said Charles Martinez, Senior General Manager. “Their innovative approach and commitment to exceptional guest experiences will be a strong addition to our growing mix of retail partners. We look forward to the value they will bring to the community.”

FACE FOUNDRIÉ continues to differentiate itself from its competitors through a broad selection of services and commitment to affordability, approachability and accessibility. The brands’ two different monthly membership options offer clients discounted services and products, enabling them to maintain a consistent skincare routine at a lower cost while experiencing the convenience of a focused facial bar.

For more information about FACE FOUNDRIÉ’s services or to book an appointment at the new Brentwood location, visit www.facefoundrie.com/brentwood and follow @husicfam.facefoundrie on Instagram.

ABOUT FACE FOUNDRIÉ

FACE FOUNDRIÉ is an all-inclusive focused facial bar. We empower our customers to look and feel their best by providing cutting-edge services, accessible pricing, and an extensively trained staff of experts that deeply care. Our goal is to provide efficient and effective services for all things face: facials, lashes, brows, and skincare. We pride ourselves on offering an impeccable service experience and strive for 100% consumer satisfaction! We aim to be affordable, approachable and accessible to all.

ABOUT THE STREETS OF BRENTWOOD

The Streets of Brentwood, a top-tier shopping destination located in Brentwood, Calif., features a dynamic and convenient mix of retail, dining, and entertainment. It is the premier shopping, dining, and entertainment lifestyle destination within the hub of four major California regions — Bay Area, Tri-Valley, Sacramento Delta, and the Central Valley. Featuring more than 40 stores and restaurants and a 14-screen AMC Theatre with IMAX. For more information, visit: ShopStreetsOfBrentwood.com.

ABOUT CENTERCAL PROPERTIES, LLC

CenterCal, a premier full-service commercial real estate company founded in 2004, is redefining the landscape of the western U.S. With a focus on community-building, the company creates spaces that foster connection, enjoyment, and a sense of belonging. Under the visionary leadership of founder Jean Paul Wardy, CenterCal has become synonymous with excellence and innovation, boasting a portfolio of iconic destinations across California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Rooted in core values that include creative persistence, uplifting communities, and creating magical places, CenterCal specializes in the investment, development, leasing, and management of high-quality retail and mixed-use developments from its headquarters in Costa Mesa, Calif. More information, including a full property portfolio, is available at www.centercal.com.

Owner of new Indian super market opens third location in Brentwood Friday

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Namaste Plaza’s Brentwood location will open at 10:00 AM Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. Photo: City of Brentwood

Namaste Plaza locates at Lone Tree Crossings

By Melissa Ballesteros, Executive Assistant City Manager’s Office / City Council Office

BRENTWOOD, CA – The City of Brentwood is welcoming Namaste Plaza, an international grocery retailer offering tropical foods and specialty ingredients from around the world. The new 7,000-square-foot store will open at Lone Tree Crossings today, Friday, February 6, 2026, near Winco, marking owner Kalyan Veerapaneni’s third Bay Area location. City officials will be on hand, including Mayor Susannah Meyer to celebrate their grand opening at 10:00 a.m. This event is open to the general public.

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, the word namaste “comes from Sanskrit and literally means ‘bowing to you’ or ‘I bow to you,’ and is used as a greeting.”

Namaste Plaza operates as a franchise, with individual owners operating their own stores. Veerapaneni opened his first Namaste Plaza store more than 20 years ago in Dublin, followed by a second location in San Ramon. The Brentwood store expands access to culturally diverse grocery options, particularly for Brentwood’s growing South Asian community.

“Namaste Plaza is proud to open our third Bay Area store in Brentwood,” said Kalyan Veerapaneni, owner of Namaste Plaza. “We offer a wide variety of tropical foods, drinks, spices, and everyday essentials that reflect flavors and traditions from India and across Asia, Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. We look forward to serving Brentwood families for many years to come.”

Namaste Plaza will carry a range of specialty and tropical products commonly found in international markets, supporting residents seeking ingredients and foods from their cultural traditions, as well as anyone interested in exploring new cuisines. Veerapaneni also shared plans to add a restaurant later this year, further expanding dining and gathering options at the site.

According to the Belmont location’s website, Namaste Plaza’s “mission is to provide the community with the best selection of Indian groceries and food products. We are dedicated to bringing you the authentic tastes of India right to your kitchen.”

“Brentwood’s strength is in the people who call it home, and our community continues to grow more diverse every year,” shared City Manager D. Harold Duffey. “Namaste Plaza helps meet a real need by bringing more international food to Brentwood, and it’s another example of how we’re building a city where everyone can feel seen, welcomed, and served.”

“Brentwood continues to be a strong location for business investment, supported by a growing economy and a customer base that continues to expand,” added Economic Development Manager Ricardo Noguera. “Welcoming Namaste Plaza to Lone Tree Crossings reflects that momentum, and continued interest from businesses across the San Francisco Bay Area to capture a growing community like Brentwood. We look forward to the local jobs, increased economic activity, and new shopping options it will bring to our community.”

For more information about Namaste Plaza, visit them at 6842 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Unique virtual reality entertainment center opens in Brentwood

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Inside the new VRNexGen virtual reality entertainment venue in Brentwood. Photo: City of Brentwood

VRNexGEN offers local youth new activity option with “The Ultimate VR Arena Experience”

By Melissa Ballesteros, Executive Assistant, City of Brentwood Manager’s Office 

Brentwood residents, Prashant Sharma and Ashish Marwa, have opened a new virtual reality (VR) entertainment venue offering active, team-based experiences for families, students, and groups. VRNexGEN, at the Sand Creek Crossing Shopping Center, adds a high-energy recreation option within Brentwood, reducing the need for families to travel to neighboring cities for similar activities.

“We wanted to create something here that gives kids and families a place to celebrate, be active, and connect, without leaving town,” expressed Sharma.

Sharma and Marwa are both active members of the United Indian Association and first connected through volunteer efforts supporting community events, including the Community Day of Service, Holi and Diwali. As parents of middle and high school students, they saw firsthand that birthday parties and weekend outings often required trips to Livermore, Walnut Creek or Concord. Their shared goal was to bring a modern, interactive recreation destination to Brentwood. One that encourages physical activity, communication, and teamwork.

“The community consistently asks for more things for teens and youth to do locally,” said Mayor Susannah Meyer. “VRNexGEN is exactly the kind of new option families have been looking for. Active, social, and right here in Brentwood.”

A team of friends in real life and as they appear in virtual reality. Source: VRNexGen video screenshots.

Offering what the website refers to as “The Ultimate VR Arena Experience,” the facility features free-roam areas where players are untethered and can move through immersive virtual environments while collaborating on missions or competing for high scores. Games include “Omega Protocol” and “Enter the Duat,” both designed around coordination and group problem-solving.

Teams consist of two to 20 players and age-appropriate games for those six years old and up, last 30 minutes or an hour. Each player is provided with virtual reality visual and hand-held equipment.

“Our focus was to build something that gets people moving and working together,” said Marwa. “We’re excited to offer an experience that’s technology-driven, interactive, and welcoming for families, students, and groups.”

“New businesses that respond directly to community interests help strengthen Brentwood’s quality of life,” said City Manager G. Harold Duffey. “VRNexGEN adds a new local destination for families and youth while contributing to our vibrant local economy.”

Following their grand opening on Jan. 25th, Sharma and Marwa expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation to the community. In posts on their Facebook page they wrote, “We’re proud to bring a new VR Family Entertainment experience to Brentwood and be part of this amazing community. Also, thank you to everyone who showed up, supported us, and came out to have fun and celebrate with us. What a day. Thank you, Brentwood! Our opening was a huge success, and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible support from our community.

Owners Prashant Sharma and Ashish Marwa (right) are presented with a Certificate of Recognition by District 1 Councilwoman Jovita Mendoza (second from left) and City staff during the grand opening on Jan. 25, 2026. Photo: VRNexGEN

“A special thank you to the City of Brentwood and our amazing local businesses, neighbors, families, and friends for showing up and welcoming VRNexGEN with open arms. Thank you to everyone who showed up, supported us, and came out to have fun and celebrate with us. We’re officially OPEN and excited to bring next-level VR games, parties, and unforgettable experiences to the city!”

They also thanked District 1 Councilwoman Jovita Mendoza and the City for attending their grand opening.

“We’re proud to bring a new VR Family Entertainment experience to Brentwood and be part of this amazing community,” they added.

Economic Development Manager Ricardo Noguera was asked what the City’s role was in attracting the unique business to town and if they received any financial incentives such as a grant.

“I have been working with this company from the very beginning,” he said. “I assisted them in finding their location and assisted in the permit process. No financial incentives were offered other than my time, which I often share with other business prospects and expanding businesses in Brentwood.”

“This is a unique business, none similar in the Brentwood area and our youth are seeking recreational outlets,” Noguera added.

VRNexGen is located 2510 Sand Creek Road near Home Goods and behind the Ross. For additional details, including operating hours and information to book your game or party, today, visit https://vrnexgen.com/ or call (925) 529-9988.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch co-op store vendor finds early, autographed Beyoncé poster

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Derek Baker with his valuable and rare Solano Swap Meet find of the Girls Tyme poster with Beyoncé’s autograph inside his space at Rivertown Treasure Chest in downtown Antioch. Photos courtesy of Derek Baker.

Local treasure hunter buys it at Concord drive-in swap meet, offers it for sale at $4 million

Oakley resident Derek Baker is a part time vintage treasure hunter who frequents garage sales, estate sales and flea markets looking for interesting items he can flip for profit.  He sells on eBay, through his own personal network and at a vintage co-op store in downtown Antioch called the Rivertown Treasure Chest.  Comic books are his focus, but he tries to keep his mind open to anything that comes his way.

One Sunday morning, Baker was at the West Wind Solano Swap Meet & Public Market at the drive-in in Concord, when he noticed a pile of concert posters on the ground.  The vender was the type of person who cleaned out homes or storage units and likely had no idea of what they really had.  Many of the posters had the kind of art that would be associated with The Grateful Dead or other similar bands, which can fetch a good price. Some of the posters had inscriptions and signatures on them.  So, he grabbed a stack, making sure to include all those with writing and got a bulk deal – 29 posters for $20.

Baker found his treasure at the Solano Swap Meet at the Westwind Drive-In in Concord.

They were almost all good posters that, in turn, can be sold for $10 to $30 each.  One poster was even related to the Grateful Dead as it appears to have a signature from Vince Welnick, who played for the band at one time.  However, the real gem was a pop culture piece of history from 1992.  A poster of “Girl’s Tyme” – later known as Destiny’s Child – from their performance on Star Search.

The poster was printed and displayed for the live studio audience of Star Search to view as they attended the performance.  It is unknown how many of these were actually printed for use inside the theater.  Being that they lost that night, it is likely almost all of them, if not all the rest of them, were thrown in the trash when the theater was being prepared for the next evening’s performances.  This particular copy appears to have been saved by one of the band’s managers at the time, Alonzo ‘Lonnie’ Jackson, who had several of the girls personalize it for him.

Beyoncé Knowles was 11 years old, and she already knew she was going to be a star.  Not only did she sign her name but also added her autograph. Only one other girl even thought to sign her name, Ashley Tamar Davis.  Two others inscribed notes but didn’t even put their names down. But Beyoncé already knew one day she would be the Queen B.

Baker’s poster appears to be the first signature and autograph of Beyoncé on any professional promotional material. Some baseball card collectors have told him that it’s like having the signature on a rookie card of one of the most popular players of all time.

The section of the poster with Beyoncé Knowles’ (now Carter) signature and autograph.

Baker purchased the poster in April 2025 and since then, he has had James Spence Authentication (JSA) certify that they believe it to be genuine. Star Search has since been rebooted on Netflix, making this a ‘Tymely’ treasure find.  Being a piece of pop culture history for both Star Search and Beyonce, it may be a museum-worthy artifact. Baker thinks the new Hip Hop museum opening in the Bronx this year would be a good home.

The poster may be a ‘unicorn’ with no other piece to compare it to.  How much is it worth?  Is it a $1,000 poster or a $10 million poster? One suggestion is that he travel to Las Vegas to have it valued by Pawn Stars from the famous TV show which Baker said he might do.

The value or rather price he can get for the poster – which is the only true value of such an item – is unknown, for now. But Baker will eventually find out as he has it up for sale, asking $4 million.  Maybe a super-fan from the BeyHive, as Beyoncé’s fanbase is known, or a museum benefactor will let him know.

Interested? Stop by and see Baker and more of his treasures for sale at the Rivertown Treasure Chest in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown at 306 G Street. Or make him an offer on ebay.

Good luck Derek!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Better Business Bureau cautions fans about Super Bowl ticket scams, travel costs

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San Francisco, CA – With the Super Bowl less than two weeks away and thousands of fans expected to visit the Bay Area, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is reminding consumers that preparation is just as important as excitement when attending an event of this size.

“Events of this scale bring a lot of excitement, but they also bring higher prices and increased risk for consumers,” said Alma Galvan, spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau. “Planning ahead, buying tickets from trusted sources, and understanding travel and lodging costs can help fans avoid unnecessary stress and financial loss.”

Protect yourself before you buy

Tickets for the Super Bowl are among the most sought-after and most expensive in sports. Unfortunately, that demand also attracts scammers.

The BBB encourages fans to:

  • Purchase tickets only from official sources or reputable resale platforms
  • Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, especially those found on social media
  • Avoid sellers who request payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or peer-to-peer apps with no buyer protection
  • Use a credit card whenever possible, as this can add an extra layer of protection

Consumers should also take time to research sellers, read refund policies carefully, and confirm ticket delivery methods before completing a purchase.

Travel and transportation

The Bay Area is preparing for a significant surge in travel related to this sporting event. Airports, highways, and public transportation systems will all experience increased traffic.

The BBB advises travelers to:

  • Arrive early at airports and allow extra time for security and delays
  • Consider multiple airport options, including San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland
  • Plan transportation to and from the stadium in advance, including public transit and rideshare options

Hotel accommodations

The BBB is also reminding travelers to budget carefully for lodging. Hotel prices across the region have increased dramatically for Super Bowl weekend.

BBB recommends that travelers:

  • Book lodging as early as possible to avoid higher prices and limited availability
  • Compare pricing across nearby cities
  • Review cancellation policies and additional fees carefully before confirming reservations
  • Verify websites before making any purchases
  • Confirm reservation numbers and confirmation emails before traveling to the Bay Area

A final reminder to fans

The Super Bowl will be an unforgettable moment for all those in attendance. With smart planning, fans can enjoy the event and all that the Bay Area has to offer without unnecessary stress or financial loss.

Consumers who encounter suspicious ticket sellers or misleading travel offers are encouraged to report them to BBB.org/ScamTracker.

ABOUT BBB

The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for more than 110 years. In 2024, people turned to BBB.org more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 5.5 million businesses, and 725,000 times for BBB charity reports on 12,000 local and national charities. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States and Canada.

Richmond man sentenced to over 5 years for $80,000 retail theft spree across 11 Nor Cal counties

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Shawn Naputi faced 56 felony theft charges for more than 80 crimes from October 2023 to May 2025; arrested 16 times since 2021 for violent crimes, multiple counts of theft

By Allen D. Payton

According to the Sonoma County Office of the District Attorney, on May 8, 2024, Shawn Andre Naputi walked into the Friedman’s Home Improvement store on Santa Rosa Avenue in Santa Rosa, filled a trash can with more than $2,400 worth of Friedman’s merchandise, and headed for the exit. A sharp-eyed Friedman’s employee recognized Mr. Naputi and his vehicle from prior Friedman’s thefts and called the police. When employees started observing Mr. Naputi inside the store and Sonoma County Sheriff deputies arrived outside, Mr. Naputi abandoned the trashcan full of merchandise and walked out of the store. Sheriff Deputies spoke to the Friedman’s employees and connected Mr. Naputi to seven (7) other Friedman’s thefts, dating back to January 2024.

Once the case was referred to the District Attorney’s Office, it was forwarded to the Organized Retail Theft Unit. The Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office has been awarded grant funding from the State of California’s Organized Retail Theft Grant Program, administered by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), to combat organized retail theft. The grant funds are used by the office to establish a dedicated prosecutor and investigator focused on ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable by identifying gaps in the system and improving cooperation with retail operators and local law enforcement.

When the District Attorney’s Organized Retail Theft Unit started looking into prior Sonoma County thefts and speaking to counterparts in nearby counties, only then did the true breadth of Mr. Naputi’s criminal conduct become clear. Between October 6, 2023, and May 22, 2025, Mr. Naputi committed more than eighty (80) separate instances of theft from Bay Area retailers. The combined loss to these retailers, including Best Buy, Boot Barn, REI, Friedman’s Home Improvement, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Kohls, Lowes, and The Home Depot, was more than $80,000. The crimes occurred in Contra Costa County, Alameda County, San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, Sacramento County, Solano County, Placer County, San Francisco County, Yolo County, Marin County, and Sonoma County.

Without naming Naputi, the Vallejo Police Department reported that on May 21, 2025, a repeat thief was arrested after burglarizing a business. Officers assigned to the Vallejo Police Department Patrol Division responded to a call regarding a suspect wanted in connection with a burglary on the 1300 block of Tennessee Street.

The property owner reported having surveillance footage from May 20 showing a male suspect breaking into the business, ransacking the location, and leaving with multiple items, including professionally graded equipment. The suspect also caused approximately $500 in damage to the business.

The following morning, the business owner was alerted by her surveillance system that the thief had returned to the property. She drove to the location and confronted him. The thief was still in possession of her stolen equipment bag. She took her bag back and the thief fled on foot.

Later that day, the thief was observed loitering near a business on the 400 block of Broadway Street. Officers quickly detained the thief without incident. A records check revealed he was on felony probation out of Solano County for vehicle theft. He also had two outstanding arrest warrants related to stealing a dog, stealing another vehicle and initiating a pursuit in Vallejo.

A probation search revealed he had a glass-shattering tool commonly used to commit burglaries. After being Mirandized, the suspect admitted to the burglary, stating he needed to get out of the sun.

The thief was subsequently booked into the Solano County Jail on multiple charges, including burglary, probation violations and outstanding warrants.

About the sentencing, Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez stated, “This case exemplifies the very reason that Proposition 36 was passed by the voters, to stop prolific thieves that repeatedly victimize our communities’ businesses which previously, under Proposition 47, provided little accountability and few consequences for retail theft.” The Naputi case “further highlights the impact of the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Organized Retail Theft Unit whose primary mission is to change expectations of criminal defendants, the public, and the criminal justice system by ensuring that there will be significant consequences if these crimes are committed in Sonoma County.”

Taking advantage of legislation passed under the recent Proposition 36 and designed to combat organized retail theft, the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office assumed jurisdiction from the affected counties to prosecute all crimes under one criminal complaint. With jurisdictional approval in hand, the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office filed an amended felony complaint charging Mr. Naputi with fifty-six (56) felony theft charges capturing his crime spree between October 2023 and May 2025.

On November 12, 2025, Defendant Naputi plead no-contest to six (6) felony theft charges in exchange for a prison term of 5 years and 4 months. Two years of that term will be served in actual custody, with the balance on Mandatory Supervision. On January 7, 2026, Defendant was sentenced to that term and agreed to several Organized Retail Theft Restraining Orders under the new Penal Code section 490.8. Defendant Naputi also agreed to $83,093.64 in restitution.

According to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, he is 43 years old, was booked on May 28, 2025, and is being held in the Main Adult Detention Facility in Santa Rosa.

According to localcrimenews.com, the five-foot, nine-inch tall, 200-pound Naputi is Hispanic and has been arrested 16 times since 2021 by multiple agencies including Richmond PD, El Cerrito PD, Emeryville PD, Vallejo PD, San Rafael PD, Daly City PD, Sunnyvale PD, Contra Costa CHP, and the Contra Costa County and Solano County Sheriff’s Departments. He was charged with crimes including Assault with a Deadly Weapon or Assault with Force Likely to Produce Great Bodily Harm, Inflicting Corporal Injury on a Spouse/Cohabitant, Organized Retail Theft, Grand Theft, Burglary, Petty Theft, Obtaining property by theft where value exceeds $950, Shoplifting Not to Exceed $950, Taking a Vehicle without Owner’s Consent, Receiving/Etc. Known Stolen Property Over $200, Vandalism, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Narcotic Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Martinez City Council approves exclusive negotiating agreement to advance Waterfront and Marina revitalization

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Front view aerial rendering by Tucker Sadler of the proposed Martinez Waterfront and Marina Plan presented to the city council on July 16, 2025. Source: City of Martinez

Private developer proposes vision, model, master plan for collaboration

By Eve Kearney, City Manager’s Office, City of Martinez

Martinez, CA — At their December 17, 2025, Regular meeting, the Martinez City Council unanimously approved an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Tucker Sadler Architects, marking an important milestone toward revitalization of the Martinez Waterfront and Marina. The agreement sets in motion a new phase of study and collaborative planning that will evaluate the project’s feasibility, refine design concepts, and lay the groundwork for decisions on the future of the Waterfront and Marina.

Revitalizing the Waterfront and Marina has been a top community priority for decades. With aging infrastructure, deteriorating facilities, limited resources, and a marina well beyond its useful life, the City has faced growing operational and financial pressures that necessitate a broader reimagining through a private-public partnership.

Tucker Sandler, a San Diego-based architectural planning, design and development firm, has decades of experience delivering private and public sector development projects in California and in other states, including waterfront projects.

Now, with the ENA approval, the City and Tucker Sadler begin a formal 24-month period to collaboratively refine a transformative vision for the waterfront, conduct environmental review, engage the community, and negotiate a potential Development Agreement.

“Tonight’s approval is an important step for unlocking the potential of our Waterfront and Marina. We are excited to refine the project vision in the coming months with input from our community,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn. “This partnership gives us a path to activate our Waterfront, rebuild the Marina, and create a regional landmark that reflects Martinez’s identity, without placing the financial burden on our residents.”

Side aerial view rendering. Source: City of Martinez

A Vision for a Reimagined Waterfront

In July 2025, Tucker Sadler presented a conceptual vision for a comprehensive revitalization of the Waterfront and Marina. After extensive public comment and Council discussion, the Council directed staff to pursue an ENA to further explore the opportunity. (See City staff report and PowerPoint presentation)

Pursuant to the ENA, the City will work exclusively with Tucker Sadler to develop a comprehensive plan to create a vibrant, accessible, sustainable, and community-serving waterfront. The project is envisioned to include a broad range of landside and waterside improvements reflecting the Martinez identity and including thoughtfully-scaled commercial elements necessary to support and sustain the long-term financial viability of the project.

During this next phase, the City and Tucker Sadler will engage the community to garner input on the project’s features and undertake detailed analyses, technical studies, and design evaluations to determine how best to bring these concepts from vision to buildable reality.

On the landside, the project envisions new recreation amenities such as sport fields, a dog park, kite area, and public art installations, along with expanded open spaces featuring plazas, pedestrian pathways, marshland restoration, and stronger connections to downtown. Hospitality and community facilities, including hotels, restaurants, a community/event center, a new Martinez Yacht Club and Sea Scouts’ facility, and an outdoor amphitheater, are also included. These project elements would complement new commercial and retail spaces and support boating, fishing, recreation, and other waterfront activities, and would be supported by upgraded infrastructure, including surface and underground parking, utilities, and lighting.

On the waterside, the plan calls for a full reconstruction of the Marina with new and upgraded boat slips, fueling stations, and improved access for both motorized and nonmotorized vessels. It also includes repairing or redesigning the aging northern breakwater and eastern seawall, as well as adding new public amenities such as launch points for nonmotorized watercraft, accessible promenades, viewing decks, open spaces along the waterfront, and an area reserved for potential future ferry service.

Rendering of the proposed Boardwalk design for the Martinez Waterfront and Marina. Source: City of Martinez

A Financially Sustainable Path Forward

The ENA also establishes that the proposed project must be privately financed and self-sustaining, with no City subsidy and no financial risk to Martinez taxpayers. Tucker Sadler will reimburse the City for all staff, legal, and consultant costs during the negotiation period.

If a future Development Agreement is approved, the project could:

  • Eliminate the City’s ongoing General Fund subsidy for Marina operations (savings of about $650,000+ per year)
  • Shift responsibility for Marina reconstruction, including dredging and seawall/breakwater replacement, to the developer
  • Generate new long-term revenue for the City through transient occupancy tax, sales tax, possessory interest tax, and lease payments

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the future of our Waterfront and Marina,” said City Manager Michael Chandler. “The ENA allows us to fully evaluate a revitalization effort that could eliminate ongoing subsidies, strengthen the City’s long-term fiscal health, and deliver an enhanced public asset the community can benefit from and enjoy for decades to come.”

Rendering of the proposed Marina design for the Martinez Waterfront. Source: City of Martinez

Next Steps: Community Engagement and Environmental Review

Under the ENA, the City and Tucker Sadler,  will manage and participate in a robust public engagement process that invites residents, businesses, waterfront users, and regional partners to provide input into the final vision. There will be multiple opportunities for community feedback as the project is designed and undergoes extensive studies and review processes.

The first round of outreach will begin in early 2026 as part of the City’s Sesquicentennial Community Sessions. These early conversations will help provide insight into the project process and initial concepts; dates and times of these sessions will be released later in 2025.

The City will also maintain ongoing information and feedback opportunities on its website at www.cityofmartinez.org/MarinaProject, ensuring the community can stay informed and participate at every stage.

Following the community engagement efforts, the project vision will be finalized and the formal environmental review processes required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) will commence. This analysis will evaluate potential environmental impacts, explore project alternatives, and ensure the planning process is grounded in transparency, data, and regulatory compliance.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to move forward in partnership with the City and the community,” said Greg Mueller, Design Principal and CEO of Tucker Sadler Architects. “The ENA allows us to work collaboratively on a waterfront vision that honors the area’s history while creating new opportunities for the future.”

Rendering of the proposed Amphitheatre design for the Martinez Waterfront and Marina. Source: City of Martinez

History of the Martinez Marina

Constructed in the 1960s, the Marina has exceeded its useful life, with facilities closing due to safety concerns and environmental factors, such as sea level rise causing frequent flooding. Viewed as a unique and valuable community asset, the City Council has expressed a commitment to take measures to ensure it is safe and create a vibrant place for recreation and commerce benefiting residents and visitors alike.

The City assumed direct management of the Marina in August 2024 after the previous operator’s contract ended, revealing the need for a comprehensive rebuild rather than costly repairs. Maintaining the Marina has been a financial challenge for the City, which has been subsidizing the Marina for years, a scenario that is no longer sustainable. The Marina threatens to become a financial drain on the City’s general fund if a different course of action is not pursued.

“Our City’s Marina is a vital community asset that has faced decades of infrastructure deterioration and increasing financial strain on the City,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn. “An investment in Martinez by a private developer may offer a transformational opportunity to fund a comprehensive plan for our Marina and Waterfront.”

Additional background and the full scope of the ENA are detailed in the Staff Report included with the December 17, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting agenda. The complete ENA document is also available for public review as part of the meeting materials.

Resources:
Project Webpage – http://www.cityofmartinez.org/MarinaProject

Agenda – https://granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/martinez/63ac58a09b7b4c207dfe66160741c6d90.pdf

Staff Report –
https://www.cityofmartinez.org/home/showdocument?id=5410&t=639016149231794854

Council Resolution –
https://www.cityofmartinez.org/home/showdocument?id=5414&t=639016460677029956

Exclusive Negotiating Agreement –https://www.cityofmartinez.org/home/showdocument?id=5412&t=639016149625840171

County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol initiated

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Antioch Police and Con Fire personnel responded to the scene of the fatal collision causing a back-up in the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 between Pittsburg and Antioch Monday morning, Dec. 22, 2025. Video screenshot courtesy of Spotlight CoCoCounty.

Following collision involving DA Senior Inspector killing Antioch assault suspect running on Hwy 4; CHP leads investigation

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

Martinez, California – A fatal traffic collision with a pedestrian is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol pursuant to the County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol.

On Monday, December 22, 2025, at approximately 10:35 a.m., in the area of Delta Fair Blvd. in Antioch, a suspect engaged in a disturbance at Delta Bowl. According to Antioch Police, the initial incident occurred at the Comfort Inn, located at 2436 Mahogany Way, where the 27-year-old male suspect had pulled a fire alarm and then struck a 47-year-old male security guard. As police responded, the suspect climbed over a fence and entered eastbound Highway 4 on foot.

The individual was struck in the roadway by an oncoming county vehicle driven by a District Attorney Senior Inspector whose duties were unrelated to the disturbance. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The California Highway Patrol is the venue agency conducting the traffic collision investigation. The California Department of Justice has been notified. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has yielded legal analysis to avoid a potential conflict of interest. The investigation is ongoing.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Concord: Sunvalley Mall jewelry store robbery Sunday morning

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Smash-and-grab suspects flee scene; shopper shares her experience, claims “whole mall was…evacuated”

By Concord Police Department

On Sunday, December 21, 2025, at approximately 11:53 a.m., Concord Police Department dispatch received multiple reports of a smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store inside Sunvalley Mall. Suspects used hammers to break display cases before fleeing the scene in a waiting vehicle.

Officers arrived within two minutes of the initial calls. While some witnesses initially reported possible gunfire, officers quickly confirmed that no shots were fired during the incident.

The suspects had fled toward the highway prior to officers’ arrival. There were no reported injuries, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The incident remains under investigation.

In a Facebook post by Yolanda Schamoni who was shopping in the mall at the time, she shared her experience.

“We just had the scariest experience at Sun Valley Mall. I was there with my son and grandson. We don’t know what happened yet whether it was a shooting with the robbery or just a robbery, but all of a sudden the whole mall was being evacuated my son was standing in line for us to see Santa while I took my grandson to the bathroom and the next thing I know everyone’s running for the exits I was upstairs my son was downstairs thank you to the good Samaritan family that kept him safe until we were reunited, but I can tell you being locked in stores when you’re just out to have your kids sit with Santa because someone’s robbing with guns is not the best feeling.

“Please, I urge the parents out there to start parenting their children. These are kids that parents must know something is going on if they’re going somewhere with guns and robbing people parents do better.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Police seek suspects in Brentwood veterinarian hospital burglary

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By Brentwood Police Department

On Saturday, December 6, 2025, at around 8:09 a.m., Brentwood officers were dispatched to a veterinarian hospital located on the 1200 block of Central Blvd. for a report of the business possibly being burglarized.

When officers arrived on scene they observed one of the glass doors to the business had been shattered. Officers checked the business and did not locate any suspects inside.

During the initial investigation, it was determined, based on surveillance footage, that on December 6, 2025, shortly after 6:00 a.m., two suspects broke the glass door to gain access to the business. While in the business the suspects, both wearing masks attempted to gain access to the cash register but were unsuccessful. The suspects then took specially made bags containing urns with pet ashes. The two suspects then exited the business a few minutes later through the same broken glass door and left the area by unknown means.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with any information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Brentwood Police Department at 925-809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.