Contra Costa Herald

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

17th Annual Martinez Beaver Festival June 13

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Free Wildlife Fest, Jazz, Parades

By Heidi Perryman

The Martinez Beaver Festival is turning 17!

Where else can you see a giant beaver skull, a 1500-gallon aquarium on wheels, an 18- piece  jazz band, a children’s parade, live displays of raptors, bees, and bats, and an award winning chalk artist all while learning the story firsthand of the rodent that made one forgotten city famous? Only one place and that’s the Martinez beaver Festival. Returning for its 17th time the festival is free, family fun where you can learn all about beavers, citizen science, urban wildlife, community involvement, and how to combat drought, fires and global warming one beaver at a time.

There are many more beaver festivals now around the country and many more books and films to explain why beavers matter, but this is the one that inspired them all. Come see for yourself why beavers are Worth A Dam.

Where: Susana Park – Estudillo and Susana Streets in Martinez

When: June 13, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Hosted by: Worth A Dam

Learn about the history of the beavers in Martinez, more information and see photos of the beavers by visiting www.martinezbeavers.org.

Martinez World War II Army veteran celebrates 110th birthday

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World War II Army veteran Al Taubman is wheeled past staff of the VA’s Martinez Outpatient Clinic and Community Living Center and celebrated on the way to his 110th birthday party, June 2, 2026. Photo: Veterans Administration.

Served with General Patton

By Allen D. Payton

World War II Army veteran Al Taubman, a resident of the Martinez Outpatient Clinic and Community Living Center at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Martinez, celebrated his 110th birthday on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by fellow veterans, family, friends, residents and staff.

According to local veterans’ leader, J.R. Wilson, “Al served our nation in North Africa, Italy and across Europe during World War II as the Army advanced through history. A proud Brooklyn native with a true fighting spirit, he represents the very best of what we celebrate as Americans — duty, sacrifice, resilience and honor.”

World War II Army veteran Al Taubman celebrates with friends, family, fellow veterans and VA staff on his 110th birthday party June 2, 2026. Photo courtesy of J.R. Wilson.

According to Tom McNell who, along with Darlyn Phillips, helped organize the event, Taubman served with General George Patton.

A post on the VA Northern California Health Care System’s Facebook page reads, “VA Northern California was honored to celebrate a true American Hero—Al Taubman, US Army WWII Veteran—on his 110th birthday at the Martinez CLC Clinic. With gratitude and admiration, we recognized Al’s remarkable life and service. Thank you, Al, for your courage and dedication to our country. Happy 110th Birthday!”

Following a parade of military flags by fellow Martinez VA residents, a flyover was provided by the Coast Guard during the party. Photos courtesy of J.R. Wilson. Inset by Veterans Admin.

During the celebration, Taubman’s fellow Martinez VA residents held a parade of military flags, a big band performance by Alive Music Orchestra, the Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco provided a flyover of one of their helicopters during the event and the Martinez VA had speakers representing each branch of the U.S. military including:

Len Augustine, U.S. Air Force, Col Retired – 28 years of service. Pilot with 5,000 hours, 700 in Vietnam flying C 123 Provider Aircraft.  He was also a Squadron, Group and Wing Commander. Last job as 89th Military Airlift Wing Commander at Andrews AFB;

Derrick Sheldon, U.S. Marine Corps, SSgt.  Retired – Associate Chief of the East Bay. A super musician performing his art at exclusive venues;

Michael Mitchell (“Just Mitch works…” as he puts it.)  Chief Petty Officer, Retired. U.S. Navy – 22 years of active duty, 36 total years for USN, former Director of Law and Security/Chief of Police for Navy Region North West;

J.R. Wilson, U.S. Army Airborne Qualified soldier, 3rd Special Forces Group (A) – Served his country in North Carolina and Camp Hovey, South Korea, President Delta Veterans Group, Commander VFW Post 6435, National Interim Legislative Committee-Disabled American Veterans; and

Captain Kent Reinhold from the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area.

Wilson shared about his and his son’s experience at the celebration. In a post on Facebook later that day he wrote, “Today was one of those moments as a father that I will never forget.

“My son, John Ryan Wilson, and I had the incredible honor of speaking at the 110th Birthday Celebration for WWII U.S. Army Veteran Al Taubman at the VA Martinez Outpatient Clinic.

Organizer Darlyn Phillips helps John Ryan Wilson as he speaks then stands with his father, JR Wilson, who also spoke and the Alive Music Orchestra performed big band sounds during the birthday celebration. Photos (L&C) courtesy of J.R. Wilson, (R) by Veterans Admin.

“As a fellow U.S. Army Veteran, it was deeply meaningful for me to stand before Al and recognize his lifetime of service. But what touched my heart the most was watching my 8-year-old son speak to him with such respect and admiration. John Ryan talked about the math of generations, the years between them, and how amazing it is that Al has lived through so much American history as our nation approaches its 250th birthday this July 4th.

“Seeing a young boy and a Greatest Generation hero sharing smiles and stories reminded me exactly why we must continue to preserve the legacy of our Veterans.

“Happy 110th Birthday, Al Taubman. Your service to this nation will never be forgotten.”

See more photos of his birthday celebration on the VA Northern California Health Care System’s Facebook page.

 

Suspect in fatal Richmond shooting arrested in Concord

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By Richmond Police Department

The Richmond Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred on May 29, 2026, in the 200 block of West Nevin Avenue.

At approximately 6:27 p.m., officers responded to reports of shots fired and located an adult victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by responding officers, the victim tragically succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

Through rapid investigative work, officers quickly identified a possible suspect and associated vehicle. Investigators utilized Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology to track the suspect vehicle as it traveled from Richmond into Concord.

With the assistance of the Concord Police Department, the suspect was located and taken into custody without incident later that evening. The suspect has been booked on charges of murder (PC 187).

The Richmond Police Department is grateful for the assistance provided by the Concord Police Department and is pleased that Flock ALPR technology served as a critical investigative tool, helping investigators identify and arrest a homicide suspect within approximately eight hours of the shooting.

This case highlights the value of technology, strong investigative work, and regional law enforcement partnerships in helping bring violent offenders into custody quickly.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances and motive surrounding this incident.

We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Richmond Police Department Investigations Bureau at (510) 621-1288.

The suspect’s name, age and other details have been requested. Please check back later for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Four arrested during Pleasant Hill retail theft suppression

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One of the four retail theft suspects arrested on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

Two adults from Concord; 17- and 18-year-olds from Oakland

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Tuesday evening, May 26, 2026, our Officers worked another successful Theft Supersession detail in the Crossroads Shopping Center off Monument Blvd. and Buskirk Avenue. While working directly with Loss Prevention for the major retailers throughout the shopping center, a number of individuals were arrested, and several other thefts were thwarted. As a result of their proactive work, the following people were arrested for numerous theft and narcotics related charges:

– Lloyd Canamore (18), Oakland

– 17-year-old juvenile, Oakland

– Annemarie Melena (30), Concord

– Joshua Daniel Almond (43), Concord

According to localcrimenews.com, Melena had previously been arrested in 2018 by Woodland CHP for DUI alcohol/drugs.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of May 27th at 7:36 PM, Almond was out of custody on his own recognizance.

As the summer begins to kick into high gear, plan to see our Officers working a few more of these details in the coming weeks!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Ceremonial Indigenous-led cultural burn at Cal State East Bay Concord June 6

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Photos: mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy

Led by the mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy at the tuuštak Ecocultural Garden

By Kimberly Hawkins, Senior News and Media Manager/PIO, Cal State East Bay

On Saturday, June 6, the mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy, in partnership with Cal State East Bay, Concord Center, CAL FIRE, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD), will conduct a ceremonial cultural burn of less than one acre at the Cal State East Bay Concord Center.

This event continues the restoration of Indigenous-led fire practices in the East Bay, reaffirming cultural traditions and supporting ecological health on Ohlone homelands. The project is designed to reduce invasive grasses, improve soil health and restore native plants important for food, medicine and basketry.

100 Acres at the tuuštak Ecocultural Garden at Cal State East Bay in čupkan/Concord

According to the mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy website, “We restore and steward 100 acres of oak woodland, highland chaparrel and the Gallindo Creek riparian corridor at the base of our most sacred mountain, tuuštak—Mt. Diablo.

“In this beautiful place, mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy works in partnership with Cal State East Bay Concord and our dear friends from Terremoto Landscape to restore a landscape that teaches of the abundance of the East Bay while actively repairing former cattle-grazed landscape for the benefit of all those living on this land.

“Here, we implemented our first cultural burn in at least two generations, with seasonal burns to come every year, paired with constant monitoring of the soil for the benefit of the landscape to alleviate overgrowth that leads to wildfires and to encourage constant regeneration of the plants that do best here.

“’It’s a way of giving back to the land,’ Auntie Dottie, 95, told us while she was there for our first renewed burn in generations.”

What to Expect 

  • Smoke may be visible near the CSU East Bay Concord Center (4700 Ygnacio Valley Road) between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., weather and air quality permitting.
  • The invitation-only event begins with a private Ohlone ceremony, followed by a controlled cultural burnled by Ohlone firekeepers under cultural protocols.
  • Fire personnel and equipment from CAL FIRE and Contra Costa County Firewill be on-site throughout the day.
  • The project will only proceed on a permissive burn day, as determined by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD).

Safety Measures

  • Public safety is the highest priority. The burn will be conducted under a strict, approved burn plan that considers fire behavior and weather conditions.
  • Fire breaks, water supply and suppression equipment will be established on-site.
  • Crews will remain until the fire perimeter is fully secured and declared out.
  • The burn will not proceed if wind, humidity, or other conditions make it unsafe.

Air Quality Compliance 

This project qualifies as a ceremonial fire under BAAQMD Regulation 5. It is exempt from open burn notification and fees, with the only condition being that the burn will not proceed on a Mandatory Burn Ban (Spare the Air Alert) day.

Public Information 

For updates on the burn, please visit:

About the mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy

The mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy works to reacquire, restore, and steward Ohlone ancestral lands through Indigenous-led ecological restoration, hyper-localized land management, and the practice and transmission of traditional culture. Our work strengthens Ohlone relationships to land, supports access to traditional foods, medicines, and basketry materials, and engages the public in understanding Ohlone history, culture, and place-based knowledge. For more information visit www.ohloneland.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Cal State East Bay President Cathy Sandeen to step down

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CSU East Bay President Cathy Sandeen. Photo: Cal State East Bay

CSU Chancellor Mildred García issues statement

By Amy Bentley-Smith & Warren Robak, Media Relations & Public Affairs, The California State University

On May 20, 2026, California State University, East Bay President Cathy Sandeen announced that she will step down from the presidency at the end of the 2026 calendar year. Sandeen is the university’s sixth president and has served in the role since 2021.

In her announcement, Sandeen wrote:

“Dear Cal State East Bay community, friends and supporters,

The end of this calendar year will mark my sixth year serving as your president, and my thirteenth year overall as a university president or chancellor. Those years have been filled with unforgettable moments, extraordinary people, and the profound privilege of serving students whose determination and dreams inspire me every day.

“As we reflect on the hope, pride, and joy that filled our recent commencement ceremonies, I want to share some deeply personal news with you. There is no easy way to say this because this community has meant so much to me, but after a great deal of reflection and consideration, I have made the decision to step down as president of Cal State East Bay at the end of 2026. This was not a decision I arrived at lightly.

“I joined Cal State East Bay in January 2021, in the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic, before vaccines were widely available. You welcomed me into this community (on Zoom, mostly!) and together we emerged from the pandemic united in our mission to serve local East Bay students. Over the years we have worked hard to adjust to declining enrollments and reduced state budget allocations all the while maintaining and even improving student success metrics, like graduation and retention rates and achieving the Seal of Excelencia.

“We brought the campus back to life while also retaining flexible learning options through online and hybrid programs. We enhanced the sense of belonging for all students through our various student success and support units. We opened two new buildings: the impressive CORE Library and the fully donor-funded Braddock Center. We created a College of Health. Our faculty developed new degrees and refined existing programs. The new BS in Civil Engineering and the online MS in Speech-Language Pathology, among others, come to mind.

“Our marketing teams elevated the awareness and reputation of the university and we all welcomed Perry the Peregrine Falcon as our new mascot. We built stronger partnerships with our surrounding community. The many new MOUs with our local school districts are a shining example. Enrollments have improved. Spirits have improved. We are on steady footing because at Cal State East Bay, when confronted by challenges, we take action.

“This clarity and focus, as reflected in our Future Directions strategic plan, caught the attention of MacKenzie Scott’s foundation culminating in a $50 million gift to our Educational Foundation last November.

“Between now and the end of December, our work will continue and I remain fully committed to building on current progress. We will check in on our Future Direction priorities as well as our planning for the upcoming WSCUC special visit. We will continue our efforts to increase enrollments and generate new non-state, non-tuition revenue streams. We will launch our brand new Staff Council, expanding shared governance to staff members. I am confident in our ability to maintain our positive momentum before “passing the baton” to the next leader.

“As a first-generation college graduate, born and raised in the East Bay—and a double CSU alum—it has been the honor of a lifetime to bring the experience I gained throughout my career right back home where I got my start. In my Commencement remarks this weekend, I shared what has been deeply true throughout my time here: it has been an extraordinary privilege to be part of our students’ educational journeys. Watching them grow, persevere, and achieve their dreams has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. It has also been a true gift to work alongside so many talented, compassionate, and dedicated people who care so deeply about our mission and each other. Together, we have changed lives in ways that ripple far beyond our campus.

“I look forward to working with purpose and determination from now until the end of December, because what we do matters immensely. No one creates life-changing opportunities for students, families, communities, and our region the way we do. This place will always hold a special place in my heart—I am Pioneer for life.

“With deepest gratitude to all of you,

Cathy Sandeen

President

——–

In response, CSU Chancellor Mildred García issued the following statement:

“Since joining Cal State East Bay in January 2021, President Sandeen has led with clarity, resilience and purpose, while positioning the university for long-term growth, regional impact and deeper community connection.

“Under her leadership, Cal State East Bay has strengthened enrollment, elevated its brand identity, revitalized campus pride and advanced a clearer sense of the university’s distinctive role in the East Bay region and beyond. President Sandeen has also strengthened the university’s academic mission and alignment with regional workforce needs through the creation of new academic programs and the expansion of pathways that prepare students for high-demand fields.

“During her tenure, the university also opened two new buildings and has seen consistent growth in sponsored programs and private giving, culminating in the landmark $50 million gift from MacKenzie Scott in November 2025 – one of the largest in CSU history.

“Guided by a deep commitment to student success, particularly those who are the first in their families to attend college, President Sandeen’s proactive and thoughtful engagement has fostered a more inclusive and equitable campus community and expanded meaningful connections across the East Bay region. This includes her instrumental role in re-energizing collaboration with the city of Hayward to foster a college-going culture in marginalized communities.

“President Sandeen will leave Cal State East Bay stronger, more connected to its community and better positioned for the future. On behalf of the entire California State University, I offer my deepest gratitude for her partnership, her integrity and her unwavering commitment to student success.”

The CSU will soon launch a national search for Sandeen’s successor. Under university policy, the chair of the CSU Board of Trustees and the chancellor will select a committee comprised of campus and community stakeholders to lead the search.

About Cal State East Bay

Cal State East Bay serves the East Bay through its Hayward campus and Concord center. The university was originally named the State College for Alameda County when it was officially established by the California State Assembly in 1957. The first academic year began in 1959. The university expanded its reach to Contra Costa County in 1992, opening a branch in Concord. The university changed its name to California State University, East Bay in 2005 to reflect its new regional service to Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

For nearly 66 years, Cal State East Bay has served the Bay Area as part of the California State University system, providing access to higher education for a diverse student body and advancing regional engagement through its academic programs and leadership. The university is a federally designated Asian American, Native American, Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) and Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).  Cal State East Bay has been recognized from everything from its diversity and social mobility potential to its business school and online education. For more information visit www.csueastbay.edu.

About the California State University

The California State University is the nation’s largest four-year public​ ​university system, providing transformational opportunities for upward mobility to more than 470,000 students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. More than half of CSU students are from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, and more than one-quarter of undergraduates are first-generation college students. Because the CSU’s 22 universities* provide a high-quality education at an incredible value, they are rated among the best in the nation for promoting social mobility in national college rankings from U.S. News & World Report, the Wall Street Journal and Washington Monthly. The CSU powers California and the nation, sending more than 123,000 career-ready graduates into the workforce each year. In fact, one in every 20 Americans holding a college degree earned it at the CSU. Connect with and learn more about the CSU in the CSU newsroom.

*Transition to 22 universities in progress (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal Maritime integrating)—​official fall 2026​.​

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Diablo Valley College to celebrate Class of 2026 during 74th graduation ceremony Friday, May 22nd

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Photo: DVC

To be held at Concord Pavilion

By Diablo Valley College

Congratulations Class of 2026! DVC is honored to celebrate our graduating students at an in-person 74th Annual Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 22, 2026.

We’re excited to announce that commencement is moving to the Toyota Pavilion at Concord, giving our graduates and their guests a bigger, more comfortable, and truly celebratory experience worthy of this milestone moment!

  • Spacious, covered seating so guests can relax and enjoy the ceremony in comfort
  • More restrooms and amenities, including concessions, for a smoother, stress-free experience
  • A professional stage, sound, and video setup so every name is clearly heard and every smile seen
  • Experienced event staff on site to ensure a seamless, well-organized celebration from start to finish

Source: DVC

Graduation Ceremony Event Details

  • Location: Toyota Pavilion at Concord, 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord
  • Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
  • Time: 6:00 p.m.
  • 4:00 p.m. – Parking Lots Open / Early Arrival Encouraged – Graduates and guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow sufficient time for parking, entry, and seating.
  • 4:30 p.m. – Venue Gates Open – All guest entrances open. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • 5:45 p.m. – Processional Begins
    Graduates, faculty, and platform party begin the formal processional into the venue.

See digital Commencement Program.

Events at the Pavilion are rain or shine.

Free Parking

Guests should plan ahead for parking at Toyota Pavilion at Concord and arrive early, as lots fill up closer to the ceremony. Multiple entrances off Kirker Pass Road will help with traffic flow. Carpooling or ridesharing is encouraged. Parking is free for the event.

Watch Live Online

A live video feed will be available on the day of the ceremony. Visit Commencement Ceremony | Diablo Valley College on May 22 for the feed!

About DVC

For over 75 years, Diablo Valley College has provided quality education to the community it serves. A million students later, enrolling at DVC is one of the best ways you can ensure acceptance at a four-year college. DVC is not only recognized as one of California’s best community colleges, but it also leads the state in transfer to four-year institutions. For more information visit www.dvc.edu.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Martinez author, former sportswriter pens another book

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Photos source: Matt Sieger

“In My Humble Opinion: Musings of a Sports Columnist”

Martinez author and former sportswriter, Matt Sieger just published a new book entitled, In My Humble Opinion: Musings of a Sports Columnist.

According to the description on Amazon.com, the book “is a rich, intelligent, and deeply personal collection of sportswriting that goes far beyond scores and statistics. Written by veteran journalist Matt Sieger-also the author of The God Squad: The Born-Again San Francisco Giants of 1978-this engaging book brings together a lifetime of observation, experience, and love for the games that shape us.

“Drawing from his work as a columnist, reporter, and lifelong fan, Sieger explores not only baseball, basketball and legendary athletes, but also race, faith, ethics, sports culture, books, movies, and the timeless beauty of “the thinking person’s game.” With wit, warmth, insight, and a storyteller’s eye for unforgettable detail, Sieger invites readers into a world where sports serve as a lens for understanding character, memory, competition, and life itself.

“Whether recalling childhood ballfields, reflecting on iconic players, or offering sharp commentary on the meaning behind the games we love, he writes with authenticity, intelligence and heart. In My Humble Opinion is an ideal book for devoted sports fans, thoughtful readers, and book buyers seeking a fresh, substantial, and highly readable voice in sports literature.”

Purchase a copy of Sieger’s new book at https://www.amazon.com/My-Humble-Opinion-Musings-Columnist/dp/163132280X

Read his article published last year by the Herald entitled, “Giants of the Faith”, here.

About the Author

Matt Sieger has a B.A. from Cornell University and a master’s degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. He was a sports reporter for the Cortland (New York) Standard, The (Vacaville, California) Reporter, the Martinez (California) News-Gazette, and the Ithaca (New York) New Times. He is a Jewish believer in Jesus and has written numerous magazine articles about Christian athletes. Sieger and his wife, Leigh live in Martinez.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Bay Area Military Appreciation BBQ in Martinez May 25

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Hosted by Nuvision Credit Union in partnership with VFW Post 1351 & American Legion Post 29

By Bill Meyer, AVP, Communications, Nuvision Credit Union

May is Military Appreciation Month, and Nuvision Credit Union is proud to be honoring local veterans this Memorial Day.  Nuvision is privileged to partner with VFW Post 1351 and American Legion Post 29 for the credit union’s upcoming Memorial Day Military Appreciation BBQ in Martinez, California.

The event is free and  takes place on Monday, May 25th from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Ward Street, Martinez.

The BBQ is to honor and thank the men and women who serve our country, welcoming all veterans, active-duty military members, and the families that serve alongside them.  The BBQ is open and free to all who have served, active military, and their families.

Baseball players from the Martinez Sturgeon, an independent professional baseball team, will be in attendance to honor our veterans and active military for their service and sacrifice, and will be serving lunch to attendees.

The luncheon will also highlight veteran-focused initiatives supported through local American Legion leadership, including programs and services benefitting veterans and their families.

Active military and veterans interested in attending are invited to register for the free BBQ.

Nuvision Credit Union Background:

  • Headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, Nuvision was founded in 1935. Today, the credit union has more than $3.8 billion in assets.
  • Nuvision has 6 branches in the Bay Area, serving the communities of Martinez, Walnut Creek, Brentwood, Pleasanton, Berkeley and Hayward.
  • Nuvision serves more than 200,000+ members in 5 states, including California, Alaska, Washington State, Wyoming and Arizona.

Website: nuvisionfederal.com

Martinez Chamber of Commerce to host 40th Anniversary ceremonial ribbon cutting for Contra Costa Cinema May 13

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Top Gun movie to be shown at retro rate during its 40th anniversary

By Rachael Baber, Martinez Chamber of Commerce

Martinez, CA —The Martinez Chamber of Commerce, alongside local dignitaries, business leaders, and community members, will host a ceremonial ribbon cutting celebrating the 40th anniversary of Contra Costa Cinema, a longtime cornerstone of entertainment in Martinez.

The celebration will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Contra Costa Cinema in Martinez.

Event Schedule

  • 5:30 PM – Anniversary celebration begins
  • 6:00 PM – Ceremonial ribbon cutting
  • 6:30 PM – Special screening of Top Gun 40th Anniversary presentation

To commemorate both the theater’s 40th anniversary and the 40th anniversary of the iconic 1986 film Top Gun, all Top Gun screenings that evening will be offered at a special retro admission price of $3.75. Tickets are available to purchase now. Guests can also enjoy classic concession pricing inspired by 1986, including:

  • Large Popcorn — $3.25
  • Large Beverage — $2.75

The event will feature a red-carpet entrance experience, a step-and-repeat backdrop for photos and testimonials, commemorative promotions, and community festivities honoring four decades of cinematic history in Contra Costa County.

Source: Contra Costa Cinema

Originally opened on June 27, 1986, as the Contra Costa Cinemas under Festival Enterprises Theatres, the theater has served generations of moviegoers through several ownership transitions, including operations by Mann Theatres, Signature Theatres, and Cinema West Theatres. Signature Theatres operated the venue until 2001, while Cinema West later expanded the complex from five screens to ten screens with upgraded stadium seating.

Notably, Top Gun was one of the original five films showing when the theater first opened in 1986, making the anniversary screening especially meaningful for longtime moviegoers and the Martinez community.

In December 2021, the theater became independently operated and today continues serving the community as Contra Costa Cinema under owner Kyle Conner, who also owns the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex. Conner has worked in the movie theater industry since the age of 15 and remains committed to preserving the community cinema experience.

“This anniversary is more than a celebration of a theater — it’s a celebration of community memories spanning four decades,” said Joe Fitzpatrick, General Manager of Contra Costa Cinema. “We’re excited to partner with the Martinez Chamber of Commerce to honor the theater’s legacy while creating new memories for movie fans of all ages.”

The Martinez Chamber of Commerce recognizes Contra Costa Cinema as an enduring part of the local business community and cultural landscape, continuing to bring entertainment, connection, and economic vitality to the city of Martinez.

Promotional support for the anniversary celebration will include social media campaigns across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, website and newsletter promotions, on-screen advertising, poster displays, menu board promotions, point-of-sale messaging, exterior marquee advertising, and outreach to regional news media.

The event is open to the public.