Contra Costa Herald

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

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.

In-custody death of Oakley man at Contra Costa jail under investigation

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Charged with attempted murder of Sheriff’s Deputy; was held on $1.385 million bail

Fatal incident protocol  invoked

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office

The county-wide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol has been invoked for an in-custody death.

On May 4, 2026, deputy sheriffs found an inmate who attempted suicide in his cell at the Martinez Detention Facility. He was transported to a local hospital where he has remained since. The inmate was pronounced deceased at the hospital today at about 11:34 AM.

He is identified as 54-year-old Raymond Smith of Oakley. Smith was arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on January 13, 2026, on the following charges: attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, illegal possession of a firearm (prohibited person), felon in possession of a firearm, and criminal contempt of court.

As previously reported by the Herald, Smith was charged with attempted murder of Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputy following a shootout during a traffic stop on Jan. 12, 2026. The deputy was not struck. The suspect fled on foot in the Oakley neighborhood and Smith was found barricaded at his home.

After several hours of attempting to communicate with the suspect, the SWAT team armored vehicle approached the residence. A gunshot was heard. The suspect apparently tried to take his own life. Medical personnel, who were on scene, immediately implemented life-saving measures. The suspect was taken to a local hospital.

Per the protocol, this is being investigated by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and the Contra Costa D.A.’s Office. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

City of Concord offers first time homebuyer subsidy program

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Up to $60,000 for downpayment; Introductory Workshop May 19th

By Walter Zhovreboff, Administrative Director, Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance, City of Concord Program Administrator

Tuesday May 19, 2026 6PM to 7:30PM

The City of Concord, along with the Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance (BAAHA) and A-1 Housing Community Services (A-1 CHS), is hosting a workshop to introduce Concord’s First Time Home Buyer program. The virtual zoom workshop will be held from 6:00pm to 7:30pm on Tuesday May 19, 2026.

Concord’s First Time Home Buyer Program (FTHB) assists low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers with purchasing a home in Concord. The FTHB loan does not charge an interest rate or require monthly payments. The loan must be repaid in full within 15 years, at which point the City receives the original principal amount plus a share of the home’s increased value.

The FTHB program provides the following valuable resources.

  • Down Payment Assistance Funds – Eligible low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers could receive up to $60,000 through the City FTHB; and up to an additional $40,000 provided through other organizations. FTHB funds can either increase the purchase power and/or decrease the cost of ownership for eligible first-time homebuyers. FTHB funds are strictly limited to purchasing homes within Concord city limits.
  • Homebuyer Education and Counseling – A-1 CHS, a HUD approved non-profit homebuyer education and counseling organization, will be delivering free homebuyer education and counseling to interested applicants. Education and counseling assists homebuyers with establishing a stronger understanding of the requirements, steps, and capacity for households to purchase a home. FTHB homebuyers must secure a HUD approved education and counseling certificate of completion in order to secure Concord’s FTHB funds and other partnering funding sources.

The FTHB introductory workshop will provide additional details on:

  • FTHB Funds – directed towards assisting low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers to purchase a home in Concord.
  • FTHB Participation Guidelines – an overview of Program requirements and guidelines to receive access to FTHB resources and funds.
  • Next Steps – for eligible first-time homebuyers to take in order to access FTHB’s beneficial homebuyer resources.

Workshop presenters will include:

  • City of Concord – housing staff will introduce the FTHB program.
  • Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance (BAAHA) – the City’s contracted FTHB administrator will provide additional information on FTHB and the steps required to become an FTHB participant.
  • A-1 Community Housing Services – a representative will provide information on HUD approved required FTHB homebuyer education; and on financial and homebuyer counseling available for eligible Concord residents and workforce.

A reservation is required to attend the free FTHB Informational Virtual Zoom workshop. To make a reservation please go to BAAHA’s FTHB workshop webpage at https://www.myhomegateway.org/concord-fthb-introworkshop.html. Reservations must be submitted by no later than 7:00PM Monday May 18, 2026.

About BAAHA

The Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance, Inc., or BAAHA, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that was formed as the successor organization of a public joint powers authority, the East Bay Delta Housing & Finance Agency (AKA the Bay Area HomeBuyer Agency). BAAHA’s mission is to promote homeownership for low to moderate income and workforce homebuyers in the San Francisco Bay Area region. We will accomplish our mission by: Supporting the preservation of affordable homeownership in the community Expanding affordable homeownership opportunities Structuring a comprehensive, informational and educational resource and service clearinghouse

 

Pleasant Hill Art, Wine & Music Festival returns May 16–17

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Bringing Two Days of Live Music, Food, Family Fun and Bay Area Access

Plus, NEW THIS YEAR – Four Night Festival Pre Party Presented by VISIT Pleasant Hill

Northern California spring tradition expected to draw tens of thousands to Downtown Pleasant Hill with free admission, 13 live acts, Saturday night concert, regional transit access and expanded community experience

By Miranda de la O, Events Manager, Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce

PLEASANT HILL, Calif. — The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the return of the Pleasant Hill Art, Wine & Music Festival on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, transforming Downtown Pleasant Hill into one of Northern California’s premier spring festival destinations.

With an estimated 45,000 attendees across two days in past years—and higher turnout anticipated this year—the festival continues a tradition dating back to 2000, bringing together live entertainment, local food, craft beverages, family attractions, community performances, and regional visitors in the heart of Contra Costa County.

Admission is free.

Festival hours are:

  • Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday Night Concert: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. featuring The Bell Brothers
  • Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

“This festival reflects everything that makes Pleasant Hill special—community pride, local business support, family experiences, and the ability to bring people together in a meaningful way,” said Jeremy Carlson, Executive Director of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce. “We’re proud to welcome guests from throughout the Bay Area and beyond for a weekend that showcases our city at its very best.”

The 2026 festival will feature 13 live performances across multiple stages, including the Back Forty Stage, WiseGirl Stage, and Saturday evening concert, with genres ranging from rock and blues to dance favorites and crowd-pleasing classics.

Festivalgoers will also enjoy:

  • Craft beer gardens and beverage experiences featuring Canyon Club Brewery, Calicraft Brewing Co., Parliament Brewing Company, Almanac Beer Co., and Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, widely recognized as the world’s oldest brewery
  • Wine and sparkling selections
  • Food trucks and downtown dining
  • Family entertainment and Kids Zone attractions
  • Community Stage cultural and youth performances
  • Local shopping and vendor experiences

Turn Festival Weekend Into a Pleasant Hill Getaway

Visit Pleasant Hill invites festivalgoers to extend their stay and enjoy the Art, Wine & Music Festival as a full weekend getaway.

A curated overnight package is available through participating hotel brands including Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, and Sonesta.

The package includes accommodations, a champagne brunch for two at Crescent Bistro—a local favorite known for seasonal offerings—and exclusive VIP wine tasting access reserved for package guests and sponsors.

The experience offers visitors a seamless and elevated way to enjoy the festival while exploring Pleasant Hill.

Easy Bay Area Access via BART + Festival Shuttle

This year’s event also strengthens its regional reach through a transportation partnership with Bay Area Rapid Transit, encouraging guests from across the Bay Area to ride to the Pleasant Hill / Contra Costa Centre Station and take a festival shuttle directly into Downtown Pleasant Hill.

The shuttle is proudly sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, helping provide a greener, easier, and more responsible way for attendees to arrive and return home.

“This festival is about bringing people together and supporting the businesses, organizations, and community spirit that make Pleasant Hill thrive,” said Alex Khodadad, Board Chair of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce and founder of In and Around Pleasant Hill. “We’re excited to welcome longtime attendees and first-time visitors alike.”

Festival Sponsors

The Chamber extends special thanks to this year’s lead sponsors:

  • Martinez Refining Company
  • Downtown Pleasant Hill
  • City of Pleasant Hill

Event Information

Pleasant Hill Art, Wine & Music Festival
Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17
Downtown Pleasant Hill (Crescent Drive area)
Free Admission
More Information: Click Here

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About the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce

The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce works to strengthen local business, promote economic vitality, and foster community connections through advocacy, events, and partnerships that enhance the quality of life in Pleasant Hill.

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Martinez man convicted of two related murders in Solano County

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

Fled to Mexico; multi-agency effort

Faces mandatory life without parole

By Solano County District Attorney’s Office

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Case: People v. Richard Klein, F23-00728

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.