Contra Costa Herald

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

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

By Leave a Comment

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

By Leave a Comment

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

By Leave a Comment

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

By Leave a Comment

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

Facebook

Instagram

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.

Paid advertisement

Martinez man convicted of two related murders in Solano County

By Leave a Comment

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.

Contra Costa Judicial Candidates Forum in Pleasant Hill April 30

By Leave a Comment

Hosted by Contra Costa County Bar Association & League of Women Voters of the Diablo Valley

Meet Judge Jesse Hsieh and Stanislaus County Deputy District Attorney Valery Polyakov 

By Jody Iorns, Executive Director, Contra Costa County Bar Association

PLEASANT HILL, CA — The Contra Costa County Bar Association (CCCBA) and the League of Women Voters of the Diablo Valley are pleased to invite the public to a free Judicial Candidate Forum on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Performing Arts Center at Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill.

The forum will feature the two candidates vying for Position Q on the Contra Costa County Superior Court: Judge Jesse Hsieh (jesseforjudge2026.com) and Valery Polyakov, a Deputy District Attorney in Stanislaus County (polyakov4judge.com). This forum is an important opportunity for community members to hear directly from both candidates on their qualifications, judicial philosophy, and vision for the court.

Why This Forum Matters: A Rare Opportunity for Voters

Contested judicial elections are exceptionally rare in California. Under state law, incumbent judges who face no opposition do not appear on the ballot at all — meaning most voters never have the chance to weigh in on who sits on their local bench. When a judicial seat is contested, as it is here, it represents a unique and significant moment in our democracy. The June 2026 primary will give Contra Costa County voters a direct voice in who fills Position Q on their Superior Court — a responsibility that deserves informed participation. This forum is one of the only public opportunities to hear both candidates speak before Election Day.

The event is open to all members of the public. Admission is free. While walk-ins are welcome, early registration is encouraged to help with planning. Members of the public are invited to reserve their seats online at:

Register Here — CCCBA Event Page

About the Hosts

The Contra Costa County Bar Association (CCCBA) empowers its attorney members to deliver outstanding legal service while connecting members of the public to valuable legal resources and assistance.

The League of Women Voters of the Diablo Valley is a nonpartisan, civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Concord City Council approves Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Program for 1,000 affordable units

By Leave a Comment

Examples of multifamily housing located within the Study Area include the Argent (left) and Galindo Terrace (right) projects currently under construction. Renderings source: City of Concord

Rezoned 10 parcels for five development sites

By Colleen Awad, City of Concord Community Relations Manager

Concord, CA – On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the Concord City Council approved the City’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Program, a key initiative designed to expand equitable housing opportunities and support Concord’s long-term housing strategy.

The AFFH Program fulfills requirements under California state law, which directs jurisdictions to proactively plan for a diverse range of housing opportunities, particularly in higher-resource areas with strong access to employment, education, transit, and community services. Implementation of the program was identified as a commitment in the City’s state-certified 2023–2031 Housing Element.

In Concord, the AFFH program is being implemented through an overlay zoning approach, allowing up to 60 dwelling units per acre on approximately 20 acres of land. The overlay zoning district allows higher-density residential uses in addition to the uses already permitted. This approach enables residential development consistent with the AFFH Program while preserving the underlying zoning regulations and currently permitted uses.

As part of the approval, the City Council amended the Concord Municipal Code to apply the AFFH Overlay Zoning District to five sites that include 10 parcels: the former Kmart property; Clayton Faire near Centre Concord, along Clayton Road; Palm Lake Apartments at 780 Oak Grove Road; 5390 Myrtle Drive; and 1539 Kirker Pass Road. In total, the program allows for the potential development of up to 1,000 new housing units across these five sites.

“The AFFH Program represents an important milestone in Concord’s efforts to expand housing opportunities throughout the community,” said Mayor Nakamura. “This program, shaped through robust public engagement, supports the City’s commitment to fair and equitable housing while maintaining flexibility for property owners and ensuring thoughtful growth in areas with strong access to jobs, transportation, and services.”

For more Existing Multifamily Housing Examples located within the Study Area click, here.

For more information about the AFFH Program, please visit www.cityofconcord.org/AFFH.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Initiative signature gathering begins for Senior Housing Transit Village near Walnut Creek BART

By Leave a Comment

Ygnacio Center is the location for the proposed Hall Equities Group’s Walnut Creek Senior Housing Transit Village with mixed-use retail project. Map source: Ygnacio Center CBRE Properties.

Initiative would update zoning to permit delivery of over 200 units and mixed-use retail

Learn more during community meeting 27th

By Adam Alberti, Singer Media

Walnut Creek, CA – Hall Equities Group, a Walnut Creek-based real estate investment company, today announced they’ve launched a signature gathering effort to qualify an initiative for the November 2026 ballot to allow for development of much needed senior housing and community-serving retail to Downtown Walnut Creek.

The Walnut Creek Senior Housing Transit Village Initiative aims to update zoning in Downtown Walnut Creek to facilitate delivery of over 200 units of senior housing and mixed-use retail to a 2.4-acre site located at the northeast corner of North California Boulevard and Ygnacio Valley Road, across the street from the Walnut Creek BART station.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to help address the clear and growing need for senior housing in Walnut Creek,” said Mark Hall, Chairman of the Hall Equities Group Board. “This initiative reflects our community’s evolving needs by giving seniors the option to remain close to friends, family, healthcare and cultural opportunities, while creating an accessible mixed-use center that serves both seniors and the broader Walnut Creek community.”

The initiative prioritizes high-quality senior housing near BART, enabling residents to easily access regional destinations, connect to the Downtown Trolley system and walk to shopping, dining, entertainment and everyday services. By concentrating housing near public transit, the proposal supports mobility, independence, health and wellness for seniors while reducing vehicle traffic.

The initiative also paves the way for a vibrant, mixed-use center that supports community-serving shopping, dining, entertainment and other convenient services. The center will serve senior residents, downtown visitors, nearby businesses and future development proposed by the city, adding valuable evening and weekend activity that strengthens the local economy.

The Walnut Creek Senior Housing Transit Village aligns with the city’s goals to create a range of housing opportunities for seniors, mixed-use development, healthy community design and growth near transit, all while supporting a diverse downtown economy.

Signature gathering is now underway to place the initiative on the November 2026 ballot.

When asked for renderings of the project, Haley Murphy of Singer Associates, which is running the campaign responded, “The Proponents are still in the signature gathering process and developing plans for the site, so there are not yet renderings to share. The current 2.4-acre site is zoned for ‘office-only’, so the campaign committee is planning to go to the voters directly to establish a new zoning district called ‘Mixed Use – Residential Senior & Commercial,’ to allow for senior housing and retail to be built.”

She was also asked for the specific location and if it will be a conversion of existing space at the Ygnacio Center Office Complex which Hall Equities Group acquired last year or in an existing landscaped area on Northern California Blvd. Murphy shared that the location is the landscaped area “but also includes the office buildings on the corner.”

Asked why they chose the initiative process instead of submitting the project through the normal city approval process Murphy responded, “The initiative process allows us to ask the voters directly, which we are doing. The voters get to decide directly if they agree with the concept. If they do, we will prepare and submit a project application that will follow the normal City approval process for the site considering the base zoning.  We think this will be a more certain, efficient and quicker process.”

Community Meetings April 27

To learn more about the Walnut Creek Senior Housing Transit Village Initiative visit www.wcseniorhousing.com or attend a community meeting.

DATE: Monday, April 27, 2026

TIME: 10 AM–12 PM

LOCATION: Rossmoor – Hillside Clubhouse (Diablo Room) – Located at 3400 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek

The events are drop-in. Light bites and refreshments will be provided.

About Hall Equities Group

Hall Equities Group (HEG) is a private, full-service real estate investment, development, and property management company representing the interests of select private investors and company-sponsored group investment entities. Hall Equities Group is a portfolio company of Walnut Creek, California based entrepreneur, Mark D. Hall, who also owns and operates affiliated company’s including, ZMC Hotels, National SportsMall Realty and COPA Innovation Laboratories.

The company was founded by Hall’s father, former Walnut Creek City Councilman Merle Hall in 1962 as a real estate brokerage business. He then renamed it to Merle D. Hall Company in 1976 and refocused on investment brokerage and property management for private investors. Mark joined Merle in 1986 and purchased 50% of the company’s stock and assumed control of operations in 1992. In 1999 Mark acquired the remaining 50% ownership of the company and renamed it to Hall Equities Group.

Ad paid for by Friends of Walnut Creek Senior Housing; Ad committee’s top funder Hall Equities Group and Affiliated Entities

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Suspect in 2023 Pleasant Hill homicide found guilty of first-degree murder of Concord man

By Leave a Comment

Andre Aaron Barocio, Jr. was arrested in Mexico in May 2023. Photo source: Pleasant Hill PD

37-year-old Hercules man fled to Mexico, has history of arrests

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

On April 3, 2023, around 1:15 am, Pleasant Hill Police officers responded to the parking lot in front of Farrington’s Bar at 1938 Contra Costa Blvd. for the report of a shooting. Officers found a 37-year-old Oscar Laredo-Arellano, deceased in the parking lot from a gunshot wound to his head and determined he had been shot following an argument. 37-year-old Andre Aaron Barocio, Jr. (born 4/21/1988) of Hercules was identified as the suspect in the shooting.  (See related article)

In May of 2023, PHPD detectives, with the help of federal law enforcement and Mexican state police, located Barocio, Jr. in Mexico. Barocio Jr. was arrested and returned to the United States for trial.

In March 2026, Barocio, Jr.’s murder trial began in Contra Costa County Superior Court. On April 8, 2026, Barocio, Jr. was found guilty of first-degree murder and will be sentenced in June 2026.

In addition, then-32-year-old Angelo Martinez Delacruz of Antioch (born 5/31/90) was identified as a suspect in the shooting. In April 2023 he was arrested in Douglas County, Nevada. Upon extradition, police booked him into the Martinez Detention Facility for assault with a firearm. (See related article)

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 260-pound Barocio, Jr. is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 25, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Martinez Superior Court.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by a variety of agencies in Contra Costa and Alameda counties on multiple violence, gun and drug charges and driving violations.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Rep. DeSaulnier hails $2.6 billion in COVID-relief funding for Concord-based union pension plan

By Leave a Comment

Serves over 138,000 retirees; funding from 2021 American Rescue Plan Act

By Mairead Glowacki, Communications Director, Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, April 2, 2026, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that the Northern California UFCW Plan, which is based in Concord, California, a city he represents, will receive $2.6 billion in pension relief funding made possible by the Democrat-passed $1.9 trillion COVID-relief American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that the Congressman was proud to vote for in 2021. This funding will enable the plan to continue to pay retirement benefits for its 138,516 participants in the service industry without reduction for many years into the future.

“In the midst of the COVID epidemic, Democrats fought tooth and nail to protect the lives and livelihoods of working Americans and their families, ultimately passing the American Rescue Plan to prevent cuts to the hard-earned benefits of retirees and workers. This funding, that will benefit hundreds of thousands of workers and retirees, including those here in our district, is a direct result of those efforts and I am proud to have helped bring this money home,” said DeSaulnier.

The application for this funding was submitted to the Special Financial Assistance (SFA) Program by the UFCW – Northern California Employers Joint Pension Plan (Northern California UFCW) and approved by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). The SFA Program provides funding to severely underfunded multiemployer pension plans and will ensure that millions of America’s workers, retirees, and their families receive the pension benefits they earned.

Rep. DeSaulnier is a senior member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce where he is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.