Contra Costa Herald

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

In-custody death of Concord man charged with murdering parents New Year’s Eve under investigation

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Sustained self-inflicted head injuries at Martinez Detention Facility

By Jimmy Lee, PIO, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office are currently jointly investigating an in-custody death that occurred at the Martinez Detention Facility.

On Thursday, January 8, 2026, at about 5:38 AM, Contra Costa Health medical staff at MDF responded to a housing module for a report of head injuries that an inmate apparently sustained as a result of him purposely banging his head while housed in a cell. Minutes later, the fire department and an ambulance were called to transport the inmate to a local hospital.

At about 8:30 AM, the inmate was medically cleared at the hospital. He was uncooperative with deputy sheriffs while being transported back to MDF. While at MDF he was given medication by medical staff.

At about 5:48 PM, a deputy sheriff found the inmate unconscious inside his cell.

Jail medical staff responded while deputies performed CPR. The fire department and an ambulance also responded and later declared the inmate deceased. The countywide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol was invoked.

The inmate is identified as 61-year-old Kirk Richardson of Concord. On December 31, 2025, Richardson was arrested by the Concord Police Department for murder of his parents. He was booked into MDF on two counts of murder and had been held since that time.

As previously reported, on Dec. 31, 2025, at approximately 7:00 a.m., officers responded to a 911 call reporting a family disturbance in the 3900 block of Walnut Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located two individuals, a 90-year-old man and an 85-year-old woman, who were deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.  Richards on was at the residence was detained and subsequently arrested in connection with the incident.

He was arraigned on Wednesday and had another court date set for Thursday afternoon. The five-foot, ten-inch tall, 200-pound Richardson was being held on $4 million bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Concord man charged with murdering parents on New Year’s Eve

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61-year-old Kirk Laroy Richardson held on $4 million bail

By Allen D. Payton

As previously reported, on Dec. 31, 2025, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Concord Police Department officers responded to a 911 call reporting a family disturbance in the 3900 block of Walnut Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located two individuals, a 90-year-old man and an 85-year-old woman, who were deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. A third individual at the residence was detained and subsequently arrested in connection with the incident.

According to the Concord Police Department in a Facebook post on Jan. 2, 2026, “This case was referred to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for filing considerations. This morning, the District Attorney’s Office filed two counts of Murder (PC187) with enhancements for use of a firearm, against 61-year-old Kirk Richardson for the murder of his parents. Richardson remains in custody and is being held in lieu of $4 million bail.”

According to Ted Asregadoo, PIO for the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, “Kirk Laroy Richardson was arraigned today, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at 1:30 pm in Martinez in Department 6 (Judge David Goldstein). Richardson is in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility. His bond is currently listed on the Sheriff’s In-Custody Locator at four million dollars.”

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, ten-inch tall, 200-pound Richardson is Hispanic and has another court date scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 8, also at 1:30 p.m. in Superior Court Department 5 in Martinez.

“Attached is the complaint our office filed with the court on 1/2/26 that lists the charges,” Asregadoo added. According to the complaint, Richardson is charged with two counts of murder and faces 25 years to life in prison for each count.

01-26-00001 – KLRichardson Charging Document

City of Martinez kicks off Sesquicentennial Celebration: “Past, Present, Future, Together”

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150th Anniversary of Cityhood

By Eve Kearney, Martinez City Manager’s Office

Martinez, CA — The City of Martinez is proud to celebrate the beginning of its Sesquicentennial year, marking 150 years since the City’s incorporation on April 1, 1876. Under the theme “Past, Present, Future, Together,” the City will honor its rich history, vibrant community, and bright future ahead. The City will be celebrating its 150th Anniversary on April 1, 2026, and to mark this momentous occasion, the City will be undertaking initiatives and events throughout 2026.

The Sesquicentennial will be recognized throughout the entire 2026 calendar year with special events, community projects, and opportunities for residents to celebrate the community’s legacy and help shape its next chapter.
Milestone Events

As part of the Sesquicentennial year, the City will hold three official events to honor the 150th anniversary.

  • Early 2026 – District Community Sessions: To foster meaningful engagement and share the City’s forward-looking plans, Martinez will host Community Sessions in each district early in the year. These sessions will give residents a chance to learn about current City initiatives preparing Martinez for the future, offer input and ask questions, and connect with neighbors and City leaders.
  • April 1, 2026 – Sesquicentennial City Council Meeting: April 1st marks the official 150th anniversary of Martinez’s incorporation. To honor this historic date, the City Council will hold a commemorative meeting featuring historical reflections, special recognitions, and highlights of Sesquicentennial initiatives taking place throughout the year.
  • August 29, 2026 – Sesquicentennial Festival: To bring residents together in celebration of Martinez’s history and community spirit, the City will host a large-scale festival on August 29th featuring music, food, activities, and cultural showcases. The festival will highlight the people and stories that have shaped Martinez across generations.

Milestone Projects

As part of the Sesquicentennial, the City is launching three key initiatives designed to strengthen Martinez’s future while celebrating its identity.

  • Park System Master Plan Update: A comprehensive effort to re‑envision Martinez’s parks, open spaces, and recreation facilities for generations to come. Through community collaboration and thoughtful planning, this update will provide a roadmap to enhance existing spaces, expand opportunities, and strengthen connection between people and their parks.
  • Utility Box Art Program: A creative beautification project that will transform utility boxes throughout the City into works of public art celebrating Martinez’s culture, history, and community.
  • 150 Trees for 150 Years: More than 150 trees have been planted across the City in advance of the Sesquicentennial year along Alhambra Avenue, Marina Vista, Arnold Drive, and other key corridors throughout Martinez. Residents will see these new trees begin to flourish as part of the Sesquicentennial year.

A Community Celebration

Residents, businesses, and community organizations are encouraged to participate in the celebratory events and key projects throughout 2026.

“Martinez’s Sesquicentennial is a celebration of where we’ve been and where we’re going,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn. “Together, we will honor our past, embrace our present, and build a future that reflects the spirit and resilience of our community.”

District Community Sessions 

The City is hosting district Community Sessions to kick off the year! Meet your District Representative and the Mayor and learn about key City initiatives planned or already underway.

Topics at these Sessions include:

  • Sesquicentennial Celebration year
  • City 4-Year Strategic Plan
  • Waterfront and Marina Revitalization Project
  • Park Masterplan Update

We’re bringing these conversations directly to you by hosting one session in each district of the City. No matter which date or location you attend, the topics and discussions will be the same, so you can choose the session most convenient for you and still be part of this conversation about our shared future.

January 15, 2026 5:30-7:30pm – District 4

Grace Episcopal Church, 130 Muir Station Road

Hosted by District Council Member Debbie McKillop and Mayor Zorn

January 28, 2026 6:30-8:30pm – District 2

John Muir Elementary School, 205 Vista Way

Hosted by District Council Member Greg Young and Mayor Zorn

February 12, 2026 6-8pm – District 3

Location to be confirmed

Hosted by District Council Member Satinder Malhi and Mayor Zorn

February 25, 2026 6-8pm – District 1

Alhambra High School, 150 E Street

Hosted by District Council Member Jay Howard and Mayor Zorn

Additional events and details will be shared on the City’s official channels as the celebration year unfolds, including on the City website at www.cityofmartinez.org/150.

Ex-Danville biology teacher, San Ramon cheer coach from Concord gets prison for child exploitation

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Nicholas Brandon Moseby. Photo source: The Rob Harvey on Facebook

44-year-old Nicholas Brandon Moseby sentenced to the maximum 3 years, 8 months

Following arrest in September 2022, conviction last October and investigation by multi-agency task force

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

Martinez, California – Former San Ramon Valley School District biology teacher and cheerleading coach Nicholas Brandon Moseby, 44, from Concord, was sentenced to state prison on December 31st, 2025, after being convicted of sexually abusing and exploiting minors.

Moseby was sentenced by the Honorable Joni T. Hiramoto to three years and 8 months in state prison — the maximum term of incarceration allowed by law — and ordered to register for life as a sex offender.

After the court proceedings, Moseby was remanded into custody to immediately serve his prison sentence.

The investigation into and eventual arrest of Moseby occurred on September 14th, 2022. That’s when the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant at Moseby’s residence in Concord after receiving a report he had sent harmful material to a minor. The subsequent investigation determined Moseby had also unlawfully touched several different minors at schools he taught at, and during cheerleading training session in the San Ramon area.

After a five-week trial in September and October 2025, Moseby was found guilty of lewd acts with a child and sending harmful material to a minor, both felonies. Moseby was also convicted of two misdemeanors, sexual battery and annoying and molesting a minor.

“This sentencing marks the end of a three-year legal process and delivers long-awaited justice for the brave victims who came forward,” said Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton. “We hope this outcome brings them a measure of closure and affirms that their voices were heard.”

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Jessica Murad with the Sexual Assault Unit for the District Attorney’s Office. The Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force led the investigation with significant assistance from the Danville Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. The Task Force includes detectives and investigators from the police departments of Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Brentwood, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Danville, Oakley and Moraga, as well as the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

Case No. 01-22-01583 | The People of the State of California v. Moseby, Nicholas Brandon

Measles case confirmed in Contra Costa County

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Possible exposure in Walnut Creek Dec. 17-19, 23, 24 or Lafayette Dec. 21

By Contra Costa Health

Contra Costa Health (CCH) is notifying the public of a confirmed case of measles in the county, identified on Dec. 24, 2025. The individual was contagious in public between Dec. 17 and Dec. 24, and people may have been exposed at the locations listed below.

Locations of potential measles exposure:

  • Dec. 17 or Dec. 19: Anthropologie, 1149 South Main St., Walnut Creek
  • Dec. 18: Macy’s, 1320 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek; ALO, 1292 Broadway Plaza, Suite 1106, Walnut Creek; Apple Store, 1200 South Main St., Walnut Creek
  • Dec. 21: STAT Med, 3799 Mount Diablo Blvd. #100, Lafayette
  • Dec. 23-24: Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Emergency Department, 1425 South Main St., Walnut Creek

People who were at these locations during the dates listed above may be at risk of developing measles, especially if unvaccinated, pregnant or immunocompromised. Measles can develop seven to 21 days after exposure. If you were at these locations during these times, you should confirm with your healthcare provider that you have been fully vaccinated against measles or have had measles infection in the past.

If symptoms develop, stay home and call your healthcare provider immediately before seeking care so they are prepared to take care of you. Those who have been symptom free for more than 21 days after being exposed are no longer at risk for developing measles.

A large majority of Contra Costa County residents are fully vaccinated against measles and have lifetime protection against infection. CCH encourages all eligible unvaccinated residents to get immunized against measles with two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to ensure their protection.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can linger in the air or on surfaces for over an hour after the contagious individual leaves an area. This makes it even easier to spread to those who do not have protection. Also, a person can spread the virus to others even before they develop symptoms.   Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash that spreads over the body.
Although the risk of contracting measles is low for those who are fully vaccinated, members of the public should be aware of the situation and watch for symptoms.

CCH is conducting contact tracing and notifying local healthcare providers to be vigilant for possible measles cases. CCH continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates if more information becomes available.

More information about measles can be found on our website.

 

Two shot, killed in Concord during family disturbance

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By Concord Police Department

CONCORD, CA – This morning, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Concord Police Department officers responded to a 911 call reporting a family disturbance in the 3900 block of Walnut Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located two individuals who were deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. A third individual at the residence was detained and subsequently arrested in connection with the incident.

There are no outstanding suspects and there is no active threat to the community. CPD detectives responded and the investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact CPD Major Crimes Unit Detective Luciano at (925) 603-5831.

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

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

Private developer proposes vision, model, master plan for collaboration

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

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

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

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

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

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

Side aerial view rendering. Source: City of Martinez

A Vision for a Reimagined Waterfront

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Financially Sustainable Path Forward

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

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

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

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

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

Next Steps: Community Engagement and Environmental Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

History of the Martinez Marina

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Concord: Sunvalley Mall jewelry store robbery Sunday morning

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

By Concord Police Department

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

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

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

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

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

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch man killed during family dispute at home near Concord

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By Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a homicide that occurred on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 8:04 a.m. at a home on the 5100 block Laurel Drive in unincorporated Concord.

Valley Station deputy sheriffs responded to a welfare check and found a resident of the home deceased on the property. Detectives believe the incident began as a domestic issue when a family dispute escalated into an altercation. Three others who suffered from injuries were transported to a local hospital.

The victim is identified as 38-year-old Antonio Valdez of Antioch. A person in the home who suffered injuries remains in the hospital.

The Investigation Division Homicide Unit and Crime Lab responded to the scene. Detectives believe the incident began as a domestic issue when a family dispute escalated into an altercation. There are no outstanding suspects and no threat to the public.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the 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.

2nd Grand Community Chanukah Festival in Clayton Dec. 21

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Includes Grand Menorah Lighting

By Chabad of Concord

We are excited to announce the 2nd Grand Community Chanukah Festival in Clayton!
We are thankful to have an incredible lineup of entertainment, officials, crafts, and Chanukah excitement that you won’t want to miss.

Chabad of Concord and The City of Clayton have joined forces to bring you a Grand Menorah Lighting & LED juggling show event that promises to be unforgettable! So, get ready to celebrate with us as a community and show your Jewish pride and unity!

Sunday, Dec 21, 4:00 PM

At The Grove – 6110 Center Street in Clayton

  • Celebrate Jewish pride and unity this Chanukah with local dignitaries, leaders, and community!
  • Enjoy latkes, “The Best Sufganiyot”, hot chocolate & More
  • Live Show
  • Music videos
  • Crafts
  • Raffles
  • More

Raffle ticket provided with RSVP.

Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication,” and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple. Chanukah begins on the eve of Kislev 25 and continues for eight days.

Looking forward to a grand time celebrating together!

Free admission- Please RSVP Jewishconcord.com/Clayton.

Special thanks ABL Health Care, Simcha Sisters, the City of Clayton and PJ Library for your partnership!