Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a recent release from custody preceded a deadly Martinez burglary

Also check out You're Invited! Open House on the Martinez Patch calendar

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Monday August 24th Patch AM
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What's up Martinez! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a recent release from custody preceded a deadly Martinez burglary
  • Martinez's new county building just set a global green construction milestone
  • Richmond fire suspect heads to Martinez court on triple‑murder charges

Also on today's calendar: You're Invited! Open House and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: How fast is milk when you pour it? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Monday: Partly sunny, with a high of 83 and low of 58 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 87, low: 61. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 93 and low of 62 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Man Charged in Martinez Stabbing Death of 68-Year-Old Todd Stewart a Day After Release From Custody Faces Murder Count and Burglary Enhancements (centralrecorder.com) — A Martinez homeowner, 68‑year‑old Todd Stewart, was fatally stabbed outside his home during an alleged burglary, and a 36‑year‑old suspect now faces a murder charge with special burglary‑related enhancements. Prosecutors say the killing happened just a day after the suspect's release in a separate burglary case, raising concerns about electronic home detention while the community mourns a well‑regarded neighbor.
   

2. Capital Projects and Planning (ca.gov) — Contra Costa County's new administration building in Martinez has earned a world-first TRUE certification for waste reduction in construction, highlighting a major local government investment in town. The article also outlines a 20‑year capital facilities plan, including near‑term projects and renovations that will shape how county services are delivered to Martinez and surrounding communities.
   

3. Richmond fire suspect charged with three counts of murder as second child dies (contracostaherald.com) — Contra Costa County prosecutors in Martinez have charged a Richmond man with three counts of murder after a house fire killed three relatives and critically injured a fourth. The suspect is being held at the Martinez Detention Facility and is set for arraignment at the A.F. Bray Courts Building Annex in Martinez, underscoring the city's central role in this high‑profile county case.
   

4. Obituary: John Leslie Reich (1946-2026) (martineztribune.com) — Family and friends are remembering John Leslie Reich, who was born in Martinez in 1946 and went on to a long, successful insurance career and a life filled with travel, sports, and family adventures. Though he later settled elsewhere, his story begins in Martinez, and loved ones will honor him at a November celebration of life in Palm Desert.
   

📸 Around Martinez

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Martinez

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📣 Martinez Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Martinez PatchAM possible:

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Has anyone else experienced this Venmo scam?
    I'm selling a bed on Facebook Marketplace and had someone tell me they sent payment through a Venmo "business account." I then received what appeared… (Nextdoor Virginia Hills)
  • They have different crafts people who specialize in certain subjects.
    Just send them an email and they will reply telling you what they can do for you. (Nextdoor Virginia Hills)
  • City of Martinez, CA posted a job opening for REOPEN! Recreation Leader III- (Sports/Field Attendant) Seasonal/Temp in Martinez. Apply here.
  • Albertsons Companies, Inc. posted a job opening for Night Crew Stocker in Benicia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Martinez here.

Ok Martinez! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: It's "Pasturized" before you know it! (Thank you Judy M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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