Top Martinez News Stories Of 2017

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — As we close the book on 2017, we take a look back at the most-read news stories on Contra Costa County Patch sites Martinez, Concord and Pleasant Hill. Stories about Valero's proposed purchase of a Martinez terminal and the resignation of former Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson were widely read, as were several other breaking news items from throughout the year. A story about a historic Martinez home up for sale also generated plenty of interest, as did an article about an almost-forgotten Powerball ticket purchase.

Valero Calls Off Purchase Of Martinez Petroleum Terminal

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra sought to block the transaction, saying it would lead to higher gas prices for Californians.

Martinez Gym Owner Arrested: Lewd Acts With Minor Alleged

Benjamin Borsellino was booked into a Contra Costa County jail. His bail was set at $400,000.

Historic Martinez Home Built In 1916 For Beloved Community Leader: $1.25M

WOW! House: The century-old East San Francisco Bay home was restored in 2003 and is seeking its third owner ever.

Contra Costa Co. DA Resigns, Pleads Guilty To Perjury

As part of a plea agreement Wednesday, June 14, 2017 the judge dismissed several criminal charges against the outgoing district attorney.

Martinez Man Held On $16M Bail For Alleged Child Sex Offenses

The 33-year-old is a teacher for Walnut Creek School District and previously, a substitute for Martinez Unified.

Woman Dies In Martinez Amtrak Train Incident

"It was a trespasser, someone on the tracks who should not have been there," said a spokeswoman for Amtrak.

Gov. Brown Declares State of Emergency in Contra Costa County

Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency for counties in the Bay Area and across the state due to this winter's severe storms. Two proclamations signed Jan. 23, 2017 were to secure funding to support communities affected by inclement weather.

Contra Costa Protesters Call for End of ICE Contract, DA's Resignation

Hundreds gathered in front of the Contra Costa Administration Building in Martinez to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Contra Costa Co. Joins Agencies In Lawsuit: California WaterFix Would 'Devastate The Delta'

"The public remains very much in the dark about what the Project actually entails," the suit states.

Man Cashes In $810K Powerball Ticket He Bought At East Bay Gas Station, Then Nearly Forgot About

Jose Salazar doesn't play the lottery much, so when he purchased $10 worth of Quick Pick tickets at an Antioch gas station just off Highway 4, he just tossed them in his glove compartment and forgot all about them until a few days later.

Transformation Of Concord Naval Weapons Station Begins To Take Shape

The City of Concord and FivePoint hosted the second community workshop for the development on Saturday, June 17 at the Concord Senior Center. Over 230 Concord residents gave input on the evolving framework plan. The project will result in a mixed-use community with housing, commercial office buildings, retail, parks, and a new K-8 school.

Student Dead In Shooting Near High School: Concord Police

Concord police say a 17-year-old boy targeted in a shooting Monday afternoon, Nov. 6, 2017 near Olympic High School has died. Police say the shooting occurred at 1:32 p.m. at the corner of Salvio and Beach streets after classes at the continuation high school had let out for the day.

Fire Damages Popular Pleasant Hill Restaurant

Contra Costa County fire officials believe the fire may have started in a PG&E transformer.

Carjacking, Kidnapping Suspect Identified By Pleasant Hill Police

Police say Vincent Wilson, 23, thought to be armed and dangerous, frequents Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Concord and Walnut Creek.

Rabid Bat Found In Contra Costa Co. Park: Health Officials

The occurrence prompted county officials to issue a reminder to the community "that it's never OK to touch bats."

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