# Martinez News and Views

What to know about local politics, government and other news and developments affecting the people of Martinez, California.

Page: <https://rssamplifier.com/martineznewsandviews-substack-com>  
Feed: <https://rssamplifier.com/martineznewsandviews-substack-com.md>

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## [Three Years and Counting: State Investigation into 2023 Officer-Involved Fatal Shooting at Velvet Cannabis Dispensary Remains Unfinished](https://martineznewsandviews.substack.com/p/three-years-and-counting-state-investigation)

_2026-08-18 · Craig Lazzeretti_

Still no indication when report will be issued on Aug. 18, 2023 shooting death of Tahmon Wilson; family's civil rights lawsuit against city also remains unresolved; City Council meeting preview

## [News You Can Use: 'Art in the Park,' Sesquicentennial Festival, John Muir House, Theater and Library Events, Fall CERT Training and More](https://martineznewsandviews.substack.com/p/news-you-can-use-art-in-the-park)

_2026-08-16 · Craig Lazzeretti_

Our latest roundup of events and activities in and around Martinez

## [Breaking News: Suspect in Fatal Martinez Stabbing Arraigned on Murder Charges, Held Without Bail](https://martineznewsandviews.substack.com/p/breaking-news-suspect-in-fatal-martinez)

_2026-08-13 · Craig Lazzeretti_

Question of why Marcos Iriarte-Valdez was released to home detention without an electronic ankle monitor the day before the killing of Todd Stewart remains unanswered

## [Four More Years: Mayor Zorn Reflects on First Term, Lays Out Vision for Next One](https://martineznewsandviews.substack.com/p/four-more-years-mayor-zorn-reflects)

_2026-08-12 · Craig Lazzeretti_

Incumbent was only candidate to file to run in this year's mayoral election; also, suspect in fatal Martinez stabbing charged with murder, to be arraigned Wednesday; Sturgeon celebration Wednesday

## [Breaking News: Martinez Murder Suspect Wasn't Wearing Ankle Bracelet for Electronic Monitoring on Day of Fatal Stabbing, Despite Being Under Home Detention](https://martineznewsandviews.substack.com/p/breaking-news-martinez-murder-suspect)

_2026-08-09 · Craig Lazzeretti_

Marcos Iriarte-Valdez, accused of fatal Thursday stabbing on Francis Court, was taken into custody on Aug. 4 for home detention violation, then released following day before being fitted with monitor

## [As Filing Deadline Nears, Few Step Forward to Run for Local Office](https://martineznewsandviews.substack.com/p/as-filing-deadline-nears-few-step)

_2026-08-04 · Craig Lazzeretti_

No one one has filed to run against incumbents for mayor or Martinez Unified School Board as Aug. 7 deadline looms; refinery returns to full operation, delays turnaround; City Council to meet

## [News You Can Use: Sturgeon Advance to Division Championship; National Night Out Returns to Waterfront; Candidate Filing Deadline Nears; "Art in the Park"; Theater, Library Events and More](https://martineznewsandviews.substack.com/p/news-you-can-use-sturgeon-advance)

_2026-07-31 · Craig Lazzeretti_

Our latest roundup of events and activities in and around Martinez

## [Consultant Presents Latest Version of 'Full Facility' Refinery Audit at Public Meeting](https://martineznewsandviews.substack.com/p/consultant-presents-latest-version)

_2026-07-22 · Craig Lazzeretti_

MRC Oversight Committee member says not enough refinery workers were interviewed for audit, which was ordered in wake of major 2025 fire; report features 40 recommendations for enhancing safety

## [Local Elections Begin to Take Shape as Nomination Period Opens for November Ballot](https://martineznewsandviews.substack.com/p/local-elections-begin-to-take-shape)

_2026-07-19 · Craig Lazzeretti_

Zorn files to run for another term as mayor; how races for City Council and School Board are shaping up; nomination period runs through Aug. 7

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_2026-07-19 · **Sponsored**_

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## [News You Can Use: Sturgeon Gear Up for Playoffs; John Muir Camps; Alhambra Creek Cleanup; Mt. Wanda Evening Hike; New City App, Bike Racks and More](https://martineznewsandviews.substack.com/p/news-you-can-use-sturgeon-gear-up)

_2026-07-15 · Craig Lazzeretti_

Our latest roundup of events and activities in and around Martinez