Update: Hercules man faces felony charges in fatal Pleasant Hill shooting

A Hercules man is facing felony charges for his alleged involvement in the murder of 37-year-old Oscar Arellano Laredo in Pleasant Hill, announced the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office on Friday.   

FBI and EPA investigating particles found in neighborhoods near the Martinez oil refining plant

The Federal Bureau of Investigations is teaming up with the Environmental Protection Agency to investigate dust and ash found covering neighborhoods in Martinez last year after large amounts of the particles were found near the Martinez Refining Company.

FBI and EPA investigating particles found in neighborhoods near the Martinez oil refining plant
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The Federal Bureau of Investigations is teaming up with the Environmental Protection Agency to investigate dust and ash found covering neighborhoods in Martinez last year after large amounts of the particles were found near the Martinez Refining Company.

Protesters demand Antioch cops in racist text scandal be fired

Marching and chanting, more than 100 demonstrators took to the steps of the Contra Costa County courthouse in Martinez on Friday, demanding officers involved in a racist texting scandal be fired.

Contra Costa County Health lifts health advisory from mercury spill

Contra Costa County has lifted a health advisory for downtown Martinez, eight days after a mercury spill was discovered near the Amtrak station.

Martinez Amtrak station to remain closed through the weekend as mercury spill cleanup continues

Health officials in Contra Costa County say they are making progress on a hazardous substance spill in Martinez, but that the downtown Amtrak station will remain closed through the weekend as cleanup continues. 

1 dead in 2-car crash on Highway 4 late Wednesday

A two-car crash on state Highway 4 near Martinez late Wednesday night left one person dead and another with major injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol.   

Mercury spill cleanup in Martinez could take days

The ongoing mercury spill discovered days ago in the Martinez Amtrak parking lot continued to disrupt surrounding areas Wednesday as crews worked to remove every spec of the toxic chemical.

Garbage truck spread waste from Martinez mercury spill, residents advised to avoid walking parts of downtown

Contamination from the mercury spill discovered in the Martinez Amtrak parking lot on Monday is wider than initially believed, according to Contra Costa County health officials. A garbage truck inadvertently spread the hazardous waste. 

Source of mercury spill in Martinez Amtrak parking lot still a mystery

The Amtrak station in Martinez remains partially closed as Contra Costa County health officials investigate a hazardous materials spill involving mercury in the parking lot.

Health advisory if you live near Martinez refinery: Don't eat the food you grow

Heath officials in Contra Costa County are advising residents and those who garden near the Martinez refinery not to eat the food they grow, at least not until soil testing is complete.

Health officials say residents near Martinez refinery should refrain from eating home-grown-food

Contra Costa Health (CCH) on Tuesday advised residents near Martinez Refining Company (MRC) not to eat produce grown in soil that may have been exposed in November to "spent catalyst" with heavy metals, saying further environmental testing needs to be completed.

1 dead, 1 injured in Martinez apartment fire

One person died and another was hospitalized Wednesday after an apartment fire in Martinez. 

Person dies on Highway 4 in Martinez

The California Highway Patrol shut down the westbound lanes of Highway 4 in Martinez early Wednesday because of a fatal traffic collision.

Pitbull euthanized after several attacks, including 8-year-old girl in Martinez

A pitbull that bit at least three people, including a little girl, was surrendered by the owner and euthanized Thursday by Contra Costa County Animal Services for violating a potentially dangerous animal permit.

Pitbull attacks for third time, neighbors call for dog to be euthanized

An 8-year-old girl was attacked by a pitbull outside her home in Martinez, just three months after it bit another neighbor in her driveway on the same street. The dog is now under quarantine.

About 70 dogs, 3 cats found in a Martinez home where fire broke out

Dozens of Pomeranian dogs and several cats were removed from a home in Martinez on Tuesday, after firefighters responded to a report of garage fire at the property.