Martinez delays launch of racism task force over concerns it would lack diversity

The creation of a new task force to address issues of racism, equity and bias in Martinez is on temporary hold, after displeasure was expressed last week by City Council members and others that seven of the 11 nominees for the inaugural panel are white.

The City Council could have formally approved the formation of the city’s Anti-Racism & Discrimination and Pro-Inclusion & Equity Task Force this past Wednesday night, and appointed 11 people — nine full members and two alternates — to the task force.