October 6, 2026
Mayor's Office
DATE: October 6, 2026
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Vice Mayor Doria Robinson
Subject: Support for Memorial Service Honoring Dr. Desmond Carson at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The financial impact associated with the requested one-time use and fee waiver of the Richmond Memorial
Auditorium is still being determined based on the facility application, staffing, setup requirements, and any
additional requested services. Staff time will also be
required to coordinate the event logistics. A final cost estimate will be provided once the event permit and
facility needs are confirmed.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The City is seeking to support a community memorial
honoring Dr. Desmond Carson by authorizing the use
and fee waiver of the Richmond Memorial Auditorium. Dr.
Carson was a longtime physician and community leader
who dedicated decades of service to Richmond and West
Contra Costa County.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: APPROVE the co-sponsorship of a community memorial honoring Dr. Desmond Carson and AUTHORIZE the
one-time use and fee waiver of the Richmond Memorial
Auditorium, including an adjacent room, if available, for a repast following the memorial service — Mayor Eduardo
Martinez (510-620-6503)
AGENDA
REPORT
October 6, 2026
and Vice Mayor Doria Robinson (510-620-6568).
DISCUSSION:
Dr. Desmond Carson was a Richmond native and respected physician who devoted his career to serving the community that raised him. He provided care through Doctors Medical Center and LifeLong Medical Care and worked to educate community members about stroke prevention, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other health conditions.
Dr. Carson was also a strong advocate for improving access to health care in West Contra Costa County and addressing health disparities affecting Black families and other underserved communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as a trusted community voice encouraging residents to take precautions, including masking and vaccination.
His service extended beyond health care. Dr. Carson supported local youth and coached the Richmond Steelers football team.
Authorizing the one-time use and fee waiver of the Richmond Memorial Auditorium would provide the community with an appropriate civic space to gather and honor Dr.
Carson’s contributions to Richmond and West Contra Costa County.