Update: Undisclosed Message Prompts Closing Of St. Catherine's, Another Private School and One Public School

A threatening letter was received by St. Catherine's, one other private school today and a public school, in Martinez today, prompting the closure of St. Catherine's, according to a spokesman for the Oakland Diocese.

"A similar letter to the ones schools received last week was received at St. Catherine’s of Sienna today," said Mike Brown, director of communication for the Oakland Diocese, which represents St. Catherine's. "We responded with police consultation, and sent the kids home. We called it an early day. The room parent monitors did a phone tree. Parents came and picked the kids up." 

Brown said the school will be closed tomorrow, and probably reopened on Friday.

"We're treating it as a police matter," he said. "The guy signs his name and puts his address on the letters." 

Police responded to the schools "regarding letters received from someone making graphic requests from young children. Although a threat was made in the letter, it is not believed to be credible," said Martinez police Sgt. Bryan Dodd.  

Dodd said no further information will be released while the investigation continues. 

Meanwhile, the Martinez school district will hold a special community forum on safety in schools, discussing the importance of drills in school and having a family emergency plan. The police will also present at the forum. 

That forum will be held Nov. 3 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Alhambra High School library.