Community Focus
At Home with Jeff: What are you up to?
By JEFF ROUBAL Martinez News-Gazette Columnist “What are you up to?” my wife inquired as I headed out the front door after breakfast. “I am going to put the garbage cans away,” I replied. My wife often asks what I am up to. She sometimes complains that I disappear for hours then return without explanation. […]
Goal reached: Almond Ranch is saved
$4 Million is raised by John Muir Land Trust for purchase of 281 acres in Martinez, CA John Muir Land Trust (JMLT, jmlt.org) announces that it has raised the $4 million needed to acquire Almond Ranch and permanently preserve these 281 acres as public open space. Donations large and small from individuals across the region […]
The giant pumpkin snowman
MARTINEZ, Calif. – “I think I am the inventor of the Giant Pumpkin Snowman,” Jordan stated. “The way it happened is the real story.” Holiday decorations at his home near the corner of Arreba Street and Berrellesa Avenue have been a tradition since he, his wife Miranda and son Dylan moved in seven years ago. […]
Park It by Ned MacKay: Holiday season in the regional parks
By NED MACKAY East Bay Regional Parks District There are always lots of holiday season programs in the East Bay Regional Parks, especially at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont, where Victorian-era Christmas celebrations are recreated. First on the calendar is a Christmas Evening Open House at the park’s historic Patterson mansion. It’s from 5:30 to […]
See’s Candy is here!
Again, this holiday season, the Martinez Kiwanis Club will be selling See’s candy to raise funds to provide college scholarships for local students and nonprofits. In the last two years the club saw a significant increase in sales and hopes to continue that trend. As other resources of funding for nonprofits is becoming harder to […]
Secret winery comes to Main Street
MARTINEZ, Calif. – Some say it is the best-kept secret in Martinez, but soon everyone will know about the William Welch Winery at Rancho Las juntas Vineyard on Franklin Canyon Road because Steve Welch is opening a tasting room at 837 Main Street. “My family has been part of the community for a long time,” […]
Annual Holiday Frolic coming to downtown Martinez (map and schedule)
*Maps and schedule at bottom The Martinez Recreation Division will host the annual Holiday Frolic event on Friday, December 6th and Saturday, December 7th. Traditionally a one-day event, the Holiday Frolic has for the second consecutive year expanded to two days of family-friendly fun. Friday activities will begin with the Martinez Arts Association Christmas Boutique […]
Morello Park teacher wins Eukel Trust award
The Eukel Teacher Trust Award is given to area educators for being an outstanding teacher, who instills confidence in her students. Here’s what the Eukel Trust website said about Mrs. Balen-Spinner. “Catherine Balen-Spinner. Ms. Balen-Spinner has been a teacher for 34 years and currently teaches second grade at Morello Park Elementary School in Martinez. “She believes […]
At Home With Vivian: Tommy’s in the attic
I came at the tail end of a long line of cousins. I am lucky to have had so much family surrounding me as a child. Being one of 45 first cousins has also been a boon to my story telling career. Two stories in particular have been on my mind lately. My older sister […]
Main Street Santa house renovated
By KEVIN MURRAY Contributor Here is a shot of the renovated Santa House coming to Main Street this moring. In the off season, Main Street Martinez stores this little treasure at the North Pole, where special elves handle upgrades and maintenance. For the last couple of months a select team of R&R elves has been […]
