Opinion
Column 1: Now is the time
By BILL SHARKEY III Martinez News-Gazette Columnist NOW IS THE TIME for all good Americans to come to the aid (rescue?) of their nation, a paraphrase of an old typing test. Now is the time to overcome the divisiveness which seems to have developed. Now is the time to come together to quell the violence […]
Letter to the Editor: Denial of conditional use permit
On Tuesday evening, August 27 I sat in the front row of the Planning Commission meeting for no other reason than to bear witness. I heard one woman seated behind me comment on how wonderful it was to see the many “decent” young families in attendance. That comment begs the question, as opposed to whom? […]
Column 1: Football season
By BILL SHARKEY III Martinez News-Gazette Columnist FOOTBALL SEASON is upon us. With it comes some controversy, as is usually the case each year. But, does it not add to the excitement we feel for our favorite teams, high schools, colleges or pros? However, there are those who create problems…money or egoes. Many are highly […]
Letter to the Editor: Support for gun range
As a downtown merchant for the past 15 years, I would like to offer my support on an item on your agenda. I would like this read into the record at the meeting on August 27, since I cannot be present, regarding the recommendation to the City Council regarding a proposed zoning change to allow […]
Letter to the Editor: No to Indoor Gun Range, No to Sales of Semi-Automatic Weapons
Forty-three people spoke regarding the proposed indoor gun range for Downtown Martinez at the July 23 Planning Commission meeting. Thirty-two were against, 10 were for, and one spoke on both sides. But, the packed, standing-room-only city chamber was overwhelmingly filled with those opposed to the proposed range. Cry Babies? Those in opposition to the proposed […]
Column 1: Where next?
By BILL SHARKEY III Martinez News-Gazette Columnist WHERE NEXT? When next? Who next? How many innocent victims next? Why next? Questions that no one can answer, but too many not trying hard enough to make certain there will not be a ‘next’. The chances of there being no ‘next’ time are so very slim. Perhaps […]
Letter to the Editor, by Councilmember Noralea Gipner: Homelessness issue a priority
As many of you are aware, working on the homelessness problem is a priority for our city. Homelessness has increased, not only regionally, but throughout the state and nation. Over the last few years we have been focusing on linking people with services to get them help and into housing. This is a complicated problem […]
Letter to the Editor: Guns and emotions
An open letter to the community-at-large and the City of Martinez Planning Commission Last week the Martinez News-Gazette published Column One and a pair of readers’ letters voicing support for an underground gun range envisioned as part of a proposed downtown outdoor outfitters bazaar and shooters club in the old “opera house” building at Ferry […]
Column 1: Business downtown
By BILL SHARKEY III Martinez News-Gazette Columnist BUSINESS DOWNTOWN has shown some ‘spark’ in recent years. However, there is much more to be done to bring it to a viable level attracting shoppers, diners, visitors in greater numbers. Ask any merchant if he or she would like to see many more customers. A proposal on […]
Letter to the Editor: Sporting goods store plans should move forward
Every now and then, a municipal issue arises that becomes a potential watershed moment for the city council and the community. It seems that one has arisen in Martinez with the proposed downtown development of an ambitious outdoor sporting goods store in the mold of Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops, which would occupy a large […]
