Opinion
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 […]
Column 1: Letters to the Editor
By BILL SHARKEY III Martinez News-Gazette Columnist LETTERS TO EDITORS are a welcomed addition to any publication. They are a reflection of readers’ thoughts or ideas. They also are an opportunity for readers to express opinions on issues, on content of the publication. All good! A recent Column 1 drew sharp criticism from three subscribers […]
Letter to the Editor: Rose colored glasses
Tuesday evening, July 23, I attended the Planning Commission meeting where the topic of discussion was Brandon Varise’ experiential outdoors / sporting goods store with the proposed inclusion of an indoor shooting range. I’m not sure if it was fortunate or not that I arrived towards the end of public comment, Brandon – love ya […]
Letter to the Editor: Focus on local events
I had to laugh as I read the letter from the subscriber who wishes to cancel his subscription to the Gazette due to columnist Bill Sharkey’s opinions on President Trump. Although I do not appreciate Mr. Sharkey’s comments on President Trump, cancellation of the Gazette deprives me of information about my town and its doings. […]
Letter to the Editor: Say ‘no’ to gun range
My name is Bob Kluber and I am against allowing a gun range in downtown Martinez. I am a 44-year Martinez resident and a gun owner, who has seen our downtown blossom into a rose. A rose has thorns to discourage critters from eating it and humans from touching it. Our rose, Martinez, has no thorns. […]
Letter to the Editor: Column 1 crossed a line
Dear Editor, The July 7 Column 1 was, in my humble opinion, a vicious and vitriolic attack on the President of the United States which crossed the line of fairness and decency. I listened to President Trump’s 4th of July speech and found it to be a good history lesson which extolled some of the […]
