Officials believe Martinez man’s victims may number in the hundreds MARTINEZ, Calif. – Blake Robert Johnston was sentenced to 30 years in prison late Tuesday, and ordered to serve a lifetime on supervised release, for traveling across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual acts with a minor, …

Traveling from Contra Costa County to Southern California is just about to get much more convenient with the April launch of a new scheduled charter jet service out of Buchanan Field. JetSuiteX, a new venture from private jet company JetSuite, will initially kick off round-trip service from Buchanan Field to …

By HANNAH HATCH Martinez Tribune I met artists Tim and Susan Sharman recently, at their beautiful art-filled home built in 1916. The two compiled a huge collection of their work, other works they admired and a library of books. I came to the realization that these inspirational artists were my …

Bobbi Horack, Denise Elsken and Kathi McLaughlin were recently recognized for their outstanding service as trustees for the Martinez Unified School District. Their recognition comes from the Contra Costa County School Boards Association. John Marquez and John T. Nejedly Jr. were also recognized by the association for their service on …

Contra Costa County school districts announced their 2016-2017 Teachers of the Year this week. Twenty-two representatives were chosen from 17 different school districts within the county, two of whom will go on to represent the county in the California State Teacher of the Year Program this fall. Erin Flanigan of …

MARTINEZ, Calif. – The local Sea Scout Ship Albatross participated in the 2016 Seafarrer’s Regatta last week, placing 3rd overall. According to their Skipper, Adam Mollwitz, 58 boys and 61 girls competed in the 36th annual event designed to test the scouts’ knowledge, skills and teamwork. The event took place …

By PAUL CRAIG Special to the Tribune Contra Costa County has a really strong Head Start Program. Head Start is a program to help pre-kindergarten kids be healthy and fit into society. Contra Costa County’s program is diverse. It currently provides services to some 1,800 kids. The program works with …

By MC O’Bryant Special to the Tribune April Fools! It’s a holiday! No! No! “April Fools,” is not a holiday. Its a Koala Day! A neologism inspired by the oft mislabeled, but non-the-less, adorable furry-eared marsupial, the Australian Koala Bear, which is, of course, not really a bear at all. …

Newly inducted members of Soroptimist International of Martinez include (from left): Bev Gomer, District II Director; new members Monica Sanders, Sara Lawson, Linda Shahade and Lynn Enea. The members were recently inducted by Soroptimist Governor Bobbi Enderlin (far right). (GAY GERLACK / Courtesy)

By DAVID SCHOLZ Martinez Tribune MARTINEZ, Calif. – Life guard recruitment efforts will likely be an ongoing effort for the Martinez Recreation Department as it readies for the May 2 opening of Rankin Pool for the 2016 season. So far, 18 lifeguards have been hired and those individuals are going …