Smoke from a brush fire that sparked near Highway 4 and Franklin Canyon Road completely obscured views to the Benicia-Martinez Bridge Sunday afternoon, as seen here from “Old Snake Road,” now known as the George Miller Regional Trail. Downed power lines caused the fire, which charred at least 50 acres …

MARTINEZ, Calif. – Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff are continuing to investigate two burglaries that occurred at a home in unincorporated Martinez. On Friday, July 15, at about 9:10 p.m., Deputy Sheriffs responded to the 5000 block of Alhambra Valley Road regarding a residence that …

AAA of Northern California lent a hand to help clean up Granger’s Wharf Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Volunteers helped cut brush and weeds, pick up trash, rake the grounds, and give the Wharf a little TLC. Hear, hear for AAA! (STEVE GRUBKA / Courtesy)

Pet Food Express, in the former Carrow’s restaurant location at 500 Center Ave., Martinez, celebrated their Grand Opening July 23-24, 2016. In addition to selling pet-related goods, the store features dog training classes, a community veterinary clinic, and a pet wellness center, among other events and programs. (JOHN GRUBKA / …

MARTINEZ, Calif. – Join National Park Service interpretive rangers for a night sky adventure, “Path to the Perseids – A Meteor Shower Adventure,” on Friday, Aug. 12, at Mt. Wanda, part of the John Muir National Historic Site (NHS) in Martinez. This free program begins at 8 p.m. and will …

Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association (PCFMA), which comes to Martinez every Sunday, will celebrate National Farmers Market Week Aug. 7-13. They’re asking the public to join them, along with the USDA and farmers markets across the country, in the first annual #myPCFMAplate Recipe Contest. Contestants will have a chance to …

Resident deer lay in the shade Sunday afternoon, among the tombstones at Alhambra Cemetery. Can you spot how many deer are in this picture? (PRESTON CLARK / Courtesy)

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors paid tribute on Tuesday, July 19, to the professionals who serve the County as Probation, Pretrial and Parole Supervision Officers, recognizing their often unsung achievements in contributing to public safety, community engagement, and support for victims. Most public safety professionals don’t enter the …

MARTINEZ, Calif. – Two minors were arrested Tuesday afternoon after fireworks they set sparked a brush fire in a residential neighborhood. The fire was reported around 2:30 p.m. July 26, in the vicinity of Hollyview Drive. It began in the deepest part of the canyon, spreading across an open field …

By DAVID SCHOLZ Martinez Tribune MARTINEZ, Calif. – Potential candidates are starting to trickle in for various seats and positions slated to appear on the Nov. 8 General Election ballot. In the race for two open seats on the Martinez City Council, incumbent Mark Ross, John Stevens and Noralea Gipner …