New concrete and framing supply business Build-Tek Inc., located at 55 Howe Road, Martinez, celebrated their Grand Opening Friday, June 24, 2016. The event featured door prizes, food, a raffle, vendor booths and a ribbon cutting (pictured above). (JOHN GRUBKA / Courtesy)

Martinez remained a strong competitor throughout the 2015-2016 CoolCalifornia Challenge thanks to the sustainability efforts of participating Martinez households. Collectively, actions taken by participating households in all 22 cities are leading to savings of approximately 5,638 metric tons of carbon dioxide – the equivalent of removing more than 2,500 homes …

A former Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff’s role in the sex scandal that has rocked the Oakland Police Department is part of an on-going internal affairs probe by Contra Costa County officials. Former Deputy Sheriff Ricardo Perez resigned last week while the subject of investigation into sexual misconduct. While no …

By DAVID SCHOLZ Martinez Tribune MARTINEZ, Calif. – Investigation into the erroneous euthanization of an already-adopted dog last month is nearly complete. As Contra Costa Animal Control Services wraps up its probe, new procedures may be part of the findings. “We are going to work hard to ensure this never …

By DAVID SCHOLZ Martinez Tribune The initial step for new facilities is underway as Contra Costa County officials are now awaiting information from prospective firms that wish to take on upwards of two different future projects for the County. A two- to three-week review process by a committee will then …

Thousands of onlookers came to Main Street in downtown Martinez to enjoy the July 4th parade last Monday. Parade entries varied from walking groups to cars and floats, though one thing was constant – patriotism and appreciation of independence. (MARK FIERNER / Martinez Tribune)

By DAVID SCHOLZ Martinez Tribune MARTINEZ, Calif. – A brush fire scorched five acres near downtown Martinez late Wednesday afternoon before local fire personnel got the upper hand. Despite having the fire contained by 5 p.m., three engines were on the scene all night long to knock down flare-ups at …

MARTINEZ, Calif. – At the Pleasant Hill-Martinez American Association of University Women (AAUW) June Brunch, college scholarship and Tech Trek camp awards were presented to nine students from local schools. It is the mission of AAUW to break down barriers for women and girls by promoting education and supporting their …

By LAUREL PUREWAL Special to the Tribune On Wednesday, June 15, the Martinez Community Swim Team (MCST) Otters swam in their first dual meet of the swim season against the Las Trampas Seahorses. The meet was at the Las Trampas Pool on a chilly Wednesday evening. Despite the cold, the …

By DANNY YOEONO Martinez Tribune MARTINEZ, Calif. – A brush fire broke out Wednesday afternoon near Rankin Park in downtown Martinez, threatening several residences. The fire was first reported at 3:51 p.m. in the 100 block of Buckley Street, and climbed its way up the Alhambra Hills for several hours, …