BY DEBRA J. MORRIS Among the first seasonal spring vegetables to appear at the farmers market are beautiful bundles of asparagus. The first green spears typically begin to pop out of the ground in late February and are harvested through May or June, depending on the weather. Asparagus takes about …
Read More »Obituary: Dennie Lee Baugh (1930-2021)
Born November 20, 1930 in Shenandoah, Iowa, Dennie Lee Baugh passed away peacefully from acute myeloid leukemia on February 2, 2021 in Martinez. He was the son of Severn Baugh and Bernice Huffine Baugh. He is survived by his loving wife Betty, brother James Baugh (Sandra), daughters Diane Bailey (Reginald) …
Read More »Underground Echoes: The Great Horse Trough Mystery
BY JUDIE & JOSEPH PALMER One of the rough gems of the Alhambra Cemetery is the cement remnants of what once was a very large water container. It is unknown exactly when it was installed, by whom, its eventual abandonment, or its complete structure and appearance. Unfortunately, no records or …
Read More »Parks Closing December 6 Due to Rise in Regional COVID-19 Cases
Effective 6:00 p.m. Sunday, December 6, 2020, all campgrounds, outdoor museums (visitor centers), and children’s playgrounds at East Bay Regional Park District locations will be closed until further notice as mandated by the six Bay Area county regional health officers’ order announced yesterday. Facility Closures Include: Ardenwood Historic Farm Regional …
Read More »New Shoreline Park Opening at East Touchdown of Bay Bridge
After decades of regional cooperation and planning, the Bay Area has a new shoreline destination opening for the public to enjoy. The new shoreline park is located at the eastern touchdown of the Bay Bridge and provides spectacular views of the entire bay and new eastern span of the Bay …
Read More »Obituary: Jean Sonnikson Francis (1936 – 2020)
Jean Sonnikson Francis passed away on September 26, 2020 at her home in Martinez at the age 84. Jean was born in Healdsburg, CA to Emmet and Emma Sonnikson on April 8, 1936. She was raised in the Alexander Valley (just outside of Healdsburg) and was a farm girl who …
Read More »C.C. County’s New COVID-19 Status Impact on School Reopening
Contra Costa County has moved into the Red (Substantial) Tier under the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy, which allows schools to consider reopening after two weeks if certain conditions are met. If Contra Costa County remains in the Red Tier for 14 consecutive days, schools in the county have …
Read More »Meals on Wheels to prep Food for Seniors during Power Shutoff
Meals on Wheels Diablo Region is pleased to announce a partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to provide critical food support to individuals who experience food loss during natural disasters and Public Safety Power Shutoff events (PSPS). Under the agreement and new for 2020, PG&E will provide MOW …
Read More »Fresh Pears highlight end of season treats at Farmers Market
BY DEBRA J. MORRIS Farmers and the farmers markets they attend have been quite resilient for the last six months, despite the restrictions that the coronavirus pandemic has forced upon them. But fall is here, winter is coming, and many farmers markets are beginning to close for the season. There …
Read More »Historic Bank of Martinez building purchased by Credit Union
The City of Martinez is excited to announce the purchase of the historic Bank of Martinez building (a.k.a. Union Bank building) located in downtown at 634 Ferry Street. The building has been purchased by the Cooperative Center Federal Credit Union (“Cooperative Center FCU”) and will serve as the Credit Union’s …
Read More »