Our Town

New information has been released by Martinez Police Chief Manjit Sappal confirming that a peaceful protest is planned on Sunday, July 12 at 4 pm beginning at 725 Court Street and continuing to Waterfront Park. Several groups are in planning to help organize the protest. Police Chief Sappal’s statement is …

Contra Costa County has updated its health order about when and where members of the public should wear face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic to align it with current state guidance. Local data indicate that COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in Contra Costa County. The county is currently on the California …

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office today charged 53 year old David Nelson and Nichole Anderson (42) with three misdemeanor counts, including a hate crime, for their alleged actions on Saturday, July 4, when defendant Anderson covered up a Black Lives Matter mural with black paint while Nelson directly …

The Trump supporters who painted over a ‘Black Lives Matter’ mural in downtown Martinez have been located by the police, and now their fate is in the hands of the District Attorney. Martinez PD tracked down the MAGA morons and had a conversation. They were not arrested, as the alleged …

On July 4th, community members obtained a permit from the City to paint Black Lives Matter on Court Street in downtown Martinez. Once the mural was completed, an unidentified white male and white female arrived. While the male made comments to a group of onlookers his companion began painting over …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS Summer is here, the corn and tomatoes are being harvested, the planting of fall crops has begun, and your local farmers’ markets continue to supply good wholesome fruits and vegetables, even in the midst of a pandemic. We are looking for the light at the end …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS Lawmakers across the state continue to weigh the pros and cons of reopening farmers markets, even though they have been declared essential businesses. It is still up to individual cities and counties to make the final decision on whether to reopen, leaving us with a patchwork …

The American Red Cross is reporting a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Healthy individuals willing to donate are needed now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood. “I used to donate every 8 weeks. 9/11 was the …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS The Martinez Farmers Market on Sunday mornings is still going strong through this tough time, offering some of the best fruits and vegetables and other foods to you directly from the farm. We are pleased to announce that now the first hour of the market, 9AM …

In a normal year, the Winter Nights Family Shelter in Contra Costa County is blessed with over 3,500 volunteers. Each week some 100 helpers from faith congregations, scout troops, and service groups prepare and serve food, plan children’s activities and assist with laundry. The new shelter in place rules have …