Martinez Tribune The website of the Martinez Tribune.

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 J.A. SCHWARTZ On June 19th, 1865, a proclamation was read in the city of Galveston, Texas. Union Army General Gordon Granger declared that by federal order, all slaves in Texas were now free. The date would ultimately become known as “Juneteenth”, in recognition of its historic significance. On June …

BY J.A. SCHWARTZ After first being moved to protest police brutality during the 2016 preseason, Colin Kaepernick stated that his decision to sit during the national anthem of the 49ers third preseason game was motivated by his desire to bring attention to issues that resonated with him following the death …

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 …

The San Francisco 49ers announced today that Joe Staley, a three-time All-Pro tackle and six-time Pro Bowl selection, has retired from the National Football League.   “For the last 13 years, Joe Staley conducted himself in a manner that epitomizes the 49ers way and set a tremendous example for his …

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 …

BY J.A. SCHWARTZ April is arguably the greatest time of the yearly sports calendar. Opening Day ceremonies rouse fans from winter hibernations as the hope and promise of a new season beats in the chests of baseball fans across the nation. The professional basketball and hockey seasons roar down the …

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 …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS Amid the continuing safety concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic, some Bay Area farmers markets have closed, but there are many that remain open because they are considered essential businesses. Customers and farmers alike depend on direct-to-consumer fresh quality produce and other market products to feed …