Martinez Tribune The website of the Martinez Tribune.

BY J.A. SCHWARTZ Following up yesterday’s AL Preview, here’s our evaluation of the National League’s postseason picture: National League West Champions:-Los Angeles Dodgers #1 seed Los Angeles clinched their third straight NL West title, assuring them a twelfth consecutive postseason berth, leading the majors in wins with 98 that will …

BY J.A. SCHWARTZ As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to turn in parts of the country, the crispness in the air suggests that the baseball postseason is about to commence. Last year’s champion, the Texas Rangers, led by manager Bruce Bochy, will not have the opportunity to …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS Farmers markets are filling with all things fall – pumpkins for jack o’ lanterns, decorative gourds for your porch, hearty winter squash for fall cooking, and juicy pears and apples for scenting the house with fruit-filled baked goods. They’re also a center for fun fall activities like …

BY DANIEL GLUSKOTER Returning to Northern California two years after merely teasing his fans with a mini set opening for Howard Jones, Midge Ure took his rightful place in the spotlight with a stellar performance at Harlow‘s in Sacramento Wednesday night. Unrestrained, Ure delivered a pristine 95 minute set highlighted …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS It’s the time of year to sink your teeth into an ice-cold slice of watermelon on a sweltering summer day. At your local farmers market, you’ll discover a dazzling array of melons that promise to tickle the taste buds with sweet summer snacking. You’ll find only …

BY DANIEL GLUSKOTER Formed over 40 years ago in the garages of Southern California, seminal LA punk band X, one of the most influential bands of their era, brought their farewell tour to the Guild Theatre in Menlo Park for the first of their only two Bay Area appearances Monday …

BY HELEN LAME’ Breakout Canadian indie-rock band Alvvays, a two time winner of the alternative album of the year in their brief career, played a fast paced electrifying set at the Fox on Friday night. The five person quintet fronted by lead singer and guitarist Molly Rankin along with guitarist …

BY HELEN LAME’ Recently inducted Rock N’ Roll Hall of Famer‘s Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo‘s return to the Bay Area at the San Jose Civic Saturday night was a continuation of a well deserved victory lap for a duo that’s been rocking for close to half a century. Breaking …

BY J.A. SCHWARTZ The 49ers franchise has won five Super Bowls, with only Pittsburgh and New England eclipsing that mark, having won six each to set the standard of excellence that all other teams aspire to. They’ve appeared in the championship game twice in the past five seasons, losing both …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS Summer wouldn’t be complete without sweet, juicy corn on the cob. Sweet yellow, white, and bicolor corn varieties are the stars of summer picnics and barbecues. There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a fresh cob, hot off the grill. Sweet corn is hard to …