Letters to the Editor
We welcome your thoughts on issues of importance to our readers. Letters more than 400 words in length may not be considered. Please include your name, address and a phone number where you can be reached during the day with every submission. Letters may be edited for a variety of reasons, including language and length. Full guidelines are available from the editor. E-mail letters to .
No corporate sponsorship for schools
January 26, 2010
We just read the Gazette’s story on Mr. Rubinos presentation for the renaming of School facilities. Although this may be a tempting way to temporarily bridge a gap in the budget, it is also a rather permanent way to cut at the soul of this community.more...
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The problem with funding Campbell Theatre
January 26, 2010
The battle between different entities to rewrite the State Consitution is in the same greed league with the recent Supreme Court decision regarding corporate contributions to campaigns, as well as the emminent domain decision Kelo v. New London. more...
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Do we really need surveillance cameras?
January 12, 2010
The Martinez City Council will soon consider a contract to spend $64,000 to install five surveillance cameras in and near the downtown.
The project was approved in 2007, when local governments thought they were flush with cash, and fast-tracked through the council agenda with little public discussion.more...
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Questioning the logic behind subsidy of Willows Theatre
January 12, 2010
December is always a month of good will and giving and the Martinez City Council did not disappoint granting the Willows Theater Company another $250,000 to keep their struggling organization afloat. Mr. Bizio, who owns the Campbell Theater property, was also a recipient of the council’s holiday generosity by receiving $4000.00 per month guaranteed rent including increases through 2014 whether the theater company remains. Since the Willows Theater adopted the City of Martinez years ago as its cash cow, the recent bail out and previous subsidies have totaled almost $1.5 million.more...
Cascara Canyon is a bad idea
January 9, 2010
Cascara Canyon is a bad idea
I have been following the proposed development at “Cascara Canyon” for a couple of years now.
One corner of the proposed development is less than 1/4 mile from my house, and is therefore within my “sauntering” range, to paraphrase John Muir.
I believe that it’s not a good idea to allow the higher unit/acre density requested by this project, and it is not a good idea to allow the variance on the height restrictions under the (Central Martinez Area) specific plan. My reasons follow:more...
Senior Housing, Joltin' Joe and more
July 30, 2009
Not in my back yard
RCD’s proposed 49-unit project, the Berellesa Palms, is like an 800-lb. gorilla in my back yard that will not leave until they get their way and force their ill-conceived project onto our neighborhood.
This project not only dose not comply with the Downtown Specific Plan and environmental review as set forth and certified by the state of California.. This project makes no sense.
This project will be built less than 150 yards of the following.more...
Senior housing project is ill conceived
March 15, 2009
The proposed 49 unit senior housing project downtown is rightfully controversial.
Who could do anything but compliment Resources for Community Development for trying to help our low-income seniors. Let’s help them do the best job possible.
A project like this should go forward but needs to be in the right place, both for our seniors and the larger community.
That is the crux of the issue. Location. Location. Location.more...
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Public Safety Subcommittee — setting the record straight
March 15, 2009
By MPD Chief Tom Simonettimore...
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Public Safety Committee
March 3, 2009
Kudos to Greta Mart for Hornbeck article
A terrific piece on Hulet Hornbeck (Love, life and the great outdoors, March 2) by Gazette reporter Greta Mart. I have known him for about 50 years. Our wives taught school together in Martinez, so got to know him well. He is truly an outstanding member of the community. We all have a real debt of gratitude to him for all or the thousands of acres he was able to add to the East Bay Parks as he was Chief of Acquisition. more...
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SPIRIT OF MARTINEZ: Revitalization
February 18, 2009
Last time I mentioned that I have been spending quite a bit of time utilizing the online research resource provided by our local library. Interspersed with stories on redevelopment I found special interest stories that had the feel of being placed by a publicist.more...
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Stimulus plan is fiscal madness
February 17, 2009
There is talk of “change” as there always is when a new President comes into office. Sorry, but nobody intends to change a thing. Americans refuse to accept economic reality, which is that we must spend within our means and not make future spending promises we cannot keep. more...
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RDA: bullet dodged
February 15, 2009
The Gazette’s recent State of the City article (Jan. 25) highlighted fiscal achievements that have contributed to the relative soundness of our current financial situation. However, one of our most significant achievements was not mentioned — avoiding the potentially dire financial consequences that could have come from establishing a Martinez Redevelopment Agency.more...
Kudos to Downtown Retailers Focus Group
February 15, 2009
I have recently read different articles regarding downtown Martinez, in the Gazette and elsewhere. All seem to be dealing with downtown businesses and the economic times. Not being too familiar with the organizations in downtown Martinez, I notice two mentioned frequently, and most recently:more...
War crimes, lessons learned
February 9, 2009
This is in response to Yael’s editorial, Roll that TARP over me.more...
Beware what you ask for
February 9, 2009
I want to start by saying that I don’t agree with anyone 100-percent of the time, but I do feel good when I agree with someone the majority of the time. I feel we have a good city council and the majority of the voters agree and voted for this council and you all have been re-elected, and that says something to me. So you see I like majority for starters.more...