Merchants

MONDAY — Seven retailers who sell alcoholic beverages met with Commander Gary Peterson of the Martinez Police Department  at City Hall to discuss alcohol sales and public drunkenness.

Representatives of Valley Convenience, Luigi’s 99 cent, Safeway, Marina Market, Golden Winter Market and Hoffman Liquor’s listened to Peterson as he outlined the scope of the problem, the impact on police services and businesses and asked for a brainstorming of possible solutions, according to an agenda distributed at the meeting.more...

Deanna Dughman of Central Bark on Escobar Street loves dogs, and it shows. She has been grooming canines for 22 years, since she was a teenager, and her clientele keeps growing. In fact, if you need to bring your pooch in for a haircut and manicure (as well as the other grooming services she provides), expect to wait three weeks for your appointment.

“I love poodles most of all,” says Deanna, who specializes in small dogs. Her silver poodle, Tiffany, a show dog, has recently injured her kneecap and won’t be at a dog show until next year.more...

Proving that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and kicking, thank you very much, three women (Nancy Reyes, Holly Burgess and Peggy Holland, center) have recently opened a unique shop in downtown Martinez, specializing in one-of-a-kind apron designs, silk flowers and other decorative items. The Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Le Shoppe on Ferry Street took place last week. At left: Cynthia Murdough, Executive Director of the Martinez Chamber of Commerce. At right, Mayor Rob Schroder. Photo by Lorena Castillo.