Greetings Martinez! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Lafayette to Host Free ALT Fair Exploring Alternatives to College and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call advice from a cow ? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Martinez: Bike the Bridges Bands & Brews (kkiq.com) — Martinez will host the 17th Annual Bike the Bridges | Bands & Brews on October 3 at Waterfront Park, bringing riders and supporters together for Special Olympics Northern California. Locals can choose from four scenic routes, then enjoy a Bands & Brews afterparty with lunch, a T‑shirt, and commemorative pint glass included. Early registration discounts run through June 30 before fees increase.
2. Brentwood, Orinda educators named Contra Costa Teachers of the Year (contracostaherald.com) — Contra Costa County has named its 2026 Teachers of the Year and honored district winners, including Martinez Junior High School's Katie Collins from Martinez Unified. While the top county awards went to educators in Brentwood and Orinda, Martinez families can celebrate Collins' recognition among standout teachers from 17 districts. The program highlights educators' work in literacy, special needs support, and building student confidence.
3. With gloved hands, litter-pickers and trash bags, Pinole volunteers clean up the coastline (richmondconfidential.org) — Martinez residents took part in this year's California Coastal Cleanup Day as one of eight Contra Costa cities hosting shoreline cleanups, alongside Pinole's Bayfront Park effort. Volunteers across the region, including families and students, collected trash and raised awareness about protecting local waterways and the bay. Organizers say growing youth participation is helping keep neighborhoods cleaner year-round.
4. Celebrating queer culture in the Contra Costa County seat (richmondconfidential.org) — Martinez's Waterfront Park just hosted the Fourth Annual Pride in Martinez, drawing about 800 people for music, poetry, food trucks, and dozens of community and arts organizations. Residents described the city's small-town feel and the importance of having a safe, welcoming LGBTQ+ celebration supported by a city cultural grant. Organizers emphasized creating space for both today's youth and adults who lacked acceptance growing up.
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Ok Martinez! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Beef Tips (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
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