Thousand Friends of Martinez is a non-profit organization an

Thousand Friends of Martinez

Thousand Friends of Martinez is a non-profit organization and political action committee dedicated to preserving the unique character and natural beauty of the greater Martinez region. Established in 2015, the group works closely with local residents to promote transparent government, advocate for responsible land use, and support environmentally conscious leadership. By focusing on the city and its surrounding unincorporated areas, the organization serves as a vital voice for community-driven policy and sustainable development. The organization specializes in advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and community outreach, with a strong emphasis on protecting parks, open spaces, and historic elements. Their expertise includes monitoring local policy, collaborating on parks and trails master planning, and organizing educational forums on critical issues like housing, economic development, and environmental health. Through initiatives such as the "Outdoor Martinez" project, they actively work to rebrand the city as a gateway for outdoor recreation while maintaining a public record of local redevelopment history. Customers and community members can expect a dedicated partner committed to ensuring that local government remains accountable and responsive to the public interest. By hosting annual events like Friends Fest and facilitating candidate forums, Thousand Friends of Martinez provides residents with the tools and information necessary to actively shape the future of their community.

Contra Costa County

Bay Area

Martinez

California

Thousand Friends of Martinez is a non-profit organization and political action committee dedicated to preserving the unique character and natural...

Devine Records & Vintage

Independent vinyl record and vintage store sells used vinyl records, cassette tapes, CDs, stereo equipment and vintage jewelry.

Free travel services for Disney & Universal destinations

Jasmina Pique, Travel Agent

Hi, my name is Jasmina and I am a local travel agent specializing in Disney &amp; Universal destinations. I provide personalized planning, expert tips, and help with secure the best options available at no extra cost to you. From park tickets and hotels accommodations to dining reservations and personalized itinerary guidance, I make planning your vacation simple and stress-free. *Bonus: When you book your vacation package with me, you may qualify for special client perks or gift card incentives! Let’s start planning your next magical adventure! Follow along for travel tips and inspiration: Instagram: @jaspique_martinmagicaltravels

Contra Costa

Oakley

Hi, my name is Jasmina and I am a local travel agent specializing in Disney & Universal destinations. I provide personalized planning, expert tips,...

All lanes of northbound Interstate Highway 680 have reopened after a fatal crash east of Martinez this morning. A vehicle overturned several times shortly before 7 a.m. just south of Pacheco Boulevard, the CHP said. The CHP confirmed at about 7:30 a.m. that at least one person was killed in the crash. Three northbound lanes of the highway were shut down during the investigation but reopened by 8 a.m.--Bay City News

All lanes of northbound Interstate Highway 680 have reopened after a fatal crash east of Martinez this morning.

A vehicle overturned several times shortly before 7 a.m. just south of Pacheco Boulevard, the CHP said. The CHP confirmed at about 7:30 a.m. that at least one person was killed in the crash.

Three northbound lanes of the highway were shut down during the investigation but reopened by 8 a.m.--Bay City News

A vehicle flipped several times before 7 a.m. just south of Pacheco Boulevard.

Lanes Reopen After I-680 Fatal Crash on Friday Morning

Crime & Safety

Pleasant Hill

Solano County

Benicia

Angela Woodall

Concord

Walnut Creek

Pinole-Hercules

Lamorinda

El Cerrito

Alameda County

Fernando Haro

Berkeley

Albany

Rockridge

Stop the world for a beautiful summer night of live music to benefit the kids of The Crayon Initiative at the Melt With You Festival — Saturday, September 19, 5:00pm PDT Rolling Range Ranch, Martinez, CA
Live music from Zach Heckendorf + RPM, BBQ, and drinks — all benefiting The Crayon Initiative, bringing fresh crayons to pediatric patients in children's hospitals.
Presented by Premier Sponsor&nbsp;Pleasant Hill Coin &amp; Jewelry Exchange, with support from&nbsp;Kendra Scott Walnut Creek. BBQ provided by&nbsp;Slow Hand BBQ, beers by&nbsp;Canyon Club Brewery, and cocktails by&nbsp;Arena Mobile Bar Company.
Patch readers get special ticket pricing:&nbsp;<a href="https://thecrayoninitiative.harnessgiving.org/events/3673?ticket_id=100009364" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://thecrayoninitiative.harnessgiving.org/events/3673?ticket_id=100009364</a>
Interested in becoming a VIP Sponsor?&nbsp;Enjoy additional benefits and perks: <a href="https://thecrayoninitiative.harnessgiving.org/events/3673?ticket_id=100008820" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://thecrayoninitiative.harnessgiving.org/events/3673?ticket_id=100008820</a>

Local Event: Melt with You Festival 

Danville

Melt with You Festival 

Stop the world for a beautiful summer night of live music to benefit the kids of The Crayon Initiative at the Melt With You...

Don Tatzin Community Hall

Families across the Bay Area are invited to discover the many paths available after high school at the West Coast ALT Fair, returning to Lafayette on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Hosted by Prepare to Bloom, the ALT Fair is a free community event designed to introduce students, parents, educators, therapists, and counselors to the growing number of post-secondary options beyond the traditional four-year college experience. The event will take place from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at the Lafayette Public Library's Don Tatzin Community Hall.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet directly with representatives from a wide range of organizations, including:
<ul><li>Gap year and wellness programs</li><li>Young adult transitional living programs</li><li>College support and executive functioning programs</li><li>Vocational and career training organizations</li><li>Therapeutic and specialized post-secondary supports</li><li>Apprenticeship and experiential learning opportunities</li></ul>
Rather than sitting through presentations, families can browse at their own pace, ask questions, compare programs, and have meaningful conversations with professionals who specialize in helping young adults find the right next step.
"The goal of the ALT Fair has always been to help families realize they have more options than they may have been told," said Shayna Abraham, founder of Prepare to Bloom. "Every student deserves a path that fits who they are, not just the path that's most familiar."
The event is designed for:
<ul><li>Parents of high school, and young adult students</li><li>High school students and recent graduates</li><li>Young adults exploring next steps</li><li>Therapists, educational consultants, and school and college counselors</li><li>Anyone interested in learning more about nontraditional post-secondary opportunities</li></ul>
Admission is free, though advance registration is encouraged.
The ALT Fair will be followed by a professional networking day on Friday, September 25, bringing together referring professionals and program representatives from across the country to strengthen collaboration and improve access to resources for families.
For additional information or to register, visit Prepare to Bloom's ALT Fair page.

Local Event: Lafayette to Host Free ALT Fair Exploring Alternatives to College

Lafayette to Host Free ALT Fair Exploring...

Families across the Bay Area are invited to discover the many paths available after high school at the West Coast ALT Fair,...

Lafayette to Host Free ALT Fair Exploring Alternatives to College

VFW Hall

Join Thousand Friends of Martinez to get to know your candidates and state and regional ballot measures. The event features candidates for City Council District 1, Contra Costa Water District Division 2, and East Bay Reg. Park District Ward 7, with light snacks and beverages provided.Come if you can, join us via Zoom if you can't <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88125972794?pwd%3Dk9jh6cZEUZFpqvJpZoOjOZYaPkfizr.1&amp;sa=D&amp;source=calendar&amp;usd=2&amp;usg=AOvVaw3CWScGcJ-s7YsGvCEAKt2E" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88125972794?pwd=k9jh6cZEUZFpqvJpZoOjOZYaPkfizr.1</a>

Local Event: Election Forum

Election Forum

Join Thousand Friends of Martinez to get to know your candidates and state and regional ballot measures. The event features...

If You Love Martinez, This Is Your Party Friends Fest is a bit different. Our gathering welcomes people who know—or want to know—what’s happening in our town. People who want to connect with a community that creates, defends and imagines something better.
You’ll enjoy an afternoon that includes good food and drink (including beer and wine), live music, a unique auction, interesting people and much more. Bring your friends—it’s the most important part of our name.
We have a lot in store for you—join us October 4th &nbsp;from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at the Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Ward Street in downtown Martinez.

Local Event: Friends Fest 2026

Friends Fest 2026

If You Love Martinez, This Is Your Party Friends Fest is a bit different. Our gathering welcomes people who know—or want to...

Santa Clara County

Palo Alto

AI Scientist's Sudden Death Leads To Demand For...

The family of a 32-year-old AI senior data analyst is calling for an independent medical examiner to review the evidence. 

AI Scientist's Sudden Death Leads To Demand For Answers In Bay Area

Sacramento County

Sacramento

Newsom Orders AI 'Kill Switch,' Stricter Safety...

The order accelerates independent oversight and seeks emergency safeguards for advanced frontier artificial intelligence models.

Newsom Orders AI 'Kill Switch,' Stricter Safety Controls For CA: 'The Stakes Are Too High'

Newsom Orders AI 'Kill Switch,' Stricter Safety Controls For CA 

Politics & Government

🌱 Patch AM: Want a voice on women’s issues?...

Also check out Melt with You Festival  on the Martinez Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Want a voice on women’s issues? Join this Martinez-based county commission

Community Corner

Contra Costa Crowns 2 Top Teachers, Honors Many 

Four finalists vied for county honors and advancement to California’s statewide teacher competition Thursday evening. 

Schools

Napa County

Napa Valley

 Man Arrested In Puppy Abuse Wine Country Case 

Police say veterinary staff found injuries consistent with physical abuse on a six-month-old pit bull.

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Crime & Safety

Lanes Reopen After I-680 Fatal Crash on Friday Morning

A vehicle flipped several times before 7 a.m. just south of Pacheco Boulevard.

Susan C. Schena, Patch Staff

Find out what's happening in Martinezfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Martinezfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

More from Martinez

Contra Costa School On Lockdown Wednesday Morning: Reports

Melt with You Festival

Lafayette to Host Free ALT Fair Exploring Alternatives to College

Election Forum

Friends Fest 2026

Thousand Friends of Martinez

Devine Records & Vintage

Jasmina Pique, Travel Agent

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Lanes Reopen After I-680 Fatal Crash on Friday Morning

A vehicle flipped several times before 7 a.m. just south of Pacheco Boulevard.

Susan C. Schena, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles-module-scss-module__AKw7-a__Badge" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>

Find out what's happening in Martinezfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Martinezfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Susan C. Schena, Patch Staff