Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Ready to ride from Martinez’s Waterfront Park for a big cause?

Happening soon: Lafayette to Host Free ALT Fair Exploring Alternatives to College on the Martinez Patch calendar

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Monday September 21st Patch AM
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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:

  • Ready to ride from Martinez's Waterfront Park for a big cause?
  • Martinez Junior High teacher earns countywide recognition for outstanding work
  • How Martinez joined a countywide push to clean local shorelines

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!)

Weather forecast:

  • Monday: Partly sunny and cool, with a high of 75 and low of 57 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Areas of low clouds, then sun, temps: high: 77, low: 55.
  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny and warmer, with a high of 88 and low of 55 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

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.
   

📸 Around Martinez

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I called them on 9/17/26 about a baby opossum barely moving and they returned my call and said bring it in in a box with soft cotton material to keep it warm.
    When I arrived, a very nice lady registered me and took Opal Opossum and returned my container. Another man was bringing in a baby squirrel and we… (Nextdoor Wayne Street)
  • *UPDATE: Thanks to neighbors sharing my phone number, we found the 4th vehicle it moved into, and kitten is now safe.
    At rescue clinic for a checkup now.* Attention 1400 Block of Ashwood Dr residents: please listen for a kitten crying when you start your vehicle. It… (Nextdoor Hidden Lakes)
  • City of Martinez, CA posted a job opening for Recruitment Reopen! Police Dispatcher- Per Diem in Martinez. Apply here.
  • Home Depot (Retail) posted a job opening for Customer Service/Sales in Martinez. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Martinez here.

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!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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