Community Corner

Five Things — History, Art and Music

Also snow and gambling.

Today is FRIDAY, Feb. 25. Look out the window — is there snow out there? That's the prediction as of now. That would be one for the history books. Sometimes it's the little things that history remembers. For instance, this Saturday our own Marlene Vasilieff will take a look at Plaza Ignacio Park and the history of this relatively small piece of real estate. This is the park between City Hall and the Boys and Girls Club, the one with the fountain. It used to be a playground, and the two buildings in between used to be schools. Martinez treasure helped Marlene with the signficant history of this patch of ground, which played a big role in shaping the lives of many Martinez boys and girls. We are grateful for those who appreciate how important it is to remember what came before, because it supplies much needed context to what is coming up. And speaking of things coming up, here are five of them, with an art and school theme:

  1. An artist's reception will be held today at the gallery for artist , whose portraits of African-American musicians, actors and athletes are on display for the rest of the month. These portraits really are worth visiting in person for their depth and passion. If you go, tell b that Martinez Patch said hello.
  2. The performs works by Bach, Beethoven and Brahms tonight at the Alhambra High School Performing Arts Center. Don't miss this great mix of musical giants.
  3. Saturday morning it's the , hosted by the National Park Service rangers. Get up early, bring the kids and go see what John Muir and his daughters used to see when they would saunter up this hill, named for one of the girls. You might even get to do your sauntering in the snow, something the Muirs probably never got to do. 
  4. If you're feeling lucky, or just generous, head over to the t Saturday at the Boys and Girls Club, which benefits the Alhambra High School cheerleaders. You really can't lose. 
  5. If you'd rather dance than gamble, head over to the Veteran's Hall on Saturday for the . A DJ will provide oldies music all night, and the proceeds provide scholarships for high-school students.


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