Community Corner

Last Sad Days For The 'Christmas House'

A demolition permit has finally been issued for the Walnut Street home that burned down Jan. 16. The house suffered another fire Tuesday morning.

It's been a bad year for Joe Brock, the owner of the Walnut Street home that was dubbed the Martinez Christmas House for the thousands of lights and decorations he and his wife put up each year. The display drew many visitors during the season, and raised eyebrows from some in the neighborhood who balked at the extra traffic and disruption to the otherwise-quiet neighborhood. 

But on January 16, as a wood stove caught fire and ignited the home. The Brocks barely made it out, and while no one was hurt in the fire, the home itself and the decades of memorabilia and memories went up in smoke. 

Meanwhile, Brock's mother died, his cat was run over, and he and his son were nearly killed in a car crash that destroyed his boat. Then, early Tuesday morning, July 10, the .

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The house was already awaiting demolition, with a permit issued by City Hall late last month and work due to begin shortly on tearing down the charred structure.

Now, Brock just wants to get on with his life. He said he is focusing on building the new house and moving his family into it. At this point, recreating the holiday display is not a priority.

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"The house is the most important thing right now," Brock said. "Whatever follows after that is just the way it’s going to happen. We’re just going to work on the house first." 

He said the new house is in the design stage. Brock also said he was very grateful for all the support from the community for himself and his family. 


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