It's FRIDAY, July 1, 2011. Here comes the three-day weekend, just in time for summer. If you're leaving town, drive safely. If you're staying here, let's hang out.
The weather is going to be hot, the parks are ready for hikers and BBQs, the shops all over town are open and ready to help you find what you need and want, and the restaurants are ready to serve you some amazing food. For all the talk about Martinez being a struggling town (and it is, as all towns are struggling), there is an amazing array of things to do here. Sure, we need more stuff for teenagers, because when is there ever enough stuff for a teenager to do? But beyond that, our fair city is relatively full of activity opportunities, and the shopping is pretty good. No, we don't have have a large chain department store (yet), but we have plenty of cool boutiques to explore, and some very tasty antiques stores to browse in.
Want an example? Tonight, from 5 p.m. until sundown, there is an event called The Art Gallop. Participating stores will be open late and will feature works of art from a variety of local artists like Chris Kapsalis, Cathy Riggs, Ed May, Carolyn Adams, Lorena Castillo and others. The artists will be on hand to discuss their works, and many of the stores will be featuring specials. it's a great night to be in town, come out and meet your neighbors, meet your artists, and hang out on a balmy California evening.
So go forth and have fun. It's the celebration of our independence. That's not something to take for granted, but let's not get too somber about it, either. If I don't see you downtown this weekend, I'll see you at the parade on Monday.
WEATHER:
Sunny with highs in the lower 90s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.
EVENTS:
Tonight
Old Skool - R&B at
Saturday
Evil Genius -
Sunday
TODAY IN HISTORY:
1870 - The U.S. Department of Justice comes into being.
1874 - The first successful typewriter goes on sale.
1881 - The first international telephone call is made between Canada and Maine.
1908 - SOS is adopted as the international distress signal.
1921 - The Communist Party is founded in China.
1963 - The U.S. Postal Service introduces zip codes.
1979 - Sony introduces the Walkman
1990 - East and west Germany are reunified.
1997 - China resumes sovereignty over Hong Kong, ending British colonial rule.
