Beaver and Otter Sightings - No Gators

It's MONDAY, March 28, 2011. Let's get right into things today:

1. After Thursday's storms washed the dams and lodge away, the have been seen on a number of occasions; this space personally saw one beaver on Sunday beginning to build something several yards from the site of the old lodge. The otter also was spotted Sunday. The creek and its inhabitants are in good shape. No word on the alleged alligator that some folks keep insisting lives there, too. (Hint: there is no alligator in the creek.)
2. The Board meets tonight at 7 p.m. On the agenda is discussion over refunding some old bond issues in light of recent changes in interest rates. The board also will accept a gift of $200 worth of office equipment for Martinez Junior High from Wes Brinkman.
3. If you read yesterday, you may have noticed a spate of car thefts in the city last week. Advice: Don't leave your car running to warm up while you run inside to get something — these days, cars don't need to warm up. One person lost his car that way. Also, lock your car and keep valuables out of sight. And keep your eyes open for strange goings-on in your neighborhood. You know what looks normal and what doesn't. If something doesn't, call the Martinez Police Department.
4. Congratulations to the Alhambra Bulldogs Cheerleading team, who took second place in the nationals competition Sunday in Anaheim. Look for the story later this morning in Martinez Patch. These girls are all heart, talent and hard work, and it paid off. Our city has every right to be proud of the way they represented us on the national stage. Go Dogs!
5. Finally, it's the fourth Monday of the month, which means that there are blues to be had at  at 7 tonight for a $3 entry fee. You can hear the locals weep and wail about their bad day, or better yet, you can come on by and join in yourself. There's nothing like a blues jam to take the pain away, and sponsor Danny White of would love to see you come on down.