Five Things - Snow or No Snow

Today is WEDNESDAY, Feb. 23. A week from today, the City Council will consider final approval of an ordinance that would require cannabis dispensary operators to get a license to operate. This has been one of the most contentious issues this space can recall, in a city rather famous for contentious issues. The debate, however, has not been so much around the substance of marijuana itself. Rather, it has centered around the effects a dispensary would or would not likely have on the surrounding area. The debate continues to rage on the comments section of Martinez Patch, and will no doubt continue for some time. Meanwhile, here are five things you should know about today:

1. There is talk of snow this weekend. That's right, snow. There is a front moving in that will bring more water to Martinez and environs beginning Thursday, but the front is apparently bringing in enough cold to freeze that water, or so the meteorologists tell us. Until the snowflakes fall, there is no way to be sure, but get those snowshoes out, just in case.
2. The is happening this morning at 9am. Put on your comfortable shoes and get ready to walk around town and down at the Marina. The walks begin at the Senior Center on Ferry Street and take about an hour. We are predicting no snow for today's walk.
3. Our own Brian Walker's review of the concert on Monday was distinctly different than the tone of other reviewers in local publications. We tend to trust Mr. Walker's point of view, and appreciate diversity in the opinion of middle-aged funk act performances. However, if you have never seen Prince, or even if you have, you know that a mediocre Prince show is vastly superior than most shows at their very best. He plays tonight and tomorrow at the Oakland Coliseum. There may be tickets available. If you go, write and let us know how it went. 
4. Right here at home, and decidedly less funky, if no less fun, is the Armando's tonight. Host Bruce Campbell will make you feel like you're in your old Kentucky home as he brings participants up to the stage, some with banjos on their knee, some not, to perform songs of the hills, mountains, and valleys of the great southeast. You'll have a great time, even if you just go to hear the jammers. 
5. Finally, stay tuned for the results of the Zoning Administrator's meeting today, which is normally no big deal. But this one might have a little controversy to it - a bail bond company wants to locate at a storefront on Ferry Street, and there are a group of merchants downtown who feel that there are enough bail bond companies downtown. The City Council passed an ordinance several years ago requiring any new bail bond companies to receive a use permit to operate, and that is why today's meeting is being held. It might be a routine approval, unless others show up to contest the use permit. Martinez Patch will be there, and we'll let you know what happens. The meeting begins at 2pm at 525 Henrietta Street, in the second floor board room.