Happy Birthday, Bob!

It's TUESDAY, May 24, 2011. It is, among other things, Bob Dylan's 70th birthday. That's right, babe. 70. I know that Dylan doesn't have a lot to do with Martinez, except that I believe he'd really love it here — it's the kind of America he seems to love writing about, and it's populated with so many characters, has so much heart and so many ties to the great American story that it is a Dylan landscape. Our baseball heritage, Muir's home, Jack London's time here, our Western rural roots, Mexican history, trains, ships, bars, romance. . . heck, the more I think about it, the more I realize Martinez really is a Dylan song, one of the epic ones. Plus we have Armando's, the very kind of club that Dylan claims to love — a small, funky place where the sound just bounces. I'm still trying to talk Armando's owner (and 2010 Martinez Man of the Year) Roy Jeans into having a Bob Dylan sing-alike contest at Armando's some day soon. I'm doing a solo show there this Friday at 4:30, and I plan to pull out a whole lot of Bob in honor of his birthday. Dylan is a treasure beyond measure, and a vast lyrical pleasure. So happy birthday, Bob! May you see many, many more as you wander down that long, lonesome road.

1. Do you know of a Whiz Kid who needs to be spotlighted in Martinez Patch? A Whiz Kid is someone (or a group of someones) who, for a myriad of reasons, deserve a little bit of the spotlight. Could be sports, could be grades, could be volunteer efforts. . . maybe they sing or dance or write. . . there are so many amazing kids in our community, and each of them deserves to be recognized. So if you know of one, please send an email to jim.caroompas@patch.com, along with a photo or two, and the reason why the kid qualifies as a Whiz Kid. We'll publish the results on Wednesdays.
2. We told you about it , but just a reminder that the Martinez police will be keeping a closer-than-usual eye out for those of you who foolishly decide not to fasten your seat belt when you drive, or ride, in a vehicle. Getting caught brings a hefty fine, but the price you pay for not wearing a seat belt if you get in an accident is far higher. I remember once covering a particularly gruesome accident, and the CHP officer shook his head and said, "I've never pulled a dead body out of a seat belt." 
3. Yes, the Zoning Administrator (in the form of Planning Manager Terry Blount) approved yet another bail bond business, this time on Escobar Street, where the old Pac Mail shop used to be (that has since moved to Main Street). This is not being met with a rousing chorus of approval, particularly from shop owners downtown who feel that bail bond companies are a detriment to tourists and shoppers, and the overall image of downtown, but to date no one has appealed the ruling to the Planning Commission. But consider this — with the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling Monday that California must reduce its prison population by 137 percent, and Gov. Brown's proposal to shift many state prisoners into county jails (including our own), we just might wind up needing all those bail bond companies. Just a thought. . .
4. If you've been meaning to take a hike over the next few days, you could do a lot worse than the one planned for Wednesday at 6 p.m. on . Sponsored by the Alhambra Hills Open Space Committee and led by Martinez Patch's own hiking columnist, Scott Williams, the hike will illustrate what the property looks like now, in its pristine state, and why the group wants to purchase it for preservation as permanent open space. You won't be hiking the Alhambra Highlands property because it's private (at least for now), but you'll be getting a good look at it from the vantage point of Mt. Wanda. If nothing else, it's great weather for a hike, and a great excuse. 
5. Finally, if you are in the process of considering a temporary career as a babysitter this summer, then you should consider signing up for the city's . Topics will include leadership, safety, safe play, basic care for infants, first aid and running your small babysitting business. This is an American Red Cross certification program for ages 11-14. Each student will receive two books, a babysitters marketing DVD, snacks and a Red Cross certification. It happens Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Martinez City Hall, 525 Henrietta St. For more information, call 372-3510.