Helping Out the Homeless

It's FRIDAY, June 3, 2011. It's supposed to rain this afternoon, so be prepared. Meanwhile, this morning is that weird combination of sunshine and clouds that has come to define what has to be one of the weirdest springs on record. Even the birds seem confused. But what is not confusing in the fact that homeless folks are out in whatever weather there is, and regardless of how you feel about them and their choices, the fact is that they are human beings. When the cold wind blows and the rain comes down, they suffer. I want to extend kudos to Doug Stewart, our homeless outreach coordinator, who goes out most every night and hands out socks, blankets and other necessities to folks living outside, or in their vehicles. Many of them suffer from the disease of addiction, and some are just trying to do the best they can with what little they have. I invite you to read Doug's blog, which runs each weekday. It's a great look at what life is like on the hard edge of reality.

1. One of our readers came across an interesting post on Craig's List yesterday. You know how a lot of residents and merchants are calling for an end to the seemingly endless parade of bail bond operations that are proliferating downtown of late? Well, this listing is for a property on Ferry Street. Here's the link: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/off/2406713737.html. It says, in part, "Perfect for retail store, legal, bail bond, or real estate office." Perhaps our local realtors could do us all a favor and stop advertising downtown store fronts as "perfect" for bail bond operations. Is another bail bond agency preferable to a vacant building? At this point, perhaps not. . . does Martinez really want to be the bail bond capital of California?
2. Hey, you know you're looking for something to do tonight, this weekend and next week. And that's great, because the Alhambra High School Grad Night committee needs your help to build the event. According to Grad Night coordinator (and 2010 Martinez Woman of the Year) Joelle Fokler: "We're starting tonight (Friday) at 6 p.m. at the AHS Commons.  We will be at the Commons all weekend and most of next week.  Also - the community is invited to the Grad Night preview on Thursday, June 9, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m."
3. It's this afternoon at Armando's, with the delightful and talented Sin Silver singing and playing piano. There is no cover, and it starts at 4:30 p.m. Join her and the happy group who find themselves at this event, which is growing in popularity. 
4. After that, it's the kick off for , a great downtown event featuring classic cars and live music. Today the live music is provided by the vastly talented , one of the legends of the Martinez music scene.
5. Don't forget to make an appearance at the , which opens on Main Street at 10 a.m. According to John Curtis, Main Street Martinez president, the Sunday market is drawing between 1,400 and 2,000 people so far, and it's only the first month of the season. More people mean more vendors, so get down there and get some locally grown produce directly from the producers.