Of Cautious Celebrations And Tentative Peace

Today is WEDNESDAY, March 16, 2011. The rainy week only serves to make us wonder how the beavers are doing. It wasn't that long ago when doom was foretold as a result of their dam doings, remember? The city was going to be awash in creek water at the first spring drizzle. Fortunately, things didn't work out that way, and it seems as though Martinez has learned to live in peace with its fuzzy little denizens. The same is true for the idea of no redevelopment — we've heard now from several of its primary proponents that it's off the table, thanks to the governor's mission to kill it throughout the state. And suddenly there is a peace; a tense one, but a peace nonetheless. Get your fireworks ready for next week, when the Alhambra Highlands project is heard by the Planning Commission.

1. The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department will be out in full force Thursday, and you can bet the Martinez police will be as well, watching for drunk drivers. Do yourself and everyone else a huge favor and celebrate St. Patrick's Day with green-tinged diet soda or find a designated driver.
2. The City Council meets tonight, starting at 6 p.m. in a special session with the Planning Commission to review the general plan update. Bring yourself and your vision of the future.
3. It's Fairy Tale Day at Nancy Boyd Park, for kids 3 to 6. Bring them dressed as their favorite fairy tale characters and face painters will provide touch ups. Crafts, games and stories will be featured, along with snacks. The fun begins at 3:30 p.m. 
4. Watch Martinez Patch later today for a list of places in town at which you can celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Just be careful doing it, as we've previously suggested. 
5. And please don't forget to send in your entries to the contest. We want your slogans, logos and any other marketing materials you can think of. The winner gets a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant. Send entries to jim.caroompas@patch.com.