The Ferried History of Martinez

It's THURSDAY, May 12, 2011. Did you know that Martinez was founded based on a ferry system? It's true. Back in 1849, there was a two-person, two-mule ferry that was based on a rope pulley system. The operator (one Dr. Robert Semple) would pull the rope and the ferry would haul passengers and animals to and from Martinez and Benicia. This worked fine until the gold rush, and the fact that the quickest way to the gold fields through Sacramento was crossing the Carquinez Strait. At that point, you had a pretty impressive bottleneck at what is now Shoreline Park (or Waterfront Park, depending on which side you're standing on today). Hundreds, if not thousands, of would-be gold seekers lined up waiting to cross, and they were desperate for supplies. Co. William Smith, the son-in-law of Don Ygnacio Martinez, owner of the Rancho Pinole, looked around and had a idea - if one were to build some stores near the shore, one could make some money. The miners were gone by the time the town rose up, but the ferries got bigger, and Martinez became a city largely due to the fact that people came through here to get to somewhere else. Well, that and the fishing. And Shell. But the point is this - Martinez and ferries have always gone hand in hand, and our demise as a center of commerce surely began with the ending of ferry service after the Martinez/Benicia Bridge opened. City officials have been seeking a return to ferry service for many years now. Apparently it is a Herculean task to assign a few boats to run between here and San Francisco. What are your thoughts? Would you use a ferry system?

1. Today is . Slip on your florescent spandex, hop on your two wheels, and give yourself a treat for the commute, if at all possible. Our present system makes it difficult to travel far by bike, but it can be done with a little creativity and tenacity. And the benefits are many. 
2. While we're getting all healthy, don't forget that today is also the on Court Street. Lots of vendors are selling the bounty of late spring, as fresh as you can get it. Don't miss out. 
3. Make sure and get tickets for the Willows Theater production of "," at the Campbell Theater, which opens on Saturday. It promises to be a hot time, and all that jazz.
4. And don't forget the this Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A lot of classic cars will be on display, and a good time will be had by all.
5. If you're more into birds than cars, than you can take a this Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. This guided tour will enlighten you to the variety of feathered creatures on one of the most scenic trails in Contra Costa County.