Here's a look at some of the stories this past week that made news in Martinez.
Rainy, Windy Weather
More rain and win hit the Martinez area this weekend as another storm moved through the East Bay.
No major power outages or flooding was reported. Pacific Gas & Electric Company did have crews standing by.
The forecast calls for a mostly sunny day on Monday, Christmas Eve, and a partly sunny day on Tuesday, Christmas Day.
Unemployment Dips Slightly
The unemployment rate in the East Bay decreased slightly to 8.4 percent in November.
Contra Costa's jobless rate now stands at 8.3 percent. Martinez's unemployment rate is listed as 6.6 percent.
The state Economic Development Department said on Friday the East Bay added 4,900 jobs last month, mostly in the retail sector.
School Officials Disagree With NRA Plan
Local school officials disagreed with a plan for school security laid out on Friday by the National Rifle Association.
NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre called for armed officers at every school in the country.
Martinez Unified School District board member Denise Elsken said armed guards would send the wrong message to school children, reminding them of the possibility of a gunman entering their campus.
Galletti & Sons Closes Up Shop
A longtime Martinez construction business is closing down operations.
Galletti & Sons filed for bankruptcy in September and has auctioned off its belongings. It's also selling the building on Howe Street, where it's been located since 1986.
Almost 100 people lost their jobs when the concrete finishing company went out of business.
Parking Issues Discussed
at the Martinez City Council's Wednesday night meeting.
The council discussed a plan to allocate $85,000 in parking reserve funds to purchase 165 more electronic meters as well as raise the hourly meter rate. A decision on those issues will be made at a later meeting.
The council did approve free parking downtown during the holidays. That took effect Thursday and will last until Jan. 6.
