Here are some of the stories that made news this past week in Martinez.
Hydrant Sheared Off
A powerful geyser erupted in downtown Martinez on Friday afternoon after a fire hydrant was sheared off at Escobar and Ferry streets.
Patch reader Mandy Rose said a truck knocked over the hydrant and then drove off.
The water flow was eventually cut off. No arrests have been made.
Flu Season Shots
The flu season has officially arrived and several locations in Martinez have shots available.
Among them are Rite Aid and Safeway.
Five states are reporting flu rates usually not seen until January.
New Council Member Sworn In
Annamarie Farias was sworn in Wednesday night as the first Latina woman to ever serve on the Martinez City Council.
Farias was the top vote getter in the Nov. 6 election. Also sworn in for his fifth term was Councilman Mark Ross.
The council also said farewell to Councilwoman Janet Kennedy, who had served on the council for the past 10 years.
Decision Delayed on Fire Station Closures
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors delayed a decision Tuesday on whether to close four fire stations.
The stations are in Martinez, Clayton, Walnut Creek and Lafayette.
Fire district officials say they need to close the stations to close a budget gap. The supervisors may decide the issue this coming week.
