A Sunny Day With A Smidgen of Sordid

Today is THURSDAY, June 9, 2011. Highs are forecast for the low to mid 80s today, so be sure to dress accordingly. And make sure to take extra care on the road, because summer means not only sunshine, but kids out of school and being, well, kids. It means lots of newly-minted drivers learning how to park and merge and follow the road rules, and a slew of younger kids spending their days (hopefully) outdoors on bikes, skateboards and scooters, but not always aware of who or what is around them. It's up to us, as grownups, to demonstrate our maturity (which is the part I most dislike about being a grownup). This is a sentence a certain New York congressman should read -- the thing I find most disturbing about Anthony Weiner's behavior is his utter lack of maturity and judgement. I'm not sure the media frenzy around the sad and sordid episode shows any more maturity than he did, and I really wish Congress would be at least as equally outraged over the banks that plundered and plunged us into the present financial quandry as they seem to be over Weiner's, um, stuff. But it's going to be a beautiful day, and there is a preponderance of hope around us to focus on, despite the daily march of silly, sad and depressing headlines. 

1. Tonight is a good night to avoid Main Street, since paving will begin at 6 p.m. and last until 7 a.m. from Castro to Court streets. The work is expected to be complete by tomorrow morning.
2. It's day on Court Street, beginning at 10 a.m. and going until 2 p.m. The weather has been a little funky if you're a farmer, and the cherries aren't quite in yet, but the strawberries are over the top, and the other early summer produce is in and ready for your table. 
3. If you miss the Martinez market this morning, you can always make up for it by heading to the this afternoon, which begins at 4 p.m. and goes until 8 p.m. This is a large market, ringing Todos Santos Park, and features a large stage with a live band. A fun way to spend a family evening on a Thursday. 
4. will celebrate its 8th grade promotion ceremony tonight at 7 p.m. at Alhabmra High School -- featured speakers will be Principal Helen Rossi and Superintendent Rami Muth. Congratulations, junior high grads! Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of high school.
5. Finally, if you're a senior (the adult kind, not the graduating kind), it's the day to test your luck at the Martinez Senior Center -- try your hand at at noon, or at 1 p.m. Good luck.