Five Things - Wine Strolls, Hearts and Hikes

It's TUESDAY, Feb. 8, 2011. Martinez is a small town, but it's big on drama. There is, of course, the Campbell Theater, operated by the Willows, if you like your drama cabaret style. For those who prefer political intrigue, there is plenty of that, too. Lately, the talk of the town is the . But there are plenty of things to do, not just talk about. If you like wine, this weekend will be a good one for you. If you like to walk, it also will be a good one. Read on:

1.  The Martinez Planning Commission was scheduled to hear a proposal this evening from Community Wellness, a medical cannabis collective seeking to operate a dispensary in what is now CK Motors on Alhambra Avenue (inside information: one city councilmember was heard to refer to this proposal as “the height of nincompoopery”). However, the organization wanted to operate under the city’s present  not the more restrictive one scheduled to be considered by the City Council on Feb. 16. As a result, Community Wellness has withdrawn its proposal, and the Planning Commission, which had reserved the entire meeting for this item, will not be meeting this evening. So stay home and make cookies.

2.  Don’t forget to buy your tickets in advance for Saturday's Wine Stroll on Main Street. Tickets are $15 in advance, $25 the day of the stroll. From 2 to 5:30 p.m., each business will offer a featured wine from a local winery. Tickets are available at (720 Main St.), (831 Main St.) and Main Street Martinez (631 Marina Vista) or online.

3.  Also this weekend, it’s the event, in which many Main Street merchants will donate 10 percent of their proceeds Saturday and Sunday to the . For more information, call Anne Mobley at at 229-1900.

4.  After you spend some time and money downtown, why not saunter over to , featured last Saturday by our own Marlene Vasilieff? It’s a family-oriented park with a lot to do, and the weather is supposed to be very nice again. Now that no major holidays or football games impede our weekends, there is really no excuse to stay inside.

5.  If you’re feeling slightly more ambitious, take hiking columnist Scott Williams’ advice and go for a hike at  and treasure the treasure bestowed upon all of us by the . This is a great way to enjoy the pastoral splendor of Martinez.