Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Thinking of an e-bike for your teen? Read this Martinez mom’s warning.
Make time for Local playwrights looking for teen actors on the Martinez Patch calendar
Good day Martinez! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Thinking of an e-bike for your teen? Read this Martinez mom’s warning.
- Which unforgettable 2025 Martinez moments made this Bay Area photo yearbook?
- Why a San Ramon police chase ended at Martinez Detention Facility
Also on today's calendar: Local playwrights looking for teen actors and 2 more events.
Find out what's happening in Martinezfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Martinezfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Wednesday: A couple of showers, with a high of 52 and low of 47 degrees.
- Thursday: Periods of rain, temps: high: 58, low: 52.
- Friday: Breezy with rain and drizzle, with a high of 62 and low of 52 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. E-bike risks, worry grow (dailydemocrat.com) — A Martinez mom’s search for the right e-bike for her 13-year-old highlights how confusing and risky today’s electric two-wheelers can be. Local officials from Walnut Creek, Concord and Danville explain the three e-bike classes, where kids can legally ride, and why some products sold as e-bikes are actually mopeds or motorcycles. The piece stresses research, helmets, and understanding speed limits before buying. 
2. 2025: A look back at Bay Area images that made our year (marinij.com) — Several striking 2025 images spotlight Martinez, from a local man quietly feeding seagulls at Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline to a dramatic refinery explosion and a glowing Beaver moon over Hidden Lakes Park. The photo essay also captures nearby Contra Costa scenes in Walnut Creek and Lafayette, along with major moments across the wider Bay Area in sports, protests, celebrations, and everyday life.
3. Suspects ram patrol cars, injure officer during San Ramon pursuit, police say (cbsnews.com) — Two suspects from Oakley and Antioch were arrested after allegedly ramming San Ramon police vehicles during a late-night pursuit, then were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. Officers say two additional suspects escaped after the crash and remain at large. The case underscores how regional crime investigations and jail operations directly involve Martinez as the county’s detention hub.
4. 2 Fee Increases Will Impact Bay Area Commuters Starting Thursday (patch.com) — Martinez-area drivers using the Benicia-Martinez Bridge will see tolls rise by 50 cents starting Jan. 1, 2026, with further increases phased in through 2030. BART fares and parking fees across the region will also go up, as the agency tries to close a large budget gap and maintain service. These changes will affect many Martinez commuters who rely on bridges and BART daily.
📸 Around Martinez
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Martinez
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Martinez Library Storytime
Martinez Library , 740 Court Street , Martinez
10:00 am - Local playwrights looking for teen actors
Hillcrest Congregational Church , 404 Gregory Ln , Pleasant Hill
6:00 pm - Tarot Social Meetup
Martinez Library , 740 Court Street , Martinez
6:00 pm - Martinez Library Storytime
Martinez Library , 740 Court Street , Martinez
10:00 am - Read to a Dog
Martinez Library , 740 Court Street , Martinez
12:00 pm
Saturday January 3
Tuesday January 6
Saturday January 10
📣 Martinez Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- I Heart Toddler Art
Contra Costa County Public Library , 1750 Oak Park Boulevard , Pleasant Hill
11:00 am - Noon Year's Eve Storytime
Lafayette Library and Learning Center , 3491 Mt Diablo Blvd , Lafayette
11:30 am - Downtown Pleasant Hill Annual “Noon” Year
Downtown Pleasant Hill , 60 Crescent Dr , Pleasant Hill
11:30 am - Noon Year's Eve Dance Party at Hercules!
Hercules Library - Contra Costa County Library , 109 Civic Dr , Hercules
11:30 am - I Heart After School Art
Contra Costa County Public Library , 1750 Oak Park Boulevard , Pleasant Hill
1:30 pm - Brian Scott Magic
Martinez Library , 740 Court Street , Martinez
2:00 pm - Back Forty Family-Friendly NYE Celebration
Back Forty Texas BBQ Roadhouse & Saloon , 100 Coggins Dr , Pleasant Hill
5:00 pm
Wednesday December 31
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Martinez PatchAM possible:
- Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- At my age I'm not too worried about wealth.
Happiness should be the driving force for most of us. But some people believe that money or wealth buys happiness. And maybe for some people it does… (Nextdoor Martinez) - As a suggestion, since so many bikes get stolen, please consider putting an AirTag in the post of your bike so you can find it in the unfortunate case it is taken.
And take a picture of yourself on the bike. Also write down the serial number to prove it is yours. (Nextdoor Reliez Valley North)
- Next Level Strategies posted a job opening for Payroll Specialist in Martinez. Apply here.
- Papa Murphy's Holdings, Inc. posted a job opening for Crew Member in Martinez. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Martinez here.
Ok Martinez! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I heard there’s only a 50 percent chance of snow.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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