To: Board of Supervisors
From: Shanelle Scales-Preston, District V Supervisor
Report Title: RECOGNIZE and CELEBRATE the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Martinez.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
RECOGNIZE and CELEBRATE the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Martinez.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Martinez celebrates the 150th anniversary of its incorporation on April 1, 2026, providing an opportunity to reflect on the people, stories, and cultural influences that have shaped the community into the city it is today.
The origins of Martinez trace back to Don Ygnacio Martinez, the Mexican military commander whose 1824 land grant laid the foundation for the settlement that would later become the incorporated City of Martinez in 1876. The City’s early growth was fueled by its waterfront, which emerged as a hub of commerce, ferry travel, and industry, drawing new residents and contributing to the vitality of both the City and the broader region.
Martinez’s cultural legacy is reflected in its heritage as an Italian fishing community, the conservation leadership of John Muir, the legacy of baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, and its celebrated claim as the birthplace of the martini, each contributing to the rich cultural identity of the Bay Area.
Martinez’s evolution into the county seat of Contra Costa County has positioned it as a center of governance, public service, and civic life, playing a vital role in shaping regional policy, community development, and public engagement.
This milestone anniversary invites residents, visitors, and all who value Martinez to celebrate its achievements, honor its history, and look forward to a vibrant and inclusive future.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Failure to approve this item would result in the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Martinez not being formally recognized by the Board.
IN THE MATTER OF CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INCORPORATION OF THE CITY OF MARTINEZ AND COMMEMORATING ITS PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
WHEREAS, the City of Martinez celebrates the 150th anniversary of its incorporation on April 1, 2026, providing an opportunity to reflect on the people, stories, and cultural influences that have shaped the community; and
WHEREAS, the origins of Martinez trace back to Don Ygnacio Martinez, a Mexican military commander whose 1824 land grant laid the foundation for the community that would later incorporate as the City of Martinez in 1876; and
WHEREAS, the City’s early growth was driven by its waterfront, which served as a hub of commerce, ferry travel, and industry, contributing to the development of the region; and
WHEREAS, Martinez’s cultural legacy includes its heritage as an Italian fishing community, the conservation leadership of John Muir, the legacy of baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, and its widely recognized association as the birthplace of the martini, all of which contribute to its unique identity; and
WHEREAS, Martinez’s role as the County seat of Contra Costa County has established it as a center of governance, public service, and civic engagement; and
WHEREAS, this milestone anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate the City’s achievements, honor its history, and recognize its continued growth and future;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors hereby celebrates the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Martinez and commemorates its past, present, and future.