The Big Box in Downtown Martinez?

Last week's article on the monstrosity that the Contra Costa County Supes are oogling over as though it were a Jorn Utzon project garnered considerable attention. The structure, pictured here, literally resembles a big box, rather than the Big Box structures usually used to house super stores the likes of Wal Mart, Costco, KMart.- which are actually more pleasing to the eye, the new big box will play host to the Contra Costa District Attorney's office. It seems from close analysis that this would be one reason for District Attorney Kochly not to run again. But the real question that somebody with authority needs to ask is very simple. Where are the leader dogs for the Supes who obviously have no vision?

Are these elected officials purposely attempting to ruin the feel that downtown Martinez could have? The community struggles daily with the blight of life that flows through the streets after dark. Although in its center, in its heart, it has the future of a snow free Truckee- small specialty retail shops, unique shopping experiences for tourists and locals alike, cute refurbished cottages and bungalows- some even now increasing in value as tough they were on the coast of Malibu. However, that center is still deeply buried and its surfacing encased in a struggle of dual directions as the two groups of cartographers attempt to chart the city's course.

Once the monstrosity of design is approved, the city will have another option on the table for future design- total ugliness. And that may not be a bad solution to the dilemma of what to do with downtown. Why not a museum, or showcase for some of the country's ugliest buildings that do not fit into the environment of feel of Muir's legacy? It wouldn't be hard. Factually, if the Supes like the design perched on this column, they should be readily able to find buildings less appealing than the one they are considering for the DA's office. Well, maybe not, but they could give it a try.

Let's look at the structure above. It has some very nice features. Late at night, downtown Martinez could show movies- big screen movies- on the large wall that resembles a freeway barrier in Los Angeles. Or, space could be rented out and it could be used as a billboard. The people at Power Point would die for presentation space of such a mammoth dimension. County Administrator, John Sweeten could use it as a background piece to post his resume. He may need to get that in order. And, the structure could be used to stop crime. Two buildings of such a distasteful, ugly ilk would certainly appear to be dual jails, making criminals think twice about coming to Martinez.

But sarcasm aside, as hard as it may be with this topic and those who are driving the bus, (sorry), the Supes have an obligation to the county seat. It is in the general plan. There are specifications that need to be adhered to. And since many of those opting for the design do not have to look at the building during the off hours of a political life, they should take the general plan and the people who live in Martinez into consideration.

But, if the Supes turn their backs on the people of Martinez, the building would also make a great campaign piece.

I can see it now, a 5x8 inch postcard. A picture of the building on the front, and in that space, which invites signage, a simple campaign question, "Would you vote for somebody who likes the look of this?" On the back of the card the candidate could simply state a very focused campaign platform. The rest would be history. The answer to the question, for anyone who could see, would be NO.

Thanks for the Tremendous Response

After only a few days and this Blog has taken off quite nicely. And, what is even more encouraging is the fact that the site has not only received comments, but tips on where to find a few things that should be confidential. And, we love that.

If you have any item that you may want us to look into, to comment on, or to just post after fact checking let us know. Email your tips to HarrisonMelbourne@yahoo.com. Out intent is to post daily, with a mere recap on Friday's since everyone has usually had enough news and other media junk to absorb by week's end. Of course, if there is a big story- like yesterday's presentation of the County's Homeland Security Plan- presented by The Sherriff, - we will cover that on the following Monday.

Again, we appreciate your support and comments and certainly want to encourage your participation. Our readership extents throughout the county, so don't hesitate to send us information and direct us to those sources that you know will talk.

Have a wonderful and dry weekend. That especially goes for Geraldo's younger brother.

Homeless, Homeless, Everywhere

Today is the day that the homeless have to get out of town. Leave Dodge. Pack it in, clean up the campsite and scadoodle. Well, it's about time. And, if the path to the homeless problem is to be cut off, roadblock it like the entrance to Iraq, then the clean up should begin at the multi million dollar train station that plays hosts to the backpacking, smelly cat, scum that make entrance to the county through Martinez, the County Seat.

On most mornings, there are more backpacking, drugged out, unbathed, homeless encampment people hovering around the coffee shops in John Muir's front yard than there are at Yosemite. A backpacker's heaven, the bathrooms at the Bocce Courts play host to many more personal functions than alleviation of human waste. As a matter of fact many have said that the bathrooms turn brothel once the sun and the zippers go down. It may be time to forget the encampments under the bridges and rustle the rustlers who live under our noses.

For months the meth cookers have been roaming the streets in campers and mobile recreational vehicles, but unfortunately, the vehicles are not recreating in the woods. The occupants of these often dilapidated pavement predators, housing meth mixologists and users, have become more apparent throughout the summer and will flock to the downtown area of Martinez as the weather gets colder.

It's about time we just kicked the homeless out of the county. Send them to Yosemite, or Yellowstone, or Shasta. But it is time for them to leave. Forget the human rights aspect of it all- let Gavin have them. It was nice to give them the forty-eight hour notice, but now the time is up- it's time for them to leave.

The Building of Big Ugly

The rumor on the street is that the new, under consideration District Attorney's headquarters in Martinez, the County Seat, will be a glass and corrugated metal monstrosity that doesn't fit in with the neighboring buildings which will butt up against it upon completion. Many of the Martinez residents, county workers, and DA employees are chuckling behind the water coolers that the building is just down right ugly. Others are up in arms over the project. It is advisable, however, to keep your mouth shut if you happen to work for the county. If you say anything against the design of the building you could get the royal administrative transfer to an office without windows as did one opponent of the design whose name will go unmentioned as she may suffer other retribution. Anyway, the great news about working for the DA's office is that once inside you won't have to look at the headquarters all day.

How about that County Administrator John Sweeten. It seems that the top boss, who has a propensity for not talking to the press for fear of being quoted, DUH, wanted to hire a spokesperson to handle the rapid fire questions from the press. The position, which Sweeten thought should carry a 130,000 per year compensation attempted to run the idea up the flagpole for the County Supes. For some unknown reason the item got the boot from the agenda as son as someone noticed the Board Room filling up with a dissenter or two. Reliable sources have it that Sweeten could not figure out how to hire someone quickly enough so he would not have to answer the obvious question. Mr. Administrator, if you don't have any money to run the county, where would you get the moola-coola to pay a spokesperson? Duh. We can't figure out why smooth tongue Tandy didn't raise his hand. He's always been good with the press.

And of course, let us not forget the new Martinez Specific Plan which flew through the Planning Commission and is now almost ready for adoption. Things are looking up. And if you don't believe it, just wait for the glass and metal to begin soaring to the sky.