Francisco Martinez
What I cover
Francisco covers Tiburon: the Town Council and town government, development and housing, and the people and events of the town.
Background
Francisco joined The Ark in July 2023. He previously worked for NPR member station KCBX-FM in San Luis Obispo, where he reported "Beyond the Furrows," an award-winning 12-part series about farmworkers in Santa Barbara County. Francisco was also a reporter, news anchor and radio DJ for student-run Mustang News and KCPR-FM at the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo; he graduated in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in journalism. Francisco lives in Point Richmond with his wife and their four cats. A former record store employee, he spends his free time listening to music old and new, going on walks and solving puzzles of all kinds. Francisco remains an eternally suffering Tottenham Hotspur fan.
Our standards
Ark journalists avoid conflicts of interest, refuse gifts, favors, free travel and special treatment, and correct information throughout the life of a story. Read The Ark’s ethics policy and corrections policy.
Latest from Francisco
Tiburon council OKs commission’s picks for early design of ponds site, mini parks
Two design firms will create conceptual plans for a basketball court, new swings and improvements at the former sanitation ponds site by spring 2026.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·Tiburon to be first city in nation to ban all tobacco sales without exceptions
The new law will take effect Dec. 5 following the Town Council’s unanimous approval Oct. 15 and its expected vote to formally adopt on Nov. 5.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Sculpted busts recall Tiburon life in the 1950s, ’60s
Howard Lazar's exhibit features painted busts and written vignettes reflecting on teachers, shopkeepers and friends.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
A couple celebrates over 50 years of marriage and shared adventures
The Sea Ranch couple, married 53 years, reflects on raising three children and now enjoying seven grandchildren during their visit.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon entrepreneur launches low-fee platform for tech-savvy homebuyers
The platform charges homebuyers 0.75% compared to traditional agent fees of 2.5% to 3%, potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·Tiburon cyclist will embark on 625-mile ride to raise money for disabled athletes
Harband has already raised more than $11,000 toward his $15,000 goal for the Challenged Athletes Foundation's Million Dollar Challenge.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon parks board to tackle safety issues along Old Rail Trail
A uniform 8 mph speed limit and separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians are among the potential changes being explored.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·Signed, worn, remembered: Tiburon collector preserves moments that shaped him
Scanlon's 200-piece collection includes Dwight Clark's cleats, Reggie Jackson's bat and even locks of hair from an unnamed Beatle.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Zheng takes Tiburon Challenger crown in flawless week
The Columbia University senior didn't drop a single set en route to his third consecutive Challenger title.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon picks designers to bring new life to town's parks
Community feedback from two years of engagement will guide designers creating plans for the former sanitation ponds site and mini parks.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Frogs delay, rats play — Point Tiburon Marsh condos are caught in the middle
Tiburon to remove invasive weeds at Railroad Marsh after condo residents report rat infestation linked to overgrown vegetation behind units.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Strawberry journalist creates studio to capture life stories on film
Journalist Priya David Clemens launches studio to create personal documentaries. Her first film profiles Tiburon surgeon Angelo Capozzi.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Town Hall, library could combine as joint hub for residents in emergencies
Local officials plan microgrid connecting Town Hall and library for emergency power during natural disasters and public safety shutoffs.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
A couple savors the moment on shores of Richardson Bay
Wade and Norleak Winblad find tranquility along Richardson Bay, reflecting on simple living and appreciating everyday moments.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon rejects 8 of 9 grand jury critiques on housing
Tiburon officials agreed with only one of nine findings in a Marin grand jury report on housing mandates, following Belvedere's lead.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·Rising men’s tennis stars compete for $100,000 prize in Tiburon Challenger
Tiburon Challenger tennis tournament kicks off this weekend Sept. 28-Oct. 5 at Peninsula Club with $100,000 prize pot, 32 players.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon Wine Festival returns Oct. 4 with food, 65 wineries
42nd annual Tiburon Wine Festival Oct. 4 at Point Tiburon Plaza features 65 wineries, 10 restaurants.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·Late actor, filmmaker Robert Redford had long ties to Tiburon
Robert Redford lived on Tiburon's Ridge Road in the late 1990s and early 2000s, returning to Mar East Street from 2020 to 2024.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
A friendship is built on medical jobs, life in Marin
Medical professionals from New Hampshire and Southern California discover friendship in Marin.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Traffic agency, Belvedere back bike-lane removal in Caltrans’ final draft
Cyclists show school buses skip stops, fit in others, undermining safety claims.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
