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
Ex-mayor pitches pedestrian tunnel to trail near Del Mar
"Light bulb moment" envisions 22-foot connection between neighborhoods and Old Rail Trail, but councilmembers want traffic reduction first.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Ex-official sues Tiburon over alleged pregnancy harassment
Fired town official claims colleagues mocked "pregnant belly and pregnant ass" while manager refused to intervene.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·Tiburon panel wants another look at sites for public-art ‘street signs’
Tiburon Heritage and Arts Commission delays decision on $20K positive-message street sign project until September.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon gamer builds a winning community one board at a time
Tiburon's Nicholas Schoichet builds community through Marin Board Games: 'Get in here, lose a game, look like a fool, have fun.'
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
A history aficionado navigates tales of royalty and explorers
Tiburon bookworm Lynn Payne has her browsing routine down to a science at Corner Books.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon couple turns their grief into hope with yellow bows for bone-cancer research
Tiburon couple sells yellow bows for osteosarcoma research in honor of late daughter Sydney, who died of bone cancer at 15.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Belvedere's Sal Bonavita was one of the earliest owners of Peet’s Coffee
Sal Bonavita, Alfred Peet's hand-picked successor who owned Peet's Coffee in the 1980s, died at 84 in Belvedere.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
A visiting artist tries to be mindful as can be
El Cerrito artist Jim Vecchi visits Tiburon by chance, sharing how his MS diagnosis inspired an 8-year video project.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Belvedere-Tiburon Library will commemorate 30 years of independence
The Belvedere-Tiburon Library marks 30 years of independence from county control with celebration events Sept. 5 and 7.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
A self-taught sculptor builds a 40-year career in bronze
Self-taught Tiburon sculptor Kirk McGuire, 65, crafts world-renowned bronze marine-life art — from giant squids to mermaids — in his home studio.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon adman John Crawford was behind SF Giants’ anti-mascot Crazy Crab
John Crawford, the Tiburon advertising executive who created the San Francisco Giants’ notorious anti-mascot Crazy Crab, died May 27 at his home following complications from multiple health issues.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Ex-Richardson Bay sanitary chief Frank Dittle oversaw changes across 30 years
Frank Dittle, who served nearly 30 years at the Richardson Bay Sanitary District and rose to district manager, died of cancer Aug. 7 at his home in Woodacre.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Caltrans poised to delay Tiburon Boulevard bike lanes over bus safety
Caltrans appears poised to delay controversial plans to install bike lanes along Tiburon Boulevard from Trestle Glen Boulevard to Blackfield Drive until fiscal 2027-2028.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Strawberry swimmer circles Lake Tahoe as training for 840-mile California coast swim
Covering 60 miles in six days, Catherine Breed is believed to be the first to follow the full Lake Tahoe Water Trail.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon adds EV-readiness, stricter energy rules for more home projects
Tiburon will require EV-charging readiness and stricter energy-efficiency standards for more home projects starting in 2026.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·Tiburon council OKs $600k grant toward addressing sea rise
Tiburon receives nearly $600K in state funds to create a sea-level rise vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon artist laureate aims to bridge community, environment
Christa Grenawalt begins a four-year term as the town's newest cultural ambassador.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon to honor Native American culture with dance, art, food
Powwow dances, storytelling, native foods set for Tiburon’s first Native American heritage celebration Aug. 17 at Zelinsky Park.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·Tiburon officials back flood study for Greenwood Cove Drive
$200k proposal aims to ease chronic road problems tied to tides and runoff
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon resident wins best scone at fair
Paradise Cay’s Kim Gormley wins Marin Fair scone crown with lemon zest recipe; her vegan zucchini bread takes second in breads.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
