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
Transportation study flags Tiburon, Belvedere among 19 areas at risk from sea rise
Sea-level rise study highlights Tiburon, Belvedere risks; town to vote on funding to launch adaptation plan under SB 272
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon panel wants community feedback for positive-message street-sign art
Tiburon considers street-sign art with positive messages, but pushback prompts officials to seek more feedback and artist revisions.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon flood officials back $800k in design costs for creek restoration
Tiburon flood board backs design contracts for Bel Aire creek upgrades after trimming nearly $400K from original estimate.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
A former tennis player finds new passion for pickleball
At 83, Tiburon resident Robert Moore stays active playing pickleball, adapting to new challenges after rotator-cuff surgery.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
After 55 years, Tiburon Peninsula’s postal pillar calls it a career
Keith Martin retires Aug. 1 after 55 years with USPS — 47 in Tiburon — where he served as carrier, clerk, trainer and local fixture.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Late bartender’s daughter unearths lost recipes of Tiburon Tommie’s
Bartender’s cheat sheet from Tiburon Tommie’s unearthed, revealing long-lost recipes from the iconic tiki bar’s heyday.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Most Tiburon Peninsula special districts fail website transparency rules, grand jury finds
A Marin grand jury report reveals most Tiburon Peninsula agencies do not meet state transparency website standards. Only one agency fully complies.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon says it won’t cooperate with ICE amid federal crackdown
The Town Council will consider a sanctuary resolution in August, while the police chief says officers would seek to verify agent IDs.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·Report: Tiburon and Belvedere will likely miss state’s housing targets for 2031
Civil grand jury says economic hurdles outweigh local opposition, posing major challenges for Marin communities.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Young knitters offer warmth, kindness, one square at a time
A group of Reed Union School District students has knitted a 40-inch-by-40-inch blanket to give to new immigrants arriving in the U.S.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
A well-traveled resident is grateful to call Tiburon home
Haines grew up living in several countries due to his father’s work in humanitarian relief.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
The Ranch is named Tiburon Peninsula’s business of the year
The Ranch has been named the Tiburon Peninsula Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Pandemic piano hobby turns into a Billboard-charting music career
Her single “Move Your Body Slowly" reached No. 26 on Billboard’s adult-contemporary chart.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
From prison to podium: Tiburon man finds second chance at life through running
Markelle Taylor began running in 2015 while incarcerated at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, where he was quickly dubbed “Markelle The Gazelle.”
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Chef’s new Tiburon shop mixes home goods, classes, community
Highlow Larder reflects owner Elizabeth Smith-Finders' journey from social work to Michelin-starred kitchens.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
A Tiburon resident reflects on a lifetime of creative endeavors
Tiburon resident Rand Crook is a writer and film producer whose credits include the 1996 indie movie ‘Chalk.'
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
New laws target gate hazards, throttle e-bikes for kids and distracted driving
The local gate ordinance went into effect July 1 after being approved by the Town Council in May 2023.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·Tiburon to hire designer for neighborhood park upgrades
The work will focus on neighborhood miniparks at Cypress Hollow Park, Belveron Mini Park and the Bel Aire play area.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Arts commission explores proposal for positive-message street signs across town
One red, octagonal sign says “start” instead of “stop.” Others feature a red circle with a solid bar saying “celebrate mistakes” instead of “do not enter.”
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon adopts $26 mil budget with focus on parks and open space
At least $1.14 million is allocated for amenities and upgrades in fiscal 2025-2026.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
