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 Councilmember Nikfar misses yet another state financial report deadline
The failure to file reflects a pattern for Nikfar, who missed three disclosure deadlines August 2023 and November 2024 elections.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Sani 5 OKs $3-mil rehab of aging Cove Road pump station
Construction is targeted for spring 2026 because it will take up to a year to obtain one of the necessary parts for the upgrade.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Angel Island exhibit looks at border surveillance technology
“Border Surveillance: Places, People and Technology” features panels detailing technologies used to monitor border crossings — from aerostats and drones to fixed cameras and ground sensors.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon Mayor Thier launching Assembly bid
Tiburon Mayor Holli Thier will join the crowded 2026 contest to replace Damon Connolly in the California State Assembly.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon to celebrate 55th Earth Day with parade, enviro fair
Tiburon’s celebration is set for 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 27.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon lifts 8-year ban on new utility-burying districts
The Town Council also agreed to help fund some early planning costs.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon teen turns childhood passion into youth chess network
Stanley Wong is leading growing after-school programs across Marin and the North Bay.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
A local dad works to pass love of soccer to daughters
Born in Iran, Tiburon resident Paul Inalou moved to the U.S. at age 12 — though he lived in Japan for two years and played on his school's soccer team.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon is first to join county in ban of throttle e-bikes for youths
The new rule on Class 2 bikes, part of the state's Marin pilot program, also requires helmets for those 16 and up.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·Ex-Tiburon Mayor Gary Spratling was key figure in antitrust prosecution
The late Gary Spratling served on the Tiburon Town Council from 1982 to 1986 and was mayor for a year in 1983-1984.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Town’s Persian New Year fest coming April 19 on lower Main
Nowruz will run 3-5 p.m. with a live DJ set, dance performances and authentic cuisine.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·Tiburon resident pens ‘children’s book for adults’ on mental health
“I was trying to make my observations of people who are struggling as simple as possible,” says Arlene Rose Love.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
A trio of Tiburon teens share love for basketball
William and Bennett recently celebrated their own championship as members of Del Mar’s eighth-grade boys basketball team.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Art & Garden Center can keep amplified music, but it may face future limits
The Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society must return for an informal check-in in June.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·Owners of struggling Cinelounge theater say they hope change to business model can help offset rising costs
The owners of Tiburon’s downtown movie theater are converting it to a nonprofit.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon’s 16 housing permits in 2024 lag state goals
On pace for just 20% of the eight-year, 639-unit target, the town would need multiple large developments.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·Diversity task force appoints its vice chair to police panel
The Tiburon Diversity Inclusion Task Force has tapped Vice Chair Tina Shah Paikeday as its new representative on the police chief’s...
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon Peninsula teens help power Branson School to pickleball wins
Tiburon brothers Alex and Nico Moon and Belvedere’s Mirabel Arlander helped their team win the DUPR state championship.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon plans repairs of Ark Row seawall along cove
It’s just feet from Belvedere’s own stretch of Beach Road seawall that’s failing from erosion and targeted for $3 million in repairs.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
Tiburon wants to fast-track some simpler parks projects
Play structures, signs and trailheads are part of town’s new master plan.
By FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ·
