Candidate for
Council Member; City of Richmond

I was born in Dumas, Texas in 1949 and moved to the Bay Area, CA in the 1970's. I have lived in Richmond for 17 years.

I received a BA in Liberal Arts and a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential from San Francisco State.

I have worked since 1989 as a teacher and in the WCCUSD since 1993. I retired in 2010.

I have learned in the classroom and with the parents of Richmond children the impact on poor children and youth of an educational system and a society that does not prioritize them, and that only a mobilized community and city can begin addressing the needed changes.

I am a co-founder of March 4 Education (2004) which mobilized teachers, parents, students, community and civic leaders to march on Sacramento and demand budget adjustments that benefited our schools and children.

I am the recipient of the University of Arizona, College of Education, Kenneth S. Goodman "In Defense of Good Teaching" Award.

I have kept close look on the distribution and utilization of the financial resources available for our schools and I am a voting member of the West Contra Costa Unified School District Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC)and the Community Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC.

I have been a steering committee member of the Bay Area Parent Leadership Network (PLAN), an organization that empowers parents to advocate for our children.

I served in the Representatives Council of the United Teachers of Richmond (UTR).

I am a strong supporter of the rights of all immigrant workers and their families and for many years I have been a director in the board of the East Bay Sanctuary Covenant.

I have opposed the ICE raids in Richmond and elsewhere which cause so much pain and fear to our families and particularly to many children of Richmond.

I have been active against the Richmond Driver License Check-Points and other forms of discrimination against the Latino Community and supported the efforts of ALERTA Richmond.

I support the concept of Municipal Identification Cards for all Richmond residents who want one. They are a good tool that help both the undocumented communities and law enforcement.

I am on the Steering Committee of the Richmond Progressive Alliance.

I am married to Liz Watts, a librarian and we have one son, Alexander Cosmo Martinez.

I am a strong advocate of physical education, sports and recreation opportunities for every person in our communities, and I continue to practice soccer regularly.