On Wednesday, the Martinez City Council is being asked to extend a security contract through June 2026. They will also look at updating its plastic bag ordinance.
According to the staff report, if approved, Los Angeles District Patrol would continue providing security services in Downtown Martinez through June 30, 2026. The short-term pilot program began in December.
Staff is requesting authorization to extend the downtown security program through the end of the fiscal year. This extension would allow continued coverage during a period of significant sworn staffing shortages and maintain visible presence and engagement downtown.
Staff says the need for this extension is driven by ongoing vacancies among authorized sworn positions. While new trainees started the academy this month, assuming successful graduation, they will not be available for patrol duties for approximately one year. Without supplemental resources, the department cannot sustain dedicated downtown coverage without compromising baseline citywide response.
Downtown Martinez & Co. expressed strong support for continuing the downtown security program, noting that December’s daytime presence was well-received by businesses and contributed to a greater sense of safety for staff, customers, and visitors.
The organization emphasized appreciation for the City’s commitment to prioritizing safety downtown and had the following suggestions for consideration:
- Uniform: Consider adjustments to the current attire to create a more approachable look that complements downtown’s welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Schedule: Adjust coverage times to a mid-day shift to extend presence into early evening, supporting safety as foot traffic increases later in the day. It was noted this would be especially valuable as warmer weather approaches, businesses extend hours, and foot traffic increases later into the day
The cost of the program is approximately $7,627 per month ($44/hour) for 5 days per week coverage. The cost will be funded through salary savings from existing appropriations.
The Martinez Police Department provided no data on calls for service in the downtown area and whether the contract had an impact. Nor did the they share any incidents prevent, reported, or other data that went along with the security firm during the month of December.
Plastic Bag Ordinance Update
On July 7, 2025 and October 6, 2025, the Sustainability Subcommittee of the City Council (“Subcommittee”) received reports and held discussion on potential updates to the City’s bag regulations to avoid confusion between the City’s regulations and the State’s new requirements.
The Subcommittee supported amending MMC Chapter 8.23 to align with SB 1046 and SB 1053 and supported some additional optional amendments. The proposed amendments are listed below:
Proposed Ordinance Amendments to Align with SB 1046
- Adding Pre-Checkout Bags to the Chapter title.
- Removing “produce bags” from the definitions list and from the “plastic bag” definition exception clause.
- Defining “compostable”, “compostable bag”, and “pre-checkout bag” and adding “compostable bags” to the “plastic bag” definition exception clause.
- Defining “State-Regulated Store” per State Public Resources Code Section 42280 to identify stores required to comply with pre-checkout bag rules.
Proposed Ordinance Amendments to Align with SB 1053
- Changing the recycled paper bag recycled-content requirement from 40 percent to 50 percent, effective January 1, 2028.
- Removing “reusable bag” from allowed carryout bags if located at the point of sale at State-Regulated Stores.
Optional Amendments (Supported by Subcommittee)
- Adding a Purpose statement to the Chapter.
- Listing the definitions in alphabetical order without a specific reference, similar to the Zoning Ordinance.
- Requiring Public Eating Establishments to only make available recycled paper bags for carryout food instead of allowing thick reusable plastic bags.
If You Go
Martinez City Council meeting
January 21, 2026
7:00 pm
525 Henrietta St, Martinez
Full Agenda – click here
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