City of Martinez Recognizes Environmental Champions with Inaugural Martinez Sustainability Awards 

MARTINEZ, CA – The City of Martinez is proud to announce the recipients of the inaugural Martinez Sustainability Awards, honoring community members who are leading the way in environmental stewardship. These Awards celebrate residents, businesses, and City employees whose daily actions, innovative practices, and commitment to helping others adopt sustainable habits are making a measurable difference in our community.

On April 15, 2026, the City Council recognized eight outstanding honorees whose work exemplifies what it means to be a sustainability leader. Their efforts reflect our community’s shared vision for a healthier, more resilient future and demonstrate how local action can inspire community‑wide progress.

Award recipients for this inaugural year of the Award:

Business or Organization:

• Mighty Market
• The Oak Tree Playhouse

Mighty Market was recognized for providing the Martinez community with refillable, plant-based, and environmentally-friendly household and personal care products and promoting a low-waste culture. The Oak Tree Playhouse was recognized for its indoor/outdoor nature-centered early childhood program that fosters curiosity and a culture of respect for the environment.

Individual:

• Elliott Bray
• Joseph Burton

Elliott Bray and family were recognized for their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, eliminate on-site fossil fuel use, and improve indoor air quality through home electrification and efficiency improvements. Joseph Burton was recognized for his participation in litter cleanups and efforts to advocate for the environment.  

Youth:

• Sequoia School Students Caleb Fox, Emily Appel, Declan McGinnis
• Samantha Yasaki

 Sequoia School students Caleb Fox, Emily Appel, and Declan McGinnis were recognized for their fifth-grade efforts on the Sequoia School Sustainability Committee to help build community awareness that sustainability extends beyond recycling plastic bottles and their spirit wear swap activity, where graduating students provide lightly used spirit wear to the younger students. Samantha Yasaki was recognized for her efforts to promote sustainability and create a more environmentally responsible campus as Vice President of the Alhambra High School Green Team Leadership Club.

City Employee:

• Alan Fulkerson, Maintenance Supervisor
• Margot Pacheco, Human Resources Technician

Maintenance Supervisor Alan Fulkerson was recognized for their efforts to address water main and water line breaks to maintain infrastructure and conserve water. Human Resources Technician Margot Pacheco was recognized for efforts to incorporate sustainable decisions in employee events to reduce waste and to encourage City employees to get exercise through walking challenges and promoting the Employee Bicycle Share program.

Additionally, Republic Services and the City Council recognized the Del Cielo Brewing Co., Jack in the Box, and the Martinez Unified School District custodians as the 2025 Eco Award recipients. The Eco Award Program, a Republic Services initiative, is a complementary recognition awarded for waste diversion efforts.

Nominations for the Martinez Sustainability Award program are accepted year-round. To submit a nomination for consideration for next year’s Martinez Sustainability Awards, please complete the nomination form.

Congratulations to the Martinez Sustainability Award and 2025 Eco Award recipients!