The holiday spirit is on full display in downtown Martinez, but it’s not just Santa who’s come to town. A new armed security guard is out, patrolling the streets. “We want to encourage folks who are patronizing our businesses and we want them to have the best experience downtown,” said Br ianne Zorn, Martinez mayor. Zorn says there’ve been concerns surrounding the unhoused and people not respecting business owners’ property. She says the city used to have a strategic enforcement team of two police officers who would patrol on foot, but the police department has so many vacancies that team had to be shifted back to other duties. “I think the city of Martinez is a welcoming place to be, and if there are people that make folks uncomfortable then the presence of a Security Guard to observe this and address these issues is exactly what we should be doing,” Zorn said. But not everyone’s happy with the guard’s arrival. People have been expressing their disappointment on social media, and many can’t understand why it’s needed. “I’ve been here for four years in the shop, and I’ve never seen the level of crime that would justify having somebody like that,” said Bernadette Fernandes owner of Busy Work Craft Supply and Board Skate Shop. Fernandes owns a craft and skateboard shop on Main Street and says given the political climate, an armed private guard isn’t necessarily inviting. “I want Martinez to feel like a safe place like a welcoming place. I don’t think the visual of having somebody with two guns strapped on him is very safe or welcoming,” Fernandes said. The guard says he’s hoping people warm up to the idea. Along with his weapons, he’s got a stash of goodies to help break the ice. “I’m not the Gestapo that’s what I’ve been referred to as that’s not why I’m here,” he said. Some retailers say the extra security seems to be boosting business. “I’ve seen a lot more people coming out people feel safer than more at ease. There’s less problems. I can see a difference in all in all the downtown area. I can see the difference in just a week,” said Ethan Roe with Luigi’s. ...read more read less