Al Martinez

Al Martinez (July 21, 1929 – January 12, 2015) was a columnist for the Los Angeles Times. He also was known for his writings for several television shows, such as Hawaii Five-O in 1978, the short-lived 1980 police drama B.A.D. Cats, and Out on the Edge, a 1989 television movie starring Rick Schroder. His writings focused mainly on political, health, and social issues within the Latino American community.

Personal life Al Martinez was born in Oakland, California, to Alfredo and Mary Martinez. When Martinez was five years old, his parents decided to split. At age 20, Martinez married Joanne Cinelli, a fellow San Francisco State graduate.

Career Journalism Richmond Independent 1952-1955

Early journalism Martinez's first job within the journalism realm was with Richmond Independent in 1952 as a reporter. By 1955, he was working for the Oakland Tribune and writing columns that reflected his humor and perspective on life.

Martinez also won a lifetime achievement award from the California Chicano News Media Association in 2002. Martinez also received recognition for his columns by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the California Newspaper Publishers Association. and a National Ernie Pyle Award.