Celebrating our Past Mayors

As Martinez marks 150 years since its incorporation as a city on April 1, 1876, we celebrate the tapestry of civic leadership that has guided the city from its early history to its thriving present.  

Long before formal city leadership, Martinez’s identity was rooted in the legacy of Don Ygnacio Martínez, whose 19th-century ranch and vision laid the foundation for the community that would bear his name. That early heritage continues to inspire civic pride as Martinez reflects on its long arc of history. Over the decades, mayors and city leaders have woven a story of resilience and collaboration, from those early stewards who guided a boomtown in the wake of the Gold Rush, to today’s Council with an aligned, ambitious vision of revitalization and economic development at our waterfront and marina. 

For years, photos of our mayors graced the walls of our council chamber. During a refresh effort of the chamber last year, these photos were removed for painting of the chamber walls. Each photo was reprinted, reframed, and rehung in the City Hall lobby. As part of the effort, we researched the years of service and history of each of the mayors of our city and created a page on the city website to host their unique stories.   

Through these 150 years of leadership, our mayors have taken varying titles, and have been appointed by their peers or directly elected by the voters. The first mayor was actually selected as the President of the Board of Trustees, L. C. Wittenmyer, in 1876. Our first directly elected mayor, John Sparacino, was voted into office over 100 years later in 1978 and was a beloved community champion. Rob Schroder was our longest serving mayor who contributed to local policy and public life for 20 years from 2002 to 2022, and continues to do so today. Of all these leaders, there have been only two women who have represented the interests of our city: Rosalie Benson, the first woman appointed mayor by her council colleagues in 1968, and me, the first woman mayor directly elected by our constituents in 2022.  

As we honor Past, Present, Future, Together during the sesquicentennial, we recognize that these leaders, through vision, dedication, and service, have helped forge a city both proud of its heritage and eager for the chapters yet to come. Each mayor has left their imprint on the character of this city and made contributions to the strength and unity of the community we serve.   

Learn more about the history of Martinez mayors at cityofmartinez.org/mayors.