i have been dancing with Ta'ere Tia'i for almost 12 years and in those years they've never failed…read moreto make me feel special. every birthday i've ever had has been celebrated with them, even when my dad passed they didn't hesistate to come and be by my families side. Ta'ere Tia'i is more than a dance studio it's a forever family that i'm greatful to have so if you are reading this and thinking about joining i suggest you do!! from the teachers, to the students, to the families you meet it's something that you don't get to experience often and joining ta'ere tia'i will give you the experience you deserve like the one ive had for the past 12 years

I have been dancing with this studio for a little over 2 years. It all started with my daughter who…read morehas always loved to dance. A friend from school told us about the school, so I brought my daughter in for a trial class. She loved it so much we signed her up right away. Not too long after, I noticed that a lot of the parents are very involved with the group. Some of them dance, others play instruments and some help with costumes and events. A couple of the moms invited me to take a class, but I remember trying Tahitian in high school and never quite picked it up. However, the whole culture at the studio is like a family. Knowing that I could bring my kids, I decided to try it out because I needed some form of exercise. Never did I imagine I would be two years in and still loving it. I went from just dancing as exercise to being able to perform in front of people, which I have always been scared to do. The best part of the studio is all the people from the owners/teachers to the families involved. There are no egos or people trying to outdo one another. Everyone is uplifting, supportive and helpful. And just like the name suggests, it is more than a studio, it is a cultural arts center. We are not just taught dances. We are taught the language, the meaning of the songs we dance and even how to make our own costumes. Plus, you are able to participate as much as you like. If you don't want to perform, you are not forced to do so. They even have special classes where they teach you how to play different instruments. There are even fitness classes like Zumba. Of course, right now due to COVID things are different, and extra precautions need to be taken, so we do not have gatherings like prior. However, I highly recommend this studio for anyone who loves the Tahitian culture or just loves to dance.

Great experience in using their services for getting naturalization papers. Was very impressed with…read moretheir historical items, articles, books, photos.

If you're a local history buff, then you NEED to utilize the resources at Contra Costa Historical…read moreSociety! The historical society was founded in 1951 and contains Contra Costa County documents dating back as early as 1852. Although they have moved locations thrice over the years, their expansive curated collection remains: www.cocohistory.org/frm-center.html Their volumes of documents are cloth-bound, leather-bound, or loose leaf and can be viewed upon request. If you'd like to learn more about your family's background or want to look at your official property line, then this is the place to go! For those who can't visit them in person, they have digitized a plethora of documents that you can access via their online database: www.cocohistory.org/frm-resources.html You can search and peruse: + County Records + Court Records + Photographs + Immigration & Naturalization Papers + Probate Documents + Obituaries + West County Times + Newspaper Photo Negatives + Maps + School Records + General Subject Files (e.g. Agriculture - Growers, BART, Bridges) + Subjects by City (e.g. Antioch - History, Brentwood - People) + Special Collections They have THOUSANDS of old photographs that are also now digitized, thanks to the generous photography donation by the late Louis L. Stein, pharmacist and owner of Arlington Pharmacy in Kensington. Stein always wanted to be a historian and he collected an enormous amount of photos depicting Contra Costa County history from the 1850s to the 1930s: www.cocohistory.org/llstein.html Stein even saved The Martinez Adobe from being razed and it's now part of the John Muir National Historic Site: www.tinyurl.com/v2qp5rq So you KNOW that this collection contains almost anything that you've ever wanted to view of historic CoCo County! www.cocohistory.org/frm-photos.html There are great gifts in their bookstore (both on site and online) that you can purchase for history enthusiasts: www.cocohistory.ecrater.com/ and many of the books were researched and written at the CCCHS! They even publish a quarterly newsletter, essays, and videos that you can access on their website that are both interesting and informative : ) I especially appreciate their extensive list of links to additional local historical sites, which is helpful when you are doing research. Right now, they are featuring a tiny one-room exhibit, Women Win the Vote In California, Contra Costa & the Nation, for the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment. The society has both paid staff and volunteers who work to digitize and preserve history (you can sign up on Volunteer Match to help www.volunteermatch.org/search/org1049632.jsp). You can learn more about CCCHS in this 2 and a half minute video that was produced by KTVU in 2015 when it was chosen as a non-profit partner for the Lescher Foundation Speaker Series presentation by David McCollough: www.youtu.be/fTLIXmEsESo *Note: They offer memberships that supports the non-profit preservation of Contra Costa County history.

If you want to learn the history of Martinez (1800-1909s) this is the place. The museum is small…read morebut has so much to share! They've done a great job in their set up and displays. Very easy to follow. The museum has two floors packed with past and current Martinez information. I like how they break it by subject making it easy to follow.

This museum is small, but mighty, and is chock full of local history!…read more Located in the historic two-story 1890 Borland home on the corner of Escobar Street and Court Street, it's a must-visit if you're a resident of CoCo County. Thanks to the Martinez Historical Society -- plus volunteers -- they saved the building from being demolished! The museum is staffed by volunteers who grew up in Martinez, saw it change and grow throughout the decades, and can give you an "old-timer's" first-person account of where and how things used to be : ) For example, did you know that Martinez was THE place to go for shopping and people watching? Or that numerous historic buildings and historic building elements were torn down in the name of modernity? Check out the old photos and memorabilia forever immortalizing past Martinez residents and enjoy local found items from the Ohlone and Bay Miwok. You can tour the small museum with the volunteers as your guide, or simply walk through on your own. But you'd be missing out on the best part of the visit : ) *Note: Make sure you sign in, in the guest book, pick up a few brochures for local historic sites, and contribute a donation in an envelope.

This was a great first visit to experience the "Born A Slave - Frederick Douglass" Performance. As…read morea visitor from San Diego, we decided to support a friend in this Stage Reading performance. He played the Orator Version of Frederick Douglass, and another actor played the action character Frederick Douglass (and also had lines) during the Stage Reading Oration. When we arrived, there was plenty of street meter parking outside around the theatre. There is a brewery directly across the street and a Mexican Food Truck in front of the brewery. The food truck is a bit pricey ($16 per person). I advise that theatre goers explore having dinner prior to arriving to the show. The venue offers a full bar, coffee, hot cocoa, and vending type snacks. Snacks include: candy, Pringle Chips, fresh popped popcorn in boxes, bottled waters, and sodas. There are not hot food items nor sandwiches at the venue snacks/bar area. I recommend that they get pastries to sell to patrons, this would go a long way for those who ate dinner before a show. The theatre seats 90 people, there is a row up front in the orchestra pit area for disabled attendees. The stairwell aisles of the theatre are wide with 2 stair transitions, which is safer than most. The seats are a bit cramped, but cushioned. The sound and lighting is great for a stage reading format. Overall, this was a great experience and the cast came out afterwards to meet with the audience members in the theatre entrance foyer/lobby. Our friend, Wayne, and the whole cast, did an excellent job in this performance!

This theatre is wonderful! Located in downtown Martinez…read more It is the perfect size if you ask me. Comfortable. It feels intimate but not cramped. The bathrooms are easily accessible. There is a bar. Dress as you like This last time we came for Dirty Cello band, also amazing! She came out before the show and chatted with everyone personally. I follow them now on social media. I can't imagine being disappointed with anything I chose to see here. We are planning to come see a play soon. And then a comedy show perhaps! Tickets are easy on the website and you even choose your own seats.

It was boring and meaningless... The woman told the stories…read moreabout herself, walking by downtown Martinez... Did I order the stranger talking about her and her probably contacts to ghosts?! No. I wanted to see something I couldn't see myself... I wanted to see some evidence of paranormal... no way... The stuff is active and seems to me, they are good people, but the tour itself sucks... Really they seriously tell about 47 minutes talking to a ghost, who can turn on the flashlight , and they told that for all those time(47 min!!!) they just asked the ghost to turn it on and off.... People, could you turn on your brain?!? What about other questions? How old is that ghost, what's his name, what's the purpose of his being there, how he can help them?;))) etc Looks like these people watched some movie ... called them "sensitive" to ghosts and energy and.... just waste your time for your own money! I hardly could stand till the end... So stupid.. Don't go, it was worst thing ever... P\S\ sorry for my English, I am a foreigner, but I couldn't keep silent.

My husband and I have been on several ghost walk tours in Martinez with Crystal, Joey and the rest…read moreof the Central Valley Paranormal team. Everything about the tour is educational and Crystal does her research before taking you through the tour. The team is well equipped and even lets you participate closely if you wish by allowing you to use their tools also. Every walk has been a little different for us. We reach different heights of paranormal awareness with each walk. We had one bad experience and that was because of some drugged out person that decided to join us, NOT because of Central Valley Paranormal Group. I recommend this tour to anyone living in the are that wants to experience and learn more about the paranormal activity around us. Ask questions and get involved. That is what Crystal and her team are there for!

(CRYSTAL A.). I've been dancing for 7 years in this company with Netza (the dance teacher) and its…read morehelped me make lots of friends and its so fun getting to experience all these new places where we perform. I gained so much dance experience in very little time. The dance teacher is strict but in a good way and he's really nice and patient with his students. Not a lot of teachers are strict and teach well, but if you go to netzas' classes you won't regret it and you'll want to go back the next day.

My daughter loves Ballet Folklorico and Maestro Netza. It's an excellent program. The kids work…read morehard. Maestro Netza offers the right balance of discipline, support, and encouragement. New dancers feel welcome. COVID safety includes masks, handsanitizer, and dancers are spaced out in small classes. I'm looking forward to seeing them perform.

This is the place you want to have your next function at! My girl got married ladt weekend and…read moreeverything was a hit....a little crazy...but mostly fabulous. I wish I had taken more pics to highlight the facilities but let me tell you this one of the best community centers Ive been to. Ample parking, hugh kitchen with mulitple refridgerators, dining and dance floor areas, dressing rooms and restrooms. Best days to rent ..Fridays or Sundays.....check it out for yourself. Ciao for now....

My first time attending an event at this venue and what a beautiful venue! Located in Pleasant…read moreHill, next to a police station but also a near an outside area that has a gazebo. They have a pavilion area, dance floor, mirrors, tall ceilings and huge windows. I attended a 50th birthday, parking was easy, they had a kitchen, staff was super friendly and helped with the garbage when it got full. I bet it gets busy trying to rent out this venue for events but I enjoyed it and if you're looking for a venue in the East Bay/Concord area, this is a great spot!

This is one of the coolest car-related things I've ever done…read more The Cobra Experience (which is a non-profit) periodically has an event called "What's That Third Pedal For?" This event which happens bi-monthly provides an eclectic group of cars with a variety of transmissions to learn on. I had not driven a manual transmission car for at least 9 years (when I had parked a vintage Porsche 911 during a previous job - BOY that had a heavy clutch) and for $30.50 ($15.50 if you're between 15-20), this was an absolute no brainer! The cars provided today were a Nissan Pathfinder Northwest Edition, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z51 package, 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 289 HiPo, and a Superformance Shelby Cobra reproduction - not just any reproduction but the one that was used on-screen in Ford Vs. Ferrari(!!!). The course is designed to have participants get the chance to drive each car around a designated area surrounding the museum for 2 laps after receiving an initial ride-along lap with the instructor beforehand and parking in the designated 'pit' area to swap seats. This included multiple stop/starts to practice clutch release, upshifting and downshifting. All the cars appeared to be well-cared for and the instructors were super patient and helpful. My goal for this was to see if I could get through it without stalling. Not only did I manage this goal even with the GT350 and Cobra having no power brakes/power steering and super-heavy clutches, but all 4 instructors gave me high marks. What an absolute treat, and on top of that they gave each participant schwag bags filled to the brim and even a poster! WOW! I highly recommend this event alone as if you are looking to practice stick-shift. It's a fantastic way to do so in a safe, controlled environment as well as potentially drive special cars as a bonus for a very reasonable price. I'll definitely go back to the museum soon for a visit. Thank you to everyone the Cobra Experience, this was AWESOME!

Really amazing place, amazing cars, and truly amazing staff. Don't miss out on this place…read moreseriously. Don't listen to that guy Grigor with the bad review he sounds like a real loser. I will be back to the Cobra Experience forsure!

Beyond Compare - Musical Heart Strings Made Our Wedding Truly Magical!…read more Working with Gretchen and Kerry of Musical Heart Strings was one of the best decisions we made for our Tiburon wedding. We immediately wanted to work with them after seeing their website and content, and their live performance did not disappoint. They are truly phenomenal musicians! From our very first outreach, they were full of excitement and so happy to workshop unique ideas with us to make our day as special as possible. They brought two massive highlights to our wedding that our guests are still talking about. First, they were totally open to leading our recessional, playing their instruments while walking as we exited the ceremony, which gave the entire moment a beautifully joyful and light feeling. Second, they collaborated flawlessly with our DJ for a super unique grand entrance to our reception. They played live violin and cello right along with the DJ playing Glenn Miller's "In the Mood" in the background--it was incredibly fun and really got the crowd going! Gretchen and Kerry are consummate professionals whose musical abilities are beyond compare. They set the perfect ambiance and made our day unforgettable.

The most beautiful live music we could have imagined! We hired Musical Heart Strings for our…read morewedding in Sonoma, and they were absolutely incredible. We first heard them play a few years ago at our friends' wedding and were completely blown away, so booking them for our own was a no-brainer. Their music brought such warmth and elegance to our ceremony and cocktail hour, and they struck the perfect balance between timeless classics and modern favorites. On top of being incredibly talented, Gretchen and her team were also so kind, professional, and easy to work with. If you're looking to add something truly magical to your wedding day, this is it!

We had our wedding at the Benicia Historical Museum on July 11, 2025, and it was exactly what we…read morewanted! From start to finish, the venue was beautiful. We used the outdoor space for most of the event, and it hardly needed any decorations--the natural flowers and surroundings spoke for themselves. What truly made our experience unforgettable was the incredible support from Zoe, the event coordinator. She went above and beyond to make our big day seamless. Zoe was kind, communicative, and so organized. Every question we had, she answered with ease. Every little hiccup, she handled before it even became a problem. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but Zoe made the entire process feel smooth and stress-free. Our guests loved the unique atmosphere of the museum, and we couldn't have asked for a better backdrop for such a special occasion. We're still getting compliments! If you're considering this venue for your event--do it. And if you get to work with Zoe, just know you're in excellent hands. Thank you again to Zoe and the entire Benicia Historical Museum team for helping us create memories that will last a lifetime! - J and Karina

Wedding venue was very enjoyable. It has plenty of parking, indoor as well as outdoor event spaces.read more