About the Friends of Alhambra Valley...

What we do

The Friends of Alhambra Valley goals include engaging with our Alhambra Valley neighbors via social media, email and social gatherings to share important City/County updates and Alhambra Valley issues and foster the neighborhood community connections.

Friends of Alhambra Valley Committee Members

Leslie Ries, Nancy McMorrow, Carol Arnold, Tom and Danita Stevens, Jamie Menasco, Pete Sabine

How we got started...

“The Alhambra Valley Improvement Association (AVIA) was a group of Alhambra Valley residents who cherished the sacred area known locally as “The Valley,” and hoped to preserve its character integrity through local support.

AVIA was incorporated in 1952 with the mission and purpose of advancing the welfare of the properties and businesses located in the Alhambra Valley area on the southern border of Martinez.

We salute Hal and Marie Olson and others who have worked to preserve the rural character of the area over the past years.

After the Olsons passed away, a group of neighbors formed an oversight committee to keep the AVIA going.

The committee conducted a survey of Alhambra Valley residents in December, 2022. The survey responses confirmed that most neighbors want to see the AVIA continue with its original mission and purpose, however, there was minimal interest of volunteer support for the required organization board member duties.

Therefore, the original AVIA organization was dissolved and AVIA was reorganized as Friends of the Alhambra Valley going forward.

Currently, there is the Alhambra Valley Specific Plan, City of Martinez General Plan, County and City Urban Limit Line development restrictions, community activism from Alhambra Valley neighbors and groups who share similar AVIA values such as Thousand Friends of Martinez, all of which is aligned with the mission of the dissolved AVIA organization.

About the Alhambra Valley...

Surrounded by scenic rolling hills and nature preserves

Alhambra Valley stretches from the Muir home at the North to the Briones Hills on the South, from the Vaca Canyon on the West to the Tavan Ranch at the East. It is surrounded by the hills of Briones and Franklin Canyon Ridge.

On the valley floor flow two creeks which junction at Wanda Way, Alhambra Creek and Arroyo del Hambre or Vaca Creek. Oaks, buckeyes, eucalyptus, and California bay laurel trees grow on the hills while the valley floor is divided between fruit orchards, vineyards, and residential areas.

The Alhambra Valley is steeped in history going back to the days when John Muir and John Swett resided in the area. There is a large contingent of multi-generational Martinez residents who are deeply rooted in their local community. Many of these Martinez residents aspire to make the Alhambra Valley their home.

The Alhambra Valley is contiguous to Briones Regional Park on the south side and Franklin Canyon to the north. Alhambra Valley Road is the back road to neighboring Briones, Happy Valley in Lafayette, and Orinda Downs in Orinda as well as San Pablo Road near Tilden Regional Park.

The homes in this unique semi-rural community vary from modest ranch style homes to large custom homes and ranches. Luxury home neighborhoods in include Alhambra Valley Highlands, Alhambra Estates and Stonehurst which is an enclave of custom homes in the heart of the Alhambra Valley.

Some of the best features of the Alhambra Valley include:

A cyclists’ paradise along one of the famous east bay routes used by the Tour of California
Mediterranean climate with warm summers and natural cooling breezes from San Francisco bay
Close to Briones Regional Park and Tilden Park for hiking, mountain biking, equestrian activities
Riparian creek walking on East Bay Regional Parks trail along Vaca Creek through center of the Stonehurst neighborhood
Designated scenic open space area protected by a conservation easement to John Muir Land Trust, with abundant wildlife including fox, wild turkey, black-tailed deer, Red Tail and Cooper's hawks, white-tailed Kites and even cougar
Wine country ambiance with over a half dozen vineyards throughout the Alhambra Valley area