Clovis native likes people, animals, Raiders

Martin Martinez was born and raised in Clovis and graduated from Clovis High School. He and wife Anna Martinez will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary in July 2016. They have one grandchild through marriage and are expecting their first grandchild in March.

Martinez started a career in the cement business, working for Vela’s Concrete for nearly 16 years. He then moved on to working for the City of Clovis’ Animal Control Department in 1998. In 2012, Martinez started his current position as the supervisor at Animal Control.

What do you like about your job?

I like dealing with the people. I like to provide a good, safe environment when customers come in. Customer service is important to me.

Staff photo: D’Nieka Hartsifield

Martinez is the supervisor at the Animal Control Department for the City of Clovis.

What do you not like about your job?

The frustrating part is that a lot of people are not very good, responsible pet owners. We have the cleanest pets in America because the number one excuse we get for pets not having their tags (no identification) is that the owners just washed them.

Tell us how you met your spouse?

I met my wife on Main Street. I saw her drive by. At the time I was working in the circulation department at the newspaper and I caught up to her and introduced myself. We’ve been married for 29 years.

When you were a kid, what did you think you’d be doing as an adult?

I wanted to be a history teacher. Besides my bible, I read probably 3-4 books a month. When my kids would have a project and needed a history reference, they’d call on me.

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

A Sunday. I get up. I drink some coffee and get the stove going. We head to church. I hook up some of my music and start my praise service. We go to Central Baptist for praise and I’m already pumped up. Being able to spend time with my church family and my family at home is a perfect day.

Tell us about your pet(s).

I have two. I have a 10-year-old Chihuahua named Mamas. She was brought to me as a sickly little dog. She’s an inside dog. Then I have Osa, who’s a Rottweiler mix and he’s an outside dog. He’s the guard dog. Once a day I’ll take him to the park to walk the fence line. He’s 5.

What is your favorite taste?

My wife’s cooking.

What is your favorite smell?

The smell of bread cooking at Lincoln Jackson Elementary School. That was a favorite of mine growing up.

What’s your favorite TV show, past and present?

Gomer Pyle for the past. I learned to always be ready and prepared from that show. Present shows are sports. I like football. I’m a Raiders fan.

If I could do anything, I would...

Eliminate pain and suffering.

What is your theme song?

Amazing Grace, because I’ve been saved and I know all I have to do is accept and walk in obedience to the Lord.

What do you envision your life being like in 10 years?

Just being a grandparent and enjoying life with family.

— Compiled by CMI Staff Writer D’Nieka Hartsfield