On Saturday, December 28th, 2013, Javier Martinez, a member of Common Ground High School’s senior class, was the victim of a homicide. Javier was a kind, big-hearted young man, who smiled a lot and talked quietly. He was a good friend and a leader in our small school community, who should be thinking about college and his bright future right now.

We are committed to honoring and remembering Javier. We are also committed to working alongside our neighbors to build a more peaceful, resilient community.

Read more about Javier — and about the actions our community is taking in his honor — here.

The Javier Martinez Wetland

The wetland is full of tadpoles and frogs

In Spring 2014, Common Ground created the Javier Martinez Wetland — as a permanent memorial to our friend, and as a peaceful oasis in our community. You can see pictures of the wetland, our first graduation ceremony held by its side, the dedication ceremony, and the shared work it took to create this oasis by clicking the button below.