San Pedro High School is mourning the loss of a beloved teacher and friend, Douglas Martinez.

After receiving a physics degree from UCLA (minor in Asian-American Studies), Doug began his 27-year career teaching science at San Pedro HS. His passion for hands-on learning created memorable experiences for his students, who tested theories in ways that often required going outdoors and standing at a safe distance! Explosions could be heard in October as Doug’s students “carved” pumpkins using chemistry, and every spring, the campus cheered as students piloted their cardboard & duct-taped boats in a round-trip lap in the pool — hoping beyond hope not to sink.

Doug coached teams who competed nationally in Colorado with StellarXplorers, earning a championship title in 2017. He encouraged students to solve problems through critical inquiry and was a favorite teacher in our community. Doug was named State Teacher of the Year in 2005, and receiving that award in Sacramento was an especially proud and fun moment for him.

During his storied career, Doug helped found the school’s Morale Committee, which built a sense of family at our school. He emceed our annual holiday and retirement parties, infusing laughter and great music to our celebrations. Doug was a great helper! He brainstormed ideas for theater sets, furnished a lounge for teachers to gather, and could fix any room or equipment problems we had. If he overheard a colleague mention an issue, he’d show up the next day to help fix it. 

His colleagues refer to him as “a beautiful, funny, and kind soul” who “made us laugh and lighten up … Why worry?” His fun spirit was echoed in his daily wardrobe of Hawaiian shirts and humorous science (-fiction) T-shirts. Doug supported his colleagues as department chair for many years, made new teachers feel welcomed, and showed his UTLA solidarity at every strike, picket or  leafleting action, and red Tuesdays. 

Doug passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 16, 2025, while vacationing in Australia. He is survived by his wife Pia, children Zach and Aubrey, his mother Rose, brother David, sister Dianne, and their families. He is irreplaceable to our school community and will be missed greatly.