Author Archives: Irene

Open Primary Opens Eyes

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Irene

I couldn’t believe my eyes!  As I thumbed through Alameda County’s sample ballot and voter information pamphlet, I saw what resembled a campaign piece.  That’s right!  There in black and white, political party endorsements were listed. The county’s pamphlet, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Elections | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Are You Ready?

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Irene

If you’ve ever heard someone shout “Are you Ready?” from a table at our local street fairs, it was probably a volunteer from Alameda’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).  There are over 700 CERT graduates in Alameda and the number … Continue reading →

Posted in Emergency Preparedness | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Are You Ready?

Opportunity Knocks Once Again

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Irene

Not long ago the city jumped through hoops to attract the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab to Alameda.  Now we have a new opportunity that is worthy of the same enthusiasm.  Only this time we’ve already been selected. The East Bay … Continue reading →

Posted in Alameda Point, Environment, Parks and Open Space | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Opportunity Knocks Once Again

Slow Your Run on Route 61

Posted on March 24, 2012 by Irene

Go on, admit it.  You drive over 25 mph on Broadway—State Route 61.  It’s easy to go over the speed limit there, particularly between Otis Drive and Encinal Avenue.  The wide street, with only a distant stoplight, makes it feel … Continue reading →

Posted in Transportation | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Northwest Territories: A Fixer-upper

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Irene

Up for discussion is the East Bay Regional Park District developing and managing part of the Northwest Territories, depending upon where the proposed veterans’ facilities are built.  The following slideshow illustrates some of the physical challenges on the Northwest Territories:

Posted in Alameda Point, Parks and Open Space | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Northwest Territories: A Fixer-upper

East Bay Regional Park District Spearheads City/VA Parkland Deal

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Irene

It seemed as though the plans for a veterans’ facility at Alameda Point were moving full steam ahead.  But no.  Last year the project almost died until the East Bay Regional Park District stepped in to help. The $210 million … Continue reading →

Posted in Alameda Point, Economic Development, Environment, Parks and Open Space, VA | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on East Bay Regional Park District Spearheads City/VA Parkland Deal

Occupy the Message

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Irene

The protest violence in Oakland on Saturday, January 29 was the last straw for me.  I’ve had it with the impostors in Oakland spoiling the Occupy Movement’s message of economic injustice that millions of people identify with.  Mayor Quan should … Continue reading →

Posted in Quality of Life | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Occupy the Message

Point Progress Report

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Irene

As directed by the Supreme Court’s opinion dissolving California’s redevelopment agencies, the city council dissolved its Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority (ARRA) on February 7 and accepted the ARRA’s assignment of its rights, assets obligations, responsibilities, duties and contracts in … Continue reading →

Posted in Alameda Point, Economic Development | Tagged , | Comments Off on Point Progress Report

Next Steps at Alameda Point

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Irene

Although Alameda lost its bid to become the future site of the new Lawrence Berkeley Lab, city staff is wasting no time in moving forward with Alameda Point planning. At a special joint meeting of the city council and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Alameda Point, Economic Development | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Next Steps at Alameda Point

The Buzz from City Hall

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Irene

Anyone who’s watched televised meetings from city hall knows about the background buzz when the camera angle changes.  It sounds like a short circuit in the video wires.  “Councilmember bzzzzzzzzzz.”  “Whabzzzzzzzz is the bzzzzzzzz fiscal bzzpact of bzzzzzz.” Once when … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, Media | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on The Buzz from City Hall