Author Archives: Irene

Taking the Initiative

Posted on January 10, 2019 by Irene

The new year started with a bang at city hall. On January 2, 2019, the city council decided to put a measure on the ballot that challenges the McKay Avenue Open Space initiative previously qualified by citizens wanting to zone … Continue reading →

Posted in Elections, Housing, Parks and Open Space | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments

Will the real progressives please stand up?

Posted on November 29, 2018 by Irene

Here we go again.  It is unfortunate that yet another Alameda mayor has been elected without majority support.  Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft won the seat with only 41.97 percent of the vote.  Blame it on Alameda’s use of a plurality voting … Continue reading →

Posted in Elections | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Best bargain on the ballot!

Posted on October 24, 2018 by Irene

For only $1 a month we can keep Crown Beach maintained, the Crab Cove Visitors Center open year-round, and much more.  What a bargain! Measure FF continues for 20 years the East Bay Regional Park District’s current parcel tax of … Continue reading →

Posted in Elections, Parks and Open Space | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Fill in the Blanks at Encinal Terminals

Posted on August 31, 2018 by Irene

We’re almost there.  The Master Plan for the Encinal Terminals project near Clement Avenue will be back before the city council on September 4.  This time the controversial swap of public tideland is off the table. The revised and improved … Continue reading →

Posted in Housing, Parks and Open Space | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Another One Hits the Road

Posted on August 23, 2018 by Irene

What a shame.  What a loss. The latest person to give their departure notice to the city is Alameda’s Base Reuse and Transportation Planning Director Jennifer Ott.  She is going to serve the City of Hayward as their deputy city … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Missing the Boat

Posted on July 9, 2018 by Irene

Current policy decisions are shaping our shoreline’s future, and Alameda is missing the boat. On May 30, the planning board unanimously approved a plan for the Alameda Marina that provides protection for three feet of sea level rise, even though … Continue reading →

Posted in Economic Development, Elections, Environment | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Missing Thank You

Posted on May 31, 2018 by Irene

On May 23, a lot of kudos were handed out at the Site A groundbreaking ceremony for the first new neighborhood at Alameda Point.  One individual was not mentioned, but certainly deserves much of the credit:  John Russo. As city … Continue reading →

Posted in Alameda Point, City Hall | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Medical Respite Facility planned for McKay Ave

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Irene

Those who prefer housing for senior citizens, over other types of housing that generate more traffic, will welcome the proposed dwelling units on McKay Avenue near Crab Cove.  Former federal offices now located there will be rehabbed to create a … Continue reading →

Posted in Housing, Quality of Life | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Palestinians Tell Their Stories at Alameda Library

Posted on March 1, 2018 by Irene

Everyone has a life story, and many are being told at Alameda’s Main Library at 1550 Oak Street.  An exhibit that combines black-and-white portraits of 26 Bay Area Palestinians with audio recordings is on display.  The library’s largest meeting room … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Quality of Life | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Breaking News … stands

Posted on February 18, 2018 by Irene

Over a decade ago, banks of newsstands were installed in the Park Street business district to replace the hodgepodge of shabby-looking newsstands.  Unfortunately, the spiffy new newsstands came on the scene just as newspapers were giving way to digital media … Continue reading →

Posted in Media | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments