Navy Jet Monument a Labor of Love

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Irene

In June 2011, a crane accidentally dropped the Navy’s A-4 Skyhawk while putting it back on its pylon at Alameda Point’s “main gate.”  People have various theories about what went wrong, but everyone close to the project would rather focus on the plane’s re-restoration and return.

On December 19, the fighter aircraft, on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, was placed back in its original spot—a fitting celebration to conclude the 2011 Centennial of Naval Aviation. Continue reading →

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Looking Forward, Looking Back

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Irene

It’s been a little over a year since I started writing a column for the Alameda Sun and, Isle Say, it’s been a challenge.

I’ve written about all things local, including emergency preparedness, open space opportunities, Alameda Point, economic challenges, mental health, media, education, democracy, points of interest, and the city’s tree policy.  My piece on the Sea Scout Regatta at Alameda Point is still a big hit on my blog. Continue reading →

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Firefighter Rescues Dog from Shorepoint Fire

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Irene

Alameda firefighter Darren Brown walked through the crowd of onlookers asking if this was their dog.  When no one claimed it, residents escorted him to the apartment manager’s office.

Another resident standing next to me was not so fortunate, as his dog died from smoke inhalation.   Continue reading →

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National Geographic – A Repeat Customer at Alameda Shipyard

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Irene

If you’ve ever considered taking a National Geographic cruise to destinations between Alaska and the western tip of South America, your ship will have been serviced right here in Alameda.

Bay Ship and Yacht Company near the Alameda/Oakland ferry terminal performs annual maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to two of National Geographic’s five cruise ships.  The NG Sea Lion recently finished its annual repairs and inspections here.  Its sister ship, the NG Sea Bird, is here now.  To meet this year’s schedule, crews worked overtime during the six weeks the Sea Bird was in dry dock.  It was put back into the water on December 13 and will set sail for La Paz, Mexico and the Sea of Cortez on December 20, after Coast Guard and American Bureau of Shipping inspections and tests are completed. Continue reading →

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Alameda Naval Air Museum Needs Help

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Irene

It looks like a military antique store where nothing is for sale.  Unfortunately it’s a museum trying to tell us a story.  And quite a story it has to tell—from before the Navy arrived in Alameda to when they left, and the wars and military missions the Naval Air Station was a part of.  But after a decade and a half of all-volunteer efforts, a recent free open house attracted only a trickle of interested patrons.

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A change of strategy is necessary, and attracting corporate, philanthropic, or individual benefactors could help.  The addition of archiving, exhibition, technology, and grant writing skills could transform the museum into a must-see stop for visitors to Alameda Point. Continue reading →

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Krusi Park Trees Slated for Removal

Posted on November 20, 2011 by Irene

These two large cottonwood trees at Krusi Park, a major visual landmark, are slated for removal within the next few weeks to coincide with major renovations funded by Measure WW park district funds.  Included in the plans are the replacement of the outdated recreation building and upgrades to pathways and lighting.

City Parks are excluded from tree posting requirements, as they are subjects of separate studies.

These two trees are where cooper’s hawks nested this year.  A CHINS (Coppers Hawk Intensive Nesting Survey) volunteer has been monitoring this nest.

Continue reading →

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Tree Policy Roots

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Irene

The loss on Park Street of 28 mature trees in one fell swoop on October 19 and 20 (and three more trees days later) is not only heart-wrenching, it shows how official city policy doesn’t always guide official city action.

The trees were not diseased nor were their roots damaging the sidewalks, creating tripping hazards, except where concrete was poured right up to the trunks of two trees.

The 31 trees were removed in the name of “progress”—a continuation of the 2002 Park Street Streetscape and Town Center Project—to make way for the installation of vintage lighting and parking meter kiosks. Continue reading →

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Checking the List Twice for Berkeley Lab

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Irene

The decision-makers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab are undoubtedly finalizing their selection of the location for the Lab’s second campus.  They are expected to make their decision by the end of November.

Looking over the list of features that all the short-listed applicants offer, I noticed Alameda has some unique advantages. Continue reading →

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Alameda Occupies Wall Street – South Shore

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Irene

Messages from Alameda’s Occupy Wall Street demonstration on Otis Drive at entrance to South Shore Shopping Center, November 1, 2011:

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Up on Cleanup?

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Irene

The environmental cleanup program at Alameda Point, which has been going on for more than a decade, is in its final stages.  Most of the issues have been addressed, and the contaminated sites have either been cleaned up or are on their way to being cleaned up.

Learn more by attending a special presentation at the upcoming Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority (ARRA) meeting on November 2. Continue reading →

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