Gearing up for the Holiday Season

October was a busy month for us as we hosted our annual membership meeting and board elections.  Congratulations to Daniel Hoy and Elie Zgheib (Grocery Outlet) who were both re-elected to serve an additional 3-year term on our board. 

We appreciate all the time our board members continue to dedicate to improving the district.  We are currently looking for members to support our Marketing, Membership, and Economic Development committees.  If you are interested in participating, please consider attending one of our board meetings held the 3^rd Wednesday of every month at 11AM, or by getting in touch with Linda Asbury.
 
We also welcomed hundreds of our annual Trick-or-Treat on Webster Street.  Hundreds of families flocked to our local businesses for goodies from over 40 participating businesses.  We even heard comments that this was the biggest event yet!  Be sure to check out our Instagram page for highlights from the day.  A very special thank you to Grocery Outlet for their generous donation of candy to our businesses for the day.
 
In a blink of an eye, the holiday season is upon us and we are working closely with the City of Alameda to support their Small Business Saturday initiative.  The program encourages Alamedeans to spend their dollars locally.  Keep an eye out for the Shop. Eat. Enjoy. LOCAL. tote bags, posters, and bookmarks.  If you would be interested in bags or posters for your business please get in touch with our office. 

Another city-led initiative to support local shopping is free parking on Saturdays from Nov. 23 – Dec. 28.  So, whether it’s strolling through the next Second Friday Art Walk (Nov. 8), perusing the Magickal Market (Nov. 29), or popping into one of Webster’s many boutiques after a visit to the farmer’s market there’s plenty of reasons to visit the street this holiday season.  Be sure to check out our Facebook page for more details about holiday events and promotions.
 

What's Happening on the West End

Nov. 8 - 2nd Friday Art Walk
Nov. 10 - Superhero Bakery - Grand Opening
Nov. 29 - Magickal Market
Nov. 30 - Small Business Saturday

New Businesses Coming to Webster St.

This fall we have three new additions arriving in the district.  Be sure to friend us on Facebook for all the details about opening dates.

Superhero Desserts - 1449 Webster St. - Now Open
Donut Petit - 711 Santa Clara - Open mid-November
Halalicious - 1606 Webster St. - Open late fall 2019

News from the City of Alameda

This Thursday the City of Alameda will be celebrating their Community Service Award Winners.  Congratulations to Faction Brewing for snagging Business of the Year for their generous support of so many different causes around the island. 

We also wanted to recognize the other west end nominees who are winners in our hearts – Sandy Russell from the Fireside Lounge and CASA for their work advocating for a zero waste Alameda particularly around our special events.  Thank you for your service and generosity with your time to make Alameda a special place.
 
Also happening this Thursday, Nov. 7^th, is the Active Transportation Plan Open House at the main library, 1550 Oak St.  Share your opinions about how to make Alameda a safer community for pedestrians and cyclists. 
 
There is still time to get in under this current cycle of the city’s Façade Grant Program.  If you are looking to make an improvement to awnings, signs, or even a mural on your business the city will contribute funds to make these improvements happen.  If you have a historical façade in need of restoration the city may contribute up to 80% of the cost of the work.  The next deadline is Nov. 22^nd.  If you are interested in more reach out to Amanda Gehrke at agehrke@alamedaca.gov
 
Heads up!  The city will be kicking off its annual sewer replacement project which will be heavily focused on the west end.  For full details about the planned repair locations visit the city’s website.   

Spotlight Business of the Month