Weekly Newsletter • July 22, 2022

Hi <<First Name>>,

It’s already the middle of the summer and things are pretty quiet while people enjoy some downtime. We at the Alameda Post have been hard at work nevertheless, bringing you news about a battle between the boating community and the City over rent control at marinas, the City and Mayor’s response to the nomination of the US Maritime Service Officers Training School site to the historic register, two articles from Dennis Evanosky about the Big Reds, July Fourth Parade award winners, garden cats and more!

By the way, we are considering t-shirt designs we might make. Please fill out a very short two-question survey to let us know which design and color you prefer, and we will offer some choices for sale soon.

Passengers waiting for a Big Red at the Park Street North station. Photo Alameda Musuem.

Alameda’s Innovative Streetcars Walking Tours

Saturday, July 23 – Advance tickets $15. Join us for a walk along Fernside Boulevard, a right-of-way that the Southern Pacific Railroad built especially to accommodate the ‘Big Reds.’ Meet at High Street and Encinal Avenue at the fountain.

Our history walking tours are led by award-winning East Bay historian and Alameda Post Editor Dennis Evanosky. Tours start at 10 a.m. and cover a distance of two miles or less, depending on the location. Well-behaved dogs, strollers, and mobility devices are always welcome. Tickets may be available on the day of the tour, if space permits, for $20 per person at the start of the tour.

Visit our tour information page at AlamedaPost.com/Tours for details of upcoming tours throughout the summer.

Tour and Ticket Info

Boating Showdown Averted — For Now

City Council voted to apply rent control ordinance to both floating homes and liveaboards in floating home marinas, but exempted recreational marinas. The City will revisit the issue within 12 months.

Sailboats and yachts at Marina Village. Photo Adam Gillitt.

1943 photo showing the original US Maritime Service Officers Training School campus. US Department of the Interior photo.

City Responds No to SHPO

A new City report and letter from the Mayor oppose the nomination of the US Maritime Service Officers Training School property to National Register of Historic Places which would block the McKay Avenue Wellness Center if approved.

Winners of the Mayor’s Trophy, the Cargo Bike Brigade, posing with their trophy and Mayor Ashcraft.

Fourth of July Parade Awards

Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft and leaders of ARPD handed out 24 Fourth of July Parade awards in front of an enthusiastic crowd Thursday evening at Jean Sweeney Open Space. We have the whole list of winners!

News Briefs for July 22, 2022

This week’s briefs include local candidates who have pulled papers for November’s election; the City seeks feedback on public art; APD makes two theft arrests; and National Night Out 2022.

Posters soliciting feedback about public art

The USS Hornet is now alone at its pier next to Seaplane Lagoon. Photo Maurice Ramirez.

Comings and Goings at Alameda Point

The USS Hornet is now alone at its pier; help celebrate the second anniversary of Village of Love; West Midway plan housing approved; and new infrastructure coming to Spirits Alley.

Alameda’s Garden Cats

Island Cat Resources and Adoption has garden cats available for adoption, including the beauties we featured. They’re not quite ready to come indoors, though.

Fern is a female calico shorthair, available for adoption as a garden cat. Photo ICRA

Please support the Alameda Post.

We hope you enjoy reading the content in this newsletter and on our website! It takes many people, resources, and hours of work to bring you the coverage you already enjoy from us, to produce this newsletter, our website, and our podcasts, as well as to produce our history walking tours. We have made a commitment to serve our community by growing and hiring local contributors and reporters and we need your support to carry out our mission.

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You may also mail a check made out to Alameda Post Inc. 1801 Clement Ave., Suite 201, Alameda, CA 94501. We thank you for your support!

Disaster Breeds Wonder

The 1906 quake destroyed rail lines, leading to a revolution in rail transportation, including Southern Pacific's Big Red trains. Dennis Evanosky sets the scene for their arrival.

Follow the Big Reds Through Alameda

Follow the routes of the Southern Pacific Big Reds and the Interurban Electric Railway through Alameda after the 1906 Earthquake with Dennis’ map and Big Red photos.

A Big Red train along the shoreline on Fernside Boulevard

The Meyers House and Garden

Mouf and human companion Jeff Cambra encourage you to visit the Meyers House and Garden, a well-preserved house museum that opens to the public the 4th Saturday of each month.

Demystifying Sunscreen

In this summer weather, Denise Lum reminds you that using sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Choose at least 30 SPF and limit your exposure.

A sunny day at Crown Beach in Alameda. Photo Adam Gillitt.

Think of Rhythmix – Colin Epstein’s letter to the Editor reminds Alamedans to think of art — and Rhythmix Cultural Works — when you think of Alameda.

Support Alameda Family Services - Rebecca Jeschke writes in support of Alameda Family Services and urges you to support their fundraiser, Sunset Sip.

We stopped by the HEAD WEST Marketplace that was set up at Alameda Point last Sunday to check out the vendors, food, and live music. Here are some photos we took.

Special Edition #1 of the Alameda PostCast with Dennis Evanosky

Don’t forget to listen to this week’s episode of the Alameda PostCast hosted by Scott Piehler, brand new this morning. It’s ten minutes of your time well-spent, including interesting details and coverage not on the website. Visit our Podcast page to listen now, otherwise it’s available in all podcast players or by asking your smart speaker to “Play the Alameda PostCast podcast.” Last week’s special ten-minute episode with Dennis Evanosky talking about the history of streetcars in Alameda is still available as well!

Upcoming Events / Community Calendar

Radio Day by the Bay 2022– California Historical Radio Society, Sat. July 23, 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Our community calendar is located at AlamedaPost.com/Events. If you’re interested in posting your own events, register at AlamedaPost.com/Submit-Event.

Alameda News on the Web

Community members encouraged to share feedback about public art – City of Alameda
Weekend Roundup: Alameda Bridge Contracts, Adaptive Cycling – SF Streetsblog
What Bay Area residents need to know about 988, the new mental health crisis hotline – SF Chronicle
Navy Reserve Center Alameda Holds Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony – DVIDS
Several nature programs coming soon throughout the East Bay parks – East Bay Times
Alameda’s Alley & Vine restaurant taps new chef, expands menu – East Bay Times
Independent Truckers Strike At Port Of Oakland Over Worries About AB5 – Patch
Alameda police officer saves baby’s life – KRON 4
Popular S.F. mini-golf park mounts comeback with new Alameda course – SF Business Times
Alameda briefs: Filing open for fall mayoral, council election candidates – East Bay Times
‘We want to stop the virus’: Monkeypox shots still limited as Bay Area cases grow – SJ Mercury News
Here’s what you should know about the COVID surge in Oakland, Berkeley – Oaklandside
How Pioneering Distillery St. George Spirits Stays Fresh After 40 Years in the East Bay – SF Eater

As always, If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback, please reply to this email, and I will respond.

Thank you again for supporting independent and nonprofit Alameda news!

Sincerely,

Adam Gillitt
Publisher, Alameda Post