In March 2024, after a decade of lobbying by advocates for wildlife and open space, the city council approved a Master Plan for building the ecological wetland park, known as De-Pave Park, at Alameda Point.
Continue reading “Updated De-Pave Park plan given green light by City of Alameda”Law Enforcement Puts Brakes on Sunday’s Sideshow
They came. They set up. But the only show on Sunday, March 11 at Alameda Point was a show of force from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Alameda Police Department (APD).
Spectators and would-be performers at an anticipated sideshow had to make it past at least five CHP officers on their way to the intersection of Monarch Street and West Tower Avenue without being stopped for a motor vehicle infraction. Many of them were not so lucky. The flashing police lights sent a clear message.
Continue reading “Law Enforcement Puts Brakes on Sunday’s Sideshow”Tidelands designation frustrates development of Alameda Point
Assemblymember Mia Bonta may again need to be called upon to fix a problem land use designation in Alameda.
There is a major strip of land, dubbed the Central Corridor, through the center of Alameda Point that is designated state “tidelands,” even though the open water tidelands were filled in by the Navy 80 years ago. According to the California State Lands Commission, tidelands are to be held in trust for the people of the entire state, allowing only maritime, resource protection, or visitor serving uses. “Uses that do not accommodate, promote, foster or enhance the statewide public’s need for essential commercial services or their enjoyment of tidelands are not appropriate uses for public trust lands,” states this Overview of Public Trust Doctrine.
Currently, City Hall West, two blocks of lawn, a fire station, a hangar, some buildings of limited value, a parking lot, and an empty block of tarmac occupy the “tidelands” corridor and serve no Tidelands purposes.
Continue reading “Tidelands designation frustrates development of Alameda Point”Alameda Point economic development is stuck in the past
It is no secret that the only way for the city to build the necessary new infrastructure at Alameda Point is by selling its property. Nevertheless, city leaders drag their feet, unable to let go of the broken strategy of leasing buildings to startup companies. It does not matter how promising or green a business is. Leasing will never pay for infrastructure.
Yet Building 11, a valuable hangar that sits at a key intersection for surrounding infrastructure upgrades, has been listed for lease rather than for sale. It is indicative of the city’s lackadaisical approach for redeveloping Alameda Point.
Continue reading “Alameda Point economic development is stuck in the past”Alameda Point Sideshow Goes on Undeterred
Some call sideshow activity an abuse of machinery, a public safety risk, or bad for the environment. Others find enjoyment.
On Sunday, January 28, hundreds of cars assembled at Alameda Point at the intersection of West Tower Avenue and Monarch Street (aka Spirits Alley) for a “car show.” The atmosphere was similar to a tailgate party in anticipation of a sporting event, with vendors and people mingling about, talking to friends, and loud music playing.
Continue reading “Alameda Point Sideshow Goes on Undeterred”Harbor seal molting and mating behavior up close
Shedding and replacing fur coats
Every summer, and even into the fall, harbor seals go through a biological process known as molting, in which they shed their fur and grow a new layer to keep their fur healthy. You can tell when they are molting by the patchy appearance of their fur.
Continue reading “Harbor seal molting and mating behavior up close”Affordable housing construction begins by unearthing history
Heavy equipment arrived in early November at the corner of Lakehurst Circle and Mosley Avenue, two blocks away from Target, to begin construction of the first block of North Housing, a planned 12-acre affordable housing site owned by the City of Alameda Housing Authority.
The massive 10.5-foot-thick concrete base of the building, though dramatic in scale and ready for earthquakes and groundwater rise, is only part of the story. The excavation and exposure of 13 feet of soil layers is a reminder, both figuratively and literally, of the 200 years of social, political, and geographical events that directly influenced what is happening here today.
This article highlights the history:
- The days when the whole area was marshland;
- Industrialization that brought pollution;
- Filling in the marshland;
- Navy ownership; and
- National priorities and a social movement that laid the groundwork for today’s affordable housing plans.
Alameda Point Environmental Report 