Alameda Post

AC Transit Unveils ‘Doomsday Scenario’ for East Bay Bus Service

Ken Der — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:49:00 +0000

Line 19 eliminated. Transbay Line O relegated to weekday commute hours only with no service to the East End or Fruitvale BART. Hours and frequency reduced on Lines 30, 31, 96, and Transbay Line W.

An AC Transit Line O bus on Santa Clara Avenue. Photo by Ken Der.

Those service changes in Alameda are just a few of the many cuts across the East Bay outlined in the Proposed Contingency Service Plan released this week by the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit). Other major changes include the elimination of all weekend Transbay bus service, Line 46L service in East Oakland, and overnight service on several corridors in Oakland and Berkeley. Nearly all AC Transit routes would undergo some level of hours and/or frequency reduction.

A map of proposed changes to local service shows an elimination of Line 19 and reductions to Lines 30, 31, and 96 in Alameda. No changes are proposed for Line 51A. Map by AC Transit.

The Contingency Service Plan could be implemented in June 2027 if the Connect Bay Area regional transportation ballot measure fails to pass in the upcoming November 2026 election. Led by a community coalition of labor, business, and transit supporters, the measure proposes a half-cent sales tax increase in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties, and a one cent increase in San Francisco. In May, it gathered enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot.

If the measure does pass, it would generate nearly $1 billion per year. The majority of the revenue would be allocated to the Bay Area’s largest transit agencies to preserve existing transit service and address budget deficits, but one-third would help fund transportation infrastructure improvements. A small portion would go towards making transit more affordable and accessible to riders. AC Transit would receive $50 million annually, an amount equivalent to its forecasted annual operating deficit beginning in fiscal year 2027-2028. Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) would receive $310 million, which would alleviate pressure to proceed with its own alternative service plan that proposes major service reductions and even potential station closures.

Expenditure plan if the ballot measure is approved in November. Graphic by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

AC Transit’s Contingency Service Plan comes less than a year after the agency implemented its Realign service network, itself the culmination of two years of extensive planning and public outreach to meet the needs of post-pandemic ridership habits. Now, the agency is trying to retain the new network as much as possible, primarily by spreading the proposed cuts across its service area to avoid entire route eliminations unless absolutely necessary.

However, AC Transit intends to minimize reductions to its primary network of routes with the highest ridership, including Line 51A (and overnight Line 851), which will see no changes. The table below summarizes the proposed changes for AC Transit service in Alameda, excerpted from a complete table of changes for all of the agency’s routes:

Line	Proposal	Why is This Route Changing?
19	Line eliminated.	Line is being eliminated due to low ridership and to free up resources to preserve service in other parts of the network.
30	Reduce frequency to 40 minutes. Only operate along Park Street/ Fruitvale Avenue corridor after 7 p.m.	Frequency is being reduced to preserve service in other parts of the network and avoid eliminating entire lines.
31	Reduce frequency to 40 minutes and hours of operation to 6 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.	Frequency is being reduced and morning and evening trips with lower ridership are being eliminated to preserve service in other parts of the network and avoid eliminating entire lines.
51A/851	Lines 51A and 851 would remain the same as the current Lines 51A and 851.	N/A
96	Reduce frequency to 40 minutes on weekdays and 60 minutes on weekends.	Frequency is being reduced to preserve service in other parts of the network and avoid eliminating entire lines.
New Alameda East End Line	Add new weekday-only line, operating every 60 minutes, between Fruitvale BART and South Shore Shopping Center via Fruitvale Avenue, Fernside Drive, High Street, Encinal Avenue, Park Street.	Service added to provide weekday service (6 a.m. to 7 p.m.) along discontinued segments of Line O.
O	Operate peak direction service only; truncate to run between Bridgeside Shopping Center to San Francisco via Broadway, Santa Clara Avenue, Webster Street; on weekends, service is eliminated.	Reduce weekday service to maintain a Transbay option for the core part of Alameda during the peak commute period when passenger demand is high and eliminate weekend service to free up resources to preserve service in other parts of the network and avoid eliminating entire lines.
W	Eliminate one westbound AM trip & four eastbound PM trips.	Eliminate trips with lowest ridership to free up resources to preserve service in other parts of the network and avoid eliminating entire lines.

Excerpt from AC Transit table.

A map of routes being truncated or eliminated in the East Bay. In Alameda, Line 19 is being eliminated and Line O will be truncated to Broadway. Map by AC Transit.

Skeptics of the measure have expressed concerns about yet another sales tax increase and lamented the complicated maze that is Bay Area public transit. But a report on six East Bay transit agencies released by the California State Auditor in May had the following conclusion: “They collaborate consistently but face declining reserves, slow ridership recovery, and barriers to consolidation.”

According to the State Auditor, several initiatives are already underway to encourage ridership growth and the six agencies regularly coordinate with one another on regional initiatives or when adjusting routes and schedules. Furthermore, the report determines that “a single hypothetical transit agency combining all six transit agencies we reviewed also does not appear more financially advantageous.”

Meanwhile, AC Transit is raising fares starting July 1, the second of a two-part increase that began in July 2025. Adult single-ride fares will increase to $3.00 (or $2.75 with a Clipper card), up from the current fare of $2.75 (or $2.50 with a Clipper card).

The AC Transit Board of Directors is expected to consider approving the Proposed Contingency Service Plan during its meeting on Wednesday evening, June 10, with multiple public hearings expected in the fall. The quarterly City of Alameda – AC Transit Interagency Liaison Committee meeting will also hear this item at its meeting on Thursday morning, June 11.

Ken Der is a contributing writer for the Alameda Post. Contact him via ken@alamedapost.com. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Ken-Der.

The post AC Transit Unveils ‘Doomsday Scenario’ for East Bay Bus Service appeared first on Alameda Post.

Hālau Makana Director Featured in Disney’s Live-Action ‘Moana’

Britt Yap — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:47:00 +0000

Alameda Theatre to host special premiere event July 10

Hālau Makana and the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex will collaborate for a special community celebration surrounding the premiere of Disney’s live-action Moana on Friday, July 10. The event will feature Bay Area dancer and cultural practitioner Jade-Len Makana Ka‘anoali‘i Taimalietane Iulio, who was selected for the film’s principal dance cast.

Left: Hālau Makana students preparing to perform. Right: Jade-Len Makana Ka‘anoali‘i Taimalietane Iulio. Photos courtesy of Britt Yap.

Out of thousands of dancers who auditioned in Los Angeles and Honolulu, only 23 were chosen for the film’s principal dance cast. Makana Iulio, director of Hālau Makana in Alameda, was the only dancer from the San Francisco Bay Area selected for the cast.

The July 10 collaboration with Alameda Theatre will include lobby activities, a pre-show performance by Hālau Makana, and a live Q&A panel with Iulio discussing her experience filming the movie. Screening times are still being finalized by the theatre.

“Seeing Polynesian culture represented on a platform as large as Disney means the world to me,” said Iulio. “It’s important for our people to see themselves reflected in meaningful and authentic ways. We are here, our culture is alive, and our stories deserve to be shared with the world.”

Iulio, 28, has danced hula and ’ori Tahiti since early childhood and has taught Hawaiian and Polynesian dance throughout Alameda and the greater Bay Area for the past 12 years. In March 2026, following the passing of her mother, beloved Kumu Hula Lani Cid-Iulio, she stepped into the role of director of Hālau Makana, continuing the legacy her mother established in Alameda.

“To me, Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures have some of the purest understandings of existence and the relationship between people and nature,” Iulio said. “Hula is a ceremony, celebration, and art.”

Iulio first learned about the Moana live-action auditions through social media and was inspired to try out after seeing that acclaimed choreographer Tiana Liufau was leading the casting process.

Iulio teaches children in Mexico. Photo courtesy of Britt Yap.

“As a kid from a humble island town, being selected for a Disney feature film felt surreal,” Iulio said. “To represent Polynesian culture through the art form I love most — dance — and to work alongside one of my greatest inspirations was truly a blessing I will never take for granted. It was an honor to share our culture and mana on such a global stage.”

Filming took place in both Georgia and Hawai‘i, with Iulio spending approximately six and a half weeks working on the production. The cast trained extensively in choreography, rehearsals, costume fittings, and filming days that often stretched from early morning until late evening.

Despite the scale of the production, Iulio said one of the most memorable aspects of the experience was the intentional cultural care behind the film.

Iulio performs in competitions. Photos courtesy of Britt Yap.

“The most memorable part of being on set was the amount of genuine intention, research, and cultural guidance that went into every detail of the film,” Iulio said. The film’s cast and creative team included many Pasifika cultural practitioners, performers, and artists, something Iulio said was deeply meaningful.

“The story, our dances, and our wardrobe were influenced by cultures across Pasifika,” she explained. “I was really happy to see the amount of Pasifika hands working on this project.”

For Iulio—who is Samoan, Hawaiian, and Filipino—representing both her Polynesian culture and the Bay Area on an international platform carried special significance. She hopes her participation in the film encourages local youth to pursue opportunities in the arts, entertainment, and cultural storytelling. “I hope local and especially Polynesian children know that there are spaces for them at this level and that we have stories worth telling,” she said. “I want to tell them to dream big!”

Founded by the late Kumu Hula Lani Cid-Iulio, Hālau Makana has become a cultural home for generations of students and families in Alameda. The school offers Hawaiian and Polynesian dance classes beginning at age 5 and continues to emphasize cultural education, community service, and artistic excellence.

“Teaching and leading this next generation is a kuleana I take extremely seriously,” Iulio said. “The legacy of Hālau Makana is deep and authentic, and I hope my place in this project shines light on that.”

Iulio also shared gratitude to the Alameda community for embracing Hālau Makana over the years.

“Kumu Lani established roots in Alameda because she always felt a huge sense of safety and belonging within this community,” she said. “Our legacy would not be the same without our little island home of Alameda.”

More information about the July 10 premiere event, performances, and Hālau Makana enrollment is available on Instagram and on the Hālau Makana website.

Britt Yap is a board member of Hālau Makana and the owner of Holomua Healing Arts.

The post Hālau Makana Director Featured in Disney’s Live-Action ‘Moana’ appeared first on Alameda Post.

City of Alameda and Greenway Golf Settle Differences

Post Staff Reporting — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:45:00 +0000

The City of Alameda announced it has reached an amicable and non-financial settlement agreement (link downloads PDF) with Greenway Golf Associates, Inc., which operates the Chuck Corica Golf Complex on Bay Farm Island. This agreement comes as a resolution to a four-year legal dispute between the parties that went to trial in Alameda Superior Court last month.

Photo by Adam Gillitt.

Corica Park is a 333-acre public golf complex which has been the City’s largest park since 1927. The complex features two 18-hole championship golf courses, a nine-hole Par 3 course, driving range, clubhouse, pro shop, and restaurant, making it a destination for golfers of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. The property is currently leased to Greenway Golf.

Among the terms of the agreement, the City and Greenway Golf will negotiate a new lease, removing references to the Capital Improvement Reserve Fund and clarifying the City’s audit rights. The City will have the right to audit Greenway’s gross revenue records for up to three prior years and request audited financial statements annually. The agreement also addresses increasing greens fee and providing discounted fees for residents, seniors, and youths, as well as free golf for public school golf teams, and equal access for residents and non-residents.

Other terms of the agreement include expanded mandatory alternative dispute resolution and amendments to tenant improvement rights, such as upgrades, repairs, and rehabilitation, plantings to conceal the sewage pump station, and closures for maintenance. The agreement also addresses responsibility for parking lot maintenance and the addition of a non-disparagement clause.

A representative from Greenway Golf provided the Alameda Post with a statement which reads in part, “The settlement includes new and important guardrails in the lease that ensure fair dealing, giving Greenway the protections needed to continue investing in the course over the next four decades and expanding its offerings for golfers and non-golfers across Alameda and the greater Bay Area.

Photo by Adam Gillitt.

“Greenway looks forward to resetting its relationship with the City and building on progress achieved over the past five years, ensuring that Corica Park continues to make strides in serving as a welcoming, vibrant, and accessible public asset for generations to come.”

Greenway also provided copies of documents to the Alameda Post showing their responses to the City’s Notices of Violation and other correspondence.

A City of Alameda press release stated, “The City welcomes this opportunity to rebuild and strengthen its partnership with Greenway and pursue our mutual interest in assuring Corica Park remains a premier public golf destination and public recreational space, rooted in environmental responsibility and community accessibility, for generations to come.”

The City had no further comment when contacted by the Alameda Post.

The post City of Alameda and Greenway Golf Settle Differences appeared first on Alameda Post.

Roots Dazzle in the Desert, Defeat Las Vegas Lights FC 2-0

Post Staff Reporting — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:43:00 +0000

Oakland came to play on Saturday night, June 6, defeating the Las Vegas Lights FC 2-0 at Cashman Field, in a group stage fixture of the Prinx Tires USL Cup to keep their chances of advancing alive.

Photo by Oakland Roots SC.

The Roots fired out of the gate after the initial whistle, eager to take advantage of the matchup to reverse their recent fortunes on the pitch, playing with speed and aggression despite the over 90 degree temperature at kickoff.

While Las Vegas had a few spurts of momentum, the pitch was generally tilted in favor of Oakland for most of the first half. In the 41st minute Oakland opened the scoring with a goal for the ages. Lining up for a corner kick on the right side, Jesus De Vicente took matters into his own hands, curling the service off his left foot and placing it perfectly into the top left corner of the goal over the leaping Vegas keeper to finish his stunning Olimpico and make it 1-0 Oakland.

Immediately after the second half began, Las Vegas nearly leveled it on their best look of the night when a 20-yard strike forced Oakland keeper Raphael Spiegel to leap and push the ball into the crossbar before the Roots could clear the ball from danger.

Oakland continued to look like the better side, however, holding the lead and showing their patience on the pitch. They moved the ball meticulously around the field, maintaining possession and looking for cracks in the Lights defense.

They found one in the 59th minute when Wolfgang Prentice dribbled in the attacking third to draw a few Las Vegas defenders before slotting a through ball into the area. Tucker Lepley picked it up in stride before beating a defender and poking one past the keeper to make it 2-0 Oakland.

With a two-goal lead in their pockets, the Roots continued to look dangerous for the rest of the match and steadfast on their back line, thwarting any Las Vegas chances that developed to earn their first clean sheet in 13 matches, breaking the second-longest streak in club history.

The win gives the Roots an outside chance to advance to the knockout stage of the tournament with help from other results within the group. But for now, Oakland will look to take the momentum of the match back to the USL Championship and build a winning streak in their next contest on Saturday, June 13, when they host Miami FC at the Coliseum at 7 p.m.

Summary

Scoring

OAK: Jesus De Vicente 41’
OAK: Tucker Lepley 59’

Discipline

OAK: Keegan Tingey 34’ (yellow card)
OAK: Tyler Gibson 51’ (yellow card)
OAK: Florian Valot 88’ (yellow card)

Oakland Roots SC

Lineup: Bobosi Byaruhanga (Tommy McCabe), Wolfgang Prentice, Florian Valot, Jesus De Vicente, Tyler Gibson, Keegan Tingey (Michael Edwards), Tucker Lepley (Bradley Roberson), Julian Bravo, Bertin Jacquesson, Raphael Spiegel, Danny Trejo (Jackson Kiil)

Unused subs: Kendall McIntosh, Ali Elmasnaouy, Faysal Bettache

Line: Shots: 8 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corner Kicks: 6 | Fouls: 10 | Offside: 2

Las Vegas Lights FC

Lineup: Charlie Lanphier, Nathaniel Jones, Benjamin Ofeimu, JahLane Forbes, Nykolas Sessock (Blake Pope), Patrick Leal (Marc Ybarra), Giorgio Probo (Christian Pinzon), Carson Locker, Nighte Pickering (Manuel Arteaga), Abraham Okyere, Ben Mines (Oalex Anderson)

Unused subs: Aaron Guillen, Mason Stajduhar

Line: Shots: 10 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corner Kicks: 7 | Fouls: 8 | Offside: 1

The post Roots Dazzle in the Desert, Defeat Las Vegas Lights FC 2-0 appeared first on Alameda Post.

Alameda’s Age-Friendly Community Survey Needs Public Input

Post Staff Reporting — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:41:00 +0000

The City of Alameda’s Social Service Human Relations Board is asking for public input from people 55 or older in its Age-Friendly Community Survey. The survey is designed to collect data in order to understand the human services needs of people in that age range and inform the work of staff, elected officials, volunteers, and advocates in creating an environment where people of all ages can thrive.

The 8 Domains of Livability. Image by AARP.

The survey was created following the World Health Organization’s Age-friendly Cities Framework. This effort was developed as a response to national and international trends — an anticipated growth in older adults, people living much longer, an overall prioritization of community based living, and a desire for communities to support aging in place. Initially piloted in 33 cities around the world, this approach has been extremely successful, as evidenced by its growing membership, which now includes 1,730 communities in 57 countries, with 1,000 age-friendly communities in the United States alone. The number of communities has doubled since 2018, including Alameda, which joined in 2024.

This framework supports a diverse aging community by identifying conditions related to equitable access and inclusion, addressing both the built and social environments. The domains of Age-Friendly Cities uses an equity model that improves the lives of all residents, inclusive of race, disability, gender, housing, and age (see graphic). The survey and subsequent work is a highly collaborative and community based process. The goal is to create, update, and reevaluate the plan every four years, thereby ensuring that the efforts are reflective of the community. A baseline assessment is conducted to identify the assets and gaps within the specific domains, often by working closely with older adults, community providers, and various data sources. The action plan is based on those results.

The City has received input during listening sessions and other forms of ongoing community engagement. Some of our initial responses were focused on transportation and day services. However, we want to learn more from Alameda’s older adults about their experiences with local social participation, transportation, health care, and more.

This feedback is a vital part of the City of Alameda’s efforts to evaluate the efficacy of its human services. The survey will be open for public input until June 27.

Scott Means serves Alameda as President of the Social Service Human Relations Board and leads the initiation of the Community Needs Assessment and policies to support our most vulnerable populations. He may be reached at smeans@alamedaca.org.

The post Alameda’s Age-Friendly Community Survey Needs Public Input appeared first on Alameda Post.

Alameda Honors Retiring Little League President Ron Matthews for 35 Years of Service

Stephan Pippen — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:47:00 +0000

On a typical spring Saturday near the corner of Otis Avenue and Grand Street, the cheers of Alameda Little Leaguers and their families playing at Kees Field echo loudly. During closing ceremonies at the field on Saturday, May 30, the cheers of those same Little Leaguers and families carried a little more emotion than usual.

Ron Matthews and Randy Marmor at closing ceremonies. Photo by Stephan Pippen.

While the annual closing ceremonies mark the end of another season of youth baseball and community gatherings, this year’s event doubled as a historic milestone for those in attendance. Together, the Alameda Little League Board of Directors, hundreds of players, families, Alameda Councilmember Tracy Jensen, and Little League District 4 Administrator Ted Boet gathered to honor a true pillar of the community — Alameda Little League President Ron Matthews, who is stepping down after 35 years of dedicated service.

The ceremony was a heartfelt celebration of a man whose name has become synonymous with youth baseball in Alameda and throughout the Bay Area. As Matthews received accolades, he was met with cheers and tears of joy from the crowd. For more than three decades, Matthews has been the steady hand steering Alameda Little League, but he is stepping away from the organization’s board of directors to spend more time with his wife of 50 years, Renee, his family, and his beloved grandchildren.

“For more than three decades, Ron Matthews dedicated himself to serving Alameda families,” Councilmember Jensen said. “On the school board and the City Council, I’ve seen how Ron develops partnerships to ensure that players always have a safe place to play,” she added. “I know many young men and women who grew up on these fields playing in the leagues, volunteering in the dugouts and snack bars, and ultimately attending college and becoming successful professionals — all thanks to the Little League community Ron built.”

Beyond physical improvements at the fields through the years, Matthews’ true impact is measured in the lives of the children he served. Under his leadership, Alameda Little League experienced unprecedented growth. Specifically, player participation tripled from around 300 to 1,000 girls and boys. Revenue also grew thanks to sponsorships from local businesses of all teams. Through the years, more than a thousand players and their families received scholarships so that no one gets turned away if they can’t pay the league’s registration fee.

Ron Matthews addresses the crowd at closing ceremonies. Photo by Stephan Pippen.

Matthews ensured baseball was accessible, affordable, and inclusive for every child in Alameda. Among his accomplishments, he restructured divisions, modernized safety protocols, created a Code of Conduct for players, parents, and caregivers, and launched a now-thriving Little League International Challenger Program that provides individuals with physical and intellectual challenges the opportunity to play Little League baseball.

“With more than three decades of service to Alameda Little League, Ron worked tirelessly with community leaders and families to provide Alameda’s youth with a safe environment to play baseball and has overseen one of the largest Little League programs in Northern California,” said Little League District 4 Administrator Ted Boet. “Ron also understood the larger picture, acting as a strong advocate for California District 4 through his contributions to the Challenger Jamboree and the Senior Baseball Western Region tournament,” Boet added. “His dedication and sacrifice will be missed.”

During his leadership, Matthews recruited and mentored thousands of volunteer managers, coaches, snack bar helpers, ground crews, umpires, board members and others all in the name of bringing baseball to Alameda’s youth.

“The level of dedication to our community is incredibly impressive,” said Rick Breslin, Vice President of Alameda Little League Fall Ball. “Each year, Ron would recruit, teach and motivate 50-60 managers across six divisions, and then empower hundreds of volunteer coaches, too. He built an army of volunteers to help keep the league running smoothly and successfully.”

At the closing ceremonies, the Brendan Barker Foundation also presented two $1,000 scholarships to Caleb Narin and Tennyson Bradley for their years of umpiring in the league. Narin and Bradley are graduating seniors from Alameda High School and Bishop O’ Dowd High School, respectively. Barker passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on June 12, 2025, at just 51 years of age. His generous, joyful spirit lives on through the Brendan Barker Foundation, Inc., which supports the Alameda Little League community and ensures his legacy continues.

As the day drew to a close, Matthews commented, “In Little League, winning should always be secondary to good sportsmanship and teaching life skills, including having respect for others.” He added, “All I’ve ever wanted is for the players to be able to say that Little League was one of the most rewarding experiences in their lives, and that it was a foundation to their future success.”

The post Alameda Honors Retiring Little League President Ron Matthews for 35 Years of Service appeared first on Alameda Post.

City of Alameda Wins Top Award for Advancing Decarbonization

Post Staff Reporting — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:45:00 +0000

On June 4, opening day of the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ 94th Annual Meeting, Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft was one of 12 U.S. mayors recognized for their local energy and climate protection programs. Mayor Ashcraft accepted the 2026 Mayors’ Climate Protection Award in the Small City category (cities with populations under 100,000) for Alameda’s Community-wide Equitable Decarbonization Program. This year marks two decades of partnership between the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Walmart in recognizing outstanding mayoral leadership on energy and climate action.

Photo courtesy of the City of Alameda.

“Alameda is demonstrating how renewable energy can provide a reliable and non-polluting source of electricity to power our cities and showing that clean power can help stabilize — and even reduce — electricity costs for residents and businesses,” Mayor Ashcraft said. “While mayors have always been at the forefront of advancing clean energy technologies, Alameda is particularly honored to be recognized on the 20th Anniversary of these awards.”

Alameda’s Community-wide Equitable Decarbonization Program is anchored by Alameda Municipal Power (AMP). As the oldest municipal electric utility west of the Mississippi, AMP provides 100% clean electricity at rates 45% below neighboring investor-owned utilities.

Key components of the program include:

AMP rebates: Financial incentives for electric appliances including heat pumps, induction cooking, smart thermostats, used EVs, e-bikes, chargers, and more.
Permit and code updates: Reduced permit fees for electric appliances and building code amendments that encourage electrification during remodels and replacements.
City initiatives: An interdepartmental electrification working group and the expansion of curbside and public EV charging.
Community outreach: Local engagement efforts, including an annual Home Electrification Fair.
Strategic planning: The adoption of an Equitable Building Decarbonization Plan and the 2025 Climate Action and Resiliency Plan (CARP).

“These awards call attention to the innovation and strong leadership of U.S. mayors, who continue to address our nation’s growing climate challenges and shape an energy future that keeps our communities safe, healthy and more sustainable,” said U.S. Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran. “These mayors and so many others demonstrate everyday how local action is a difference-maker, and such efforts serve as a powerful reminder that continuing mayoral leadership is critical to securing this future. We thank Walmart for its longstanding partnership and commitment to the nation’s mayors.”

Amy Hill, Walmart’s Group Director for State and Local Government Relations, said “Walmart is pleased to be part of honoring the nation’s mayors and their innovation and creativity in finding local solutions to some of the pressing issues before us. On this 20th Anniversary, we are proud to honor this special group of mayors — and the others before them — who are doing their part to make our communities stronger and more regenerative.”

As part of the award, Walmart will make a contribution to a nonprofit in Alameda that helps foster sustainability in the community. Mayor Ashcraft and Sustainability and Resilience Manager Danielle Mieler selected West End Arts District (WEAD) as the recipient of the $15,000 contribution to help further their sustainability and climate arts programming and performances in Alameda, which in recent years have included Ocean Photographer of the Year, Ocean Arts 26, DeepDIVE, Rising Tides Alameda, In Plain Site and Somewhere to Land.

“West End Arts District is thrilled to receive this support for our climate arts programming,” said WEAD Executive Director Tara Pilbrow. “Our work is deeply inspired by the leadership of the City of Alameda’s Sustainability and Resilience Division. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue working together to raise awareness, inspire dialogue, and spark meaningful action.”

Other noted programs

Small city honorable mentions went to Hallandale Mayor Joy Cooper for The Cloud; Issaquah Mayor Mark Mullet for Resilience Hub Network; La Crosse Shaundel Washington-Spivey for Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance; Pico Rivera Mayor Gustavo V. Camacho for Climate Action and Adaptation Plan; and Redmond Mayor Angela Birney for Advancing Climate and Housing Goals Through Residential Decarbonization.

The large city winner was Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer for Solar and Battery Storage Portfolio.

Large city honorable mentions went to Austin Mayor Kirk Watson for Austin Climate Implementation Plan; Boston Mayor Michelle Wu for Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance; Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker for Heat Mapping and Neighborhood Intervention Program; Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins for Building Efficiency 305; and Rochester (MN) Mayor Kim Norton for Thermal Energy Network.

A full report of the 2026 Mayors’ Climate Protection Awards with complete descriptions of the award-winning programs is available online.

The post City of Alameda Wins Top Award for Advancing Decarbonization appeared first on Alameda Post.

Alameda Kiwanis Foundation Awards Community Grants

Patricia Bowen — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:43:00 +0000

2026 Kiwanis grant recipients met for dinner on June 3, 2026, at the Alameda Elks Lodge. Photo courtesy of Alameda Kiwanis Club.

At its evening meeting on Wednesday, June 3, the Alameda Kiwanis Club awarded funds to support the work of the following community nonprofits:

Alameda Adaptive Arts (special needs adults music classes).
Alameda Boys & Girls Club (musical instruments for the recording studio).
Alameda Education Foundation (backpacks and school supplies for low-income students).
Alameda Family Services (therapy services supplies).
Alameda Food Bank (fresh produce purchases).
Alameda Meals on Wheels (emergency food packs for MOW recipients).
Alameda Midway Shelter (services for unhoused women and children).
Alameda Post (local news reporting).
Alameda Pride (programs for LGBTQ+ Alamedans).
Bay Area Music Project (mentoring for after school music programs).
Frank Bette Center for the Arts (art supplies for teen after-school art classes).
Kiwanis Family House (living accommodations for families traveling for their children’s long term medical care).
Rhythmix Cultural Works (performing arts and culture programs).
Shelter in Peace (transitional housing for low income/immigrants).
Students on the Set (professional lighting and audio).
The Foodbank Players (theater productions benefiting the Alameda Food Bank).

On January 31, the Alameda Kiwanis Club hosted its annual winter fundraiser at the Albert DeWitt Officers Club on Alameda Point, with proceeds distributed to local nonprofits that serve the community. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.

For the 2026 Grant Awards year, the Grants Committee emphasized work to combat violence and racism and promote equity and equality.

The six permanent objectives of Kiwanis International were approved by Kiwanis club delegates at the 1924 Convention in Denver, Colorado. Through the succeeding decades, they have remained unchanged:

To give primacy to the human and spiritual rather than to the material values of life.
To encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships.
To promote the adoption and application of higher social, business, and professional standards.
To develop, by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive, and serviceable citizenship.
To provide, through Kiwanis clubs, a practical means to form enduring friendship, to render altruistic service, and to build better communities.
To cooperate in creating and maintaining that sound public opinion and high idealism which make possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism, and goodwill.

Alameda Kiwanis Club members are hands-on volunteers who support students, teachers, families, and individuals in need. They are committed to giving their time, energy, and resources to make a positive local impact through service projects, fundraising efforts, and community partnerships.

Learn more at the Alameda Kiwanis Club website.

The post Alameda Kiwanis Foundation Awards Community Grants appeared first on Alameda Post.

Central Avenue Paving from June 8 – 10

Post Staff Reporting — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:41:00 +0000

Traffic is about to slow down or stop along part of Central Avenue this week. Paving between Lincoln Avenue and Main Street/Pacific Avenue is scheduled to take place starting today through Wednesday, June 8 – 10.

Photo by the City of Alameda.

No Parking signs will be posted and enforced. And, of course, traffic is likely to be slower than normal, and probably stopped for a few minutes at a time while the operations take place, according to a notice issued by the City. Those conditions will continue until the pavement is safe to drive on.

Residents and businesses whose driveway access will be impacted during paving will be notified directly.

The new roundabout at Central Avenue/Main Street Pacific Avenue will open once paving is complete and the contractor determines it is safe to do so. Temporary lane markers will be in place for a few weeks following paving, until permanent striping can be installed.

Change to Alameda Point detour

While this paving project is taking place, cars heading toward the ferry or elsewhere on Alameda Point will be directed from Central Avenue onto Third Street, then to Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway(RAMP)/Atlantic Avenue.

Cars leaving Alameda Point will also need to take Atlantic Avenue/RAMP instead of Oriskany Avenue.

The pedestrian connection from Central Avenue to Oriskany Avenue will be maintained.

Coming next: Traffic signal improvements

Expect to see improvements to the traffic signals at:

Central Avenue and Webster Street.
Central Avenue and Eighth Street.
Central Avenue and Sherman Street.

Improvements will include more efficient timing, dedicated turn signals, a bike signal, and accessible pedestrian signals.

Expect delays while the work at those intersections is ongoing. Impacts will include placing the signals on flashing red or temporarily converting the intersections to stop signs controlled with flaggers.

About the Central Avenue Project

The Central Avenue project is designed to improve safety for all street users and reduce vehicle delays. It includes a roadway reconfiguration with two motor vehicle travel lanes, a two-way left-turn lane as a center lane, and bikeways, in addition to enhanced pedestrian crossings, improved bus stops, pavement resurfacing, and street trees/rain gardens. It includes constructing roundabouts at Main Street/Pacific Avenue/Central Avenue, Third Street/Taylor Avenue/Central Avenue, and Fourth Street/Ballena Boulevard/Central Avenue.

Roundabouts reduce the types of crashes in which people are seriously inured or killed by up to 78% when compared to signalized intersections, according to federal data.

This project is funded by Measure B/BB, Alameda County’s transportation sales tax and the following federal grants: US EPA San Francisco Bay Water Quality Improvement Fund, Active Transportation Program, Congestion Management & Air Quality/Surface Transportation Program and One Bay Area Grant-OBAG3.

The post Central Avenue Paving from June 8 – 10 appeared first on Alameda Post.

Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda for June 7, 2026

Jeff Cambra — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0000

I DECLARE!

After hinting for months that he might run for mayor, Alameda’s roving reporter finally declares he is running for the city’s top elected position to draw attention to the need for a new animal shelter.

There was a lot of activity this week as the result of people participating in the democratic process by casting their vote at one of the many polling places set up around town. I was amazed at how many languages the ROV provides for the voting information.

With all this activity around elections, I figure now is a great time to announce that I have officially decided to run for Mayor of Alameda. The MOUF FOR MAYOR campaign is officially up and running. I have a few campaign signs right now and will be ordering a bunch more once I assess demand. I understand that it is customary to give these signs out to people who support you. I am planning on going in a different direction.

My decision to run is based in large part on the need for a new animal shelter. In my May 3 report, I covered the “F” grade that the building received and the $26 million price tag for a new shelter. Part of the reason the building failed is because the facility was generally outdated, undersized, and insufficient for modern operational efficiency and effectiveness to meet future needs.

Slides presented in the October 7, 2025 City Council meeting, Agenda #7-A, Presentation.

A report from RRM Design Group for the City Council, indicating infrastructure ratings for buildings in Alameda. Chart from the notes of the October 7, 2025 City Council meeting, Agenda # 7-A.

One example of operational inefficiency is the fact that there is only one unisex bathroom with only one old residential toilet which is shared by the FAAS staff, our wonderful ACOs, and all the volunteers who walk the dogs and take care of things like laundry. That’s a lot of use for one toilet.

Speaking of laundry, FAAS uses a lot of towels, and the one tiny laundry room is constantly overflowing into the main kennel area. I would say that this area is definitely undersized and inadequate for the intended use.

In the coming weeks, I will report on the conditions that currently exist in a building that was built in the 1980s and was designed as a prison for canines until they were adopted or euthanized. Very sad time.

Back to the campaign signs. I will be offering my campaign signs to anyone who supports a new shelter and champions the FAAS mission. In exchange for receiving a campaign sign, I ask that you make a $25 (or more) donation to FAAS by going to their website.

Since $26 million doesn’t just appear out of nowhere like some squirrels I have encountered, I expect the Alameda City Council to vote to put some kind of an infrastructure bond measure on the November ballot. In the language for the bond measure, I want to be sure that the shelter is named as a recipient and has a specific allocated $26 million earmarked for the new shelter so that voters will know that the money will actually go to the new shelter building.

Please send your thoughts and comments to my human companion at jeffcambraalameda@gmail.com.

Ok. Time to hit the campaign trail.

Mouf, Roving Reporter
Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda

Mouf and his human companion can be reached via jeffcambraalameda@gmail.com. Their stories are collected at AlamedaPost.com/Jeff-Cambra/. All photos and videos by Jeff Cambra.

The post Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda for June 7, 2026 appeared first on Alameda Post.