Arita bridge photo by Jake Keup

The Sister Cities International program helps to link communities from all over the world, promoting an exchange of cultural ideas, education and traditions, and in some cases economic development. Sister Cities help connect peoples from all over the world, promoting a deeper understanding, education and cooperation that can help create peace.

Alameda’s built-in diversity makes it a perfect community to participate in the Sister Cities program, and Alameda has embraced the idea of international cooperation and exchange. Alameda has not one, but three Sister Cities, in Sweden, Japan and China, reflecting the variety of ethnicities and cultures contained upon the Island.

Lidingo, Sweden is near Stockholm. Geographically, the island is similar to Alameda, featuring many green spaces and an emphasis on outdoor living and recreation. Swimming, golfing, hiking and in the winter months, skiing, are popular sports in Lidingo, and the shopping center features more than 40 shops and boutiques. Like Alameda, Lidingo features numerous nature trails, and emphasizes activities for the youth of the community.

Across the Pacific Ocean, another island community hails to Alameda in friendship. Minerals were discovered in Mt. Arita-Izumi-yama, which were found to be perfect for the creation of certain fine china. Today, Arita, Japan is a center of manufacture of fine porcelain. Arita residents are proud of their long tradition of creating some of the finest porcelain in the world, and the Kyushu Ceramic Museum and the Arita Ceramic Art Museum give testimony to a long history of artistic achievement. Alameda’s Sister City program allows for the exchange of ideas and culture like art, making the connection with Arita a deeply satisfying cultural exchange which furthers art as a whole through the sharing and exchange of ideas.

Closer to Japan than California, but linked to Alameda in friendship is Wuxi, China. Wuxi is sometimes called “Little Shanghai” because of its history of explosive economic development. When the tin mines were emptied in about 25 A.D., Wuxi turned to agriculture, becoming a major provider of rice during the Ming and Qing eras. Today, Wuxi is a booming industrial town. Beautiful mountains and lakes make Wuxi as attractive to visitors as it is industrious. The city is also known for its artistic community, focusing on the production of clay figures and specialized tea pots, arts the Chinese are known for.

Alameda’s Sister Cities programs offers citizen diplomats a chance to exchange ideas and traditions with the international community, making Alameda not only a beautiful place to visit, but a hub of international cooperation, and a nursery where the seeds of world peace are being planted.

Photo by Doc Searls

Crown Memorial Beach is one of Alameda’s top attractions. Prior to World War II, Alameda Beach was known as the “Coney Island of California”. Although the amusement park and resort has long-since faded into the memory of history, the beach has weathered the test of time. Today, Robert Crown Memorial Beach features a two-and-a-half mile long stretch of soft white sand, perfect for all kinds of beach activities, from walking and jogging along the shore to splashing in the warm, shallow waters.

In 1982, the beach underwent an extensive renovation, with sand added and barriers built to contain the sand and prevent further erosion. Bordering the beach, families will find grassy lawns and picnic areas, a perfect place to brush off the sand and enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to the beach for more fun in the sun. Families should note that alcoholic beverages are prohibited within the park, and that pets must be controlled at all times and kept on a leash. Pet owners are asked to clean up after their dogs to keep Crown Memorial Beach beautiful and clean. Dogs are not allowed on the beach itself, only in the grassy areas.

At the east end of the beach, bird lovers may want to visit the Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary and salt marshes. Visitors may find the bird sanctuary emanates a strong odor during the hot summer months, so it may be wise to choose a spot further along the beach. With two and a half miles of sand, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a pleasant spot.

To the north, families will find the Crab Cove Visitor Center, an exhibit and sanctuary center dedicated to educating visitors about the importance of the flora and fauna of the San Francisco Bay. Visitors to Crab Cove will find an over 800-gallon aquarium filled with examples of Bay wildlife. Outside the Visitor Center, the Crab Cove Marine Protected Area offers families opportunities to explore the mud flats, observing small marine life in the tidal pools. Ramps allow wheelchair access to the tidal pools as well.

Robert Crown Memorial Beach features a bath house with changing rooms and restroom facilities on the west end of the beach. Swimming is permitted during park hours all year long. There are no lifeguards on duty at Crown Beach, so never swim alone, and be sure to keep a close eye on young children and weak swimmers.

Although there are no boat launches, sailboards, kayaks and inflatables are permitted. Rentals of windsurfers and kiteboards and lessons are available during the spring and summer. Fishing is allowed, subject to State Fish and Game regulations.

Photo by Howie Le

In 1927, Alameda held its first golf tournament. The lucky winner went home with a keg of nails. The last-place prize? A bag of manure.

The Commuter’s Amateur Golf Tournament no longer features nails and manure among the prizes, but it has been a staple of the Alameda golf scene since its inception in 1928. Amateur golfers come from all over to participate in the tournament, which takes place at the Chuck Corica Golf Complex in April. The 72 hole, medal play event is attended by top competitors. The Commuter’s Championship and Seniors division have both been awarded high points by the Northern California Golf Association. For groups interested in putting on a tournament of their own, the Chuck Corica Golf Complex is the place to be.

Golf is the sport of kings… and a favorite of Alameda’s residents. Golf courses abound on and around the Island, making it easy for beginners and experts alike to find a game to suit their needs and challenge their skills. Alameda sports one of the area’s finest municipal golf facilities, featuring two courses and inexpensive greens fees that make the Chuck Corica Golf Complex among the most popular destinations for golfers. Featuring two courses, the Jack Clark and the more challenging Ely Fry, the Chuck Corica Golf Complex has everything Alameda golfers could want.

Fees are very reasonable, and with a pass, Alameda residents can book their green times in advance. Carts are available, but the flat courses make walking an attractive option as well. A nine-hole executive course offers a shorter play for those golfers on a tight schedule, or who prefer a shorter round.

The fully-stocked pro shop offers all the accessories a golfer could need, and the friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to help beginners choose their first equipment. The driving range is open late, and lighted for night-time practice. Lessons help those new to the game get into the swing of things, and after a long day on the golf course, Jim’s At the Course Bar and Grill offers players a place to unwind and enjoy breakfast and lunch specials.

Even the kids can get in on the golf action in Alameda. Junior Instruction at the municipal golf course brings the sport to young golfers, developing their interest and skill in a sport which they will be able to enjoy for a lifetime. Free lessons on Saturdays fill up fast, so contact the pro shop for more details and to register.

The Chuck Corica Golf Complex is just one of Alameda’s many beautiful golf courses. Being a municipal course makes it accessible and affordable for Alameda residents. A dedicated, professional, friendly staff make it one of the finest golf facilities available to Islanders, a true gem in Alameda’s crown.

Photo by Anthony Kelly

Couples joining in holy matrimony have several options for a romantic, beautiful and memorable wedding service in Alameda. Before applying for a marriage license, couples should be certain that any previous marriages have legally ended, either through annulment, death or divorce. If one of the couple has been previously married, the Clerk’s office may require proof of the end date of the previous marriage before issuing a license.

There are two types of marriage license available in California; a Public Marriage License and a Confidential Marriage License. To obtain either type, both parties must be at least 18 years old, or have signed permission from a parent and a California Superior Court Judge. You must have at least one witness to sign the marriage license. There is no age limit for witnesses, but they must be old enough to sign their name, and old enough to understand they are witnessing a marriage.

Couples over eighteen years of age who are living together as spouses may purchase a “confidential” marriage license. Unlike a Public marriage license, which is available to anyone who applies to the County Clerk and pays a fee to obtain a copy, the confidential marriage license is available only to the couple. Proper identification is required to purchase a copy of your confidential-license marriage certificate. Marriages using a confidential license must take place in the county in which the license was purchased.

When choosing a type of ceremony, it’s important to discuss the details of the wedding well in advance. The budget, size of the wedding party, details about the ceremony and how many guests to invite are all important factors to consider. Many couples dream of a fancy church wedding. Churches, however, are not drive-through marriage distributors. Many churches have requirements in regard to the couple’s spiritual practices, lifestyle or future plans. The State cannot require a church or individual clergy person to perform a marriage ceremony, so it is important to find a church that most closely matches your values and lifestyle. Check with the church you’d like to be married in well in advance to be sure you understand any requirements, marital counseling, and any fees that might be charged.

Civil ceremonies are affordable, efficient and include as much pomp and circumstance as you like, or provide a quiet, intimate service for those who prefer a smaller ceremony. Civil ceremonies do not require pre-marital counseling. Couples desiring to marry in Alameda can choose from three different packages, depending on their budget and their needs. No matter which ceremony you chose, an Alameda wedding is a romantic ceremony you’ll never forget.

Photo by Juls Knapp

You’ve finally decided to check that home improvement project off your “honey-do” list. The question now is, should you hire a contractor, or go the do-it-yourself route? It’s a big decision, and making the wrong one can cost a lot of money, time and heart ache. There are some important questions to ask before deciding whether to go it alone on a home improvement project.

First, what is the size and scope of the project? Have you considered all the ramifications of the job you’d be taking on? Will replacing a kitchen sink, for example, also mean new countertops, new tiles and a new backsplash? What about the pipes?  Will the fittings come off easily, or will you end up replacing whole sections of pipe? Often a project is more complicated than it seemed at first glance. Plumbing is sometimes called a “three trip job” by hardware store owners, because homeowners make an average of three trips to the store as they discover that their old fittings need replacing. Keep in mind, too, that major renovations may require a permit from the City. Contact the City of Alameda Planning and Building Department for information on what types of work requires a permit.

Secondly, it’s important for homeowners to honestly assess their own skill. If you’ve never so much as driven in a nail before, taking on a large project might let you in for more than you bargained for. In addition, projects that might affect the structural integrity of the home, like removing walls, should be assessed, and probably completed, by an experienced professional.

Finally, consider the time you’ll need to put into a large home improvement project. A “nights and weekends” job can turn into a nightmarishly long, drawn out process that will leave you wishing you had never begun. Do you have the time it will take to do the work yourself? And, do you really want to invest your time off in working on a large scale project?

As a rule of thumb, the smaller the job, the more likely it will be a reasonable project for the average homeowner to take on. The satisfaction of doing it yourself is often as important as the money you save in labor costs. In general, plumbing, electrical and heating/AC work should be left to the professionals, as should major structural changes like replacing a roof or taking down or altering existing walls. Smaller carpentry jobs like putting up new trim, painting and even installing cabinetry are good “starter” projects for the average do-it-yourselfer.

Taking the time to think a project through from the beginning, careful planning and considering your available budget, time and talent can make the difference between a DIY nightmare and a successfully completed project you can be proud of.

Photo by OpenSourceWay

Since its inception in 1968, the 911 emergency number has been saving lives by ensuring that fire, police and ambulance services can reach people in need as quickly and efficiently as possible. Although the 911 number was originally intended to reduce the number of fire deaths in the United States, its usage soon expanded to include ambulance and police services as well.

Today, as in most of the country, Alameda’s 911 system is “enhanced”; that is, the dispatcher is automatically given information on the caller’s location, making dispatching of emergency services quicker and more efficient than ever. Even with advanced technology, it’s important that Alameda residents understand how to use the 911 system effectively. Knowing what to expect should you ever need to call 911 can save vital time in an emergency.

The most important thing a caller can do is stay calm and stay on the line to answer all the dispatcher’s questions. The call-taker will need to know what type of emergency is happening, where the emergency is happening, and whether there are any victims in immediate danger. While answering questions can be frustrating during an emergency, it’s important to remember that the dispatcher is relaying all the information to the responders so they can be prepared to handle the situation when they arrive.  Ambulance crews may need to prepare equipment, and fire personnel need to know what types of trucks they might need.

Be prepared to answer questions such as the age of the victim, medical history, and in the case of an assault or fight, describe the assailant and any other information which might help police identify a suspect. Try to be calm and patient while answering the dispatcher’s questions, and give the information as concisely as possible. Remember that the call taker is trained to take the information while typing it into a computer, and allow them to lead the conversation.

Children can be taught from an early age to use the 911 system properly. Be sure to emphasize that calling 911 is not a joke, game or prank. In general, the reasons a child should call 911 are if there is a fire, an intruder in their home, or if a family member is unconscious and unresponsive. Using language children can understand, like “You should only call 911 if Mommy is asleep and won’t wake up” is important.

The 911 system in Alameda connects residents to the services they might need in an emergency. By taking the time to understand how 911 works, and how to use the service responsibly, we can all help to make Alameda a safer place to live.

Photo by Images of Money

You’ve done your homework; checked your credit report and calculated how much house you can afford based on your income and the money you have available for a down payment. You have an idea of the price range you’re comfortable with and a list of “must have” features. You’re ready to jump in to your first home-buying experience with both feet.

Five minutes into the Real Estate ads, you realize something: There are a LOT of homes out there for sale. Some are way outside your price range, some are in undesirable neighborhoods, and some look great, but you’re worried that “too good to be true” may apply. Are there hidden problems with the structure? Is the neighborhood attractive during the day but comes alive with neighbors throwing loud parties at night? While Alameda has one of the lowest crime rates and some of the most attractive neighborhoods in California, not every neighborhood is a good fit for every family. How can you know which houses to take a closer look at, let alone which house is the right one for you?

Buying a house is an investment, not only financially but in your family’s day to day lives for the foreseeable future. It’s important that the decision to buy is based on all the facts and a solid understanding of your family’s needs. That’s where a Realtor comes in.

A Realtor’s job is more than just arranging appointments to see houses for sale. He or she is trained to guide you through the process of deciding which features are most important to you, help you understand how market conditions will affect your home-buying process, and to help you choose the best possible investment for your family. Realtors’ livelihood depends on making sure their clients are satisfied. Much of their business comes from repeat customers, so it’s important that they develop a relationship, not just provide a service. A Realtor can make your home-buying experience smoother and less frustrating for all involved.

Approach your Realtor with a checklist in hand. Discuss with your family the features you most want in a home. It’s helpful for this list to be unrestricted at first. Your kids might mention a desire for a spiral staircase. Your spouse might want cathedral ceilings with skylights. Maybe your husband dreams of a back-yard golf course. Make the list, and discuss the pros and cons of each idea. The spiral staircase might end up lower on the list than the idea of each child being able to have their own room. The cathedral ceilings might give way to a space for an herb garden or a home office. By having a conversation, or a series of conversations, about your expectations and desires, you’re giving your Realtor the tools he or she will need to help your family find the perfect home.

Photo by Adam Jefferson

You’ve made sure to carefully dispose of anti-freeze and other chemicals that could poison your pet. You’ve cut mistletoe and “icicle” type tinsel from your holiday decorations, and moved potentially poisonous plants out of pets’ reach. You’ve switched from bait to traps for keeping rats and mice out of your home. Did you know there could still be dangers lurking about for Fluffy or Fido? Pet-proofing your home can save thousands in vet bills, not to mention regrets and heartache.

Is your best friend a garbage-hound? Dogs and cats who knock over trash cans are more than a nuisance: They are putting themselves at risk. Spoiled food, cigarette butts, chicken bones and coffee grounds can make your dog very ill, a very unpleasent ailment colloquially known as “garbage gut”. Avoid the problem by buying puppy-proof trash containers with tight-fitting lids, or removing the temptation entirely by closing the trash in a room that’s not accessible to your pet.

Electrical cords can provide a shocking chew-toy, especially to young, bored or teething animals. Some cats seem to have a plastic deficiency in their diets, and will chew incessantly on electrical cords. Remove cords from kitty or puppy’s reach, and consider covering cords with tape or specially-made pet-proof covers.

Foods that represent tasty treats to us may be dangerous to pets. Chocolate is the most commonly known hazard, but apple seeds, raisons and grapes also pose a threat. Some dogs positively love apple slices; just be sure to remove the cores before allowing your pet a fruity treat. Apple and other types of seeds contain minute traces of arsenic, which can cause seizures in dogs.

Pieces that come off worn-out or inappropriate toys can pose a choking hazard. Be sure to check your pets’ toys regularly to be sure they’re intact. Toys that have pieces falling off or small parts should be removed. Rotating toys regularly helps keep your pet interested and entertained, and reduce the risks of inappropriate chewing.

Be aware of how curious pets can be when exploring their environments. Places like open heating vents are an invitation for a kitten to crawl in. A warm dryer might seem like a great spot for Fluffy to curl up for a nap. Be sure to check dryers, dishwashers and cupboards before closing, and be aware of where your pets are at all times.

Bird-owners must also consider their pets’ ability to fly. Ceiling fans are extremely dangerous to our feathered friends. Teflon-coated pans offer up another danger: When overheated, they release toxic fumes that are fatal to birds. Toilets and other water sources are dangerous to small pets. They may fall in and drown before they’re missed. Be sure to close the lids, or close the bathroom door, and supervise caged pets while they roam free, especially in unfamiliar areas.

A few simple precautions will save you, and your pets, heart-ache, vet visits and worry.

Photo by Kelly Teague

In 1853, W.W. Chipman and Gideon Auginbaugh planted peach trees on the land that thirty years later would become the City of Alameda. Just a year after the peach orchards were established, Alameda’s first post office would open, and a short ten years later, the Encinal Train station was built, setting the stage for the modern city of Alameda to  begin to grow. By 1917, Alameda was a resort town.

Neptune Beach was built on what is now known as Crab Cove. The immense park took up much of the north shore. It operated in

Alameda for twenty-two years. It featured places for picnics, a clubhouse for dances and even cottages for rent. The hand-carved carousel and Ferris Wheel were the main attractions, and some of the younger residents soon found that they could circumvent the gate, and avoid paying the dime for admission, by swimming the Bay and sneaking into the park from the beach side.

Neptune Beach was the originator of some of America’s most famous frozen treats. Popsicles and snow-cones had their beginnings in the park. Kewpie dolls were given out as prizes at the games, and eventually became one of the most well-known and popular toys of all time.

Some of Neptune Beach’s resort homes and buildings are still standing today. The Croll Building’s former claim to fame was its gardens and the Hotel, which was the training quarters for some of the greatest American boxers of all time.

In the 1940’s, Neptune Park fell on hard times as a result of the Great Depression. The carousel and Ferris wheel were sold for a fraction of their value, and buildings and lands were abandoned, leaving California’s own version of Coney Island vacant for the next twenty years.

Alameda was the first California charter city to use the Council-Manager form of government in use by nearly all of California’s cities today. In 1998, Alameda updated its charter again, and Alameda’s Civil Service System was born.

Alameda’s quality of life has remained high for over a century, thanks to the cooperation between citizens and their government, committees and volunteer organizations. With attractions like the Crab Cove and numerous beaches and parks, quiet streets and a diverse community, Alameda remains a gem on the map of California. Beautiful streets, well-preserved Victorian architecture, hiking trails, libraries and tree-lined streets make Alameda as beautiful a place to live today as it was over 150 years ago when W.W. Chipman and Gideon Auginbaugh planted their peach orchards.

Photo by Sarah Katzenell

1)     Doggy-Style Hotdogs – 1234 Park St., Alameda

In spite of its questionable name, the Doggy-Style offers a variety of hot dogs ranging from the Kimichi “Pyro”, a hotlink accompanied by kimichi and hot mayonnaise and cooled by slices of chilled cucumber, to the Dogzilla, featuring seaweed and a smooth, hot wasabi-mayonnaise. However you like your hotdogs, Doggy-Style has a flavor feature that’s sure to set your tail to wagging and your mouth to watering.

2)     The Abigail Café – 1132 Ballena Blvd, Alameda

Moroccan owners Jonathon and Fatima make this beautiful little Café a warm and welcoming place to get some of the best food on the island. With a breathtaking view of the Bay, the outdoor seating and casual atmosphere make this beautiful little diner perfect for dropping in for a leisurely lunch.  Reviewers recommend the Kefka sandwich, but the Italian menu is extensive and delicious. From deli sandwiches to Italian dishes, the Abigail Café offers your palate a world tour.

3)     East End Pizza Co. – 1650 Park St., Alameda

Just down the street from Doggy-Style, East End Pizza offers some of the best thin-crust pizza to be found on the Island. The menu changes with the seasons, to take advantage of fresh local ingredients. The dough is made daily, and all ingredients come from local sources. The Mousetrap is an elaborately laid snare for cheese lovers, while the Magic Carpet is guaranteed to take you to a whole new world of flavor sensations. Don’t miss your opportunity to try some of the most popular pizza in Alameda, rivaling even the thin crust of New York. Pop in to East End Pizza and grab a slice today!

4)     Yume Restaurant – 1428 Park St., Alameda

When you’re longing for a taste of the fresh blue sea, and dining a bit more up-scale, Yume Restaurant is an indulgence you won’t want to pass up. Known for serving the best sushi in the East Bay area, Yume is owned and operated by a true sushi master. Patrons should be aware of the etiquette of eating in the Japanese style. Rules are posted outside to help those who may be new to the authentic sushi experience. Warning: Arrive early, and in groups of one or two. Larger parties are turned away. Yume is an intimate cultural experience with owners Hideki-san and his charming wife, Yurkio-san. Come prepared to enjoy sushi in true Japanese style.

5)     Jay’s Coffee Teas and Treats – 1414 Encinal Ave., Alameda

For American cuisine with a uniquely Californian twist, like a classic BLT garnished with slices of avocado, try Jay’s. Specializing in deli-style sandwiches, Jays offers a variety of comforting favorites, making it the perfect lunch-break stop.