Public Meetings - Alameda, California

The Alameda City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 beginning with a closed session at 6:00 PM. Among other actions, the council authorized the settlement of two workers' compensation claims, approved a lease for Poseidon Aerospace Corporation, authorized safety improvements at Pacific Avenue and Wilma Chan Way, and discussed protections for a historic tree corridor on Gibbons Drive. The meeting adjourned at 11:34 PM. Closed Session - The council met in closed session to discuss existing and potential litigation. - Item 3-A (James Green): Authorized settlement of a workers' compensation claim by a former police department employee (4-0 vote; Jensen absent). - Item 3-B (Christopher Marks): Authorized settlement of four workers' compensation claims by a former fire division chief (3-0 vote; Daysog and Jensen absent). - Item 3-C (Astra Space): Authorized the acting city attorney to initiate litigation against Astra Space, Inc. Election and Proclamations - City Clerk Laura Weisinger provided a detailed overview of voting options for the November 3, 2026 election, including locations of drop boxes, vote centers, and ballot drop stops. - Mayor Ashcraft highlighted consent resolutions supporting Proposition 1 (Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act) and opposing Proposition 43 (which would require a supermajority for local revenue measures). Consent Calendar - All items were approved 5-0 except Item 5-F, which was withdrawn by staff. Item 5-G (Economic Development Strategic Plan contract) was pulled for separate discussion by Councilmember Daysog. - Approved items included contracts for telephone systems, geotechnical services, executive recruitment, and a 37-month lease with Longshot Space Technologies. Public Comments & Testimony - Sea Level Rise: Jeffrey Burnaford criticized the lack of a detailed implementation plan for sea level rise adaptation. - Public Process: William Morrison criticized the public engagement process for decisions like traffic calming. - Pickleball: Charles Lucent expressed concerns about a new reservation system limiting open play at city courts. - AI Data Centers: Dasha Moyeno, Michael Schwartz, and Katya Murphy opposed potential data center developments. Amos White submitted a petition of 1,075 signatures requesting a moratorium. - Item 7-B (Wilma Chan Way): Michelle McGyver objected to signal placement; Zach Bowling supported the project for safety. - Item 7-C (Poseidon Tech): CEO David Zagnoff highlighted the company's investment and environmental benefits. Chamber President Madeline Sadek urged approval. - Item 10-B (Gibbons Trees): Seven speakers urged the council to protect the Gibbons Drive trees as a historic corridor rather than pursue the city's phased removal plan. Discussion Items 7-A: Alameda Museum Report - The museum marked its 75th anniversary, operates with 60 volunteers, and hosts 4,000 visitors annually. - Museum staff detailed the repatriation of indigenous cultural materials with the Confederated Villages of Lisjan. - The report was received unanimously 5-0. 7-B: Pacific Avenue & Wilma Chan Way Safety Improvements - Staff presented a plan to install a median traffic diverter, new traffic signal, and center bikeway, prohibiting through traffic and left turns. - The design aims to address a history of broadside collisions and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. - The project was approved 5-0. 7-C: Poseidon Tech Corporation Lease (Building 11) - The council approved the first reading of a 7-year lease with two 5-year term options. - The lease achieves a new high rent of $1.50/sq ft (triple net) and is expected to generate $13 million over the initial term. - Tenant is projected to employ 150 people at Alameda Point by the end of 2027. - Resolutions appropriating $828,905 for broker commissions and declaring surplus land were also approved. - The package passed 5-0. 7-D: Contract Authorization Authority & Purchasing Policy - The council introduced an ordinance to raise the contract threshold for the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk from $75,000 to $150,000. - Councilmember Daysog dissented (4-1 vote), preferring $100,000. 5-G (Pulled Consent Item): Economic Development Strategic Plan - Councilmember Daysog pulled the item to ensure the plan covers micro-business support and "economic gardening". - Councilmember Jensen asked for the plan to help define undesirable uses like ICE detention centers. - The contract with Harris & Associates was approved 5-0. 10-A: Policy for License Agreements (Councilmember Jensen) - Councilmember Jensen sought a policy for public notice on license agreements over a week. - City Manager Bowden cited the need for flexibility, noting the council is frequently updated. - No formal action was taken on the item. 10-B: Gibbons Drive Protected Tree Corridor (Councilmember Daysog) - Councilmember Daysog referred an item to designate the Gibbons Drive liquid amber canopy as a protected tree corridor. - Councilmember Bowler made a substitute motion to prepare a draft ordinance and ADA analysis for the December 1, 2026 meeting. - The substitute motion passed 4-0. City Manager Communications - City Manager Jerry Bowden and Public Works Director Aaron Smith updated the council on winter storm preparedness, noting an El Niño pattern is expected. They activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and expanded sandbag access for residents. Mayor's Nominations - Mayor Ashcraft nominated Zach Bowling for the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. The appointment is scheduled for council consideration on November 4, 2026. Key Outcomes - Closed Session: Settlements authorized for Green (4-0) and Marks (3-0). Litigation authorized against Astra Space. - Consent Calendar: Approved 5-0. - Alameda Museum Report: Received 5-0. - Pacific Ave/Wilma Chan Way Safety: Approved 5-0. - Poseidon Tech Lease: First reading and resolutions approved 5-0. - Contract Authorization Ordinance: Introduced on 4-1 vote. - Economic Development Strategic Plan: Contract approved 5-0. - License Agreement Policy: Discussed, no action. - Gibbons Drive Protection: Staff directed to bring draft ordinance and analysis to December meeting (4-0).

The Alameda Public Utilities Board held a special meeting on October 19, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 6:52 p.m. Present were President Hunter, Commissioner Byrd, and Commissioner DeVries; Commissioner McKenna and City Manager Bowden were absent. The board approved the consent calendar with one item postponed, heard public comment, received an information-only presentation on outage management, and took up the General Manager’s September 2026 report. Consent Calendar - Item 4E was postponed to the November 16, 2026 regular meeting. It would authorize the General Manager to approve amendment number four to contractor agreement CS 102105 with Ground Penetrating Radar Systems LLC for underground service alert 811 mark and locate services, extend the term through October 26, 2028, and find the action exempt from CEQA. - The remaining consent calendar items were approved unanimously by roll call: President Hunter yes, Commissioner Byrd yes, Commissioner DeVries yes. Public Comments & Testimony - William Morrison, who said he had represented the Fernside Homeowners Association, spoke during oral communications. He noted that Fernside homes date from roughly 1929 to 1940 and are predominantly natural gas-heated, expressed concern about efforts to eliminate methane, and said a large block of eastern Alameda would have problems without methane. He also stated that natural gas beats heat pumps on cost, especially given the city’s per-kilowatt-hour electricity rates, and asked about accessing time-of-use data from electronic meters. - During the outage management discussion, Mr. Morrison described an unplanned outage in his area where customers “went dim” rather than dark, because one leg of 220-volt service was lost while the other continued working. He asked whether this type of partial outage was included in the scope of the new outage management system. Utility information system manager Chu said staff could look into it. Discussion Items - General Manager Haynes introduced the information-only outage response overview, noting that a contract request for an outage management system (OMS) was expected to come before the board in December. Utility Information System Manager Chu presented the current outage response process, including the roles of system control, communications, customer service, a contracted 24/7 answering service for large outages, and field operations. - Manager Chu reported that the 2025 customer satisfaction survey showed roughly 55% of respondents found AMP’s outage communications acceptable or somewhat acceptable, with about 26% unsure. The proposed OMS would consolidate data from eight systems into a single interface, allow customers to report outages by web, app, text, or phone, provide an outage map, support proactive notifications, and enable automated workflows. - Commissioner Byrd asked about staff engagement and post-deployment review. Manager Chu said the scope was developed with input from multiple divisions, and a post-deployment review was included to confirm the system delivers benefits. - Commissioner DeVries said he supported an OMS and believed the upcoming vote should be about whether the plan and vendor are right, not whether to get an OMS. He asked about system integrations, requested a vendor decision matrix, and asked about lessons learned from past integrations. Manager Chu said some platforms may reduce the number of interfaces, that integration experience would be a selection criterion, and that recent integration challenges had informed the scope. - President Hunter asked about customer expectations, estimated restoration times (ETR), integration of customer contact information, vendor references and financial stability, and whether the OMS could support a future Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program. Manager Chu clarified that messaging and ETR decisions would be controlled by AMP, that customer portal integration could update contact information, and that the system’s proactive maintenance module could support future PSPS-type notifications. - The item was for information only; no board action was taken. General Manager’s Report – September 2026 - General Manager Haynes reported that the City of Alameda had partially activated its emergency operations center in anticipation of winter storms and El Niño conditions. King Tide events are expected around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Staff are coordinating with city departments, developing electrical safety handouts, overlaying utility assets with flood maps, reviewing procedures, and planning staffing and standby pay. - In response to questions, staff said they are checking pumps and cleaning drains at Carrite and smaller substations, including facilities that have flooded previously. - General Manager Haynes announced that Allen Harbottle accepted the offer to become Assistant General Manager for Customer and Energy Resources, a position that oversees power supply, customer programs, rates, key accounts, and communications. Commissioners congratulated Mr. Harbottle. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar was approved unanimously with item 4E postponed to November 16, 2026. - The outage management system discussion was informational; no vote was taken. Staff plan to return in upcoming meetings, possibly December, with a contract request. Board members asked for a vendor decision matrix, careful vetting of vendors and references, attention to integration and customer contact data, and clear communication strategies. - Council communications were skipped because the city manager was absent; the General Manager’s EOC announcement was counted as that item. - The meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m.

The Alameda Commission on Access for People with Disabilities met on October 19, 2026, at 6:31 PM. The meeting featured a staff presentation on the Mastic Senior Center ADA upgrade project, a detailed discussion and public hearing on the Gibbons Drive Sidewalks and Tree Plan, and the postponement of a pesticide use informational item. Public participation was heavily weighted toward the Gibbons Drive item, with numerous residents urging the commission not to endorse the current draft plan. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the May 13, 2026, meeting via a roll call vote (5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Non-Agenda Comment: Jinky Barreto asked about enforcement and reporting mechanisms for disabled parking violations. - Mastic Senior Center: Carol Gottstein, a Mastic Advisory Board member who uses a walker, strongly criticized the ADA upgrade plan. She argued it ignored the most critical accessibility barriers, specifically the lack of automatic door openers (push pads) on the main lobby restrooms, which are used by the general senior population. - Gibbons Drive Sidewalks and Tree Plan (Multiple Speakers): - Most speakers urged the commission to reject the plan as written. Specific concerns included: - The 20% tree removal cap was too high (many advocated for a 10% cap). - The plan lacked objective, measurable criteria for tree removal decisions. - There was insufficient community engagement and a lack of a formal community advisory committee. - The plan prioritized tree removal over creative, preservation-focused sidewalk repair solutions (e.g., meandering sidewalks, steel root plates). - Representatives from the community collected over 1,200 petition signatures opposing the plan. - Several speakers referenced the planning board's recent meeting, noting that it unanimously found the plan required significant revisions. - One speaker highlighted the extreme heat danger for disabled individuals on unshaded pavement, urging preservation of the canopy for safety. Discussion Items - Item 6379: Mastic Senior Center ADA Upgrade Project - Staff (Chandani Patel) presented the 95% construction drawings. The project addresses 239 observations. 83% will be fully compliant. The project is phased over a two-year construction period, but funding for construction has not been fully appropriated. - Commissioners questioned the reliance on a single accessible path and distant restrooms. They expressed overwhelming consensus that automatic door openers should be a priority. - Staff agreed to explore adding push pads to the scope and developing temporary access plans. They noted the current temporary solution is propping restroom doors open. - Item 6385: Gibbons Drive Sidewalks and Tree Plan - Staff (Aaron Smith) and arborist Ryan Suttle presented the draft plan to balance the legal obligation for accessible sidewalks with tree preservation. The plan recommends a preservation-first, location-by-location approach with a 20% maximum tree removal cap per five-year period. - Commissioners were swayed by the volume and passion of public testimony. Commissioner Canadler noted the troubling disparity in turnout between the disability-focused Mastic item and the Gibbons item. - Commissioner Lyons, speaking from personal mobility experience, stated that the current Gibbons sidewalks are completely impassable for mobility scooters, making accessibility a non-negotiable priority. - Commissioner Bieler acknowledged that the Planning Board had submitted substantial revision recommendations that had not yet been incorporated into the draft before the commission. - The commission formed a consensus not to endorse the plan and to work on formal recommendations. - Item 6380: Pesticide Use - Commissioner Schmitz requested the item be continued to allow time for review. The commission voted unanimously (5-0) to continue the item to the December meeting. Key Outcomes - Mastic Senior Center: Staff was directed to report back on incorporating automatic door openers (push pads) into the project scope and temporary access solutions. - Gibbons Drive Plan: The commission declined to endorse the plan. The commission will schedule a special meeting to draft formal feedback for the City Council, emphasizing the urgency of accessibility and incorporating public and Planning Board feedback before the December 1 Council hearing. - Pesticide Use Item: Continued to the next regular commission meeting in December. - Community Engagement Disparity: Commissioner Canadler highlighted the high public engagement on trees vs. senior access barriers. The commission committed to improving outreach to ensure Mastic Senior Center members and other disability communities have accessible avenues to provide input.

The Alameda Planning Board met on Monday, October 12, 2026, beginning at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers at 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda. The agenda had been revised on October 5, 2026, to add the Board Elections item. Five board members were present, including the Board President; board members Ruiz and Freed were absent. The Board voted 5-0 to move Board Elections ahead of the Gibbons Drive public hearing. The meeting included the consent calendar, Board Elections, a public hearing on the Gibbons Drive Sidewalks and Trees Plan, staff communications, and board communications. It adjourned at approximately 9:24 PM. Consent Calendar - 4-A – June 22, 2026 draft minutes: Continued to a future meeting because too few current board members had attended that prior meeting to vouch for the minutes. - 4-B – August 24, 2026 draft minutes: Approved unanimously (5-0, with two absences). Board Elections - After the agenda change, the Board considered Board Elections before the Gibbons Drive hearing. A nomination recommending Board Member Wang for President and Board Member Sue for Vice President was placed. With no other nominations and no public comment, the Board voted 5-0 to elect Wang as President and Sue as Vice President, effective at the next board meeting. Public Comments & Testimony Non-agenda public comment - William Morrison, a Fernside resident, criticized the public comment format as a one-way, non-interactive 'check-the-box' exercise and expressed frustration about the lack of opportunity for dialogue. - Pam Lowe requested that the city combine the Gibbons Drive sidewalks and trees work with the Front Side Boulevard traffic calming piece of the pavement management project, noting that approximately $200,000 had already been approved for the traffic calming portion. - At the end of the meeting, Jim Strelo thanked the Board for listening and noted that residents turned out despite the Indigenous Peoples' Day holiday. Gibbons Drive Sidewalks and Trees Plan hearing - Maria von Lieshout opposed the current plan, saying it is not preservation-first. She said many Alameda sidewalks are 35–60 years old, the city has mainly used concrete cutting and asphalt patching, and cities such as Sunnyvale, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, and New York use engineered solutions such as reinforced concrete and larger tree wells. She also said the plan was based on input from only 12 residents. - Jim Strelo opposed the 20 percent removal cap, saying existing liquid ambers are about 70 percent more efficient than replacement trees at filtering greenhouse gases and storing carbon, and that property values could decrease 8–12 percent. He asked for a 10 percent cap. - Jennifer Green, an Alameda resident, opposed removing healthy trees and said liquid ambers can live up to 300 years. She noted that a 20 percent cap every five years could mean 100 percent removal within 25 years and asked for measurable safeguards, clear definitions of feasibility, and documentation of preservation options before any non-emergency removal. She said ADA compliance and tree preservation can coexist. - Travis Morgan asked the Board not to approve removal of healthy trees. He called the document a 'tree removal framework' rather than an accountable sidewalk repair plan, and referenced the December 2025 City Council approval to remove 65 trees on Clement/Tilden Way, including four protected coast live oaks, saying that work could have been done with fewer removals. He requested a block-by-block plan for sidewalks, curbs, and storm drains. - Pam Lowe referenced the Master Street Tree Plan's preservation goals and said no healthy tree should be approved for removal without a tree-by-tree assessment. She also noted that the city created a slow street on Versailles, suggesting similar public-good actions could be used to protect trees. - Kate Lewis, a former Gibbons Drive resident, said she was unaware of the outreach, said people drove from other cities to see the fall trees, and encouraged a 5 percent removal cap and meandering sidewalks into yards. - Laura Zupon said the proposal's main changes are to exempt future removals from Planning Board review and remove the annual 5 percent per block face protection, and that other elements already exist in city policy. She asked for measurable preservation-first standards, preservation of Planning Board review, and public engagement in the next version. - Carter Lowe, a lifelong Alameda resident and UC Irvine planning student, urged the Board to expand options beyond the plan and said curb cuts and bump-outs could give trees more space. He asked what kind of city Alameda wants to be. - Monica Allen asked the Board to reject the plan and return with one that better prioritizes tree preservation and more community involvement. - Pete Aston disputed the city's characterization of 'extensive' outreach. He said 12 people voted at the May meeting, and a community survey with 115 respondents found that 9 percent said the city provided sufficient input opportunity, 81 percent of Gibbons residents were willing to meander sidewalks onto their lawns, and 95 percent were willing to give up parking. - Mark Minor, a Fernside resident and author of an alternative counterpoint plan, said the proposed cap lacks measurable, quantifiable, step-by-step guidelines and uses subjective language. He urged the Planning Board to stay involved in future decisions and cited what he called inconsistencies in the arborist report. - William Morrison, speaking again, supported keeping the 5 percent cap and described the trees as a habitat attraction for large flocks of blackbirds. - Patricia Gray, a Gibbons Drive homeowner for 30 years, said she accepted removal of four or five sick trees but found the five-year, 20 percent plan unacceptable and called the trees irreplaceable. She said she did not ask for replacement species and wants to save the existing trees. - Amos White, a West Side resident and founder of 100k Trees for Humanity, said the 20-year removal plan is too aggressive. He said 9 of 12 participants at a May meeting chose a 50-year plan, three chose chicanes, and the 20-year plan got zero first-place votes. He cited USDA Forest Service research that large trees remove about 70 times more air pollution than newly planted trees and argued matching 112 trees would require nearly 8,000 saplings. He asked for a timeline of at least 50 years, tree-condition-based removal ordering, and continued public review. - David Harris asked for a cap of at most 10 percent and said the goal should be to remove only what is necessary, not replace the whole canopy. - Kelly Becker, a three-year resident, said people go out of their way to drive down Gibbons, and she urged the Board to fund sidewalk repairs rather than tree removal. She noted many homeowners are willing to give up personal property to save trees. - Linnea Williams, an Alameda resident of about 12 years, said the future process should be proactive rather than reactive, with tree-by-tree decisions and public input built into the plan. - An in-person speaker who spoke from her seat said the sidewalks are not 'dangerous' for her grandchildren or herself, although ADA regulations are a separate issue, and stated: 'The trees are the non-negotiable.' Discussion Items Gibbons Drive Sidewalks and Trees Plan - Public Works Director Aaron Smith presented the draft plan. It addresses 112 remaining liquid amber (American sweet gum) trees on Gibbons Drive: 88 rated in good condition and 24 in fair condition, with none rated excellent. Five poor-condition trees were removed in spring 2026 and replaced. About two-thirds of sidewalks and more than 80 percent of curbs have moderate or significant damage. - The draft plan uses a location-by-location, preservation-first approach, treats tree removal as a last resort, and caps removals at no more than 20 percent of remaining liquid ambers in each five-year period. It also establishes a replacement tree palette of eight species; the 2010 Master Street Tree Plan banned new liquid amber plantings citywide. - Staff said alternatives such as doing nothing, removing or relocating sidewalks, raising sidewalks, and roadway chicanes were considered and rejected or deemed infeasible. The plan is intended to coordinate sidewalk, curb, accessibility, and drainage work while gradually transitioning the canopy. - Staff requested that the Planning Board recommend City Council adoption and that future removals carried out under the plan not require additional Planning Board review under the tree removal policy's 5 percent per block face threshold. All other tree removal policy requirements would continue to apply. - The CEQA determination is that the action is categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment). - Board questions included the basis for the arborist condition ratings and the '40 to 80 percent of lifespan' statement; the consulting arborist, Daria, explained that the 40–80 percent figure is a maturity measure based on ANSI A300 standards, not a lifespan prediction, and that condition ratings reflect factors such as growth form, decay, pests, and crown health. - Board members generally said the plan is a good framework but needs more specificity. Board Member Hom suggested measurable evaluation criteria, a lower cap of about 10 percent, separate treatment of emergency removals, a neighborhood committee, exploration of assessment districts or similar funding, and more detailed public notification explaining why alternatives to removal were rejected. Board Member Sue echoed the need for cost and measurement information, supported a neighborhood committee, and said emergency removals should not count against the cap. Board Member Lee asked for greater detail on tree locations, prioritization, and how far the cap would actually be needed. - Staff said they had heard the feedback and would consider whether to return to the Planning Board or proceed to City Council with revisions. Staff Communications - The Board received the list of recent zoning administrator and design review approvals without public comment. - Staff announced an upcoming Boards and Commissions appreciation reception on October 13, 5–7 PM at the O Club. - The next Planning Board meeting is tentatively expected to include the commercial zoning ordinance update and a West Line Drive Beach and Tennis Club project. - The ADU/condominium ordinance update was adopted by City Council; the short-term rental ordinance was pulled at second reading due to a technical issue and may return. - The Oakland Roots interim venue project at Harbor Bay is scheduled for City Council consideration on November 4 and possibly the Planning Board on November 9. - Staff noted the retirement of Stephen Buckley and that the city manager is conducting an organizational analysis before recruiting a new planning director. Board Communications - New Board Member Lee introduced himself and said his background includes housing production, including affordable and market-rate housing. He asked about Alameda's progress toward housing goals and how to position the city for more housing production. - Board Member Hom suggested the Board receive a briefing on new state planning and housing laws; staff said they would look for resources and noted an annual report and housing element updates are expected early in the year. Key Outcomes - The Board voted 5-0 to approve the agenda change moving Board Elections before the Gibbons Drive hearing. - The August 24, 2026 minutes were approved 5-0; the June 22, 2026 minutes were continued. - Board Member Wang was elected President and Board Member Sue was elected Vice President by a 5-0 vote, effective at the next meeting. - The Board did not recommend adoption of the Gibbons Drive Sidewalks and Trees Plan as presented. Instead, it passed a motion (5-0) recommending that the draft plan be revised to address Planning Board and public comments and returned to the Planning Board for further review. The Board did not grant the requested exemption from future Planning Board review. - The public comment period for the Gibbons plan remains open through October 23, 2026, with additional presentations to the Commission on Persons with Disabilities on October 14 and the Historical Advisory Board on November 5, before a December 1 City Council consideration date noted by staff.

The City of Alameda Recreation and Park Commission met on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda, with in-person and Zoom participation available. The Commission approved the September minutes, held a workshop on the proposed 2027 Recreation and Parks user fee schedule, unanimously re-elected its Chair and Vice Chair, received staff and commissioner updates, and heard one non-agenda public comment. Consent Calendar - Approved the September 10, 2026 regular meeting minutes by a unanimous 5-0 roll-call vote. No commissioner requested removal and no public comment was offered. Public Comments and Testimony - Mark Klein, speaking during non-agenda public comment, said Alameda families struggle to find enough space to play. He cited a 2012 analysis projecting a shortfall of 14 fields by 2030, noted that Estuary Park added two fields but upcoming city and school district changes could cost about five more, and said courts face similar pressure. He urged the Commission to take a fresh look at near- and long-term capacity, highlighted Thompson Field as a near-term opportunity because it is central, has lights, and may be vacated in 2028 once the new Hornet Field is built, and asked the city to begin planning now to acquire it through the Surplus Land Act process. He offered to remain involved. - No public comment was made on the consent calendar, fee workshop, or officer election. Staff Communications - Director Justin Long announced upcoming events, including the volunteer coastal cleanup at Seaplane Lagoon, the fifth annual Pride in the Park on October 10, International ShakeOut Day on October 15, the Alameda Walk Series, the 21st annual haunted house October 23-25, and the 46th annual holiday boutique November 7-8. - Program updates included the winter/spring activity guide available by November 9, registration opening November 18, youth flag football with 50 participants ending November 21, free community recreation programs, and open registration for youth, teen, adult, older adult, and aquatics offerings. - Project updates: the Light Ecker Park playground replacement is complete; Godfrey Park basketball court was replaced and is open; Estuary Park is in a punch-list/maintenance period and likely will open in mid-December with six pickleball courts, two dog parks, a basketball court, an inclusive playground, and a picnic area; the Emma Hood pool is expected to be done around the end of October, with locker room renovations continuing into early December and ARPD programming planned to start in January; and the new aquatic center has installed its first test pile. Commissioner Communications - Commissioner Bell announced his resignation from the Commission effective October 9, 2026, because he was appointed to the Alameda Unified School District Board of Education and will be sworn in on October 13. He read a letter to Mayor Ashcroft thanking the Commission and the Recreation and Parks Department. Other commissioners thanked him and congratulated him on the appointment and his wedding anniversary. Discussion Items - 2027 Fee Schedule Workshop: The Commission received a presentation from Director Long; no motion was made because this was a workshop. Staff proposed minimal fee increases, with most changes to non-resident and selected program rates. The department operates on a roughly $16 million general-fund budget with about 30 percent overall cost recovery; without fees, the general fund would need about $5 million more. Aquatics costs about $1.9 million per year and recovers about 22 percent, with roughly $486,000 in annual revenue. Community recreation has zero cost recovery and about $675,000 in annual spending. Field rentals recover about 14 percent of cost, have been raised $1 per hour per year for at least five years, and remain roughly $5-6 below market. - Director Long described the fee philosophy as charging more for individual-benefit programs and less for broad community and senior programs, and said the department cannot charge full direct costs without making programs unaffordable. Outside instructor programs use revenue splits of 60/40 for on-site programs, 70/30 for off-site programs, and 75/25 at the senior center. He noted the Mastic Senior Center has about 4,500 members and a roughly $1.5 million endowment supporting low-cost classes. - The city is replacing the ActiveNet registration system with Rec Tech, targeted to go live February 1, 2027. Consumers will pay a transaction fee of about 3.5 percent, with a range of 1-5 percent depending on payment method; no-fee options such as cash and check will remain. Passing the fee to users is expected to save the department about $250,000 a year and will add phone booking, digital swim passes, and easier calendars. - Director Long reported that under the joint use agreement with AUSD, ARPD pays about 50 percent of pool salaries, utilities, and maintenance. This cost was about $430,000 last year and $585,000 the previous year. He also projected the future aquatic center operating budget at about $2.2 million. - Commissioners asked whether any fees could be reduced, requested revenue-by-program analysis, asked how cost-recovery targets are set, and discussed the scale and reach of subsidies. Commissioner Bell asked whether lower fees could increase participation. Commissioner Burney expressed concern that rapid inflation may require larger fee increases and asked for analysis showing that proposed fees maintain current service levels. Another commissioner called for a more balanced approach to aquatics fee increases and for a principle that non-resident fees never be lower than resident fees. The Chair encouraged a broader subsidy policy discussion during the upcoming two-year city budget cycle, and commissioners also recommended stronger marketing of aquatics and other recreation programs. - Chair and Vice Chair Election: Director Long explained that the Chair conducts meetings and the Vice Chair serves as backup. The incumbent Chair and Vice Chair Schwartz were nominated and re-elected by unanimous 5-0 roll-call vote for a one-year term. Key Outcomes - Approved the September 10, 2026 minutes 5-0. - Re-elected the Chair and Vice Chair Schwartz 5-0. - Received Commissioner Bell's resignation effective October 9, 2026, and discussed filling the vacancy soon. - Directed staff to incorporate workshop feedback and return at the November 12, 2026 meeting with a final fee recommendation for City Council action at the first or second Council meeting in December. - Targeted February 1, 2027 for the new Rec Tech registration/software system go-live. - The next regular meeting is November 12, 2026; possible agenda items include the fee schedule recommendation, filling the Commission vacancy, tree planting/urban canopy, and review of the new booking software. The agenda stated November 12 as the next meeting, although the Chair's closing remark referenced December, which appears to be an error.

The Alameda City Council met on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting included closed session at 6:00 PM, proclamations, public comments, a consent calendar, and four major agenda items. Key actions included direction to staff on prohibiting ICE enforcement on city property, receipt of the Rise Up Alameda guaranteed income pilot final report, approval of a lease with Longshot Space Technologies, and a referral to study the Clement Avenue truck route. A resolution adding campaign donation disclosure requirements passed 4-1. Proclamations & Special Orders - Filipino American History Month (October 2026): Councilmember Tony Daysog read a proclamation highlighting Filipino contributions, including the 1587 arrival in Morro Bay, labor organizing, WWII service, and the founding of Bohol Circle Inc. in Alameda in 1936. Noted Alameda residents include former Vice Mayor and State Attorney General Rob Bonta. - Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October 2026): Councilmember Tracy Jensen read a proclamation. The Victim Services Division has handled 119 matters since 2025. Resources: 510-206-1657 or victimservices@alamedaca.gov. Public Comments & Testimony - Oral Communications (Non-Agenda): Michael John Torrey opposed the elimination of the AC Transit 19 bus, noting a public meeting on October 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Several speakers thanked the Council for the Filipino American History Month proclamation and highlighted the Filipino Island Fest with over 10,000 attendees. - Item 7B – Rise Up Alameda: No public comment. - Item 7C – Longshot Lease: Mike Grace (CEO) expressed gratitude and described the company's kinetic launch technology. Ann Gonzalez (College of Alameda) supported the lease, citing internships. Kate Stirr (Natel Energy) vouched for Longshot as a good tenant. - Item 10A – Clement Avenue Truck Route: Multiple residents (Anna Mayer, Leo Esclamado, Meredith Levins, Stephen Powell, Catherine Powell, Christine Bowie) expressed safety concerns about heavy trucks on the curvy, bike- and pedestrian-heavy corridor. They urged a thorough study before permanent changes. - Item 10C – Policy on City Assets: Christina Liebner, an energy engineer and mother, raised concerns about data centers, but noted Alameda Municipal Power lacks capacity. She suggested small-scale, clean AI infrastructure could be a visionary alternative. Discussion Items 7A – Prohibiting Civil Immigration Enforcement on City-Owned Properties City Manager Gerry Beaudin presented options after a council referral. He corrected the record: Berkeley adopted a resolution in April 2026. Councilmember Daysog supported bullet points 1 (reaffirm sanctuary city), 2 (prohibit use of city properties for ICE), and 3 (inventory and reporting). Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft noted federal properties in Alameda (Coast Guard Island, Naval Reserve Center) limit city control, but suggested zoning options at Alameda Point. Councilmember Bowler supported the framework, citing existing sanctuary city work. Councilmember Jensen expressed hesitation about enforcement and officer safety but supported resources for residents. The Council directed staff to develop a resolution/ordinance incorporating all three bullet points, plus zoning alternatives at Alameda Point, and to consider implementation details. Passed unanimously. 7B – Rise Up Alameda (Guaranteed Income Pilot Program) Final Reports Jackie Kali Ia (Base Reuse & Development) presented: 150 low-income households received $1,000/month for two years (Dec 2023 – Nov 2025). Eligibility: Alameda resident, 18+, income ≤50% AMI ($51,800 in 2023). Key findings (compared to control group): - 35% of participants had ≥$500 in savings at 24 months (vs. 12% control). - 16% reported going into debt (vs. 27% control). - Lower use of SSI, SNAP, WIC, SSDI. - Improved mental well-being (lower psychological distress and perceived stress). - No reduction in work participation; participants more likely to work part-time. - Mixed results on community engagement, no consistent impact on housing/food security. Participant narratives highlighted dignity, reduced stress, ability to pay down debt, and build savings. A celebration event is set for October 13, 2026 with former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs. Council members praised the program's success and its potential for state-level policy. 7C – Lease with Longshot Space Technologies (Building 29, Alameda Point) Annie Cox (Base Reuse & Development) presented: 37-month lease for 9,200 sq ft interior and 7,400 sq ft exterior yard. Monthly rent: $5,670 with 3.5% annual escalation; total revenue $217,018. Longshot uses a kinetic launch technology (no rocket fuel). The building is non-historic and within the future DPAVE Park footprint. Lease includes a 60-day termination clause. Council members praised the company's community engagement and job creation. Motion to introduce ordinance carried unanimously (5-0). Second reading will follow. 10A – Clement Avenue Truck Route Status Update Council referral by Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft and Vice Mayor Pryor. City Engineer Scott Wickstrom explained Clement Avenue is the designated truck route per the General Plan, but recent development (cycle track, park, bike lanes) raised safety concerns. The curvy section from Peru to Balsa requires lane widening for trucks. Options include a General Plan amendment or interim solutions. Council voted to direct staff to present a status update before any physical improvements and to explore other truck route options. Motion carried. 10B – Resolution Amending City Council Handbook – Campaign Donation Disclosure Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft and Vice Mayor Pryor proposed adding a requirement: when a matter comes before the Council, members must publicly disclose any campaign donation ≥$100 from a person or business (amended to “single source”) within the past year. The resolution does not require recusal (unlike the Levine Act for $500). Councilmember Jensen opposed, citing no urgency and lack of public demand. After amendment, passed 4-1. 10C – Policy on Sale, Lease, or Disposition of City Assets Councilmember Jensen proposed a policy with cost-benefit criteria (water use, grid capacity, emissions, local jobs). City Manager noted parallel work already underway: an economic development strategic plan (contract to be awarded Oct 20) and a data center community engagement process (memo posted online). Councilmember Daysog suggested a moratorium on data centers. City Attorney noted recent state legislation. Councilmember Jensen withdrew the referral, and it was directed to a future meeting. Key Outcomes - Unanimous Consent Calendar: Approved all items (5-L and 5-M excepted due to Councilmember Bowler’s recusal). - 7A Unanimous: Direct staff to draft resolution/ordinance prohibiting ICE enforcement on city properties, including zoning options at Alameda Point, and implementation details. No timeline specified. - 7B Unanimous: Received final report; praised program; next steps include community celebration. - 7C Unanimous: Approved first reading of ordinance authorizing lease with Longshot Space Technologies (5-0). Second reading and final approval required. - 10A Unanimous: Directed staff to present status update on Clement Avenue truck route before any physical changes, and to evaluate other truck route options. - 10B 4-1: Adopted resolution amending City Council Handbook to require disclosure of campaign donations ≥$100 from a single source. - 10C Withdrawn: Referral withdrawn; existing staff work and planned strategic plan will address issues. Will be considered at a future meeting. - Council Appointments: Mayor to bring nominations for Commission on Persons with Disabilities, Housing Authority Board, and Social Service Human Relations Board at a later meeting.

The Open Government Commission of the City of Alameda met on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda, CA, with remote participation available via Zoom. Commissioners Harris, T. Los, and Chair Bowling were present, constituting a quorum. The Commission unanimously approved the February 2, 2026 meeting minutes, directed staff to prepare the 2026 Annual Report, received a staff update from the City Clerk, and heard commissioners' reflections marking Vice Chair Harris's final meeting. No members of the public provided comment. Public Comments & Testimony - No public speakers signed up or came forward for non-agenda public comment, and none spoke on the annual report item. Discussion Items - Minutes of the February 2, 2026 Meeting (Item 3-A): A motion to approve the minutes was made, seconded, and passed 3-0 by roll call vote (Harris, T. Los, Bowling). The Chair referred to the meeting date as "February 26th" in one instance, though the agenda lists it as February 2, 2026. - 2026 Annual Report (Item 3-B): The City Clerk reviewed the prior year's process, noting the Commission had directed her to draft the annual report and that the same public-records-request search could be repeated if desired, with a return in February 2027. Commissioners requested a side-by-side comparison of prior-year and current-year statistics for Public Records Act (PRA) requests. A commissioner observed an apparent increase in PRA requests, possibly driven by AI-related firms seeking bid tabulations and contracts, as well as an increase in email searches. The Chair introduced the item as "approve the 2025 annual report," though the agenda identifies it as the 2026 Annual Report; the action taken was to direct staff to prepare the report. Asked whether any hearing-officer hearings had occurred, the City Clerk replied that none had; the only complaint filed all year was dismissed as insufficient. The Commission unanimously directed staff to prepare the report again, including the side-by-side comparison. No subcommittee was formed. - Staff Communication (Item 4): The City Clerk reported that the only complaint filed all year — filed June 22 and alleging a June 11 meeting — was deemed insufficient because no such meeting occurred; the body in question, related to the "care team," had not met in years. She also announced that Vice Chair Harris's tenure would end because his appointing authority, Mayor Ezzy Ashkoff, is termed out. The City Clerk noted she will reach 30 years with the City next May. Commissioners praised her competence and the quality of the mandatory training video. - Commission Communications (Item 5): Vice Chair Harris indicated this was likely his last meeting, thanking the Commission and the City Clerk. A commissioner echoed appreciation, reflecting on a "good two years" and enjoyable service on the Commission. The meeting was then adjourned without a formal motion, as none was required. Key Outcomes - Approved the February 2, 2026 meeting minutes (3-0; Harris, T. Los, Bowling). - Directed staff to prepare the 2026 Annual Report (3-0), including side-by-side prior-year vs. current-year PRA statistics, with a draft to return in February 2027. - Acknowledged the City Clerk's report that the only complaint filed all year was dismissed as insufficient. - Recognized Vice Chair Harris's final meeting on the Commission.

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Historical Advisory Board for October 1, 2026, was canceled. No agenda items were discussed and no actions were taken.

The Social Services and Human Relations Board convened on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 7:04 PM. The meeting featured the final report of the Rise Up Alameda Guaranteed Income Pilot Program, approval of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 work plan, work group updates, and an update on Dignity Village’s funding sustainability. No public comments were received on any agenda item. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on any agenda item. Discussion Items 4A – Rise Up Alameda Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Final Report - Background: The city allocated $4.6 million in ARPA funds to launch a two-year guaranteed income pilot providing $1,000/month to 150 low-income Alameda households. Of 2,368 applicants, participants were randomly selected and had an average household income of $32,000/year (well below the 50% AMI threshold of $51,800). 26% of participants were aged 62 or older. - Key Findings (24-month report, compared to a control group): - 35% of participants had over $500 in savings vs. 12% of the control group. - 16% of participants went into debt vs. 27% of the control group. - Participants reported lower psychological distress and perceived stress at both 12 and 24 months. - No significant reductions in overall work engagement; some participants shifted to part-time work for greater flexibility. - Mixed findings on community engagement, housing, and food security (no statistically significant improvements). - Participants were less likely to use certain public benefits (SSI, SNAP, WIC, SSDI), though staff noted potential reasons including not wanting to over-utilize programs. - Next Steps: Participant profiles and a 10-minute short film are available at RiseUpAlameda.org. A celebration event, “Guaranteed Income Works,” is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026, featuring former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs. - Board Discussion: Members expressed strong support for the program, emphasizing its role in dispelling poverty narratives and the importance of participant stories. Questions about funding a second phase (no current plans), longitudinal data tracking (concluded with this report), and geographic concentration of participants (data not available due to IRB restrictions) were addressed. 4B – Shrub Board Fiscal Year 2026-27 Work Plan Review and Approval - Staff and board members presented the draft work plan, which includes goals for community needs assessment (community circle meetings, service provider survey, brief report), the Belonging at Home committee (public awareness campaigns, United Against Hate Week activities, CARES team attendance, HHS strategic plan review), and the Domestic Violence Task Force (biannual meetings, awareness month events, resource creation). - A motion to approve the work plan with an amendment to update the language from “city’s plan to end homelessness” to “HHS strategic plan” passed unanimously. 4C – Work Group Report Outs - Domestic Violence Task Force: Next meeting scheduled for October 5–6, 2026, to focus on work plan development and engagement during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. - Belonging at Home: No new report; work plan focus noted. - United Against Hate: A presentation on online hate and bullying is being arranged for the next board meeting due to insufficient time for a full United Against Hate Week program. Posters will be distributed citywide. 4D – Dignity Village Funding Status and Long-Term Sustainability - Funding Outlook: Dignity Village, developed with a Home Key state grant (55-year deed restriction) and COVID relief funds, currently has $1.2 million from the general fund and other sources, projected to sustain operations through FY 2027-28 (June 30, 2028). Staff sent a memo to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors requesting Measure W funding, as the site is not currently in the county’s portfolio. - Long-Term Options: Staff are exploring transitioning the site to permanent supportive housing (with Home Key verbal approval) or purchasing a hotel to create a mixed-model shelter. A recommendation to city council is expected by December 2026. - Board Discussion: Concerns about operations were raised, including reports of racism and resident issues. Staff offered to connect board members with the resident advisory board and encouraged reporting of concerns. The board expressed interest in sending a supportive memo to Supervisor Tam to help secure county funding. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - FY 2026-27 work plan approved with the HHS strategic plan amendment (unanimous). - Next Steps for Dignity Village: City council to receive a recommendation by year-end 2026; board to consider sending a memo to the county supervisor. - Upcoming Events: - “Guaranteed Income Works” celebration on October 13, 2026. - Free community film screening of Beyond the Bridge on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 5:30 PM, co-hosted by Board President Gerald Bryant. - Alameda Pride on October 10, 2026. - Proposed Black community meetup on December 1, 2026. - Next Regular Meeting: Scheduled for October 27, 2026 (fourth Thursday of October).