Alameda City Council Meeting - April 21, 2026

The Alameda City Council met on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of items including a contentious discussion on the Alameda Little League (ALL) field use agreement at Little John Park, the approval of a transformative performing arts center at Alameda Point, the sale of a historic warehouse building, and several other routine and policy matters. The meeting was largely civil, with council members emphasizing transparency and community engagement.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously with one recusal: Councilmember Daysog recused from items 5J (Webster Street Business Improvement Area) due to his property's proximity. The consent calendar included routine approvals and a public hearing on an economic development subsidy for the Oakland Roots and Soul (no public comment).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chris Ellsworth (1414 Pacific Avenue) requested the city clean street gutters on Buena Vista Avenue to prevent flooding, noting that street sweeping has been ineffective due to parked cars.
• Rachel Kompostavanov (Weston Arts District board) highlighted Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month and thanked city staff for transforming an airplane hangar into a gallery for the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition.
• Corinne Kirschbaum (recurring speaker) criticized the city's oversight of the Village of Love contract, alleging no financial or performance reports were provided despite millions in public funds, and called for accountability.
• Jennifer Radakovich (Rhythmics Cultural Works) thanked the city for an East Bay EDA award and announced the summer Rhythmics in the Parks series.

Discussion Items

Little John Park – Alameda Little League (ALL) MOU (Item 5D)

• Staff presentation: Recreation and Parks Director Justin Long detailed the trial agreement for ALL's majors (ages 10-12) to use Little John Park, including field improvements, fencing, and a parking plan. The MOU was for one year with community meetings held. Concerns included safety, parking, and restricted public access.
• Public comment: Neighbors expressed frustration over lack of notice, intimidation at meetings, and the fence effectively privatizing the park. ALL supporters emphasized the need for fields due to school renovations and rising costs, and noted the long history of baseball at the park.
• Council discussion: Council members questioned the selection of Little John Park over other sites, the adequacy of outreach, and the impact of the outfield fence. Mayor and council directed staff (with city manager and city attorney) to explore alternative locations and bring findings to the Recreation and Parks Commission before the August fall season. The MOU was not adopted.
• Vote: Motion to direct staff passed 4–1 (Councilmember Daysog abstained). The current spring season continues unaffected.

Radium Performing Arts Center (Item 7B)

• Staff presentation: Walker Toma (Base Reuse and Economic Development) presented a 53,000 sq ft performing arts center on 1.87 acres at Alameda Point, with a $150 million philanthropic budget, a 66-year ground lease, and a purchase option after 10 years of operation. The city would contribute $4.5 million for a new roadway. Community benefits include public access to the lobby and rooftop, discounted tickets, and use of the facility for city events.
• Public comment: Overwhelmingly supportive. Speakers included Joe Ernst (developer), parents, arts leaders, and the Chamber of Commerce. One speaker raised concerns about a parking commitment that could hinder future transit-oriented development.
• Council discussion: All members expressed strong support, noting the project's transformative potential for Alameda Point and the arts community. Councilmember Daysog praised the permanent public access to the rooftop terrace.
• Vote: Unanimous approval (5–0) to adopt the resolution declaring surplus land exemption and introduce the ordinance for the lease option.

Restorative Pathways Day Center & Safe Parking (Item 7A)

• Staff presentation: Simone Falls (Housing and Human Services) recommended a contract with Restorative Pathways to operate the day center and safe parking program at 431 Stardust Place, following a competitive RFP process. The site reopened after a month-long closure. The contract is for May 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027, with a one-year extension option (total not to exceed $3,022,000).
• Public comment: None.
• Council discussion: Vice Mayor Pryor commended the thorough vetting process. Councilmembers expressed support for providing services to vulnerable residents.
• Vote: Unanimous approval.

Sale of Building 92 (Item 7C)

• Staff presentation: Nicole Franklin (Base Reuse Manager) recommended the sale of 650 West Ranger Avenue (Building 92) to Earnst Development Partners for $7.825 million (all-cash). The 89,000 sq ft warehouse is vacant and requires renovation. The sale supports the phase two infrastructure loop. The buyer must comply with zoning and CEQA for future use.
• Public comment: Christopher Seywald (Radium Presents) spoke in support of the buyer's track record.
• Council discussion: Councilmembers noted the buyer's experience with adaptive reuse (e.g., Building 9, 91) and the strategic importance of the sale.
• Vote: Unanimous approval, including the surplus land resolution.

Nitrous Oxide Ban (Item 5D – separate ordinance)

• Staff presentation: Sarah Henry (Communications and Legislative Affairs) presented an ordinance prohibiting the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide (e.g., whippets) by tobacco retailers and convenience stores, citing health and safety risks. The city would become the first in Alameda County to adopt such a ban, effective 30 days after final reading.
• Public comment: Rachel Gratz-Lazarus (parent) supported the ban, noting the products' appeal to youth and the city's leadership in public health.
• Council discussion: Councilmembers noted the existing state law allowing sales with restrictions, and the new ordinance would ban sales outright. The ordinance includes penalties up to $1,000 and potential business license loss.
• Vote: Unanimous to introduce the ordinance.

Short-Term Rental Facilitator Ordinance (Item 7E)

• Staff presentation: Carlos Figueroa (Revenue Supervisor) explained that SB 346 allows cities to require platforms like Airbnb to provide property-level data (e.g., addresses, TOT remittance) to improve enforcement of the 14% transient occupancy tax. The ordinance does not create new taxes or regulations.
• Public comment: None.
• Council discussion: Mayor noted the League of California Cities sponsored the bill and that it will help the city capture revenue, especially during the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
• Vote: Unanimous to introduce the ordinance.

Key Outcomes

• Little League MOU: Directed staff to explore alternative fields and bring a report to the Recreation and Parks Commission before August 2026. The current spring season continues under the trial MOU with the fence to be removed outside of active use.
• Radium Performing Arts Center: Approved the lease option and surplus land exemption, moving the project forward to fundraising and design.
• Restorative Pathways: Authorized the contract for day center and safe parking operations.
• Building 92 Sale: Approved the sale to Earnst Development Partners for $7.825 million.
• Nitrous Oxide Ban: Introduced ordinance; final adoption expected June 4, 2026.
• Short-Term Rental Transparency: Introduced ordinance to implement SB 346.
• Council Communications: Councilmembers reported on community events, including the Oakland Alameda Access Project kickoff, the Corica golf tournament, and various arts and history events.