Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda for June 11, 2023
I was asked to help out the Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) by doing some publicity for them. Earlier this week I connected with Liz Ordway for the photoshoot. It all went well, except it took sooooo long for my human companion to get through makeup, wardrobe, and coaching. He doesn’t take direction well and isn’t treat motivated. Liz got some great shots though, like the one I used to lead this week’s report. Great job Liz! If I don’t wind up “on the cutting room floor,” you might see me in a FAAS public relations piece in the near future.
OH! Just so you know, I did waive my appearance fee because it was such a good cause.
Speaking of FAAS, on Thursday Jeff delivered the last of the $100 gift certificates awarded to the folks that fostered dogs that needed short term lodging while the new kennels were being installed. It was great to learn that Shana decided to keep her foster. Now Elijah has a forever home and the two can celebrate by using her certificate to Park Street Tavern.
I decided to take a week off from my Alameda Parks special report, because there was so much going on around the island. June is Pride month, and the traditional rainbow flag is flying proudly over City Hall, affirming that everyone is welcome in our city.
June is also graduation month, and there were plenty of activities commemorating this right of passage to adulthood. The party at the First Congregational Church on Central Avenue at Chestnut Street was well attended—and everyone behaved.
In my May 29th report, I included an image of a Red Veined Indian Mallow (Abutilon striatum) that I first thought was a Chinese Lantern plant. As I have walked around the neighborhoods, I have kept my eye open for a real Chinese Lantern plant. I finally found one in front of the same First Congregational Church.
In my other wanderings around town, I came across a group of turkey chicks playing Humpty Dumpty on a brick wall. I was a little concerned about how they would get down without “a great fall,” but these little guys had enough flapping power to manage a semi-controlled descent.
On my way to cover the Sandcastle Contest—which I never got to do (see more about this later in my report)—I found a couple of broods of Canada geese. Mom and Dad were not far away and definitely had their eyes on me as I passed by.
The really beautiful Anthony House in the 1600 block of Central Avenue is back on the market. This property is huge with the main house on part of the double size lot and a carriage house on the other lot. The outside of the house has so many great architectural details, and the gold paint really brings out the details. The asking price is $2.5 million.
Insect traps are showing up around town. Does anyone know what type of insect these traps are trying to catch?
I took a stroll down to Park Street and found a fellow canine enjoying a puppuaccino with their human companion at the new Signal Coffee location next to Troy Mediterranean Cuisine on Central Avenue. Across the street was a brave person way up on a lift changing lightbulbs at the Alameda Theater. I looked at my human companion and he gave me that “No frickin’ way” look. “Not for a million dollars.”
In closing out this week’s report, I had planned on reporting on the city’s Sandcastle Contest this past Saturday but got stopped dead in my tracks because dogs are not allowed anywhere on the beach. Now I get it that some (many?) human companions act irresponsibly by not following leash requirements and not picking up our poop, but these things can happen in the part of the park where the Bay Trail path goes—and we are allowed there.
I am not suggesting we get access to the whole beach area, but maybe we could just use a little section for a few hours. I know I would love to be on a long leash so I could romp in the waves just once in my life.
Imagine the bonding experience… I am out chasing waves on my expando-leash while my human companion is enjoying his favorite brew.
WHOA! HOLD IT! TIME OUT! No alcohol is allowed anywhere on the beach. I guess he will need to bring one of those alcohol-free beers he’s been experimenting with.
I will back with another special parks report again next week, when I will cover Lower Washington Park. Until then, this is Mouf signing off and wishing all of you a good week.
Mouf, Roving Reporter
Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda
Mouf and his human companion can be reached via [email protected]. Their stories are collected at AlamedaPost.com/Jeff-Cambra/. All photos by Jeff Cambra.
