Top Dog!
On Tuesday, the Alameda Post published the first list of winners of the 2026 Alameda Stars contest. “Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda” was competing in the Social Media category. This contest was very important to me, because it would foreshadow my success in the mayor’s race in November.
I was walking on Bay Street when my HC (human companion) got the email announcing that I had won first place. When he told me, I was overcome with emotion. You might say I was “Barkless on Bay Street.”
I want to acknowledge the Post for putting this whole thing together. It must have been a ton of work doing all that counting. Hopefully, nobody will ask for a paper ballot recount. I stopped by and thanked the publisher, Adam Gillitt, and he gave me my certificate.
I also want to recognize the other two contenders that placed in the category, Alameduh Zine (Second Place) and Alameda Peeps (Third Place), for the great job they do on their platforms. I am honored to be included in the same group as these wonderful and dedicated folks that keep our community connected. I extend a big high four to both of them.
Finally, I am moved beyond words by the support and effort my community demonstrated by first voting for the Bear’s-eye View of Alameda and then congratulating me on the win on social media. I am both humbled by and grateful for each and every one of you that contributed to the win. The Alameda community (and those of you “off island” readers that enjoy my reports) is a great inspiration for me, and I appreciate you all. Please accept my heart felt “THANK YOU” for the support.
On my way back from the Alameda Post office (as opposed to the USPS Post Office), I walked by the Veterans Memorial Building. I noted that the sign in front was not looking so good and not fitting of the great building that it identifies. Do we need to take up a collection so that the City can have a really nice sign to honor our veterans?
With all the great weather we enjoyed this week, I spent a lot of my walk time checking out people’s gardens. There is an awesome succulent garden on Fortmann Way worth checking out. By the way, it’s on the way to the Alameda Animal Shelter just in case you want to check out the furry friends waiting to go to their forever homes.
After I reported the “winter bloomers” of Alameda in my February 15 column, I was reminded that I needed to include Daffodils. So, per your request, Angie, here are two varieties for your viewing pleasure.
If you happen by the corner of Alameda Avenue and Union Street, could you take a look at this “Jack and the Beanstalk” plant? Inquiring canines want to know.
In addition to many wonderful bloomers, a few gardens also include sculptures. I found a crazy colored canine piece on Central Avenue, and a collection of barnyard animals back on Alameda Avenue.
There was even some budding action going on in my own backyard, where my HC’s Santa Rosa Plum tree is full of flowers. Here’s hoping the squirrels don’t eat them all just before they are fully ripe and sweet.
It has been a while since I offered the Walk-By service to the X-Alameda pats who are no longer living here. If you send my HC the address of your house, I will schedule a “walk-by” and post the picture in the next report. You can send it to [email protected] or DM him on Facebook.
As we enter March, I want to remind everyone that Saint Patrick’s Day is March 17, which was the day after the entire Bay Area was shut down six years ago as COVID-19 came to Northern California.
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 and videos by Jeff Cambra.
