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Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda for August 30, 2026

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Mementos, Motivation and Monsters Part 2

Alameda Post - A Mouf for Mayor sign in someone's yard. [1]

Last week’s report [2] exceeded my word limit, and I could not cover the “Monsters” part of my report. So, I want to start where I left off last week with that topic after providing a short MOUF FOR MAYOR campaign report. Signs and stickers continue to appear in Alameda. I even got a request for a sticker from a north bay resident and one from Washington state.

I have plenty of stickers available and there are a few signs available. I am asking for a $50 donation to the Starfish fund at FAAS to support the emergency vet fund. Contact my human companion (HC) at [email protected] [3] for details. Special thanks to my friend Teresa for placing my sign so artistically in her front yard. I love how the trees flank the sign giving it more stature.

Alameda Post - A dragon boat in someone's front yard. It says Summon the Dragon and has a Dragon head. [4]

Now, on to the monsters. If you are driving on Lincoln Avenue around Ninth Street, check out the cool dragon boat in the front yard and the dragon head sitting on the front porch.

Alameda Post - A collection of toy dinosaurs on a front railing. [5]

Meanwhile, in another part of town, a mini-Jurassic Park appeared on the porch. Fortunately, there was no T-Rex in sight, so everyone is safe for the moment.

Alameda Post - A batman action figure clings to a light post. [6]
Alameda Post - A batman action figure clings to a light post. [7]

However, I am resting easier knowing that the Caped Crusader is watching over us. He hangs out (literally) on the light post at the corner where Central and Alameda avenues come together. You can drop by and say hi, but don’t expect a reply.

Several weeks ago, I walked by this house that was flying some type of flag or banner that had something to do with soccer. Does anyone know the significance of this flag?

Alameda Post - Mouf the dog sits in a balloon arch. [8]

While walking along Lafayette Street last weekend, I came across this grand balloon arch as part of an engagement party. I elected to “engage” in using it. It was Winston Churchill that said something like, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” Well, I believe you should never let a good balloon arch go to waste.

Alameda Post - A post surgical ice machine sits on a counter. A bottle of wine sits in the cooling chamber. [9]

I received a few comments from readers that prompted me to think about the difference between a memento and something that simply marks the end of an activity, procedure, etc. In consulting with BarkGPT, the best word to describe the object that signifies the end of something is a capstone. Literally, it is the last piece of masonry that goes on a building signifying the end of construction. However, it is also adequate to serve as a metaphor for non-construction activities.

My HC no longer needs the ice machine he used as a cold compress when he had his two partial knee replacements. Passing this machine onto the next individual is the capstone of his recovery from the second surgery. Fortunately, it is not the capstone of its use as a wine chiller. If you are planning on knee surgery or just need an unusual wine chiller, contact him at [email protected] [3].

Alameda Post - A red white and blue draped portable potty. [10]

I want to share one last unusual sighting before concluding this week’s report. I think I was on St. Charles Street when I found this patriotic portable toilet.

Oh. And yes, I did celebrate National Dog Day. Coverage in my next report.

Bear's paws

Mouf, Roving Reporter
Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda

Mouf and his human companion can be reached via [email protected] [3]. Their stories are collected at AlamedaPost.com/Jeff-Cambra/ [11]. All photos and videos by Jeff Cambra.