Animal Shelter Chickens
Since announcing my mayoral campaign, I have been busy working on getting “VOTE FOR MOUF” merch designed and ordered. Campaign signs are already out for delivery to Alameda residents’ lawns, and I just received the design for my sticker.
I have brought Gypsy on board as my staff person in charge of securing the firefighters’ endorsement. The Dalmatian is known as the fire house breed so I thought she would be an excellent choice. We are working on our position statement about public safety right now. I have a line on white chocolate Dalmatians from a chocolatier in New York and am promising to have a Dalmatian in every fire house in town.
I have started to see signs go up around town for Tracy Jensen for Mayor. It looks like I have my first challenger. I checked out her priorities on the website, and there is no mention of the need for a new animal shelter.
I guess I cannot blame her for not knowing about the need, because the City staff doesn’t even mention it on the survey they created. Way back in October of 2025, staff received a report indicating that the shelter building received a failing grade for functionality. I sent my human companion to a meeting where the city staff talked about the needs and that they were considering a bond measure. He reported back that no staff person mentioned the failing grade and the need for a new location.
Here are two examples of functionality. The pantry is way too small for all the food that needs to be stored, and the 20′ x 20′ “play area” is fine if you weigh 20 pounds and have shorter legs like Daisy. However, I am 90 pounds with 16″ legs. Once I take two running steps, I am slamming into the opposite side of the area. I get zero exercise.
I have covered this failing grade in other reports, but I want to add that the city continues to approve residential housing right next to the shelter which presents a big problem. WE BARK!! People that move into a house next to a shelter need to understand that. This is even more reason to get a new shelter location away from houses.
The bottom line on this whole bond measure situation is: Do not count your new shelter chickens until they appear as restricted funds in the bond measure language.
In other news, there are more acknowledgements of graduations. I really liked the handmade sign for Macey’s graduation from fifth grade.
I have noticed more of these yard signs recognizing people for their service to the community.
In another recognition that summer is just around the corner (it starts next week!), the mated pair of mallards have returned to their Lafayette Street rest stop.
I am ending this report with a saying I found on the sidewalk that I think reflects the general state of mind of most Alameda residents. “I ❤️ the beach.”
Please send your thoughts and comments on the animal shelter issue to my human companion at [email protected].
Here Comes Summer!
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.
