Show us Your Pride
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June is designated as Pride month in the United States, and I wanted to know why June was selected. So, like any good reporter, I went to the internet and asked, “Why is Pride Month Celebrated in June?”
According to Britannica.com [3], on June 28, 1969, the New York police department raided the Stonewall Inn—a known gathering place for the LGBTQ community—to harass the patrons and arrest the staff. A large crowd gathered and threw coins and then bottles and garbage at the officers, forcing them to take refuge inside the bar. Eventually, back-up units arrived to disperse the crowd. However, the riots continued for five more days and “these Stonewall riots provided the spark that ignited the LGBTQ rights movement in the United States.”
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Here in Alameda, residents show their support for LGBTQ+ residents by displaying the rainbow flag. Our pup reporter, Li’l Dude went out and found numerous houses around the Park Street business district displaying the Pride flag.
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This week’s walking routine took me to the roundabout intersections along Central Avenue near Encinal High School. The construction has all the side streets blocked off, so it was difficult to get to the area.
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For the life of me, I could not visualize how the traffic was supposed to drive through one of these intersections. When I got back to the house, I again went to the internet. I was directed to a YouTube video that explained the theory and benefits of the roundabout intersection design. Here’s the video:
It will be interesting to see how the average Alameda driver navigates these intersections. I will be avoiding them for the next few months while the amateurs figure it all out.
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As I was walking the sidewalk area that was formed up and ready for the concrete pour, I found these pink pompom things poking out of the ground. Does anyone know if these things have a function beyond beautification of the construction site?
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I was very happy to see the mated pair of mallard ducks return to their Alameda home on Lafayette Street this past week as a reminder that summer is right around the corner. So be sure to get out your warm coats and gloves for those morning walks.
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Another sign of summer is the appearance of red, white, and blue décor in people’s yards signaling the approaching Fourth of July celebration.
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Of course, this wouldn’t be a “beginning of summer” report without recognizing the beautiful flowers that can be found in front yards.
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I will end this report with a sighting that was confusing to me until I was reminded about the fairy tale involving the princess and the frog. Does anyone recognize the princess?
If you see a guy dressed kinda funny, wearing a crown, and acting disoriented, please call the non-emergency number for APD. Tell them to contact the Brothers Grimm in Germany.
Mouf, Roving Reporter
Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda
Mouf and his human companion can be reached via [email protected] [13]. Their stories are collected at AlamedaPost.com/Jeff-Cambra/ [14]. All photos and videos by Jeff Cambra.