Mutant turkeys invade Alameda??
This reporter didn’t have time to obtain the full-on genetic test results to determine if the birds I spotted on Alameda Avenue between Lafayette and Union streets were mutant turkeys from the Alameda population, or an invasive species that crossed over one of the bridges. Either way, there’s no reason to panic at this point, but I hope that Aco Alaina will investigate this discovery and take appropriate action before any kind of breeding takes place.
As I reported last week, the City restriped Park Street to add in bike lanes and better define where cars could legally park. And, I suggested that Public Works might need to do some educational enforcement to be sure everyone was aware of the changes. Well, this week the City doubled down on its notification efforts by painting red zones in various sections of Park Street to be sure all drivers were aware of the areas where they cannot park. The added red zone worked for the most part with a few exceptions.
According to California Vehicle Code §21211, the proscribed fine for blocking a bike lane is $238 and one point on the driver’s DMV record. The suggested fine for parking in a red zone is $80.00. DoorDash and GrubHub drivers beware!
I wonder what the parking folks will do about these two scofflaws in the bike lane?
The City took additional steps to further define the uses of certain parking locations by adding yellow loading zones, and I was especially happy to see the blue curb to provide some parking for mobility challenged shoppers.
I also want to give a high four to the crew building the Burma Superstar parklet. They are doing a great job. I love the planter box dividers, wood siding, and the design elements on the pony wall. I am hoping my human companion will take me there for a dinner someday soon. In the meantime, I recommend all you humans head down and enjoy the new digs and great food.
After I posted about the restoration of the former AT&T building on Central Avenue, I was directed to the Facebook page for the California Historic Radio Society for additional info.
Apparently, the organization received a $30,000 façade grant from the City of Alameda to cover a portion of the cost of the restoration. I will keep folks updated as the project proceeds.
And speaking of progress on projects, Day 3 of the Great Deck Project at my house saw the installation of the support joists for the deck boards. I watched the Larsen Builders team cut, mount, and level each piece of lumber with precision and accuracy. They are doing a great job. Maybe Boeing should consider hiring these guys.
With as much walking as I do, I see a lot of items put out on the curb as giveaways. I spotted a white computer table placed in the planting strip mid-block of Alameda Avenue near Grand Street. A few days later, I noticed that someone had added some items to give away. I chuckled when I read the note containing a piece of advice on how to get rid of the table.
As promised, I did a walk by of Ross Steffner’s family home when they lived at 1809 Central Avenue. I am sure it has changed since you lived there, and I hope seeing it brings back some great childhood memories. If you want me to take a pic of your Alameda house and include it in a Walk By feature, just email my human companion, and he will set it up.
Finally, while I do not want to fixate on my human companion’s obsession with digging out all the roots from the tree that got removed over a year ago, I just want people to know exactly how serious this condition has become. On Wednesday, he started to plant another tomato plant, hit a root, and for the next two and a half days proceeded to dig like a badger on meth excavating the “root” of all evil.
He did manage to get a good portion of the tangled web removed, but then limped around for another two days with shoulder, back, and leg pain from overexertion. It was a pretty sad state of affairs, and I did feel sorry for him, but I still made him do the full walk schedule. After all, I have a job to do.
The weather next week is going to be in the low 80s, my human companion recommends heading to Asena Restaurant for their Fresh Fava Bean Crostini Appetizer and a glass of chilled Albariño. After dinner, take a walk on Alameda Avenue and stop off at 1221 Grand Street. There is a low hedge of night blooming jasmine that smells delightful. It makes me wish there was a scratch and sniff feature for the internet.
As for me, I will be hanging out in the basement on the cool concrete slab floor.
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.
