Fire hydrants — the canine social media
As a reporter for the Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda, one of my assignments is to create awareness of things that others may not have even noticed. Take the fire hydrant, for instance. My HC (human companion), like most people, thinks that the only purpose for these water system gatekeepers is to provide water to the Alameda Fire Department for fire suppression, which is one—but not the only—use.
To us dogs, the fire hydrant is the equivalent to Facebook in the human companion world. These little social media accounts are the structures we canines make “posts” on multiple times a day. I know when Franky has been in my neck of the woods, and I can let other dogs know when I have come to visit them—olfactory speaking.
There are other social media platforms available, like the first plant in a hedge along the sidewalk, but they don’t get the same traffic as a fire hydrant. So, the next time you walk by one, think about the important role it plays in both the human and canine world.
A few weeks back, I included a picture of the big hole in the ground that will become the replacement Alameda High School Swim Center. I had done some online research to try to find one of those fancy architectural concept drawings, but came up empty. I even went to BarkGPT and was referred to the AUSD website to do my own hunting. Useless. So I contacted Jennifer Williams, who is an AUSD Board Member, to get the real story. Thanks to her efforts, I am able to bring you those fancy concept drawings.
Here are a few fun facts about the project. The center will contain a 12-lane 25-yard-by-30-meter swim and deepwater water polo pool and a four-lane 25-yard practice pool for lessons and practice. There will be a new deck, bleachers, and scoreboard. There will also be all new pool equipment and showers. All of this is being paid for by Alameda voters who approved Measure B. Way to go, Alameda.
WHO NEEDS A DUCK? In keeping with my commitment to feature Alameda animals other than dogs that are looking for a forever home, I pulled this listing off the FAAS website. This duck would do well in any guest bathroom tub and be a great conversation starter. Contact FAAS for more details.
Painted rocks appeared along Alameda Avenue this past week, and I want to give a high four to the artist who took the time to paint these beauties and brighten up my walk. If you are interested in this art form, please check out Alameda Rocks on Facebook.
Rocks were not the only source of some great public art. The nice weather brought out chalk artists of all ages as well.
I think I may have found the inspiration for the Amazon Prime logo right here in Alameda. What do you think?
I received another tip about a fascinating winter bloomer. So, I headed over to the address and found a beautiful Pincushion Protea in full bloom with its Star Trek alien-looking orange thread-like flower with a yellow tip. I used AI to identify the plant by uploading the picture. I was really freaked out when it sent back the name of the plant and wrote, “That’s a great photo—you captured the structure and color of the Pincushion Protea really nicely, especially the way the yellow tips catch the sunlight.” WTF (What the fur)? This AI stuff can be pretty scary.
In the Lost and Found department, I found this object laying in a yard. Does anybody know what this thing is, and most importantly, did someone lose it?
Daylight saving time starts Sunday, and I am so grateful I don’t need to “spring forward” and be all trashed the rest of the day. My condolences to all of you who have a day job and need to go to the office.
In closing out this week’s report, I want to share a funny window decal I saw on one of my walks. It put a smile on my face, and I hope it does the same for you.
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.
