Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda for October 22, 2023
Given the time of year, you would think that I was stating the obvious. However, given that it is the Halloween season and things are expected to be weird by “normal” standards, there are things going on that are weird even by Halloween standards—let alone the average day in Alameda.
For example, these weird large coils of black wire have been appearing on utility poles all over the island. They have been coiled up in different configurations and left hanging there. I was concerned because it looks like they are being held up by strips of bed sheets. What’s the deal?
Another coincidence that seems mystifying is the appearance of bird cages on the street. I found one on the corner of Alameda Avenue at Paru Street. As of this morning, it was still there if anyone needs a cage.
Then, along Central Avenue near Lafayette Street, there is an homage to La Cage aux Folles or “The Cage Falls” in English. (Editor’s note: Mouf needs to brush up on his French.) This one is pretty high up, and you will need a ladder if you want to get this one.
Finally on the list of semi-unnatural occurrences taking place on the island is the disappearance of most of the water in the lagoons. I thought the drought was officially over.
Ok, enough about weird poop going on. Let’s get back to some good old fashioned Halloween stuff.
There are two really nice yard displays on Santa Clara Avenue between Chapin and Benton Streets that are worth checking out, especially at night. One is a scary werewolf and the other is a horse drawn cart with lighted skeletons and sinister looking pumpkins.
On the lighter side of Halloween decorations, I found a skeleton of one of Alameda’s multi-generational residents still sporting their “ALAMEDA” baseball cap and sitting on the porch guarding the front lawn.
The lighted pumpkin tree on Alameda Avenue is up and running, and I found a car with a license plate that is so appropriate for this time of year.
Finally, we have all heard the warning about texting while driving. For Halloween and beyond, that warning should be extended to all witches. Please don’t text and fly!
I have received a bunch of tips about places to check out Halloween decorations. I want to thank everyone who has sent in an address. I am planning on hitting the streets this week in a major way to check them all out. If you find a great Alameda display, please send the address to [email protected] or DM my human companion by Wednesday.
I just met with my editor, who told me he wants to put out a BEV special report at the end of the week featuring the best Halloween decorations on the island so that residents could use it as a guide for touring on the last weekend before Halloween. Check back on Friday.
If you haven’t done so, I suggest you head down to the store and get your holiday candy now to beat the rush. Remember to keep chocolate and products containing Xylitol out of the reach of my canine friends.
Be safe,
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.
