From the New York Knicks winning their first NBA championship in 53 years and the exuberant celebrations that followed, to soccer teams from around the world converging on North America to compete in World Cup 2026—including the US Men’s National Team making a surprisingly strong showing (I hope I haven’t jinxed anything by saying that)—we have collectively experienced what New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said after the Knicks’ massive ticker-tape parade: “What a gift it is to be brought together by pure, unfiltered joy.”
Even Alameda is playing a part in World Cup 2026, with the Australian Socceroos choosing the Oakland Roots and Soul facility at the Harbor Bay Business Park as their “base training camp.” The Socceroos players, staff. and Australian fans report enjoying the hospitality and friendliness of our island community.
As Mayor of a “team base camp” city, I was invited to attend the recent Australia-Paraguay match at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. From the minute I boarded Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor train at Oakland’s Jack London Square station until we arrived at the stadium 55 minutes later, the atmosphere on the standing-room-only train was “pure, unfiltered joy.” Almost everyone was wearing a team jersey, (I wore my Socceroos’ yellow and green jersey); some added face paint, hats, wigs and, my favorite, waved inflatable kangaroos (looking at you, Team Australia fans). Best of all was the camaraderie—a good-natured group of people chatting with each other, talking to strangers.
These days it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the non-stop barrage of alarming news of war, disaster, crises, and more, but try to find moments of “pure, unfiltered joy,” to “recharge your batteries.” Say hello to a stranger, strike up a conversation, because we can all use more camaraderie in our lives.
Beach troubles
Speaking of camaraderie, Alameda is a welcoming city, and we want residents and visitors to enjoy our beautiful beaches and shoreline. However, recent large, unlawful, and unruly gatherings at South Shore beach have created risk of serious injury to participants, as well as innocent bystanders. As a result, on June 27, the Alameda Police Department (APD), in collaboration with East Bay Regional Park District Police and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, employed a proactive, intelligence-led response to a planned, unpermitted event. This successful approach ensured that residents, visitors, and families were able to enjoy Alameda’s beaches, and neighboring businesses, without disruption.
If necessary, we are prepared to employ this proactive planning and inter-agency collaboration again, to ensure that Alameda residents and visitors have a safe, enjoyable summer.
Please report public safety concerns to APD’s non-emergency line at 510-337-8340, or call 911 if you or someone else is in immediate danger of physical harm.
4th of July—what we celebrate
This year, as we celebrate our nation’s founding 250 years ago with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, let us reflect on, and resolve to defend, the democratic principles this country was founded upon. Let’s also remember that the “American Experiment” to form a more perfect union is ongoing, and we all have a role to play.
While Alameda’s 4th of July Parade won’t be quite as well attended as the Knicks’ massive ticker-tape parade down Broadway (and no hanging from light posts, please), we can claim to host the longest 4th of July parade in the nation. This will also be my last 4th of July parade as Mayor—and it has been an incredible honor to serve you these past eight years. Be sure to wave as I ride by on my (Alameda Bicycle loaner) e-bike. Happy 4th of July!
Find some pure, unfiltered joy! Defend democracy—VOTE! Stay Alameda Strong!
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the Mayor of the City of Alameda. Reach her at [email protected].
