VOTE FOR ME (Mouf)
2026 is an election year in Alameda, and I am gearing up the MOUF FOR MAYOR machine—I’ll be launching my campaign shortly. Apparently, I am a bit behind since Tracy Jensen has already indicated she will be seeking the mayor’s seat. In the meantime, I have the opportunity to do some informal polling in the form of winning the Alameda Stars – Best Social Media award.
According to the rules, folks can go to my Alameda Stars page and cast a vote for The Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda once a day. So, I am hoping my devoted readers will take the time to log in to the website each day or two and cast a vote.
A rafter of Alameda’s feathered residents has taken up roosting down the street from my house on Alameda Avenue. So every morning and evening I watch the march to the big tree. I have covered the strutting toms and aerial maneuvers in past reports, but on Tuesday, I watched in awe as two of these guys walked the utility-line tightrope and perched on flimsy tree branches. Nature is amazing.
The beginning of a new year marks the citrus season, and Alameda yards are full of lemon, lime, and orange trees filled with brightly colored fruit that lift my spirits even on gray days.
Public art took center stage this week as I walked by the Blue Dot Café to check out the ongoing fabric installation and on another walk I found a painted rock reminding people to be kind. Can someone from Alameda Island Rocks let me know what you have planned for 2026?
I found two cases of ramen on the street, which reminded me of the great need for donations to our Alameda Food Bank. If you have extra food, please consider dropping it off at their new facility at 677 West Ranger Avenue on Alameda Point, rather than on a street corner.
And speaking of donations, the Friends of the Alameda Free Library accepts donations for their book sale. So, the library is a great place to rehome those extra books. Plus, you’ll be helping to support our library! Here is the link to the page that describes how to donate.
As you know, Halloween is my jam, so I was overjoyed to find this truck with a skeleton hanging on to its ladder. There’s only nine months till Halloween 2026, and I already have my costume planned. Just need to figure out how to build it.
Looking ahead, Valentine’s Day is on Saturday, February 14, and provides Alameda residents with a great opportunity to be overcharged for flowers and candy or be shoehorned into an overbooked restaurant providing a prix fixe menu served by overworked staff. So much stress. My recommendation is to buy some high-value treats at normal prices and spend the evening with your furry cuddle buddy binging something from Netflix.
Be sure to catch next Sunday’s report. There is a big celebration in the works. More to follow.
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.
