2025 was an especially busy news year for the Alameda Post. Remember when that whale washed up on the shore of Crown Beach on Easter? Or when the historic flying boat, Philippine Mars, landed at its former base along its final journey? How about when the Foodbank Players performed an immersive Great Gatsby down the alley behind Daisy’s Mercantile? Below, we look back at some of the biggest, most interesting, and popular stories that defined this year.
January
News:
Alameda Businesses Hit by Rash of Holiday Season Burglaries
A series of break-ins and burglaries braced Alameda businesses for impact. Jean Chen and Ken Der took a tour of the damages and talked with local businesses about the string of crimes.
Features:
The Alameda Guide to Dim Sum
Did you know that dim sum is served every day at lunch at five restaurants here in Alameda? Jean Chen shared her experiences at all five eateries, including price, ambiance, and a beginner-friendly guide to ordering the bite-sized delicacies.
February
News:
Alameda Reaffirms Sanctuary City Policy
Following a rally at City Hall, the City of Alameda issued a public statement regarding their status as a Sanctuary City. Kelsey Goeres reported that Alameda is “committed to upholding the Constitution and ensuring a safe community for everyone, consistent with the City’s Sanctuary City policy.”
Features:
Community Gathers to Celebrate Queer Teen Alameda Center
On February 10, the basement of the Veteran’s Building was packed for the Queer Teen Alameda Center’s (QTAC) Open House. Alameda County Supervisor Lena Tam also presented a $10,000 check to Alameda Pride!
March
News:
Council Addresses Controversial Sister City Proposal, Fernside, and OAK
The March 18 City Council meeting went past midnight due to a controversial discussion. Karin K. Jensen reported, “Fifty public speakers expressed strong opinions on whether the City should form a sister city relationship with the village of Wadi Foquin in the Palestinian Territories.”
Features:
GrannyCon Descends on Park Street to Raise Funds for Breast Cancer Prevention
In caftans and curlers, hats and hosiery, cardigans and kerchiefs, gaggles of grannies gathered on Park Street on International Women’s Day for GrannyCon, a fundraiser for breast cancer prevention.
April
News:
Hands Off! Alamedans Gather at City Hall to Protest Trump Administration
More than 1,000 people gathered at Alameda City Hall and marched along Park Street demanding “Hands Off” to federal actions and policies on April 5, 2025. Sindhu Ananthavel reported from the rally and march.
Features:
USS Hornet Attracts New Audience with VFleet
The USS Hornet is employing a new, creative strategy to stay afloat and engage with younger audiences. Jean Chen talked with Marketing Manager Gabriel Cherry about the VFleet Project, which utilizes online entertainers as virtual avatars to connect with fans about the ship, history, and gaming.
May
News:
Nuclear Fusion Facility Proposal Sparks Community Reaction
Pacific Fusion, a clean energy startup, identified Alameda Point as a possible site to build a new 12-acre headquarters facility to advance nuclear fusion research and development. Ken Der attended a town hall meeting on May 1 to report City representatives’ and community members’ opinions.
Features:
Women’s 50+ Walking Group Builds Health and Community
For the past two years, women age 50 and above who live in Alameda and surrounding areas have been coming together to walk with the Alameda 50+ Women’s Walking Group, Kelly Rogers Flynt wrote. The group hosts a variety of walks and now boasts 2,200 members—and counting.
June
News:
Alameda on List of Sanctuary Cities Targeted by Trump Administration
Alameda may be at risk of losing federal funding after being named in a Department of Homeland Security list. Karin K. Jensen explored immigration and Alameda’s Sanctuary City status, and spoke with Public Information Officer Sarah Henry about the City’s compliance with federal and state laws.
Features:
Remembering Weezie Mott: Alameda’s Beloved Culinary Teacher
“Weezie Mott, Alameda’s beloved cooking instructor, passed away on April 9 in the home where she taught classes for over 40 years,” Jean Chen wrote. “She was 102 years old and is remembered fondly by the many home cooks who came to her residence on Dayton Avenue to learn how to cook.”
July
News:
How the One Big Beautiful Bill Is Affecting the Alameda Food Bank
The One Big Beautiful Bill “is impacting the equation on both sides,” Alameda Food Bank Executive Director Teale Harden told Jean Chen. “We’re having fewer resources from the federal government, but we’re also anticipating more need because of other actions being taken.”
Features:
New FAAS CEO Adrien Abuyen is Helping Pets and People
FAAS warmly welcomed Adrien Abuyen as their new CEO in June. His unique perspective highlights the big picture of our community, including both people and animals. Adrien told the Post, “Where the animals are, so are people in our society. We’re totally intertwined.”
August
News:
Litigation Overload: Alameda Point’s Many CEQA Lawsuits
Since early 2024, two individuals spurred a host of lawsuits regarding the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and leasing disputes for Building 43 Winery, Post staff reported. Check out the timelines of lawsuits, what involved parties had to say, and what it takes to be considered a “vexatious litigant.”
Features:
Magic in the Air at Frank Bette 20th Annual Plein Air Paintout
“This Plein Air Paintout draws both artists and the community together to celebrate all that makes our island beautiful, welcoming, and unique,” Kelly Rogers Flynt wrote. Meet a handful of those talented artists and see how the Frank Bette Center for the Arts is cherishing Alameda.
September
News:
Little League Families Push Back on AUSD Field Fee Increase
Rates for the use of Wood Middle School’s field recently went up for Alameda Little League, inspiring intense backlash from participating families. Kelsey Goeres talked with Alameda Unified School District and Little League parents and leaders to shed light on the controversial change.
Features:
Alameda Is Cheering for the Oakland Ballers
Unlike other sports teams, the Oakland Ballers vow that they are here to stay. “It’s an intimate park, players tend to mingle with fans before and after the game, everyone is smiling, and you know that you’re all there for the same reason—you love baseball,” Liz Barrett wrote.
October
News:
Federal Agents to Operate Out of Alameda Base, City Urges Caution
Federal agents were called to arrive in Alameda for a large-scale immigration enforcement operation. As President Trump continues his enforcement against undocumented immigration, Alameda’s Coast Guard base was chosen to be used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as a “place of operation.”
Features:
Dazzling Displays, Dancers, and Drag at Alameda Pride in the Park
An excited crowd gathered at Chochenyo Park on Saturday, October 11, for an afternoon of celebration and support at Alameda Pride in the Park. Ken Der attended performances, talked to guests and organizers, and shared the story of how attendees peacefully overcame hate.
November
News:
AC Transit Hopes to Address Transbay Overcrowding
Completely full AC Transit Line O buses have been forced to leave hopeful passengers at bus stops. “The overcrowding on Line O is likely attributable to the continuing return-to-office trend in downtown San Francisco, as well as the discontinuation of the Line OX Transbay route,” Ken Der reported.
Features:
ALAMEDUH Launches Print Zine Spotlighting Island Arts and Culture
“I wanted something that was purely dedicated to the beautiful side of the island, the community that lives here, and I couldn’t find that,” said Corinne Avganim Wilk about the launch of the new ALAMEDUH zine. Sindhu Ananthavel joined the party at Two Mary’s Mercantile and chatted with the publisher.
December
News:
“We Fight Back.” Alameda Officials Rally Against VA’s Cancellation of Veterans Projects
At a press conference held on the steps of the Veterans Memorial Building on December 15, 2025, Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft and many other local officials challenged the Department of Veterans Affairs’ decision to cancel plans for a medical clinic and cemetery at Alameda Point.
Features:
Becoming a Tree: Inside the Journey of Alameda’s Tap Dancing Christmas Trees
Since their auditions in the spring, new members of Alameda’s famous Tap Dancing Christmas Trees—known affectionately as “Saplings”—have been hard at work preparing for the holiday season. Kelly Rogers Flynt shared their magical journey to join their companions as fully grown Trees.
Kelsey Goeres is the Managing Editor of the Alameda Post. Contact her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Kelsey-Goeres.
