An author talk for The Strength of Water, Techs on Deck aboard the USS Hornet, Diwali Celebration, Neon Walking Tour, and a Beer and Sushi Pairing
You snooze, you lose! All of our featured events for the week are one-day-only, so be sure to mark your calendars. On Thursday, November 13, join author Karin K. Jensen for a discussion of her book The Strength of Water: An Asian American Coming of Age Memoir at Books Inc. Science- and technology-lovers of all ages are invited to board the USS Hornet on Saturday, November 15, for free pizza, career discussions, and demonstrations at Techs on Decks. That evening, join Rhythmix Cultural Works for the family-friendly Diwali Celebration. On Sunday, November 16, the very popular Alameda Neon Walking Tour is back for another beautiful and historic stroll. And for a new culinary adventure, check out the Beer and Sushi Pairing at Admiral Maltings on Wednesday, November 19.
Author Talk: The Strength of Water
Thursday, November 13
Join author Karin K. Jensen to discuss her award-winning book The Strength of Water: An Asian American Coming of Age Memoir, on Thursday, November 13, at Books Inc., 1344 Park Street. The discussion begins at 5:30 p.m.
“Each of us embarks on a journey to find a sense of belonging, a sense of where we fit into the world. When you’re an immigrant, or an immigrant daughter, that story is so much more challenging—sometimes epic,” Karin K. Jensen said in an interview with Gene Kahane about the book. Follow the remarkable story of Karin’s mother as she navigates an unfriendly world and seeks her American dream.
Reserve a spot for free online. Books are available for purchase at Books Inc., and Karin will be signing copies at the event.
Techs on Decks at the USS Hornet
Saturday, November 15
What could be better than science with free pizza? Join the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum for Techs on Decks on Saturday, November 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students and teachers get free admission to this special event. And, yes—there’s free pizza from Domino’s while supplies last.
Attendees are welcome to explore interactive experiences, meet with real life science and technology innovators, and learn about internships and early career paths in the sciences. Visitors can expect a wide variety of exhibits, including multiple drone demonstrations throughout the day.
See the full list of the event’s STEM educators and get a sneak peek of the day’s special demonstrations online. The USS Hornet is docked at 707 W West Hornet Avenue. If you have any questions, please call the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum at 510-521-8448 or email [email protected].
Family Friendly Diwali Celebration with Non Stop Bhangra
Saturday, November 15
Non Stop Bhangra is back for a vibrant celebration of India’s Festival of Lights at Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Avenue. The Family Friendly Diwali Celebration is set for Saturday, November 15, from 4:30 until 7 p.m.
Guests are invited to get creative with arts and crafts until 6 p.m. Indian food, drinks, and beautiful henna art will be available for purchase. At 6 p.m., Non Stop Bhangra will host a dance lesson, dance performances, and open floor dance party. Don’t miss the photo ops to capture the magic of the evening.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in their “brightest and most festive attire.” Reserve your spot online in advance. Tickets are $19 for children ages 12 and under, and $29 for adults. A $4 service fee is included in the ticket price.

Alameda Neon Walking Tour
Sunday, November 16
Since the early 1900s, neon lights have been dazzling viewers around the world and creating recognizable landmarks for restaurants, theaters, and cities as a whole. Take a stroll to visit the island’s neon signs at the Alameda Neon Walking Tour on Sunday, November 16, beginning at 5 p.m. The tour begins at 2305 Santa Clara Avenue in front of the John S. Towata “Flowers” sign.
The popular tours are conducted by San Francisco Neon, a self-described “tiny not-for-profit organization that advocates for the artistic legacy of historic neon signs: an enduring archive of design, craft, community, and city history.” SF Neon will lead tourgoers on a twilight stroll through quiet neighborhoods and past the commercial buildings of Alameda, complete with notes on history, architecture, and vintage signs.
These tours sell out quickly. Reserve your ticket for $37.05 ASAP. If you can’t make it on Sunday, keep an eye on the SF Neon tours page and join the mailing list for tours on the island and beyond. Tours in Alameda are few and far between, but they tend to pop up about once a year.
Beer and Sushi Pairing
Wednesday, November 19
Yes, you read that correctly! Mark your calendars for the Beer and Sushi Pairing on Wednesday, November 19, at The Rake at Admiral Maltings, 651A West Tower Avenue. The adventure for your taste buds is set for 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Delicious sushi will be provided by Kaz Matsune, the Founder of Breakthrough Sushi. The San Francisco-based catering and culinary company has been specializing in sushi since 2012. Sugoi Brewing—a new Asian-inspired craft brewing company—will provide their signature beers. The mouthwatering combinations, including a kumquat saison with miso-glazed black cod, are sure to impress.
Reserve your spot in advance online. Tickets are $48 plus a processing fee. Check out the five-course pairing menu, and get ready for a delicious weeknight outing.
What else is going on in Alameda?
All these events and more, in Alameda and beyond, are always posted on our online Events Calendar. Post yours, too, for free!
Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Amanda-Laird. Reach her at [email protected].








