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Alameda Community Radio adding to local discussion

Alameda residents seeking information on local issues can benefit from listening to the new online radio program, Alameda Community Radio's (ACR) News & Views; its fourth show is in production this week.

The first show featured City Auditor Kevin Kearney and City Treasurer Kevin Kennedy discussing the city's finances. ("The Two Kevins' Air Concerns on Public Radio," Sept. 15) The second show remembered 9/11 with residents Barry Schutz and Karen Lee sharing how events that day changed their lives: they left Washington D.C., married, and moved to Alameda.

Longtime resident and artist Michael McDonald also remembered the day two Secret Service agents showed up on his doorstep, threatening to arrest him for his artistic interpretation of the ensuing War on Terror. Today, McDonald can be found restoring the former Black & White liquor store's long-covered mural advertisement for the precursor to Mug root beer at Haight Avenue and Webster Street.

This week's show reviews the Mif Albright golf course land swap: What is it? Who is involved? And, what's the big deal? Radio staff have noticed the majority of residents talked to for the radio show disapprove of this "land swap"; results of a recent Alameda Sun poll reflect this as well.

The only proponents of the deal seem to be the city council and Ron Cowan. Listeners may hear residents' views, and then share their viewpoints when the topic comes before city council again.

For now, ACR is an Internet-based station: access to a computer and the Internet is required to hear the broadcast. Those without access who are more than 50 years old can listen between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the Mastick Senior Center's Computer Lab.

Log onto the Internet for ACR's blog — http://alamedacommunity radio.org — click on the Listen page, review the list of shows, and click on any link provided to download a show. It may take a minute or two for the show to play.

Or email alamedacommunity This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to request a CD. ACR approached Alameda Free Library management to suggest setting up a listening station in the main branch.

For the long-term, ACR is applying to the FCC for a low-power FM license. Alameda once had a broadcast station — KJAZ — and the time has come for another.

Learn more about ACR: http:// alamedacommunityradio.org; contact Susan Galleymore to comment on News & Views or to suggest other venues where ACR might set up listening stations: alameda This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or leave a message at 545-8865.