On Dec. 8, Bryan Schwartz released Scattered among the Nations, a collection of photos and stories from the world’s most isolated Jewish communities.

From all of us at FAAS, we wish you a joyous holiday season. 

Nearly all discussions of the housing crisis in Alameda seem to rest squarely on the slippery shoulders of ambiguity.

As a longtime Alameda resident and property owner, I’ve watched with great sadness what is happening in our community as the housing crisis worsens in the Bay Area. It is unfair to take advantage of market shifts by disrupting tenants, especially the disadvantaged and elderly.

From past experience I propose a possible solution to Alameda’s rent issue. With about 12 years on the rent review board in Vallejo, with two years as chairman, I know Vallejo’s ordinance could be used for renters and landlords in Alameda as it has been for properties in Vallejo. 

Since at least 2000, with the city’s visioning process, the gateways to Alameda, particularly the one at the intersection of Park Street and Blanding Avenue, have been recognized as very important and deserving of special architectural treatment.

Corporate America, in its beneficence, infinite wisdom and noble pursuit of perpetual profit, has finally created a holiday truly worth celebrating, a holiday that honors what really matters: acquisition. This holiday — currently known as Black Friday — will now be called “Thanksgetting.” 

Reprinted with permission
“Still, a man hears what he wants to hear, and disregards the rest.”

Part two of two

When I was a kid in grammar school, Nov. 11 was called Armistice Day. And at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, our teacher would have everyone stand and be quiet for a minute.