The Encinal High Drama Department is currently presenting the mega opus extravaganza: Hairspray.

Based on the 1988 John Waters film of the same name, this musical is ostensibly centered on 1960s-style dance music and “downtown” rhythm and blues; but don’t be fooled.

The concept that particular foods promote healthier hearts is not new. It is a fact that a well-balanced nutritional diet contributes to good health throughout a lifetime.

For those of us who eschew the infamous Irish drinking culture, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations might be a wee bit boring.

Games, booths, prizes (gold fish and more), face painting, mask making, the Shushan Saloon and the Shushan Deli are a few of the fun and delicious activities taking place this Sunday, March 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Temple Israel of Alameda’s world famous Temple Purim.

The Alameda Post Office swore in a new Postmaster last Friday, March 7, at its 2200 Shore Line Drive location.

Alameda celebrated the "Year of the Horse" at the Spring Festival held at Harbor Bay Landing Shopping Center last Saturday.

The Google-owned wind energy company, Makani Power, has announced it will expand its presence at Alameda Point. Google has renewed Makani’s lease for up to 21 years with an additional 110,000 square feet of industrial space in a former naval airplane hangar.

Alameda author and editor Julia Park Tracey annouced Monday her latest book in The Doris Diaries series: Reaching for the Moon won the grand prize at the Great Northwest Book Festival, which honors the best titles of the late winter and early spring season.

Managers of Alameda’s Harbor Bay and Main Street ferry services and city officials are hosting a pair of public hearings this month to gauge riders’ interest in increasing service and to discuss ways to improve access to both terminals.

Part one in a series