The Alameda Powerlifting team drove up north in October to the mountainous town of Portola, Calif., to compete at the second annual Plumes Thunder Powerlifting Classic promoted by the American Powerlifting Association.

Crews from Alten Construction company are currently at work on the site of the city’s new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Fire Station No. 3 near the intersection of Grand Street and Buena Vista Avenue.

The local computer sales and service shop Alameda Business Machines (ABM) announced last week that they will serve as a drop-off location for Toys for Tots. 

This holiday season prepare to be transported on a magical journey with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. From the heroic battle against the Mouse King, travel through the Land of the Snowflakes and on to the Kingdom of the Sweets.

Three local poets will release their new poetry books at a special event Friday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. Cathy Dana, Vince Storti and Natica Angilly have new collections of poetry and will read from their books at the monthly Alameda Island Poets meeting at the Frank Bette Center for the Arts (FBCA).

In a unanimous opinion issued Friday, Nov. 13, the California Court of Appeal found the complaint filed by Interim City Manager Ann Marie Gallant in 2011, alleging unlawful termination, was without any merit and dismissed the lawsuit in total.

As the holidays approach, some might be searching for a gift that truly has meaning this year. The American Red Cross reminds us that a simple, potentially lifesaving act can give patients in need another holiday season with loved ones: a blood or platelet donation. 

A festive holiday fundraiser for the Alameda Point Collaborative (APC), a supportive housing community that uses all its resources to help families and individuals break the cycle of homelessness and poverty, has been set for Saturday, Dec. 5, from 1 to 4 p.m. 

Alameda County has extended the High Street Bridge closure hours until 8:30 p.m. to enable timely completion of bridge repairs. The bridge will close to all vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic Friday, Nov. 20 and Monday to Wednesday Nov. 23 to 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The city of Alameda launched a new program recently that will make it easier for Alamedans to report quality-of-life issues and request city services.