The Paradise, Calif., dead were found in burned-out cars, in the smoldering ruins of their homes or next to their vehicles, apparently overcome by smoke and flames. As of this writing, the death toll from the Camp Fire in Butte County is 85, while the number of people unaccounted for is now 11. The blaze is now fully contained after consuming more than 149,500 acres. Rain helps.
The requirement that mortgage payers must buy flood insurance for their lenders is obviously illegal. In most scenarios, that would not wash. Consider: Somebody on Bay Farm Island wanted to sell a house and somebody else wanted to buy it, but didn’t have enough money. A lender came forward and a real estate agent facilitated the transaction. The bank bought the house from the seller and now has the deed.
Alamedans might appreciate learning that Hanukah, an annual Jewish holiday — commemorated this year from Dec. 3 to Dec. 10 — varies from its popular image. While it can include gift-giving, it is not the Jewish counterpart of Christmas, and its history is deeper than its happy child-pleasing fable about sacred lamp oil miraculously lasting eight days.
Rather, Hanukah is a consequential event without which we might not today have Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Join Mayor Trish Spencer and Santa when they light the official Island holiday tree this Saturday at City Hall. Enjoy live holiday performances at the Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony beginning at 4:30 p.m. and meet the big guy himself. Afterwards, do the Hot Cocoa Crawl with family and friends, enjoy sweets and treats and vote on your favorite downtown holiday window display.
While strolling the district, enjoy these special offers and activities:
Happy Holidays, Alameda! Visit the shops and restaurants on Webster Street on Saturdays and enjoy free parking through December when you shop, eat and enjoy Webster Street.
The West Alameda Business Association (WABA) enjoyed a great kick-off to the holidays at a Community Meet and Greet held at Beacon Business Bank on Nov. 28. Maria Gallo, Manager, hosted the event inviting members of Alameda’s Business Associations: Downtown, Greater, WABA and the Chamber of Commerce.
