On Dec. 6, the Alameda Rotary Club announced the 17 recipients of their Community Service Grants for non-profit organizations in Alameda as part of its annual Season of Giving. The photo depicts John L. Lipp, executive director of the Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter, aka FAAS, expressing his thanks for this year’s grant as Alameda County Assessor, Phong La, looks on. Other recipients included the Alameda Music Project, Lincoln Middle School band, Building Futures, Rhythmix Cultural Works, Alameda Museum, Alameda Education Fund, Operation Dignity, Frank Bette Center for the Arts, Girls, Inc., Bike Walk Alameda, Alameda Boys & Girls Club, Friends of Alameda Parks & Recreation, Students on the Set, REAP Center, Alameda Backyard Growers, and Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda.