In 1973 I was a reporter for a small town California newspaper. One of my jobs that year was to read “Dear Santa” letters that children sent to the newspaper and select the best ones for publication.
Most letters asked Santa to only bring toys for the letter writers. In my 14-year newspaper career I read many such letters. But that one year, one letter stood out. It was from two younger sisters of a 12-year-old. The younger sisters didn’t ask Santa for a single present for themselves.
Oakland International Airport (OAK) recently announced FedEx and UPS have entered their holiday peak season schedules. During peak season scheduling more cargo aircraft arrivals and departures from Runway 30 will take place through Saturday, Jan. 9, between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
The Port of Oakland apologized in advance for any disturbances or increase in aircraft noise. Aircraft noise concerns may be directed to OAK’s Noise Hotline at 563-6463 or avincident@portoakland.com.
Since the holiday season comes but once a year, while good cheer and celebration is the focus, these celebrations cause trash bins to fill up with extra waste. This year, don’t be so quick to toss everything in the trash, because a lot of items can be recycled, and remember, Santa is watching. Don’t end up on the naughty recycling list.
Donna Eyestone (right) and her 11-year-old daughter, Emma, have created the seventh in a series of Alameda gingerbread replicas. This year’s creation is the Crab Cove Visitors Center on McKay Avenue.
In past years, Donna and Emma created gingerbread versions of the Park Street Bridge, the Croll’s building on Webster Street, Park Street, Alameda City Hall, Alameda Theatre & Cineplex; and the Alameda Main Library.
Recently the news has been full of reports about terror and violence. The cause is often ethnic and religious differences. For a refreshing change of pace, here is some good news about our youth here in the East End of Alameda.
A native California wild turkey found its way to the Island City just in time for Thanksgiving dinner. It seems colder weather might attract the birds closer to the relative warmth of the bay waters as nearly every winter these turkeys pay a visit. This turkey, expectantly waiting for Jeeves to open the car door, poked around Eagle Avenue last weekend. Sun publisher Eric J. Kos reports seeing a bird in his neighborhood Saturday. “There was a turkey just hanging out in someone’s front yard on Paru Street near Franklin Park,” said Kos. “I see them up in the hills while hiking, too.”
From all of us at FAAS, we wish you a joyous holiday season.
As the holidays approach, many pet parents are looking forward to including their furry family members in their festivities. From holiday decorating to family get-togethers, dogs and cats alike are often part of the joyful celebration. Taking a few tips into consideration will help to keep your pets safe and avoid uninvited consequences during special social gatherings.
It wouldn’t be Christmas in Alameda without Alameda Civic Ballet’s Nutcracker.
Alameda Civic Ballet (ACB) is celebrating its 10th annual production of a full-length Nutcracker ballet by bringing Marena Pérez and Carlos Madera to Alameda.
They will be dancing the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier in Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet in performances at 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20 and 21, at Kofman Auditorium, 2200 Central Ave.
The Alameda Collaborative for Children, Youth and their Families, Alameda Unifed School District (AUSD), Alameda Food Bank, Alameda Red Cross Youth and other community organizations are once again working in partnership with the U.S Marine Corps Toys For Tots program to assure that all low-income Alameda families receive Holiday Toys for their children.
The Alameda Women's Nine Hole Golf Club held its Holiday Party at Pier 29 on Friday, Dec. 9 where members collected donations for Toys for Tots and food for the Alameda Food Bank.
