With the holiday season in the rearview mirror, the West Alameda Business Association (WABA) is excited to see multiple new businesses emerging on Webster Street. Donut Petit is days away from opening its doors. For those who have been marveling at their beautiful new shop located at 711 Santa Clara Ave. the wait is almost over. They will be serving up an array of gourmet donuts and coffee in a sweet cafe setting.
In Alameda Restaurant Week is so good, it takes place over 10 days — Thursday, Jan. 16, to Sunday, Jan. 26. At the week’s kickoff event, Jan. 16, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., representatives from seven local bars will compete for the title of Alameda’s Master Mixologist 2020! Proceeds from each ticket go to the Alameda Food Bank.
Local bartenders will showcase their talent creating craft cocktails with local and selected spirits. Guests — adults older than 21, of course — will sample each of the cocktails and cast their votes for Master Mixologist 2020. Tickets cost $20 to $25.
The Alameda Island Poets’ first meeting of 2020, Wednesday, Jan. 8, from 7 to 9 p.m., will feature Charles Curtis Blackwell reading from Past Fascination: Cut to the Bone Real Love Poems and Alamedan Mary Loughran reading from her newly published first book, Scone Mix in a Brown Paper Bag: the Early Years. The group’s monthly events are hosted by Nanette Deetz and Alameda Poet Laureate Cathy Dana.
Note: the poets usually gather on the first Wednesday of the month, but this month’s reading was changed due to New Year’s Day.
Edwina Phillips — also known as “Rock & Roll” and Roxanne Cai — wears both a cape and an apron at Webster Street’s new sweet spot — Superhero Desserts. In 2011 Edwina and her husband Mark — also known as “NightBug” — launched the San Francisco chapter of the Initiative. Dedicated to going out and doing good for the community, The Initiative is a grass-roots group effort run entirely by volunteers. The group organizes: community patrols, homeless outreach events, needle cleanups and self-defense classes.
Drop by the Island City’s West End this year to discover that special something for that special somone. Webster Street has much to offer when it comes to finding those “off the beaten track” gifts family and friends haven’t yet seen. For example:
October was a busy month at the West Alameda Business Association (WABA). We hosted our annual membership meeting and board elections. Congratulations to Daniel Hoy and Elie Zgheib of Grocery Outlet who were both re-elected to serve an additional three-year term on the board.
The USS Hornet Museum will host its annual Veterans Day ceremony Monday, Nov. 11, with a series of speakers, events, tours and other fun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The formal program begins with the USS Hornet Big Band performing from 10 to 11 a.m. Bill Fee Boatswain (Ret), USS Hornet crew member 1968, will welcome the audience at 11 a.m. and lead the ceremony. BSA Troop No. 152 of Oakley will present the color guard while the USS Hornet Big Band performs the Star Spangled Banner.
A new marketplace will open for one day at the Hangar 1 Distillery, 2505 Monarch St., on Alameda Point. Called “Head West” the distillery plays host to a blend of makers, crafters, designers, small brands, local shops, creative installation artists, speciality service providers and local charities displaying their wares and services.
Head West founder and curator Jimmy Brower also owns West Perro — a desert-inspired lifestyle brand based in Oakland.
This month is slated to be a busy one on Webster Street. On Wednesday, Oct. 23, the West Alameda Business Association (WABA) will host the annual board of directors election and membership meeting. Join us for tasty bites courtesy of Cafe Jolie and mingle with fellow business owners.
The fifth annual Alameda “Blues, Brews & BBQ” festival, presented by the West End Arts & Entertainment takes place this Sunday, Sept. 15, from noon to 6 p.m. The festival on Alameda’s historic Webster Street between Central and Santa Clara avenues features award-winning blues bands, barbecue vendors competing for prizes, craft vendors and a kids zone. The event is free, family and pet friendly.
