Category Archives: City Hall

Election reform?

Posted on April 14, 2024 by Robert Sullwold

Will there ever be “election reform” in Alameda? If you’re talking about ranked‑choice voting, the answer is (probably), not any time soon. But if you’re talking about district elections, the answer is a qualified maybe – but not for the … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, Firefighters | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

The bank of Alameda

Posted on February 25, 2024 by Robert Sullwold

A few weeks ago, the Chronicle ran a story about the financial trials and tribulations of Firebrand Artisan Breads, the “socially conscious” bakery that opened a café at Alameda Point last June. There was the wage theft lawsuit filed by … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, Development | Tagged , , , , , , , | 22 Comments

Alameda pays its union dues

Posted on January 28, 2024 by Robert Sullwold

2023 was a banner year for organized labor. First came the auto workers represented by the UAW, who won a contract with the Big Three automakers providing for a series of raises totaling 25 percent over the next four years.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Budget, City Hall, Firefighters | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Andrew Thomas: The exit interview (Part II)

Posted on January 14, 2024 by Robert Sullwold

If you’re interested in seeing how the transportation system in Alameda has evolved during the 20+ years Andrew Thomas has worked for the City planning department, power up your camera‑equipped drone and take a flight over the island.

Posted in City Hall, Development, Housing | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Andrew Thomas: The exit interview (Part I)

Posted on January 7, 2024 by Robert Sullwold

The Merry‑Go‑Round will begin 2024 with a bit of hyperbole: In the last 20 years, no one has had a greater impact on the “built environment” of the city of Alameda than Andrew Thomas.

Posted in Alameda Point, City Hall, Development, Housing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 28 Comments

The long-awaited DEIB plan

Posted on December 17, 2023 by Robert Sullwold

For almost two years, the Merry‑Go‑Round has been waiting for the City to release a “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging” plan.

Posted in City Hall | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Council and the CIP ordinance

Posted on December 10, 2023 by Robert Sullwold

Capital improvement pass‑throughs, which allow a landlord to add to a tenant’s rent a portion of the cost of improvements to the premises, have become for the Alameda City Council what immigration reform is for the U.S. Congress:  a policy … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, Housing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Zoom doom

Posted on December 3, 2023 by Robert Sullwold

The Mayor and Council members – and the rest of those on the dais and in the audience – were caught off guard on November 7 when, during the portion of the meeting reserved for public comment on non‑agenda items, … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

The saga of De-Pave Park

Posted on November 26, 2023 by Robert Sullwold

These days, the term “activist” usually carries a political connotation.  Indeed, the Merriam Webster dictionary defines “activist” as a person who “uses or supports strong actions (such as public protests) in support of or opposition to one side of a … Continue reading →

Posted in Alameda Point, City Hall | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

It takes a Village

Posted on July 30, 2023 by Robert Sullwold

A non‑profit organization founded in 2019 has become the go‑to contractor for the City of Alameda’s efforts to furnish services to the city’s homeless population. Since May 2020, the organization – now known as the “Village of Love Foundation” – … Continue reading →

Posted in Budget, City Hall | Tagged , , , , , , , | 41 Comments