What's Happening
Have you noticed the donation meters for the homeless on Park Street? In 2018, the City Council approved a parking meter donation program to help raise money for programs and services for Alameda’s unhoused residents.
See if you can spot all 20 bright orange meters around the island and contribute what you can!
The City of Alameda and its community partners are committed to addressing homelessness in our island city. Sponsorship from local businesses, benevolent associations, and individuals and families will also help raise funds for these programs. Visit the city’s website for more information on Homelessness Initiatives and Programs.
Photo credit: @loveourisland
Downtown Alameda is ever-changing with new places to discover on each visit. You can always find what you need in the way that works for you, whether it’s in-store visits, ordering out, shopping by appointment, virtual experiences, or purchasing gift certificates.
Help us welcome the newest downtown businesses to Open With Care… and please remember to wear a mask.
New Downtown Businesses:
Alameda Comedy Club, 2431 Central Ave
Live comedy shows featuring nationally-touring headliners as well as local Bay Area talent. (Please Note: At this time, the restaurant is open for takeout only; shows are streaming online.)
Alley & Vine, 1332 Park Street #D (inside Redwood Square)
Showcasing dishes prepared with locally sourced produce, fresh seafood, and sustainably raised meats.
Highwire Coffee Roasters, 1234 Park Street
Small-batch coffee roaster devoted to the promotion of organic farming, sustainable practices, and creating balanced cups of coffee they love to share with the community.
Preacher’s Daughter Wine Bar & Cafe, 1629 Park Street
Serving old world wines, locally brewed beer, 3rd wave coffee, and delectable sandwiches.
More Businesses in the Works:
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When shopping online, think local first and consider giving Alameda eGift Cards as gifts to friends and family, and add them to your own wish list. It’s also a perfect way for grandparents to give a gift that always fits, provides a fun adventure, and is just what they wished for.
This digital gift card is extremely versatile. A single Visit + Shop Alameda eGift Card can be used at more than 20 different local businesses throughout Alameda including these downtown locations: Bead Inspirations, Daisy’s Mercantile, Fort Knox, Hobnob Restaurant, Ozone Skateboards, Park Street Wine Cellars, Swings and Wings, The Preacher’s Daughter, and Toy Safari. (list updated 12/14/20)
And the list is growing!
When you buy a Visit + Shop Alameda eGift Card, you’re also giving a local business a gift that says, “We appreciate you and want you to stay a part of our community.”
Click the image below to purchase your Visit + Shop Alameda eGift Cards today!
Downtown Alameda shops are open for the holiday season and they need your support more than ever. Local retailers continue to be Open With Care and provide a variety of convenient and safe ways you can shop safely:
- In-Person: Visit a local shop in person to browse the shelves and find that perfect gift. The reduction in customer capacity ensures that you’ll have a safe and enjoyable shopping experience.
- By Appointment: For a safe in-person shopping experience at the highest level, local shop owners will gladly schedule a private shopping appointment.
- Remote/Online Shopping: More comfortable shopping from home? Think local first. In addition to providing online stores, many of our local shops are providing personal shopper services via video chats, email, or text.
- Delivery/Pick-Up: For your convenience, businesses are offering curbside pick-up and some offer same-day local delivery.
Please continue to support local businesses in whatever capacity you feel comfortable with.
View a list of downtown gift stores here: DowntownAlameda.com/gifts
Now more than ever is the time to support local businesses.
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This year, while you are staying local for the holidays, consider spending local too. When you spend local, you are giving a gift to the community.
Buying gifts and meals in town supports our businesses that have been severely impacted by the pandemic, the same businesses that were always there for the community, supporting youth sports and community fundraisers throughout the year.
Here are six ways to spend local and shop safely in Alameda:
Shop local online. Several Alameda stores and restaurants have gone digital for convenient and safe online ordering while keeping it local.
Order curbside pick-up. Order in advance and pick-up safely out front. Who can beat that? Some stores also offer quick local delivery services.
Schedule a private shopping appointment at your favorite retail store. Many local retailers will make special arrangements for in-store visits and purchases.
Buy something extra when shopping. It’s a way to show our appreciation to local retailers, similar to leaving a generous tip at our favorite restaurants and coffee houses.
Encourage friends, neighbors, and relatives to support local businesses. Local businesses provide income and jobs for Alameda residents. When you suggest purchasing gifts locally to friends and relatives, they are supporting neighbors too! Be sure to share online about the items you find in town with #SpendLocalAlameda
Buy Alameda e-gift cards. This Alameda-only gift card is a great suggestion to out-of-town grandparents or relatives who are looking for family gift ideas. And many Alameda businesses offer their own gift card
For more information about Alameda’s spend local campaign, please visit www.alamedaca.gov/spendlocal.
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