What's Happening
The Downtown Alameda Business Association welcomes three new members to the 2019 Board of Directors: Otto Wright, Eric Olney, and Joe LoParo. The new appointees were elected by the membership at October’s Annual Meeting and join existing board members who were re-elected or are completing a second year of their terms.
“I am delighted to have Otto, Eric, and Joe join us for all the excitement on tap,” said Executive Director Janet Magleby. “They are passionate advocates of the downtown district and join an energetic Board that works diligently to keep the downtown clean, green, and safe for all.”
Otto Wright (pictured), owner of The Local, is always ready to greet customers with a smile and an enthusiasm for life. He has traveled the world, living in Russia and China, but now is happy to stay in a one-mile bubble between work and home. When Otto is not at his coffee house, he can often be found enjoying the funky and artsy vibe of Alameda at Studio 23 or dining at one of his favorite spots such as Speisekammer or Marley G’s.
Eric Olney, a financial professional for Shum Financial Group, was born and raised in Alameda. Eric went to college in San Diego, returning to our wonderful island after being there for more than ten years. He has been working at Shum since July 2017. When he’s not working, Eric can be found at The Star on Park for happy hour or shopping for his wife at Therapy.
Joe LoParo, owner of RE/Max Tribute, brings an enormous heart and infectious smile to Downtown Alameda. You can often find Joe strolling the district where he is happy to have an office within walking distance of so many places to shop, eat, and visit with friends. Favorite places include Lola’s Chicken Shack when he wants a great meal, or McGee’s Bar & Grill after work with his wife. Joe has lived in Alameda for 42 years.
The Downtown Alameda Business Association and its Board is hard at work year-round with its 470+ member businesses in mind. The Downtown Association promotes a healthy retail/service climate as well as a district that is family-friendly, clean, green, and safe.
The 2019 Board of Directors list can be viewed at www.DowntownAlameda.com/about/leadership
Events and activities are abundant in Downtown Alameda, from the newer Downtown Strolls to the ever-popular annual street fairs. Mark your calendar for these fun happenings:
Downtown Whiskey Stroll
March 1, 2019
Ticket holders will stroll our historic downtown district tasting premium small-batch whiskeys crafted by Northern California distilleries paired with locally prepared bites at ten unique pouring locations. Tickets go on sale February 1! Official Event Page
Downtown Easter Egg Hunt
April 20, 2019
Kids and their families are invited to bring a basket to collect treats from participating businesses. Special posters in the windows and doors of participating businesses provide a clue that a treat is waiting inside.
Downtown Alameda Spring Festival
May 11 & 12, 2019
Enjoy a Mother’s Day tradition in Alameda with a fantastic variety of festival foods and beverages, arts and crafts booths, live music, as well as a play area for kids. An expanded area on Central Avenue features local talent on a new third stage and a large outdoor dining area. Official Event Page
Mayor’s Fourth of July Parade
July 4, 2019
Grab breakfast, a smoothie, or a coffee and then plop yourself down for the best seat in the house during the 4th of July parade. Best viewing spots can be found on Park Street along the first stretch of the parade.
Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire
July 27 & 28, 2019
The Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire has something for everyone — over 250 artisans, festival foods, local premium wines and craft beers, continuous live music on three stages, as well as kids’ areas with games and carnival rides. Official Event Page
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The second annual Alameda Restaurant Week returns to the island. This year more than 40 restaurants throughout the island are taking part, with dozens of eateries located conveniently in Downtown Alameda.
From January 17-27, you can have fun visiting local restaurants. Most of the restaurants will have a prix fixe menu with several choices that allow diners to taste a few items that may not appear on their regular menus. Other restaurants will be offering 2-for-1 entrees, happy hours menus, or other culinary specials.
New this year… pick up a raffle card at any participating restaurant and get your card stamped at each participating restaurant you visit. After collecting at least 10 stamps, turn in your card to any participating restaurant to be entered for a chance to win over $1,300 in Alameda restaurant gift cards.
It’s a fun way to try some new places in Downtown Alameda!
Alameda Restaurant Week 2019
Downtown Alameda restaurants:
- Alameda Cinema Grill
- Asena
- C’era Una Volta
- East End
- Hang Ten Boiler
- Julie’s Coffee & Tea Garden
- Linguini’s Pasta & Vino
- Lola’s Chicken Shack
- Main Squeeze
- Mama Papa Lithuania
- McGee’s Bar & Grill
- Pappo
- Poke Koma
- Roll & Bowl
- Sidestreet Pho
- Speisekammer
- Subway
- The Hobnob
- The Original Red Onion
- The Park Street Tavern
- The Star on Park
- Tomatina
- Town Tavern
- Tucker’s Ice Cream
- Yojimbo Sushi
For a comprehensive list of participating eateries and their Restaurant Week specials, go to www.alamedarestaurantweek.com.
Town Tavern – owner Stan Yee
Retailer of the Year: Barbara Mooney (Daisy’s) with Janet Magleby
At its annual holiday party in December, the Downtown Alameda Business Association presents awards to member businesses in recognition of their contributions to the success of our historic downtown. The awards represent splendid examples of the top-notch service provided by businesses throughout the district. The owners and staff are also active in Downtown Association activities and strive to cultivate improvements in our community.
Congratulations to our 2018 recipients:
New Business of the Year:
The Star on Park, owners Ben Seabury and Susannah Blumenstock
Culinary Business of the Year:
The Park Street Tavern, owner Christos Frangoulis
Retailer of the Year:
Daisy’s, owner Barbara Mooney
Service Business of the Year: (two winners)
Honey Salon, owner Jone Stebbins
West Wind Karate School, instructor Krizten Delossantos
Associate Member of the Year:
Nannies Plus, owner Joy Colino
Member of the Year:
Otto Wright, owner of The Local
Additional business award recipients include:
Rick Krinks, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Drysdale Properties (President’s Award)
Tracy Goodman, McGee’s Bar & Grill (Block Captain of the Year)
Julie Baron, Julie’s Coffee & Tea Garden (Outstanding Service Award)
Kyle Conner, Alameda Theatre & Cineplex and Cinema Grill (Outstanding Service Award)
Donna Layburn, Marketplace and Alameda Natural Grocery (Special Board Recognition)
Stop by and congratulate these folks the next time you’re in Downtown Alameda!
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