What's Happening
With Earth Day being celebrated in Alameda this Saturday, April 21, it’s a terrific time to reflect on how the Downtown Alameda businesses do their part to protect the environment and make Alameda a greener community every day.
Common green practices in the district include reducing water use with low flow toilets and auto-off faucets; conserving energy by upgrading lighting and equipment; diverting waste from the landfill through reuse, recycling, and composting; and using non-toxic or low-toxic cleaners.
When it comes to being green, the Downtown Alameda has racked up some impressive numbers:
- Over 45 businesses have participated in Alameda Municipal Power’s energy efficiency programs in the past 3 years.
- More than 30 businesses have signed up for AMP’s “Alameda Green” program, helps bring more renewable energy to Alameda.
- Nearly 75 restaurants and eateries participate in “organic” recycling of all food waste. According to Alameda County Industries, that’s over 1/3 of all participating businesses on the island.
- Over 20 retail shops sell almost exclusively reused and reclaimed items… clothing, furniture, toys, antiques, videos, books, and more.
- 4 downtown businesses have recently completed the new ReThink Disposable: Unpackage Alameda program and have switched more of their disposable items to re-usable items, with dozens more ready to “graduate.”
As a commitment to sustainability, eleven Downtown Alameda businesses have taken steps to become a Certified Green Business. The green practices of these business has been verified by the California Green Business Network: (more…)

David Lee and Kate Pryor, previous owners of Tucker’s Ice Cream
A ribbon-cutting to celebrate the transfer of ownership will be held on Sunday, April 15, 1:00-4:00pm. The community will be treated to games, a baby scoop, and fun time for all.
Stephen Zimmerman and Lauren Zimmerman Cook, longtime Alameda residents and CEO and COO of Alameda-based AEC Living, and their spouses, Joshua Cook and Erika Zimmerman, have become the new owners of Tucker’s Super Creamed Ice Cream. The Zimmerman’s are the fourth owners of Tucker’s since 1941. They are dedicated to keeping the famous ice cream parlor under local, independent ownership, and continuing the traditions set over the last 77 years of business.
Kate Pryor: Commitment to Community
Kate Pryor, a second generation Alamedan, grew up enjoying Tucker’s Ice Cream and purchased the business in 1990 while it was still located at the corner of Park Street and Webb Ave (the current site of Habanas Cuban Cuisine). In April of 2000, the business was moved to its current and larger location at 1349 Park Street.
While carrying on the tradition of producing the finest “Supercreamed Ice Cream,” Kate also invested in her community through service and support. Through the years, Tucker’s Ice Cream has grown to be a central meeting place and a supporter of community programs, sports activities, and youth. (more…)

Big Discount Tire Pros, new office on Oak St.
With the support of member businesses, the Downtown Alameda Business Association works hard year-round to promote a healthy retail and service climate on our island city as well as a district that is clean, green, and safe. When businesses thrive, the entire community benefits.
Businesses operating in Alameda, but outside the geographic boundaries of the District, are invited to join the Downtown Alameda Business Association as an Associate Member. (Businesses within the boundaries of the Park Street Business District are members of the Downtown Alameda Business Association by virtue of their BIA assessment.)
Help welcome our newest Associate Members:
Bank of Marin, 2208 South Shore Center & 805 Marina Village Parkway
* Full banking services.
Big Discount Tire Pros, 1835 Oak Street
* Auto repair and tire services.
Common Networks, 2183 Harbor Bay Parkway
* Bringing better, faster and more reliable internet access to everyone.
Farm Fresh To You (service in Alameda)
* Delivering seasonal, organic fruits and veggies to your doorstep.
Law Offices of Gerard Falzone, 2233 Santa Clara Ave, Suite 7
* Family law attorney and mediator.
Nannies Plus (service in Alameda)
* Placement service creating authentic relationships between families and nannies.
NoFu Skincare Studio, 2531 Clement Ave
* A no fuss skincare lifestyle focusing on customized attention and results.
Reiki For Inner Peace, 2233 Santa Clara Ave, Suite 4
* Sessions for relaxation, pain relief, physical and emotional healing, mental clarity and spiritual connection.
SHM Classic Motors (service in Alameda)
* Organizers of classic car shows and brokers for dream cars. (more…)

Pauline Kelley stand in front of Pauline’s Antiques
Downtown Alameda is losing a living treasure this month. After more than 60 years in business, Alameda resident and icon Eunice “Pauline” Kelley is closing up shop and retiring. A retirement sale at 1427 Park Street begins on Friday, March 16.
To call Pauline’s Antiques a local institution is an understatement. Pauline’s has been more than just a place for bargain hunters and collectors. Patrons have been frequenting the store on a regular basis for years to chat it up with their neighbors and soak in the friendly and historic atmosphere. Local television legend Bob MacKenzie even made Pauline’s Antiques a regular stop to host his Christmastime broadcasts for many years.
The store has been a labor of love ever since Pauline and her late husband Bob Kelley opened its doors in 1957. Bob had previously been working in the construction field with side jobs hauling trash and cleaning out basements. After accumulating everything from cast iron pots and pans to oak tables and bronze vases, Pauline suggested they just sell the stuff to get rid of it — and that’s how the idea of the store came about.
By assisting customers in selling their collectibles and arranging estate sales, the selection in the store quickly became a massive treasure trove. “Whether you’re looking for it or not, chances are you’ll find it here,” has always been one of Pauline’s favorite quotes. (more…)

“Radical Beauty” storefront display on Park Street
Rhythmix Cultural Works has put together a #LoveOurIsland Art Walk series to bring some “Radical Beauty” to Downtown Alameda’s vacant storefronts.
The series of art exhibitions showcases a diverse range of Bay Area artists by featuring temporary art installations in empty storefront windows along the city’s Park Street business corridor. The project name stems from the premise that searching for beauty is, in itself, a radical act.
Supported by the California Arts Council, and produced in partnership with the Downtown Alameda Business Association and the City of Alameda, the Love Our Island Art Walks aim to elevate Alameda as a recognizable destination for the arts, and engage locals and visitors to the island as part of that experience. (more…)