What's Happening

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…)

Modern Mouse, Alameda South Shore Center

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 Alameda 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.

Help welcome our newest Associate Members:

Alana Dill – Face Painting (Alameda)
* Face painting, body painting, and theatrical make-up.

At Home Real Estate, 415 South Shore Center #139
* Real estate sales and rentals.

Modern Mouse, 2223 South Shore Center
* Fun, stylish collection of handmade goods by independent artists and small manufacturers.

RJV Elements (service in Alameda)
* Eco-friendly power washing and cleaning specialists.

SpeedPro East Bay, 1734 Clement Ave
* Large format display graphics for windows, walls, banners, vehicles, events, and more. Speedpro East Bay is a returning member.

Zhaldee’s Eats & Beats (service in Alameda)
* One-stop shop for all of your event needs, from catering to music and lighting.  (more…)

Congratulations to Lola’s Chicken Shack for being the first business in Alameda to complete its certification with ReThink Disposable’s “Un-packaging Alameda Island” initiative — a new project put together by the Clean Water Fund and the City of Alameda in coordination with the Downtown Alameda Business Association and the West Alameda Business Association.

Mother and son team Nancy and Mark Rogers opened Lola’s Chicken Shack on Park Street in late 2013. They were the first business in Alameda to sign up for ReThink Disposable, when they heard that the program would work with them to figure out how to replace items like disposable cups with reusable plastic ones. Signing up has not only helped the environment but it’s also saved the business some money, too.

Recently, Lola’s Chicken Shack has begun using reusable straws. “We’ve been getting compliments each day for championing a reusable lifestyle over disposable plastic straws,” said Mark Rogers. “Customers know the straws go through the dishwasher and are sanitized, so they’ve been a big hit.”

ReThink Disposable Student Ambassadors

ReThink Disposable student ambassadors are working to raise awareness in the community about the impact of disposable foodware and single-use plastics. The students recently conducted litter audits on Park Street to profile the types and brands of litter. In the process, they collected the litter and created artwork which is now on display at Tucker’s Ice Cream.  (more…)