Hi everyone!

It was a little scary this week with the heavy rain and record-breaking high tides.

But with the weather clearing up, we have some fun things lined up to do in Alameda and nearby!

Plus, some updates regarding laws and regional updates that began in 2026.

Let’s dive in!

In this week’s email:

FEATURED EVENTS

Alameda Point Antiques Faire | Sun, Jan 11 | 6:00 AM–3:00 PM | $10 📍Former NAS Runway, Alameda Point – Northern California’s largest antiques show with hundreds of vendors selling vintage furniture, collectibles, art, and decor. Food vendors on site and free parking available.

2026 Silicon Valley Auto Show | Sat, Jan 10 | 10:00 AM | Price varies
📍 Santa Clara Convention Center – One of the Bay Area’s biggest auto shows, featuring new car reveals, concept vehicles, and the latest tech from major auto brands. A great event for car fans and families looking to check out what’s coming next.

ISLAND UPDATES

A handful of state laws and regional updates officially took effect at the start of 2026, while others are beginning a longer rollout that will continue through the year.

Here’s what’s in place now and what to expect locally:

California’s minimum wage rose from $16.50 to $16.90 per hour on January 1. This 40-cent increase is part of an annual inflation adjustment required by state law, not a new standalone policy. For Alameda workers earning minimum wage, paychecks will reflect the increase, while local businesses will need to account for slightly higher labor costs moving forward. Read more

The Phone-Free School Act is now officially on the books for 2026, but school districts have until July 1, 2026, to fully implement their own local policies. At schools in the Alameda Unified School District, families may start seeing clearer guidance or gradual changes this spring, rather than a sudden shift. The law allows districts flexibility in how rules are enforced during the school day. Read more

As of January 1, stores can no longer offer thick plastic “reusable” bags, closing a loophole from the earlier plastic bag ban. Retailers may now offer recycled paper bags, usually for a 10-cent fee, or allow shoppers to bring their own reusable bags.

Around Alameda shopping areas like Webster Street and South Shore Center, this mostly shows up as fewer plastic options at checkout. Read More

BART fares went up 6.2% on New Year’s Day, following approval by the BART Board in late 2025. The adjustment was tied to inflation and a projected budget shortfall. Read More

Alameda commuters traveling through nearby stations like Fruitvale or 12th Street may notice slightly higher Clipper charges on trips into San Francisco or other parts of the East Bay.

The Bay Area saw record-high tides and flooding this weekend. In San Francisco, the water rose to 2.56 feet.

In Alameda, officials shared a “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” warning, reminding people that just 12 inches of water can float a car.

On Grand Street, water covered the crosswalk and nearly all of the sidewalk.

We didn’t see this happening in Alameda, but over in Marin County, some people were even kayaking in the flooded streets.

The good news is that the rain is expected to slow down over the next eight days. More rain could return around January 15, and reports say another storm may hit between January 19 and January 23.

It’s a good idea to keep sandbags ready, just in case.

THIS WEEK’S EVENTS

Pints & Pixels | Fri, Jan 9 | 7:00–9:00 PM | Free 📍Alameda Brewing Co., Alameda – Monthly throwback gaming night with classic video games on the big screen. This month features a Mortal Kombat tournament, plus a four-pack prize for the winner. More info

Free Community Shred Event | Sun, Jan 11 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Free 📍Mastick Senior Center, Alameda – Safely shred personal documents on-site to help protect against identity theft and scams. Hosted by AARP California and open to everyone, no membership required. More info

Resolve to Create: DIY Vision Boarding (Adults) | Thu, Jan 8 | 7:00–8:00 PM | Free 📍Alameda Free Library (Main Library) – Make a simple vision board for the new year using library supplies. More info

Kindred Running 3-Mile Social Run | Thu, Jan 8 | 6:30–7:30 PM | Free 📍Park Station, Alameda – A casual 3-mile group run followed by time to hang out and connect. All paces welcome. More info

Tween Canvas Bag Workshop | Wed, Jan 14 | 2:00–4:00 PM | Free 📍 West End Library – A hands-on DIY session for ages 8-12 to decorate and personalize their own canvas tote bags with provided art supplies. More info

STEAM Wednesday: Candle Carousels | Wed, Jan 14 | 4:00–5:00 PM | Free 📍 Main Library – A family-focused science program at the where kids (ages 8+) explore heat energy by building their own working candle carousels. More info

Next Stop Comedy: Stand-Up Night | Fri, Jan 9 | 7:00–9:00 PM | $20+ 📍Alameda Brewing Co. – A touring stand-up comedy showcase featuring a lineup of professional comedians seen on Comedy Central and Netflix. More info

Saturday Night Comedy at the Fireside Lounge | Sat, Jan 10 | 8:00 PM (doors 7:30 PM) | Tickets required 📍Fireside Lounge, Webster St, Alameda – Pro comedy show at 8 PM, plus a 10 PM open mic. More info

Live Music & Birthday Celebration with Viento Y Marea | Tue, Jan 13 | 6:00–9:00 PM | Free 📍Park Station, Alameda – A salsa dance party with live music and Havana-style Social Club vibes, celebrating the birthday of local musician Reid Whatley. More info

Jazz Jam at Park Station (Hosted by Caesar’s Empire) | Wed, Jan 14 | 6:00–8:30 PM | Free 📍Park Station, Alameda – Weekly jazz jam open to musicians and listeners alike. Come play, listen, or enjoy a relaxed night of live jazz. More info

Donovan Plant Live: Pop & Soul | Sat, Jan 10 | 9:00 PM | Free 📍The Hobnob, Alameda – Catch a live acoustic pop performance featuring soulful covers and original tunes in a cozy, local atmosphere. More info

Ramen and Social in Alameda | Sun, Jan 11 | 2:00–4:00 PM | Price varies 📍South Shore area, Alameda – Grab ramen and hang out with a small group. More info

Creative Minds Speed-Friending | Thu, Jan 8 | 6:15–9:00 PM | Tickets required 📍Oakland United Beerworks, Oakland – A structured speed-friending night for creatives, artists, and builders to meet collaborators and new friends. Short one-on-one chats make it easy to connect, followed by open mingling. More info

SFMOMA Free Family Day | Wed, Jan 14 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Free 📍SFMOMA, San Francisco – A free family-friendly day at the museum featuring hands-on activities and access to the refreshed Fisher Collection galleries, with colorful works by Ellsworth Kelly, Sol LeWitt, and Alexander Calder. More Info

SF Symphony: Pirates of the Caribbean | Thu, Jan 8 | 7:30 PM | $60+ 📍Davies Symphony Hall, SF – Experience the original film on a giant screen while the full symphony orchestra performs Klaus Badelt’s iconic score live. More info

Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences | Thu, Jan 8 | 6:00–10:00 PM | $20+ 📍55 Music Concourse Dr, SF – A 21+ museum party exploring the science of sound with live DJs, cocktails, and late-night access to the rainforest and aquarium. More info

David Bowie Birthday Bash | Fri, Jan 9 | 8:00 PM | $25 📍Great American Music Hall, SF – A high-energy musical tribute to the Thin White Duke featuring live covers and local performers celebrating Bowie’s legendary career. More info

Have something locals should know about? 👉 Email: [email protected]

HOUSES ON THE MARKET

Want your business in front of thousands of Alamedans? Email us at [email protected]

— For Frankie