Alameda Prepares for El Niño Tides and Launches Holiday Campaign

Winter storm readiness, local holiday commerce, and bus route adjustments shaped East Bay community bulletins this week as Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft outlined El Niño preparedness resources, local business associations launched the "Alameda All Wrapped Up" shopping campaign, and AC Transit implemented a construction detour along Line 14.

Mayor Ashcraft Outlines El Niño Preparedness and Main Library's 20th Anniversary

Writing in the Alameda Post, Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft—who has served eight years as mayor—warned that strong El Niño conditions combined with winter high tides around Thanksgiving and Christmas could bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, flooding, power outages, and transportation disruptions. Encouraging residents to search "Be Alameda Ready" on the city website to prepare for at least one week of self-sufficiency and register for AC Alert notifications, Ashcraft noted that storm hazards and downed trees can be reported to Public Works at 510-747-7900 during business hours or 510-337-8340 on evenings and weekends (or 9-1-1 for emergencies).

Residents may pick up up to five free sandbags at three self-service stations: Lexington and W. Hope Streets at Alameda Point (where City staff will assist with vehicle loading on Saturday, November 7, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.), the Washington Park parking lot at 1300 Eighth Street, and the Grandview Pavilion parking lot at 300 Island Drive on Bay Farm Island. Ashcraft also highlighted the 20th anniversary celebration of the Main Library at 1550 Oak Street on Saturday, November 7, at 2 p.m. in the Stafford Room. Built after voters approved the $10.6 million Measure O bond in November 2000 with 78.8% support (co-chaired by Ashcraft and former Councilmember Frank Matarrese) and opened on November 2, 2006, the library has welcomed over 6.8 million visitors, circulated nearly 10 million items, hosted 360,000 attendees across 55,000 programs, and partnered with Alameda Family Services for 40 hours a week of social work providing more than 150 therapeutic interventions in its first six months. Additionally, Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA) is collecting expired campaign yard signs and frames for specialty recycling starting Wednesday, November 4, at 1028 Fair Oaks Avenue.

Alameda Launches 'All Wrapped Up' Holiday Shopping and Dining Campaign

To support neighborhood merchants from November 1 through December 31, 2026, the City of Alameda partnered with the Downtown Alameda Business Association (DABA) and West Alameda Business Association (WABA) on "Alameda All Wrapped Up," according to the Alameda Post. Shoppers can submit up to five receipts (or free request tickets) per online entry through December 31 for a chance to win one of 12 themed prize collections—each valued at more than $150—spanning categories such as Wellness & Self-Care, Dining Around Alameda, 21+ venues, Style & Fashion, Entertainment & Experiences, Gifts & Home, Vintage & Handmade Art, Family activities, Pet Lovers, Professional & Practical Services, Recreation, and Alameda Pride. Winners for all 12 baskets will be announced on January 7, 2027, at noon.

AC Transit Detours Line 14 for Construction Near West Oakland BART

In Oakland transit operations, AC Transit issued a service alert on November 4, 2026 for Line 14 due to non-AC Transit construction effective until 4:00 p.m. On Line 14 toward West Oakland BART, stops closed at Wood St. at 8th St. (Stop ID 50467), 7th St. at Campbell St. by the Oakland Main Post Office (Stop ID 59979), and 7th St. at Peralta St. (Stop ID 55407), with riders directed to alternatives at Wood St. at 12th St. (Stop ID 58680) and Mandela Parkway at 7th St. at West Oakland BART (Stop ID 53919). On Line 14 toward Fruitvale BART, stops closed at 7th St. at Willow St. (Stop ID 58915) and Wood St. at 8th St. (Stop ID 50197), with alternative boarding at 7th St. at Peralta St. (Stop ID 54336) and Wood St. at 12th St. (Stop ID 50206).