12th Annual Park Street Spring Festival (May 12 & 13)

The Park Street Spring Festival has become a Mother’s Day weekend tradition in Alameda and the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 150 vendors on the street and plenty of unique shops in the Park Street Business District, this is a perfect place to find a gift for Mom. Or maybe you would like to treat Mom to a mimosa and lunch at one of the district’s great food establishments.

The Park Street Spring Festival is fun for the whole family! Weekend activities at the Alameda street fair include art and craft vendors, live music, kids’ area, food vendors, and beer & wine sales. The street festival runs from 10:00am to 6:00pm both days. The Park Street Spring Festival is held in May each year on Mother’s Day weekend.
www.shopparkstreet.com/springfestival

28th Annual Park Street Art & Wine Faire (July 28 & 29)

The Park Street Art & Wine Faire is our most popular event, attracting over 100,000 people to the Park Street Business District. Enjoy the summer sun along with 300 art, craft, and food vendors; two music stages; a kids’ area with petting zoo; and four wine and beer booths. You can also take advantage of the great shopping deals within the Alameda’s vibrant downtown area. The weekend street festival runs from 10:00am to 6:00pm both days. The Park Street Art & Wine Faire is held each year on the last weekend in July.
www.shopparkstreet.com/artwine

19th Annual Park Street Classic Car Show (Saturday, October 13)

This one-day Park Street Classic Car Show revs up on Saturday from 10:00am until 4:00pm with over 400 show cars lined up along Park Street in downtown Alameda. Get a close look at roadsters, hot rods, antique muscle cars, and other vintage classics. There will also be live entertainment, prizes, and fun for the whole family. This is one of the best classic car shows in the East Bay! The Park Street Classic Car Show is held each year on the second Saturday in October. www.shopparkstreet.com/carshow

More community events in Alameda’s downtown Park Street Business District:

Mayor’s Fourth of July Parade (Wednesday, July 4, 2012) Alameda’s 4th of July Parade is the second largest and longest Independence Day parade in the nation. Over 170 floats and 2,500 participants travel a three mile route, starting at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Park Street.

Hometown Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting (Saturday, December 1, 2012) Kick off the holiday season at the City of Alameda’s Hometown Holiday Celebration!  The Alameda Recreation & Parks Department provides lots of activities for kids near Alameda City Hall during the day. Evening entertainment includes the dancing, singing, and a visit from Santa Claus!

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This Week’s Happenings in the Park Street District: Calendar, February 24 – March 4

Learn more about what’s happening in the Park Street Business District, including this week’s calendar highlights: www.ShopParkStreet.com/news. You can also find the “Park Street Business Association” on Facebook and Twitter.

The Park Street Business Association welcomes the following new businesses to the district:

New Businesses:

RK Promotional Advertising does custom items for Alameda and beyond!

Ameri-Cal Weight Clinic, 1414 Everett Street

Fresh New York Bagel & Cafe, 1227 Park Street

New Location:

RK Promotional Advertising, 1515 Santa Clara Ave

Opening Soon:

Little Old-Fashioned Candie & Soda Pop Shop, 1409 Park Street

Monkey King Pub & Grub, 1315 Park Street (opening Feb 27)

New Owners:

Tulip Nails, 2313 Santa Clara Ave

In the Works:

Luna’s Longstockings, 1242 Park Street

Starbaby Studio, 1309 Park Street

Subpar Miniature Golf, 1511 Park Street

If you know of a new business that wasn’t mentioned above, please post information in the comments. Thanks!

Have a terrific Presidents Day weekend! Many of our restaurants and shops will be open on Monday!

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Learn more about what’s happening in the Park Street Business District, including this week’s calendar highlights: www.ShopParkStreet.com/news. You can also find the “Park Street Business Association” on Facebook and Twitter.

American Oak (2319 Santa Clara Ave) Join us for a Whiskey and Chocolate Pairing experience on February 14th. You can also enjoy a Raw Bar Platter for Two in additional to our regular menu.

Aphrodite’s Closet (1201 Park Street) Featuring an array of clothes and gifts all designed to honor the divine feminine in every woman. Now through Valentine’s Day all lingerie is 13% off. Aphrodite’s Closet is open Tues-Sun 12-6.

Dog Bone Alley (1342 Park Street) Treat your furry valentine! Receive 15% off all dog and cat treats on February 14th.

East End Pizza Co. (1650 Park Street) Pizza doesn’t need to be heart-shaped to show the love. Our 14″ hand-stretched artisan pizzas are perfect for two. Pizza & passion? We’ve got it covered.

Farmstead Cheeses & Wines (1650 Park Street) We’ve brought in a good supply of Heart-Shaped Cheeses for Valentine’s Day! They’re in the shops now, and would go quite well with a bottle of Champagne.

Flowers Clothing Co. (2305 Santa Clara) It’s February, the month of love, so we’re having a “Sweetheart Sale”! 10% off anything in stock!!

Julie’s Coffee & Tea Garden (1223 Park Street) Julie will be presenting a special Dessert and Wine Menu on Valentine’s Day. Enjoy live music from 7pm to 9pm — EUPHONIA will be playing free-range folk.

Ole’s Waffle Shop (1507 Park Street) Ole’s is preparing a special Valentine’s Day dinner. Come join us from 5pm-8pm for these fantastic specials.

Pappo (2320 Central Ave) We are putting together a very colorful and romantic dining experience for this special occasion. Call (510) 337-9100 to reserve your table. Don’t wait, seating is limited.

Silk Road (1412 Park Street)
Valentine’s Sale! All pink stone jewelry by Mangosteen is 20% off!!

South Shore Florist (1311 Park Street) Order before February 13th to receive 10% off on all Valentine’s Day arrangements. South Shore Florist also has premium long stem roses and gourmet chocolates. Free sample with every purchase. Call (510) 523-6655.

United Transportation Group is happy to offer a 20% discount taxi ride for “sweethearts” on Valentine’s Day – call 510.337.0141 and mention this promotion.

You can also enjoy a special night on the town with dinner and a movie. The Park Street Business District offers a wide array of fine restaurants located near the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex. If you are looking for something new, browse our online “Food & Drink” directory: www.shopparkstreet.com/food.html

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This Week’s Happenings in the Park Street District: Calendar, February 6-12

Learn more about what’s happening in the Park Street Business District, including this week’s calendar highlights: www.ShopParkStreet.com/news. You can also find the “Park Street Business Association” on Facebook and Twitter.

The 13th Annual Park Street Business Association Awards were presented at last month’s PSBA holiday party. Congratulations to the following businesses!

New Business of the Year

Flowers Clothing Co., 2305 Santa Clara Avenue

Flowers Clothing Co. is a unique business in the Park Street district, providing the very best in work, uniform, and fashionable clothing for men and women. How did they end up with such a dainty name? “Flowers” embraced the existence of a historic sign above their doorway (the building was formerly the site of Towata Flowers) — and that’s just one of the many reasons we like them.

Retail Business of the Year

HAPPY FEET Children’s Shoes, 1354 Park Street

HAPPY FEET Children’s Shoes has the largest selection of competitively priced, high-quality footwear and accessories for children. In 2011, during a questionable economic time for most businesses, the owners took a leap of faith and moved from a small space on Santa Clara Avenue to a much larger space on Park Street. What a great addition this “happy” space has brought to the mix of businesses on the 1300 block of Park Street!

Culinary Business of the Year

Julie’s Coffee & Tea Garden, 1223 Park Street

Julie’s Coffee & Tea Garden is Alameda’s one-of-a-kind spot for organic coffee and tea, with a quaint garden patio in the back. The business continues to evolve and attract a great clientele with the addition of a wholesome selection of organic breakfasts, lunches, and other snacks. Favorites include morning eggs, quinoa bowls, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Some of the food stuffs are even supplied by other businesses in the district (Scolari’s and Feel Good Bakery to name a couple). Be sure to stop by Julie’s during one of the weekly live music or craft nights!

Professional Business of the Year (tie)

Kevin R. Kearney, CPA, 1516 Oak Street #207

Kevin Kennedy, LLC, 1516 Oak Street #101

The “two Kevins” are a couple of hard working guys. In addition to running their independent businesses in the Park Street Business District, they both serve the City of Alameda as auditor and treasurer, respectively. Their diligence benefits the city and the Park Street Business District!

PSBA Member of the Year

Bruce Reeves, Law Office of Reeves & Seidler, 2527 Santa Clara Ave

Bruce Reeves is a truly dedicated participant in the Park Street Business Association. He’s served as the secretary of the PSBA board for numerous years, is a member of PSBA’s Economic Revitalization committee, and is an original member of the Park Street Art & Wine Faire committee. Bruce also currently serves on the City’s Economic Development Commission as the commission’s chair.

Support your local businesses! Shop Park Street! (online directory)

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Alameda Magazine’s Best of Alameda 2012

It’s that time again. Alameda Magazine is asking readers to vote for the Best of Alameda… best barbecue, best late-night munchies, best “non-burger” burger, and a host of other favorites. Categories include Food & Drink, Goods & Services, Lifestyle, Kids, and Pets.

Cast your vote today to get your local favorites on the Best of Alameda 2012 Readers’ Choice list. (By the way, many of last year’s winners are located in the Park Street Business District and you can view an alphabetic list here.)

Vote by March 2, 2012. The online survey requires you to create a new account if you don’t already have one in their survey system. Alternatively, the magazine’s January/February 2012 issue contains a mail-in ballot.

Results will be posted in the July/August 2012 issue of Alameda Magazine.

The Original Red Onion is now open! The Grand Opening Celebration will be this Saturday (January 14) at 3:00pm. Come out to 1222 Park Street and enjoy the festivities! Line drummers and more!

The Red Onion has been in operation since 1963 with locations in Pinole and Vallejo. This is the first Red Onion in Alameda. The Alameda diner is co-owned by brother and sister team, Johnny and Buffy. This is Johnny’s fourth restaurant and Buffy’s first. Buffy has been a longtime resident in our city; her children attend Alameda schools.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served from 10:00am to 10:00pm at this classic diner. The menu is big and the portions are huge.

Specialties include Chicken Fried Steak, Omelets, French Toast and Pancake “Feasts,” and burgers… lots of burgers! Their Chili Cheese Fries have also gotten rave reviews at their other locations. Vegetarian options include a Portabella Burger, a Garden Burger, Vegetarian Noodles, and numerous salads. There’s also a big display counter with lots of tempting desserts.

The Red Onion is located in the former Bernardi Cleaners building, which later became Amazon Aquarium. You can read more about the history of this building and other historic buildings in the Park Street Business District on the PSBA website.

By the way, if you have a Localize It! card, you can get 20% off your bill!

The Park Street Business Association welcomes the following new businesses to the district:

New Businesses:

South Shore Florist is new to our district.

Bodyworks by Celina Trevino, 1226 Park Street

Cafe Q, 2302 Encinal Ave

Fertig Law Offices, 1516 Oak Street #328

Jane Watson, Edward Jones Financial Advisor, 1430 Everett Street Suite A

Liho Dental Lab, 2437 Lincoln Ave

Pahl & Associates / VetsLaw.org, 1516 Oak Street #211

South Shore Florist, 1311 Park Street

Opening Very Soon: (this Thursday to be exact)

Red Onion, 1222 Park Street

New Location:

The Red Onion is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Clothes Line, 1407 1/2 Park Street

To Herb With Love, 1336 Park Street #A

Name Change:

American Oak (formerly BarCeluna), 2319 Santa Clara Ave

Also in the Works:

Monkey King Pub & Grub, 1315 Park Street

Subpar Miniature Golf, 1511 Park Street

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The Little Ice Rink is still open through January 29. Don’t miss this month’s special events:

Saturday, January 14, On-Ice Performance Day! Come out and watch local ice skaters perform on the ice at 1:45pm & 3:45pm.

Friday, January 20th, Brian Boitano Day! Come skate in your favorite DISCO costume and let Brian Boitano be the Judge! Prizes for best outfit!

Every Friday Night – Disco Night on the Little Ice from 6-10pm!

For more skating events, visit: www.thelittleicerink.com/calendar-of-events

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To learn more of what’s happening in the historic downtown district, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Happy New Year!

Construction for Phase 2 of the Park Street Streetscape Improvement project resumes this week. Phase 1 of the Streetscape project was completed in 2006 and included the block between Central Ave and Lincoln Ave. Phase 2 extends the improvements from Central Avenue to San Jose Avenue. Access to businesses will be maintained throughout the project duration.

As mentioned earlier, the goals of the Streetscape Project are to improve the street and sidewalks for pedestrians, bicyclists, bus riders, and automobile drivers. The project consists of:

• planting new street trees
• installation of historic street lights
• new accessible curb ramps
• new bike racks
• new bus shelters
• new parking meter pay stations

Construction work for the project during the first two months includes: trenching work in the parking lane for electrical and irrigation lines; installation of new street lights and removal of old street lights; demolition of sidewalk and curbs to accommodate electric pull boxes for street light poles; and some reconstruction of portions of curbs, gutters, and sidewalks. Construction work hours are generally from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. There will be no work on the weekends.

A temporary loss of on-street parking can be expected as construction progresses along the street (but plenty of parking is available in the Civic Center Parking Garage). Motorists may experience minor disruptions in traffic due to temporary lane closures; residents, businesses, and pedestrians may experience increases in noise level and dust during the construction. The following schedule was provided by the City’s Public Works office:

• Jan 3 – 23: San Jose to Encinal (east side)
• Jan 3 – Feb 20: Encinal to Central (east side)
• Jan 11 – Feb 28: Encinal to Central (west side)
• Jan 17 – Feb 6: San Jose to Encinal (west side)

Work will continue in March with the installation of bus shelters and parking meter kiosks, removal of parking meters, planting of replacement trees, and miscellaneous signage. Project completion is planned for mid-April.

Updates for the project can be found on the City’s website at: www.cityofalamedaca.gov/City-Hall/Park-St–Streetscape-Project. Details about this month’s schedule are available at: http://www.cityofalamedaca.gov/getdoc.cfm?id=6665

The businesses in the Park Street Business District appreciate your cooperation and patience during this construction. Working with the City of Alameda, we will attempt to minimize any inconvenience to our customers.

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Courtesy Notice: The Smoking Ordinance took effect on January 2. Under the new ordinance smoking is prohibited in all outdoor public places within the Park Street Business District (and the rest of Alameda) including commercial-area sidewalks, outdoor dining areas, service areas (bus stops, ATMs, movie lines, etc.), outdoor events, and within 20 feet of any doors or windows of an enclosed area where smoking is prohibited.

The Park Street Business District with all its diversity has a New Year’s Eve celebration for every taste and every budget. You can simply meet up with friends at one your favorite restaurants, catch a movie, or extend the evening by ringing in 2012 at one of the district’s many parties.

Here are a few suggestions:

Alameda Theatre & Cineplex, 2317 Central Ave
Midnight Movie Madness
Buy any movie ticket after 6:00pm and stay for a FREE Midnight Movie. Select from 4 special films; Extended live performance from “Alameda’s Got Talent;” Raffle Prizes! Limited seating — $5 for midnight arrivals. All proceeds benefit local charities. More info: www.alamedatheatres.com

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Alameda Wine Co., 2315 Central Ave
New Year Bubbly
Get your bubbles on — all day and all evening long. We’re bringing in the new year with three sparkling wine flights, including a very special trio of grower-producer Champagnes. Specialty cheese and charcuterie platters to fit the fizz will be available. Info: (510) 521-WINE

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C’era Una Volta, 1332 Park Street
The Jim Franz & Jan Nichols Band
Returning for another fabulous New Year’s Eve performance… The Jim Franz & Jan Nichols Band! Make your reservations now! Early Seating for a special 4-course dinner: 5:00pm – 7:00pm, $55 per person. Late Seating at 9:00pm is $75 and includes live music, dancing, and midnight party. More details: (510) 769-4828 or www.ceraunavolta.us

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Lost Weekend Lounge, 2320 Santa Clara Ave
Simply New Year’s Eve
If you’re looking for a new year’s eve party at a local bar with retro decor and no pretense, Lost Weekend is your place. Free party favors, snacks, and midnight champagne. Festivities begin at 8:00pm. Info: (510) 523-4700

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Lucky 13, 1301 Park Street
Get Lucky at Lucky 13
Join the Lucky crew for a rockin’ New Year’s Eve Bash. Drink specials and champagne toast at midnight. Info: (510) 523-2118 or www.lucky13alameda.com

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Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave
It’s the BIG FAT YEAR END KISS OFF COMEDY SHOW XIX
Political satirist Will Durst, Bay Area favorite Johnny Steele, and other special guests present a hilarious show of standup comedy, improvisation and loosely written sketches based on skewering the major news events of 2011. Guaranteed to be an entertaining evening of mocking, taunting and scoffing with taste and precision. Two shows: 7:00pm and 10:00pm. More info: www.rhythmix.org

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Speisekammer, 2424 Lincoln Ave
Macy Blackman & His Mighty Fine Trio
Retro New Orleans jazz and blues. More info: www.speisekammer.com

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The Churchward Pub, 1515 Park Street
ICE, New Years Eve 2012
The Churchward Pub will be bringing New Years Eve 2012 in style. So join us for a party you will never forget! Music video countdown by DJ Alex Mejia and DJ Riktor. Appetizers served all night; Free Champagne for Countdown! Tickets are only $10 exclusively on-line but will increase after Christmas. More info: www.thechurchwardpub.com

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The Hobnob, 1313 Park Street
New Years Eve Party
Champagne and drink specials. Dancing begins at 10:00pm. Info: (510) 769-1011

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The Little Ice Rink, 1600 Park Street
Get Your Ice On!
Lace up your skates for a day of ice skating or bring the family to watch. Hours are Noon to 10:00pm. More info: www.thelittleicerink.com

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The Park Street Business Association wishes you and your family a safe and happy new year!

For more activities in the Park Street Business District, visit the PSBA website at www.ShopParkStreet.com/news.

As we enter into the New Year, there is no better time to reflect on the changes we want to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Setting a new year’s resolution is easy but it can be difficult to stick with it on your own. On average, 75% of the many new year’s resolutions are kept past the first week, 64% are kept after one month, and only 46% are kept after 6 months.

To help keep your new year’s resolutions, you may want to consider coaching, counseling, or short-term therapy. Professional counseling may help you bounce back from unfortunate events like divorce or unemployment. Or maybe there are some areas of your life which are just not as rewarding as you would like them to be. Professional counseling can also help to improve communication skills, relationships, sexuality, and social skills.

Meet Isadora.

Isadora Alman, MFT, is a California-licensed psychotherapist and counselor and a Board-certified sexologist. Isadora works with individuals and couples on life transitions and goal-setting, improving communications skills with oneself and others, and establishing or enhancing relationships. Isadora’s office is just blocks from Park Street.

You may be familiar with Isadora through “Ask Isadora,” a syndicated relationship advice column which ran for many years in the San Francisco Bay Guardian. Some old timers may even remember her Sunday evening listener call-in radio show on KSFO and the old KRQR. Today, listeners can hear Isadora on occasional guest spots with Brian Copeland on KCBS. And Isadora’s latest essays on relationships can be found twice a month on Psychology Today (http://psychologytoday.com/blog/sex-sociability).

Isadora is also an author of several books including a new novel set in San Francisco of the 1970′s, Bluebirds of Impossible Paradises. All her books are available on her website (www.askisadora.com) and at Books, Inc. on Park Street.

Q: What Exactly Do You Do?

A: My orientation is problem-solving, concentrating our joint efforts on defining not necessarily how you got where you are, as in traditional psychotherapy, but focusing on how you can get where you want to be — defining goals and learning the tools and techniques for achieving them. I provide a safe, private place for you to sort out your feelings and thoughts and clarify your priorities.

Q: How Does It Work?

A: Each of us sits in a comfortable seat facing each other. Sometimes you talk and I listen, sometimes I talk while you listen. Most often we discuss together, adult to adult, what is happening in your life and ways to change it for the better. Together we explore options in any given situation. Once you have made whatever decision seems appropriate, I can assist you with resources and techniques for creating the desired changes. I recommend that you record our conversations and relearn from them at home.

Q: What About Couples Counseling?

A: I will see any people involved in a relationship (co-workers, spouses, friends, housemates). Counseling can be done individually or together. I specialize in relationship issues – finding and establishing new ones or improving existing ones, traditional or non. Since I firmly believe that your most important relationship is with yourself, your partner need not be here for you to make significant transformation in what goes on between you.

Isadora Alman, MFT is an associate member of the Park Street Business Association. For further information, you can email Isadora at askisadora@aol.com, phone her at (510) 521-2925 weekdays from 10am to 6pm, or visit her website at www.askisadora.com.

Congratulations to the following businesses for their fun displays!

Dog Bone Alley

Larger Windows

1. Dog Bone Alley, 1342 Park Street – “Cute doggies! I want to take them all home with me!”
2. Toy Safari, 1410 Park Street – “Every kid’s dream! Definitely took a lot of work to set the displays!”
3. Park Street Antiques, 1519 Park Street – “Love how items from the store were used!”

Honorable Mention: C&M Upholstery & Fabrics, Happy Feet Children’s Shoes, Ole’s Waffle Shop, Olympic Florist, Tucker’s Super Creamed Ice Cream

Rocket Reuse

Smaller Windows

1. Rocket Reuse, 1355 Park Street - “I remember Christmases like that! There’s even milk and cookies for Santa!”
2. Silk Road, 1412 Park Street – “Adorable! Great stockings!”
3. Bead Inspirations, 1544 Park Street – “Simple yet elegant! “

Honorable Mention: Daisy’s, Dr. Daniel Chin Optometrist, Monkey Bars, Sumbody

For more photos… view the Park Street Holiday Window Contest photo gallery.

Get Your Ice On!

Friday, December 16, is the opening day of “The Little Ice Rink” located at 1600 Park Street (the former Good Chevrolet lot). Take a spin around the 3,000 ft ice rink or come out to watch. Special performances featuring a US Medalist & Holiday on Ice Star, and local skaters. Skate with Santa. Live music. Skate rentals, treats, and swag will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit charities supported by the Perforce Foundation. Hours of operation: www.thelittleicerink.com

Visit Santa!

Bring the kids to visit olde-world Santa at the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex on Saturday and Sunday (December 17 and 18). Santa will be handing out treats in the lobby from 12:30pm to 7:30pm.

For more holiday activities in the Park Street Business District, visit the PSBA website at www.ShopParkStreet.com/news.

And don’t forget… the parking meters are free on Saturday! We wish you a happy holiday!