Bear's-Eye View of Alameda on August 17, 2025

Signs of Autumn Arriving in Alameda

It’s the 17th of August, and while summer is still technically in full swing, there are subtle signs that fall is on the horizon. One of the most noticeable indicators is the changing color of the leaves on the trees lining Central Avenue. Yellow and brown hues are beginning to appear, signaling the transition from summer to autumn.

Another clear sign of the season shift is the increased traffic around Alameda High School. With students returning for the new school year, the area has become much busier than it was just a few weeks ago. My human companion usually stops by the Starbucks on Park Street for a green tea latte and occasionally treats me to a puppuccino. However, this week, the place has been packed since Monday, so he now makes sure to get in and out before 8 a.m.

I’ve been keeping an eye on the progress of the new security gates at Alameda High, and it seems the construction crew finished just in time for the start of the school year. The gates are now in place, adding an extra layer of safety for students and staff.

While I was in the neighborhood, I took a detour to check out the progress of the new Wood School located at the foot of Grand Street. There are several large concrete pads prepared for the steel framing, and some of the structure is already being erected on the back pads. It looks like the grand opening is still a long way off—perhaps not until 2026.

For those looking forward to the opening of Park Station on the corner of Park Street and San Jose Avenue, the wait is almost over. The exterior is complete, including a long list of dog rules. Number seven on the list is a deal-breaker for me, so I guess I’ll be sticking to takeout for now.

As I was walking along Park Street, I noticed a small box that my human companion identified as containing VHS tapes. He thought they might be remnants of a video rental store that once occupied the space. These tapes have long been replaced by something else—wigs, apparently. Do people really rent wigs?

At Highwire Coffee, I spotted a dog parking sign and a designated spot to hold my leash. That’s a nice touch, and I appreciate the effort to make the space more pet-friendly.

On a more serious note, I came across the scene of what appeared to be a significant accident. It looked like someone was speeding and sideswiped a parked car before crashing into a utility box, bending a large cement-filled pipe meant to prevent damage. It seems like the design team may need to revisit their calculations.

Over the years, I’ve seen some interesting vehicles on the streets of Alameda, but this past week, I spotted a Range Rover with an unusual paint job. It had gold stripes and swaths of metallic green and orange. The photos don’t do justice to how impressive it looked in person. I’m curious to know how such a unique design was achieved.

Even though the sun hasn’t been very cooperative this summer, I hope everyone enjoyed the season. Here’s to a warmer September and the arrival of autumn.

Mouf, Roving Reporter
Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda