Christmas Tree Lane in Alameda  Since 1938, residents of the 3200 block of Thompson Avenue have been transforming their quiet East End street into a brightly lighted wonderland. At some point the street became known as “Christmas Tree Lane,” with thousands of people from all over the Bay Area coming to see the block's elaborately decorated homes and yard displays.  The Christmas Tree Lane tradition began during the Depression when two families of cousins who lived on the block decided to string lights from their homes to the then-small trees on the avenue’s median strip. They decorated the trees with handmade ornaments and displayed their own Christmas trees in their windows. Soon other neighbors joined in and the street became known around town for its lighted displays. In the 1970s S... 12/25/2016

    2015 SEASON Fresh off a hit  and award winning 2014 season the Altarena Playhouse proudly announces it 2015 Season.       BAREFOOT IN THE PARK January 16 to February 15, 2015 Newlyweds Paul and Corrie are in love but are very different people.  He’s buttoned up and she’s a free spirit. This Neil Simon’s comedy about how the couple find a way to live – and love – together at the top of the world in New York City. BLOOD BROTHERS March 13 to April 19, 2015 In Willy Russell’s powerful musical, twins who were separated as children lead very different lives. Mickey has a troubled live, Eddie has all he needs. They become close friends until love for the same woman tears them apart again. GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Mary 15 to June 14, 2015 Selling real estate is not for the faint of heart. David ... 01/13/2015

  Santa Claus has come to Christmas Tree Lane in Alameda.  He’s there every day at 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, weather permitting.  Christmas Tree Lane, AKA Thompson Avenue is between High and Fernside and most of the homeowners decorate their homes lavishly.  Homeowners on Christmas Tree Lane will display their lighted homes each evening from 5:30 to 10:00 pm.       The families on Christmas Tree Lane have decorated their homes with fun scenes and lighted holiday figures.  The City owned Alameda Municipal Power provides a portion of the electrical costs free to the neighbors.   The popular Christmas Tree Lane on the 3200 block of Thompson Avenue is always a crowd pleaser.  The residents of Thompson Avenue take pains to decorate their homes with wonderful figures, lights and holiday scenes.  Th... 12/11/2014

  Alameda's Redux Studios and Gallery presents the opening reception of Portraits, new works by Emma Webster on December 12 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at 2315 Lincoln Avenue in Alameda.  There will also be open studios, delicious food, music and fun.       Emma Webster’s works including the use of mixed media and a “fusion of reclaimed materials and nostalgia, relate layers of narratives,” according to Webster.   “Webster’s experimentations at St. Vincent de Paul’s Recycling Center have caused her to develop a new form of portraiture. Figures like family photographs or yearbook shots, emerged in her work from the gradual gluing, pressing, sanding, and painting of layers, textures, and colors. These new portraits are evocative in their ambiguity. Much like Rorschach blots, the psychological fo... 12/10/2014

  Alameda: An Agricultural History on Monday, December 8, 2014 at 6:30 pm will be the topic at the next Alameda Backyard Growers meeting featuring Eric J. Kos, co-publisher of the Alameda Sun.     Eric, a local historian, will discuss the history of Alameda agriculture through the years. From cornering the Early Knit Pea market to the Fernside back pasture, and squatter strawberries, Eric will tell you all about Alameda’s fascinating farming past.   There will also be potluck holiday treats to celebrate the winter season.  Bring your favorites to share, or just your appetite!         Alameda Backyard Growers (ABG) is a community-wide network of gardeners in Alameda, California. The group grow food in their own yards and donate extra produce to the Alameda Food Bank. Participation is fre... 12/08/2014

  Altarena Playhouse wins four Theatre Bay Area Awards   Altarena Playhouse wins four Theater Bay Area awards at the ceremony on Monday, November 10.  According to the Altarena Playhouse the four awards were for the following categories:   Best Production of a Musical – Always…Patsy Cline Music Direction – Tania Johnson, Always…Patsy Cline Principal Female Actor in a Musical – Margaret Belton, Always…Patsy Cline Featured Male Actor in a Play – Charles Woodson Parker, Boeing Boeing   Altarena Playhouse was a finalist in these categories: Best Production of a Play – Boeing Boeing Direction of a Musical – Richard Robert Bunker, Always…Patsy Cline Music Direction – Greg Zema, Side Show Performance by an Ensemble in a Play – the cast of Boeing Boeing Principal Female Actor in a Play – Sue Tr... 11/13/2014

VA Mortgage Loans in Alameda California and 100% Alameda county VA Loans - the best loan program in California! Designed for both active duty military and honorable discharged Veterans, VA Mortgage Loans are one of the best mortgage loan programs available today. Here are some of the great features of this fantastic program: - 100% financing, no down payment required. - Monthly mortgage insurance is not tacked on to your payment. - More lenient credit qualifying standards than other types of mortgage loans. - Low rates compared to other loan programs.   How do you know if you qualify for a VA Mortgage Loan in Alameda California? First of all, you must verify your eligibility. Eligibility is verified by ordering your Certificate of Eligibility or COE. You can work with an approved Alamed... 04/22/2014