ALAMEDA
At their regular meeting June 11, the Peralta Community College District (PCCD) Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Melanie Dixon as the College of Alameda’s new president, effective July 15.
Ms. Dixon is a seasoned higher education leader with a proven track record of success in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In her previous roles, she has championed student success and fostered open, transparent communication within a collaborative learning environment.
“We are thrilled to welcome Melanie Dixon to the Peralta Community College District,” said PCCD Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson.
Dixon previously served as the president of American River College in the Sacramento area, where she oversaw all aspects of the college’s instruction and operations. Also in the Sacramento area before that, she held the position of associate vice chancellor of educational services and student cuccess at Los Rios Community College District.
“I am super-excited about coming to College of Alameda,” Dixon said. “The local community thinks highly of the college. … And COA is already one of the top Bay Area colleges for students accepted into the University of California and Cal State University systems.
“But there’s more work to be done, particularly with an equity lens. I believe in the California community college system as the great equalizer as it relates to economic status in our communities.”
In her new role, Dixon will be responsible for providing strategic leadership on campus to ensure its continued growth and success. She will work closely with faculty, classified professional staff, administrators and students within the College of Alameda and with the other PCCD campuses including Berkeley City College and Oakland’s Laney and Merritt colleges, to create a vibrant and inclusive learning environment that prepares students for transfer to four-year universities or successful careers in their chosen fields.
— PCCD
Third annual Rock & Roll Beer Stroll downtown Saturday
It’s back! Sip and stroll your way through Alameda’s historic downtown district tasting local craft beer selections during the Downtown Alameda Business Association’s (DABA) third annual Rock & Roll Beer Stroll from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Enjoy an afternoon filled with craft beer, live music and a few tasty bites while learning about the unique styles of Northern California breweries. For tickets online, visit alamedastrolls.com/#tickets.
— DABA
City prosecutors, police focus enforcement against car theft
On June 12, Alameda’s Assistant City Prosecutor Montague Hung filed criminal charges of attempted car theft and resisting arrest against Defendant Casey Curnutt.
Based on the probable cause declaration filed with the court, Alameda Police Department (APD) officers were dispatched around 5 a.m. June 6 to Marina Drive for a reported vehicle theft in progress on the city’s East End, where they saw Curnutt exiting the victim’s vehicle.
Officers say when they tried to contact him, he fled on foot but that they pursued and ultimately apprehended him. While on scene, a witness is said to have positively identified the defendant whose vehicle in a subsequent search had evidence of burglary activities, including tools and wires being cut below the steering column.
Since taking office in 2022, Alameda Police Chief Nishant Joshi has implemented a data-driven and evidence-based approach to targeting police resources to ensure maximum impact on public safety.
As part of that effort, the APD has dedicated significant resources to combating vehicle theft in Alameda and carefully calibrated its resource allocation to ensure the fastest possible response time to ongoing criminal activities.
“I am incredibly proud of the work of APD’s response to this and like incidents, and I appreciate the outstanding collaboration and support from the Alameda City Attorney’s Office,” Joshi said. “Unlike any other city in Northern California, APD is lucky to have cases prosecuted by our city attorney.
“Our community should know our City Attorney believes in accountability. This unique partnership meaningfully enhances public safety in the city of Alameda.”
For more information online, visit bit.ly/4b8QXEv.
— city of Alameda
City Attorney’s Office reminds public of Section 8 tenant rights
Shayla, dreaming of an affordable apartment in Alameda, faced challenges due to high rents. With a Section 8 voucher, she found a suitable apartment near work. However, during the application process, the landlord, Andreas, showed reluctance regarding Section 8.
Despite being the sole applicant initially, Andreas expressed open concern over the voucher’s complexities and continued showing the property. After a two-week wait, Shayla was informed her credit score was too low, which she disputed, suspecting discrimination. Dubious, Shayla called the City Attorney’s Office to ask for help.
This case highlights two legal issues: discrimination based on source of income, which the city of Alameda prohibits, and rejection based on credit score, now regulated under SB 267 in California. Specifically, owners cannot reject a Section 8 applicant based on his or her credit score without giving that applicant a chance to prove the ability to pay with other evidence.
The City Attorney’s Office intervened, educating Andreas about his legal obligations. Eventually, Shayla secured the apartment after demonstrating her financial capability despite her credit score. This case underscores the importance for landlords to understand and comply with local and state rental laws, particularly in Alameda.
If you have a question about the law or a complaint in the city of Alameda, contact City Attorney’s Office at 510-747-4775 or email rfenix@alamedacityattorney.org. The Alameda City Attorney’s Prosecution and Public Rights Unit enforces the law and educates the public on issues including tenants’ rights, workers’ rights and consumer protection. The names and facts in this story have been changed, but the story is similar to other cases the office has handled.
— Rico Fenix, Alameda City Attorney’s Office
Nonprofit groups can apply by July 1 for community grants
In service to the community, the Alameda Kiwanis Foundation (AKF) encourages nonprofit organizations serving Alameda to apply for its community grants, entirely funded by its annual chili cookoff. The application deadline is July 1, and the grant awards will be presented at a Kiwanis meeting Aug. 7.
Mail your completed application to Alameda Kiwanis Foundation, P.O. Box 1217, Alameda CA 94501. Grant requests must be postmarked by July 1. For information and an application, email leadingedgealameda@comcast.net or call 510-909-4444.
— AKF
‘West is Best’ live music series to continue July 4, Aug. 18
The West Alameda Business Association (WABA) has proudly announced the launch of its vibrant new summer series, “West is Best,” which is meant to celebrate the spirit of community, art and live music in the heart of West Alameda. The series will feature three events and up to six mini-events.
Following the much-anticipated Alameda July Fourth parade, the series will continue with Hat Trick taking the stage from 2 to 4 p.m. July 4. This vintage classic rock band guarantees an unforgettable experience with triple shots of iconic artists like the Grateful Dead, Joe Walsh and Neil Young.
On Aug. 18, the tribute band Midnight Flyer will enchant the audience from 4 to 6 p.m. with their heartfelt renditions of the Eagles’ greatest hits, showcasing their passion and energy.
In addition to the stellar musical lineup, the “West is Best” series will feature vintage markets curated by Webster Street antique store Patina + Rust Alameda, cocktails by The Fireside Lounge, local artisans showcasing their talents and kids’ activities to ensure fun for the whole family. WABA’s community gathering space, The Healing Garden, is at 1435 Webster St. on Alameda’s West End.
— WABA
Radium Runway summer concert series to last until Sept. 21
Radium Presents has announced a Saturday summer concert series to take place at Radium Runway, its outdoor performance venue on Alameda Point with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and distinct large-scale murals.
On July 20, Nashville-based singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso Sunny War will headline. Her emotional mix of gospel, blues, folk and rock are delivered with her signature innovative guitar style about which L.A. Weekly’s Michael Simmons proclaims, “I haven’t heard a young guitarist this dexterous … in eons.” San Francisco singer-songwriter and guitarist Diana Gameros will open for this concert.
For the Aug. 17 concert, Jazz Mafia’s Grateful Brass reimagines the iconic music of the Grateful Dead with instrumentation of brass, drums and vocals digging deep into the Grateful Dead discography with creative reimaginations infused with the ebullient spirit of New Orleans Second Line, Afrobeat grooves, energetic Afro-Cuban polyrhythms and Balkan brass, all sitting on top of a heavy foundation of funk. Modern micro brass band The SticklerPhonics will join the bill for this show.Closing out the series Sept. 21 will be popular Seattle-based funk and soul act True Loves. The band has been called “simply one of the best bands in Seattle” by KEXP’s John Richards. Opening for the final concert is Bay Area soul duo Andre Cruz & Chris Lujan.
All concerts will take place at 3 p.m. on Alameda Point at Radium Runway, 2151 Ferry Point in Alameda. General admission tickets are $20 in advance, $25 on show day and free for ages 13 or younger. For more online details, visit radiumpresents.org/radiumrunway.
— Radium Presents
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