With the recent announcement that City Manager John Russo is resigning his post in Alameda to become the new City Manager in Riverside, California, the Alameda City Council unanimously tapped Liz Warmerdam as Interim City Manager on March 10th. Ms. Warmerdam, who is an Alameda resident, currently serves as Assistant City Manager under Mr. Russo. A former Army Captain with over 18 years of municipal experience, Ms. Warmerdam will bring steady leadership and continuity to the organization until a permanent City Manager is selected. Mayor Herrera-Spencer praised Ms. Warmerdam for her strong financial background and overall expertise in local government, qualities which will serve the business community well.

On March 17th, the Alameda City Council approved a 60-year lease with the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (or WETA) for four acres of land and water rights at Alameda Point. The property will be home to WETA’s new $50 million Central Bay Operations and Maintenance Facility and Emergency Operations Center. On March 23rd, the City’s Planning Board gave its approvals for the project’s design.  The facility will employ over 50 people, with up to 50 additional captains and crew present at any given time.  Construction is slated to commence in the fall.

On March 12th, Alameda government and business leaders met with educators to pitch Alameda businesses on participating in a newly-created youth internship program that seeks to provide high school students with in-demand career skills and post-graduation career paths. Sean McPhetridge, Superintendent of Alameda Unified School District (AUSD), led the discussion, attended by 47 executives from local businesses and organizations, including Penumbra, Perforce, Singulex, Complete Coach Works, and Wrightspeed. The City of Alameda, Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan, and AUSD co-sponsored the event. The group will be hosting a follow-up Youth Career & Job Fair at Encinal High School on May 6th (more details to follow). For more information about the internship program and the Youth Career & Job Fair, or to involve your business, please contact the City of Alameda’s Economic Development Division at (510) 747-6890.

The Alameda Point Antiques Faire, the largest antiques show in Northern California, was granted a two-year extension of its Use Permit by the City of Alameda on March 17th. Held on the first Sunday of every month, the faire boasts over 800 dealer booths. All items for sale are at least 20 years old and features one-of-a-kind vintage and antique home decorations, clothing, furniture, jewelry, art, pottery, books, and collectibles. Founded in 1997, by Allen Michaan of Michaan’s Auctions (itself an Alameda Point tenant), the 17-year-old event has become something of a sensation, drawing customers from all over the region and state, and having been featured on television and in prominent magazines. It is really something that must be seen to be believed, but be sure to get in early if you want to compete with the true treasure hunters.

• Mercedes-Benz brings futuristic self-driving F 015 car to Alameda Point
• City set to install smart meters in commercial districts
• Alameda Island Brewery opens doors at long last
• Car2Go considers point-to-point car sharing in Alameda
• Construction on historic Del Monte warehouse coming soon
• Sunset Magazine names Alameda as best place to live at any age