A WWII-era track on the westernmost side of Seaplane Lagoon at Alameda Point will ultimately be converted into a 12-acre urban park and tidal ecosystem. “De-Pave Park” (a generic name for now) will be an open ecological space designed to sequester carbon and adapt to rising sea levels by becoming inundated over time and creating zones extra wet. An elevated boardwalk, trails and viewing areas will provide people of all physical abilities the opportunity to observe shorebirds, waterfowl and marine mammals in their natural habitat.

This fall, City of Alameda staff will seek permission from city council to reapply in October for a $ 1.6 million grant from the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority (SFBRA). The SFBRA grant would fund a master planning process to solicit and incorporate design input from residents of Alameda, with an emphasis on equity and inclusion, reaching out to disenfranchised communities, including residents of Alameda Point. Grant funds would also be used to develop construction documents and obtain regional permits for the new park.

The vision plan for De-Pave Park was developed by key stakeholders: Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA), Friends of the Alameda Wildlife Reserve, SF Baykeeper, Alameda Chapters of the Sierra Club and Golden Gate Audubon Society, Alameda Point opened up to the space advocates and the Alameda water sports community. In September 2020, the council, following the recommendation of the Recreation and Parks Commission, adopted the vision plan for the park.

In October 2020, Alameda applied for a grant from the SFBRA but did not get it. However, SFBRA staff and grant reviewers were impressed with the inclusive public participation process offered by the city and encouraged Alameda to reapply in 2021. They also recognized the city’s innovative partnerships, including scientific consultation with the SF Estuary Institute and collaboration with the nonprofit association based in San Francisco. for Environmental Justice to develop a community stewardship program.

SFBRA grant reviewers have suggested that a closer partnership with the Veterans Administration would strengthen a subsequent grant application, as De-Pave Park will connect to the soon-to-be developed VA wetlands. They also noted that while matching funds from the city are not required, their inclusion would be viewed favorably. City staff and council will carefully consider this constructive contribution. Despite a first setback, Alameda does not give up easily!

New mask mandate: Although Alameda County’s vaccination rate is impressive (nearly 72% of county residents aged 12 and over are fully vaccinated and almost 85% have received at least one vaccine as of August 2) and rates in the city of Alameda are even higher (over 77% of residents aged 12 and over are fully vaccinated and 90% have received at least one vaccine injection as of August 2, we are seeing an alarming increase in COVID cases- 19 and hospitalizations, largely due to the more contagious Delta variant. For example, the Alameda County Public Health Department reports that in Alameda there were only 48 new cases of COVID in June but 237 new cases in July.

The Delta variant can infect both vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Although vaccinated people who contract COVID are protected against serious illness, hospitalization and death, they can still pass the virus on to others. As a result, the eight Bay Area health workers have issued health orders requiring everyone, vaccinated or not, to wear masks indoors in public places. This includes grocery and retail stores, theaters, family entertainment centers, and indoor restaurants, except when actively eating or drinking. The mask’s tenure began on Tuesday. Make sure your mask is snug and covers your mouth and nose.

“Using face masks in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status, will help us protect each other and end this summer wave,” said Dr Nicholas Moss, head of health of Alameda County.

Bay Area health officials are also urging all unvaccinated residents 12 years of age and older to get vaccinated as soon as possible. If you or someone you know has not yet been vaccinated or need to schedule your second dose, please visit bayareane.ws/3ijBlWG to find a convenient vaccination site or call 510-208-4VAX (510-208 -4829). Protect ourselves and others and remain “Alameda Strong! “

Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the mayor of Alameda.