Mostly I am just posting to combat the ridiculous commentary about this library that is dropping…read moreits rating. It is small and old school. It is what it is... and that is fine. It doesn't need to have a huge catalog. When I go there, I'm not looking for something specific. I see what finds me. I quit streaming movies a few months ago. Every time I pop in on my early evening walk they have something interesting on disc. Same with books. I've been introduced to a ton of interesting stuff by being restricted in my choice. To me, that's a good thing. If you need something specific you can head over to the main branch. And comments on it being "old and musty" -- omg, I'm not even going to comment on that. I'm grateful to have this branch in my neighborhood!

All Alameda Library branches are run like loud social clubs by staff. I have never been in a…read morelouder library in my life. It needs a separate building for the children's library, like they used to have in the brown shingle building next to the original Carnegie library. Plus, the visitors are often loud and the library staff make no effort to keep them quiet. Truly, the worst reading environment I've ever known, unlike almost all other libraries I've visited.

We use this place when flying out of Oakland. Easy to use app (Parking Spot) to reserve spot…read more Checkin at the front gate and they'll direct you to the row to park at. It depends who your driver is but most of them come out and help with luggage while a few may ask if you need help. The pickup from airport can take some time however they're pretty good of having transport vehicles picking up frequently.

The app"s Fast Exit never works in Oakland, but always works at SFO. They need to fix this, I hate…read morefumbling for a credit card while behind the wheel. Also, there are never bar codes to tip the drivers. Why can't I just add a tip in the app, it knows what shuttle I'm on. So close, but frustrating.

Easy to find Easy and quick shuttle to terminal…read more Courteous and helpful driver, handled our luggage.

In spite of what they post about security, they observed our catalytic converters as they were…read morestolen. They did not even respond to our request to cover the deductible. Our insurance covered $5000. Do not use their lot there in Oakland, not at all secure.

If you visit South Shore Center, Modern Mouse is the absolute best reason to go. It's such a hidden…read moregem! It feels like a little slice of Japantown right here in Alameda. They have so much cool stuff from local artists, SO MANY stickers, stationery, artist prints, blind boxes and Pokémon cards. Great for gifts, and especially a good spot if you're visiting from out of town looking for unique local finds The owners and the staff are incredibly sweet and welcoming. Shop is right across from FAAS, so a perfect chance to visit the kitten room too or pet some adorable bunnies. Also huge shoutout to South Shore Cafe for one of the best breakfasts on the island. Staff also is incredible and always a 10/10. Support local!

All the stores are almost the same as the Fremont Hub, except they have more restaurants and cafes,…read moreless than a mile from the beach. Lots of retail options too, like TJ Maxx, Old Navy, West Marine, Daiso, Ulta, and more. They even have Crunch Fitness near Marugame Udon. It's more spacious than Fremont Hub; I had to look at the directory twice to not lose direction. Most people go here for Trader Joe's and Safeway for errands. Plus, it's conveniently located near the post office. Great to visit when in Alameda.

I moved to Alameda almost 3 years ago and desperately needed a parking spot by Fruitvale Bart…read moreStation as I commute to SF for work. I put myself on the Bart waitlist but was 300+ on the list (3 years later I'm still on the waitlist at number 76!). I knew it'll be forever before I can get a spot through Bart so I scoped out the area to see if there's any alternatives and I noticed a large banner by a small parking lot across the street from Guadalajara Restaurant that read "Monthly Parking" on E 10th and Fruitvale. I immediately called and Walter said I was in luck as he just had a cancellation! Our stars aligned!!! Thrilled at the opportunity I signed up immediately and was able to park there the very same day! Payment was arranged through autopay via PayPal. They were cheaper than Bart's parking lot. The location was perfect because it was out in the open, surrounded by businesses so I felt more safe! I've heard lots of cars getting broken into at Fruitvale Bart's parking lot. I've been with Fruitvale Parking for almost 3 years and never had any break-ins. It might be because there's a bunch of cops who dine at Guadalajara's daily so thieves won't dare to break into cars in this lot! I generally arrive at Fruitvale Parking between 8:30am and 9:00am and have never had any issues finding a spot. However, I think some have complained about availability so management recently installed parking poles to block unauthorized parkers. Each member gets a key and can lock and unlock the poles to park. This should solve the complaint issues others had about availability but again, I've never had any issues myself. Walter has been amazing to work with. Every time I needed something (i.e. I lost my parking pass and needed a replacement), he responded immediately and has been so easy to work with. I HIGHLY recommend Fruitvale Parking! When the time comes and I'm offered a spot at Fruitvale Bart's parking lot, ill gladly give away my spot and stay with Fruitvale Parking because Walter has been amazing, pricing is very affordable and it's safer! In case you're wondering why I'm still on the waitlist with Fruitvale Bart... I just want to see how long it actually takes to get a spot... just for shits and giggles!

There's not always a space available, even at 9:30AM, which means you're paying for nothing…read moresometimes. I don't think they understand what the word "reserve" means. Their phone number is just an answering machine.

Jack London Square is one of my favorite places to slow down and enjoy the day. There are great…read morerestaurants and cafés, a pet store, a candy shop, and a store for water sports and outdoor gear. It's also just a short walk to World Market, a nearby movie theater, and downtown Oakland. If you're driving, there's a convenient parking garage. What I love most is that you don't have to spend any money to enjoy yourself. You can sit under the trees, watch the boats, stretch out on the grass, listen to live music, and simply enjoy the waterfront. The square itself is pedestrian-friendly, so you can relax without traffic rushing by. Sundays are especially enjoyable with the farmers market and live performances. Today I'm listening to the talented musicians from the Oaktown Jazz Workshops, who also have a home right here in Jack London Square. Every now and then, you'll hear a train passing by, which somehow adds to the character of the place. I'm really going to miss The Plank. It was such a fun community gathering spot and a place where I often came just to unwind. Another bonus is the free shuttle from Alameda, which makes getting here easy and enjoyable. Whether you're looking for a meal, a movie, a waterfront stroll, or simply a peaceful no cost place to sit and recharge, Jack London Square is well worth a visit.

Ah, it has been awhile since I was last at Jack London Square. It was a nice tourist area for their…read morefarmer's market, food trucks, biking, walking, restaurants, sightseeing, ferry, etc. Though, I know they were hit hard by Covid/pandemic which closed a lot of businesses and the hotel. It's still a nice place to visit during the day. Support your local businesses.

I grew up in Alameda, I was here when Alameda NAS was an active duty base. It's been closed for…read morenearly 30 years, and now it's called Alameda Point. Area wise, Alameda Point covers about 1/3 of the island, so there's alot of land to develop. The peaceful Alameda of today, is not the same as when the base was open. Navy jets would do laps over the island daily. The jet engine tests would make the ground shake and the roar would wake you from a light nap. In the early 1970's a jet from the Central Valley crashed into an apartment building. My Dad and I ran outside just in time to see a fireball rise over the houses. But the base was a great source of revenue for the city. When a carrier or carriers were in port, Webster Street would be gridlocked with traffic. Traffic couldn't get out of the Tube. That's why they built the Constitution Way flyover ramp. It's to divert traffic away from Webster, and onto Lincoln Avenue. Webster St became a ghost town when the base closed. I had a high school friend who was a Navy Captain's son. He would take us on base and give us tours. The base was well maintained when sailors and airman were there. When they left, it became abandoned and ugly. When I was in College Army ROTC we launched an airmobile operation from the NAS. 65 armed troops in combat gear, boarding a Chinook helicopter to conduct a raid on an imaginary target 300+ miles away. During Desert Storm, jets flew airstrikes from the NAS. Very few people knew that. It has a rich history, and it shouldn't be forgotten. I regret I didn't take a picture of the East Gate before they tore it down.

The Alameda Naval Air Station sprawls across the west end shore…read more Seemingly endless abandoned buildings litter the scape. Some portions have been sold to apartment developers building structures that lack integrity. The empty air craft hangars. The empty NARDAC headquarters. So much military industrial architecture to be observed. Skaters galore, just watch out for base security. They lack any enforcement ability but love doing their job, nothing. I go here to walk my dog and explore the endless labyrinth of streets with names from times gone by.