November 2025 Community Recap: Trees, Turkeys, and Traffic

November 2025 has been a busy month for Alameda. Between the election, holiday preparations, and some major changes to our streetscapes, the online chatter on both the Alameda Peeps Facebook group and the r/alameda subreddit has been lively.

Here is a look at the conversations that defined our community this month.

The Changing Face of Our Streets

The biggest topic of conversation this month—and perhaps the most contentious—has been the transformation of Central Avenue. Photos comparing the “before” and “after” sparked a massive debate about the loss of the street’s iconic trees.

While many residents are mourning the change in the street’s character, it’s important to recognize the goal behind these changes. The redesign is part of a broader move toward a safer, more pedestrian- and bike-friendly island. Change is often difficult, especially when it involves removing mature greenery, but the trade-off is a piece of infrastructure designed to protect our most vulnerable road users.

Similarly, the new roundabout construction at Pacific and Chestnut has drawn mixed reactions. While roundabouts are statistically safer than traditional intersections, the “slow streets” initiatives continue to be a flashpoint for debate regarding island congestion. As we adjust to these new traffic patterns, the hope is that the long-term safety benefits will outweigh the growing pains.

Civic Engagement & Prop 50

Alameda showed up at the polls this November! The community is celebrating the victory of Proposition 50, which passed with over 60% approval.

On Reddit, a deep dive into the election results showed just how engaged Alamedans are. The data highlighted an 83.9% “yes” vote citywide on key measures and a voter turnout of 51.4%—notably higher than the statewide average. It’s clear that when it comes to the future of our city, Alamedans are paying attention and making their voices heard.

The Heart of Alameda: Neighbors Helping Neighbors

If the street debates show our passion, the requests for help show our heart. This month gave us several beautiful examples of why this community is so special:

• A Seat at the Table: A newcomer to the US from Ukraine reached out to the community, hoping to find a family to share Thanksgiving with. The response was overwhelming, with numerous families opening their homes. It was a touching reminder of our town’s inclusive spirit.
• Moms’ Night Out: When local moms went looking for a venue for a 90s/00s dance night, the community flooded the comments with welcoming suggestions like Improv Central and The Fireside Lounge.
• Generosity: We saw posts offering free help with cooking, cleaning, and organizing for overwhelmed moms, and the Alameda Scouts collected a massive 9 tons of food for the Alameda Food Bank—exceeding last year’s haul by 1.5 tons!

Wildlife on the Island (Real and… Not)

It wouldn’t be Alameda without some wildlife commentary.

• Turkeys: Our local wild turkeys have apparently been listening to The Beatles. A humorous post captured them using crosswalks, looking remarkably like the Abbey Road album cover. It seems even the wildlife appreciates our pedestrian infrastructure!
• The Coyote: A photo of a “coyote” at the soccer field caused quite a stir about wildlife safety. However, it turns out the Peeps were having a bit of fun—the “coyote” in question was a well-placed statue/decoy. While it gave us a laugh, it did spark a real conversation about living near natural habitats.

Local Business Buzz

We Alamedans care deeply about our local shops—even down to the freezer handles.

• Trader Joe’s: The switch from open-air to closed-door freezers at Trader Joe’s became a surprisingly hot topic. While some miss the ease of browsing, others applauded the energy efficiency.
• Pagano’s & Project Burger: Residents expressed concern over the trajectory of Pagano’s Hardware, noting stock issues, while over on Reddit, the “mystery” of Project Burger continues: how does a prime location with visible staff never seem to have customers?
• The Mylar Debate: A proposed ban on Mylar balloons sparked a discussion balancing environmental protection with the livelihoods of local balloon artists. It’s a complex issue that highlights our community’s struggle to be sustainable while supporting small businesses.

Looking Out For Each Other

Finally, safety remains a priority. A video of a scooter theft near Washington and Post resonated with parents across the island, serving as a reminder to stay vigilant. There was also significant discussion about the USS Hornet Museum’s proposal to move the ship to San Francisco, leaving many to wonder what that cultural loss would mean for Alameda Point.