The City of Albany completed asphalt repairs and renewal of crosswalk striping at the intersection of Jackson & Buchanan as scheduled on April 8, 2022.

The work included paving within the south crossing of Jackson & Buchanan, intersection striping renewal, and striping of a “Keep Clear” box for Fire Department access to the Ocean View School. Work was scheduled to coincide with the AUSD Spring Break to minimize disruptions to the nearby school.

Paving and striping of Segment 2 of the Washington Avenue Phase II Project was completed as scheduled on April 8, 2022. This segment of the project included upgrades to the intersection of Washington and Cornell.

Segment 1, spanning from east of Cornell through the Masonic intersection, was previously substantially completed on March 31, 2022. This segment of the project included curb ramp upgrades as well as pavement renovation.

The full Washington Avenue Rehabilitation Project (Phases I & II) included construction of curb ramps, valley gutter, and pavement renovation on Washington Avenue from San Pablo Avenue to Masonic Avenue. Last summer’s Phase I project included roadway resurfacing, curb ramp upgrades, and striping on Washington Avenue from San Pablo to Pomona. The project was phased into two in order to avoid scheduling conflicts with concurrent EBMUD water pipeline replacements, which were completed last autumn.

The City of Albany has launched a new COVID Small Business Assistance Grant Program, funded by the City’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The program has been created to support Albany small businesses impacted by the pandemic and offers grants up to $20,000 per eligible business. The submission window for applications is open now and will close on May 20, 2022.

For questions, please contact the City of Albany Economic Development Division at EconDev@albanyca.org.

The article references the City's important maintenance partnership with Urban Tilth, as well as the ADA Access Improvements Project completed at the hill's summit in 2020. The article also goes into detail regarding the history of Albany Hill, its ecological complexity, and the many community partnerships that help it thrive.  

The Albany Recreation & Community Services Department’s Summer Catalogue have been mailed out to Albany residents this past week. This catalogue includes information on summer camps, classes, and programs for all ages which take place between May and August. Read through your catalogue and find programs that will make your summer in Albany a fun and enriching experience.

On January 1, 2022, a new California state law (SB 1383) took effect, requiring that compostable materials be kept out of landfills—including food scraps, paper, cardboard, and plant trimmings—to prevent the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. In Alameda County, the law is implemented under the Organics Reduction and Recycling Ordinance.

This new law not only aims to keep methane-producing organic material out of the landfill – it also aims to increase the state’s production of healthy, nutrient-rich compost!

Compost applied to gardens and landscapes can help plants remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in the soil. Learn more about compost at www.stopwaste.org/gardening.

Albany residents can take home up to 4 bags of FREE compost at the Compost Giveaway on April 30. Learn more about the upcoming Compost Giveaway on our website.

ALBANY MOVE’N’GROOVE - APR. 24 

The Albany Move’n’Groove is a 5K course (six laps) around Albany High School and Memorial Park in Albany, California. Registrants may walk, run, roller skate, wheelchair, or stroll while being entertained by live bands stationed around the course. Registrants of all ages and fitness levels are welcome to join the fun!

Want to volunteer? This event could definitely use your help! People will be needed on the day of the event (and in the days leading up to the event) to help in a variety of tasks and functions including: putting up flyers, making and placing signage, putting up street blockades and cones, handing out registration packets, 5K pacing, safety monitoring, helping out at an information boot and check-in table, providing first aid, refilling water cisterns, and assisting bands.

If you are interested in being a volunteer, please fill out the Volunteer Form and you’ll be contacted. Volunteers will receive a complimentary Move’n’Groove t-shirt.

Visit The Albany Move’n’Groove website for all of the event details: movengroove.org.

Celebrate Earth Day with Albany’s Earth Month BINGO activity - both adult and kid versions available! Take actions that reduce your environmental impact, save money, and improve your own health and the health of the planet.

Complete a row, column, or diagonal by April 30. Those who submit their completed Earth Day BINGO card by April 30, 2022 will be entered into a raffle to receive a zero-waste prize!

Visit www.AlbanyCA.org/EarthDay for more information on the BINGO activity and more!

Albany community members are invited to explore their watershed by participating in a Watershed Exploration Challenge!

The course will have several checkpoints marked by QR codes that, when scanned, will bring up information about historical and/or ecological features of that location. Register for the activity to access links for the activity maps.

Community members are invited to participate in these self-guided events throughout the month of April. Participants in these activities will be entered into a raffle to win prizes of gift certificates to local sustainable businesses.

The Albany Senior Center is happy to announce day trips and hikes are coming back this summer! Trip registration starts on Monday, April 18th at the Albany Senior Center. Call the Albany Senior Center for more information at 1(510) 524-9122.

ADVISORY BODY SPECIAL VACANCY NOTICES

The Arts Committee advises the City Council on cultural and artistic matters within the City including the acquisition and placement of public art. The Committee adheres to the Public Arts Master Plan, the Art in Public Places Ordinance and the Public Arts Project Plan in order to support, develop and promote art in Albany and increase the economic vitality of the City. This vacancy allows for a non-Albany resident appointee that represents the local business community with experience in the fields of public art, cultural and artistic matters.

The Charter Review Committee advises the City Council on proposed changes to the City Charter. These proposed changes may be generated by the City Council or recommended to the City Council by the Charter Review Committee.

The Community Media Access Committee advises the City Council on matters related to media access, community engagement and outreach, and information regarding local government matters in the City.

The Financial Advisory Committee advises the City Council on financial matters including but not limited to budgeting, audits, long-term financial planning, and financial sustainability.

If interested, please complete an online application or contact the Albany City Clerk Office at 1(510) 528-5710 for more information.  

A Grant for Local Non-profit and Business Organizations

Local non-profit and business organizations that have experienced the negative economic, health, and safety impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and are located in or serve residents of Alameda County Supervisorial District 5 are invited to apply for a District 5 ARPA Community Needs Cash Aid Grant.

District 5 has prioritized the following categories for these grants with a focus on applicants who have not been able to access any previous COVID relief funds:

These grants will be allocated in two phases, with each applicant eligible for a grant of up to $100,000.

Visit the District 5 Home Page for full details and to submit an application electronically. If you would like to download and print a paper application, click here. Completed paper applications should be mailed to: Office of Supervisor Keith Carson, 1221 Oak Street, Suite 536, Oakland, CA 94612.

As the spring season begins, Alameda County Health Officials ask our community to remain vigilant in managing COVID risk. Vaccines and boosters remain the best protection against severe disease. The State and Alameda County strongly recommend high-quality, well-fitted masks in indoor public spaces; staying home when sick, and testing if exposed regardless of vaccination status. Second boosters are available to eligible populations at Alameda County-operated COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Second booster doses are most urgent for older adults and those who are severely immune compromised who are farthest out from their last booster, especially if they have not had COVID-19 recently.

Vaccination Clinics continue to be available to county residents. Find a vaccination clinic near you.

Weekly COVID-19 testing is held on Tuesdays from 9 AM-4 PM at the Albany Community Center at 1249 Marin Ave. The test is a self-administered shallow nasal PCR test and results are delivered directly 1-2 days upon receipt at Curative's labs. Visit cur.tv/albany to find out more.

Counter services at City Hall, the Community Center, and Senior Center are available in-person to the community. Click HERE for department hours and contact information.

To sign up for AC Alert go to http://ACAlert.org

Sign-up for the City of Albany’s E-Notification system and get information and updates going on Around Your Block.

City meetings are still virtual until further notice. Please see the City Calendar for all public meeting attendance and viewing options.

City Council | Mon., APR 18 | 6 PM

Climate Action Committee | Wed., APR 20 | 7 PM