APPLY FOR ADVISORY BODY VACANCIES

Residents of Albany are encouraged to apply for vacancies on the following committee: 

Planning & Zoning Commission

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

WINTER/SPRING CLASSES & CAMPS

Adult Class Spotlight:

Basic Knife Skills Workshop   

Day: Thursday  

Dates: Feb 1  

Time: 5:30-8:30 PM 

Learn to cut and dice like a pro! You’ll learn to julienne, baton, brunoise, chiffonade vegetables and break up whole chickens to make a simple meal. Tips on maintaining and sharpening knives included.

Youth Camp Spotlight:

Karate February Camp

Days: Tu-F 

Dates: Feb 20-23 

Time: 9 AM-12 PM

Shotokan Karate is traditional Japanese karate with an emphasis on the integrated mind, body, and spirit. This camp offers instruction in a supportive environment with traditional training as students build endurance, alertness, and self-esteem.

RESOURCE: ALBANY HILL FIELD GUIDE

Are you curious about nature on Albany Hill? Learn about the history, cultural significance, and plants and animals of Albany Hill in our Field Guide to Native Plants and Animals.

Created through the City’s Habitat Restoration Internship Program, which is funded by a grant from the State Coastal Conservancy, this First Edition of the Field Guide has photos and descriptions of 18 plants and animals found on the hill and other resources to learn more about the importance of the hill.

Access the guide by clicking the button below. The guide can also be accessed by scanning QR codes on signs that have been placed on the hill.

A limited number of printed booklets are available at the Community Center (1249 Marin Avenue) and Senior Center (846 Masonic Avenue). Note that the online version has clickable links, whereas the printed version does not.

PREPARING FOR STORM SEASON 

Albany Public Works staff have been preparing for the Winter rainy season. Below are examples of the type of work done prior to, during and after a storm, as well as helpful information for residents.

Preparedness:  

• Seasonal storm drain cleaning (pictured above).
• Stocking sand for sandbags at Ocean View Park.  
• Having additional staff and tree crews on standby during predicted storms.  
• Coordinating with the Police Department to pre-stage a truck with barricades and signs for quick deployment in case of power outages or other road hazards.  

Storm Response: 

• Responding to calls about downed trees, tree limbs, and flooding to quickly mitigating the worst problems.
• The City Arborist and contractors manage the larger tree issues with consideration of all factors including the health of the tree and protecting people and property.  
• During the days following a storm, picking up branches and clearing leaves and debris from storm drains.  

How can residents help prevent flooding? 

• Clearing existing trash and leaves from storm drains in your neighborhood. Be sure and put these in trash or green waste bins as appropriate.  
• Obtaining sandbags if your property is prone to flooding. Sandbags are available at at the Albany Fire Station, 1000 San Pablo Avenue. Sand for self-serve sandbags is available at Ocean View Park, 900 Buchanan Street. Please travel safely. 
• Visiting www.albanyca.org/storm for more information in preparation for and during a storm. 

ECHO HOUSING – FREE FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER WORKSHOP

Date: February 3, 2024

Time: 9am-5pm 

Learn how to create a budget, repair credit, and how to shop for a lender. Discover types of mortgages, and find out what to expect in the loan and escrow process.

First-time Homebuyer Workshop Flyer

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

ALBANY READS

One Community, One Shared Book: Accountable, by Dashka Slater

After a hiatus, the Albany Library is excited to bring back this unifying program where the Albany community comes together to read the same book, share ideas, and engage in discussions and events inspired by themes in the book.  

Event Spotlight:

The Mask You Live In | Film screening followed by discussion/Q&A with Ashanti Branch

Date: Wednesday, January 31, 2024 

Time: 6-8:30 PM

Location: Albany High School Little Theater

Address: 603 Key Route Blvd

For more information on events and discussion groups, visit the Featured Events section of the Albany Reads webpage.

ALBANY CERT COMMUNITY MEETING

January 31, 2024 from 7-8:30 PM

Online Meeting (Zoom)

Resolve to Be Prepared

Join our neighbors at the inaugural Fifth Wednesday Albany CERT Community meeting of the year. Here’s a peek at the subjects we’ll explore:

• Taking advantage of the wet season to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season, when fire risk is at its lowest
• Identifying and supporting block captains (perhaps you or someone you know) to help organize our city at the neighborhood level
• Mastering the use of Genasys (formerly Zonehaven) and other resources to stay informed about emergency alerts in your area
• Engaging with multilingual communities in Albany via Listos
• Tailoring the Albany CERT agenda by discussing issues that will most effectively equip you and our city to face potential emergencies

The information provided in this section does not constitute an endorsement or approval by the City of Albany of any products, services or opinions of the organization. The City of Albany bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external sites or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

Sign-up for the City of Albany’s E-Notification system and get information and updates going on around your block on topics that interest you.

If you live, work, or visit Alameda County, subscribe to AC Alert to receive City of Albany and Alameda County emergency alerts. Need help subscribing? Learn more.

Visit our Construction Alerts webpage for updates on municipal projects in Albany.

For in-person visits, see our department hours and contact information page. 

There are no public meetings the week of January 29 to February 2, 2024. Please see the City Calendar for all public meeting attendance and viewing options.

STAY CONNECTED