Community Corner

A Look Back at 2011

Top Alameda Patch stories from the year

 

So the year draws to a close.

Looking back over 2011, I've pulled together some of Alameda Patch's most-read stories. Some are sad, some happy, most are about contentious issues, but all are of concern to our community.

Find out what's happening in Alamedawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In February, a story I wrote about Groupon's impact on the  (now the home of ) gained national traction, with readers dropping in from across the country. 

In March, Patch readers , in which , a parcel tax for Alameda public schools, . . In the weeks leading up to the election,  was popular — as were .

Find out what's happening in Alamedawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In April, Alameda Patch , and many readers stopped by to take a look. Dueling editorials , the , and  followed. 

In May, a . to .

On Memorial Day, a when 53-year-old Raymond Zack died in the waters off Alameda's Crown Beach. , ,  and . 

Also in May, Alameda resident and preacher Harold Camping brought national attention to the Island with . 

In June, Alamedans appeared to be universally delighted when , South Shore Shopping Center. 

June also brought Alameda its . Patch interviewed former Oakland City Attorney John Russo about 

In July,  to support Alameda's application to be the second site for Lawrence Berkeley Labs. (Alameda was .) Public support for bringing the lab to the Island , and a decision on the next phase of selection process is .

In August, Patch contributor Carol Parker (how lucky we are to have her) captured — . Also in August, Parker wrote about the plans for a — and, not to be forgotten, she captured the , who danced Alameda's July Fourth parade route.

In September, a profile of the , opened by locals Mike “Coop” Cooper and Yanni Placarakis, captured readers' attention. The business spotlight was just  Patch contributor Cecelia Leong has written (thank you, Cecelia) since Patch's launch. 

In October, the  produced widespread and . All Alameda Patch stories about the removal are here — and, not to be forgotten, is .

Also in October, the Occupy movement came to Alameda proper with , , and . Many Alamedans with . 

Throughout the fall, a portion of the publicly-owned Chuck Corica Golf Course for land in the Harbor Bay Business Park to help pay for the maintainence of the course .   was .

In December,  to ask city staff to look at alternatives to the land swap was . Alternative plans are now slated . 

All year long, Patch columnists  (all her stories ) and  () captured their views of life on the Island. Big thanks to both of them for their craft, wit and patience. 

Bring it on, 2012.

And, as always, you can follow Alameda Patch on Facebook and Twitter.


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