Alameda News Roundup

Here's a look at the past week's events:

The Island reports that a one-alarm fire Sunday night caused about $40,000 in damage to a detached garage at a home on the 1500 block of Verdi Street. Alameda firefighters think electrical problems may have set off the blaze, but are still investigating, Alameda Fire Department Division Chief Rico Zombeck said, according to the article.

Debbie and Frank George are planning to open a mini-mall at 1419 Park St. They are downsizing their 10,000-square-foot furniture store, Pillow Park Plaza, and moving to the back of the building. While they have not yet found tenants, they are considering a sports bar for the storefront space.

The City Council planned to narrow down a list of candidates for city manager at a closed meeting Saturday.

Alameda County is considering a bike path underneath the BART tracks running from 18th Street in Oakland to the downtown Hayward station.

Alameda residents listed their priorities for city government in a Patch video Friday.

An Alameda was among those arrested in a marijuana trafficking bust.

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors anticipates severe budget cuts. County Administrator Susan Muranishi said reductions from the state and federal governments would slash funding for child care, affordable housing and mental health programs.

Alameda's Borders Bookstore is one of more than 200 slated to close as the national chain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.