Five Things You Need to Know for Your Week in Alameda

Today Alameda Patch introduces a new Need to Know, covering items of interest Monday through Thursday. Later in the week look also for two new weekend planners from Alameda Patch — one kid-focused, one not. But some things stay the same: send your tips for future Five Things to janonpatch@gmail.com.

1. It’s the time of year when parents are looking at educational options for their kids in the fall. A school is being set up in the East Bay and could end up in Alameda. Organizers are asking interested families to fill out a survey; meanwhile, applications to the Yu Ming school are due this Thursday. Also Thursday, one of Alameda’s existing charter schools, , will have an information night, and Encinal High will also be hosting an information night for .
2. The recent spring-like weather makes it easy to start thinking about what you’ll plant in the garden in coming weeks. Get some help planning at the Alameda Backyard Growers on Thursday at .
3. A new restaurant opens on Park Street Wednesday, marking its first Cambodian food establishment. will open at 1319 Park St.; it’s owned by the people who run Phnom Penh House in Oakland’s Chinatown.
4. The ranked choice voting setup that resulted in a surprising outcome in Oakland’s recent mayoral election is somewhat mystifying to many. But Joe Tuman, professor of political and legal communications at San Francisco State, will explain it all for you on Wednesday evening at Alameda Hospital. His about local politics is sponsored by the Alameda Democratic Club.
5. No need to drive up the hill to Chabot Space and Science Center. On Thursday, they’re bringing the down to Alameda’s Main Library. Sign up early to get your kids a ticket.

Plan ahead: Early voting begins today for the , and the last day to register vote is Feb. 21. More parcel tax details , and .