Five Things You Need to Know for Your Week in Alameda

Five Things appears Mondays on Alameda Patch and offers a window into what's happening on the Island in the week ahead. Look also for Patch's Get Out weekend planner on Thursdays and our Grab and Go kids activity guide on Wednesdays. Send ideas for Five Things to janonpatch@gmail.com.

1. Did you ? You’d probably know by now if you were an hour late to work or missed meeting the regulars for coffee. Speaking of which, you may need extra caffeine for a day or two to cope with the time change. I’m a myself, Ethiopian or Major Dickason's. What’s your brew? Or have you given up caffeine for a healthier lifestyle?
2. Folks who work at and environs have likely been saddened on Fridays when they look across the street at the old gas station and there is no Jon’s Street Eats truck selling creative and highly tasty food at lunchtime (the spicy/cheesy corn on the cob was a favorite of mine). Owner Jon took a job as a chef in Napa Valley, but now comes word from the East Bay Express that Jon’s truck and recipes have been purchased, and the new owner may start making the rounds. Let’s hope Alameda is on his route.
3. Speaking of City Hall, the action there at evening meetings includes the tonight, talking about plans to upgrade the Islander Motel and changes to I-880 across the Park Street Bridge; Tuesday night the discusses updating building codes and setting up an abatement fund to help fix up dangerously dilapidated buildings around town; and the and get together on Wednesday.
4. The is hosting some interesting family events this week. Tonight is a to discuss Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman. Then on Thursday night there’s a from various historical periods, complete with armor and weaponry; call ahead to reserve a spot. Both events are aimed at kids in fourth through eighth grades.
5. continue at the on Wednesday and Thursday, with the film Strangers on a Train, a great old thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock. If you’re too young to know who Alfred Hitchcock is, then you need to see the movie.

Plan ahead: Elise Cooke is a and author of several books on living a frugal life. at the March 23 about how to grow your own food, save money and enjoy more fresh fruits and veggies.