Dec. 22: Five Things You Need to Know Wednesday in Alameda

Need to Know appears every weekday on Alameda Patch. Send tips for future Five Things to janonpatch@gmail.com.

1. Looks like it's going to rain for the rest of the year. Sounds kind of dire, but it basically means for the next week, and there should even be some blue sky showing through. Of course, weather forecasts are flawed, so don't plan any picnics without checking several sources first.
2. All the talk about  in Alameda can get confusing. But there is now a clear plan: the Alameda Unified School District is  to shore up . If that parcel tax is not approved by Alameda voters in March 2011, there ," which would close some schools, cut arts and library, raise class size and trigger even more reductions in staff. It can be confusing, but at least one thing is true, there are no plans in the works to close Encinal High School.
3. If you celebrate Christmas, there's just a few days left to find a gift for your partner. If you're still stumped (or you read Judy Judy's of spousal gift abuse on Alameda Patch and are frozen in fear), here's an easy one: get him or her a massage. I can recommend a very cool option, which is the two-hour couple's massage class taught in your home by Shurrone Wallace at Table 4 One in Alameda. It might sound vaguely naughty, but it's not at all…just really useful information on how to ease your partner's aching lower back or neck pains.
4. Kids getting antsy in the house while on vacation? Take them down to Webster Street this afternoon for some kid-oriented events in the big white tent. Juggling and fun winter songs start at 1:15 p.m.
5. Maybe you're the one getting antsy or overwhelmed with holiday-ness. Head over to for tonight's , where you can work on whatever your artistic thing is, with fun company, music and refreshments. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Plan ahead: Lots of local things to do New Year's Eve...check the events listings for parties at the , , , and . Know of any others? Add them in the comments.