Happy Thursday, Alameda!

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and there’s plenty happening around the island. Date nights, Galentine hangout, and lots of reasons to get out of the house. We’ve got swing dancing, a record swap, live music, and community events all week long.

Quick heads up: the Posey Tube will have evening and early morning construction closures for the rest of the work week, so plan a little extra time if you’re heading off the island. We’ve got more details in the newsletter below.

Let’s dive in!

In this week’s email:

• Featured Events: Valentine’s Day Swing Dancing & Alameda Record Swap

• Island Updates: Posey Tube closure details & Electricity in Alameda

• This Week’s Events: Valentine’s Day Events, Dog Meet Ups, Live music, & more

• Houses on the Market

Read time: 6 mins

FEATURED EVENTS

Valentine's Day Swing Dancing at the USS Hornet

1940s Valentine’s Swing Dance on the USS Hornet | Feb 14, Sat | 6:30–9:00 PM | $30 advance / $35 door | 18+ 📍USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum, Alameda – Step back in time for the second annual 1940s Valentine’s swing dance aboard the historic aircraft carrier. Doors open at 6:30 PM for drinks and appetizers, followed by a short history intro and a beginner-friendly lesson at 7:00 PM. No swing dance experience needed. The Death and Taxes Swing Band will keep the night going with live big band music. Come with a date or meet someone new while dancing under the hangar deck lights. More info

The Alameda Record Swap

Alameda Record Swap | Feb 15, Sun | 12:00–6:00 PM | Free | All Ages 📍Faction Brewing, Alameda – Browse and shop all genres of vinyl records, CDs, tapes, and music memorabilia. Whether you’re hunting for a rare find or just flipping through crates for fun, this laid-back record swap is open to everyone. Grab a drink, bring friends, and dig in. More info

A New Way to Make Friends in Alameda

What is it?

In just 13 days, a new way to meet people is coming to Alameda.

It’s called the Alameda Dinner Club. Think of it as a casual, low-stakes way to make new friends while trying great local restaurants.

How it works

You’ll start by taking a short personality quiz. From there, you’ll be matched with five new people based on things like age, interests, hobbies, budget, and diet. Each group of six will meet for dinner at a local Alameda restaurant.

The small group size is intentional. To avoid bouncing around person to person, so you get time to sit, talk, and make a friend or potential connection.

How to join

The next dinner is happening on Wednesday, February 25, at 7 PM.

It’s $20 to reserve your seat, and there are only 35 spots left.

So if you’ve been wanting to meet new people around Alameda, take the quiz and reserve your seat!

ISLAND UPDATES

Together with 1-888-HEAT-PUMPS

Electrifying Alameda

Alameda homeowners have a unique advantage.

Electricity here can cost up to 40% less than in nearby cities. That makes this a great time to upgrade your home with high-efficiency electric technology.

1-888-HEAT-PUMPS, a family-run company based in Berkeley, is now serving Alameda. They install high-performance heat pump systems, heat pump water heaters, and modern copper channel (induction) stoves that help you save money while moving off gas.

Heat pumps can heat and cool your home all year long by using energy from ambient air. Because electricity costs less in Alameda, you can save even more each month. When you add local, state, and federal rebates, many homeowners are getting thousands of dollars to help switch their homes to electric.

Special offer: When Alameda Pulse readers claim their free quote, 1-888-HEAT-PUMPS will also include a free 3D layout scan of your home, a $250+ value, to help design your system with precision from the start.

Stay comfortable, lower your utility bills, and future-proof your home.

Call 1-888-HEAT-PUMPS today or visit https://1888heatpumps.com/ to take advantage of Alameda’s unique electric savings while rebates are still available.

Posey Tube: Morning & Nighttime Closures

What is happening? 

Caltrans is closing the Posey Tube (the tunnel that takes you from Alameda to Oakland) for the next few nights. Crews are fixing damaged concrete and making the road surface smoother. More info

When is it happening? 

The closures have already begun and will happen for the rest of the work week:

• Wednesday, Feb 11

• Thursday, Feb 12

• Friday, Feb 13

The Schedule:

• 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM: One lane is closed. You can still drive through, but expect it to be slow.

• 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM: The tunnel is completely closed. You cannot drive through it. You must use the Park Street or High Street bridges to leave Alameda.

• 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Noon): The tunnel re-opens, but one lane stays closed. This will cause extra traffic for people leaving the island during the morning commute.

THIS WEEK’S EVENTS

Valentine’s Day Events

“Find Your Valentine” Speed Dating | Feb 13, Fri | 6:30–8:30 PM | Ticketed 📍Alameda Island Brewing Co., Alameda – Organized speed dating night for singles ages 44–59. Short one-on-one chats in a relaxed brewery setting. More info

Valentine’s Swing Dance on the USS Hornet | Feb 14, Sat | 7:00–9:00 PM | ~$30 advance / $35 door 📍USS Hornet Museum, Alameda – Valentine’s swing dance aboard the historic aircraft carrier with live big band music and beginner lesson. More info

Valentine’s Dinner & Jazz | Feb 14, Sat | 4:30–8:30 PM | Menu prices vary 📍Hobnob Restaurant, Alameda – Special three-course dinner with live romantic jazz. Reservations recommended. More info

“Valloween” Art Market | Feb 13, Fri | 2:00–7:00 PM | Free 📍Modern Mouse, South Shore Center, Alameda – A Valentine meets Halloween pop-up featuring local artists and handmade goods. Costumes welcome. More info

Vibes, Drinks & Live Music

Live Music with Lynn Drury (From New Orleans) | Feb 17, Tue | 6:00–9:00 PM | Free 📍Park Station, Alameda – Singer-songwriter Lynn Drury brings her New Orleans “NOLAmericana” sound to Park Street. Easy Tuesday night live music with great local vibes. More info

Jazz Jam Hosted by Caesar’s Empire | Feb 18, Wed | 6:00–8:30 PM | Free 📍Park Station, Alameda – Weekly jazz jam featuring local musicians and special guests. Grab dinner, settle in, and enjoy live jazz in an intimate setting. More info

Trivia Night at Almanac Brewery | Tues | 6:30-8:30PM | Free 📍Almanac Beer Co., Alameda Point – Weekly pub trivia with prizes, craft beer, and team play. Easy to join and free to play. More info

Trivia Night at Alameda Brewing Co. | Tues | 7:00–9:00 PM | Free 📍Alameda Brewing Co., Alameda – Weekly team trivia night with rotating questions, craft beer, and prizes. Arrive early to grab a table and play along. More info

Family Events

Author Visit: JaNay Brown-Wood | Feb 12, Thu | 4:00 PM | Free 📍Alameda Main Library (Stafford Room), Alameda – Children’s author JaNay Brown-Wood hosts a fun storytime and book talk for kids and families. Meet the author and enjoy an afternoon of reading and activities. More info

Pre-Valentine’s Bird-Loving Chocolate Tasting | Feb 13, Fri | 6:30 PM | Free (RSVP required) 📍Crab Cove Visitor Center, Alameda – Learn about local birds while tasting chocolate treats by the shoreline. A sweet and educational evening for all ages. More info

Hikes for Tykes | Feb 17, Tue | 10:30–11:45 AM | Free 📍Crab Cove Visitor Center, Alameda – A gentle nature walk for toddlers and caregivers. Explore the shoreline and pond while spotting crabs and other critters. More info

Shows & Entertainment

Mardi Gras Carnaval with CHELLE! & Friends | Feb 14, Sat | 7:00–9:00 PM | $36 📍Rhythmix Cultural Works, Alameda – A lively Mardi Gras concert blending New Orleans jazz and Caribbean Carnaval rhythms. Music, dance, and colorful celebration in one night. More info

“Art Comes From Art” Exhibit (Closing Weeks) | Feb 15, Sun | 12:00–3:00 PM | Free 📍Rhythmix Cultural Works (K Gallery), Alameda – A gallery show featuring new works inspired by museum collections. Drop in to view paintings, beadwork, and illustrations. More info

Community & Classes

Free Small Dog Meetup & Stroll | Fri, Feb 13 | 3 PM | Free📍Point Isabel Regional Shoreline (meet in front of Mudpuppies) - Pee-Wee Paws is hosting a relaxed community stroll for small dogs and their humans. Expect fresh air, easy walking paths, and plenty of tail wags. A great way for pups to socialize and for people to unwind together. More info

Allons-y! French Conversation Circle | Feb 13, Fri | 3:00 PM | Free 📍Alameda Main Library, Alameda – A relaxed group for adults to practice speaking French together. All levels welcome. More info

“Mermaid” Beach Cleanup | Feb 14, Sat | 9:30 AM–12:00 PM | Free 📍Seaplane Lagoon Promenade, Alameda Point – Join a shoreline cleanup with a fun ocean theme and family activities after. Supplies provided. More info

Learn Sewing at the Library | Feb 14, Sat | 11:00 AM | Free 📍Alameda Main Library, Alameda – Beginner-friendly sewing class with machines and materials provided. Create a simple project and learn basic skills. More info

Connection & Recraetion

Kindred Running 3-Mile Social Run | Thu | 6:30–7:30 PM | Free 📍Park Station, Alameda – Easy-paced 3-mile group run followed by a casual hang. All levels welcome. Come for the movement, stay for the community. More info

Kindred Running Walking Group | Wed | 9 AM | Free 📍Kindred Running, Alameda – Moderate pace. Good company. Come for the movement, stay for the community. More info

Saturday Morning Pick-Up Pickleball | Saturdays | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Free 📍Alameda (location shared after RSVP) – Casual, all-skill-level pickleball games. Play time may shift depending on turnout. Beginners and seasoned players welcome. Email to RSVPMore info

Have something locals should know about? 👉️ Email: alamedapulse@gmail.com

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— For Frankie