Hi everyone!

A lot has happened this week! From a new business opening on Park St, live music, to gas leaks near Fifth and Pacific.

There's a lot to catch you up on, and a lot to look forward to, so here is a rundown of this week.

Let’s dive in!

In this week’s email:

• Featured Events: Wardrobe Flea Market & Alameda Record Swap

• Island Updates: New Makerspace on Park St & Gas Leak

• This Week’s Events

• Houses On The Market: Alameda Listings

Read time: 5 mins

FEATURED EVENTS

The Wardrobe Project Flea

The Wardrobe Project Flea | Sat, Jan 17th | 7 hours | Free📍Rockridge BART Parking Lot – A vintage and makers market with clothing, accessories, furniture, home goods, and jewelry, plus local makers, a photo booth, tooth gems, flash tattoos, and fun $1 bins. All ages welcome with free parking. More info

Alameda Record Swap

Alameda Record Swap | Sun, Jan 18 | 12 PM – 6 PM | Free 📍Faction Brewing – Enjoy live music from local Bay Area bands on the outdoor patio. You can see the San Francisco skyline while you listen and relax. More info

ISLAND UPDATES

New Makerspace on Park

Right next to the King Fu studio on Park Street is a new makerspace called COLLAB! A space with the ability to turn ideas into a physical product the same day. Taking out the middleman completely.

I stopped by a few days ago to say hi and met the owner, Isaac, who shared that he and his wife opened COLLAB just last week!

He walked me through the space, let me test out a few tools, and even helped me laser-engrave my logo onto a keychain.

I AirDropped the file, watched it come together, all totalling 10-15 minutes.

He even showed me a metal anime cutout a kid had made there earlier, which was pretty cool.

Other things you can make

You can do a lot more here than small accessories. After touring the studio and seeing the equipment in action, it’s easy to picture artists, students, families, and local businesses all using the space in different ways, including:

• Custom Engraving: Laser-etched designs on stainless steel tumblers, ceramic mugs, wine bottles, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

• Custom Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, workwear, and hats with same-day mockups and samples.

• Unique Signage: Precision-cut acrylic, wood, and metal signs for businesses or home décor.

• UV Printing: Full-color, direct-to-surface prints on hard materials like acrylic signs, phone cases, notebooks, wood panels, leather patches, and branded packaging.

Whether you’re a student, parent, artist, or business owner, it’s the kind of space that invites you to try something new. Definitely worth a visit if you’re on Park Street!

Gas Leak Near 5th & Pacific

A gas leak near Fifth Street and Pacific Avenue on Wednesday afternoon caused nearby residents and several schools, including Island High School, to evacuate. Police and fire crews helped people leave the area as a safety step, and some neighbors were alerted by door knocks or emergency messages while roads were closed.

The Alameda Police Department and PG&E said the leak was caused by a construction crew working nearby and was stopped around 3:30 p.m., with evacuation orders lifted just before 4 p.m. Officials said there was no serious danger, no one was hurt, and roads reopened after crews finished repairs.

THIS WEEK’S EVENTS

Live Music

Swing Dance Party with Big Cheese & The Jive Rats | Tue, Jan 20 | 6:00–9:00 PM | Free (no cover)📍Park Station – Swing dance party featuring live music from Big Cheese & The Jive Rats. Come dance or just enjoy the vibes. More info

Bob Weir Tribute Show with Dead Roses | Sat, Jan 17 | 2:00–5:30 PM | Free📍Park Station – A live tribute celebrating the music of Bob Weir and the Grateful Dead with Dead Roses. More info

Karaoke Friday! | Fri, Jan 16 | 9:00 PM–1:00 AM | Free📍Hobnob – After the restaurant closes, the party starts. Sing, dance, or grab a beer and enjoy one of Alameda’s most popular karaoke nights. More info

Live Music with Tracie Reames | Sat, Jan 17 | 6:00–8:00 PM | Free📍Hobnob – Come for happy hour and stay for dinner and live music from Tracie Reames. More info

Live Shows & Entertainment

Art Comes From Art, Comes From Art: Opening Reception | Sat, Jan 17 | 5:00–8:00 PM | Free (RSVP)📍 Rhythmix Cultural Works – Opening reception for a new exhibition featuring artwork by Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco staff, showcasing museum-inspired pieces across painting, illustration, comics, beadwork, and digital media. More info

Profs & Pints Alameda: How Money Shapes Minds | Thu, Jan 15 | 6:00–8:30 PM | $13.50–$17📍Faction Brewing – A thought-provoking talk on how money and power shape our thinking, empathy, and behavior, led by Daniel E. Martin, associate professor at CSU East Bay and director of Corporate Compassion. More info

Story Glitch Workshop | Thu, Jan 15 | 6:30–8:00 PM | Free (donations appreciated)📍Frank Bette Center for the Arts – A supportive group session where writers talk through story hurdles to uncover logic or motivation gaps with live feedback. More info

Move, Play & Meet

Walk Group Kindred Running | Wed, Jan 21 | 9 AM | Free 📍Park Station, Alameda – A casual, moderate speed walk, hang out, and connect. All paces welcome. More info

3-Mile Social Run Kindred Running | Thu, Jan 8 | 6:30–7:30 PM | Free 📍Kindred Running, Alameda – A casual 3-mile group run followed by time to hang out and connect. All paces welcome. More info

Saturday Morning Pick-Up Soccer | Saturdays (Jan 17, 24, 31; Feb 7) | 6:30–8:00 AM | Free📍The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Casual pick-up soccer at the Alameda Community Center. All skill levels welcome. More info

Community & Ongoing Events

Alameda Farmers’ Market | Sat & Tue | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Free📍Alameda Farmers’ Market – Shop seasonal produce and local goods like honey, eggs, and artisan cheese at this year-round market held every Tuesday and Saturday. EBT and WIC accepted. More info

Flames of War Tabletop Tournament | Sat–Sun, Jan 17–18 | 9:00 AM–6:00 PM | $50 for both days📍USS Hornet – A two-day World War II tabletop strategy tournament featuring Flames of War, hosted aboard the historic USS Hornet. Open to players, spectators, and history fans alike. More info

Pints & Pixels | Fri, Jan 9 | 7:00–9:00 PM | Free 📍Alameda Brewing Co., Alameda – Monthly throwback gaming night with classic video games on the big screen. This month features a Mortal Kombat tournament, plus a four-pack prize for the winner. More info

Story Glitch Workshop | Thu, Jan 15 | 6:30–8:00 PM | Free (donations appreciated)📍Frank Bette Center for the Arts – A supportive group session where writers talk through story hurdles to uncover logic or motivation gaps with live feedback. More info

Job Fairs

San Francisco Career Fair | Wed, Jan 21 | 9:30 AM–12:30 PM | Free📍Marriott – Meet live with San Francisco employers across industries like tech, healthcare, government, education, finance, retail, and more. Bring a polished resume and dress professionally. Some roles offer advanced applications and interview scheduling. Registration required. More info

Oakland Career Fair | Mon, Jan 19 | 9:30 AM–12:30 PM | Free📍Hilton – Connect in person with Oakland employers across industries like tech, healthcare, government, education, finance, retail, and more. Professional dress and an updated resume are strongly recommended. More info

City Meetings

American Legion Post 647 Monthly Meeting | Wed, Jan 14 | 6:30–8:00 PM | Free
📍 Alameda Veterans Memorial Building – A monthly planning meeting focused on supporting local veterans and the Alameda community, including youth programs, civic events, fundraisers, and community outreach initiatives. More info

Vietnam Veterans of America CH 400 Monthly Meeting | Tue, Jan 20 | 6:30–7:30 PM | Free📍Alameda Veterans Memorial Building – Monthly meeting of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 400 focused on supporting fellow veterans, community service, and continued advocacy. More info

City of Alameda City Council Meeting | Tue, Jan 20 | 7:00 PM (Closed Session 5:00 PM) | Free📍City of Alameda – Regular City Council meeting with opportunities for public comment, covering city business, policy decisions, and community issues. Attend in person or join remotely. More info

Beyond Alameda

SF Sketchfest 2026 Opening Week | Thu, Jan 15 – Wed, Jan 21 | Various Times | $25–$60 📍SF – This is a massive comedy festival with stand-up, improv, and live podcasts. You can see famous comedians and new performers at theaters all over the city. More info

TWICE [THIS IS FOR] WORLD TOUR | Saturday, Jan 17 | 8:00 PM | $59 – $350+ 📍Oakland Arena – TWICE is a famous K-pop group from South Korea known for their catchy songs and great dancing. This big concert will feature their hit music and an amazing stage show for all fans. More info

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

HOUSES ON THE MARKET

Alameda Listings

Want your business in front of thousands of Alamedans? Email us at alamedapulse@gmail.com

— For Frankie