O c to b e r / Novemb er 2008 Volu me 1, Nu mb er 1
From The Harbor Bay Club
Measure H
Real Estate Update
Friends and Foes
Pull Together
Comparing Alameda to
Other Bay Area Cities
Local Business Profile
What’s THE BUZZ?
Hometown Bank Offers
a Difference
Find Out Inside
LISA’S LETTER
Just What Is the BUZZ?
For a number of years, the Harbor Bay Club has published
a quarterly newsletter distributed to our membership by
mail. Recently, we felt there was a need for a community
newspaper that focuses on the individuals and organizations
that make Alameda such a wonderful place to live. So
we decided it was time for an increase in both the
amount of our content and the breadth of our coverage.
Although we will still be providing the information our
members have come to expect, we will also cover topics of
community interest affecting everyone living, working,
playing and studying in Alameda. To go along with these
changes, we’ve converted to a newspaper format, and
we will distribute the new, improved publication all
across Alameda to members and non-members alike.
There will be a link on the Harbor Bay Club website,
www.harborbayclub.com, to The Buzz.
Our new publication is called The Buzz, because
the conversations emanating from our club touch
on all aspects of this wonderful community of ours.
There is a distinct need in the community for one
resource where people can access information about
October/November 2008 Volume 1, Number 1
Published by Harbor Bay Club
General Manager, Lisa Franzel
Marketing Manager, Kerri Lonergan
Managing Editor, Joel Williams
Editor, Patrick Runkle
Graphics & Production, Francisco Arreola
Staff Writer, Caroline Jaffe-Pickett
Staff Photographer, Kerri Lonergan
FEATURED COLUMNISTS
Dennis Pagones
Peter Holmes
Lisa Franzel
Harbor Bay Club
200 Packet Landing Road
Alameda, CA 94502
(510) 521-5414
www.harborbayclub.com
2
October/November 2008
various activities and events; we will attempt to fulfill
this need by providing a regular page in The Buzz for
community events. Erin Brown, Harbor Bay Club
Youth Director, is going to keep us apprised of what’s
going on with issues relating to schools in Alameda
and educational programs. We will also keep you
updated on the local real estate market with a column
from club member Dennis Pagones of Harbor Bay
Realty. Also, club member Peter
Holmes of Sterling Mortgage will
keep us informed on the ongoing
dynamics of the mortgage market.
As for intra-club news, our Harbor
Bay Club management team will
keep us informed on what’s going
on at Harbor Bay Club. In short,
every issue will include features
that will be of continuing interest
to everyone in the community.
In addition, each publication
will have stories focusing on
current community activities and
people that make a difference in Alameda. In this first
issue, we showcase how the citizens of Alameda came
together earlier this year in response to proposed state
budget cuts which severely threatened the quality of
our schools. There is also a profile on club member Jim
Davis, founder of the Bank of Alameda. Furthermore, if
you belong to a local non-profit Alameda communitybased organization and would like to be profiled in a
future story, we want to hear from you.
For the uninitiated, a few words about us: As the
years have passed and our membership has grown,
the Harbor Bay Club has become a significant social
and recreational center of the Alameda community.
Nowhere else in Alameda offers such a comprehensive
range of activities, amenities and services. There’s our
clubhouse bar and restaurant, which often features live
music and dance lessons; our complete fitness center,
with professional trainers; our full range of mind-body
activities including aerobics, yoga, pilates and tae kwon
do; our 19 lighted tennis courts and comprehensive
tennis teaching programs; our 25-meter, outdoor,
heated swimming pool and children’s aquatic programs;
our childcare and numerous children’s programs and
activities; and our full-service spa featuring organic and
natural treatments of massage, skin care and nails. We
are currently endeavoring to begin a regularly scheduled
lecture series featuring speakers on various communitybased subjects.
For those of you who are not members of the
Harbor Bay Club, there are activities available at the
club that do not require membership. We invite you
to stop into the clubhouse and take a salsa lesson, or
take advantage of our wide range of spa services. We
also have non-member lessons/classes available in
tennis, swimming and Pilates.
Our membership includes people from all walks of
life and all aspects of the Alameda community. Almost
every organization is represented in
some way in our membership and
almost half of our membership is
from the main Island. What we
at the Harbor Bay Club know
from all of this is that there is a
very strong sense of community
in Alameda. Maybe it’s just partly
from being an island community,
or maybe it’s inherent in Alameda’s
commitment to families and the
quality of life that Alameda is
fortunate to enjoy.
We believe that, through
this publication, we can help reinforce this wonderful
sense of community in Alameda by recognizing the
people, businesses and organizations that are making
a difference. In doing this, we also want to promote
interest in our community on a human scale. After
all, The Buzz is all about people. So let’s celebrate
this wonderful community of ours and honor those
that make a daily contribution. We’d love to hear your
feedback regarding our new endeavor. Feel free to email
me with your comments and suggestions at lisaf@
harborbayclub.com.
So let’s celebrate this
wonderful community
of ours and honor
those that make a
daily contribution.
www.HarborBayClub.com
(510) 521-5414
Lisa Franzel has been
with Harbor Bay Club
for over 13 years,
serving as Membership
Representative,
Marketing Director,
and Assistant Manager
before taking over
the General Manager
position in 1999. Her
philosophy is to live life,
including your passions, in as much balance
as possible while making an effort each
day to contribute to your mental, physical,
emotional and spiritual health.
Content
Harbor Bay Club
Leadership Team
Lisa Franzel
General Manager
Features
Mike Bauer
Director of Tennis
08
On both sides, the battle
reminded many of exactly
why they love this community
Erin Brown
Youth Director
Gerald Cameron
Accounting
Kathee Clemens
Accounting
13
Vester Emerson
Membership
Linda Gilchrist
Aquatics
Camille Lingley
Bar Manager
Kerri Lonergan
Marketing Director
Measure H
Jim Davis
The Bank of Alameda
chairman shares the bank’s
origins and his keys for success
Club Pages
04
Fitness
Benefits of Pilates
Leslie McGraw
Fitness Director
05
Aquatics
Vince Piro
Facilities Manager
06
Tennis
14
The Spa
Paulette Staats
Spa Director
Carol Wallace
Aquatics
Lisa Young
Director of Customer Service
Lorena Atilano
Cafe Supervisor
Lori Bustos
Tennis/Activities Coordinator
Bill Doyle
Membership
Jennifer Kennedy
Front Desk Supervisor
08
Swimming Lessons Q&A
07
Court Resurfacing Project
We’ve Come a Long Way!
15
Club Events
Columns
02
07
10
Lisa’s Letter
Kids Corner
Community Events
11
12
Real Estate Update
Mortgage Matters
Christine Naish
Mind-Body Coordinator
On the Cover
Audrey Owens
Housekeeping Supervisor
“The Clubhouse (shown here), along with
the adjacent Fitness Center, make up Harbor
Bay Club, established in 1978 and located on
the shores of San Francisco Bay at 200 Packet
Landing Road in Alameda”
Nicole Will
Group Exercise Coordinator
Alex Wolfe
Webmaster
Cover Photo: Kerri Lonergan
www.HarborBayClub.com
(510) 521-5414
Corrections & Letters
We appreciate the opportunity to publish
our readers' comments, letters or
requests for corrections, which can be sent
to lisaf@harborbayclub.com.
October/November 2008
3
MIND - BODY / FITNESS
Benefits of Pilates
Fitness Department
Group Exercise
It’s not too late to play the Presidential Challenge game
in the fitness center. Sign up and complete all fitness
challenges in each state and earn the chance to win
valuable Club dollars! The game runs through Election
Day, November 4th.
HBC Pilates instructors (from top) Valerie Smith and Evangeline
Fitzpatrick join Mind-Body Coordinator Christine Naish (front) for a
Reformer session.
Pilates is gaining popularity, with more and more people
discovering the tremendous benefits of core strengthening.
Pilates does more than strengthen and lengthen muscles; it
can also increase lung capacity and body awareness, improve
posture, and lead to more efficient and graceful movement both
in and out of the gym. In addition, balance and core strength are
increased, and bone density and joint health can improve.
Recovering from an injury? Back pain and discomfort? By
learning how to access the deep core muscles used to execute
Pilates exercises, you can not only gain the strength to recover
from injuries, but also help to prevent future injuries as well. With
regular practice, Pilates can help you both inside and out. By
building strength without bulk, Pilates can help you to achieve
a sleek, toned body with slender thighs and a flat abdomen!
The Harbor Bay Club has an extensive Pilates program. Our
highly trained and experienced instructors provide classes geared
towards beginners, intermediate and advanced users. With
group Mat Classes, and private and small group instruction
on the Pilates Reformer, we have something appropriate for
everyone, no matter what your age or condition! For more
information about Harbor Bay Club’s Pilates program, please
contact Christine Naish, Mind-Body Fitness Coordinator at
(510) 521-5414 ext. 121, or at cnaish@harborbayclub.com.
New Tanita Body Composition Analyzer.
The fitness department has a new body composition
analyzer! Members can come in during the month of
October and have your body fat tested for only $10. In
November the price will go up to $15, so sign up early
at the front desk! You’ll get important feedback about
your health including Basal Metabolic Rate, Visceral Fat
Rating and your Metabolic Age, and have a baseline for
comparison during the holidays.
The Resistance Equipment
Refreshers are returning.
For those of you who
might be a little rusty
when it comes to using
the Cybex equipment, we
will have three Refresher
dates: Sunday, November
2nd at 9 a.m., Wednesday,
November 5th at 10 a.m.,
and Friday, November 7th
at 6 p.m. We’ll remind
you where to pull, what
Resistance equipment, HBC
to push, and how to set
Fitness Center.
the equipment to fit your
body. These fill up quickly,
so sign up early at the front desk!
Fitness Programs are for HBC Members unless
otherwise noted. If you have any questions about these
Fitness Programs, please contact Fitness Director, Leslie
McGraw at (510) 521-5416 ext. 119.
Introduction to Hula Auana starts
Tuesdays in October at 5:30 p.m.
in the Sky Studio. Students will
be introduced to some basic
movements in addition to
choreography in the Hula Auana
style. Hula Auana is a contemporary
style of hula in which a story
is told thru the dance with the
accompaniment of singing. This
class will be taught barefoot and
students are recommended to
bring a sarong to class.
Gliding Class Begins! We’re
excited to introduce a whole new
class and new equipment for October.
Gliding will be taught Monday
nights at 6:30 p.m. in the Signature
Studio. Using Gliding Discs, you’ll
exercise like you never have before
in smooth, graceful movements that
firm and tone to give you long, lean
muscles. The revolutionary sliding
motion engages your muscles to
work in their full range of motion to
help strengthen and lengthen all the
major muscle groups in your body.
Group Exercise Classes are
included in Harbor Bay Club
membership. For more information
on classes, please call Group
Exercise Coordinator Nicole Will at
(510) 521-5416 ext. 145.
People Spotlight
Tony DeSimone
Tony DeSimone has been
a resident of Alameda
for the past 25 years.
He served in the Marine
Corps for four years during
World War II, and since
then has worked for the
Rehabilitation Services
Administration and the
Department of Health,
Education and Welfare
4
October/November 2008
as a regional commissioner in three different
regions, including San Francisco. He has also
served as Chairman of the City of Alameda
Human Relations and Social Services Board.
In 1989, Mayor Chuck Corica asked
DeSimone to chair a fundraising committee
for Alameda’s Midway Shelter for abused and
homeless women and children; he continues
to chair the volunteer committee to this day.
One of the committee’s fundraisers this year
is a one-mile walk/5K run on December
6 at 9 a.m. starting from the Harbor Bay
ferry terminal. Another major upcoming
www.HarborBayClub.com
(510) 521-5414
fundraising event for the committee is the
Have A Heart Gala, a dinner dance with live
entertainment, which will be held at the “O”
club at Alameda Point on April 18th, 2009.
DeSimone told us that he lives by the
motto “use it or lose it,”
adding, “I have learned
over the years that being
fit keeps you alert and
well, which explains
my membership at the
Harbor Bay Club for the
last 20 years.” AQUATICS
Benefits of Masters Swimming
Water Workouts
This summer’s exciting Olympic Games have inspired many
people to get back into the pool. The Masters Swimming
program at HBC is a one-hour workout featuring a variety
of drills and sets designed to not only get swimmers in
shape, but improve their technique. This year’s Olympic
champions were examples of how technique can improve
efficiency. When your strokes are balanced, you can really
get the feeling of being in the fast lane.
Participating in a group activity adds a social element
to your exercise regimen, which may encourage you to
attend regularly and even work a little harder. Swimming
has all the cardiovascular benefits of running, but with
some of the strength-building effects of weight training
and the flexibility-promoting effects of dance classes.
The peaceful surroundings of a quiet pool in the early
morning or evening can also provide you with that
escape you need from the rigors of a hectic day.
According to Linda Gilchrist, Aquatics Director of
Harbor Bay Club, making swimming a part of your
exercise routine will lead to better health and a longer
life. So, get suited-up and give the pool a try. Please
call (510) 521-5414 ext. 113 for more information.
Photo by Debbie Patterson
Several Masters swimmers shared their feelings about the
program:
• Alan Pomeroy says he can feel the increased distance
per stroke when he concentrates on his technique.
• Debbie Patterson, a former competitive swimmer,
has been swimming for exercise for many years. She
says that when she swims alone she has a tendency
to play, but when she swims with a group she
works. She values the motivation, friendship and
camaraderie of swimming with the Masters.
Members of the HBC Masters Swim Program celebrate after a
great morning workout!
• Pam Eiselman has never been a swimmer and started
swimming on the advice of her doctor. Pam says,
“I started swimming a year ago on my surgeon’s
suggestion after foot surgery. I discovered that I really
love to swim, and the Masters Swim group provides
me with the opportunity to improve my strokes. The
swimmers are a great group of people. I feel very lucky
to be in this group!”
Common Questions About Swimming Lessons
Linda Gilchrist and
Carol Wallace are the
co-Aquatics Directors
at the Harbor Bay Club.
They have over 50 years
of experience between HBC swim instructor Shannon
them, teaching and shows her student the joys of
coaching swimming. swimming
We asked them a few
questions about swim lessons:
What is a safe ratio of instructor/child for lessons?
Linda: At the Harbor Bay Club we have only four students
in a group lesson. This ratio not only assures that each child
receives adequate instruction, but it also is a small enough
number for the instructor to manage safely.
What is a good age to start swim lessons?
Linda: Formal swim lessons are most effective
around age four. Children of that age are more
developmentally ready to learn to swim. However,
children younger than four can and do acquire some
basics skills in the water. It is important to remember
that young children should always have an adult in
attendance when they are in the water regardless of
their swimming skills.
What would an instructor do if my child will not get in
the water during a lesson?
Carol: We always find it best to keep a positive
attitude. The instructor would tell the child how
much fun he/she is going to have. We would first
ask him/her to sit on the edge of the step, and let the
child play with our water toys. We proceed slowly
and patiently one step at a time. The child will soon
forget his/her fears and start to enjoy the water.
What do your lessons teach?
Carol: We try to tailor our lessons to the student’s skill
level. More importantly, our lessons teach our students
to feel self-confident and comfortable in the water, and
enjoy swimming. We also teach the importance of safety
around a pool.
What training do your instructors have?
Linda: All of our instructors are Red Cross-certified, and
most have years of swimming experience under their belts.
We also have our own departmental training and criteria
that is required of each of our instructors. Our emphasis is
on learning to swim in a nurturing environment combined
with progressive skill instruction.
How important is water safety?
Carol: Living on an island, there are many activities
around water such as boating, beach parties, and playing
with friends near the lagoons—all of which make water
safety extremely important. Drowning is still at the top
of childhood mortality rates. We need to make children
aware of the possible dangers around water and teach
them ways to remain safe. No matter how experienced
of a swimmer you child is, children should always have
adult supervision near the water.
www.HarborBayClub.com
(510) 521-5414
People Spotlight
Mike Janvier
Mike Janvier was
born and raised
in Alameda, and
has dedicated his
life to maintaining
excellence
in Alameda’s
schools. He has
lived his entire
life here and,
with his wife, has raised two children, who
are now fully grown. He attended Otis/
Edison, Lincoln and Alameda High School
before moving on to college and teaching.
As an educator for over 35 years, Janvier
has worked at the elementary, middle and
high school levels. He worked as a teacher
for 13 years and is now in his 23rd year of
administrative work with his current job as
the Principal of Alameda High School.
He has been a member of the Harbor Bay
Club since 1981, and can often be seen in the
pool. In the same physical shape now as he
was in his 20s, Janvier speaks passionately
about what regular swimming has meant to
his life and how it’s been essential in achieving
a natural balance of physical and mental
health. Janvier credits swimming with helping
him maintain the necessary energy for his
busy work schedule. Janvier also enjoys the
camaraderie and fulfilling competitive spirit
that comes from the occasional tournaments
in which he competes.
October/November 2008
5
TENNIS
What Is Healthy
About Tennis?
Work being done on Court #2
Finished work on Court #6
Tennis Courts Get Significant Upgrade with Resurfacing
The Harbor Bay Club recently resurfaced 10 of our 19
courts. The recently completed upgrade of the playing
surface will keep the courts in premium shape. The
process we choose included a slip sheet for playing
comfort and adaptability of the underlying surface, and a
three-inch asphalt layer that will allow us to have an even
playing surface. The courts were repeatedly tested with
water to check for uneven low spots. Once those spots
were discovered, the areas were filled in with ‘black gold’
to make a level playing surface. Two fresh coats of blue
and green paint and white lines completed the upgrade
of our most popular courts.
People Spotlight
There are many physical and psychological benefits
associated with playing tennis. Some of the physical
benefits include increased aerobic and anaerobic
fitness. Aerobic fitness helps burn fat and calories.
This type of fitness also means an improved
cardiovascular system, which can be strengthened by
lengthening the amount of time you play. Flexibility
will improve with proper stretching before and after
play, and by maneuvering on the court.
Anaerobic fitness benefits include increased
leg and bone strength, which is gained during the
rapid movements associated with tennis matches.
Balance is improved by constant direction changes,
and overall agility is higher due to quick stops and
running for the ball. The psychological benefits of
tennis include improved hand-eye coordination,
awareness and increased tactical thinking skills—all
of which help in brain development.
Finally, the most important psychological
benefit of tennis is simply having fun. When
you play tennis a few days a week, it will help
your body to get rid of adrenaline and produce
endorphins—natural tranquilizers. Furthermore,
you will not only feel better, you will also look the
part. A strong work ethic is needed to dedicate time
for tennis lessons and practice, but the upside can
be very rewarding. For more information on the
benefits of tennis, check out Why Play Tennis by
Jack L. Groppel, Ph.D.
Mary Kearney
Mary Kearney first took up tennis in 1975 at Alameda College, taking
intermediate and advanced tennis courses. She played tennis
competitively and was ranked well into her 60s. Today, at 78, she is still
actively playing tennis and is on three B.A.L.L. teams. When asked what
tennis has been for her, she simply replies, “Well, it’s everything!”
Previously, Kearney served on the Board of the USTA NorCal and was
the founder of the Junior Tennis Committee. She also served on the Board
of the Bay Area Ladies League (B.A.L.L.) and is still called upon today
for information regarding rules and regulations. Kearney is also a charter
member of the Harbor Bay Club; she and her late husband, Ralph, joined
in 1979. For some time, she served on the Tennis Activity Committee of
the Club. Both of the couple’s children, Kevin and Lisa, have been members of Harbor Bay Club and
have reached professional status as athletes: Kevin excelled in football, basketball and baseball, and
Lisa won her first NorCal Junior tournament when she was 9 years old while playing in the 12 and
under division. She went on from there to play tennis professionally all over the world, including in the
U.S. Open and Wimbledon. She was a teammate of Boris Becker while in Germany, and her singles
ranking placed her in the top 50 in the W.T.A. Lisa has since retired from professional tennis.
As you can see, the Kearney family’s contribution to tennis far exceeds the boundaries of
Alameda, but the best thing about them is the genuine friendship they have extended to the many
members of the Harbor Bay Club as well as the community of Alameda.
6
October/November 2008
www.HarborBayClub.com
(510) 521-5414
Junior Excellence
Tournament
Harbor Bay Club will host the USTA 12- and
14-year-old Junior Excellence tournament during
the weekends of October 18 & 19 and October
25 & 26, 2008. The top 32 boys and girls from
Northern California in each division will be
accepted to play. The tournament features highly
ranked sectional-level singles and doubles players
who are competing to earn national points. It is a
great tournament to watch, so come out and cheer
on our Northern California Juniors. If you have
questions or your child would like to start playing
tennis, please contact Mike Bauer, Director of
Tennis at the Harbor Bay Club at 510-521-5414
ext. 126 or mikebauer@harborbayclub.com.
KIDS CORNER
Make This Year’s
Halloween Costume One
to Remember
2.
Halloween is fast approaching, and children love to talk
about what fantastic character they are going to be this
year. With most families looking for ways to stretch
their budgets, why not ditch the expensive, store-bought
costume for an inventive, homemade one instead? Children
can express their creativity and also help the environment
by reusing “found” materials. In the end, you might just
end up with a costume they will remember long after the
candy is gone. Here are some tips:
3.
4.
1. Get inspired! Look through children’s books for beloved
characters. Flip through a magazine or catalogue. Take
5.
a walk through a party or costume store. Think about
your child’s favorite movie or television character. If
your child is connected to and excited about what
you are doing, the costume will have so much more
meaning.
Use your imagination! Talk with your child about
potential ideas, jotting down suggestions as you go.
Shop your house. Do you have an old lacy dress and
ankle boots? Add a shawl and a pair of glasses and you
have a great old lady costume. Your closet will have all
kinds of costume options: a hobo, a gypsy, and a pirate
could all be found in there. Keep looking around the
house, and you might find supplies to make a hippie,
a baby or a disco dancer costume.
Don’t forget that some simple face makeup can
transform any costume into a “dead” costume. A
doctor costume can be funny, but a dead doctor is
scary—that’s what Halloween is all about!
Keep it low cost and easy. Shop at Goodwill or
St. Vincent De Paul on Lincoln Avenue. Look for
accessories like jewelry, hats, shoes, and wigs. Use tape
and hot glue guns to make your costumes instead of
sewing. I once found all I needed for a Frankenstein
costume at St. Vincent De Paul for under $10.
Don’t forget the best part of making this year’s costume:
the memories you will make with your child. I asked some
of my co-workers if they had any favorite memories of
Liam as a Skeleton Pirate, Lyndon as a Mummy.
Recipe Corner
Parents and children working in the kitchen—sharing
recipes and family traditions together—is becoming a
thing of the past. Today’s busy families barely have time
in the afternoons and evenings between sports practices,
homework, music lessons and household chores. These
days, it’s hard for busy parents to take time out just to teach
their kids basic cooking techniques. And while it’s true that
cooking with your kids takes effort, patience and extra
cleaning and prep time, it’s worth it when you consider
the benefits and results of doing so.
Some of the short-term benefits:
• Cooking together encourages kids to try healthy foods.
• Kids feel like they are accomplishing something and
contributing to the family.
• Kids are more likely to sit down to a family meal when
they helped prepare it.
• Parents get to spend quality time with their kids.
• Kids aren’t spending time in front of the TV or computer
while they’re cooking.
• Kids generally aren’t eating junk food when they’re
cooking meals at home.
There are also long-term benefits:
• Learning to cook is a skill your children can use for the
rest of their lives.
• Kids who learn to eat well may be more likely to do
the same as adults.
• Positive cooking experiences can help build selfconfidence.
The kids in the HBC Kids Club Program have weekly
cooking lessons. Time and time again, the kids ask for
our recipes so that they can teach their families about the
delicious foods they have learned to cook in Kids Club.
The following is one of the most popular recipes from our
cooking program, and is also a great way to use up those
bananas that are going brown!
Easy Banana Bread
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mash bananas in mixing
bowl. Add sugar, eggs
and oil, mixing well each
time. Sift dry ingredients
together and add to banana
mixture. Pour in greased
5x9 loaf pan and bake 5560 minutes. Let cool, slice
and enjoy!
3 bananas, well
mashed
1 c. sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1 c. white flour
1 c. whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
Your family will love the banana bread, but chances are
that they will love the time spent making it even more!
www.HarborBayClub.com
(510) 521-5414
Fitness Trainer and Massage Therapist Edward Mangonon as a
“Chick Magnet” and Spa Director Paulette Staats as a Princess.
Halloween costumes, and while most didn’t remember
the store-bought ones, they all remembered the ones they
made from scratch. Lisa Young remembers being a flower,
a Hershey’s Kiss, and her favorite, Raggedy Ann. As she
said so perfectly, “Looking back, it wasn’t only the sheer
creativity, but coming up with ideas, concepts and the time
spent together working on it.” Summer camp counselor
Hannah Fletcher echoes this idea when talking about her
favorite childhood costume, Merlin the Magician. She
remembers going to the fabric store and picking out just the
right fabric, blue with silver stars. She said it wasn’t just the
costume, but also watching the idea grow into something,
and working on it with her family, that really stands out
in her memory.
How Do I Love Thee?
Children never tire
of hearing how
much they mean to
you. The next time
your child does
something special,
try one of the
following phrases to
let them know you
think the world of Camp Supervisor Stacy
them. Don’t wait for Kaney hangs out with
perfection to offer camper Jason.
a dose of praise;
sometimes the best reason is no reason at
all. Unconditional love and praise is what
your child will remember!
You’re A Good Friend * I Trust You * You’re
Important * You Mean A Lot To Me * You
Make Me Happy* You’re A Treasure* You’re
Wonderful *You’re A Darling *I Knew You
Could Do It * What An Imagination * I’m Proud
Of You* You Make me Laugh* I Love You
October/November 2008
7
FEATURE ARTICLE
The Measure H Battle:
A Reminder of What Makes Alameda Special
F
ew would debate the integral role that good
schools play in the overall unique quality of life
and sense of community that Alamedans enjoy.
However, the emergence of legal challenges to
Measure H, which passed in the June election
by slightly more than the required two-thirds supermajority,
show there is still some unrest as to the propriety of the
emergency parcel tax. Still, it’s hard not to acknowledge the
pride felt by all Alamedans in witnessing the passion with
which residents of all ages and backgrounds came together
to voice support for saving the athletics, arts, music and
Advanced Placement (AP) programs necessary to maintain
excellence in our schools.
It appears clear that while Measure H as the proper
fix has proved divisive, the “need” which gave rise to
the campaign has galvanized the community, and that’s
something worth recognizing and provides hope for a long
term solution.
Although almost everyone saw the need to raise
additional funds because of the threatened state budget
cuts, the real question surrounding Measure H was
whether this parcel tax was the best way to raise those
funds. Voters on both sides of the debate say they were
impressed by the willingness of ordinary citizens to stand
up and fight for what they believe is in the best interest
of the entire community. This newly strengthened sense
of “we” inspired by Measure H will prove invaluable over
the next four years as the search continues for a more
permanent way to ensure a quality education for future
generations of Alamedans.
“The community’s response was strong and
immediate,” says Andy Currid, a Silicon Valley engineer
whose children attend Alameda public schools. “But
Alameda is a pretty unique place to live.”
“People here feel a real stake in the island,” he continues.
“So the fact that people felt such a personal connection to
this issue, regardless of whether they were for or against
the tax, didn’t surprise me at all. If we can just keep that
momentum going, I think we can do anything.”
At first glance, the motivations of some H proponents
may hardly seem selfless, as the proposed state cuts
threatened not only school programs, but also numerous
jobs. Also on the chopping block were a handful of wellutilized public facilities, including the swimming pools at
both high schools.
“But I don’t see how you can start picking away at
those things without eventually losing what makes this
community such a great place to live,” says Robert Rodd, a
teacher at Alameda High School and former long-standing
coach of the school’s water polo and swim teams.
8
October/November 2008
Photo by Alain McLaughlin with permission by Union Bank
Students from Bay Farm Elementary School at Union Bank depositing coins collected during the “Money for Music” drive to save music in
Alameda’s elementary schools from state budget threats. Bay Farm was one of many elementary schools in Alameda behind the cause.
It appears clear that while Measure H as the proper fix has proved
divisive, the “need” which gave rise to the campaign has galvanized
the community, and that’s something worth recognizing and
provides hope for a long term solution.
“These were people whose only real agenda, if you
want to call it that, was preserving what they love about
Alameda,” says Bill Sonneman, president of the Alameda
Education Foundation, which raises money for school
improvements, innovations and programs not covered
by state funds.
Sonneman admits that, as a retired principal at
Encinal High School, education is very important to
him. Still, he insists that he assumed his position on the
pro-H frontline not as a former educator or administrator,
but as a concerned citizen. “Clearly, I have an interest in
education,” he says. “But I saw this as my obligation as a
resident of Alameda, as a citizen in our community.”
“Whether you were for or against H, I think, when
you cast your vote, you were making a decision about a
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(510) 521-5414
quality of life,” says Alameda High School principal Mike
Janvier.
Janvier says that state budget cuts imposed during his
tenure have made his job a difficult one, and have afforded
him insight into the issue that the general public did not
have at its disposal. But the native Alamedan says that,
when he went to the polls, his vote was cast as a citizen,
and not a principal. “We all made what we thought was
the wisest choice for us and the entire community, and
about how we want that community to function.”
For Linda Gilchrist, who organizes swim groups for
adults and seniors at the city’s pools, the fight to pass H
was also partially a personal one. Had the city proceeded
with its plan to close the pools, Gilchrist’s pupils would
have had to travel to a neighboring city to find another
FEATURE ARTICLE
affordable facility. Still, Gilchrist says that she and the
members of her groups were most concerned about the
futures of those young swimmers for whom scholastics
and/or ball sports fail to provide the encouragement and
direction they need to become productive members of
the community.
“Kids need to feel like they’re a part of something.
And, for some kids, swimming is it,” Gilchrist explains.
“Not every kid is a quarterback. Not every kid is a scholar.
Not every kid is going to Yale. I’ve seen kids who weren’t
good in school and didn’t seem to have anything going
for them turn out to be fine adults because they got the
support they needed at the pool.”
Gilchrist says that all it took was a mention of
the potential closures of the pools for her swim group
members to mobilize: “We had several members working
the phone banks and standing out on corners with signs.
What’s important to them, and to me, is keeping Alameda
the kind of community that it is now.”
As can happen with grassroots, community-based
projects, the campaigning efforts spawned some pretty
unlikely friendships and alliances. Perhaps the most
significant and unlikeliest alliance forged was between
the athletic departments, and the athletes themselves,
at Alameda High School (AHS) and Encinal High
School (EHS).
Rivalries have existed between competing schools,
especially between athletic programs, since long before
the first letterman’s jacket. The rivalry between these
two schools is well-documented, and it’s symbolic of the
equally long-standing socioeconomic division between
the west end of Alameda (EHS) and the east end of
Alameda (AHS).
But Measure H quickly proved the time for athletes
who consider each other enemies on the field to leave their
differences there for the sake of a greater good and—in
what may have been a watershed moment in the city’s
history—become united off the field. Rival athletes from
opposite sides of town uniting in a common cause?
It sounds like a Hollywood script for a Frank Capra
movie, but that’s just what happened right here in our
community. Regardless of how one feels about the parcel
tax as an equitable solution to the proposed budget cuts,
it’s hard to ignore the significance and community pride
demonstrated by such action.
“I think that inspired a lot of people, and really set
the tone,” says Sonneman.
All agree that the coordinated effort of the student
bodies of both schools to get H passed were one of the
highlights of the campaign. In March, hundreds of high
school students staged a one-day walkout to protest the
proposed cuts to school programs, including sports, music
and AP classes. The students also walked precincts to
connect with voters one-on-one, organized fundraisers
and manned phone banks.
“Talk about a perfect fit,” jokes Sonneman. “I mean,
who loves talking on the phone more than teenagers? If
there was such a thing as a political textmessaging bank, H would have won by
a landslide.”
“The kids were really something to
watch,” says Rodd. “They stepped up
right away and said, ‘Okay, what can we
do?’”
“We didn’t have to coax them,” adds
Alameda High School Athletic Director
Brad Thomas. “A lot of the time, they
understood better than we did what
needed to be done. They decided on
their own to play an active part in their
own futures, and the future of their
community.”
Thomas and his Encinal High
Photo by Karima Sharifi
counterpart, Kevin Gorham, were
Encinal High School students come together to share their voice.
truly on the front lines of the proposed
budget cuts. They had the unenviable
duty to propose cuts of 62 percent to the collective that took the lead for both schools, its members fighting
athletic budget of the two schools—cuts that would the hardest to ensure that threatened programs remained
have completely eliminated the pool-based programs, in place for underclassmen. “I think that shows maturity
including swimming and water polo, for both schools. well beyond their years,” Janvier explains. “These kids
Thomas and Gorham, like the athletes, have forged were able to look beyond themselves and their own little
a uniquely special relationship as a result of their world, and see the bigger picture.”
common efforts during the Measure H campaign, and But high schoolers weren’t the only students to get
brim with pride and respect when they recount how in on the act. At Bay Farm Elementary School, a group
hundreds of students from both schools were mobilized of fifth graders preparing to move on to middle school
on that March day within just a few minutes and a fought to save their soon-to-be alma mater’s music
flurry of text messages.
program. “Some of them have younger siblings. And they
didn’t want them to miss out on the things
that they enjoyed when they were younger,”
says music teacher Bonnie Duffey.
“They brought in their pennies and
their birthday money, spoke in front of the
Board of Education and wrote letters to the
editor,” she explains. “These are elementary
school students! I would call that unbelievable
initiative.”
For those of us who remember the selfinvolved apathy of our preteen and teenage
years, this kind of initiative and responsibility
is nothing short of remarkable and worthy
of our highest praise and pride, a reminder
Photo by Mike Rosati
to all that there is hope for the future.
Middle and high school students alike come together in demonstration in front of
Alameda High School.
Though the issue of funding for
Alameda schools remains a heated one, many
“It should be noted”, adds Rodd, “that the text Alamedans say they feel confident entrusting their beloved
messaging was initiated by Ian Merrifield,” the Harvard- city to the new generation of leaders whose interest in
bound Student Body President for Encinal High School. community-preservation and community–building were
After years of feeling like the forgotten stepchild to inspired by the H debate.
Alameda High, it was the students of Encinal High, led “It gives me great comfort to know that they will
by Ian, who took the lead on this one. Recalls Rodd after be our leaders of tomorrow,” says Janvier. Rodd added,
a particularly impassioned and articulate speech by Ian, “These kids are our tomorrow. They’re the ones that are
“I’ve been a life-long Hornet [AHS mascot] my entire life going to find the cure for cancer, and come up with the
solution to global warming.”
but now I’m a Jet [EHS mascot] fan too”
Of particular note, it was often the graduating class
Continued on page 10
www.HarborBayClub.com
(510) 521-5414
October/November 2008
9
COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR
Oct. 4, 6:30 to 11:00
4th Annual Funky Formal — Alameda Association of Realtors & Affiliates benefiting the Alameda Food Bank –
­ Bayside Pavilion, 2203 Mariner Square Loop
Dinner, Dancing, Live Music, Silent Auction, Raffle & More. Wear your funkiest outfit. www.alamedaaor.org (510) 523-7229.
Oct. 4, 12th Annual Moonlight Monte Carlo — Children's Hospital of Oakland (Blossom Garden) ­– Albert H. DeWitt Officer's Club, Alameda Point
5:30 to Midnight Live and Silent Auction Benefiting Children's Hospital & Research Center in Oakland www.moonlightmontecarlo.eventbrite.com Heather Beales
(510) 337-9760 bealesfamily@sbcglobal.net
Oct. 18, 2:00 PM
Romeo & Juliet Production — Alameda Free Library Main Library –
­ Stafford Meeting Room 1550 Oak Street, Alameda, CA 94501
Come out to the Library and watch the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival's "Shakespeare on Tour" perform a 55 minute family-friendly version of the
classic Romeo and Juliet. The touring production travels with a cast of five actors (playing dual roles) in costume, with set, props, and recorded music. They will also stay for a post-show Q&A session with the audience. www.ci.alameda.ca.us/library/events.html (510) 747-7713
Oct. 23, 3:00 to 5:30
Pumpkin Patch — Alameda Fire Fighters Association –
­ Franklin Park
Pumpkin giveaway to all 3-10 year-olds who join in. New & old firetrucks, demonstrations, jumpers & fun. Adam Sisemore (510) 337-2100 Station #2
asisemore@alamedafire.org
Oct. 29,
7:00 PM
Unseen Alameda: Ghosts and Hauntings, Real and Imagined — Alameda Free Library –
­ Main Library 1550 Oak Street, Alameda, CA 94501
Prepare to be Spooked! Professional Ghost Hunters, NorCal Paranormal Investigators will present their investigation of the U.S.S. Hornet. Karen Zimmerman, local
amateur investigator, author of “True Hauntings of Alameda” will discuss local haunted sites. Claire Coustier, amateur investigator will talk and debunk 2 alleged
local hauntings. A Question and Answer period will follow to address your paranormal questions. www.ci.alameda.ca.us/library/events.html (510) 747-7777
Oct. 31, 1:00 to 5:00 Halloween on Webster Street — West Alameda Business Association –
­ Parking lot at Webster & Taylor Streets Carnival activities, merchant trick or treating, costume contest, raffle drawings, pumpkin giveaway, etc. Allan Mann (510) 455-6512
Nov. 15, 9:00 to Noon Scouting for Food Drive — Alameda Council of Boy Scouts & Alameda Food Bank ­– Four (4) Collection Points: Call for details
Call 523-5850 to see how you can participate in the largest single amount of food given to the Alameda Food Bank per year. It's a citywide collaboration
involving numerous community organizations and concerned citizens. www.alamedafoodbank.org (510) 523-5850
Dec. 6, 9:00 AM Midway Shelter Run/Walk — Midway Shelter –
­ Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal Bay Farm Island
Registration: $15. 5K Run. 1 Mile Walk Mark Hovermale (510) 523-2647 mhovermale@alamedanet.net
To have your non-profit event considered for inclusion in The Buzz Community Events Calendar, please send your information or a press release to: lisaf@harborbayclub.com
The Measure H Battle
Continued from page 9
Even staunch opponents to Measure H, either before
or after the election, have been moved by the manner in
which the community has come together to support its
schools and see the value of the efforts. John Beery, a
long-time real estate developer in Alameda and backer
of one of the two recent lawsuits, concedes that Measure
H has raised the awareness level of all Alamedans to
the important and necessary role quality schools play
in maintaining the strong sense of community that all
Alamedans enjoy. “Getting more people to understand
the value of good schools as a vital ingredient to our
overall quality of life can only be a good thing.”
“Many of those who are participating in this lawsuit
have volunteered alternative funding solutions that more
directly funnel funds to those programs that need them,”
added Beery. “Whether the politics involved would make
such proposals viable or not, the need that gave rise to
such proposals would not be there were it not for the
Measure H campaign.”
In the coming days and months, some may argue
that proponents of Measure H were blinded to the fine
print of the measure in their impassioned support of
the principle of quality schools. Whether or not that
is proven to be true, there appears little doubt that
the collective heart of Alameda is in the right place
and has been unified through this journey. Measure
H has served as a tool to remind all of us just how
important quality education is to the community and
by extension, a reminder of what makes Alameda a
special place to live.
10
October/November 2008
Alameda Meals on Wheels
Recognizing 35 Years of Dedicated Volunteer
Service to Alameda Meals on Wheels
Sister Act: Wilda Knox and Mildred Pries
Sisters Wilda Knox and Mildred Pries started
delivering meals for Meals on Wheels an
impressive 35 years ago, when the Alameda
program first launched in 1973. The pair have
faithfully continued through the present, and
are the only two volunteers who have been
with the program from the beginning.
Knox and Pries started with as few as
10 recipients and saw their weekly Tuesday
route grow to as many as 20 or more over
the years. In addition to providing the sisters
fulfillment in giving to the community, the
program has helped the two set time aside for
each other. Knox explains that the program
has given her a chance for a weekly visit with
her sister as well as an opportunity to meet
up with friends for lunch after doing “their
thing” for Meals on Wheels. Over the years,
Pries has often commented that Alameda’s
Meals on Wheels, which is entirely run on
donations, “could only happen in Alameda.” Other cities’ programs receive government
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(510) 521-5414
subsidies, which means that regulations set
limits on who can receive the meals.
Knox adds, “I really love delivering Meals
on Wheels. The recipients are happy to see
you. It gives me meaning and makes me feel
good. It’s a win-win situation.”
We are truly grateful for the fine and loyal
service of such caring and giving people as
Mildred Pries and Wilda Knox.
Their consistent dedication
has been a cornerstone
to the Alameda Meals on
Wheels program, which
has served thousands of
recipients in our community
over the years.
REAL ESTATE UPDATE
Alameda Housing Market Bucks National Trends
home buyers making purchases. The
implementation of recent incentives
for buyers, such as the Housing and
Economic Recovery Act of 2008, passed
By Dennis Pagones
Shockwaves from the federal takeover
of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and
Freddie Mac are still rumbling through
the economy in general and the housing
sector in particular, but the end result
for the consumer will be a plus—with
lower interest rates reflecting increased
sales. The Bay Area has not seen as much
of the down market trends affecting the
rest of the country; in fact, the number
of mortgage applications has already
increased in recent weeks, with the lower
interest rates playing a key role in helping
qualified buyers purchase homes. Another
positive trend of local significance is that
housing prices overall are holding in the
city of Alameda, with only a 10 percent
decrease in prices over the last year. Other
outlying areas in the state have seen
much steeper drops, as overbuilding and
other factors are resulting in significant
softening in pricing.
The California Association of Realtors
reports an increase in the number of
purchases over the last several months,
reflecting the growing trend of qualified
Average days on the market settled favorably heading into higher seasonality months, while sold vs.
list price % was near parity.
Inventory continued to climb in July, and the number of closed transactions reached a 15-month high.
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planning on living in their new homes at
least five years should feel confident about
a good return on investment based upon
past real estate trends. Both buyers and
Selling prices in Alameda have been holding at 98
percent of listing prices, a reflection of the positive
buying climate in general and the value of real
estate in Alameda in particular.
this July, is also expected to result in
increased home purchases in the future.
The Act provides a tax refund for firsttime home buyers worth up to 10
percent of a home’s purchase price (not
to exceed $7,500), as well as higher loan
limits to make it easier for borrowers to
get mortgages. There are still stringent
underwriting requirements for home
buyers in today’s climate, resulting in a
brisk rental market, with a 10-15 percent
increase in rental prices over the last 24
months. A typical one-bedroom, onebath apartment renting in Alameda for
about $1000.
Current trends reveal that proper
“staging” can dramatically influence sales,
and can play a key role in multiple-offer
scenarios. Buyers are showing they will pay
a premium for homes that are in excellent
condition, and sellers need to do their
homework to stage their homes properly.
This includes removing all clutter, playing
up the home’s unique features such as
a great view or oversized rooms, and of
course making sure that any repair work
on the home has been completed. Today’s
buyers are less interested in fixer-uppers
than in the past, so the more ready the
home is, the better.
Another positive trend is a shortened
sales cycle in the area over the last six
months. The length of time for houses
on the market in the city of Alameda has
decreased from 85 days for the average
home in March 2008 to 33 days in
August. Selling prices in Alameda have
been holding at 98 percent of listing
prices, a reflection of the positive buying
climate in general and the value of real
estate in Alameda in particular. Buyers
(510) 521-5414
sellers need to be sure they are working
with agents who understand the market,
can show them comparable sales and
trend lines, and represent them properly
throughout the sales process.
Many buyers frequently have the
misconception that if they wait long
enough, prices will come down. The
city if Alameda has an inventory of
approximately 200 homes for sale;
however, that inventory is expected to go
quickly as soon as consumer confidence is
back on the rise. It’s an excellent time to
buy now, as purchasers can take advantage
of the current downturn and be wellpositioned for the next significant upturn
of the real estate cycle, which may occur
as early as 2009.
Dennis Pagones
Dennis Pagones is
president of Harbor
Bay Realty. Since
1984, Harbor Bay
Realty has served
the residential,
commercial, and
relocation real estate needs of
the entire East Bay as well as
leasing, rentals and property
management. As a full-service
company with over seventy
dedicated professionals, Harbor
Bay Realty knows and covers the
market like no other firm. Over
the years they have acquired
unparalleled expertise in dealing
with real estate matters unique to
our area.
October/November 2008
11
MORTGAGE MATTERS
A Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On
By Peter Holmes
It seems especially fitting that this first column dedicated
to mortgage information in The Buzz coincides with a
national mortgage market that has recently, for better or
worse, undergone a fundamental transformation as the
result of big moves from the U.S. Government and fallout
from a volatile stock market.
History was made several times over recently, with
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Housing
Financing Agency (FHFA) Director James Lockhart
announcing that FHFA placed Fannie Mae and Freddie
Mac into conservatorship on Sunday, September 7. In
the days that followed, we saw the nearly 150-year-old
investment bank Lehman Brothers file for bankruptcy as
a result of bad bets placed upon mortgages that soured,
and then another unprecedented government takeover of
the insurance giant AIG.
Treasury Secretary Paulson and the Bush Administration
apparently determined that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac,
the two largest purchasers of mortgages on the secondary
market, were unable to perform their housing missions
at a time when they were most needed because they
were focused on their own internal problems, namely
addressing the safety and soundness issues associated
with raising capital. In short, they were struggling with
previous governmental regulation that kept their coffers
closed tight: when Fannie and Freddie aren’t purchasing
loans from banks to free up lenders’ capital to make new
loans, the cost of credit (interest rates) goes up and the
source of funds for new mortgages begins to dry out. And,
down the line, when there isn’t any money available for
buyers to purchase homes, those homes sit as unpurchased
inventory, glutting the market and lowering home prices
and values.
As a result of the new plan, the Treasury Department
has indicated that Fannie and Freddie will no longer be
under any pressure to sell assets to comply with previous
regulation; in the short-term, mortgage liquidity has
improved significantly. Rates have declined sharply, as
the risk built into Fannie and Freddie’s pricing of interest
rates has been reduced.
Without capital constraints in the near term and based
upon Paulson’s recent comments, one can assume that the
new Fannie and Freddie will likely roll back at least some of
their price increases and loosen underwriting requirements
to some extent; certainly the changes in requirements will
be a far cry from the all-too-easy approvals available in the
mortgage industry prior to the summer of 2007.
To state the obvious, we
are in uncharted waters.
While this plan is not
a silver bullet to
address the housing
markets underlying
challenges—record
mortgage delinquency and
foreclosures—things seem
to be going the right way
in terms of mortgage rates.
Long-term interest rates
have descended nearly one
full point over where they were trading a day before the
Treasury action, and that could potentially save some
Alameda homeowners some serious money on their
mortgage payments through a refinance.
On a longer term basis, one can expect a heavyweight
debate next year and beyond about the future size and
structure of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but that debate
will not occur until the new Congress and Administration
take office next year. Until then, new twists and turns
will be the order of the day, with the smart money
staying informed and recognizing potentially golden
opportunities when they present themselves.
Peter Holmes / Mortgage Specialist
510-749-7772
Fax 510-749-7749
Pholmes@ sterlinghomeloan.com
www.sterlinghomeloan.com
Integrity
EXperience
Value
CA. Dept. of Corp.
License #4150025.
Credit on Approval
Rates as of September 24, 2008
Loan Program
Rate
APR
Program Notes
Conforming 30 yr fixed
5.75
5.9
Loan amounts up to $417K
Conforming 30 yr fixed, 10 yr interest only
6.125
6.3
Loan amounts up to $417K
Conforming 5 yr fixed ARM
5.875
5.92
Loan amounts up to $417K
Conforming FHA 30 yr fixed
6
6.19
3% down: loan amounts to $417K
Conforming FHA 5 yr ARM
5.875
5.99
3% down: loan amounts to $417K
Jumbo FHA 30yr fixed
6.5
6.71
3% down: loan amounts to $729,750
Agency Jumbo 30 yr fixed
6
6.52
gov’t stimulus thru 12/31/08 loan amounts to $729,750
Agency Jumbo 30 yr fixed Interest Only
6.625
7.12
gov’t stimulus thru 12/31/2008 loan amounts to $729,750
Agency Jumbo 5/1 ARM
6.375
6.62
gov’t stimulus thru 12/31/08 loan amounts to $729,750
Prime Jumbo 30 yr fixed
7.625
7.73
loan amounts up to $2M
Prime Jumbo 30 yr fixed Interest Only
7.875
7.93
loan amounts up to $2M
Prime Jumbo 5/1 ARM
7.125
7.31
loan amounts up to $2M
All pricing shown above with 1 point cost
12
October/November 2008
Call for 0 point financing rates!
www.HarborBayClub.com
(510) 521-5414
LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE
Alameda’s Community Banker
By Caroline Jaffe-Pickett
Y
ou could say that Jim Davis,
Chairman of the Bank of
Alameda, has a “calling” for
banking, because a phone
call is just how he got
started. “I had just decided to become
a computer programmer, after being the
managing partner of an Alameda law
firm for many years, when I got a call
and learned that US Bank was changing
the name of Alameda First National.
It was a time of transition, and I was
asked if I would start a new bank. I had
never thought of banking before, but
the answer was ‘yes.’”
Now, 11 years later, Davis has
never looked back. He prides himself
on the personal banking services the
Bank of Alameda provides, as well as
its involvement in and support of the
community.
“Alameda was losing its community
bank, and the founding directors wanted
to make sure the residents got one back,”
Davis states. The bank contributes
thousands of dollars each year to civic
and charitable organizations within the
financing for the new Alameda Theatre
and the Alameda Hospital.
In these days of rough economic
times, the bank’s substantial capital ratios
stand out above others in weathering
economic storms, and provide a safe
haven for customers to keep their
money. “We’re very stable and strong,
and we have solid leadership. Our staff
consists of the same senior executives
and board of directors as when we
started almost 11 years ago.” Davis
states. The bank, Davis points out,
provides what customers want most in
tough times: the absolute security of
FDIC insured accounts.
Davis, a resident of Alameda for
45 years, is an honors graduate of the
University of California Business School,
and holds a degree in accounting. He
graduated from Berkeley’s Boalt School
of Law, and founded and managed a law
firm in Alameda from 1965-1991. His
law firm focused on real estate, and he
worked with developers and the city of
Alameda on the development of Harbor
Bay from its beginnings.
Jim Davis has been with the Bank of Alameda since its founding 11 years ago.
“Alameda was losing its community bank, and the founding
directors wanted to make sure the residents got one back,”
-Jim Davis, Chairman of the Bank of Alameda
community, and its staff devotes time
to working for these organizations in
the community as well. As examples of
this service, bank officers now serve as
presidents of the Chamber of Commerce
and the Kiwanis club. The bank has also
provided major financing for businesses
and developments within the City of
Alameda. Significant examples include
A long-time beacon in Alameda
community life, Davis was a past director
of the Alameda Chamber of Commerce,
the Alameda Boys and Girls Club and
the Alameda Rotary Club. During the
mid-1990s, he retired from law practice
to study computer technology, and
received a Certificate of Completion in
Computer Information Systems from
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the College of Alameda. He spent over
10 years as a founder and Chairman of
the Board of Alameda Federal Savings
and Loan, and also served as a trustee of
four publicly held REITs (Real Estate
Investment Trusts). He also served in the
military, as a Private in the 2nd armored
division at Fort Hood, Texas, and as
a 2nd Lieutenant in the 44th Infantry
(510) 521-5414
division and special services officer at
Fort Lewis, Washington.
An avid exercise enthusiast, he
played water polo for Cal and enjoys
kayaking, jetskiing, weightlifting and
bike riding, and can be found in his free
time at the Harbor Bay Club enjoying
the recreational facilities. He has two
grown daughters, one of whom also
lives in Alameda, and he truly enjoys all
this special city has to offer. But just as
the heart of the bank is the close-knit
community it serves, Davis’s loyalty is
to both.
“The best part for me is being close
to the bank. The Bank of Alameda’s
success and its service to the community
are extremely important to me.”
October/November 2008
13
THE SPA AT HARBOR BAY CLUB
We’ve Come a Long Way!
Product Highlight
Optical Illusions Colore & Corrector Pens
From Colorescience
By Paulette Staats
Perhaps because of my daughter’s impending
motherhood, I have suddenly become quite nostalgic.
And as I look back at where the Massage Department
was when I started working here, I can only admire
how far we’ve come.
In 1996, the Harbor Bay Club had just one
massage room (now Room 1) and five massage
therapists. In early 1997, I was lucky enough to take
over the massage department, and by the middle of
that year, we had opened a second massage room
(Room 2). If you were here then, you may remember
that the accounting office, employee break room and
an open office area were also in the same area. It was a
little noisy, but with a second room, two people could
finally get a massage at the same time. At that time one
of our massage therapists was doing something called
“Facial Massage,” but we did not have estheticians
and did not offer facial services.
In 1999 we had our first “Spa Day,” which offered
massages, facial massages and special Mind Body
classes. It was such a success that we have had one or
two every year since. Spa Day led to requests for more
services; we purchased the necessary equipment and
products, remodeled the Facial Massage Room, and
hired estheticians. In December of 2000, we did our
very first facial using Dermalogica products, in our
new but small facial room. Early in 2001, we were
able to take over office space to make a larger facial
room with a waxing area and a waiting room—a space
that we very much still enjoy.
In June of 2002 we moved into the Pro Shop,
which meant that Spa Reservations moved from the
Front Desk to the Pro Shop, and we also added our
retail area. With more space available, we added to
our Skin Care selection, offering GM Collin, Jan
Marini, Colorescience Mineral Makeup and various
spa gift items.
The next phase, in 2003, was to add a third
massage room and to remodel Room 1, equipping it
for body treatments such as mud wraps and salt/sugar
scrubs. In 2005, we added massage therapists to our
staff who perform acupressure and neuromuscular
reprogramming, giving our clients a well-rounded
selection of services for injury recovery and pain
management.
In 2006, we went online with our new 24-hour
Appointment System, where our clients can make an
appointment in our Spa any time of day. The system
automatically sends out an appointment confirmation
email and a reminder email two days before each
14
October/November 2008
The latest intro from
Colorescience is the
Optical Illusion Colore
CORRECTOR Pens.
These “good for
your skin” cream-topowder concealers
are concentrated
corrective colore
combined with skin
beneficial distinctive
ingredients. Cocoa
butter was added for
the skin’s hydration level and blendability of the
Optical Illusions.
The Spa at Harbor Bay’s new pedicure chairs
appointment. This system has allowed me to keep all
of our clients apprised of specials and discounts in the
Spa. Last year, we added Teeth Whitening with White
Science to our list of services done by our estheticians,
along with Perfect Sense paraffin infusion hand and
foot treatments.
The most recent project began several months ago.
We completely remodeled the Pro Shop, turning it into
our new Nail & Spa Shoppe. We have two manicure
tables and three Shiatsu Pipeless Pedicure Spa Chairs
with the latest technology allowing complete cleaning
between clients. Also, we are now using SpaRitual
products for our manicures and pedicures. SpaRitual is
a company that uses Vegan ingredients from around the
world, including many specially sourced and selected
plant essences that are wildcrafted or organic.
We started with one room and a staff of five. Now
we have four rooms, a waiting room, a brand new Nail
Shoppe and a large staff to serve you better. To find out
more about our staff, you can read their bios in our
Appointment System, where you can also read about all
of our services. If you have been a Spa Client for a long
time, you have seen many changes over the years. If you
are a new club member or new to the area and haven’t
enjoyed our Spa yet, make an appointment today! You
are missing the best pampering in Alameda. Non-guests
at the Spa have full use of the Locker Rooms with Hot
Tubs, Saunas & Steam Rooms. Also, guests receiving at
least $100 in services have full use of the club for the
day. Come and experience the “Spa at Harbor Bay.”
To make an appointment, go to www.harborbayclub.
com and click on “Book an Appointment,” or call the
Spa Shoppe at (510) 521-5416 ext. 125.
www.HarborBayClub.com
They contain FOUR peptides to assist the skin in
appearing more hydrated and plumped without
puffiness:
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 - An acetyl tetrapeptide with
anti-edema properties designed to reduce puffiness
around the eye area. In products used around the
eye this peptide can provide an anti-aging effect
by helping to reduce the moisture retention that
produces puffiness.
Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide
Diacetate – A new anti-wrinkle active compound,
a synthetic tripeptide, with neuromuscular blocking
properties. This bio-active ingredient will help to
smooth the appearance of wrinkles by relaxing
the underlying muscle working along neural
pathways.
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide - A tripeptide enhancing
the production of collagen and GAGs, stimulating
the growth of the matrix and connective tissues. It is
clinically proven to regenerate the skin’s upper layers
by strengthening and thickening the epidermis. It
helps to stimulate hyaluronic acid production, thus
it helps to also reduce skin roughness and depth
of wrinkles.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-7 – This deep-penetrating
amino peptide mimics the body’s mechanism to
produce collagen.
It is a clinically proven safe and effective anti-wrinkle
treatment, excellent for the neck and to treat stretch
marks. Purchase one Optical Illusion Corrector Pen
and receive one Optical Illusion Colore Pen FREE
(while supplies last) in our Spa Shoppe.
(510) 521-5414
EVENTS CALENDAR
Harbor Bay Club Membership Calendar
Sunday
Monday
October
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
Bob Enos’ Soundwave
8-10 pm – Clubhouse
Bar and Grill
5
6
Monday Night Football
-Clubhouse Bar
and Grill
Yoga I –
Sky Studio
9:15am
12
13
19
20
Monday Night Football
-Clubhouse Bar
and Grill
Bodyworx/Core –
Signature Studio
10:30am
26
Group Cycle –
Signature Studio
8:00am
14
27
Pump N’ Pulse
Signature Studio
6:30pm
21
28
29
Bob Enos’ Soundwave
Happy Hour!
Clubhouse Bar and Grill 8-10 pm – Clubhouse
Bar and Grill
5 – 7pm
3
Hi/Low Aerobics –
Signature Studio
9:15am
9
Core Control –
Sky Studio
6:35pm
10
11
Intro to Cycling –
Signature Studio
12:00-1:00pm. Bring
water bottle and towel.
17
23
Taco Night!
Clubhouse Bar
and Grill
Intro to Step –
Signature Studio
12:00-1:00pm.
24
25
Fundamentals of Pilates
– Sky Studio 12:151:45pm.
Sign up in Pro
Pilates Mat 1& 2 –
Sky Studio
10:45am
30
18
Intro to Yoga – Sky
Studio
12:15-1:15pm.
Pavlov’s Kats
Live Music
8 – 11:30pm
Gentle Stretch –
Sky Studio
12:05pm
4
Happy Hour!
Clubhouse Bar and Grill
5 – 7pm
16
Taco Night!
Clubhouse Bar
and Grill
22
Bob Enos’ Soundwave
8-10 pm – Clubhouse
Bar and Grill
Aqua Aerobics –
Pool
10:30am
Taco Night!
Clubhouse Bar
and Grill
15
Saturday
2
8
Bob Enos’ Soundwave
8-10 pm – Clubhouse
Bar and Grill
Bob Enos’ Soundwave
Happy Hour!
Clubhouse Bar and Grill 8-10 pm – Clubhouse
Bar and Grill
5 – 7pm
Hi/Low Aerobics –
Signature Studio
9:15am
Kickboxing –
Signature Studio
9:15am
7
Fitness Walkers –
Meet Outside
Clubhouse Deck
8:30am
Friday
31
Clubhouse Bar and Grill
Halloween Party!
The featured classes are just a small sample of what Harbor Bay Club has to offer. We now have over 270 classes a month!
Classes are free to Members unless otherwise noted.
To view the full schedule of club member activities, visit www.harborbayclub.com.
November
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Intro to Step –
Signature Studio
12:00-1:00pm.
Kickboxing –
Signature Studio
9:15am
Group Cycle –
Signature Studio
8:00am
2
9
16
Bodyworx/Core –
Signature Studio
10:30am
Yoga I –
Sky Studio
9:15am
Group Cycle –
Signature Studio
8:00am
23
3
Step Blitz –
Sky Studio
5:45am
10
Monday Night Football
– Clubhouse Bar and
Grill
17
Group Cycle –
Signature Studio
10:30am
24
Monday Night Football
– Clubhouse Bar and
Grill
4
5
Bob Enos’ Soundwave
Happy Hour!
Clubhouse Bar and Grill 8-10 pm – Clubhouse
Bar and Grill
5 – 7pm
Line Dancing –
Sky Studio
5:30pm
11
12
Bob Enos’ Soundwave
8-10 pm – Clubhouse
Bar and Grill
18
19
25
26
Bob Enos’ Soundwave
Happy Hour!
Clubhouse Bar and Grill 8-10 pm – Clubhouse
Bar and Grill
5 – 7pm
Power Tone –
Signature Studio
12:15pm
Bob Enos’ Soundwave
8-10 pm – Clubhouse
Bar and Grill
Taco Night!
Clubhouse Bar
and Grill
Yoga Flow –
Sky Studio
8:00pm
Taco Night!
Clubhouse Bar
and Grill
6
13
20
27
Happy Thanksgiving!
Club Hours:
7am – 3pm
30
www.HarborBayClub.com
(510) 521-5414
7
1
8
Intro to Cycling –
Happy Hour!
12:00-1:00pm. Bring
Clubhouse Bar and Grill
water bottle and towel.
5 – 7pm
14
Adv. Pilates Mat
Sky Studio
12:00pm
15
Intro to Yoga – Sky
Studio
12:15-1:15pm
21
22
28
29
Fundamentals of Pilates
Happy Hour!
– Sky Studio 12:15Clubhouse Bar and Grill
1:45pm.
5 – 7pm
Sign up in Pro Shop
Burn the Bird!
Club Hours:
7am – 8pm
Advanced Step –
Signature Studio
8:00am
Clubhouse Bar & Grill
Hours
Monday-Thursday
5 – 11 p.m.
Friday
5 p.m. – 12 midnight
Daily Happy Hour
Monday-Friday
5 – 7 p.m.
$1.00 off all well drinks,
bottle beer and draft
beers
Appetizer specials to be
announced
Mondays
Monday Night Football
$2 hotdogs
Free Popcorn
Watch the game on our
60” plasma screen
Wednesdays
Bob Enos’ Soundwave
20 piece jazz orchestra
8 – 10 p.m.
Thursdays
Taco Thursdays
$3 Tacos
$3 Margaritas
$2 Tecate
Pavlov’s Kats
Live music
Friday October 17
8 – 11:30 p.m.
Other dates to be
announced
Halloween Party at
the HBC
call (510) 521-5416
ext. 140 for more
information.
October/November 2008
15
Alameda Food Bank in partnership
with Boy Scouts of
America present…
Scouting for Food Drive
November 8th - Bag Distribution
November 15th - Food/Bag Pick-up
The Boy Scouts will be distributing door
hangers to homes on November 8th,
please fill a bag and leave for
pick-up on November 15th.
Donation Bins can also be found in:
Alameda Marketplace, Alameda Power and
Telecom, Crosstown Coffee House and Color
Me Mine or directly to Alameda Food Bank:
1900 Thau Way, Alameda, CA 94501
We are accepting
donations of
non-perishable
items, especially...
canned corn
canned fruit
chili w/beef
canned tuna
beef stew
rice
Don’t forget to attend
the Funky Formal benefitting the Alameda
Food Bank on Oct. 4th!
More details on Events
Calendar (pg. 10)
Alameda Food Bank P.O. Box 2167 Alameda, CA
www.alamedafoodbank.org
(510) 523-5850