Local Campaigns 2024

Asena opened in 1996, and it has been our pleasure to serve the community for nearly 30 years! Our goal is always that our guests feel as welcome at Asena as they would in a friend's home. We are grateful for the support of the community and look forward to many more delicious meals together.

Fun fact: Our logo, which features a fish and water, was meant to be reminiscent of the Mediterranean, but when our Swiss friend and artist Michele Tedeschi visited us in Alameda to create it, he declared it was likewise appropriate to this beautiful waterfront town. 

What do you love about Alameda?
The views!

Why did you open your business in Alameda?
It's our hometown. We moved to Alameda from Burlingame (1994) so Marilee could start her first business, Waypoint, where the boats are. We're originally from Illinois and moved to bay area for tech jobs (Computers & Biotech) in 1987.

What is one thing you would like people to know about your business?
We personally make all of the wines, with some part time help, here in Alameda.

Share a fun-fact about yourself.
I hold 3 patents for computer architecture and one for optical networking. I've sailed to Mexico twice on small sailboats.

What do you love about Alameda?
I love how beautiful and friendly the island is, how everyone you want is right there one the island. When I first moved here, I was blown away by the kindness of my neighbors.

Why did you open your business in Alameda?
After living on the island and experiencing the people, I wanted to be able to help alameda residents feel better and healthier

What is one thing you would like people to know about your business?
I do Thai massage. It's actually my favorite style of massage. It’s good for people who are active and a little less so since everyone could use a good stretch and to move their bodies.

Share a fun-fact about yourself.
I am a world traveler and dog lover. I always want to see pictures and hear about your dog. I’ve been to a lot of countries, some of them off the beaten path so if you want to talk about getting yelled at in Turkmenistan or the most gorgeous beaches in Socotra, I’m also here for that.

What do you love about Alameda?
I love the access to the water, the parks, the schools and all the cool people I have met since I moved here. I also love that I can bike everywhere. It is such an amazing place to live!

Why did you open your business in Alameda?
Alameda is a special place, I live in Alameda and I am a wellness professional. The combination of those three things created my desire to offer all Alamedans a place where they can do you yoga, create community and relax fully. It is a one-stop wellness hub with yoga, Pilates, personal training, a monthly sound bath, sauna blanket sessions, reiki, workshops and other events.

What is one thing you would like people to know about your business?
We are a new business and would like to meet you! The first session is free with promo code “freeclass”. Come by!

Share a fun-fact about yourself.
I love hanging out with people!

Bead Inspirations started out as a home-based business and has been Alameda's local bead-and-more store since 2004. Owner Vicki Lapp is the creative force behind the store, one of the last brick and mortar bead shops in the Bay Area. Over its 20 years in operations, Bead Inspirations has grown its clientele and expand edits amazing services and unique inventory. Vicki prides herself on offering quality products, exceptional customer service, and a variety of classes so customers can learn to create their own designs. Although Vicki is currently getting back to good health, she is still supporting the team. You can shop online, of course, but we would love to see you in person to help you plan your project and provide design and technical expertise. Come by and say hi to Jesse, Jessi, and Alaura at Bead Inspirations today! We'd love to inspire you!

What do you love about Alameda?
The sense of community.

Why did you open your business in Alameda?
To help support my community as a physical therapist.

What is one thing you would like people to know about your business?
I provide high quality care as a physical therapist and I am not a big corporation.

Share a fun-fact about yourself.
I am a funny therapist and love making my patients laugh.

What do you love about Alameda?
Everything! Good year round weather and great people! Wonderful support from the community.


Why did you open a business in Alameda?
Alameda is culturally diverse and overall and great place to live and do business.


What is the one thing you'd like people to know about your business?
Everything is made from scratch with the best ingredients and most of the staff have been here for over 20 years.


Share a fun fact about yourself.
I can eat six meals in a day and still feel hungry.

What do you love about Alameda?
The small-town vibe where we as small businesses help each other

Why did you open your business in Alameda?
My family is now Alameda 3rd generation

What is one thing you would like people to know about your business?
Bonne Vie is a one-of-a-kind premium cigar and fine wine boutique. The history of both wine and cigars has gone back centuries as a socially engaging experience. This continues to today

Fun Fact
I am the operator and owner of the Part St. Plaza where all 6 businesses inside are woman-owned and operated

What do you love about Alameda?
I love that it is a small town in the midst of a metropolis!

Why did you open your business in Alameda?
I live here and wanted to eliminate my commute! I also loved the potential of Alameda Point.

What is one thing you would like people to know about your business?
The Rake at Admiral Maltings is absolutely unique - there is no other business like us in all of California. We work directly with farmers to grow barley that we malt - Admiral Maltings germinates barley seeds - which breweries and distilleries use to make beer and whiskey. The Rake is our showcase where you can taste dozens of beers and whiskies made by local breweries and distilleries - all made from grain malted on site at Admiral Maltings.

Share a fun-fact about yourself.
I went to law school at UC Hastings and practiced immigration law, helping people, until I opened ThirstyBear Brewing Co. in San Francisco in 1996.

What do you love about Alameda?
The community. It is so fun to meet all the members at The HUB in a fun health environment.

Why did you open your business in Alameda?
We love fitness and pickleball. Being able to build a state-of-the-art fitness/sports facility in Alameda is truly a dream come true.

What is one thing you would like people to know about your business?
The HUB Sports Club is the largest fitness and pickleball center in the Bay Area.

Share a fun-fact about yourself.
I am the youngest of five and my wife and I have three children.

What do you love about Alameda?
It’s an island!

Why did you open your business in Alameda?
We needed direct working access to the water, space to build a variety of subsea equipment, and a great local community – Alameda has it all.

What is one thing you would like people to know about your business?
DOER is an award winning manufacturer committed to making a difference at home and around the world for ocean exploration; water connects us all.

Share a fun-fact about yourself.
In my spare time I work with rescue animals.

What do you love about Alameda?

I love the community, we all support each other. It’s so tight knit, it’s like Cheers “everybody knows your name!"

Why did you open your business in Alameda?

I love Alameda, I’ve lived in Alameda for over 20 years and have seen the evolution of the City. It’s tremendous!

What is one thing you would like people to know about your business?

Cafe Jolie is an award winning restaurant, we have won Best Brunch since we have opened in 2012. We use Clover Sonoma eggs and Dairy, locally sourced from family farms in California. Share a fun-fact about yourself. I love dancing and singing, I think I was an entertainer in my past life.

What do you love about Alameda? 

My family has called Alameda home now for 10 years. We fell in love with the small town feel and deep rooted history on the big bay.  

Why did you open your business in Alameda? 

I opened my business in Alameda to bring a curated, personal touch to home decor and interior design in a community that values creativity and individuality. Alameda's incredible history of architecture is a constant inspiration, and I’m passionate about supporting and preserving that legacy by helping clients transform their spaces into beautiful, welcoming homes that reflect the unique charm and character of the area.

What is one thing you would like people to know about your business?

My business is all about creating beautifully curated spaces that reflect each client’s personal style while honoring Alameda’s unique architectural heritage. I offer a tailored design experience with a hands-on approach, helping clients make thoughtful, quality selections that bring lasting joy to their homes. Plus, your retail store offers a rotating selection of carefully chosen home goods, making it easy for anyone to find unique pieces to refresh their space.

Share a fun-fact about yourself. 

I love sweaters!!! Could never have enough! I cheer on the cold weather every year so I can set my sweaters free from the depths of my closet!

The owner, Aaron:

Why did you open your business in Alameda?

This is our home, and we have always dreamed of coming back and doing good in our community

What do you love about Alameda?

The small-town feel

What is one thing you would like people to know about your business?

We are a locally owned small organic business and not corporate

Fun Fact:

I love to golf

Photographed is the manager, Colin

What do you love about Alameda?

The People! The small town vibe, the weather and the beautiful views.

Why did you open your business in Alameda? 

As a woman owned bar, Alameda just felt safer than some of the surrounding city options that were available to me. I also saw the opportunity with the base redevelopment for having a business on Webster that would continue to grow over time.

What is one thing you would like people to know about your business?

We really do stand by "Be nice or Leave!" Our team is friendly and welcoming and our Flatbread Pizzas are great!

Share a fun-fact about yourself.

I am really an introvert and I have an obsession with miniature things!

What do you love about Alameda?

This island is a magickal & beautiful place. The architecture of the homes, the beach, the scenic sunset views, the small-town vibe...I am grateful to live here.

Why did you open your business in Alameda?

I wanted to open my shop in the town where I live.

What is one thing you would like people to know about your business?

We are an 8-year-strong sacred space and lifestyle boutique located in the heart of the West End in Alameda.

Share a fun-fact about yourself.

My first attempt at creating a shared community space was a Betty Boop lovers club when I was 8.

What do you love about Alameda?

I've been in Alameda since 2004 and I love the small town feel and the walkability of the webster street district on the west end, I can bike my kids to their schools, grab some coffee and walk to work!

Why did you open your business in Alameda?

I am the Executive Director of the nonprofit Pacific Pinball Museum, we were founded in 2003 and I have been with the museum since 2019.

What is one thing you would like people to know about your business?

Our nonprofit museum has the world's largest pinball collection (Over 1300 games!) and our museum on Webster street has exhibits, jukeboxes, artwork and over (100) games from all era's of pinball history set on on freeplay so no quarters are needed. We provide wristbands so patrons can take a break from playing and check out local businesses and get local food before returning. We're open from 11am - 9pm Tuesday-Sunday!

Share a fun-fact about yourself.

The vintage Baseball team I play on the "Oakland Colonels" play 1880's rules/equipment/uniforms hardball nearby at Washington Park here in Alameda!

What do you love about Alameda?

I love how Alameda feels like a close-knit community, where everyone knows and supports each other. Even in between businesses the sense of togetherness is truly special, whether it's at local events or just neighbors helping each other out.

Why did Thrifty Kitty open a business in Alameda?

FAAS opened Thrifty Kitty not only to further financially support the shelter’s efforts to save local animals but also to reduce waste through the sale of secondhand goods. It provides an additional venue for engaging with the community and fostering awareness of the FAAS mission. I became the Store Manager to enhance Thrifty Kitty's impact, bringing decades of experience in animal welfare and a closet full of thrifted treasures!

What is one thing you would like people to know about Thrifty Kitty?

You can shop, donate, and volunteer with us! There is more than one way to support FAAS through Thrifty Kitty.

What's a fun-fact about yourself?

A fun fact about me is that over 85% of my home and wardrobe are thrifted, even my cat Doris has secondhand treasures!

Check out our Instagram to learn more, including a BTS (behind the scenes) video, or feel free to head over to the store and get your thrift on!

What do you love about Alameda?
Alameda's beautiful weather and the small town vibe but most of all we love the people. Whether lifelong residents or the many newcomers, Alamedans seem to realize that this is a very special place and they behave accordingly. We are grateful to be able to live here, work here and serve the great people of Alameda.

Why did you open your business in Alameda?
We chose to open our business here, specifically on the West End to fulfill our dream of creating an enduring restaurant/bar in our hometown. The availability of the historic Croll's building at 1400 Webster made our decision a no brainer.

Share a fun-fact about yourself.
There are many fun facts to share but I'll share just a few. Food and drinks have been served at 1400 Webster since 1883. Our Plack Tai is the best Mai Tai you will ever taste and you can buy a Grandma Cooper cocktail from 5:00-5:15 any day for only $1.05. Stop by to learn more about 1400 Bar & Grill and the island we call home.

What do you love about Alameda?
I love Alameda for its close-knit community. It was very common for me to run into my patients and catch up with them while walking or shopping around town. It feels like being in a small town while having access to all the amenities of an urban center.

Why did you open your business in Alameda?
Dr. Gardner and Dr. Cohen had invited me to join the business after my surgical training in August 2000. The eye physician and surgeon practice, established in 1896, was the oldest continuously running medical practice in Alameda and possibly the bay area. When our practice had outgrown our former location on Central Avenue with the addition of Drs. Taylor, Khong, and Lowry, we moved to this legacy location on Webster Street. It was a great opportunity for us to expand in an elegant space and be a part of the West Alameda Business District.

What is one thing you would like people to know about your business?
We offer advanced personalized medical and surgical eye care in a spacious and elegant space. All of our doctors were trained at the top medical schools.

Share a fun-fact about yourself.
I did the Escape-from-Alcatraz swim when I turned 40.