ALAMEDA

A bill (AB 2624) from state Assemblymember Mia Bonta, D-Alameda, that its supporters say would protect the private information of immigration nonprofit employees, is being criticized by fellow Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, R-San Diego, as an attempt to silence citizen journalists and shield taxpayer-funded organizations from public scrutiny.

DeMaio has gone as far as dubbing AB 2624 the “Stop Nick Shirley Act” for what he says is the chilling effect it will have on free speech. AB 2624 comes as independent journalists (or right-wing social media figures, depending on one’s viewpoint) like Nick Shirley have used viral videos to expose alleged fraud and abuse in government-funded programs using on-the-ground footage and firsthand documentation.

DeMaio says that though AB 2624 is supposed to protect immigrant organizations from “threats of violence,” it would really apply to any left-wing group that claims to provide any services to legal or illegal immigrants. During a recent Assembly committee hearing, DeMaio directly confronted Bonta, who is also state Attorney General Rob Bonta’s wife, over language that DeMaio says would let individuals affiliated with certain groups demand the removal of video recordings — even if taken in public — and even impose costly financial penalties against those who publish the videos online.

DeMaio warned the bill would be used to block investigative reporting and intimidate journalists, watchdog groups and members of the public documenting wrongdoing. For more details online and DeMaio’s full statement on the bill, visit bit.ly/bontabill-demaio.

— Asm. DeMaio’s office

New city manager announced, starts in position on June 30

The city of Alameda, at its council meeting next week, is set to appoint Gerry Beaudin as Alameda’s new city manager, a position appointed by and reporting directly to the mayor and City Council. Beaudin is expected to begin work on June 30, when, as the city’s chief administrative officer, he will provide leadership and organizational direction for city operations.

He currently serves as Pleasanton’s city manager, a position he has held since 2022, and as the Joint Powers Authority executive director of the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department.

Beaudin’s appointment follows an extensive recruitment process. He brings 23 years of public management experience to Alameda, including serving as Alameda’s interim and assistant city manager (August 2019 to May 2022), a post at which he oversaw the Public Works, Recreation & Parks, Library, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Finance departments.

He also previously served as Pleasanton’s community development director, Mountain View’s zoning administrator, and as a planner for the cities of South San Francisco, Los Altos and Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He holds a master of science degree in planning from Canada’s University of Toronto and a bachelor of arts degree from Queen’s University, also in Canada.

City officials also wish to acknowledge and thank Interim City Manager Adam Politzer for his service during the recruitment process for a new city manager. For details online, visit bit.ly/3QaHyYk.

— city of Alameda

Church hosting Spring Arts & Crafts Boutique on April 25

Alameda’s Immanuel Lutheran Church will host its annual Spring Arts & Crafts Boutique from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25 at 1910 Santa Clara Ave. (on the corner of Chestnut Street).

Featuring 30 local artisans offering fine handcrafted gifts, treats and treasures for the whole family, the boutique will take place on the church’s parking lot, courtyard and inside its parish hall. The event will also feature a raffle and children’s book giveaway. Admission is free, but only street parking will be available and please enter from Chestnut Street. For questions, call 510-523-0659 or visit immanuel-alameda.org/church-events online.

Church also giving away preschool supplies at same time

Attention preschool teachers and parents: From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25, Immanuel Lutheran Church will give away supplies from its many years in the preschool business to make room for their incoming tenant, Our Island Preschool.

Come adopt the church’s preschool supplies: toys, preschool equipment, art supplies, children’s books and classroom holiday décor. Cash donations will be gratefully accepted. The preschool items will be at the church’s entrance at 1910 Santa Clara Ave. during the church’s annual Spring Boutique. Parking will be available on area streets only. For questions, call the phone number or visit the webpage above.

— Immanuel Lutheran Church

Pee-Wee Paws group brings together small dogs across Bay Area

The Pee-Wee Paws Small Dog Meetup Group is bringing together small dog lovers and their pups for fun, social and community-driven events across the Bay Area. Designed specifically for dogs weighing less than 20 pounds, the group hosts monthly meetups, group walks and special events that create a safe and welcoming space for little dogs to play and socialize.

The group’s monthly meetups take place at 3 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month at the Alameda Small Dog Park (1300 Eighth St. at the corner of Otis and Westline drives), along with additional pop-up events at various parks throughout the region. Pee-Wee Paws continues to grow, connecting dog owners from different communities and encouraging friendships among pets and people.

Participation is free, and all small dog owners are welcome to join. For more information, find Pee-Wee Paws on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, DogHood, Meetup (meetup.com/peeweepaws) or attend an upcoming event.

— Darlene Young

Apply by Friday for Alameda Kiwanis Foundation scholarships

The Alameda Kiwanis Foundation encourages graduating seniors from Alameda’s high schools to apply for its 2026 college scholarships. Application forms are now available at school sites’ counseling offices and online at k01025.site.kiwanis.org. The awards are open to residents and nonresidents of Alameda, provided that the applicant graduates from an Alameda school and meets the eligibility criteria.

Community college-bound seniors are also urged to apply. Applications and documents must be completed and submitted no later than Friday this week, and incomplete applications will not be considered. Mail applications to Alameda Kiwanis Foundation, P.O. Box 1217, Alameda CA 94501 or email them to alamedakiwanis@gmail.com.

— Alameda Kiwanis Foundation

To submit an item for the Alameda Journal’s “In brief” section, which is now usually published in print on each month’s third Friday, please email it, at least three days before print publication, to njackson@bayareanewsgroup.com. Each item should be 90 to 180 words and include a short headline along with the name of the group or individual to credit for it.