From the New York Knicks winning their first NBA championship in 53 years and the exuberant celebrations that followed to soccer teams from around the world converging on North America to compete in World Cup 2026 — including the U.S. men’s team making a surprisingly strong showing (I hope I haven’t jinxed anything by saying that) — we have collectively experienced what New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called, following the Knicks’ massive ticker-tape parade, “a gift … to be brought together by pure, unfiltered joy.”
Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft rides a bike and waves to the crowd during a previous July Fourth parade in Alameda. This year will be Ashcraft’s last July Fourth parade as mayor. (Ray Chavez — staff archives)
Even Alameda is playing a part in World Cup 2026, with the the Australian Socceroos choosing the Oakland Roots and Soul facility at Bay Farm Island’s Harbor Bay Business Park as their “base training camp.” Socceroos players, staff and Australian fans have reported enjoying the hospitality and friendliness of our island community.
As the mayor of a “team base camp” city, I was invited to attend the recent Australia-Paraguay match at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. From the minute I boarded Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor train at Oakland’s Jack London Square station until we arrived at the stadium 55 minutes later, the atmosphere on the (standing-room-only) train was “pure, unfiltered joy.”
Almost everyone was wearing a team jersey, (I wore my Socceroos’ yellow and green jersey); some added face paint, hats, wigs and, my favorite, waved inflatable kangaroos (looking at you, Team Australia fans). Best of all was the camaraderie — a good-natured group of people chatting with each other and talking to strangers.
These days it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the nonstop barrage of alarming news — of war, disaster, crises and more, but try to find moments of “pure, unfiltered joy,” to “recharge your batteries.” Say hello to a stranger, strike up a conversation. Because we can all use more camaraderie in our lives.
Beach troubles: Speaking of camaraderie, Alameda is a welcoming city, and we want residents and visitors to enjoy our beautiful beaches and shoreline. However, recent large, unlawful and unruly gatherings at South Shore beach have created risks of serious injury to participants as well as innocent bystanders.
As a result, this past Saturday, the Alameda Police Department (APD), in collaboration with East Bay Regional Park District police and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, employed a proactive, intelligence-led response to a planned, unpermitted event. This successful approach ensured that residents, visitors, and families were able to enjoy Alameda’s beaches and neighboring businesses without disruption.
If necessary, we are prepared to employ this proactive planning and interagency collaboration again, to ensure that Alameda residents and visitors have a safe, enjoyable summer. Please report public safety concerns to the APD’s nonemergency line at 510-337-8340, or call 911 if you or someone else is in immediate danger of physical harm.
July Fourth: This year, as we celebrate our nation’s founding 250 years ago with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, let us reflect on and resolve to defend the democratic principles this country was founded upon. Let’s also remember that the “American experiment” to form a more perfect union is ongoing and that we all have a role to play.
While Alameda’s July Fourth parade won’t be quite as well attended as the Knicks’ massive ticker-tape parade down New York City’s Broadway (and no hanging from light posts, please), we can claim to host the longest July Fourth parade in the nation!
This will also be my last July Fourth parade as mayor — and it has been an incredible honor to serve you these past eight years. Be sure to wave as I ride by on my (Alameda Bicycle loaner) e-bike. Happy Fourth of July! Find some “pure, unfiltered joy!” Defend democracy (vote!), and stay “Alameda Strong!”
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the mayor of Alameda. For contact information and other details, visit bit.ly/mayorashcraft online.