ALAMEDA
The Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) Board of Education is accepting applications for the seat vacated by the Aug. 12 resignation of Jennifer Williams. Williams, who had served on the board since 2016, elected to her third term in November 2024.
AUSD Board Policy 9223 dictates that when a board seat becomes open, the remaining board members can choose to fill that seat via appointment or special election, and the board voted unanimously this week at its public meeting Tuesday night to fill Williams seat by appointment. Two board seats will be on this fall’s Nov. 3 ballot, but Williams’ seat is too late to be included on that ballot under California Education Code.
The term for this board seat will run from the date of appointment through November 2028, which is the AUSD board’s next regularly scheduled election. In accordance with Education Code Section 35107, to be eligible for election or appointment to a seat on the governing board of a school district a person must be at least 18 years old, a California citizen and registered voter, a resident within the AUSD’s boundaries and not disqualified by the U.S. Constitution or California laws from holding a civil office.
The application is available online at alamedaunified.org/board/board-of-education or in-person at the front desk of the AUSD office at 2060 Challenger Drive in Alameda. The deadline for submitting the application materials is 5 p.m. Sept. 11.
Eligible candidates can submit a candidate application and information sheet, resume and letter of interest detailing their qualifications to AUSD board President Ryan LaLonde, c/o Pasquale Scuderi, Superintendent, AUSD, 2060 Challenger Drive, Alameda, CA 94501. Completed applications can also be emailed to Kerri Lonergan at klonergan@alamedaunified.org.
Questions about the application and selection process should be directed to Lonergan at 510-337-7187 or the email address above. District staff will review all applications to make sure applicants meet the minimum legal qualifications. Several applicants will be chosen to be interviewed by the AUSD board at its Sept. 22 public meeting. The board will vote on who they want to appoint at the same meeting, and the provisional board member will be sworn in on Oct. 13.
— AUSD
East Bay parks hire Wooldridge as deputy general manager
The East Bay Regional Park District has hired Amy Wooldridge as deputy general manager and Kirsten Holder as assistant general manager of acquisition, stewardship and planning.
“Both Amy and Kirsten bring extensive public-sector leadership experience, a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and a deep understanding of the communities and landscapes of the East Bay,” said East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) General Manager Max Korten. “Their collaborative leadership experience and proven ability to advance complex projects and build strong partnerships will be invaluable as the Park District plans for the future.”
The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) has hired Amy Wooldridge as their deputy general manager. (photo courtesy of the EBRPD)
As deputy general manager, Wooldridge will help oversee Park District operations and organizational initiatives while working closely with the general manager, board of directors, executive leadership and regional partners.
“I am honored to join the East Bay Regional Park District at such a pivotal time,” said Wooldridge. “I look forward to strengthening our collaborations and community partnerships as well as working on initiatives to build organizational resiliency and help ensure that the Park District continues to serve East Bay communities for generations to come.”
Wooldridge brings 22 years of senior management experience in the public sector, including 19 years with the city of Alameda as a recreation and parks director. She currently serves as assistant city manager for the city of Alameda, where her responsibilities include oversight of citywide operating and capital budgets, organizational strategic planning, labor relations, community engagement, sustainability, park development, transportation, housing and human services.
Previously, Wooldridge served as Alameda’s recreation and parks director, for which she helped deliver major park, trail, waterfront and recreation projects. Her experience includes land acquisition, environmental compliance, cultural resource management, park planning and design, construction, maintenance and public engagement.
As the city’s recreation and parks director, Wooldridge planned and oversaw construction of 65 acres of parks, expanding the city of Alameda’s parkland by 40% in just 10 years, including transforming a previous railroad maintenance yard into a vibrant and sustainable community park. Wooldridge will start her job at the Park District on Monday.
— EBRPD
Enjoy Blues, Brews & BBQ on Sept. 20 at Washington Park
The West End Arts District invites the community to celebrate the ninth annual Blues, Brews & BBQ event from 12 to 6 p.m. Sept. 20 in Alameda’s Washington Park at 740 Central Ave. The free, family-friendly festival will bring together nationally acclaimed blues artists, local craft breweries, barbecue vendors, artisans and hands-on activities for all ages in one of the East Bay’s signature community celebrations.
Hosted by Alameda’s nonprofit West End Arts District, the festival is unmistakably Alameda, celebrating the community’s vibrant arts and culinary culture while supporting year-round arts programming throughout the city. Headlining this year’s festival is acclaimed guitarist and vocalist Chris Cain, whose soulful style and masterful musicianship have earned him recognition as one of today’s premier blues artists.
The lineup also features powerhouse vocalist Terrie Odabi, whose stirring vocals and magnetic stage presence have made her one of the Bay Area’s standout blues performers. Returning festival favorite Aki Kumar will bring a special edition of his weekly blues jam to the stage, joined by guest artists Marina Crouse and Jules Leyhe for a one-of-a-kind set celebrating the depth, range and joy of the Bay Area blues scene.
Beyond the music, festivalgoers can enjoy mouthwatering barbecue prepared by local pitmasters. Adding even more flavor to this year’s celebration, Evergood Sausage will commemorate its 100th anniversary at the event. Founded in 1926 in San Francisco, Evergood has become a Northern California icon, known for its handcrafted sausages and deep roots in Bay Area barbecue traditions.
Pairing the bold flavors from the grill are seasonal selections from regional craft breweries including Alameda Brewing, Faction Brewing, Anderson Valley Brewing, Drakes Brewing, Oakland United and many more. Wine selections will feature Alameda’s very own Urban Legend Cellars plus a selection of festival cocktails and alcohol-free options.
Bay Area artisans and community vendors will showcase locally made products, while the popular Family Zone—hosted by Ozzy’s Music Academy with support from local organizations—offers interactive music, art, and creative activities for children throughout the day. Swings & Wings, an Alameda favorite playland for kids, will bring their fun to the park encouraging child-led play and family musical activities.
Admission is free, and while tickets are not required, attendees are encouraged to RSVP online to receive festival updates and be automatically entered for prize drawings. For more details, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, or to RSVP, visit the West End Arts District website at westendartsdistrict.org.
— West End Arts District
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