Book Reader


    I read your article, “A Literary Moment” in Alameda Magazine [“Just Between Us,” March/April 2005] and echo your sentiments on the decline of reading in our country. I believe the central problem, at least among young people, is that they have not found that one book that motivates, that changes them. There is so much knowledge out there and readily available in books that it is indeed quite a shame that more people do not take advantage. I found the books that changed me in college, but at the same time, I was surrounded by those who saw college only as a stepping stone
for employment.
    I could go on for pages pointing fingers at why those statistics are down, but I’m not (and I’m glad you refrained from it as well). They seem fairly obvious through a quick look at popular culture.
    I attack books because I’m looking for answers to questions. I get the feeling that most people do not even ask themselves the important questions in life.
    I enjoyed your article because I share your concern and applaud your forthright attitude and desire to change what is clearly a very serious problem that I see only getting worse.
Josh Sherman
e-mail

Love Alameda


    Please join me in giving a big shout out to co-publishers Tracy and Robert McKean, editor Judith Gallman, associate editor Julia Park and the creative team at Alameda Magazine for their March/April issue, which features a cover story, “Bragging Rights, 25 Reasons Why We’re Island Fans,” a history piece on prizefighting in the West End, a profile of coffee roaster Pete Rogers, a tribute to the Gold Coast Grill, a handy update on business projects and a reminiscence of Alameda artist Frank Bette and the legacy he established in the Frank Bette Center for the Arts, where exhibits, classes, poetry readings and other artistic endeavors are held.
    The Alameda Magazine is very slick, beautifully designed, a great way to communicate to Alamedans and a showcase for Alameda business uptown ads. Be better informed about Island doings—then and now. Support their efforts to fill the communication gap. I’m subscribing today.
Dennis Green
Alameda

By Alamedans for Alameda


    In January, we started up a pretty ambitious club called Team Alameda. We have begun Saturday morning no-drop rides to raise $40,000 for AIDS/Lifecycle, a nonprofit ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles on June 5-11. With a dozen members signed up at the $2,500 minimum, we quickly hit $30,000. Our rides, which begin at 7:30 a.m. at Peet’s, now draw about 30 riders.
    In October, the club plans an advocacy event, working with Pedestrian Friendly Alameda for Walk and Roll Day, an international event to get kids to walk and ride to school. We’re also planning safety classes for kindergarten through 8th-grade students.
    In 2006, we intend to achieve nonprofit status, and our members will commit to levels of community service hours, which will translate into more involvement with schools and Alameda Recreation and Parks. We’ve also discussed bike rodeos and a bike-a-thon to raise funs for the schools.
    We’re a pretty excited bunch, and we’re jazzed about creating something by Alamedans for Alameda and invite all bike enthusiasts to join us.
Gene Oh
Alameda