Alameda: A Look Back At 2017

ALAMEDA, CA — 2017 is nearly in the books. While some people will be happy when this year is behind us, for others, it was momentous. Some of your neighbors got engaged or married, while others had a baby. Some graduated from college, or started their dream jobs.

As we pause for a few minutes to look back on the year, rather than look at crime, fires, traffic accidents or winter flooding and mudslides, we’re taking stock of some of the things that brought smiles to our faces, or caused our chests to swell with pride.

The Golden State Warriors clinched another Championship. A joyous throng some one million strong descended on Oakland to celebrate with the team at a victory parade and rally. Warriors fever was heated, as one fan paid a staggering amount of money for courtside seats at Game 5. Meanwhile, 2017 also marked the year that the Warriors broke ground on a privately funded, $1 billion arena in San Francisco.

Many animals won our hearts this year. Remember the feisty kitten who clung to the undercarriage of a speeding police cruiser? Or the bobcat that was nursed back to health after being hit by a car? The mama duck who stood guard next to a storm sewer after her ducklings fell in. And the Clydesdale that was rescued from a ravine. Plenty of people are willing to step in to help animals when they can’t help themselves.

We love the photos submitted by our Alameda readers, like this pretty sunset, and this sunset, or this, you guessed it, sunset. Our sunsets are world class! We also loved this contemplative photo.

Here are a few other stories that we've gathered from the year just ending, in no particular order. What would you add?

Alameda Police Lend A Hand In North Bay Fires

• Alameda Police gladly pitched in when the call came for Mutual Aid. They know this island will receive help if it's ever needed.

Brightening Alameda Christmases: Shop With A Cop

• Kids and cops went on a shopping spree together, ensuring happy memories and harmonious Christmas mornings.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony Held In Alameda

• Pearl Harbor survivors, World War II veterans and active-duty Coast Guardsmen all attended the ceremony.

Meet Alameda's Newest Firefighters

• The two probationary firefighters recently completed the fire academy.

Join The Trip To Cuba Planned In 2018

• Grab your passport and see the sights in Old Havana, the Castle of San Severino, a cigar factory and more! You'll even earn college credits.

Free Alameda Health Fair This Saturday

• Participants can get free flu shots, along with free osteoporosis, blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes screenings.

Does Alameda Have The Best Wine Tasting Room In The Country?

• Forget wine country - craving a great wine experience? Building 43 Winery was nominated and you can vote for them.

Alameda Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rate Going Down

• Good news for drivers who use AMP's EV charging station.

Hey, What Are You? Dolphin Checks Out Police Dog

• The police K-9 was visiting Discovery Kingdom when he was spotted by this curious dolphin.

Alameda Kindergarteners Collect Socks For Flood Victims

• The project gives them a way to help nearby victims of disaster.

Alameda School Wins Green Ribbon Award From State

• ASTI was honored for recycling, gardening, sustainability, and curriculum achievements.

-Image via Patch