ALAMEDA
Bay Area veterans and elected officials held a news conference Monday to denounce an announcement from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that it intends to terminate plans to build a VA health care facility and columbarium at Alameda Point, citing severe consequences that would result.
The announcement comes after a decade-long wait for the project, which was intended to provide vital physical and mental health care services, and a final resting place closer to home for tens of thousands of Bay Area veterans.
Last week, a formal letter of concern signed by Bay Area U.S. Reps. Lateefah Simon and Nancy Pelosi and California’s U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff was sent to VA Secretary Douglas Collins demanding substantiation for the announced decision. Monday’s speakers called the decision “unacceptable” and “irresponsible” and demanded that the VA reverse its decision.
“We are not turning our backs on you,” Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft said to veterans. “You didn’t turn your backs on this country. We stand up, we fight back, and that’s what we are going to do. This is not a partisan issue. This is about the health and well-being of our veterans and the dignity that we pay to those who take their last breaths and want to be buried in a VA cemetery or columbarium.”
In 2014, 624 acres of the former Naval Air Station Alameda was transferred from the U.S. Navy to the VA for a new “One VA” health care clinic and columbarium. Over the last decade, Congress approved $395 million to build a 158,000 square-foot outpatient health care center and veterans benefits service center and columbarium with the capacity to serve veterans and their families for the next 100 years or more.
The remaining land was to remain undeveloped to support the colony of endangered California least terns and other bird species. For more information online, visit bit.ly/4pT5UTl.
“In August, the Department of Veterans Affairs canceled the Alameda Point health care facility and columbarium without warning,” said U.S. Rep. Simon. “No notice to the city of Alameda, no extensive reasoning or clear communication to Congress.
“Last week, my office led with Senators Padilla, Schiff and Speaker Emerita Pelosi in demanding answers directly from the VA Secretary and calling for the reversal of this cancellation. We will not let this stand — 28,000 veterans live in my district. They deserve quality health care close to home, and their families deserve a place to honor their loved ones when they pass.”
— city of Alameda
Historic church to host Christmas caroling Monday evening
The public is invited to a free, fun and festive Christmas carol singalong next week starting at 7 p.m. Monday at Alameda’s Immanuel Lutheran Church. Music and fun for the whole family will include a children’s book giveaway and hot chocolate and cookies after the caroling.
Free parking is available in the historic church’s parking lot at the southwest corner of Santa Clara Avenue and Chestnut Street. Please use the entrance at 1420 Lafayette St. Call 510–523-0659 with any questions.
— Immanuel Lutheran Church
New Year’s Eve gala fundraiser planned aboard USS Hornet
The USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum will hold its annual New Year’s Eve gala fundraiser aboard the historic museum ship. The event will feature live music from big band 3 O’Clock Jump and the Nick Rossi Swing Band. There will be a silent auction, food and beverage for purchase, a countdown to midnight and more.
Parking is free, and the hangar bay will be heated, with three dance floors and tables and chairs throughout. Black ties are optional, and vintage wear is also encouraged. For more information and to purchase tickets, go online to uss-hornet.org/event/new-years-eve-big-band-gala-2025.
— USS Hornet
Kiwanis Club foundation’s yearly fundraiser set for Jan. 31
The Kiwanis Club Alameda (KCA) is excited to invite the public to its 24th annual Alameda Kiwanis Foundation fundraiser from 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 31 in the Al DeWitt Officers Club at 641 W. Redline Ave. on Alameda Point.
This fun tradition supporting the Alameda community will feature a full barbecue dinner (meat and sides with a vegetarian option), a music trivia competition among tables of participants, a Bingo contest for gift card prizes, our famous silent auction for donated merchandise baskets and merchant gift vouchers, a raffle and a live auction and music played by a DJ.
The club’s goal every year is to raise more than $20,000, which will entirely be awarded to nonprofit Alameda groups benefiting youths and families. Bring a friend, colleague or your family for a great evening packed with surprises! For more information or to learn more about the KCA, visit k01025.site.kiwanis.org online.
— KCA
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.