Bon Marché Collective celebrates its second anniversary Saturday with a pop-up secondhand market on Solano Avenue next to Abrams Claghorn Gallery.

Bon Marché, meaning "good value" in French, is a fitting name for a market built around finding value in things that might otherwise go unused.

Over the past two years, Bon Marché "has grown to become a real community event," the collective's co-founder Stéphanie Regni told Albany Scanner.

Regni and co-founder Sarah Bly launched the Albany pop-up to encourage people to consider buying secondhand.

Both organizers have backgrounds in sustainability. Bly is a former sustainable fashion researcher, while Regni founded Fillgood, a zero-waste store in Berkeley. The two also drew inspiration from markets they experienced in Europe; Bly moved to Albany from Denmark and Regni is French.

While regulars and newcomers can still expect to find secondhand clothes, home goods, toys and other bric-a-brac, the group has also added repair and reuse activities.

"We want to explore what we can do together beyond simply consuming, even if what we’re consuming is secondhand," Regni said.

Saturday’s market runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features free clothing repairs, a community dye bath and a new homecoming dress giveaway for Albany High School students.

The group has made donations to organizations including Berkeley Food Network, Community Aid Network MN, SchoolCare and San Francisco Baykeeper.

Bon Marché will donate 10% of the proceeds from Saturday’s event to Inequality Media’s billboard campaign.

Homecoming dress giveaway for AHS students

Saturday's market introduces a partnership with the Albany High School PTSA: a free homecoming dress giveaway

Regni chairs the Albany High Prom Closet, a PTSA-sponsored project that collects formalwear and accessories and makes them available to Albany High juniors and seniors at no cost.

The closet currently has more than 100 dresses, Regni said, along with suits, dress shirts, ties, shoes, handbags, jewelry and other accessories. Donations are accepted throughout the year, provided items are clean and in good condition.

Saturday’s giveaway will make some of those dresses available for homecoming rather than waiting until prom season.

"It makes beautiful prom attire accessible to our students at no cost, while giving a second life to dresses, suits and accessories that might otherwise sit unused in a closet," Regni said.

The giveaway is open to Albany High students. Students should bring a school ID.

Residents can also bring formalwear and accessory donations to Saturday's market.

Cal students offer free clothing repairs

UC Berkeley reUSE, a student-led organization and campus thrift store, will offer free on-site clothing repairs, including patching holes, replacing buttons and hemming. Attendees can bring up to two items for simple repairs.

"Buying secondhand is a great alternative to buying new, but sometimes the most sustainable thing you can do is simply keep using what you already own," Regni said.

Repairs are first come, first served; the service does not include tailoring or more complex alterations.

Dye faded pieces on-site with a textile expert

A participatory community dye bath will be led by Kat Peterson, a textile instructor at California College of the Arts and owner of Baby Cats of California, an online store selling gender-neutral children's clothing.

The dye bath will give attendees another way to refresh existing clothing and textiles, Regni said.

"We love the idea that a favorite piece of clothing doesn’t have to be discarded just because it’s stained, faded or you’re simply tired of the color," she said. "Sometimes all it needs is a little transformation."

Rather than simply dropping off an item to be dyed, participants will be able to take part in the dyeing process and learn about color and textiles. It will be the third community dye bath hosted by Bon Marché.

Regni said she hopes attendees bring home more than just homecoming dresses and refreshed or repaired clothes.

"That’s really what we want these activities to be about: learning practical skills, sharing knowledge, and remembering that 'new to you' doesn’t always require buying something," she said.

"Sometimes you can repair, transform or rediscover something you already have."

Connect with Bon Marché on Instagram, on Facebook and on its website.

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The plan calls for up to eight transitional kindergarten (TK) classrooms alongside preschool classrooms at the center. But the aging facility already faces capacity pressures and needs upgrades.

The logistics of the move are a major focus of the district’s new facilities master plan, which outlines how AUSD could use Measure L funds to address its most pressing needs.

The Board of Education unanimously approved the plan Sept. 22, with more than $434 million in projects across all district properties: the Albany Children’s Center, three elementary schools, the middle and high schools, and the Albany Aquatic Center, which is owned and operated by the district.

The $63.8 million Measure L bond, approved by voters in 2024, will fund only a portion of that work.

The facilities master plan identifies projects AUSD could pursue but does not commit the district to building them.

Specific projects, costs and timelines will be refined during the implementation process, with a community open house next week offering residents a chance to weigh in.

Board Member Becky Hopwood, who helped lead the Measure L campaign, said in a forum hosted by the Albany Democratic Club last month that the district had an obligation "to honor the trust" voters placed in the bond, while recognizing that it represents only "a small amount of millions of dollars we need."

Albany voters passed Measures B and E in 2016, but those funds have run out.

More space for preschool and transitional kindergarten

A main tenet of the plan is a focus on early childhood education to provide appropriate pre-kindergarten and TK classrooms.

In Albany, projected enrollment growth, TK space needs and facility needs at the existing early childhood education center have made ACC a major focus of the master plan.

For the second year, California law makes free transitional kindergarten — the first year of a two-year kindergarten program — available to children who turn 4 by Sept. 1 of the school year.

The expansion has created additional demands on AUSD’s elementary campuses. AUSD currently has nine TK classrooms that have approximately 20 students in each class.

Meanwhile, there has been a "lack of investment in ACC campus upgrades for decades," according to the district’s master-plan summary, which proposes the "construction of new Pre-K and TK classrooms, administration areas, kitchen, multi-purpose room, and outdoor play areas to create a dedicated early childhood education campus for Albany."

The California Department of Education notes that, for a small district expecting enrollment growth, a facilities master plan may need to focus on "creating space for students."

A new theater for Albany High School

While ACC has been a primary focus in local discussions around facility needs, the plan estimates about $164 million in projects at Albany High School — the largest total for any district campus.

At the high school, the plan calls for the demolition of the existing Arts and Multipurpose building, to be replaced by a new three-story structure with a performance theater at ground level, and classrooms along with offices on the second and third floors.

It also proposes a new system to help funnel visitors to the main office, and a new security camera system.

Other campuses also need major upgrades

Other campuses, beyond ACC and AHS, also have significant projects in the proposed plan.

Cornell Elementary has about $77 million in proposed work, including a library addition, multipurpose room with a stage and a new kindergarten wing to replace modular classrooms.

At Albany Middle School, a new central kitchen and food-serving area is being explored. Plans include improved campus access on Spokane Avenue and removal of the caretaker’s cottage.

Ocean View Elementary would lose its portable classrooms in favor of expanded outdoor eating and play areas and a new student-services and classroom building.

The plan also calls for consolidating district offices, freeing space at Cornell, AMS and AHS.

At both AHS and AMS, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are nearing the end of their service lives and will need to be replaced, staff said.

Master plan is guidepost for bond spending

A facilities master plan is a strategic roadmap used by school districts to assess building conditions, project future student enrollment, and guide capital improvement bond funding.

According to the California Department of Education, an FMP "must be monitored continually and updated frequently to be an effective planning tool," and "will vary based on the size, resources, and needs of the district."

At the Sept. 22 meeting, Board President Josh Mahoney said the plan reflected extensive input, including district-wide surveys, staff-led study sessions and work dating back to 2025 by the district's Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee.

The Sept. 22 meeting was focused on approval of the plan following a broader discussion and presentation to the board in May.

AUSD hosts community open house Oct. 7

Albany Unified School District will host an open house Wednesday, Oct. 7, to give residents and school community members a chance to learn more about the facilities master plan and provide feedback on potential priorities.

District staff and project architects will be available to answer questions.

The event will be held in the Ocean View Elementary School library beginning with a presentation at 6 p.m., followed by an open-house session.

The event is open to all ages. Registration is encouraged.

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Authorities in Berkeley are responding to a quarter-acre vegetation fire in West Berkeley on Wednesday afternoon.

As of publication time, the cause remained unknown.

Berkeley police closed West Frontage Road between Gilman Street and University Avenue during the response.

Footage from ALERTCalifornia, a public safety and environmental monitoring program based at the University of California, San Diego, showed smoke billowing into the air.

See ongoing updates at The Berkeley Scanner.

Vegetation fire underway in Berkeley

Police have closed West Frontage Road between Gilman Street and University Avenue.

The Berkeley ScannerEmilie Raguso

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Please help keep this weekly list lively and well informed by sending details about upcoming concerts, readings, performances and workshops to events@albanyscanner.com.

A Dolly Parton singalong at the Freight

The fact that Dolly Parton’s estate has devolved into a tawdry legal struggle shines an even stronger angelic light on her life. The world’s dreck just slides off her besequinned legacy, a life of gorgeous sound and service that will be honored at the Freight with Dollylujah! Leading the community singalong is Glide Memorial Church musical director and Freight instructor Zoë Ellis, a Berkeley native whose abundant generosity on and off stage is positively Dolly-esque. She’s been a mainstay at the venue for years, co-founding with Bryan Dyer the 75-plus member Freight Singers Community Chorus. Over the years Ellis has sung gospel, R&B, soul, hip-hop, and house music in a series of beloved Bay Area bands, like the Mo’Fessionals. She honed her skills in a cappella improvisation with SoVoSo and Keith Terry’s Slammin All-Body Band. These days, when she’s not bringing Glide contingents to sing at community events around the region, Ellis performs with Darryl Anders’s AgapéSoul and Linda Tillery’s Cultural Heritage Choir. She’ll be joined at the Freight by multi-instrumentalist Vicki Randle, who spent a decade touring as a backup vocalist with Mavis Staples, country singer Cindy Emch, Irish keyboardist Eamonn Flynn, and special guests. "Grab your sparkles and cowboy/girl hats and join us for some singalong silliness and fun," Ellis says. Thursday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. The Freight (Berkeley). $14

Four decades of Latin grooves with Edgardo Cambón

The Jazzschool kicks off the ¡Sonidos Latinos! series celebrating Latino Heritage Month with a concert by Uruguayan percussionist Edgardo Cambón & LaTiDo. He’s been a mainstay on the Bay Area’s Latin music scene for four decades, and his band features his original tunes and arrangements of Latin dance standards. Over the years the vocalist, composer, producer, and bandleader has performed across South America, Europe, Africa, and the United States while collaborating with Latin music giants such as Chucho Valdés, Eddie Palmieri, Carlos Santana, and the East Bay’s Grammy Award-winning Pacific Mambo Orchestra. He’s best known as the leader, conguero and lead vocalist for  the salsa band Edgardo & Candela. For this concert he’s joined by a heavyweight quartet with saxophonist Charlie Gurke, bassist Saúl Sierra, and pianist/trumpeter Marco Díaz (who presents his own quartet at the Jazzschool on Oct. 10). Saturday, Oct. 3, 8 p.m. The Jazzschool (Berkeley). $25

Song session at the Starry Plough

Let’s keep the singalong theme humming in this week’s column because there’s nothing quite like a casual song session in a friendly pub. And Ben Kramarz knows all about the ways in which playing music can transform a disparate gathering into a single organism thrumming to a common emotional current. The son of Ken Kramarz, whose decades-long tenure as executive director of Camp Tawonga was accompanied by his love of guitar and song leading, Ben has transplanted the summer camp musical ethos into the midst of the urban East Bay. As the founder of Berkeley nonprofit Sacred Music Fellowship, he’s created radically accessible community programs that center on regular song sessions. The secular sessions have been held at various venues around Berkeley in recent years, and are now based at the Starry Plough. Encompassing rock, folk, pop, R&B, funk and beyond, the sessions are designed to make joining in as seamless as possible.  Kramarz projects lyrics and chords on a wall, and scrolls through the charts using a foot pedal to keep his hands free for playing. Many participants wield acoustic guitars, but cellists, percussionists, and vocalists sans instruments also frequent the sessions. All ages and instruments are welcome, and no reservations are necessary. Sunday, Oct. 4, 2:30-4:30 p.m. The Starry Plough (Berkeley). $15-$20

An American pachuco in Berkeley

Luis Valdez, the pioneering Chicano playwright and director, is an amazing California story, and David Alvarado’s American Masters documentary American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez takes the full measure of the man. From his early days growing up as one of 10 siblings born to itinerant Mexican farmworkers, through his early experiences with the San Francisco Mime Troupe, the film follows Valdes as he finds his voice creating agitprop theater to recruit members to the Farm Workers Union. When Cesar Chavez tries to take over the troupe, Valdes breaks away, eventually finding a home for his El Teatro Campesino in San Juan Bautista, where he’s still active. Along the way, he turns Edward James Olmos into a star with the film Zoot Suit and immortalizes Chicano rocker Ritchie Valens in the hit film La Bamba. Alvarado’s artful use of a pachuco narrator, split screens, and a trove of vivid archival footage add layers upon layers to the story, which is very much a family saga. Alvarado joins the proceedings on Zoom after the film to answer questions and describe working on the project. Monday, Oct. 5, 5:30 p.m. Central Library (Berkeley). Free

Tomas Moniz reads from new novel

East Oakland novelist Tomas Moniz reads from and discusses his new novel, The King of Aloe Vera in conversation with Vincent Chu, whose debut novel Nice Places won the IPPY Award Bronze for Literary Fiction. Jeff Chang, author of Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation, has described Moniz’s third book as "a love song for the weird old Bay Area...and a tender meditation on how to make a well-lived life amid endless chaos," which sounds pretty timely. Moniz edited the popular "Rad Dad" and "Rad Families" anthologies, and he teaches creative writing at Berkeley City College. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m. Pegasus Books Downtown (Berkeley). Free

Sarita Sarvate tells her story in Midnight’s Daughter

A longtime opinion journalist and essayist whose column appeared in India Currents magazine for a quarter century, Sarita Sarvate just published her memoir Midnight’s Daughter. Trained as a physicist at UC Berkeley, she arrived in California from India fleeing an arranged marriage with a much older man. It’s a tale she recounts in her book, along with her family’s sudden upheaval. Her mother suffers a devastating nervous breakdown, forcing Sarvate into the role of caretaker even while she's demonstrating exceptional talent as a student. Determined to reclaim her future, she escaped to graduate school in Berkeley, where she created an entirely new life for herself. She discusses her memoir with Elizabeth Stix, author of the story collection Things I Want Back From You, which includes works performed at Selected Shorts on NPR. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m. Albany Library. Free

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On Monday night, Albany residents shared visions for the future of Golden Gate Fields.

Other ideas included a conference center, horse stables, a hotel and even a spa, as residents sought ways to generate new revenue for city services long supported by racetrack taxes — with the property expected to come off the tax rolls if a pending land deal goes through.

It wasn't all about the money. Many people were also excited to help shape the vision for what a significant new park for Albany, Berkeley and the region could be.

More than 100 people showed up at the Albany Community Center, spilling into the hallway, to hear from the East Bay Regional Park District and city officials about plans to turn the former racetrack into a park.

Most just listened, but about 30 people took turns at the mic, in person and online, to share their ideas. More than 400 people tuned in online.

The meeting followed a recent pledge by the state to put $125 million toward the anticipated $175 million purchase of the site by Trust for Public Land, which has been working to close a $30 million gap with the help of philanthropic dollars.

It was also the first chance for the East Bay Regional Park District, represented by general manager Max Korten, to explain how plans have unfolded and answer questions from city officials.

Korten explained that much of the state money, from Proposition 4 climate bond funds, restricted activities to "park uses" — but said that still allowed for flexibility that would be consistent with both state regulations and Albany's own rules.

Some of the money from the state, $53 million from the Wildlife Conservation Board, must focus on restoration, he added, with Codornices Creek among the sites that could benefit.

"Right now, it makes a right-hand turn into basically a ditch that runs out to the bay," he said. "There's an amazing opportunity to potentially restore that creek."

Korten said the purchase of the site must be complete by the end of the year, with the park district taking ownership in the spring, under the current schedule.

One sticking point came down to plans for the demolition of all above-ground buildings at Golden Gate Fields, which Korten said had been a requirement of the deal before East Bay Parks got involved.

Several speakers wanted the racetrack clubhouse, grandstand and smaller historic features to be considered for preservation. Korten said it was likely too late for that.

Council members said they understood it was late in the process but asked him to do what he could to push for the preservation of individual landmarks given his seat at the bargaining table.

Korten also said that, although there is no set timeline for when a new park might open, the park district would like to make amenities available in phases, including more parking at Albany Beach and perhaps some type of food truck program along the way.

Residents also suggested paid parking and electric vehicle charging stations as potential revenue sources.

Throughout the night, speakers said they hoped Voices to Vision, an extensive community process focused on Albany's waterfront completed in 2010, could help inform whatever happens at Golden Gate Fields.

During public comment, former City Manager Beth Pollard said about 1,200 people had taken part in the process, expressing support for allowing up to a quarter of the property to be developed, with conference facilities, meeting and event spaces, hotel rooms and restaurants among the leading ideas for development.

How UC Berkeley might be involved in plans also came up several times during the night.

Korten said the park district had toured the site with a UC Berkeley architect, and that he had been in touch with the university's capital projects team and its natural resources dean.

On the subject of finances, Councilman Preston Jordan asked for examples of other park sites that generate revenue.

Korten estimated that Tilden Golf Course generates about $800,000 for the park district annually, adding that " every other concession is less." He also mentioned Tilden's popular steam train, which brings in about $50,000 a year.

Exactly how revenue sharing might work among the parties remains to be seen.

In closing remarks, Albany Mayor Peggy McQuaid said local participation and financial needs must remain central to the planning process.

" The community wants to participate, and we will be with you, but we want to be at the table," she said. "It's really important that we develop a plan both for the land, but also for the ongoing revenue that both the city and the school district and Berkeley are going to need."

According to Albany's analysis, the Golden Gate Fields property generates about $1.1 million in special revenues each year for the city and about $700,000 for the Albany Unified School District.

Next steps

The Albany City Council is set to meet Monday, Oct. 5, to discuss financial impacts of the Golden Gate Fields deal. (The agenda has not been published.)

On Oct. 20, the EBRPD board is set to vote on the proposed purchase agreement.

The future of Golden Gate Fields: Learn more

• City of Albany: Golden Gate Fields Transition
• East Bay Regional Park District: Future Golden Gate Fields Park
• Trust for Public Land: Golden Gate Fields

Watch Monday's town hall in Albany about Golden Gate Fields

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The program will take place at Albany City Hall, 1000 San Pablo Ave., with school board candidates set to begin at 6:30 p.m. and council candidates at 7:45 p.m. Residents will have a chance to ask questions. Registration is encouraged.

Five candidates are running for two council seats in the Nov. 3 election. In ballot order, they are Robin López, Katherine Enos, Jon Destin, Aaron Tiedemann and Chris McDaniels. López is seeking reelection.

Five candidates are also running for four school board seats. In ballot order, they are Margaret Allen, Melissa Boyd, Becky Hopwood, Josh Mahoney and David McKinney. Boyd, Hopwood and Mahoney are seeking reelection.

Albany council candidates clash over housing, taxes

Two candidates defended their work. Others questioned their record.

Albany ScannerEmilie Raguso

Albany school board candidates weigh AI, school funding

Five candidates are vying for four school board seats.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

The candidates previously appeared at an online forum hosted by the Albany Democratic Club in August.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to encourage informed and active participation in government. The Berkeley, Albany and Emeryville chapter provides voter education and information about local elections and ballot measures.

Vote-by-mail ballots will begin going out Monday, Oct. 5.

Voters who miss the Oct. 19 registration deadline can still register and vote in person at the Alameda County Registrar of Voters’ office or a vote center through Election Day.

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On Friday afternoon, the city announced a town hall Monday evening focused on plans to turn the 162-acre waterfront site into a public park.

What’s next for Golden Gate Fields? Albany dreams big

Residents shared ideas for a waterfront park while pressing to preserve racetrack landmarks and replace revenue for Albany services and schools.

Albany ScannerEmilie Raguso

Monday's session will include a presentation from the East Bay Regional Park District "regarding the transition of the Golden Gate Fields property into parkland/open space."

"This presentation will introduce the lead agency … and provide an overview of the long-term planning process," the city said in Friday's announcement.

Public comment will also be taken, with each speaker getting up to three minutes, depending on turnout.

The meeting will take place Monday at 5 p.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave., and be streamed online.

The $175 million deal is expected to close in 2027, transferring the property to the East Bay Regional Park District, and likely taking it off the tax rolls.

Some Albany community members have expressed concern about what that could mean for city services and schools.

According to Albany's analysis, the Golden Gate Fields property generates about $1.1 million in special revenues each year for the city and about $700,000 for the Albany Unified School District.

Park district set to vote on Golden Gate Fields Oct. 20

Monday night's meeting comes as the EBRPD board prepares to vote on the proposed purchase of Golden Gate Fields by Trust for Public Land (TPL).

"Upon acquisition, TPL will simultaneously convey the property to the Park
District for long-term ownership and stewardship," EBRPD has said.

The EBRPD board is expected to vote on the purchase Oct. 6, park district general manager Max Korten told the board at its Sept. 15 meeting.

After publication, he said the vote had ultimately been scheduled for the Oct. 20 meeting. (This story was updated to reflect the change.)

At the Sept. 15 meeting, the board voted to enter into a $53 million grant agreement with the Wildlife Conservation Board and Trust for Public Land.

The money is part of a $125 million package put forward by the state legislature in late August.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill that included the allocation on Sept. 18.

In addition to the state money, EBRPD has already pledged $20 million for the Golden Gate Fields purchase in Measure WW funds, leaving a $30 million gap.

TPL has said it plans to raise the final piece through philanthropy.

"Next steps include securing additional philanthropic dollars to realize the full sale price and for Trust for Public Land to close on the property," Sen. Jesse Arreguín said in a Sept. 18 announcement. "Terms of the option agreement provide that the existing structures will be demolished and the site cleared as part of the sale."

One condition of the state funding is that the site "must principally be used for parks and open space uses."

But there has also been discussion about allowing some revenue-generating uses on the site alongside parkland.

Albany Scanner will cover Monday night's meeting.

Learn how to participate and offer public comment in Monday night's agenda.

The future of Golden Gate Fields: Learn more

• City of Albany: Golden Gate Fields Transition
• East Bay Regional Park District: Future Golden Gate Fields Park
• Trust for Public Land: Golden Gate Fields

Have questions for Albany Scanner, or want to share story tips? Here's how to reach us.

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The cleanup will take place from 9-11 a.m. near Carmel Avenue, 1325 Portland Ave. Volunteers will work on cleanup and stewardship projects while helping maintain the park’s green space.

Friends of Albany Parks, a city-run volunteer program, is organizing the event in collaboration with the Edible Landscape Project, which cares for the area.

Since 2014, friends group volunteers have contributed more than 150 service hours cleaning, beautifying and planning improvements at Albany parks.

The Albany Community Foundation (a Scanner supporter) will provide refreshments and treats for volunteers.

Gloves, tools and equipment will be provided.

The city holds two park cleanups each year at various Albany parks and occasionally partners with community groups for additional events.

Information about the next city cleanup will be included in the Winter/Spring Activity Guide.

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In ballot order, they are Margaret Allen, Melissa Boyd, Becky Hopwood, Josh Mahoney and David McKinney. Boyd, Hopwood and Mahoney are seeking re-election.

We sent each candidate the same set of questions. 

Who is Albany school board candidate Margaret Allen?

“What sets me apart is the balance I bring to the table: experience in managing complex fiscal trade-offs alongside a 15+ year family journey ahead at AUSD.”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

Who is Albany school board candidate Melissa Boyd?

“The privilege to represent the needs of others comes with the responsibility to treat the position with the weight it deserves, and that is not something I will ever forget or take for granted.”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

Who is Albany school board candidate Becky Hopwood?

“I work to build consensus while keeping students, families, educators and our broader community at the center of my work.”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

Who is Albany school board candidate Josh Mahoney?

“I want each and every kid to be able to find their communities and thrive in our schools.”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

Who is Albany school board candidate David McKinney?

“I know what it is like to be a teacher and I have broad knowledge about schools and learning from my work as a researcher with school districts around the country.”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

Where do the candidates stand?

Candidates discussed school bond spending, artificial intelligence policies and other issues at an Albany Democratic Club forum in August. Our writeup includes video of the full forum.

Albany school board candidates weigh AI, school funding

Five candidates are vying for four open school board seats.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

Albany uses ranked-choice voting. Voters can rank the candidates in order of preference. Learn how it works.

Albany elections: November 2026 ballot measure guide

Albany has six ballot measures that would change zoning rules, business and property taxes, and funding for city services.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

When is the next Albany school board candidate forum?

The League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany and Emeryville (LWVBAE) will hold Albany school board and City Council events Oct. 1 at Albany City Hall, 1000 San Pablo Ave. The event begins with school board candidates at 6:30 p.m., followed by City Council candidates at 7:45 p.m. Register online

Where can I see Albany school board candidate statements? (in ballot order)

• Finance director Margaret Allen
• Attorney coach and advisor Melissa Boyd
• Incumbent Becky Hopwood
• Appointed incumbent Josh Mahoney
• Education researcher David McKinney

Election 2026: When can we vote?

Early voting starts Oct. 5 and vote-by-mail ballots go out that week. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

How do I register to vote?

Learn more from the Alameda County registrar of voters (ROV).

Where and how can I vote?

Albany's only vote center is at the Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. It's open Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Election Day, Nov. 3, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

See a list of other vote centers and ballot drop boxes. Learn more from the secretary of state (SOS).

How many registered voters does Albany have?

Albany has 12,260 registered voters, according to the ROV.

Election 2026: Related coverage

Election 2026: Who is running for Albany City Council?

We posed a dozen questions to all five candidates. Four responded. Plus, our election FAQ.

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Albany youth voting set for school board as city effort stalls

Albany officials say delays by the county registrar left too little time to fully implement Measure V.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

Albany elections: November 2026 ballot measure guide

Albany has six ballot measures that would change zoning rules, business and property taxes, and funding for city services.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

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Age: 38

Occupation: Actuary/finance professional

What office are you are running for? Albany Board of Education

What is the main reason you are running? I’m honored and excited for the opportunity to build on our district's success and help set up our public schools for long-term financial health. As a true public school system, our strength comes from listening to our community. I’m running for school board to bring proactive financial oversight, partner closely with educators and families, and advocate for safe, equitable facilities across all of our campuses so every student thrives.

Why are you qualified? Professionally, I work as a healthcare finance vice president managing complex, multi-year budgets. Locally, I put that expertise to work on AUSD’s Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee and the Ocean View School Site Council. Most importantly, I’m a parent of two young boys in our district. I offer a proven financial skillset, active local volunteer experience, and an everyday stake in the success of our public schools.

What sets you apart from other candidates? What sets me apart is the balance I bring to the table: experience in managing complex fiscal trade-offs alongside a 15+ year family journey ahead at AUSD. While financial rigor is essential for navigating today’s budget challenges, having two young sons at ACC Preschool and Ocean View ensures my decisions are always grounded in the everyday classroom experience. I bridge the gap between executive oversight and daily parent reality.

How and when did you end up in Albany? We moved to Albany in 2019, drawn to its perfect blend of an urban setting with a tight-knit, small-town feel. As our boys grew into our local schools, I’ve seen firsthand why they are the heart of this community. Our teachers go above and beyond, parents show up through PTAs and volunteering, and our broader community consistently steps up to support our schools through school events and local bond measures. It’s a wonderful community to raise a family.

What are the three biggest challenges for Albany schools in the next five years? First, long-term fiscal sustainability: addressing our structural budget deficit while navigating revenue shifts, including the loss of funding from the closure of Golden Gate Fields.

Second, educational equity and continuity: ensuring consistent resources, high academic standards, and supportive programming across all three elementary campuses so students transition smoothly into middle and high school.

Third, modern facilities management: successfully guiding the next stage of major construction and master facilities projects efficiently across our campuses.

How would you begin to address them? To address fiscal health, I’ll conduct a thorough budget review to safeguard our non-negotiables, ensuring we protect core classroom instruction and the student experience, while exploring partnerships with neighboring districts to advocate for state funding relief.

For campus equity, I’ll work to build stronger cross-campus connections among our PTAs, creating dedicated opportunities to share best practices, coordinate fundraising, and ensure every elementary school offers an equally rich experience.

For facilities, I’ll advocate for a comprehensive "lessons learned" review of our recent construction projects. By surveying the community and analyzing past outcomes, we can refine our master planning and execute future projects efficiently.

Albany elections: November 2026 ballot measure guide

Albany has six ballot measures that would change zoning rules, business and property taxes, and funding for city services.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

What is one new idea you'd like to bring to Albany schools? Given our rapidly changing economy and tech landscape, I want to deepen our partnership with UC Berkeley. Being next door to a world-class university is a huge asset. We can expand hands-on learning through field trips, lab visits, and classroom shadowing, while creating mentorship opportunities where university students volunteer on our campuses. It’s a powerful way to inspire our kids and bring cutting-edge learning into our schools.

How will you be accessible to constituents? Community connection is key to great school board leadership. You can reach out directly at margaret4albany.org or email me at margaret4albany@gmail.com. As an AUSD parent, I’m also out in the community every day — if you catch my family and me on a walk around Albany or at a local school event, please say hi! I welcome your ideas and thoughts.

How much money do you expect to spend on your campaign? Less than $500.

A final thought? Our public schools make Albany a truly special place to live and raise a family. With a strong financial background, active district volunteer experience, and two young boys in our schools, I am ready to serve our community. Thank you for your support, and I hope to earn your vote!

Campaign website: margaret4albany.org

See complete Election 2026 coverage on Albany Scanner.

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Age: 47

Occupation: Attorney, coach and professional development advisor

What office are you are running for? Albany Board of Education

What is the main reason you are running? I'm running for re-election because this is a hard job, but it's an important one. Access to a strong public education makes it possible for our students, each and every one of them, to find success in whatever way they define that. Those who lead our schools and teach and support our students have a great responsibility, and they are required to do so much with limited financial resources. I want to contribute to strengthening our schools to serve each of our students in the best way we can.

Why are you qualified? I have served on the board for a total of five years and learned a great deal from that time – both substantively, about the nuts and bolts of how school systems function and are funded, and procedurally, regarding how to hear and honor the expertise of our district leaders, administrators, teachers and staff, the concerns and priorities of our families, and the wants and needs of our students to arrive at decisions that center our students and their future success. And my experience as an attorney and professional coach has trained me to make difficult decisions in a calm, level-headed way.

What sets you apart from other candidates? Something that sets me apart is my focus on and passion for achieving equity in our schools. When my daughters were at Marin, I co-founded the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) Committee to provide a place to discuss and promote equity, I have been an officer in the district’s Black Parent Advisory Group for as long as I can remember, I lead a DEI committee at my law firm, and I was even honored to receive an award from my firm for championing DEI issues. Ensuring that we never lose sight of the needs of our historically under-resourced students is what compels me to serve.

How and when did you end up in Albany? My family and I have lived in Albany for 13 years. Our two daughters are attending Albany High this year and have spent their entire school careers in Albany. My youngest started at Albany Children’s Center for TK, and my older daughter started at Marin for Kindergarten. Getting a good education changed my life, and my husband and I moved here to give our daughters access to Albany's exceptional schools and teachers.

What are the three biggest challenges for Albany schools in the next five years? Three of the biggest challenges for our schools are insufficient funding, difficulty attracting and retaining qualified, diverse teachers and staff, and closing the achievement gaps that currently exist for historically under-resourced groups. With regard to funding, as many of us know our district doesn’t receive nearly enough to run our schools in the way we’d like. Relatedly, we aren’t able to pay teachers and staff what they’re worth, which contributes to a nationwide teacher shortage. And the same populations of students continue not to perform as well as others year after year.

How would you begin to address them? We should strengthen our services for students with disabilities, which would decrease the amount we’re required to spend placing students in other schools. Our new attendance coordinator should increase attendance, which would result in more state funds. We should engage with more teacher colleges and job fairs, involve affinity group leaders and other interested community members in new hire recruitment where helpful, and continually solicit suggestions from our teachers and staff for new ways to support them. We should be diligent in determining how our current practices are not sufficiently serving our students from underrepresented groups and increase our outreach to students who are struggling, and their families, to find ways to strengthen the supports we’re providing them.

Albany elections: November 2026 ballot measure guide

Albany has six ballot measures that would change zoning rules, business and property taxes, and funding for city services.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

What is one new idea you'd like to bring to Albany schools? I’d like to bring a “parent ambassador” program to Albany. These would be members of various communities in our district, e.g., multilingual families. They would be involved members of our larger district community that could reach into their smaller communities to answer questions and help families feel more connected. One of the district’s goals has been hearing from groups that may not respond to surveys, attend board meetings or write emails to the board, and this could be a way to do that.

How will you be accessible to constituents? I am always eager to connect with members of our community. My school board email address is listed on the district website, and I check my emails throughout the day. I have arranged Zoom sessions and coffee chats with interested parties throughout both of my terms on the board and would continue to do so if re-elected.

How much money do you expect to spend on your campaign? $1,500

A final thought? Serving our community as a school board member has been one of the great honors of my life. I approach this position with respect and without ego. The privilege to represent the needs of others comes with the responsibility to treat the position with the weight it deserves, and that is not something I will ever forget or take for granted.

Campaign website: MelissaForAlbany.com

See complete Election 2026 coverage on Albany Scanner.

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Occupation: Incumbent

What office are you are running for? Albany Board of Education

What is the main reason you are running? I’m running for re-election because I believe deeply in Albany’s public schools and want to continue the work we’ve begun to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. The past few years have brought significant change to AUSD. I’m proud that I’ve helped provide calm, thoughtful leadership through those transitions, and I want to continue focusing on academic excellence, educational equity, student well-being, and responsible stewardship of our resources.

Why are you qualified? I’ve served on the AUSD Board since 2022, including as President and Vice President, and bring experience in district governance, budgeting, policy, and community engagement and advocacy. I’m a graduate of King’s College London, a former registered nurse and midwife, an Albany resident for 24 years, and the parent of three children who attended Albany schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. I’ve also volunteered extensively in our schools and community, and helped lead successful parcel tax and bond campaigns as a member of the Board.

What sets you apart from other candidates? I bring a combination of institutional knowledge, hands-on community experience, and a steady, collaborative approach. I know AUSD as a Board member, longtime parent, volunteer, and Albany resident. I listen carefully, respect differing perspectives, and rely on thoughtful, evidence-based decision-making. I work to build consensus while keeping students, families, educators and our broader community at the center of my work. I bring both experience and a commitment to considered, forward-looking leadership.

How and when did you end up in Albany? My family came to Albany 24 years ago when my husband attended graduate school at UC Berkeley. We lived in family student housing in the University Village, and loved the community so much that we made Albany our permanent home. We raised our three children here, all of whom attended Albany schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, and over the years became deeply involved in our schools and community.

What are the three biggest challenges for Albany schools in the next five years? The three biggest challenges I see for Albany schools over the next five years are maintaining fiscal stability amid enrollment- and attendance-driven funding and ongoing structural pressures; implementing a thoughtful, long-term facilities plan that makes strategic use of available bond funding while addressing competing needs; and ensuring every student has access to rigorous instruction, meaningful opportunities, and the support they need to thrive, particularly students with disabilities and historically underserved students.

How would you begin to address them? I would begin with careful, long-term planning and strong Board oversight. Financially, that means closely monitoring enrollment, attendance, reserves, and multi-year projections while prioritizing investments that directly support students and classrooms. For facilities, that work is already underway thanks to the Facilities Master Plan Committee which is developing a comprehensive, transparent planning process to prioritize projects, make strategic use of bond funds, and balance immediate needs with long-term sustainability. Academically, I would use student data to identify inequities, monitor progress, and support effective instruction and interventions. Throughout, I would listen to staff and families, communicate clearly, and work collaboratively with the Superintendent and Board.

Albany elections: November 2026 ballot measure guide

Albany has six ballot measures that would change zoning rules, business and property taxes, and funding for city services.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

What is one new idea you'd like to bring to Albany schools? I’d like to expand meaningful student voice in district decision-making. Students experience our schools every day and can offer alternative perspectives and insights. We have wonderful student trustees, but I’d also like to create more consistent opportunities for students from different schools, grade levels, and backgrounds to share what is working, what isn’t, and what they believe would make AUSD stronger.

How will you be accessible to constituents? I’ll continue to be visible and available in the community at school events, Board and committee meetings, and neighborhood gatherings. I welcome emails and conversations with students, families, educators, and residents. My role depends on hearing from people directly and bringing those perspectives into Board deliberations.

How much money do you expect to spend on your campaign? Less than $2,000.

A final thought? Albany’s public schools are truly the heart of our community. If re-elected, I’ll listen carefully, work constructively with our educators and community, and make decisions based on what is best for all our students. I’d be honored to continue serving Albany.

Campaign website: beckyforalbanyschools.com

See complete Election 2026 coverage on Albany Scanner.

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Occupation: education researcher

What office are you are running for? Albany Board of Education

What is the main reason you are running? I’ve dedicated my adult life to education because I believe that education is one of the most important ways that we, as a society, help our community members. I love the community we have here in Albany. With my experience and expertise as a parent, teacher, and education researcher, I think serving on the School Board is one of the best ways I can serve our community.

Why are you qualified? I am a parent of a first grader at Cornell Elementary so I have the experience and perspective of having a young child attending the district. I have a masters degree in teaching secondary science and a PhD in Education. I taught middle school science and math for 8 years. For the past seven years, I have worked as an education researcher working to understand how to support student motivation and how kids best learn in STEM learning environments. I have also attended most of the school board meetings for the past year to make sure I understood the role.

What sets you apart from other candidates? I have a unique set of perspectives, experience, and expertise. I am the parent of a first grader at Cornell Elementary and I have decades of experience working in education. I know what it is like to be a teacher and I have broad knowledge about schools and learning from my work as a researcher with school districts around the country. I have expertise in how to support student motivation, which is a key driver of student engagement, learning, and persistence.

How and when did you end up in Albany? My family and I moved to Albany about four years ago. We moved here for my work after I completed my postdoctoral scholar fellowship at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

What are the three biggest challenges for Albany schools in the next five years? 1) We must spend responsibly. We cannot continue to deficit spend and we need to make a wise implementation plan to spend Measure L bond funds to improve our facilities.

2) Determine the role that we, as a community, want modern technology, including AI, to play in our children’s education.

3) Developing the district’s portrait of a graduate to reflect the the desire of the community and what we know sets students up for success after graduation. The portrait will be the guiding start for future district decisions, so we need to get it right to ensure excellence for all students.

How would you begin to address them? I would begin to address all of these challenges as I would any challenge or issue brought before the school board. I would work to understand the challenge and possible solutions as best I can. I would listen to the community to understand their perspectives. I would ask questions to thoroughly understand the district’s position and to hold the district accountable. I would bring my perspective and experience as a parent, teacher, and educator to focus my questions and decision-making on what would best serve our students so that they can thrive in our wonderful schools.

Albany elections: November 2026 ballot measure guide

Albany has six ballot measures that would change zoning rules, business and property taxes, and funding for city services.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

What is one new idea you'd like to bring to Albany schools? I commend the district for tracking student belonging in addition to typical academic metrics to support the continuous improvement of the district. Students thrive when they feel safe, cared for, and connected to peers and adults when they are at school. However, I think the way that the district is measuring belonging could be improved. I can provide oversight to ensure that the district is getting the data they need to work towards all students feeling a sense of belonging at school.

How will you be accessible to constituents? I will always be available to talk or email. I also encourage folks to attend school board meetings when they are able to and especially if they have an issue they would like to bring to the attention of the district and the board. I attended almost all of the school board meetings over the past year and have learned a great deal about how the district works and have seen the district take action based on public comments, including recently on concerns about technology use.

How much money do you expect to spend on your campaign? About $2,000

A final thought? I think schools should be magical places where students feel safe and cared for, free to find and be themselves and strive for their goals and aspirations, and where they can move onto adulthood with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to thrive in our complex world. I believe I would be an excellent choice to guide AUSD towards that vision of what education can be for our community.

Campaign website: davidforalbany.org

See complete Election 2026 coverage on Albany Scanner.

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Age: 55

Occupation: Chief product officer and startup adviser

What office are you are running for? Albany Board of Education

What is the main reason you are running? Since the pandemic, I've really tried to focus my work life on things that are meaningful to me personally. I started my career in education and my time on the Board has been a return to that passion. In watching my two kids successfully go through Albany schools, I realized that not all kids had the same opportunities as mine. In a community like ours, where kids are a focus, I want every child to be able to find their passion and their way of positively contributing to the broader world.

Why are you qualified? I've been on the school board for two years and am the current board president, and former vice president.

I come from a family of educators. My mom was a special education teacher. My aunt worked in the Office of Special Education Projects in the Department of Education in DC. I began my career as a teacher, before working at the University of Maryland researching the use of technology by students with disabilities. Later, I worked for an educational non-profit in DC.

I also bring over 20 years of work in the private sector, having worked at companies like The Gap and TheRealReal.

What sets you apart from other candidates? First off, there are some great candidates in this race.

I think I bring together my current experience on the school board, a background in education, and insights from working at the executive level in the private sector. Together, these allow me to operate at the Board-level and understand the education landscape to ask questions to help guide the district and deal with challenges when the occasion arises. My experience on the school board means that I know the cadence of the school year, and the role the Board needs to play at different times to help impact outcomes for students.

How and when did you end up in Albany? We moved to Albany from San Francisco in 2011. Like many people, we moved to Albany for the schools, as our oldest child was about to enter kindergarten. I think we were able to find more than just good schools – we found a community that is largely focused around kids and families, including education, which we found so valuable while raising our children.

What are the three biggest challenges for Albany schools in the next five years? The three biggest challenges are: Finances, Equity and Student Achievement.

School finances in California are challenging -- we receive small revenue increases from the state, while dealing with rising costs and trying to pay people in education what they deserve. Golden Gate Fields shows how fragile the financial ecosystem is.

In Albany, 1 in 4 students is not at standard for reading; 1 in 3 students is not at standard for math. The disparities are greatest for our historically marginalized groups. For us to become a truly great school district, we need to serve each and every student.

How would you begin to address them? There are no easy answers to these challenges.

To address finances, the Board needs to be more active in state politics – advocating for more money for education, and ensuring that state representatives know that their actions in places like Golden Gate Fields have consequences for the education of kids. Additionally we need to be ruthless in ensuring that we make the hard choices to manage our budget.

To address Equity and Student Achievement, it is all about focus. The things that the Board asks about, puts on the agenda, and sets as goals are the things that the education community will address. The Board needs to align specific goals around improved student achievement and addressing disproportionality of our historically marginalized groups, and then align resources against those.

Albany elections: November 2026 ballot measure guide

Albany has six ballot measures that would change zoning rules, business and property taxes, and funding for city services.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

What is one new idea you'd like to bring to Albany schools? It is important to remember that individual Board members have little power. It is the collective Board that is able to impact change.

I'd like to see the Board take a stronger leadership role in setting a five-year vision for the District. We would need to take in feedback from the broader Albany community to align these wants and student needs, and doing so would allow us to set a few concrete goals to help focus decision making and resource allocation.

How will you be accessible to constituents? I like to think that I am already accessible to the community. With my current focus on the School Board, I regularly attend PTA meetings, Site Council Meetings, Cultural Events and numerous school activities. At each of those, I can see the priorities of the community, hear what is working and where there are challenges, add clarity where I can, and help get people pointed in the right direction if I can't address their issue directly.

How much money do you expect to spend on your campaign? Less than $2,000.

A final thought? It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve on the School Board for the last two years. We've started the work to improve our facilities, advocate for more money, and improve reading at the elementary level. There's more work to do. I want each and every kid to be able to find their communities and thrive in our schools.

Campaign website: joshmforschoolboard.com

See complete Election 2026 coverage on Albany Scanner.

Have questions for Albany Scanner, or want to share story tips? Here's how to reach us.