Blank was a real estate developer, businessman, philanthropist and longtime public servant credited with shaping Albany — especially Solano Avenue — into what it is today. He served 14 years on the Albany City Council and was elected mayor in 1953 at age 33, making him the youngest mayor in city history.

"Everyone called him Mr. Albany," his daughter, Deborah Blank, told Albany Scanner. "Even in his last year, he gave everything he had to the residents here. He was just so proud of Albany."

On March 20, 2001, his last birthday, the "Mr. Albany" clock was formally unveiled. Blank died nine months later at age 81. Over 200 people were in attendance at the unveiling, according to a 2001 SFGATE article.

Residents raised money through private donations to erect the clock in his honor, placing it at an intersection on the Solano Avenue commercial corridor, across from the now-closed Albany Twin cinema, where his legacy is particularly felt. 

"My dad could see that there could be so much more in Lower Solano," Deborah said. "It is what it is today because of him."

The clock was damaged earlier this summer and city staff confirmed Monday it would not be restored in time for the Solano Avenue Stroll.

"We are looking into replacing it and don't have a timeline yet," said Brennen Brown, city spokesman.

For Deborah, its damage is also an opportunity to remind Albany residents of her father's enduring legacy — one that, much like the clock, has stood the test of time.

Building up a community

Blank returned to Albany after serving in the U.S. Navy and opened a real estate office on Solano Avenue in 1946. Over the following decades, he developed apartment buildings in Albany and El Cerrito and helped shape what is now Albany’s main commercial district.

The 2001 SFGATE article also credited Blank with developing Albany's largest shopping center and paving the way for the city’s first Safeway on Solano Avenue. 

But Deborah said her father's approach to real estate was about more than development.

"He would drive around all of his properties every single day,” she said. "And if he saw if there was a light out or graffiti or something, he would get it fixed within 24 hours. He was that kind of landlord."

Blank even recruited local teenagers to help him tackle graffiti, she recalled.

"He would pick these kids up in his Cadillac, and they would go up and down Solano, and wherever there was graffiti, they would try to paint over it," Deborah said.

Blank also had a reputation for working long hours. Even as his health deteriorated near the end of his life, he continued selling real estate and participated in city affairs when he was able.

"He believed in building Albany up. He refused to stop working," Deborah said. "But he absolutely loved every minute of it."

Remembering ‘Mr. Albany’

By the time the street clock was dedicated, Blank, originally from Chicago, had spent the majority of his life in Albany. 

The inscription read "Jerome Blank. Mr. Albany.”

Blank, who was battling cancer, told newspapers at the time that he was surprised by the tribute.

"I had no idea that anything like this would happen," he said. 

The clock, meanwhile, has had a history of its own.

In July 2007, a hit-and-run driver smashed into it. A 2007 East Bay Times article reported that the clock would not be repaired in time for that year's Solano Stroll, as city officials initially hoped.

The manufacturer recommended replacing the clock entirely, at an estimated cost of about $12,000. But then-Public Works chief Rich Cunningham told the newspaper the recommendation seemed "kind of cavalier," and officials sought out clock repair specialists to determine how much of the original clock could be salvaged.

Blank's widow, Muriel, and his daughter Deborah offered to pay for the repairs. But again, residents wanted to contribute.

"We’re touched and grateful that people want to help," Deborah told the newspaper at the time.

A restoration fund was established at the Albany branch of Bank of America. The clock was repaired and replaced — and for Deborah, the unfortunate incident remained a fitting tribute to her father because of his deep concern for the city and its residents.

"He was always concerned about people's safety driving on Solano and crossing the street," she said.

Nearly 20 years later, it has been damaged again.

On June 8, word began to spread among community members that the clock was on the ground again.

A man sitting in a nearby coffee shop heard a loud crash. The top of the large vintage clock had fallen over, smashing the glass at Mr. Dewie's ice cream shop.

"Maybe the pedestal was already corroded or damaged, maybe a wind gust was the last straw, but it did go down on its own," said local resident Amy Smolens.

Writing in the News for Albany Facebook group, Jerome Blank's daughter Marcia Kelly chimed in: "I’m hunkering down in a tornado warning here in Kansas. I expected my house to be hit. I didn’t expect the clock to go down in California! It’s a darn shame."

The original clock was funded through private donations, leaving questions about who would take responsibility for replacing it this time. While Blank's name may not be familiar to everyone who remembers the damaged clock, Deborah hopes the memorial can be restored.

“I miss him very much, and I know so many others in the city do, too," she said. “And so that's why the clock means so much to me, but also to so many others.”

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The Living Wage for All initiative, created by Oakland-based grassroots organization One Fair Wage and its partners, qualified for the November ballot after supporters submitted "more than 100,000 signatures across Alameda County," the group announced July 24. 

The measure proposed requiring corporations in unincorporated parts of Alameda County, with more than 100 employees and annual revenue exceeding $1 billion, to increase their minimum wage to $30 an hour by 2030. Mid-sized employers would have until 2035 to reach that level, while the smallest employers would have until 2037.

On Aug. 4, Alameda County supervisors David Haubert, Nate Miley and Lena Tam asked for a study to assess the measure's fiscal impact. They set a 30-day deadline, effectively disqualifying it from this year’s ballot.

Supervisors Elisa Marquez and Nikki Fortunato Bas voted to put the measure on the ballot.

Opponents of the initiative raised concerns about whether small businesses would be able to afford to keep workers with the increase, while supporters said the increase would match Alameda County's escalating cost of living.

"[This] procedural vote will not prevent a living wage for all from reaching the ballot in Alameda County. It simply means voters will pass these critical reforms in the next election," the leadership group for the Living Wage for All coalition said in a statement Aug. 5. "What workers needed from these supervisors was courage to stand up to big business and, on that, three supervisors failed dramatically."

California's current statewide minimum wage is $16.90 an hour, although several East Bay cities have adopted higher local minimum wages, including El Cerrito ($18.82), Berkeley ($19.61/hour) and Emeryville ($20.34).

Supporters say the wage increase could be a boon for small Alameda County cities and would establish a wage floor significantly higher than current requirements.

U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon, whose district includes Albany, said the proposal would better align local wages with the high cost of living in Alameda County.

"For too long, our economy has relied on underpaying the very workers who keep this country running. That harm has fallen hardest on women, workers with disabilities, tipped workers, Black and brown workers, and working families already struggling to afford basic necessities," she said in a statement supporting the campaign.

Simon also is a co-sponsor of the federal Living Wage for All Act, which would gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $25 an hour. She joined Oakland-based advocates at the federal Living Wage For All Act introduction in April.

Albany Scanner sought comment from local business groups but had not heard back as of publication time.

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City departments and community organizations will be available to answer questions about utilities, home repairs, legal help, safety services and more.

The city will also provide free pizza, refreshments and a gift for attendees, according to event materials.

"Come get your questions answered and learn about resources that support your home and community," the city writes.

The Homeowners & Tenants Resource Fair runs from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave.

Albany does not have a traditional rent control ordinance, but it does have a mandatory Rent Review Program under Municipal Code Section 5-25. The program applies to qualifying rent increases and requires landlords to participate in mediation.

Approved by Albany City Council in 2018, the program was established through Ordinance No. 2018-2 and regulates most residential rental units in Albany.

ECHO Housing, the Eden Council for Hope and Opportunity, handles program administration and helps Albany tenants and property owners alike. Its services include fair housing assistance and counseling on tenant and landlord issues.

A featured presentation by ECHO Housing, from 6:30-7 p.m., will focus on Albany’s Rent Review Program and landlord-tenant services.

Other participating organizations are set to include Albany CARES, BayREN, Centro Legal de La Raza, Housing Authority of the County of Alameda, Housing & Economic Rights Advocates, PG&E, The Switch Is On and Waste Management, among many others.

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The club's endorsements can offer candidates an important boost in a heavily Democratic city, and the forum is one of the first opportunities for Albany candidates to publicly discuss issues affecting residents.

Five candidates filed to run for two open seats on the Albany City Council: incumbent Robin Lopez, Albany Community Foundation President Jon Destin, housing policy analyst Aaron Tiedemann, public works manager Chris McDaniels and business owner Katherine Enos.

Five candidates filed for four open seats on the Albany Unified School District Board of Education: incumbents Melissa Boyd, Becky Hopwood and Josh Mahoney; Margaret Allen, an AUSD parent and finance director; and education researcher David McKinney.

Candidate statements and additional information are available on the city of Albany website. 

The Aug. 27 candidate forum is open to the public and will be held over Zoom, with sign-up details to be released closer to the forum date.

Each candidate will get two minutes for opening remarks, followed by a question-and-answer session in which each candidate will have one minute to respond. Candidates will then have one minute for closing statements.

The meeting will start at 7 p.m., followed by City Council candidates at 7:30 p.m. and school board candidates at 8:30.

After the forum, Albany Democratic Club members will vote on endorsements. Members are eligible to vote if they are Democrats who paid dues as new members at least 45 days before the vote.

The order in which candidates appear on the ballot will be determined by a random drawing Thursday at City Hall.

Albany voters will also decide on six ballot measures in November, covering zoning authority, infrastructure and public safety funding, business taxes, property transfer taxes, and funding for street trees and lighting.

The Albany Democratic Club will host a meeting Sept. 3 focused on the ballot measures, as well as broader issues affecting Albany voters.

We'd love to hear your 2026 Election questions. We also welcome guest essays from community members on issues of concern. Have other questions for Albany Scanner, or want to share tips? Here's how to reach us.

Note: The event schedule was updated after publication to reflect minor changes provided by the organizer.

From 1998-2008 I had the pleasure of living a stone's throw from Solano Avenue, including five years on Washington near Pierce and five years on Kains near Portland. My wife and I would have loved to settle in what felt like an idyllic community but, as we decided we were ready take on a mortgage, we couldn't find a house in our price range.

We decamped for West Berkeley but have maintained our Albany orientation, nostalgically traversing Solano Avenue and frequently shopping at El Cerrito Plaza.

As a longtime freelancer, I've been covering arts and culture in the Bay Area for three decades, focusing on music and dance, and I'm more than excited to join what Emilie is building at Albany Scanner.

We'll be running a curated weekly list of cultural events taking place in Albany and its environs. Please help keep this lively and well informed by sending details about upcoming concerts, readings, performances and workshops to events@albanyscanner.com.

I'll also contribute regular profiles about musicians, artists and writers who call Albany home. Again, tips are welcome and encouraged.

At a time when our lives are increasingly shaped by algorithms and AI, there's nothing more countercultural than gathering together to experience a performance in real time.

We're blessed to be surrounded by an abundance of creativity and I hope to help Scanner readers continue joining in the glorious fray.

Oakland vocalist and songwriter Rhonda Sauce has emerged in the past few years as one of the most exciting new voices on the Bay Area scene. Working with the stellar accompanist Adam Klipple on piano and organ, she's introducing a set of original tunes in the show "New Songs, New Stories, New Sounds." The material is fresh, but Sauce is steeped in old-school musical values, grooving with authority. Friday, Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m. The Back Room (Berkeley). $20-$25

Got an itch to explore your family tree? This beginner class covers the basics for investigating ancestry, including how to find information about family members by searching birth, marriage, death, census and various historical records. The session has space for 25 people, first come, first served, and participants should bring a smartphone, tablet or laptop, and your library card. Saturday, Aug. 15, 1-3 p.m. Albany Library (Albany). Free

The East Bay's roots music mecca Down Home Music introduced a new program in July, Farm to Turntable, a monthly residency that pairs two music lovers with an experienced DJ mentor who assists in teaching the technical aspects of DJing. Each guest curates and performs their own 90-minute set at Down Home Music for the music-buying public, sharing music they love from their personal record collections. The program runs through December. Saturday, Aug. 15, 2 p.m. Down Home Music (El Cerrito). Free

Henry the VIII gets pushed out of the frame in the film of the hit West End production "SIX the Musical Live!" Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the soaring pop score transforms Tudor queens into outspoken divas as Catherine of Aragon (Jarnéia Richard-Noel), Anne Boleyn (Millie O'Connell), Jane Seymour (Natalie Paris), Anna of Cleves (Alexia McIntosh), Katherine Howard (Aimie Atkinson) and Catherine Parr (Maiya Quansah-Breed) duke it out with their pipes, backed by a sassy on-stage band, the Ladies in Waiting. Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 15-16 & Tuesday, Aug. 18. Rialto Cinemas Cerrito (El Cerrito). $16.75

As the pioneer of the honky-tonking Bakersfield sound, Buck Owens (1929 -2006) changed the course of country music with his stripped-down sound and unsentimental catalog of emotionally raw songs. Presented by Aaron Burnham & the Brushfires, "Buck Off 2: Electric Buckaroo!" celebrates the twangy legacy of Owens' Buckaroos featuring an intriguing cast of players, including Josiah Flores, Beckylin, Leigh Crow, Eric Shea, Ruby Lee Hill, Glen Earl Brown, Brian Mello, Sunny the Banjo Witch and others. Sunday, August 16, 3 p.m. The Ivy Room (Albany). $18.33 (21+)

A long-running monthly series for fans of tales from the jazz demimonde, "Richard Leiter & Friends' Jazz Stories: Live Tunes and Tales" features anecdotes about the larger-than-life artists who shaped American popular music in the 20th century's middle decades. Miles and Monk, Bird and Dizzy figure prominently in the program, as do the American Songbook tunesmiths who created the pop repertoire that fueled so much jazz improvisation. Monday, Aug. 17, 7 p.m. Pegasus Solano (Berkeley). Free (with registration)

Giants walk and sing amongst us. Just about every Monday, master improviser Bobby McFerrin, who was presented with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, holds forth at The Freight with his a cappella ensemble Motion. He's joined at these Circlesong sessions by vocalists Bryan Dyer, David Worm and Destani Wolf, and quite possibly you. After an impromptu set, audience members are invited on stage to start an improvisation singing or playing with the group. Surprise guests are part of the fun. Banjo star Béla Fleck joined the vocalists for the entire session on a recent Monday. Monday, Aug. 17, noon. The Freight (Berkeley). $40

Richmond keyboardist and vocalist Eli Knowles has been booking music at El Cerrito's Little Hill Lounge in recent years, including his own monthly slow-jazz residency. He's introducing a new band with Heikki Koskinen on e-trumpet, bassist Noah Zisser, drummer Ryan Higley and Rent Romus on alto saxophone/flute. Come for libations and stay for late-night incantations. Tuesday, Aug. 18, 8 p.m. Little Hill Lounge (El Cerrito). $0-10 requested cover

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Measures O through T would make changes to existing city policies and taxes or establish new funding mechanisms. Here's a look at each measure.

Note: The deadline for filing arguments against the measures is Friday, Aug. 14, at noon. The deadline for filing rebuttals is the next Friday, Aug. 21. The city has posted instructions.

Measure O: Single-family zoning

Measure O would change rules established by Albany’s 1978 Measure D governing zoning changes in areas designated R-1, or single-family residential, which covers roughly 440 acres of the city.

Measure D currently gives residents in R-1 a role in approving certain zoning changes. Under Measure O, the City Council would be able to amend those zoning requirements without obtaining majority approval from residents in the affected neighborhood, provided the council follows the public hearing and zoning procedures required under state law.

The city’s Strategic Plan includes an objective to "Develop [a] ballot measure to update the City Council’s authority to consider changes to single family zoning standards," referring to Measure D.

The current zoning designation primarily allows one detached single-family dwelling per lot, along with state-compliant housing options such as accessory dwelling units and certain split-lot and duplex developments permitted under Senate Bill 9.

A yes vote on Measure O would give the Albany City Council greater authority over zoning in single-family residential areas and reduce the direct approval power granted to neighborhood voters under Measure D.

Measure P: Street Paving and Storm Drain Special Parcel Tax

Measure P would amend Albany’s existing Street Paving and Storm Drain Special Tax, which voters approved in 2006.

The most significant change would only be triggered if a parcel of at least 500,000 square feet is sold, leased or transferred to make it tax exempt.

A yes vote would allow the city to levy a tax of up to $0.0638 per lot square foot on all parcels, with a CPI adjustment up to 3%. Until that happens, the existing tax of $167.65 would remain in place but the CPI cap would be lowered from 5% to 3%.

The measure would also add a 100% rebate for qualifying very low-income renters and a 50% exemption for qualifying homeowners.

The tax is estimated to generate $1.4 million annually.

Measure Q: EMS, Advanced Life Support and Fire Protection Special Parcel tax

The measure, if approved, would include amendments to the city's existing parcel tax (Measure K from 2022), providing exemptions for very-low and low-income homeowners and rebates for renters.

As with Measure P, the most significant change would only be triggered if a parcel of at least 500,000 square feet becomes tax exempt through sale, lease or transfer.

A yes vote would change the assessment from a tax based on land area to $0.254 per building square foot for developed property and $0.110 per lot square foot for undeveloped property.

The current rate is $0.0807 per lot square foot.

The tax is estimated to generate $2.5 million annually, which would fund emergency medical, advanced life support and fire protection services.

It would be annually adjusted by the Consumer Price Index.

Measure R: Business License Tax

Measure R would change how Albany calculates its business license tax.

Currently, the tax is calculated based on the number of employees. Under Measure R, the tax would instead be based on a business’s gross receipts, or revenue.

The change would affect businesses differently depending on their revenue and staffing levels. Businesses with higher revenues and relatively few employees could pay more under the new system, while businesses with lower revenues could pay less.

Revenue collected from the tax, providing an estimated additional $600,000 annually, would support Albany general services, such as fire protection, public safety, environmental and community service programs.

Measure S: Real Property Transfer Tax

The measure, if approved, will adjust the real property transfer tax from an across-the-board 1.5% rate to a five-tiered rate structure, from $15 to between $10 and $30 per $1,000 purchased, depending on the property’s purchase price.

It would provide an additional $1 million annually that would support general services, including street and park maintenance, recreation, public safety and environmental programs.

Measure T: Street Lighting and Trees Special Parcel Tax

Measure T would establish a new special parcel tax to fund the improvement and maintenance of Albany’s street trees and street lighting.

The measure would establish a rate at $0.0354 per taxable lot square foot commencing July 1, 2027 if approved. Only the first 500,000 lot square feet of a parcel would be subject to the tax, which would fund tree planting and maintenance, management of aging or hazardous trees, and improvements and maintenance for street lighting.

Revenue from the tax, expected to provide an estimated $775,000 annually, would be restricted to those purposes rather than placed in the city’s general fund.

Correction: This story originally misstated how Measure P and Measure Q would work. This has been corrected.

We'd love to hear which measures you want to know more about. We also welcome guest essays from community members on issues of concern. Have other questions for Albany Scanner, or want to share tips? Here's how to reach us.

Nearly five years after Albany approved a major housing complex at the former Albany Bowl site, there's still no word on when construction will start.

City officials say they have completed their role in the approval process and are waiting for the developer to begin construction. 

The proposed project, approved by the Albany City Council in October 2021, would provide 198 apartments, nine townhouses, 4,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, and parking for 180 cars and 268 bicycles on the former Albany Bowl site.

The beloved bowling alley closed in 2020, after a 71-year run, because of pandemic-related shutdowns, months of lost business and a lack of government relief, owner John Tierney told the East Bay Times in December 2020.

"The billiard room, restaurant and sports bar first opened in 1949, and has been a fixture in the community ever since," SFGATE reported in 2020. "Upon hearing the news of its impending closure, fans of the bowling alley have reacted with an outpouring of support and grief. Many have shared their favorite memories, from attending bowling birthday parties as kids to drinking beers there on Friday nights."

The Albany Bowl project was originally pitched as part of the Aquatic Living brand of housing developments designed by SDTarch (formerly Trachtenberg Architects). The brand has several sites in Berkeley, including one on San Pablo Avenue at Ashby.

At least 21 of the proposed 207 units would be reserved for applicants earning 30% to 50% of the area median income, translating to $59,400 for a one-person household or $84,850 for a four-person household, according to state income guidelines.

Despite the delay, the submitted permits still count toward Albany’s state-mandated housing requirements, California Department of Housing and Community Development spokeswoman Alicia Murillo confirmed.

State law requires all California cities and counties to identify adequate sites for housing to meet existing and projected needs for varying income-levels.

The state also determines how many new homes regions must build.

Locally, the Association of Bay Area Governments decides how to distribute this Regional Housing Needs Allocation, or RHNA.

The total 2023-31 RHNA across all counties and municipalities in the Bay Area is 441,176 units, a 234% increase from 2015-23.

In the current cycle, Albany received one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) of the regional allocation, or 1,114 units.

That's more than three times the 335 units required during the 2015-23 period.

Albany's current RHNA includes 308 units for very low-income households, 178 units for low-income households, 175 units for moderate-income households, and 453 units for above moderate-income households, according to the city's Housing Element, adopted in 2023.

Albany Bowl site is shovel-ready, city says

Albany spokesman Brennen Brown said developer R&S Realty has secured all needed approvals from the city and paid its building permit fees, adding that "there is no other action needed" from the city.

According to Albany’s current Housing Element, progress on the development at 540 San Pablo Ave. slowed after approval because of site-specific engineering challenges, including the need to realign storm drain infrastructure, as well as "broader economic pressures" such as rising construction costs, labor shortages and higher interest rates.

Brown said the storm drain improvements have since been completed but added that, speaking generally, "broader market conditions have made it more challenging for development to occur."

The city does not anticipate holding additional public meetings "because the project has already completed the required public review," Brown said.

Still, from Albany's perspective, the project could break ground anytime, he added.

How the broader economic challenges might shape the schedule is less clear.

Brown directed questions about financing, construction costs and project timelines to R&S Realty, which had not responded to a Scanner inquiry by press time.

The delay comes as Albany and communities throughout California face continued pressure to increase production under state housing laws.

The Albany Bowl project is one of many housing developments in the Bay Area that have yet to break ground despite getting the necessary local entitlements.

Many have struggled to move forward because of financing challenges, higher interest rates and increased construction costs affecting residential development statewide.

Nearby in downtown Berkeley, more than a dozen housing projects are reportedly stalled despite having secured approvals.

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Editor's Note: Several minor technical details were clarified after publication.

Albany Unified School District's more flexible approach is in line with a new state law requiring public schools to limit student smartphone use during the school day.

In 2024, Gov. Gavin Newsom called on school districts to restrict smartphone use in classrooms, citing the negative effects of social media on children’s mental health.

Starting this fall, every California school district must have a policy limiting device use during the school day and many students begin classes this week under new guidelines. 

Albany was ahead of the curve.

AUSD implemented a cellphone policy for middle and high schools in 2023, before Newsom signed the Phone-Free School Act (AB 3216) into law. The Albany Board of Education adopted a districtwide policy in May 2025. 

Under the current policy, high school students may use mobile devices during non-instructional times, including passing periods and lunch, but devices must be off during class.

"Our approach is rooted in balance," Superintendent Sara Stone told Albany Scanner. "We recognize that mobile devices have a place in students' lives, but we also know that limiting distractions during instructional time improves engagement, learning and student wellbeing."

Albany Unified's policy is less restrictive than those in some neighboring districts.

Oakland and Piedmont Unified ban student phone use completely, and San Francisco requires devices to be off and put away during instructional hours and passing periods.

Alameda Unified, like Albany, allows students to use cellphones during non-instructional time and lunch periods.

Stone said the district's policy has been effective since it was introduced.

"We … have not seen cellphones as a distraction for students," she said. “We have found that clear expectations, consistent implementation and strong communication with students and families are more effective than simply banning devices."

"Our goal is to help students develop healthy technology habits while creating classrooms where they can fully engage with their teachers and peers," she added. 

State law includes exceptions allowing students to use smartphones when required by an individualized education program or other documented accommodation.

Students may also use their phones during emergencies or when they perceive an immediate threat to their safety, according to state Education Code.

Editor's Note: This story primarily covers only the Albany High School cellphone policy, not the middle school. That has been clarified.

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The program is available to Albany middle and high school students through the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District’s student transit pass program. Classes begin Wednesday, Aug. 12, and Albany Unified does not operate a traditional school bus fleet.

Students whose families meet the income eligibility guidelines for free or reduced-price school meals can apply for a free student transit pass. The pass can be used to travel to school, after-school activities and job locations throughout Alameda County.

Students who do not qualify for a free pass can apply for a Youth Clipper card, which provides a 50% discount on transit fares for riders ages 5 to 18.

Students at Albany High School and Albany Middle School can use the pass on regular AC Transit routes serving the schools, including lines 18, 27, 72, 72M and 72L. Students enrolled at MacGregor High School, AUSD’s continuation high school, are also eligible for free or discounted transit benefits.

Albany AC Transit student benefits: How to apply

Families can apply for student transit benefits online or through their school site. Once an application is approved, the pass is distributed through school site administrators.

Students who are approved for the free transit program can continue receiving the benefit through high school graduation as long as they remain eligible.

Families can also use AC Transit’s Trip Planner, an interactive commuter tool, to help students plan routes to school and other destinations.

Program funded through Measure BB

The student transit pass program is funded in part through Measure BB, Alameda County’s voter-approved transportation sales tax.

In 2016, the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) dedicated $15 million in Measure BB funds to the Student Transit Pass Pilot program to assess student transportation needs. The pilot initially launched at five high schools and four middle schools in the East Bay.

The program expanded over the following years. During the 2023-24 school year, its fifth year, the program covered 149 schools across 18 Alameda County school districts.

The five-year expansion was funded with the remaining Measure BB funds from the original $15 million pilot allocation, along with State Transit Assistance County Block Grant funding. The total estimated cost of the expansion was $41 million.

Today, all eligible school districts and charter schools in Alameda County are covered by the program.

"Every student deserves reliable transportation to get to school, jobs, and the opportunities that help them succeed," Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert said in a statement. "This partnership between Alameda CTC and local transit agencies is a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together, and it’s made possible in large part by Measure BB, the voter-approved transportation sales tax that continues to expand access and opportunity for everyone in Alameda County."

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Registration opens at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, and recreation officials encourage residents to sign up early for some of the city's most sought-after programs.

Several longtime offerings consistently reach capacity shortly after registration begins, particularly youth enrichment programs. Among the fastest to fill are Kids 'n Carpentry classes, the Friendship Afterschool Program and Gentle Tai Chi drop-in classes for adults 50 and older. During the summer season, the city's sewing camps also regularly fill to capacity, Recreation and Community Services Director Sid Schoenfeld said.

The department has also seen sustained interest in wellness and racquet sports in recent years. Tai Chi classes taught by longtime instructor Yachiyo Otsubo continue to draw between 30 and 50 participants per session. Otsubo has taught at Albany's Community Center and Senior Center for more than 20 years, leading drop-in classes three times a week.

Pilates instructor Ernie Adams has also been a familiar face in the department's programming for many years, Schoenfeld said. 

Demand for tennis and pickleball has likewise continued to grow. To accommodate the sport's rising popularity, the city recently converted one tennis court at Ocean View Park into four dedicated pickleball courts while maintaining space that can also be configured for additional pickleball play. The expanded facilities now allow the department to offer both instructional classes and court rentals.

Alongside returning favorites, this fall's guide introduces several new programs. Chess Wizards will teach strategy and critical thinking through chess for children ages 5-12, while Spanish Explores combines language instruction with games, storytelling and cultural activities. Older adults can book travel packages through the Albany Senior Travel Troupe's extended vacations, with trips to Egypt and Tuscany planned for 2027.

The department says seasonal offerings are selected based on community interests, current recreation trends and the popularity of existing programs.

The guide also highlights scholarship assistance available through the Albany Police Activities League (APAL) for income-eligible families. The organization provides up to $125 toward one recreation program per season for households that meet current U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development income guidelines. APAL awards an average of about 10 scholarships each season.

Schoenfeld said the the city also hopes residents take advantage of the Albany Senior Center, which offers year-round programming for adults 50 and older, including health and wellness activities, lifelong learning opportunities, nutrition services and social programs.

The 2026 Fall Activity Guide is available on the city's website, with registration opening Aug. 4 at 9 a.m. Programs begin throughout August and continue through December.

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The Albany City Council approved its new Active Transportation Plan on Monday in a marathon meeting following lengthy public comment and discussion. Much of the night focused on proposed changes to Solano Avenue.

The city last updated the plan in 2019.

The Albany portion of Solano Avenue runs east to the Berkeley border at Tulare Avenue. The corridor, which serves as the main commercial district for Albany and a shopping destination for many Berkeley residents, was identified by city staff as one of Albany's most dangerous streets for people walking and biking.

According to staff documents, between 2013 and 2022, Albany recorded 69 bicycle injury collisions and 87 pedestrian injury collisions, with Solano Avenue, San Pablo Avenue and Marin Avenue identified as sites with the highest numbers of bicycle injury collisions. In 2019, there was a fatal pedestrian crash at Solano and Jackson Street.

"The city has found Solano Avenue to be one of the highest injurious streets for people biking, and the Alameda County Transportation Commission found Solano to be one of the highest injurious streets in the county," Councilman Preston Jordan said Monday. "I don't understand how this wouldn't be the focus [of the updated plan]."

Albany's Active Transportation Plan includes proposed improvements to bike lanes, pedestrian crossings and other city infrastructure projects that make it safer and easier for people to walk and bike in the city.

In addition to the uphill, eastbound separated bikeway from Masonic Avenue to Tulare, on the south side of the street, the Uptown Solano Avenue Streetscape Improvements project is set to include changes to parking, traffic signals and street crossings, among other updates, according to staff documents.

Estimated costs range from $30 million to $50 million, Albany spokesman Brennen Brown confirmed Wednesday.

On Monday night, council members adopted the plan 4-1, with Vice Mayor Jennifer Hansen-Romero dissenting.

More than 40 people addressed officials, with roughly 20 speaking in person and another 20 participating online. Most comments centered on changes to Solano Avenue, one of the plan's highest-profile recommendations.

Mayor Peggy McQuaid said the proposal had generated extensive public feedback — adding that she "received more emails" about Solano Avenue changes than any other agenda item in her entire tenure on the Albany City Council.

Supporters, including Albany Strollers & Rollers, argued that a protected bicycle lane would improve safety, advance the city's climate goals and strengthen Solano Avenue businesses by making the corridor more accessible to cyclists and pedestrians.

Opponents questioned the lack of project-specific cost estimates and raised concerns about increased traffic congestion and the potential loss of on-street parking, particularly near the Albany Senior Center at Masonic and Solano avenues.

Albany transportation manager Justin Fried said the city had "invested roughly $20 million" in transportation projects that were completed or underway, but acknowledged that the draft plan did not include detailed cost estimates for future projects, including on Solano Avenue.

"We have not done detailed development to really cost out different elements of the streetscape project," Fried said. "The existing curb extensions are in conflict with where a bike lane would come through, but we would be looking at other ways to reduce costs and [crossing] distances."

Fried added that staff also had not completed a property line survey needed to fully evaluate design options and work out challenges related to storefront access and accessibility requirements.

"We do anticipate business access and accessibility requirements with storefronts and curbs getting complicated, potentially, so we anticipate there will likely be some challenges down the road," he said.

Those uncertainties led Hansen-Romero to cast the lone dissenting vote.

"Without doing that [property line survey], we're kind of shooting rubber bands at the stars right now," she said.

Councilman Robin Lopez said the decision should be guided by broader policy goals rather than "individual preferences."

"For some folks this feels contentious, but we are trying to make a decision that is not just relative to something I, or anyone else, personally likes or prefers," Lopez said. "We have an opportunity to really put our money where our mouth is when we are trying to navigate a climate emergency."

In a June 25 statement, Mayor McQuaid said any project identified in the plan "would require its own project-specific planning" process, to include environmental and design review, public engagement and a vote, "before any construction could occur."

"There's still a lot of discussion to be had, a lot of input to be gained, a lot of studying to do," she said Monday. "I have questions and concerns but it's time to move forward with this plan."

"When you go after a grant, if it's not in the plan, you can't get the money."

In the end, Albany City Council members agreed that a new protected bike lane on Solano Avenue remains years away.

Councilman John Miki estimated it would be "probably five years out before we'll be at a place where we can put a hole in the ground."

Miki also explained that including projects in the Active Transportation Plan was necessary to help Albany secure potential grant funding later.

"My biggest regret on the [draft plan] that I passed with Mayor McQuaid was not thinking 10, 20, 30 years out," he said. "When you go after a grant, if it's not in the plan, you can't get the money."

Editor's Note: This story was originally published on The Berkeley Scanner. It has been republished by permission with minor edits.

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

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The Albany News Project will serve as an advisory group for Albany Scanner, offering input on community needs and interests throughout the year.

The Albany News Project will also provide energy and organization for ongoing fundraising, helping develop events and build relationships with supporters in a variety of ways.

As a primary force helping to ensure Albany Scanner's longterm sustainability, the Albany News Project will also receive financial reports on a regular basis.

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Albany News Project members

Tod Abbott grew up in Walnut Creek, graduated from Cal and holds a master's in philosophy from Northwestern University. Tod is a self-employed web developer as well as an inveterate volunteer. He serves on the boards of the Albany Chamber of Commerce, Solano Avenue Association and Albany Community Foundation, and as a Parks, Recreation & Open Space commissioner.

Michael Cabanatuan has lived the Albany life for nearly 25 years — schools, PTA, Boy Scouts, Music in the Park, Little League and patronizing local businesses— as he and his wife, Adrianne, raised their son, Ben. During that time, he worked as a journalist, reporting on transportation and general news for the San Francisco Chronicle, from which he recently retired. He’s also worked at the Paradise Post, West County Times and Modesto Bee.

Mary Flaherty has worked in the news business for 20 years. She has a journalism degree from UC Berkeley and has worked as a reporter, copyeditor and editor for publications including the San Francisco Chronicle, some East Bay dailies and Berkeleyside. She covered Albany for The Journal in 1995 and wrote freelance for Albany Patch. She also ran the WriterCoach Connection program at Albany Middle School for 10 years.

Peter Goodman is owner of Albany-based book publisher Stone Bridge Press. He has served as in-house editor, ghost writer, translator and project manager on over 400 Japan- and Asia-related titles. Peter moved to Albany in 1985 after 10 years living in Japan and the UK. He is currently on the board of the Publishing Professionals Network.

Bryan Marten is a 20+-year resident of Albany who helped raise two children in Albany and serves on the Albany Parks, Recreation & Open Space Commission. He volunteers in leadership roles in local and regional nonprofits. He has a B.S. in chemical physics and a Ph.D. in physical chemistry and worked in the pharmaceutical industry doing computer-assisted drug design. He has been a high school science teacher for 25+ years.

Ken McCroskey is an East Bay native and Albany community activist and parent who has engaged with the city of Albany and community organizations to improve safety around transportation, and otherwise improve Albany, for 20+ years. He has helped plan, organize, publicize and run many events and publications in Albany. Ken spent his early career as an information designer for a biotech firm where he helped scientists communicate complex ideas clearly.

Chris Noble has 30+ years of experience in journalism, including a decade each with Reuters and MarketWatch. He is currently head of content of Yahoo Finance’s personal finance business. He has also worked at three Bay Area news startups, including as the founding editor of Knowhere, which explored the uses of AI in producing unbiased news. He moved to Albany with his wife and sons in 2005.

Susannah Patton is an experienced writer, editor and communications professional. She got her start in journalism covering local news in the Boston area and has written for Dow Jones, the Wall Street Journal, the Associated Press and other news outlets. A San Francisco native, she moved to Albany with her husband and two sons in 2005. She is currently editorial director for a national affordable housing nonprofit.

Nick Pilch is a 25-year resident of Albany. His son attended Albany schools. Nick served on the City Council from 2015 to 2020, was mayor in 2020, and has served on city commissions for a total of 12 years, serving currently on the Planning & Zoning Commission. Nick was a founder of several community organizations and efforts, including a Facebook page, News for Albany.

Karen Sorensen is a local-history author, independent historical researcher and East Bay native. Her two books on Albany history include Albany: Stories from the Village by the Bay and Albany: Images of America (the latter in conjunction with the Albany Historical Society). Her background includes work as a staff/freelance journalist, photo editor and nonprofit fundraiser. She and her husband raised their two children in Albany.

Learn more on the Albany News Project website.

Update, July 16: Our contract editor position has been filled but we are still looking for freelance writers.

Original story, July 1: It's been more than a month since we said hello, and we wanted to give you an update about some of the exciting work that's happening.

Most importantly, we've begun interviewing candidates for Albany Scanner's first job, a contract senior editor position. If you know someone who might be a good fit, please share the job description with them.

We're also looking for freelance writers and news tips. All our contact info is posted on the website.

News tips will become increasingly important as we prepare to start publishing, so be sure to send them our way. We want to answer your pressing questions and make sure we're laser-focused on the news you need.

In June, we were honored to be chosen as the recipient of community fundraising from a backyard jazz concert in Albany.

We have to agree with the organizer, who said: "It was a wonderful afternoon, and a true feeling of community." A very Albany event indeed.

Speaking of honors, the Daily Californian named Albany Scanner publisher Emilie Raguso its "Friend of the Year" in 2026. We're excited to continue supporting the local news ecosystem in the months ahead.

As a reminder, we raised about $65,000 during our "Bring News Back to Albany" campaign, exceeding our $50,000 goal.

We now have more than 280 paying members, and more than 700 people on our email list.

This is truly an incredible start from an entirely grassroots, word-of-mouth campaign. Still, there's lots of room to grow!

We hope you'll let your friends and neighbors know about us. And don't forget to follow Albany Scanner on social media.

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Finally: We cannot wait to start bringing you actual news stories in the months ahead.

Until then, we wish you the absolute best and are so appreciative of all your support and enthusiasm.

Our all-volunteer team — myself and the Albany News Project — had a plan to launch a comprehensive Albany news site funded by the community.

But we needed your support to get started. And you showed up!

In the end, we raised nearly $65,000, exceeding our $50,000 goal.

About half the money came from major donors, including the Albany Community Foundation, in addition to hundreds of other gifts.

Every single one was critical, especially now as we continue to gauge community interest.

We now have nearly 280 paying members, with almost 700 people on our email list so far.

As promised — all the money we raised in the campaign will go toward reporting, not overhead — because Albany has been without a homegrown news site for too long.

We've already started speaking with potential reporters and will now step that up. In the coming months, we'll begin publishing with freelancers, and work toward hiring a full-time editor when the site can support it.

Until then, we're spending more time in Albany — and even covering the city when we can, working to share details no one else is reporting.

Golden Gate Fields park deal: All the latest details

Officials have begun answering key questions about potential financial impacts in Albany, the timeline and what the public process will entail.

The Berkeley ScannerEmilie Raguso

Your response to the "Bring News Back to Albany" campaign was absolutely incredible — telling us we're on the right track with our plans.

But I'll be honest with you.

Even having built a sustainable news site in Berkeley on my own, it's still scary to start again from scratch. I know community expectations are high and I am determined to meet them.

For now, I can't tell you how thrilled and excited I am to be doing this with you.