Alameda
City in California
Description
Alameda is a city in Alameda County, California, located in the East Bay region of the Bay Area. The city is primarily located on Alameda Island, but also spans Bay Farm Island and Coast Guard Island, as well as a few other smaller islands in San Francisco Bay. The city’s estimated population in 2019 was 77,624.
From the island to the boulevard
Alameda is a city of islands in San Francisco Bay, surrounded by the water that has long defined its streets and shoreline. The existing page already notes that the city sits primarily on Alameda Island, and also spans Bay Farm Island and Coast Guard Island. That geography already speaks to anyone who has read the Gospels. People came out to John “from Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins” (Matthew 3:5–6). Water was not a decoration in his ministry. It was the place where repentance was made visible.
We are asking Alameda’s mayor and city leaders to name a street John the Baptist Boulevard. A road that runs toward the bay, or along it, would be a fitting choice, because the shoreline is already part of daily life here. Every time a resident or a visitor saw the sign, they would be reminded of the man who prepared the way for Jesus and of the baptism Jesus later commanded: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19).
This is a grassroots request, not a demand. The city already maintains its streets and its public names. Adding one more name—the name of the forerunner of Christ—would not take anything away from Alameda’s island character. It would give that character a clear Christian witness.
If you live in Alameda, consider writing your mayor, speaking with your church, and gathering signatures. We will help however we can. Call or text John Arwood at (904) 305-7534, or email [email protected].