The Alameda Connection

Since 1942, San Rafael-based Guide Dogs For The Blind has been serving the nation’s visually impaired, free of charge. Their organization is featured on the acclaimed documentary “Pick of the Litter.” Debra Crow and Ashley Woodward are Alameda-based puppy raisers for GDB. They are joined by GDB client Mark Ulitsky, as they discuss the journey from puppy to guide dog with host Scott Piehler. Show n...

Kevin Gorham is a Bay Area Radio Hall of Famer who transitioned from a career in broadcasting to a career as an educator. A beloved teacher and coach at Alameda’s Encinal Jr. & Sr. High school, he is also responsible for the creation and instruction of KJTZ, Encinal’s student-run radio station.  Show note: This episode originally aired on KCSM-HD2 on Sunday, October 18, 2026.  Full show archiv...

In the wake of the announced closing of Admiral Maltings and its companion pub The Rake, an encore presentation of Scott Piehler’s 2025 conversation with Admiral Maltings founder Ron Silberstein.  The closing of Admiral Maltings will be felt throughout the NorCal brewing and distilling community, who relied on Admiral’s high-quality malt to produce the best beers and whiskies possible, Show note:...

Mz. K is one of the featured performers in The Soiled Dove Circus, the Vau de Vire Society production currently appearing under the Big Top on Alameda Point.  Host Scott Piehler talks Mz. K about her journey from triple threat stage performer to quadruple threat circus performer, and what it’s like to inhabit the steampunk, burlesque-influenced world of the Soiled Dove, alongside the legendary Joa...

Michael and Anne Dashe are the husband-and-wife winemaking team behind Dashe Cellars. Host Scott Piehler talks with the Dashes about their journey into winemaking, including how they balance Californian and French winemaking philosophies, the importance of having a great relationship with growers, and what it takes to make great wine, whether you’re producing varietals or blends. Show note: This e...

Madlen Saddik is the President and CEO of the Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance. Host Scott Piehler talks with Madlen about bringing the Chamber to the forefront of Alameda’s economic infrastructure, creating signature events like the Innovation Island Awards, The State of the City, and October’s Alameda Economic Forecast. Also discussed: how attracting new business, and advocating for exist...

Jennifer Serr is the owner of The Sewing Room, where people of all ages and abilities are honing the craft of sewing. Host Scott Piehler talks with Jennifer about her lifelong journey with fashion, including a career that started with a multinational clothing retailer, and eventually led to the creation of The Sewing Room. Also discussed: the human and environmental costs of “fast fashion,” and th...

Grant Usken and Sasha Prawalsky are part of the team behind Park Station, the tap house that opened to great success a year ago in Alameda’s East End. Host Scott Piehler talks with Grant & Sasha about how the success of Sacramento’s SacYard Community Taphouse provided the blueprint for Park Station, and how relationships built there have turned into success in Alameda, as East Enders have embr...

Kate Eby is a multiple Emmy-winning producer with ABC 7 news. She’s also an experienced triathlete, lifeguard, open water swim coach, and the founder of the Puzzle Swap Society, the Oakland-born community of jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts that is now going nationwide. Host Scott Piehler talks with Kate about her career in television, how a childhood love of swimming became a lifelong passion, and how e...

Eileen Zedd is the Harbor Master of Alameda Marina, an officer with Island Yacht Club, and one of the principal organizers of the annual Women’s Sailing Seminar. Host Scott Piehler talks with Eileen about the differences between sailing the Estuary and sailing The Bay, proper safety measures, as well as taking a look ahead to September’s 34 annual Women’s Sailing Seminar.  Show note: This episode...

Due to a technical discrepancy at KCSM, last week saw the Alameda Connection release two podcast episodes on the same day. Rather than leave this week’s podcast feed empty, I hope you’ll enjoy this encore presentation of my conversation with Forbidden Island co-founder and owner Michael Thanos. Originally recorded in August of 2025, this episode first aired 9/21/25.  

Suzanne Sparr is the Owner and General Manager of School of Rock Alameda Host Scott Piehler talks with Suzanne about the life change that led to the opening of School of Rock Alameda, as well as how the school has become more than just a place for people of all ages to learn an instrument. School of Rock Alameda had become a third space, where the generation raided through pandemic can come togeth...

Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the outgoing two-term Mayor of the City of Alameda. Host Scott Piehler talks with Her Honor about a career in public service that began with a campaign to build the new library, and eventually led to the Mayor’s office, where she was tasked with helping guide the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, which began a mere 15 months into her first term.  Show note: This episode...

Mike Stevens is the owner of Island Savoy Market Host Scott Piehler talks with Mike about his transition from the film industry to owning one of Alameda’s true community markets. The conversation includes a deep dive into the art of sandwich making, as well as the economic value of supporting local small business, and, in return, the obligation of the business to the community. Show note: This epi...

Dom DiMare is the CEO of BEI Construction. Host Scott Piehler talks with Dom about BEI’s work in solar, wind, and battery storage technology. Additionally, the conversation addresses BEI’s dedication to teaching, through internships, apprenticeships, and hands on instruction for professionals, as well as for high school students looking to explore the building trades. Show note: This episode origi...

Sally Han is a 25-year veteran Alameda Realtor. Host Scott Piehler talks with Sally about her experience in East Bay real estate, what makes Alameda the unique market it is, and what forces are currently driving the market. Also discussed: the keys to being a successful buyer or seller, and the advantages of some well-applied feng shui. Show note: This episode originally aired on KCSM-HD2 on Sunda...

Vincent Phua is the General Manager and Managing Member of Alameda Brewing Host Scott Piehler talks with Vincent about Alameda Brewing’s silver medal at the World Beer Cup for their “Burma Ale,” a modern take on the ancient style known as Gruit, a tea beer that predates the use of hops. Topics also include what is required to be successful in an environment great beer is just one part of the entir...

Brice is the creator of Alameda’s very own comic strip, “Two Birds From Alameda.” Host Scott Piehler talks with Brice about his influences, the origins of Seagull, Goose, and the rest of the cast of characters, and the process that led from a sketchpad to the 2022 launch of a beloved weekly ritual for Alameda, both on Instagram, and with The Alameda Post.  Show note: This episode originally aired...

Eitan Manhoff is the owner of Oakland’s Cape & Cowl Comics. Host Scott Piehler talks with Eitan about his journey from comics fan, to owning the store that was honored in 2023 with the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award, given annually at San Diego Comic-Con to the best comic book shop in the world. Cape and Cowl makes their “Alameda Connection” on August 30th, when their annual Cape...

Kathy Weber is the Executive Director of The Downtown Alameda Business Association Host Scott Piehler talks with Kathy about DABA’s work in attracting new business to the Park Street area, advocating for existing business, and being the driving force behind beloved annual events like the Art & Wine Faire. Kathy also relates the challenges and rewards of starting as the Exec. Dir., just before...

Nick Luby is the Chief of the Alameda Fire  Department. Host Scott Piehler talks with Chief Luby about the 150 year history of AFD, the changing role of the Fire Service, and AFD’s successful, cutting edge C.A.R.E. team, which responds to those experiencing metal health crises. The C.A.R.E. team is providing solutions for those in need, while keeping police and ambulance personnel free to respond...

Patrick Russi is the Recreation Manager for the Alameda Recreation and Park Department. Host Scott Piehler talks with Patrick about the history of California’s 3rd-oldest Parks department, the many offerings of ARPD, Patrick’s lifelong career in Recreation, and just why it’s called “Recreation and Park,” and not “Parks and Recreation.” Show note: This episode originally aired on KCSM-HD2 on Sunday...

Denyse Trepanier is the Board Chair of Bike Walk Alameda. Host Scott Piehler talks with Denyse about BWA’s efforts to make Alameda a safer and more enjoyable place for pedestrians and cyclists. From dedicated bike lanes, to flashing crosswalks, to the Cross Alameda Trail, BWA has advocated for Alameda’s street safety since 1999. Show note: This episode originally aired on KCSM-HD2 on Sunday, May 3...

Karin. K. Jensen is the principal City Reporter for The Alameda Post, and the author of The Strength of Water: An Asian American Coming of Age Memoir. Host Scott Piehler talks with Karin about her journey from dancer to reporter to acclaimed author. Whether covering City Council for the Post, or relating the story of her mother’s journey from a Chinese laundry in Detroit to a life in the Bay Area,...

Abby Thorne Lyman is the Base Reuse & Economic Development Director for the City of Alameda. Host Scott Piehler talks with Abby about her career in public real estate, including managing all properties for the BART System. The conversation centers on the challenges and rewards of overseeing the ongoing conversion of NAS Alameda to Alameda Point, a parcel that many have called “The most desirab...