Next Saturday, after Christmas is over and all are resting and reflecting, Alameda's artistic thinkers and doers have invited one and all to let go, get playful and join them for the Fool's Delight parade and festival down Webster Street. Michael Towne and Eve De Ley of the West End Arts District offer us a glimpse into their hilarious plans that day for mucho late afternoon buffoonery.

The Alameda Gallery and Collective has opened on Webster Street featuring art, vintage items and plants. The group's goal is to build community and create conversation about art. It's been the dream of a circle of friends that includes Sandy Russell, owner of the Fireside Lounge and West End business advocate. Hear her talk about how Webster Street retail has blossomed post-pandemic.

During the Covid epidemic, Alameda mother and artist Deirdre Freeman acted on her belief about the power of spreading love and kindness in the world when she made some 600 pieces of art, mostly depicting hearts, and attached them to phone polls around town. A year ago, she went further and launched the Kindness Coalition here in Alameda. She and Burt Presberg describe the joy and wonder their work has brought to our community and their conviction of its immense ripple effect.