AFD award grant

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded the Alameda Fire Department (AFD) a $1.76 million federal grant, The grant will cover the full cost of six firefighters for two years.

FEMA made the money available through the "Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response" (SAFER) program.

The city received a SAFER grant award two years ago. The 2010 grant allowed AFD to rehire six laid-off firefighters. The new grant will allow AFD to retain these positions.

School supply drive

"Equipped for Success" kicked off yesterday at the Summer Beats Concert Series at South Shore Center. The community-wide drive is collecting school supplies for Alameda's low-income students. Supplies will be distributed to students served by the McKinney- Vento Homeless Program's liaison in Alameda.

The drive is collecting both cash donations and supplies. Among the many brand-new items being collected include backpacks, crayons, pencils, glue sticks, spiral notebooks and rulers.

Donors of supplies can arrange to drop off their donations by at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Anyone wishing to donate money can make checks designated for the school supply drive payable to AEF and mail them to PO Box 1363, Alameda, CA 94501. Cash donations may also be made online by visiting www.alamedaeducation.org.

The website also has infornamtion on drop-off locations for donated supplies, including Alameda Boys & Girls Club, 1900 Third St.; the Main Library, 1550 Oak St.; and the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex, 2317 Central Ave.