Alameda

The area known today as the City of Alameda (a Spanish name chosen by popular vote in 1853, meaning "grove of poplar trees") is part of a former Spanish land grant stretching from San Leandro to Berkeley, and given to Luis Peralta in 1818, by the Governor of California. On December 27, 1884, the City of Alameda was formally organized and on January 18, 1885, the Official Seal was approved and adopted.

Alameda is perhaps the most unique small city in Northern California, with a population of 74,259. Alameda is located just east of San Francisco between Berkeley and Oakland along US Highway 880 near the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.