What We Do
At the West Alameda Business Association (WABA), we’re dedicated to cultivating a vibrant, thriving district that supports our local businesses, engages the community, and celebrates the unique character of West Alameda.
From event sponsorships and marketing campaigns to providing essential resources and advocacy for our members, we serve as the driving force behind the economic and cultural vitality of our district.
Whether it’s hosting dynamic community events, promoting local entrepreneurs, or enhancing public spaces, WABA is your partner in making West Alameda a premier destination for residents and visitors alike.
Our Mission
The West Alameda Business Association exists to champion the economic success and cultural vitality of the Webster Street corridor and surrounding neighborhoods.
Through strategic partnerships, community outreach, and a commitment to excellence, we aim to create a connected, prosperous, and welcoming district where businesses thrive, and the spirit of West Alameda shines.
What is a Business
Improvement District
(BID)?
A Business Improvement District (BID), a common model for the management of a municipality’s commercial corridors. It is authorized by state law and provides a mechanism for the businesses and property owners of a community to organize as a single entity to raise funds for activities that enhance or expand upon municipal services. By providing a clean, safe, and attractive district, WABA promotes the West End as a desirable location to live, work, visit, and explore.
WABA Board of Directors
-
Marie Ortega
BOARD CHAIR
Marie Ortega owns Feathered Outlaw at 1506 Webster Street in Alameda. The Feathered Outlaw is a sacred space & lifestyle boutique that offers a wide variety of tarot, crystals, jewelry, books, candles, and ritual goods. She aims to provide a space that offers holistic and magickal solutions to facilitate spiritual growth and empowerment.
-
Daniel Hoy
SECRETARY
Architecture & Project Management
314 Pacific Avenue
510-520-6528 -
Chris VavRosky
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
I consider myself a Renaissance Man, and my life journey has been enriched by a tapestry of diverse experiences offer a perspective that can rarely be found. My 25 year adventure in the real estate world began with assisting my Top Producing mother, investing in rental properties and then a prestigious tenure at the former top brokerage of Alain Pinel which eventually led me to my current role at Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty.
-
Evan Phillipe
TREASURER
Executive Director of the nonprofit Pacific Pinball Museum at 1510 Webster Street since 2024. A lifelong resident of the Bay Area, Evan has lived on Alameda's West End for over 20 years, and his kids have attended schools on the West End since Preschool. Evan really believes in WABA's mission to strengthen West End business relationships and support, and is proud to be part of WABA's invested board.
-
Linda Asbury
Board member
Linda Asbury recently retired from a 40 year career representing business through Chambers of Commerce and Business Improvement Districts.
Professional motto: creating community through business.
Personal passions: family with an emphasis on Grandchildren and community.
Personal activity: volunteer at Thrifty Kitty, a thrift store to benefit Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter.
-
Tanoa Stewart
Board member
Owner A-Town Agency. Celebrating 25 Years in Business producing Live Sound/Lighting/Stage/AV/Pipe&Drape/Talent Buyer
Audio Consulting: Installs, Corporate, Setup, Signal Flow
-
John L. Lipp
Board Member
John L. Lipp is a nationally recognized leader in the nonprofit sector with comprehensive experience in fundraising, leadership, governance, and community engagement. He has worked with a variety of organizations over his career and has served as a trainer and keynote speaker for local, national, and international audiences. John’s book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Recruiting and Managing Volunteers, was published in 2009 by Alpha/Penguin. In 2015, he was a featured contributor to the anthology Volunteer Engagement 2.0: Ideas and Insights Changing the World from Jossey-Bass. John served on the board of Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) from 2011 to 2017 before joining the staff as Executive Director/CEO from 2017 to 2025. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to a more humane world for people and animals, he was the recipient of the San Francisco Shanti Project’s 2019 “Dede Wilsey Champion of the Human-Animal Bond Award.” As an advocate for people living and thriving with Parkinson’s disease, John is an active volunteer for the Michael J. Fox Foundation and serves on the City of Alameda’s Commission on Persons with Disabilities.
John L. Lipp
Member, FAAS Leadership Council
(he/him)Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS). 1590 Fortmann Way, Alameda, CA 94501
-
Madden Lockin
Board member
Madden (he/they) manages The Thrifty Kitty and The Diggity Dog through Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS). They hold a B.S. in Child Psychology from St. Mary’s College of CA and have a diverse background in mental health advocacy, the second-hand sales industry, and animal welfare. Passionate about transgender rights, Madden volunteers with a trans teen mentorship program. They deeply value the sense of community in Alameda and are excited to see the Westside flourish. In their free time, Madden enjoys thrifting and refinishing vintage furniture, embroidering, and spending time with their chosen family and their beloved orange tabby, Doris.
Elissa Glickman
Executive Director
Elissa Glickman is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the public and private sectors. She has worked with organizations such as the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, AIDS Project Los Angeles, and the Children’s Museum of Los Angeles.
In July 2021, she relocated to the Bay Area after stepping down as CEO of Glendale Arts, where she transformed the Alex Theatre into a landmark performing arts destination, increasing fundraising by 300% and growing its annual budget to $2.3 million.
She became Executive Director of the West Alameda Business Association in February 2024, championing community and local business support.
District Map
Fun Facts
Webster Street in Alameda, California, has a rich history that reflects the development of the island city. Here are some key details about its history, including its renaming and interesting facts:
Early History
Original Name
Webster Street was originally named "Gibbons Street," after the early settler and businessman John Gibbons.
Renaming
The street was renamed "Webster Street" in honor of statesman Daniel Webster, a U.S. Senator and Secretary of State, who was well-respected at the time.
Development and Growth
19th Century
Webster Street began as a modest residential and commercial area. The completion of the first transcontinental railroad and the development of a ferry system connected Alameda to San Francisco, contributing to the
street's growth.
1920s Boom
During the 1920s, Webster Street experienced significant commercial growth, becoming one of the primary shopping districts in Alameda. The construction of the Posey Tube in 1928, which connected Alameda to Oakland, further boosted the area’s development.
Interesting Facts
Posey Tube
The Posey Tube, one of the first subaqueous tunnels of its kind in the U.S., runs beneath Webster Street. It played a crucial role in linking Alameda with the mainland and continues to be a vital transportation route today.
Cultural Shifts
Over the decades, Webster Street has seen a variety of cultural shifts, from being a center for automotive businesses in the mid-20th century to becoming a more diverse and eclectic area with a mix of ethnic restaurants, shops, and businesses in the latter part of the 20th century.
Street Renaming Controversy
In the 1950s, there was a movement to rename Webster Street as "Marina Village Parkway" to reflect the new development and modernity. However, this was met with resistance from local businesses and residents who valued the historical name and its significance.
Modern Day
Business Improvement District (BID)
Today, Webster Street is part of a Business Improvement District (BID) that works to enhance the area’s commercial appeal while preserving its historical character. The street hosts a variety of events, including street festivals and farmers' markets, which bring together the community and attract visitors from across the Bay Area.
Webster Street remains a vital part of Alameda's cultural and economic fabric, with its history reflecting the broader evolution of the city.
12 Fun Facts About
Webster Street in Alameda
Posey Tube Connection
Webster Street is home to the entrance of the Posey Tube, which connects Alameda to Oakland. This underwater tunnel, built in 1928, was one of the first of its kind in the United States.
Culinary Diversity
Webster Street is known for its diverse culinary scene, with restaurants offering a variety of international cuisines, including Thai, Japanese, Mexican, and Ethiopian, reflecting the cultural diversity of the area.
Haunted History
The old Croll's building on Webster Street, once a famous saloon and hotel, is rumored to be haunted. It was a popular spot during Prohibition and has been a part of local ghost stories.
Alameda's First Supermarket
Webster Street was the location of Alameda’s first supermarket, Pagano's Market, which opened in the mid-20th century and became a local institution.
Street Festivals
Webster Street hosts several street festivals throughout the year, which features live music and local artists and vendors.
Historical Architecture
Many buildings on Webster Street date back to the early 20th century, showcasing a mix of architectural styles, including Art Deco, Mission Revival, and Victorian.
Marine Ties
The street was historically linked to the nearby Alameda Naval Air Station, with many businesses catering to naval personnel and their families. The naval base's influence is still felt in the area today.
West End History
Webster Street is located in Alameda’s West End, an area with a distinct identity from the rest of the island, historically known for its working-class roots and vibrant community life.
Iconic Murals
The street is adorned with colorful murals that depict the history and culture of Alameda, adding a vibrant artistic touch to the area and making it a popular spot for photographers and visitors.
Historic Streetcars
In the early 1900s, Webster Street was served by a streetcar line that connected Alameda to Oakland and beyond. This public transit was crucial for the development of the area and helped make it a bustling commercial hub.
Famed Ice Cream Parlor
Tucker’s Ice Cream, a beloved local institution, was originally located on Webster Street before moving to its current location on Park Street. Known for its handcrafted flavors, it remains a nostalgic favorite among Alamedans.
West Alameda’s Chinatown
In the early 20th century, Webster Street was near a thriving Chinatown in West Alameda, which played a significant role in the area’s cultural and economic life until the community was displaced in the 1920s.
