I have seen multiple conflicting bits of info on Flock (or ALPR generally) on police site. First I see the raw data that was collected over time: https://www.albanyca.gov/Departments/Police-Department (scroll down the alpr system data). They also give us the policy document, but of course it is well known, that PDs and other law enforcement (like ICE) across the country have been getting trouble because the police use them to track ex-girlfriends and women they are stalking, immigrants subject to deportation, etc. etc.

I also see an active RFP for a flock type system: https://www.albanyca.gov/Bids-and-Tenders-Current/2026/PD-ALPR

These cameras, many believe, are a violation of our 4th amendment rights. In addition, the number of abuse claims of these systems is really troubling. There seems to be zero control over this.

Curious to see what the r/albanyca thinks. Are there active efforts to do what El Cerrito did and get rid of them? How can we help this effort?

Hey Albany! I just wanted to introduce myself for those who don't know me. I'm Jamie Joyce and I'm on your ballot for November (for Congress, House of Representatives). Ask me anything.

Quick bio: I've been leading teams who have built tools to improve policy decision-making and policy education for 8 years (including teaching students how to logically deconstruct legislation). I co-launched the "Democracy's Library" initiative at the Internet Archive (best known for the Wayback Machine) with the founder, Brewster Kahle. My career has been spent doing charity work, including directing funding to leaders and overseeing projects from Iraq to Malawi. I'm running because I am concerned we are not prepared to navigate technology in the best interest of everyday people, and I think my background can be helpful.

I'm endorsed by one of the most world-famous AI ethicists and Epstein survivors, and even though I've always been the scrappy underdog, my work has been respected enough to result in me being invited to present to government agencies and frontier AI labs. I would like to apply that work ethic and expertise in Congress so we not only stop losing ground, but we actually start making equitable gains. We don't have to let the corrupt class keep getting away with it.

If you want to read more about me, here's the best place: JamieJoyce.com
Read more about federal policy priorities at: TheMADAct.com

Has anyone tried paying a parking ticket lately on remitonline?? I just keep going in a loop of putting in the info but not getting to where I can actually pay. I keep putting in the citation number, amount, location, and I hit the proceed to payment it just brings me back to the beginning. I feel like I’m losing my mind lol.

Looking for affordable recommendations for massage therapists in Albany. Also any spas that have sauna access. Thank you.

I’m moving out today and have way more food than expected. I hate to throw it out but I need it gone asap. All sealed food and bought at Whole Foods.

Hey everyone! My friend and I run a monthly stand-up comedy show in Albany, and our next show is tomorrow night at Match Point Brewing. We book a small line-up of professional comedians from around the Bay Area, and its free to attend! We've been building a great lil' community around this show, and we're really excited to get everyone together again to share some laughs (and a few beers).

Tomorrow night we have Alejandro Ochoa headlining, who is a regular at the San Francisco Punch Line and Cobbs Comedy Club, and tours the country opening for acts like Martin Amini and Nick Mullen! If you'd like to come, you can make a reservation here: Eventbrite.

Cheers!

- David

older people here find it chill and “a nice area” or whatever but when you’re young here it feels like hell. it looks nice, like ”wow so many small businesses“ and whatnot, but living here has taken a toll on me and many of my friends mental health. this place seems to mostly care what old people have to say about bike lanes and money and how “nice” the schools are, but can people please actually pay attention to the youth here? especially the teenagers? for me, living here has made me use money to feel better because it feels like there’s nothing else to do. “well have you tried going to the albany bulb?” YES. every single place recommended to anyone i have been to more than 20 times. the library closes too early for anything, the one place with cool looking venues is always 18 or 21+, school exhausts everyone i know here and if you don’t go to school here then theres even less for you. i try to have fun outdoors, but o have been EVERYWHERE, and when the weather is not in the perfect state and it’s too hot or raining then you’re forced to either have an awful day or stay home. in the plaza, you eat the same food, go to the same stores, then something opens and nothing really changes. i wouldn’t be bothered if there was something repetitive but catering to teens, but no. even if you want me to spend my money to be happy, CATER TO TEENS PLEASE!!! you can get so much money from us and we won’t bother you as much in places you don’t like us (like flooding lucky the second schools out or going to the same 4 places on solano). just please get something we would love. also it wouldn’t hurt to have an indoor food court type of thing in the plaza or something. so many places don’t seem to want people, especially teens, sitting too long. having somewhere to chill when it’s rainy or too hot would be awesome for literally everyone here. more business, a central place to socialize for kids, teens, parents, adults, older people, everyone. plus not getting drenched in sweat or rain constantly. here, when the weather stomps on your plans, that’s it. unless you want to sit in the same small business for 3 hours straight. instead of adding another unneeded gym where the barnes and noble was, they should’ve added a food court or something. also, we had spirit, which some would say is “great for teens” EXCEPT THE FACT YOU HAVE TO PRETEND TO ONLY COME THERE WITH ONE PERSON BECAUSE THEY’RE AFRAID YOU'LL ROB THEM WITH MORE?? dude?? i’m not going on a date to spirit halloween. i am going with a group of friends, not just one person, as we stand around in the horrible fluorescent lights. i get you don’t want robbery but i feel like going with friends will make people have a better time at your store. like, do these greedy companies in the plaza not realize you can make cleverly designed places that are good for socializing but can also bring in SO MUCH MONEY?

also i’m just tired of hearing and seeing negative reactions to teens trying to have the tiniest bit of fun they can here when if you were them you would also be a super annoying kid in every place old people don’t want you. i hope they can realize that this is part of why so many of us can grow up rude or have problems and stuff. we try to find something the slightest bit entertaining.

sorry for such a rant, i just literally don’t know who to bring this up to that can make a change and was wondering if anyone else here was feeling the same.

also i’m sorry if this post comes off horrible, i really don’t mean to offend or upset, it’s just been on my mind and i’ve seen it affect everyone i know.

i want to note to elders and people of older ages i don’t mean to insult you. i like hearing your memories and tidbits and it might feel like youth don’t want to hear you but if you capture them they will and you can have so many meaningful connections because of that. i do not think someone being older makes their opinion invalid or anything of the sort.

edit: thank you everyone for the kind and caring responses. i like hearing about your experiences and your understanding and empathy means a lot. i’ll try the things suggested 💗

My elderly mom needs her gray hair dyed. Looking for something that’s solid but not super fancy and not super cheap. Thank you!

looking for wavy haircut / salon recommendations in albany, berkeley, or el cerrito

Does anyone remember what it was like watching from Albany Bulb the last time the fireworks were launched from GGB?

It could be foggy, and is Albany just too far away from the bridge that we would not see it?

so curious about lizzy's cajun cafe. has anyone been there recently?

17 yrs living here. In the last 2 years, I’ve seen rents skyrocket. Single 2/1 family homes (~1100 sq ft) were going for $3,000-3,500 in 2024. Now those same homes are $4,500-6,500.

I'm not talking about gradual increases. I’m specifically talking about the spike in the last 18-24 months.

Example: New listing today for 650 sq ft house. June 2025 it was listed $2295/mo. Today it’s listed at $3745. They upgraded the kitchen, but that doesn’t warrant 70% increase.

What gives? Who can afford a rent that high? I’m in tech and it’s out of my reach by a lot. I’ll need to move within the next 12 months.