Alameda, California - Facts & Figures
Alameda's name was chosen by a popular vote conducted in 1853, and is Spanish for "grove of poplar trees." In 1916 Alameda became a charter city, meaning that it is governed in accordance with its own city charter, as opposed to a general law city, which is governed principally by the laws of the state of California. Alameda became an important shipping port in 1902 when excavation was done to create a tidal canal joining San Leandro Bay with the harbor of Oakland. World War II saw the establishment of the Naval Air Station Alameda, a sizable naval facility containing a large airfield and docks capable of accommodating several aircraft carriers. Although the Air Station closed in 1997, a massive hangar located there has in recent years been used to film special Computer-Generated Imagery scenes for several movies, including "Bicentennial Man," "Flubber," and "Mission: Impossible II."
- Population: 74,774
- Industries: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, Construction, Finance and Insurance, Accommodation and Food Services, Public Administration, Health Care, Educational Services
- Local Area Code: 510
- ZIP Codes: 94501, 94502
- Surrounding Cities: Albany, Berkeley, Brisbane, Canyon, Castro Valley, Daly City, Eneryville, Moraga, Oakland, Orinda, Piedmont, San Bruno, San Francisco, San Leandro, San Lorenzo