Re: Alameda, California
When I went to the Crab Cove, Crown Beach, Alameda, CA, area Sunday,
8/24, there was a $4 parking charge. You can try parking on the
neighborhood streets. Or, if you're into public transportation,
take a 51 AC Transit bus from Oakland, get off at Webster & Santa
Clara & walk (or roll if you use a wheelchair), southwest on
Webster, turn right onto Central, left onto McKay, etc.
I suspect there is a parking fee only on busy days.

Re: Metal
It's probably a good idea not to include metal in the letter boxes
(pens, etc.). I can just imagine guys (& some women) using their
metal decectors & thinking, "Bingo!" as they find 1 of our boxes. :(
Mary Marshall Fowler, Alameda, CA, US