Alameda High School  students for launching a "Straws of Steel" campaign, through which community members can purchase reusable "boba kits" consisting of a metal straw and 16-ounce glass container. The campaign's goal is to decrease the amount of plastic waste produced in our community. The students, who are part of AHS's Amplify Club, are asking that businesses give a discount to customers who bring in reusable cups and straws. To purchase a kit, email ahsamplify@gmail.com.

Otis Elementary School  students in the school's new Community Service Club who are creating "blessing bags" filled with personal supplies for homeless people. The students have collected donations (such as snacks, socks, toothpaste, and deodorant) over the last several weeks and will be assembling 100 bags at the school's annual Owlapalooza festival this coming Saturday, noon to 4 pm, at Krusi Park. Volunteers at the event will also be providing parents/guardians with tips on talking to children about homelessness. "I think it is important to take care of everyone, especially when they don't have a home," Kaia Marbin, a 5th grader who started the project, wrote in a letter to the Otis community. "It means a lot to do nice things for people - it makes you feel good inside, and it makes the person you helped feel good too."

Encinal High School students who asked Alameda's City Council to write a resolution in support of AB 31 to End the Tampon Tax in California. This bill would exempt feminine hygiene products from taxation, a move proponents support because other basic necessities, such as food, toilet paper, and prescription drugs, are already exempt from taxation. The City Council unanimously approved the resolution at its March 5 meeting.