Extracted text · highlighting “Liz Maxwell”

_ ie Rockridge News

Sponsored by = THE ROCKRIDGE COMMUNITY PLANNING COUNCIL ® 5856 COLLEGE AVENUE #130" OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA® 94618

Vol. 3. No. 6 Issue No. 30

November 12, 1988

Circulation: 4,500 Residences; 200 Businesses

RCPC Board
Elections Set

Nominations for five RCPC Board of
Directors positions to be filled by election
in January, 1989 are now open, according
to RCPC Chair Barbara Anderson.

Ms. Anderson said RCPC By-Laws
call for the annual election of half the
membership of the Board from candidates
nominated by a Board—selected nominat-
ing committee and by Neighborhood resi-
dents. The whole Board then selects a
President, Vice President, Secretary, and
Treasurer for the year. An eleventh Board
position is appointed annually by the
College Avenue Merchants Association
(CAMA).

See Elections, page 2

Funds For Library
And More Land

Assessment District

Plan Endorsed

With plenty of enthusiasm for building a
permanent library in Rockridge and cau-
tious optimism about how to realize that
goal, Neighbors at the RCPC October
General Meeting agreed to begin the
process to form an Assessment District
for funding the project.

The proposed assessment district plan
would raise funds for library construction
and additional land acquisition. With a
total project cost of between $1.0 and $1.5
million, the annual parcel assessment
could be between $40 and $60 if the
project cost is amortized over fifteen
years.

See Library, page 4

Community Forums Spark Lively
Discussion On Specific Plan Goals

At the first two in a series of four
Rockridge Community Forums, about
forty Neighborhood residents, business
owners, and outside observers engaged in
lively and sometimes heated debate and
discussion about goals to guide future
commercial and residential land use in
Rockridge. The purpose of the Commu-
nity Forums is to gather community input
on preliminary goals for the Rockridge
Area Specific Plan (RASP), a policy
document that will guide the future devel-
opment of the neighborhood.

Drart Goats Discussep

A volunteer RASP Committee of the
Rockridge Community Planning Council
prepared draft goals, drawing on several
sources of neighborhood opinions: the
result of the recently completed surveys
of Rockridge residents, merchants, and
commercial property owners; community
brainstorming sessions held at RCPC
General Membership meetings last Fall;
findings and recommendations of a Rock-
ridge planning study by U.C. Berkeley’s
Department of City and Regional Plan-
ning; and concerns raised in regular meet-
ings of RCPC Standing Committees.

After an explanation of the draft goals
by members of the RASP Committee, a
professional facilitator led an open dis-
cussion on ways the sct of draft goals
could be improved through refinements,
changes, deletions, or the addition of new
goals. The forums are being held with the
hope that, after careful listening, debate,
and compromise, participants will
achieve maximum possible agreement on
a set of goals in each of the four subject

areas — commercial land use, residential
land use, parking and circulations, and
design and public amenities.

ComMERCIAL LAND UsE

At the first Community Forum held on
October 27th, a very informative discus-
sion of commercial land use issues in
Rockridge resulted in specific alterations
to the draft goals and general agreement
on a set of revised commercial land use
goals for the Specific Plan.

Following brief introductions by
RCPC Chair Barbara Anderson and Fa-
cilitator Bonnie Jameson, RASP Commit-
tee Chair Michael Peltz explained the
reasoning behind the draft commercial
land use goals. Following a lively discus-
sion in which virtually every person pres-
ent participated, the group accepted the
following revised draft Goals for Com-
mercial Land Use:

1. Strengthen continuous ground level
retail frontage;

2. Increase business diversity on Col-
lege Avenue;

3. Encourage a balance of office and
residential use above the ground floor
retail/commercial uses along College
Avenue;

4. Maintain commercial viability and
residential livability by planning for
present and future parking needs;

5. Utilize College Avenue street-level
BART frontage for a mix of public
and private uses.

RESIDENTIAL Lanp UsE

At the second Forum held November
3rd to discuss residential land use goals,

See Forums, page 4

Dates Calendar Events Calendar Dates

Tuesday Nov 15 7:30 pm
Wednesday Nov 16 1:30 pm
Wednesday Nov 16 7:30 pm
Thursday Nov 17 7pm

Monday Nov 28 7:30 pm

City Council Meeting
Planning Commission
RCPC General Meeting

Library Project Meeting

Mark Schisler, CPA, variance appeal.

City Hall, Room 115

College Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Rockridge Community Forum Claremont Middle School 5750 College Avenue
Steering committee to organize: 5250 Desmond

Page 2

The Rockridge News

November 12, 1988

RCPC Joins Historic

Preservation Task Force
by Annalee Allen

RCPC is one several neighborhood or-
ganizations asked to participate in the
Historic Preservation Task Force. Estab-
lished by the City Planning Commission
and the Landmarks Preservation Advi-
sory Board, the Task Force began meeting
in July and will meet monthly in an effort
to identify preservation issues and oppor-
tunities in Oakland.

In addition to neighborhood groups
such as RCPC, Task Force members in-
clude representatives from such business
and civic organizations as the Alameda
County Taxpayers Association, and pres-
ervation and design groups such as
Oakland Heritage Alliance. Rockridge
resident Frederick Hertz is Chair of the
Task Force. Fred was also recently
elected Chair of the Landmarks Preserva-
tion Advisory Board.

The aim of the Task Force is to exam-
ine the role of historic preservation within
the framework of Oakland’s General
Plan. By July 1989 the group intends to
submit a policy statement and implemen-
tation plan for consideration by the City
Council. The Task Force will discuss
what historic preservation is and the
benefits it can offer to Oakland, particu-
larly in relation to the City Council’s
stated objective of improving the City’s
overall image, livability, and economic
viability. Strategies for promoting a more
effective use of Oakland’s older proper-
ties, whether residential or commercial,
will be explored. Existing preservation

programs will be examined and issues
such as property owner rights and obliga-
tions, demolition controls, zoning regula-
tions, and landmark designation will be
discussed. Existing preservations plans
from other cities such as San Francisco
and Berkeley will also be studied.

Task Force members will be reporting
back to their constituencies as the process
evolves,

RCPC representatives John Gussman
and Annalee Allen will be looking for
feedback on such issues as what is the
appropriate role of the property owner in
historic property designations? Should
owner consent be required? Should ten-
ants and neighbors also be notified? To
what degree should alterations to older
properties be consistent with the prop-
erty’s original or historic style? To what
degree should new construction in older
neighborhoods be consistent with the
neighborhood’s architectural character?
Should traditional zoning controls gov-
eming such factors as land use, density,
scale, yard requirements and design ad-
dress historic preservation concerns? If
so, how?

These are only a sample of the sorts of
issues the task force hopes to address and
citizen input is very important.

Rockridge residents with views on
these areas should contact John (654-
9269) or Annalee (654-6791) so their
views may be brought to the attention of
the Historic Preservation Task Force.

RCPC Bounparles

Elections

from page 1

In the past, Ms. Anderson said, all
Board terms of office were for one year.
The Board voted in May, 1987 to change
the terms to two years and to stagger the
terms so only half the Board is elected
each year.

According to the By-Laws, persons
nominated must be at least eighteen years
old, interested in the purposes of the or-
ganization, and a permanent resident
within the boundaries set out in the By-
—Laws.

By-Law boundaries are:

Begin at the intersection of College Ave-
nue and Woolsey Street in the City of Berkeley
and proceed in a direct line to the end of
Chabot Road in the City of Oakland; then
along Broadway to the intersection of Broad-
way and Margarido Drive; then along Mar-
garido Drive, to the intersection of Margarido,
Acacia Avenue and Lawton Ave; then to the
intersection of Lawton Avenue and Manila
Avenue; then along Acacia Avenue to the
intersection of Manila Avenue and Monroe
Avenue; then to the intersection of Monroe
Avenue and Carleton Avenue; then to the
intersection of Carleton Avenue and Broad-
way Terrace; then to the intersection of Broad-
way Terrace and Broadway; then to the inter-
section of Broadway and 51st Street; then to
the intersection of 51st Street and Clarke; then
to the intersection of Clarke and Claremont
Avenue; then to the intersection of Claremont
Avenue and Colby Street; then to the intersec-
tion of Colby Street and Woolsey Street; then
Teturning to the intersection of Woolsey Street
and College Avenue. (See map, this page.)

Candidates’ names may be submitted
by mail or in person to the following
Nominating Committee members: Mr.
Ray Craun (655-6589), Mr. Steve Bel-
cher (658-9608) and Ms. Ethel Ruymaker
(658-3912). Nominations may also be
made at the November and December
General Meetings. Nominations should
include the addresses of the nominee and
of the nominator. A list of the individu-
als nominated will be published in the De-
cember and January issues of The Rock-
ridge News.

Nominations received after publica-
tion will be compiled and available at the
General Meeting on January 18, 1989.
Voting will take place at the January
meeting.

Send your nominations to:

RCPC Board Nominations
c/o RCPC

5856 College Avenue #130
Oakland, CA 94618

~—
November 12, 1988

The Rockridge News

Page 3

The Rockridge Community
Planning Council, In Brief

We print this information at least annually to help new residents keep informed about RCPC's
organization and purpose and to provide all residents the names of current Boardmembers.

The RockRIDGE COMMUNITY PIANNING
Councit (RCPC) is a non-profit Neigh-
borhood planning association recognized
by the City of Oakland. The general
purpose of the association is to promote
community involvement in Neighorhood
planning and zoning, traffic control, area
development, and in combatting commu-
nity deterioraton; and to serve as a liaison
between the community and the Oakland
Planning Commission. RCPC monitors
local activity related to planning, environ-
mental issues, real estate development,
transportation and other services and
shares its findings with Rockridge Neigh-
bors. Its members communicate regularly
with the City Planning Department, the
Planning Commission and the City Coun-
cil, as well as with other Neighborhood
groups.

Organized by Residents

RCPC was organized by residents in
the early 1970’s in response to concerns
about our Neighborhood environment.
RCPC is a volunteer organization. Any
person residing in Rockridge is automati-
cally amember. As there are no member-
ship dues, the organization solicits dona-
tions (see coupon below) and puts on
occasional fundraisers.

Board of Directors

RCPC is led by an eleven member
Board of Directors, including one voting
director appointed by the College Avenue
Merchants Association (CAMA). Direc-
tors serve for two years, but five at a time
are elected by the General Membership at
the Annual Meeting.

Newsletter

RCPC sponsors the monthly publica-
tion and free distribution of The Rock-
ridge News. This publication reaches
4,500 residents and 200 businesses,
thanks to the volunteer efforts of more
than 140 residents who serve as district
and block captains throughout our Neigh-
borhood. The News is wholly supported
by donations from residents (see coupon
below) and advertisements from local
businesses and local residents.

Telephone Newsletter Editor Don
Kinkead at 655-7474 if you are not receiv-
ing this newsletter at your home or busi-
ness, and/or if you are available to assist
with distribution.

General Meetings

RCPC meets monthly on the third
Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the College
Avenue Presbyterian Church 5951 Col-
lege Avenue. All meetings are open to all
residents and business owners. Everyone
is encouraged to attend and join in the
discussion.

For more information, please call
RCPC Chairperson Barbara Anderson,
655-3499 or RCPC Board members:
Beth Allen (652-3965)

Steve Belcher (658-9608)

Nancy Dutcher (653-6018)

John Gussman (654-9269)

Glen Jarvis (654-5953)

Don Kinkead (655-7474)

Brooke Levin (653-7522)

Michael Peltz (658-2713)

Ray Perman (658-0536)

Jean Astrinsky (CAMA, 658-0452)

WAY

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Suggested minimum; $10 per category

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Page 4 The Rockridge News November 12, 1988
g

Forums ted levels. The discussion suggested a Library

from page 1 need for further study about the impact of jrom page 1

debate was stronger than the previous
week and helped clarify Neighborhood
issues and concerns.

After an explanation of the draft resi-
dential land use goals by RASP Commit-
tee member Janet Falk, the audience
heatedly debated the draft goals. The
discussion did not culminate in general
acceptance of a set of draft goals; how-
ever, important areas of agreement and
areas needing further discussion did
emerge:

1. Discussion Focus: COMMERCIAL
ENCROACHMENT INTO RESIDENTIAL AREAS

After considerable discussion and
clarification of this issue, there was gen-
eral support for the following goal state-
ment: “Prohibit encroachment of com-
mercial uses into residential neighbor-
hoods.” The group acknowledged that
this goal would not prohibit home occupa-
tions, nor would it necessarily address the
problem of permissive City zoning en-
forcement practices with regard to the
extension of commercial uses into resi-
dential areas.

2. Discussion Focus:

Housinc OpporTUNITIES

There was considerable support for
increased housing opportunities in the
neighborhood. Two of the proposed draft
goals were consistent with that sentiment:
“Identify specific opportunities for con-
struction of additional multiple family
housing;” and “Retain and create addi-
tional residential uses above ground floor
commercial uses.”

3. DIscussION FOCUS:

RESIDENTIAL DENSITY

There was substantial disagreement
about the desirability of increasing resi-
dential density beyond currently permit-

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various zoning/residential densities.
Another unresolved issue for further dis-
cussion is the addition of multiple bed-
rooms to existing residential units and
related impacts .

4, Discussion Focus: QuaLiTy, SCALE
AND ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER OF REsI-
DENTIAL AREAS

The group’s comments generally sup-
ported two revised draft goals addressing
this issue: “Maintain and improve the
structural integrity and condition of the
existing housing stock;” and “Retain and
enhance existing scale and architectural
character of established residential areas.”

Tue Next STEPS

The goals and public comments devel-
oped at these Community Forums will
guide the work of subsequent Study
Groups for each of the subject areas:
Commercial Land Use, Residential Land
Use, Parking and Circulation, and Design
and Public Amenities. The task of the
Study Groups will be to formulate spe-
cific objectives, policies and programs for
consideration by the Rockridge commu-
nity and the City of Oakland. Rockridge
residents, property owners, and mer-
chants are encouraged to participate in the
working groups.

The third Community Forum on Goals
for Parking and Circulation was held
November 10th after The Rockridge
News went to press, and will be reported
in the next issue.

Plan to attend the final Community
Forum on Design and Public Amenities,
on Thursday, November 17, 7 pM to 10 pM,
at Claremont Middle School, 5750 Col-
lege Avenue.

— Michael Peltz (658-2713)
RASP Committee Chair

NOW ACCEPTING CUSTOM ORDERS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

App Lanp To Art STONE

Neighbors also agreed to ask the City
to acquire the corner property at 5380-
5384 College at Manila Avenue on behalf
of the community while the project and
funding are developed.

Request for the City’s assistance came
in response to Councilmember Marge
Haskell’s concern that someone else
might buy the corner property before the
Neighborhood decides on a final plan.

Park SETTING For Liprary

Acquiring the property at the comer of
College and Manila, adjacent to the al-
ready City-owned Art Stone property,
could enable a better Library/Publice
parking design with safer ingress/egress
and more open space.

The project concept of a Library/Park-
ing facility combined with a park (land-
scaping, public sitting area, playground)
received more support at the General
Meeting than the concept of a Library/
Parking facility combined with residential
and/or commercial uses. Neighbors sug-
gested reserving the latter concept for
later consideration as a funding means if
the assessment district plan fails to get the
required signatures of 65% of the property
owners within the proposed district.

STEERING ComMMITTEE To MEET

The Library Project Steering Commit-
tee is now forming. At least 30 to 40
Neighbors are needed to begin the assess-
ment district petition process.

Interested persons are encouraged to
attend an organizational meeting Monday
evening, November 28, 7:30 pm at the
home of Mr. Marc Beyeler, 5250
Desmond at Clifton (654-6787). For
further information, call Mr. Beyeler or
Ms. Nancy Dutcher (653-6018).

Production and distribution of the
Rockridge Newsis all a voluntary effort.
There is, however, a substantial monthly
printing bill. Your donations to RCPC
help mect that cost. A donation coupon
is printed on page 3 for your use.

Thank you for helping.

The rains are coming!
(Believe it or not.)
Be sure to keep your curbs
and gutters swept clean of
Fall’s leafy bounty!
November 12, 1988

The Rockridge News

Page 5

CAMA Report

Panhandlers On College Avenue

Neighborhood Alert: Don’t Feed The Panhandlers!

1. Panhandling is illegal!

2. Panhandlers often use the money for drugs or alcohol

3. If you want to help, give to a reputable charity

There is an increasing number of panhandlers and vagrants
on College Avenue lately. They are increasing because they
collect a lot of money here. Asa resident, you may come into
contact with them only occasionally. Merchants, however,
see them daily, often several times.

One of the elements that makes Rockridge most desirable
is the ability to walk safely on the streets day or night. If we
continue to allow panhandling, vagrancy, and public drunken-
ness, Rockridge will quickly lose part of that desirability.

Most panhandlers appeal to our sympathy by implying or
stating that they are without the necessities. In fact, according
to Hugo Gonzales, our walking police officer, needy people
don’t panhandle. They seek out one of the numerous pro-
grams designed to provide food and shelter.

Many panhandlers are alcoholics or drug addicts. They
often receive welfare and/or disability payments. Once they
get your money, they buy alcohol, cigarettes or drugs.

If you want to help needy people, please support a legiti-
mate charity that controls where your money is spent.

If you have questions or comments about CAMA, please
contact me at 428-9256. Thank you.

— Eddie Zeidan, President

~ Seasonal Happenings Scheduled

At College Avenue Presbyterian

SEASONAL HAPPENINGS SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, November 23rd, 7:30 pM
Annual Thanksgiving Eve candlelight Communion Service
Sunday, November 27th, 6:00 pm
Advent wreath-making party and dessert and the “Lighting
of the First Candle”
Sunday, December 18th, 10:10 aM
Bagpipe-led Christmas processional, from Rockridge BART
Station
Saturday, December 24th, 7:30 pm
Family-oriented Christmas Eve candlelight service, out by
8:15 pm
Sunday, December 25th, 10:30 am
Christmas Day worship celebration (occurring only once
every seven years)
MISCELLANEOUS HAPPENINGS:
m@ Youth (Jr. & Sr. Highs) meet every Tuesday at 7:00 pm
@ Senior Adults from all over Rockridge meet at Senior
Activity Center on Wednesdays, 9:15 am to 2:00 pm
@ If you’re interested in small-group Bible studies, Disci-
pleship training, Discussion Groups, exciting Worship which
allows for both the comtemporary and the traditional format, with
others from Rockridge, you’ll want to check us out.
Oruer Cuurcues IN Our AREA WELComE A Visir AS WELL
Rockridge United Methodist; St. Peter’s Episcopal; Berkland
Baptist; St. Augustine Catholic; Memorial Tabernacle Christ
Holy Sanctified Church; and St. Clement’s Episcopal.
— Bill Beatty, Pastor
College Avenue Presbyterian Church

ROCKRIDGE

MUSE

Rockridge Artists And Authors

Enjoy Liz Maxwell’s paintings, pastels and watercolors while
depositing your millions at First Federal Savings and Loan on
College. Ms. Maxwell, a Rockridgean, has had her works shown
around town, including local locations such as the Edible
Complex. Retired from her government employment as a stat-
istician, she now teaches math and addresses herself more seri-
ously to her art. Paintings in the First Federal display are avail-
able for purchase. Ms. Maxwell can be reached by phone at 654-
5741.

And... did you know Rockridge has its own private eye?

Jake Samson and his partner Rosie are two detectives who
frequent the Rockridge locale in Shelley Singer’s mystery series,
the fifth book of which is now out (as of November 14) and
available in book stores. Ms. Singer, a Rockridgean, “...paints
the San Francisco Bay Area the way Chandler painted L.A.”,
according to James N. Frey. Look for Full House, her third book
in the series, at Safeway.

— Margret Elson

w Readers please note: The Rockridge News is published the week-end before
the third Wednesday of each month except August. Events scheduled before
that week-end should be received not later than the first of the preceding
month. Send to: Margret Elson, 5425 College Avenue, #2, Oakland, CA
94618. While every effort will be made to accommodate all announcements
received, The Rockridge News cannot guarantee space in every issue nor
assume responsibility for errors.

Ehhh... What’s Up, Doc?
(Would You Believe
A Six-Foot Rabbit?)

A six-foot rabbit? Be on the lookout for one as Oakland
Tech’s highly acclaimed drama department stages the classic
comedy Harvey on December 1, 2, and 8, 9.

The comedy centers on the affairs of an upper-crust and
ambitious family who believe one of its members, Elwood, is
suffering from a mental disorder. He says he sees a six-foot rabbit

Harvey has plenty of humorous and sentimental moments,
but, above all, is a play about people. It explores how institutions
are often used as excuses to isolate people who seem different.
Is Harvey really imaginary?

To find out the truth, catch the performance and enjoy North
Oakland’s young stars. Tickets — $4 General, $3 Students, $2
Seniors and children under 12 — may be purchased at the audi-
torium box office located on 42nd Street at Broadway.

Sublet Wanted

For 1 or 2 months anytime between
December and March for visiting grand parents.
Rockridge or Elmwood area preferred.
655-5211 (evenings)

Es Been eye
Page 6

In My View...

Comments by Marge Gibson-Haskell

Specific Plan; Specific Thanks

It’s been very rewarding this month to see the controversy over my
column in last month's Rockridge News. (See Letters, October issue,
and page 7 this issue. — Ed.) There are those who encourage this
political animal to speak her mind and there are those who feel that
everything in the newsletter should be issue oriented. I have been
trying to walk a line between those poles but as a political person, I
do tend to fall on one side. However, I will try to state my views with
regard to issues that I believe the neighborhood needs to focus on.

THE SPECIFIC PLAN

The Rockridge neighborhood planning process is a first in
the City of Oakland. Being first is very difficult because you
have no other pattern or model to follow. The series of four
meetings conducted by a facilitator to develop goals and objec-
tives for the Rockridge Specific Plan is nothing less than a labor
of love by individuals concerned about their neighborhood’s
future. Using a facilitator is a marvelous way of developing
consensus on issues of significance. The City Council uses this
method and has used it every year for eight years to determine
the priorities for the forthcoming year. No final decisions are
actually made at these meetings, but we air our views and de-
velop our priorities so that a pattern of programs and policies
ultimately emerges.

The key to making such efforts result in a workable plan for
Rockridge is participation by as many people as possible. Only
with the development of a broad consensus in the neighborhood
will implementation of a plan occur that meets the needs of the
residents and merchants alike. I hope this method proves as
valuable to the Rockridge community as it has to the City
Council. Each of you who reads this column can make the
difference.

Orcnps

Blake Spears, who lives on Shafter Avenue, sees a need for
ways to recognize positive contributions by community mem-
bers. Blake and I agree that when it becomes a norm for people
to give of themselves to their community, more people help
than might otherwise. Thus, a regular program of recognition
for citizens who substantially contribute to Rockridge might
encourage others,

The person Blake and I were discussing is Kathleen Whit-
low. She organized the 5200 block of Shafter into an active
Home Alert unit and works hard as a block captain. She
obtained stop signs to reduce traffic speed and provide greater
child safety. She organized an annual block party right down
to providing for volley ball, obstacle courses, egg tosses, bar-
becues and ping pong. In short, she has made her street a
neighborhood of friends. She also recognized the need to
empower others to work so she organized with others the
block’s recycling program. The money they raise covers minor
neighborhood expenses. Neighbors such as Kathleen Whitlow
need to be publicly recognized by the Rockridge community to
encourage others. In this way Rockridge truly will be a neigh-
borhood of friends.

Ler ME Hear From You

I welcome your comments upon my views. A telephone call
to me or my assistant, Bill Lowe, at 273-3266 or, if you wish,
a letter to The Rockridge News, will be appreciated.

The Rockridge News

November 12, 1988

Rockridge Avenue/inman & Doty

IAN. 1908. ALL RGHTS RESERVED

DAD, You've Gor To HELP Me
WITH THE Dowal PaYmenr !

. DRYCLEANUS.A.

CT LEK
When’s the best time
to bring in your holiday clothes
for cleaning ?

Now!

BOB & KATHLEEN LORBEER DRYCLEAN-USA
5701 COLLEGE AVENUE

Marge Gibson-Haskell
City Council District 1

When buying and selling in
the Rockridge District,
it makes good “cents”

to call Rockridge Realtors.

Rockridge Realtors
655-2330

_—

—

November 12, 1988

The Rockridge News

Page 7

ters To The N Ws

A Regular

Councilmember Column?

Editor:

Thank you for The Rockridge News
which I think helps stimulate community
consciousness and provides useful infor-
mation. I appreciate your work.

I am writing in response to a letter
published in October which questioned
the “wisdom” of providing our City
Council Representative, Marge Gibson-
Haskell, a newsletter column.

There are three reasons why I am very
much in favor of continuing this arrange-
ment:

1. The column provides information
and represents another avenue for getting
useful information to the public;

2. The column creates a two-way link
between elected official and citizen be-
cause it invites feedback;

3. The column does not preclude The
Rockridge News from expressing an
independent opinion or different perspec-
tive on any issue.

Actually, I not only think it is appro-
priate, I think it is necessary for The
Rockridge News to publish news from
our Council Representative in a neighbor-
hood newsletter.

Keep up the good work!

— Roberta A. Johnson

More Trees For

General Landscape

Editor:

Tenjoy reading The Rockridge News.
I suggest that in addition to focussing
upon College Avenue, the Rockridge
Community Planning Council also focus
upon enhancing the general landscape.

Specifically, I would like trees to be
planted on most of the streets. By plant-
ing more trees, the neighborhood charac-
ter will be greatly improved. Streets
which could use many more trees are
Clifton, Miles, and Cavour.

In addition, I suggest that RCPC en-
courage MedChoice at the corer of
Clifton and Claremont to plant trees along
the sidewalk. Planting trees along the
sidewalk would change the character
from an exploited ghetto to a caring
community. This shift in neighborhood is
demonstrated by the Market Hall at the
BART station where the trees have en-
hanced the look of the neighborhood.

— Erik Peper
Editor’s Note:

To arrange street trees for your block,
call Oakland Park Services, 273-3151,
and speak to Mr. Jim Ryugo or Mr. Joseph
Newman.

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Older And Back On
The Job In Oakland

In this political year, “job hunting” has
become fashionable. But, for the past 19
years, an Oakland community project has
been quietly and consistently making
good on the promise of finding work for
older people... a real benefit to the worker
and the community.

“ASSETS” Senior Employment Op-
portunities, a program of Bay Area
Community Services, Inc. (BACS) and
formerly named the Senior AIDES Pro-
gram is now actively inviting older adults
to participate in the program. “ASSETS”
provides paid training to teach skills or
upgrade skills in resumé preparation and
interviewing. M. Ricardo Hayes, “AS-
SETS” Employment Specialist works
individually with older adults to match
skills, job preferences and hours with an
employer in the Oakland area. In the last
two years, “ASSETS” has successfully
placed over 100 older workers in security
work, food service, elder care, data proc-
essing, clerical positions, and gardening.

As Joan Hamilton, 62 years old, puts
it, “Assets has helped me find my niche.”
Hamilton has worked for two years as a
Customer Service Representative for an
independent cargo line at Oakland Air-
port. “My husband’s pension discontin-
ued the month he died,” she continued.
“After 10 years of not working, I suddenly
had to go back to work. ASSETS gave me
the confidence I needed.”

“ASSETS” is an Oakland program ad-
ministered by BACS and funded by the
National Council of Senior Citizens and
the City of Oakland Private Industry
Council under a contract with the U.S.
Department of Labor.

“ASSETS?” is located in the St. Joseph
Professional Building at 2647 East 14th
Street, Suite 202. If you’re an Oakland
resident 55 and older interested in earning
an income (or adding to your Social
Security income) call Beth Logan or
Brendalynn Goodall at Bay Area Com-
munity Services, Inc.: 436-0141.

Piano Lessons
Convenient Rockridge
Location

Beginners Welcome
420-0965
Page 8

The Rockridge News

November 12, 1988

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Chimes Wishes You And Yours
A Happy Thanksgiving

We'll be open from
9am to5 pm
Thanksgiving Day,
and from 9 am to Midnight
the following day.
We've got champagne and
wine on special.

Come in for details.

\ New Weekend Hours! SF

7 AM to Midnight Monday-Friday
9 AM to Midnight Saturday & Sunda
5642 College Avenue At Rockridge BART
428-9256

The Rockridge News is published monthly in Oakland

except in August and is sponsored by The Rockridge
Community Planning Council.

Got something planned you'd like to have The Rockridge

News tell about? Call Don Kinkead at 655-7474 or write to
5626 Oak Grove Avenue, Oakland 94618 (of course!) and let

us

know.

@ December issue deadline is December 6th.