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VOL.15 * NO.5  * ISSUENO.157. *

MAY 6, 2000

e News

www.rockridge.org

CIRCULATION: 5,300 RESIDENCES, 200 BUSINESSES

Sponsored by The Rockridge Community Planning Council * 5856 College Ave. #130 ° Oakland, CA 94618 © 814-6060

New Oakland School Boss
Describes Work Ahead —

Just a few months into his job, Oakland School
Superintendent Dennis Chaconas already has a plan and is
confident he can fix our schools

by Cy Gulassa

fter listening to new Oakland School

Superintendent Dennis Chaconas
speak at Carter Middle School recently,
it’s easy to conclude that the Oakland
School Board — too often reviled for its
Ineptness — showed wisdom in selecting
him to succeed Interim Superintendent

George Musgrove. wih
Chaconas is a nice guy — charming, ge
lolksy, accessible — with a “pinch me "aii
attitude about his elevation to the head “agi
of the 53,000-student district. But don’t rea
. ; Pay. ee
let his surfer necktie and rumpled blazer otra

fool you. He has all the qualities that go
into solid leadership — experience, vision
and the toughness to achieve. His stints as
principal of Carter Middle School (when
he was only 27), and principal of Oakland
Tech gave him in-depth knowledge of
how the Oakland system operates, he told
the 100 parents, teachers and residents who came to check him out. As
Superintendent of the Alameda School District, he proved he has the

vision and strength to turn around a $4-million deficit and radically
Improve student success.

Sporting a surfer tie and
a friendly smile, Oakland
Schools Superintendent
Dennis Chaconas shows

solid leadership qualities.
Photo, Cy Gulassa

Chaconas believes OUSD suffers from several systemic problems
See “Chaconas,” page 9?

Rockridge BIG Loser in
Caldecott Tunnel Debate

by Ronnie Spitzer
\ M Jith another bore for the Caldecott Tunnel looking

more and more like a fait accompli, Alameda
County participants are asking what the purpose of
the Highway 24 Corridor study was. Even before a
recommendation could be issued by the corridor study’s
Policy Advisory Committee, Governor Davis on April
6 proposed $20 million from the state budget surplus
to start the construction
of another tunnel. This
action not only blindsided
the committee, it signaled
that the Governor doesn’t
much value community
input.

At the April 21 PAC
meeting, the MTC’s
consultant estimated a two-
lane bore would cost $185

million and a three-lane
bore $351 million.

Although MTC says no funding has been secured,
it is clear that Interregional Transportation Funds are
being sought, and that Contra Costa officials believe
the cost is reasonable.

hat is most distressing about the project is that
none of the $4 million set aside for environmental
mitigations will apply to Rockridge. The MTC sug-
gested that since no additional highway capacity such

See “Rockridge Traffic,” page 10

May RCPC Meeting: School for Zoning?

INSIDE

30 p.m.

Revised CCAC student housing proposal to be discussed
in the context of zoning rules, proposed changes

Librarian Gay Ducey 2
Zoning 3
Earth Day 4

by Chad Thompson, RCPC Zoning and
Design Review Committee Chair

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Rockridge Branch Library
5366 College Avenue (at Manila)

Meeting Agenda

Thursday, May 18, 7

he area along Broadway between 51* Street and Broadway Terrace

is a car-oriented landscape busy with traffic and not particularly
inviting or pedestrian friendly. The contrast with the smaller scale,
pedestrian oriented feel of the surrounding neighborhood is a reason
this location was chosen as a ‘test area’’ by the city’s zoning update
team. The zoning update is a multi-year project to completely revise

See “Meeting: Zoning,” page 3

Ethics Appointee 5
Isabel Allende 6
Chabot School 7
Rockridge Cornucopia 8
Rockridge Muse 11
Calendar, Classifieds 12
Traffic, Letter 13
Crime Report 14
In Memorium:

Peter Bosko 15

2. Ridckridge News

May 6, 2009

nT
{| i nr - _ —E

'y Gay Ducey Children's Librarian
On Picking What to Read

he old Houston Public Library is the first one |

remember. We took the bus down Bissonet Street ane
: stepped out into a shady block of pecans and magnolias, wit
Photos Chas Ablsirand’ +8 grand old building in the middle. No air conditioning
in those days, so it was very warm in the library most of the time an
ceiling fans moved the air around. | was perfectly happy there. My parents
left me in the children’s room and came back awhile later to collect mé
and to shorten the ambitious stack of books | wanted to borrow. We
read all the way home.

When summer began | staked out a place in the fig tree or On the sofa
and read there for much of the summer, between racing and romping. My
mother never inquired into my reading choices, nor did my father. | poked
around that big library, sometimes wandering into the adult section for a
book or two to add to my stack. | was an eclectic reader, although most
of my choices were located on the first three shelves, which was as high
as | could reach. | could claim that my parents were too respectful of
my privacy to adjudicate my literary selections, but it would not be true.
They simply didn’t think much about it and were generally pleased that | read
such a lot. No one ever took me in hand and asked a librarian to recommend
a good book, so | went about it randomly, sometimes finding marvelous
surprises, sometimes not. There’s something to be said for that approach,
but | wish that | had had some advice from time to time for | missed a lot. |
had my own children before | read Winnie the Pooh.

akland Public Library carves out a judicious middle ground in this debate.

We design the summer Reading Program for discreet encouragement,
while not averse to inducements in the form of small treats and trinkets.
This year kids will count, not titles, but time. This is a pretty compulsive
deal, but it seems to work, particularly for leveling the playing field. My
daughter would have tangoed right through the eight books we previously
required, while my son would have drooped with the effort. So the kids
will sign up (after June 15‘) and start reading. Tick-tock,tick-tock. Every
hour or so there's a prize.

The other big news is that there is also a teenager reading program.
This is our second year. Kids sign up, read, and write a review. We post
these, and we will learn a lot from our wise readers, if last summer is
any indication. We give away cool stuff, too. But this summer the teen's
program for |2- to 18-year-olds is “Celebrating the Arts in Oakland,” and
a teen can write a review of any of several cultural events. The review
might be a watercolor, or whatever (we're flexible). At the end we will
have a party for our teen participants.

How about it? We do hope you'll join us.

alienated

Rockridge librarians are looking for volunteers in middle or high school to
help run the summer reading program. Volunteers are welcome to come for
just a few hours, or for a regular shift. Call Gay Ducey or Thanh Ho for

: more information at 597-5017, or drop by the branch,

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See COMMUNITY CALENDAR, PAGE 12
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THE

RoéckridgeNews

The Rockridge News, founded in 1986 by Don
Kinkead, is published monthly in Oakland and ie
sponsored by the Rockridge Community Planning
Council, a non-profit public benefit organization
founded to: preserve and enhance the unique
character of the Rockridge neighborhood; promote
the health, safety and quality of life of its residents:
furnish a forum for community involvement,
and provide leadership and representation of
neighborhood interests.

Rockridge News Production

Cy Gulassa ...sssessecseesseesnee Editor-in-Chief

Alice Wilson-Fried............. Writer

Ortrun Niesar.......ccecsee The Rockridge Muse

Barry Kaufman ......ssrssessse Food

Michael SIMON ....ccccceseeeeees Health

Theresa NelSON ......cccceseceseeeens Neighborhood Merchant

Chris Ahlstrand...............0. Photography

Madeline Alcorta........#......Advertising

Susan Montauk. .............000. Business Manager
(Distribution, Subscriptions)

Don Kinkead........cceceeseeens Graphics & Layout

RCPC Board of Directors, 1999-2000

Chad Thompson .........00000 Chair

Susan Montauk...............006 Co-Vice-Chair

Marilyn Citron... Co-Vice-Chair

Frank Giunta... Secretary

Meredith Kaplan ................ Treasurer

Cy Gulassa, Dan Pitcock,
Ronnie Spitzer, Theresa Nelson

NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS

Yearly subscriptions to The Rockridge News
can be obtained by sending a check for $18, payable
to Rockridge News Subscriptions to: Rockridge News
Subscriptions at the address below.

CONTACTING THE RockrioGe News
mw Are there community issues you'd like to see
covered in The Rockridge News?
m Do you have questions about newsletter
distribution?
@ Would you like to volunteer to be a Rockridge
News block captain?

Contact us at one of the following addresses or
telephone numbers:

www.rockridge.org
The Rockridge News, 5856 College Avenue,
PMB 130, Oakland, CA 94618
RCPC Voicemail: 814-6060

NewsLetter ApvertisinG/DEADLINES
Articles published in The Rockridge News may
be reprinted only with the permission of the
editors. Publication date of the next issue is
(@ June 3,2000 —@™ June deadline is May 18.
To advertise, call Madeline Alcorta at
547-2896. (RCPC reserves the right to refuse

any display or classified ad that it deems
inappropriate.)

April 8, 2000

Rdckridge News

5

Update Project

Oakland’s zoning regulations are
now undergoing massive revisions
that include consolidating the
existing 60 zones into 19.

by Clare Langley-Hawthorne

he City of Oakland is currently revis-

ing its planning and zoning regulations
to make them consistent with the General
Plan, adopted in March 1998, which
Outlines a vision for Oakland development
over the next 20 years. The existing codes
are being updated and changed to provide
a more user-friendly framework for the
review and approval of projects, and to
strike a balance between the interests
of residents, owners, and the character
of neighborhoods. The new regulations
will also govern non-conforming uses and
clarify live/work rules.

The update process consists of two
phases. The first, to be completed by
year’s end, focuses on regulations transfer-
ring new land use classifications in the
General Plan to specific zones. The second
phase will produce a draft zoning map
incorporating the changes. The City
Council will review and consider the map
later this year.

The Zoning Update Committee which
oversees the project has already held a
series of public meetings. The first sought
input on the overall framework for the
proposed new planning code, which will
employ a land-based system that will
consolidate the current 60 zones into 19.

Subsequent meetings examined the
decision making, review and appeal
process under the new code. After the
Oakland Hills fire, residential design
review became a major concern. Neigh-

Oakland’s Zoning

es
Meeting: Zoning

from page /

and update the planning code. Decisions
made now will have a direct impact on
the quality of life in our neighborhood
over the coming years.

Zoning can sometimes seem like the
province of experts, bureaucrats, policy
wonks, and lawyers until a real project
brings the provisions into sharp focus.
suddenly all that impenetrable language
becomes vitally specific when issues of
views, bulk, and parking are raised by a
propused major project.

Broadway

view of the
proposed

front
elevation of
the CCAC
dorm/parking
structure,
See Agenda,

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— from a print-out

: supplied by
architect

Mark Horton,

a

bors complained of inadequate notice
of proposed changes to properties even
when proposals substantially affected
their property. The committee emphasized
that the new code needs to achieve a
balance between discretionary review and
development rights

The committee also discussed a new
classification system for non-conforming
uses, i.e., once-legal land uses no longer
allowed because of zoning regulation
changes. These range from benign impact
(a small, multi-unit building) to high impact
(an industry in a residential area). The
proposed new regulations will focus on the

Limited time offer

——

At the May RCPC general meeting,
the latest revisions to the proposed stu-
dent housing project at the corner of
Broadway and Broadway Terrace will be
presented by Architect Mark Horton. This
project will be considered under the cur-
rent zoning code. Deborah Diamond of
the city planning department will present
an update on the general zoning project,
focusing on any changes which might affect
a project like the CCAC proposal.

Come to this important meeting to
learn about and discuss these vital issues
affecting our neighborhood, For further
information contact RCPC at 814-6060 or
E-mail chadthom@concentric.net

neighborhood impact of nonconforming uses
rather than their industrial classification.

The committee proposed licensing for
problem uses (those with a high impact
on neighbors) including palm readers, fast
food, liquor stores, needle exchange facili-
ties and restaurants (odor and garbage),
and varied standards based on degree of
impact. Granting high-impact licenses
would depend, in part, on the testimony
of neighbors.

Future public meetings will discuss
live/work regulations, commercial/
industrial zones, downtown develop-
ment and residential zoning. For meeting
dates and detailed information, visit
www.oaklandnet.com and click on the
Zoning Update hot link.

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Rockridge News —y S: 2000

Rain or Shine, Earthday Volunteers Turn Out

by Susan Montauk

Ro clad volunteers braved incle-
ment weather on Saturday, April 22, to

participate in this 3rd successive TemeRock

Garden Club Earthday project on 51st Street

Toting personal garden tools and making
selections from the giant loppers, shovels
and brooms provided by the Oakland Parks
Department, they chose spots from Tele-
graph to Lawton Avenues to chop away at
vines, pull tenacious weeds and clean up
refuse in order to restore the area to Its
springtime beauty. A morning snack fortified
them in their labors and a noontime lunch,
Earth Day T-shirts, and the satisfaction of a
job well-done were their reward.

Food and drink were donated by Albert-
son's, Grocery Outlet, Market Hall Caterers
and Red Tractor Cafe.

Interested in joining the TemeRock
Garden Club? Call 547-3855.

chase
COLLEGE

by Theresa Nelson

Spasso Coffeehouse
6021 College Avenue 428-1818

he new owner of Spasso, Reza

Salehi, will launch a new menu in
May and add to the cafe’s offerings.
Former owner Hamid Rasafar is taking
some time off. The Rockridge News
readers will recall that, after Hamid
was wounded in a robbery at the store,
he made an amazing recovery. Many
Rockridge neighbors volunteered and
worked in the cafe to keep the doors
open during his hospitalization and
recovery.

The Conga Room
5422 College Avenue

Te Conga Room has opened, above
Pizza Rustica, 5422 College Avenue.
The Polynesian-themed bar features
exotic drinks and creative appetizers,
along with plastic pineapples, wooden
tiki gods, and fishnets on the walls.

a es

Earth Day volunteers cut bushes,
trim trees and catch their breath
while cleaning up 5Ist Street.

—

e tr
Photo left and helow: Susan Montauk

Earth Day volunteers came from
all over the neighborhood to
donate their time and skills.

Above, Mary Johnson
of 39th Avenue
with a full bag.

Top right: taking
a lunch break under
the sign announcing
the clean-up project.

At right, the Zumbro family
of Clifton Avenue trims
and bags together.

Below, Patrick Cullinane of Miles
Avenue with the

fruits of his labor.

Photo left: Susan Montauk
Above: Lydia Gans

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Réckridge News

3.

Rockridge Resident Joins Oakland Public Ethics Commission

by Theresa Nelson,
RCPC Board Member

ie November, Willie J. Smith, a
30-year Rockridge resident, was
appointed to the Oakland Public Ethics
Commission (PEC). A Vietnam veteran,
Willie retired as a logistics manager
from Alameda Naval Air Station after 30
years, and began expanding his volunteer
involvement in the community. Intrigued
by the call for concerned citizens to join
the Public Ethics Commission, he applied
and was appointed by a majority vote
of the Commission. Recently we talked
about the Public Ethics Commission, what
it does, and how Willie sees his role as
a Commissioner.

TN: Tell us about your background and
personal history.

WS: I’m from Ohio originally, and joined
the Navy in 1962, spending much of my
time at Leemore Naval Base near Fresno.
In 1966 I came to Oakland to see some
friends, liked the area, and started at
Alameda Naval Air Station as a mechanic,
working up to logistics manager. I also
completed my B.S. at Cal State Hayward
in Management Science. I met my wife,
Cheri Shoemaker, when I was in the Navy
and she was a college student. She was
master of ceremonies for a youth program
in the Hanford area, and 1n my spare time
I was the lead singer in a rhythm & blues
band. We've been together ever since.

TN: You raised your family in Oakland
as well?

WS: Yes, we’ve lived in Rockridge for
30 years and have three children: Aubrey
is entering medical school, Nicole is
a media attorney with Disney Studios,
and Peter is a special Agent with the
California Department of Justice. Cheri
is an American Sign Language instructor
at Vista College in Berkeley.

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TN: What got you involved in community

work?

WS: I’ve always felt that Oakland has
been beat up — unfairly — in the press,
and that Oakland is far better than the
negative media image. When I retired, my
daughter got me involved in Habitat for
Humanity and a community health far,
and something just clicked for me.

TN: So why volunteer for the Public Ethics
Commission?

WS: The mission of PEC, the Public
Ethics Commission, appeals to me: to
promote the highest confidence in the
government of the City of Oakland. It
means that everything that is the public’s
business should be public, except what
is legally required to be closed by the
charter. PEC does several things I think
are important: |) helps citizens get easier
access to public information, 2) educates
city officials, candidates, boards and
commissions, and staff about ethics,
3) investigates complaints about ethics
violations, 4) recommends changes in law
to promote ethics in government, and 5) sets
a standard, by example, for ethical conduct.
Originally PEC set the salaries for the City
Council [before I was appointed], now we
only recommend increases based on the
Consumer Price Index; other increases
must go before the voters.

TN: What are the major issues confronting
PEC?

WS: Enforcing the Sunshine [open govern-
ment] Ordinance and the Campaign Reform
Act [campaign finance and contribu-
tions], and working to draft the new
lobbyist registration ordinance. Most of
the complaints we hear are about Sunshine
Act violations and campaign finance
issues. Citizens have the right to file a
complaint against any official — the City
Council, the Mayor, members of boards
and commissions, the City Manager, City
Attorney, City Auditor, and any employee of

The mission of PEC, the Public Ethics
Commission, is to promote the highest
confidence in the government of the

City of Oakland.

Ethics Commission Appointee

the City for ethics violations. [The Oakland
School Board is not covered by PEC].

TN: What happens when someone files
a complaint?

WS: The complaint goes to the Commis-
sion’s Executive Director, who must decide
within 30 days if there is probable cause,
in which case it is forwarded to PEC for
investigation. We review the complaint and
seek an opinion from the City Attorney
or outside legal counsel. If there is no
violation, we drop the complaint. However,
if there is a violation, PEC can levee a
fine or, if criminal action is involved, go
to the grand jury.

TN: This sounds like a very serious
position. Are you enjoying PEC, too?
WS: I really enjoy it — there’s a lot to
read and I’ve vowed to learn the language
of the City Charter and the law. Most of
the commissioners are attorneys, but since
I’m not, I try to get issues discussed in
plain English. What I like best is that I’m
chairing the new PEC Education Commit-
tee, whose purpose is to inform the public,
City staff and contractors about PEC and
the rights of the public. I hope to do a
number of presentations to community
groups to make sure people know their
rights and get them more involved in City
government.

TN: Your closing thoughts?

WS: I hope Oakland citizens will see
themselves as vital participants in govern-
ment. Get involved, file an ethics complaint
if it’s appropriate. Don’t let City officials
do all the thinking for you. Do take
responsibility for making this a wonderful
City.

In the interest of full disclosure and public
ethics, the writer (who ts also a volunteer
Member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory
Commission) enjoyed a lovely chicken Caesar
salad at La Creme de la Creme on College
Avenue courtesy of Commissioner Smith, who
had the lamb chops.

Allende

by Alice Wilson-Fried

fter reading Isabel Allende’s latest

novel, Daughter of Fortune, I was so
impressed that I called her to talk about
the book and her career. Daughter of
Fortune details the life of a young woman
who, during the era of the gold rush,
leaves her village in Chile and sails to
San Francisco to reunite with the father
of the child she is carrying. Following are
excerpts of our conversation.

AW-F: J understand that your writing
career began in journalism. Yet you
have such a profound writing voice in
your novels, | was wondering what life

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incident made it clear to you that you
should become a novelist?

IA: I had no epiphany. No female
models to emulate. I did, afterall, live
in exile in Venezuela for a while after
the military coup in Chile and had to
do whatever I could to make a living.
However on January 8, 1981, I received
a phone call that my grandfather was
dying in Chile. I wrote him a letter
that later became my first book, House
of Spirits.

AW-F: The memoir you wrote, Paula,
also stems from a personal incident —
your ill daughter. But what prompted
Daughter of Fortune, which involves a
fictional heroine living in California
over a century ago? Apparently, there's
little autobiographical connection.

IA: In 1991, I finished the book /nfinite
Plan, which was set in California. I fell
in love with the place. While doing the
research, I learned that California was
only 150 years old, that acentury anda
half ago there were very few non-natives
there. What brought people to this part
of the world was the discovery of gold.
In moments like that, human vices and
virtues are enlarged, which is great for
literature. So many wonderful things
happened that I decided that’s what I
wanted to write about.

AW-F: Do the characters in the novel,
especially those that heal and phi-
losophize, represent more than just
characters. Do they represent themes?

TA: My characters are real, not repre-
sentative of some idea or ideology. I’m

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often surprised by the interpretation
critics give my work.

AW-F: What about all the flashback.
and use of the omniscient viewpoint — are
these part of a conscious design or...?

1A: A story sets its Own tone and
rhythm. Rather than impose design, jt
must evolve. For example, the nove]
was supposed to be an adventurous love
story, but it wasn’t until I wrote the last
sentence, “I am free,” that I realized
the story was about freedom.

AW-F: J have to admit that the Oprah
Winfrey sticker drew me to your book, it
was one of her recommendations,

IA: Ah, see what she’s done for
reading!

AW-F: J understand you're at a writer’s
retreat. Are you working on a new novel?

IA: Yes.

AW-F: Another period piece, or will
you explore humanity as it ts today?

IA: Another historical novel. One
thing I discovered when researching
Daughter of Fortune is that people 150
years ago were no different — no less
complicated or contradictory — than
they are today.

AW-F: The title?

IA: I’m afraid that is all I’m going to
say about my new book.

AW-F: Inevitably there’s a reader/
writer out there who'd like your advice
on how to break into the seemingly
elusive world of publishing fiction.

IA: Geta good agent. It’s impossible
to get fiction published otherwise.

Rockridge writer Alice Wilson-Fried
has written two novels and
is working on her third.

Acupuncture and Herbal
Medicine

Mary Goulart, RN, FNP, LAc
595-0527

May 6, 2000 Rédckridge News 7,

—

Rockridge News Layout Guy
Recognized for Work With
Neighborhood Newsletters

ara
+e. 45
Ls

t a recent League of Women Voters award
luncheon, Don Kinkead, layout and design director

for The Rockridge News, was honored for his work in
co-founding the Oakland Neighborhood Newsletter
Task Force. Pictured from left are Bonnie Hamlin,
League President, Kinkead, Daphne Markham, NLTF

co-founder, and Vice-Mayor Henry Chang.
Photo: Cy Gulassa

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“touch pool.”
habot is

to participate

Cream volunteers, participated in a series of
exciting activities — from printing Ocean
Week T-shirts using the centuries-old Japanese
practice of Gyotaku, or fish rubbing, to
experiencing sea creatures up close in a mobile

throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Finland

Chabot Elementary
Heads Out to Sea

by Vicki Hammarstedt

lassrooms at Rockridge’s Anthony Chabot Elementary
School were transformed into laboratories for the discovery
| and exploration of the ocean during a week of school-wide activities
focused on marine science. Guided by Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall
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the ocean.

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April 3-7, classroom
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pools, kelp forests, and
fantastic sea animals
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community, including
Dreyer’s Grand Ice

one of hundreds of schools Herme the Hermit Crab delights
the students while searching for his
lost home.

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Rdckridge News

May 6, 2000

Celebrating
Cinco de Mayo

lthough it’s acommon misconception,

Cinco de Mayo ts not the Mexican
equivalent of 4" of July. Cinco de Mayo
actually commemorates the defeat of the
French army by the Mexicans at the Battle
of Puebla in 1862. Although recognized
as a national holiday in Mexico, it 1s more
of a regional holiday celebrated primarily
in the city and state of Puebla.

Cinco de Mayo has become a popular
holiday in regions of the United States
where there is a large Mexican or Chicano
community. Just like St. Patrick’s Day,
Cinco de Mayo is becoming part of the
holiday calendar of more and more North
Americans. Commercial interests have
been very successful in promoting the
holiday with advertising and marketing
focused on Mexican food, restaurants,
and especially beer.

As with other complex cuisines, Mex1-
can cooking is highly regionalized, with
vast differences in flavors, textures, Cook-
ing techniques, and the use of local herbs
and spices. Most supermarkets now carry
a selection of everyday ingredients for
Mexican cooking. A variety of fresh
and dried chiles, tomatillos, Mexican
spices, and masa (cornmeal for making
tomales and tortillas) are available at
Safeway, Albertson’s, Market Hall, and

Yasai Market.

W: are most fortunate in our Rock-
ridge community to have Cactus
Taqueria. Cactus Taqueria is one of the
finest and most authentic taquerias in
the Bay Area. The standard menu of

burritos, tacos, homemade tamales, and
chile rellenos is the best you will find

ATTENTION
HOMEOWNERS
I will show you how to

get top dollar for your
home and sell it now.

Selling Homes in the
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Speak five Indian languages.

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510/845-0211

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anywhere, but it is the daily specials that
make Cactus Taqueria truly unique. With
great salsas, a large selection of Mexican
beers and Aquas Frescas (fruit drinks),
Cactus Taqueria is a wonderful place to
celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

recent arrival to the College Avenue

food scene is Las Palmas. Las Palmas
and longtime Rockridge favorite, College

Tinga de Polla
Seasoned Shredded Chicken

Adapted from Diana Kennedy’s My Mexico

6 ounces chorizo or other mild sausage

Vs cup finely chopped white onion

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 cups finely shredded green cabbage

4 small plum tomatoes, finely chopped

1-2 canned chipotle chiles en adobo
and 1-2 teaspoons of the sauce from
the can (chipotle chiles are quite
spicy, so use according to taste)

2 cups poached and shredded chicken

(see note)
1/; cup chicken broth — use from the

poached chicken
salt to taste
corn tortillas

Take the chorizo out of the casing and
crumble into a large skillet. Cook over low
heat so that the fat renders out, but do
not let the meat brown. Strain off all but
2 tablespoons of the fat. Add the onion,
garlic, and cabbage and sauté over low
heat, occasionally stirring the mixture until
the vegetables are soft. Add the tomatoes
and chipotle chiles with the adobo sauce.
Continue cooking over medium heat until
most of juice has been absorbed and the
mixture is fairly dry. Stir in the shredded
chicken and broth and cook for another 5
minutes. Season to taste with salt. Serve
on warm tortillas.

Note: Poached and shredded chicken
breasts: Place two chicken breasts in 3 cups
of chicken broth (canned low-salt is fine).
Bring water to a boil, lower to a simmer
and cook until meat is tender — about 20
minutes. Set aside to cool in the broth.
Remove the skin and bone and shred the
meat. Use the Chicken broth for the tinga.

Avenue Burrito, offer standard Mexican
fare at reasonable prices

To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, let’s
prepare a traditional Tinga de Pollo from
the state of Puebla. It 1s in Puebla that
the world’s first great fusion cuisine
was created — criollo — a blending of
Mexican and Spanish food.

et’s go shopping! First we need to
Li. some chicken breasts. I urge you
to buy your poultry at one of our local
butchers. Poultry from supermarket chains
has been frozen and just does not have
the flavor of a fresh-killed, never-frozen
chicken. Enzo’s and Ver Brugge carry
fine poultry. But if you want something
special, consider buying an Empire kosher
chicken from Rockridge’s newest butcher,
Oakland Kosher Food. The chickens are
highly flavorful because they are brined
as part of the koshering process.

Other specialty items you will need
are Mexican chorizo sausage and canned
chipotle chiles en adobo, both of which
are available at our local supermarkets. |
noticed canned chipotle at Albertson’s on
the shelf near the “10 or less line.”

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by preparing
this tasty Tinga de Pollo. Serve with an
avocado-tomato salad and, of course, the
obligatory Mexican beer. Un feliz Cinco
de Mayo.

Rockridge resident Barry Kaufman is a
student at the California Culinary Academy.

Mon-Fri 9:30 - 6:00
Sat 9:30 - 5:00
CHIMES

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May 6, 2000

Rédckridge News

9.

Chaconas

from front page

that need immediate attention. For one,
no district-wide system of communication
exists. School board directives at the
top go unheeded and feed-back from the
bottom never arrives, so segments work in
isolation and tend to do their own thing.
Other systemic problems he identified
include no structure or expectation for
accountability, no ownership of problems,
no system-wide focus on student achieve-
ment, and no understanding that all parts of
the system must work together to produce
SUCCESS,

BR too long, Oakland has addressed
severe problems by shuffling organi-
zational charts, inventing programs, and
issuing more mandates, according to the
52-year-old former coach, who as a high
school student in Oakland was told by a
counselor to drop out of advanced classes
because he was not college material.
“Oakland managers deal with problems as
isolated entities rather than in context,”

he said. It’s foolhardy, for example, to
try to solve a teacher shortage with a
stand-alone program when it’s really a
district-wide problem. “As long as new
teachers can’t get broken windows fixed,
don’t have heat, get paychecks late, can’t
find guidelines for lesson planning, can’t
find out how to get support for students
with serious problems and don’t get treated

professionally,” no retention program will
hold them.

His strategy for turning Oakland
around includes cutting out layers in the
bureaucracy, returning teachers who are on
special assignment back to the classroom,
and implementing a district-wide system
of accountability with a strong evaluation
component. On March 15, letters were sent
to over 60 percent of school site administra-
tors, notifying them that they may be
assigned to other duties or terminated. At
Chaconas’s request, senior administrators
have already drafted a plan for responding
to the highly critical state audit, with
timelines and detailed descriptions of
objectives in all areas from communications
to facilities management.

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Day, Evening, Weekend Classes for Adults

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SUMMER CLASSES

For a free catalogue, call 510.594.3600.

SUMMER PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM
Oakland carr pus, July 10-28, 9 ar-4 pr
For students who have corr pleted 10th,
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For a free Pre-College program brochure, call 1.800.447,.1ART (1278),

CALIFORNIA COLLEGE

ee Te Le ae a ee
®snorance of a problem’s

/ cause will seldom yield

its cure — Dennis Chaconas

Chaconas made it clear that he is
committed to fiscal integrity even if it
means an unpleasant struggle with the
union. When pressed by a teacher in the
audience for an early settlement to contract
negotiations, he responded that much of
the money earmarked for the pay raise
so far was smoke and mirrors, consist-
ing of suspect estimates and one-time-
only money. He would make a prudent
settlement only after he had a reliable
assessment of funds. Further, he wants the
budget document redesigned so anybody
can read It.

n another exchange, Chaconas illustrated

what he means by “taking ownership
of problems.” When the principal of
Carter Middle School complained that he
needed replacements for staff that had left,
Chaconas asked if he had done an “exit
analysis” to find out why they didn’t want
to stay. The principal hadn’t. Chaconas,
warming to his critique, explained that
ignorance of a problem's cause will seldom
yield its cure. “Since other schools with
the same demographics as Carter Middle
School aren’t having a similar staff exodus,
the real problem may be right here, not
downtown,” he said.

Few question Chaconas’s determina-
tion, intelligence or his ability to get
things done. But many are waiting to see
if he can refloat OUSD as easily as he did
the Alameda School District and send it
steaming toward academic success.

6025 College Ave. *
(510) 595-0837

Rdckridge News

May 6, 2009

10.
Rockridge Traffic

from front page

as lane widening is being added along
the Rockridge section, no mitigations
are required. The money will go for,
among other things, a soundwall for the
Parkwoods condo complex (just west of
the new bore site), wetlands restoration
in Orinda, and the preparation of the
EIR.

The RCPC Traffic and Safety Com-
mittee does not agree with the MTC
assessment. If the bore is operated as
planned, the additional Tunnel lanes
will increase the total reverse commute
highway traffic through our section of
Hwy. 24. The mitigations the committee
believes essential are:

1. Soundwalls throughout the Rockridge
section of Hwy. 24 (At the request of
Councilmember Brunner, the MTC will
estimate the cost of a soundwall for
Rockridge.)

2. Redesign of Claremont and Broad-
way off-ramps to eliminate vehicular
conflicts.

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7 . 7 . AYe
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Broadway after Lake Temescal.
an Cross-

bound

4. Improvement of pedestr
ings on Broadway and Claremont.
improve pedestrian safety at the eas
Broadway exit, as this is used by school-

age children.

5. Traffic calming devices in lower
Rockridge LO slow the traffic that Short
cuts through.

hat do you think? Do you Oppose
Ww: support another bore? Are the
proposed Rockridge mitigations adequate?
Please give RCPC's Tratfic and Safety
Committee (653-0935) and Councilmem.

ber Jane Brunner (238-7001) your input!

Do you or a friend qualify for Oakland's

low-income ca

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Some customers are unaw
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if you'd prefer to apply through the mail, send a copy of your ID and documentation to 41 31 Lakeside Drive, Suite B,
Richmond, CA 94806. Please feel free to contact our Customer Service Department at 510-261-6800 if you have any

questions. Some restrictions may apply.

April 8, 2000

Rdckridge News

11.

East Bay Open Studios!

he Annual East Bay Open Studios

Tour is coming to town! The Pro
Arts Gallery at 46! Ninth Street,
just off Broadway in Old Oakland,
will be displaying sample artwork and
disseminating information about 400
participating artists from May 3 to June
11, with the actual Open Studio events
taking place on the weekends of June
3 and June ||.

An Open Studios
Primer

If you have never done an Open
Studios tour before, the sheer size of
the event can be overwhelming. Where
to start, how to get to see everything,
what to spend time viewing, how to get

CELIO EIO ULL ITS

Claremont

ENS PO NE PI AP IES PT

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a y ©
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bat a
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a OSs tele

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3 Photographs
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from $30- $500

Visit our New Gallery
2907 Claremont Ave (at Ashby)

near the Claremont Hotel.

Open by appointment, Call:

(510) 848-9300

by Ortrun Niesar y

Preparing for the
Open Studio Tour

the most out of it all. If you are not
the lone-wolf type, go with a group of
like-minded friends. This will save on gas
and parking problems.Visit the Pro Arts
Gallery a few days prior to the event
and research the participating artists
and studios. You will find examples of
artists’ work, artists’ statements and
resumes, and other material you might
need for a successful tour.

Be adventurous and include places
such as Alameda or the Fruitvale on
your list of destinations. Part of the fun
is viewing art from different areas of
the East Bay. To meet the artists of your
choice beforehand, plan to attend the
Artists’ Reception on Thursday, May
25, 7-9 p.m. If you don’t have time for
all this, at least go to the Pro Arts
website at www.proartsgallery.org.And
check out the exhibit of Rockridge
participants we hope to have at the
Rockridge Library!

On the day of the tour, dress
comfortably and start out early, itinerary

in hand. There will be so much to see
that you will not have time for it all,
guaranteed. Food and drink are generally
offered, so stopping for lunch is nice
but certainly optional. Allow at least
twenty minutes for each studio you visit.
Bring a notebook, a checkbook, and a
Christmas gift list! Many works of art
are quite affordable — about the cost
of a dinner for two — and portable,
so be prepared to buy. Definitely buy
when it’s love at first sight because that
piece may be gone when you come back.
See something that is out of your price
range? Talk to the artist about arranging
an installment purchase. Artists are pretty
accommodating people; many will gladly
spend time with you and offer advice on
how to handle and display art properly.
They will also ship to you, and work
with you over time, exchange pieces,
give credit toward another work — you
name it. If you like a particular artist,
be sure to sign the address book for
future events. Once you get in the habit
of following an artist's career, collecting
pieces of her or his work can be a
wonderful adventure.

Rockridge Artists

At least fifteen studios will be open
to the public in the Rockridge area and
you will be able to pick up maps to
these studios at the Rockridge library.
Participating artists are:

Carol Aust, Karen Carbone & Amy
Rosenthal, Lise Dahms & Kirsten Stolle,
Margaret Dorfman, Gerta Farber, Anne
Gomes, Howard Hopkirk, John Jacobsen,
Linda Lemon, Karen LeGault, Liz Maxwell,
Maura Singer, and Joanne Yeaton.

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12.

RlCassifieds

Your Message Here
Your 36-word message: $18 (phone number
counts as one word). Mail to: RN Classifieds,

5856 College Avenue, #130, Oakland, CA
94618. June deadline is May !8.

Guitar, Bass or Drum

Lessons In Rockridge

Older rock to indie and alternative. Blues,
country, jazz, reading, theory optional. 18
years teaching experience. Positive, fun

approach designed for your specific needs.
First lesson free. Lenny Gill 601-1579.

Help! Housing Wanted!

Ultra responsible, quiet and busy professional
with excellent references seeks reasonable
Oakland (pref. Rockridge) or Berkeley apart-
ment before Sept. Ist. Warren 601-8133.

Seeking Temporary Lodgings
for adult students during intensive programs;
3-14 day programs, twice yearly (winter,
summer), some weekends. Kitchen privileges
appreciated. Accomodations within walking
distance only (Claremont/College). Please call
Carrie, The Breema Center. 428-0937.

Will Care For house, apartment

building, pets, plants, in exchange for reduced

rent on | bedroom apartment. Nancy.
430-8820.

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| Check Your...

Submit Items T

5856 College Avenue, #130, OAKLAN

o RCPC COMMUNITY CALENDAR,

COMMUNITY CALENDAR .

D 94618 or call 814-6060.

BANANAS. 5232 Claremont Avenue, 658-7101,
Weonespay, May 10, 7-9 p.m. Kindergarten readiness
workshop
i Tutspay, May 16, 7-9 p.m. Potty training workshop
J Weonespay, May 17, 7-9:30 p.m. Tox workshop

for parents and nannies

Tuespay, May 23, 7-8:30 p.m. First childcare
experience workshop
I Tutsvays, May 2, 9, 16, 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
J Coretakers are invited to o free intermediate ESL class.
Pre- register by calling Bananas

Oakland Tours 4
Discover Oakland’s changing skyline, landmarks, l
churches and high rises on one of the free guided walking |
tours. The tours are offered Wednesdays and Saturdays, |
May through October. On the first Tuesday of the month
there is a tour of historic City Hall and the newly reno-
vated Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. Call 238-3234 to add your |
name to our mailing list and to receive a 2000 Schedule.
Log on to www.oaklandnet.com and click onthe com-
munity link for map, dates and starting places, !

College Avenue Adult Activities Center

Couece Avenue PrespyteriAn CHurcH, 5955 CoLtece
Ave. All activities Wednesdays, 11-noon. Lunch follows,
$1.75. Slide and video shows (SS) in Lighthouse Room.
May 10: Rockridge News Writer Ortrun Niesar

May 17: (Video) “Alaska”

May 24: (Video) “Life of Judy Garland”

May 31: (SS) “Far East”, Cathy Connelly

f June 7: (SS) “Norway”, Charlie Fitch

Pussycat Theater History Event |
“Beyond the Pussycat: Nine Lives of a Neighborhood
Landmark” will take place at the site of the former Pussy.
cat Theater (Telegraph/5lst Street), Saturday, May 20.
Temescal Creek, which flows under the site, willalsobe
a theme of this public event. Refreshments, prizes, and |
sunny spring weather should make this a festive occasion,

| College Preparatory School

| Annuat House Tour and Rarrit, Sunpay, May 21,

10 a.m.-4 p.m. This year’s theme is, “What's Art Got

to Do with It?” The tour, a fundraiser for the school’s
scholarship fund, will feature 8 homes, each one an
expression of the art lover — whether collector or artist
— who inhabits it. Raffle prizes range from a stay in a
Greek seaside villa to Oriental rugs from Claremont Rugs.

Tickets are $35. Call 652-6829 for information.

| NCPC Meetings

[Methodist Church, Manila/College Neighborhood Crime
J Prevention Council meets 2nd Thursday of each month at
7:30 p.m., Methodist Church, Manila/College. Public invited.

, North Oakland Community
Charter School

Informational meeting, May 23, 7:30 p.m. at the College

Avenue Presbyterian Church, 5951 College Ave., Oakland,

Come to hear more about the school opening in Sep-

tember 2000 and/or to submit an application for your

child entering kindergarten or first grade. Questions?

Call Denis Udall at 923-0495 or Allison Pugh at 290-454].

Rockridge Branch Library

5366 College Avenue, 597-5017 Storytimes:

Toppuers: 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, May 6,13 20 27
Prescnoot: 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. Tuesdays, May 2.16
Pasama: 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays, May 10, 24

Lawyers IN THE Liprary: Free advice 6-8 pm, Ist Thurs-
day each month. Signup starts af 5:00 p.m.

Book piscussion Group: Thursday, May 25, 7-9 p.m.
Call 597-5017 for more information.

Waitinc From tHe Sout: Free workshop with Susanne
West. Emphasis on writing for creative expression &
personal growth. Saturday, May 20, 1-4 p.m. To register
call 597-5017 by Thursday, May 18.

REMODELING AND Appitions: What You Need to Know: Free
workshop with architect Deborah Lane and Certified Remod-
eler Paul Winans. Thursday, June 1, 6:30-9:00 p.m. To
register, call 597-5017 by Tuesday, May 30.

Science Without Scientism
FREE TALK AND DiscussiON with Charles Lutner, sponsored
by the Secular Humanist of the East Bay (SHEB), May 7

/ p.m., Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Avenue.
e-mail: easthayhumanists.org

lToastmasters

i Early risers: Conquer your fear of public speaking and develo

J environment. Join Toastmasters. 7:00 a.m. every Thursday. Please call 251-3066 or email: spk2@flash.net
— eee ee ee

p leadership skills in a supportive, relaxed and friendly

cues GD GEES Gomes Gems ES GS Ge GD GD GD OD GE Ge SE es Ss GG Ge Ge Ge

Seismic/Remodeling Specialist

Rockridge Resident
947-6111

Cal. Lic. #522497

April 8, 2000

THE

Sckridge News

13.

Repaving Will Close Northbound College Avenue
Traffic Through Elmwood During the Summer

by Ronnie Spitzer & Reh-Lin Chen
he City of Berkeley will repave
College Avenue between Alcatraz
and Dwight Way in late May, a project
expected to take up to 2 months. During

this period, southbound traffic will
remain open.

Northbound traffic, however, will be
detoured to three alternative routes:

|. College-Alcatraz-Telegraph-
Dwight Way-College

2.College-Claremont-Ashby-
Telegraph-Dwight Way-College

3. College-Claremont-Bellrose-Warring-

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Hillegass between Claremont and
Alcatraz will be used as a temporary
detour during the repavement of the
College/Alcatraz intersection.

AC Transit Route 51, which serves
much of Rockridge, will be re-routed to
avoid the construction area. At this time,
the exact route is undecided, although it

will most likely travel along alternative
route #2.

For any concerns or questions, call
either the City of Oakland Traffic Engi-
neering Department, 238-3466, or Glenn
Carloss, City of Berkeley Project Engi-
neer, 665-3446, or come to RCPC’s
May 18 general meeting, 7:30 p.m., in
the Rockridge Library. Representatives
from the City of Berkeley Public Works
Department will be on hand to give a
brief presentation and solicit your views
on the proposed repaving project.

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Letter to
The Editor

Bike LANES ON TELEGRAPH
Are A Bap IDEA

EpiITorR:

sa cyclist, | was grateful to see a city

map of 1985-94 bicycle collisions in
your April 8 issue. | hope just a glance
at this grim scatter-plot will remind
everyone to drive, ride, and share the
road carefully.

However, | was disturbed that the
RN uncritically captioned this graphic:
“Telegraph Car-Bike Crash Record Under-
scores Need for Safe Bike Lanes on
Busy Thoroughfare.” The map’s chilling
concentration of “dots” along Telegraph
may simply reflect that street's role as
a regional thoroughfare multiplied by
the dangers of biking on such an artery.
Introducing bike lanes would invite more
cyclists into the mix, giving them the
false sense that Telegraph had suddenly
become safe for biking.

It is not clear that bike lanes (or
anything else) would make biking safe
on Telegraph: Motorists on Telegraph
are aggressive, and might not stay out
of the lanes. Even worse are impatient
motorists on side streets, who ignore
stop signs and red lights in their rush
to turn onto Telegraph; cyclists would be
right in their path. Finally, Oakland’s
bike-lane proposal, and as the experi-
ence of adjacent cities like Berkeley
shows, interrupts these lanes at major
intersections and freeway ramps, creating
a confusing and hazardous predicament
for cyclists.

Fortunately, a superb alternative
bicycle route is available on a parallel
streets — Webster, Shafter, and Colby
— with lower car volumes and speeds.
Oakland should consider forgetting bike
lanes on Telegraph, and spend its money
to improve this network: Better signage
would help direct cyclists; better lighting
would make them more visible and feel
more secure.

Sincerely,
Tom Brown,

Ellsworth Street,
Berkeley

Rdckridge News

May 6, 2000

The Claremont Theatre (c. 1930), grand-
daddy to the inglorious Pussycat Theatre.

Temescal & Rockridge
Celebrate History of
Pussycat Theater Site

May event includes slide show,
music, prizes, and outdoor
showing of a movie classic

by Jeff Norman

he artists, neighbors and merchants

who produced the book and video
about the Temescal neighborhood, and
who organized the history exhibit in
storefront windows on Telegraph a couple
of years ago, are bringing another series of
events to the neighborhood. “Beyond the
Pussycat: Nine Lives of a Neighborhood
Landmark” will feature in May an exhibit
and two public events exploring the vicinity
of the former Pussycat Theater site — now
an empty lot — at 5lst and Telegraph.

The exhibit, to be mounted for the
month of May on the fence surrounding
the lot, will trace the site’s history of
ownership and use from its earliest days to
the present. At Carter Middle School on
Friday, May 19, 7:00 p.m., local historians
Jennifer Dowling and Ray Raineri will
present a slide show of the historic Temes-
cal neighborhood (which included what is
today lower Rockridge).

The following day, Saturday, May 20,
at 5:00 pm, the community is invited
to the vacant Pussycat lot (soon to be
cleaned up) for an afternoon and evening of
music, performance, picnicking, children’s
activities and “community conversations”
about the site’s future. For the grand finale,
and to commemorate the theater’s 85-year
history in the community, an outdoor
screening of a Buster Keaton classic will
be shown under the stars.

Drinks and refreshments will be pro-
vided by local merchants, prizes will
be awarded, and all events are free. For
more information or to volunteer, call Jeff
Norman at 653-7190.

- ROCKRIDGE- >

“GRIME:
REPORT

Reach Rockridge community policing Officer

=>

|. Watson by paging her 1:00 [1:00 p.m.,

Tuesday through Friday, at 330-4537, al the
tone, enter your return phone number. Officer
Watson urges residents not to hesitate to report
suspicious activity to the police using the non-
emergency number, 777-3333 Dial 9/1 to report

suspected crimes in progress

ArmeED ROBBERY

The Oakland Police report that an
individual was robbed at gunpoint at 3:25
a.m., Thursday, March 9, in the vicinity
of Clarke Street and Claremont Ave. The
suspect was described as a black male, age
16-18, 6', 180 pounds, riding a mountain
bike.

The police also report an armed rob-
bery on the 6200 block of Claremont on
Saturday, March 12, at 9:30 p.m. The suspect
was described as a Black male, age 32-34,
approximately 6', 190 pounds, with gapped
teeth.

Officer Watson reports that a business
on the 5800 block of College Avenue was
held up on Friday, March I7, between 4 and
5:00 p.m. The suspect was described as
a black male, in his early 30’s, 5'8"-S'II",

medium complected, with a mustache. The
description of the gunman matches that
of a suspect who held up another store

on March |4.
ResIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

On Saturday, March 25, a residence
on the 6400 block of Regent Street was
burglarized sometime between 11:00 a.m.
- 4:00 p.m. The perpetrator gained access
by walking down the driveway and breaking
a window located off of a back porch. A
laptop computer, cash hidden in a drawer
and jewelry were taken. It appears the thief
was scared off, as a second laptop was left

at the top of the stairs.

Another burglary occurred on March 25
on the 5900 block of Chabot Court.

THEFT

A resident of the 6000 block of Monroe
Ave. reports that a big fern in a large, jade-
colored pot was stolen from their porch
during the evening of Saturday, April 8.

Suspicious INDIVIDUAL

A resident on the 5100 block of Miles
reports that on Saturday, March 18, a man
came to the door at 1:00 a.m. and attempted
to get the resident to open the door and
give him money. The individual argued with
the resident, who refused to open the door,
and did not appear to be deterred by the
noise of the resident’s large barking dog. The
suspect was described as a black male, in his
late teens or early 20s, 5'I1", clean-shaven,
with short hair, wearing a baggy, olive-colored
jacket. The police were notified.

Dial 814-2255
(814-CALL)

to report suspicious
activities or to near
weekly updates on
criminal activity
In Rockridge

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May 6, 2000

Rdckridge News

15.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD MERCHANT
BY THERESA NELSON

Bosko’s Gallery and Framing
6038 College Avenue 655-3966

Photo’ Chris Ablstrand

in Wemoriam: Meter Bosko

eter Bosko, a

longtime Col-
lece Avenue business
owner and Rock-
ridge resident for
many years, passed
away in early April
at age 85. The store
he opened in 1945,
Bosko’s Gallery,
was a natural out-
erowth of his
studies at CCAC,
from which he grad-
uated (along with
his wife Margaret)
in 1939. An artist,
he framed and displayed his own works
in the gallery along with those of CCAC
graduates and other local artists.

Mr. Bosko grew up on Moss Avenue
(near Piedmont Avenue), lived in a

oman H, Burg

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The late Peter Bosko tries one on for
size in his College Avenue frame shop.

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BOOKSTORE

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house on Forest
St. in Rockridge,
and later moved to
the Oakland Hills.
He served in the
Army's amphibi-
ous landings group
in WWII, which
Sustained 80%
casualties in land-
ings in the South
Pacific. He returned
to his family and
business after the
war.

Photo: Albert Levy In the early
years of the busi-

ness, the gallery sent out beautifully
designed announcements for gallery open-
ings. One card from the ’50s announced

pastels from the artist Jade Fon, whose
works are now highly prized.

An avid collector, Peter owned the
works of many California artists whose

Welcoming You Home To
Rockridge

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510.339.0400

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reputations grew with the years. The well-
known California Impressionist Louis
Seagriest, who lived on Cavour, was a
close friend. Peter Bosko framed all of
Siegriest’s works, some of which are in
the permanent collection of the Oakland
Museum.

Another of Mr. Bosko’s friends was
Rip Matteson, whose paintings are still
sold in the shop. Mr. Bosko’s own artwork
ranged from complex abstracts to ceramics
and patterned works featuring stylized
horses, some of which are also on display
in the shop.

The rear of the store is an old-fashioned
work area, with spray cans, dried glue,
strips of matting and antique frames dating
back more than 50 years. The shop has
hundreds of frames, and frames everything
from original artwork to posters.

For years, the front windows of the shop
have displayed the famous “Introduction
to Error Analysis” poster with a train
crashing through a station wall. Later it
was joined by one of Peter’s son’s popular
creations, a photo of a girl experiencing a
bizarre hair treatment entitled “Adolescent
Behavior Modification Using Common
Household Appliances.” While I was at
the shop, a 20-something couple stopped
in to buy one for a friend who would soon
complete a Ph.D. in Psychology.

r. Bosko’s children, John and Lynn,

will continue to run their father’s
business. Interestingly, Lynn’s father-
in-law once had an antique store called
“El Capitan” in the 1920s-30s, at the
Same location.

An open house and remembrance of
Peter Bosko will be held at the shop on
Sunday, May 21, from 2:30-5:00 p.m.
Family photos and some of his artwork
will be on display. Customers, neighbors,
and anyone who knew Mr. Bosko are
encouraged to stop by and share some
memories.

Correction: The photo in the April 2000 issue

accompanying the story on Rockridge Kids was taken
by Lia Berkowitz, an employee of the store.

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Rockridge News May 6, 2000

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