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Visit RCPC and The Rockridge News on the Web! www.rockridge.org

e News

VOL. 15 * NO.6 «+ ISSUE NO. 158

Ockridg

JUNE 3, 2000

CIRCULATION; 5,300 RESIDENCES; 200 BUSINESSES

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

RCPC General

Meeting Agenda

Thursday, June |5, 7:30 p.m.
Rockridge Branch Library
5366 College Avenue (at Manila)

@ Curbing Crime
In Rockridge
by Wayne Papy

| R ockrisee is a wonderful place to live

and work, but a recent survey reveals
that the two major concerns of Oakland
residents are schools and crime. A look
at OPD crime statistics (see page 6)
shows that residents of Beat I2Y, which
includes Rockridge, have serious cause
for concern.

June’s RCPC General Meeting will
examine steps to combat crime and
improve safety in Rockridge. Meet Oakland
Police Captain Ralph Laser, local polic-
ing officer Johnna Watson, and Service

See “Agenda,” page 6 |

RCPC joins local cities criticizing
the process and findings of the
4"" bore study

by Ronnie Spitzer,
RCPC Traffic Committee Chair

A: the Caldecott Tunnel study enters
its final phase, critical letters
are being sent to 3
the Metropolitan
Transportation
Commission
(MTC) by the
cities of Berkeley
and Oakland, the
Alameda Congestion Management Agency
and the Rockridge Community Planning
Council, among others. All raise serious
concerns about the study process and
the validity of the conclusions. Many
participants believe that the study has
not provided a clear, comprehensive and
even-handed evaluation of the issues.

Caldecott Tunnel Study Faulted

At this point, the process for completing
the study is unclear. Dates for the last
round of public meetings are still tentative,
but will likely occur in late June. While
MTC will send the completed report to the
California Transportation Commission,
it has not decided whether to include a
recommendation from the Policy Advisory
Committee or what role the latter will
play in the final evaluation. Construction
may be years away because funding has to
be identified first and an EIR completed
prior to groundbreaking. The majority
of the cost will be borne by the state,
with some contribution from Contra Costa
County, the project’s principal supporter.

Among the RCPC Traffic Committee's
concerns are:

@ Low relative priority of the project.
Among congested Alameda corri-
dors, the Hwy. 24 “reverse commute”

See “Tunnel Plan Challenged,” page 6

Neighbors Appeal CCAC Dorm/Parking Project

Spirited debate at May
RCPC General Meeting

by Chad Thompson, RCPC Zoning and
Design Review Committee Chair

N eepeers opposed to CCAC’s hous-
ing project at Broadway Avenue
and Broadway Terrace appealed the
initial study, which had concluded a
full environmental impact report (EIR)
was not required. The study, called a
“mitigated negative declaration,’ concluded
that the proposed building conforms to
the general plan for the area and that
environmental impacts are relatively minor,
foreseeable, and can be mitigated by the
college as a condition of approval. By
filing the appeal, the neighbors delayed
the hearing before the Planning Com-
mission scheduled for May 24, at which

about loss of views, noise, litter, and worsened parking in the

Shown at right is the Broadway Terrace

first-floor plan for =~

the dorm and x j= LB

parking structure 2k ~ ty

CCAC proposes g : +

to build at @ | —

the intersection if

of Broadway | Be

and Broadway > / - 1 | Id

Terrace. %o, : - dd 2

time approval could have been poses} — fees

granted. City staff will review the a

appeal and either require a full EIR to be ==5 MS CaN

performed or confirm the initial findings and I \ . RES

submit the project to the Planning Commission. WO€ Rees
The appeal came on the heels of a spirited debate at SS ss aS

the May RCPC General Meeting. Neighbors expressed concerns So} SS

See “CCAC Dorm Proposal Appealed,” page 6

ain at Ne i a a el

2. R&ckridge News June 3, 299
ROCKRIDGE BRANCH LIBRapy

corner "Y Gay Ducey Children's Librarian

The Pale Man

W5: have a garage sale about every ten years. It takes
that long to recover and to amass enough stuff to

Photo: Chris Ahistrand mount another campaign. Now, your seasoned garage
sale organizer knows better than to wait that long: things
become obsolete in 5 years, but not collectible for 20.

My husband, Pat, and | prepared well. | read a book from the library, we
priced things using notes like O.B.O. (Or Best Offer) and Pat made big signs. |
felt a thin veneer of confidence about our modest enterprise.

We really wanted to get rid of our daughter's acid green chest bed.
Really. And a bunch of other furniture, too. Up at dawn, we were already
hissing at each other as we carried out box after box. | attempted an artful
display to imply worth, but most of it was lame stuff. Our inventory ran from
plastic coffeepots (never sold) to a lurid holograph of the crucifixion (sold
immediately). Dealers, we were told, come early. True. They swarmed out
of double parked vehicles and swept through like Cossacks, commenting on
our tawdry offerings and making offers on same. Near neighbors settled in
for the day, dogs dropped by, and our customers came in waves. Everyone
rooted around in unopened boxes and slipped into our garage (the staging
area). One woman tried to buy my box of SOS pads, a sponge and a roll of
paper towels. “Practical!” she said. “Mine!” | said. The green bed looked
like a dais for Kermit the Frog, and people averted their eyes as they passed
it. We had given up hope when a small child clattered down the driveway
and shouted “There it is, Amy’s green bed!” My husband latched on like
a limpet, slashing the price and throwing in a night stand. We felt great:
this was mercantile matchmaking. People we had only waved to before
stayed long enough for us to become acquainted. “I’m feeling a Norman
Rockwell moment here,” confessed my husband.

Early on, a pale, pleasant man told us he had driven in from Castro
Valley just for the sale. “Wow,” we said. He was a talkative fellow and he

picked up every single thing on the table, turning them, fondling them. A
small pile of selections rose, including a pair of toy handcuffs. Each time he

5366 College Avenue
597-5017 Ey
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Saturday: 10 a.m 5:3)
Wednesday, Thursday: 12:30-8 p.m |
Closed: Friday and Sunday

See COMMUNITY CALENDAR, PAGE 12
FOR LIBRARY PROGRAM DETAILS.

RéckridgeNews

—__

The Rockridge News, founded in 1986 5
Kinkead, is published monthly in Oakland ssid
sponsored by the Rockridge Community Plann; ke
Council, a non-profit public benefit Organizatio
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 —
neighborhood interests.

Rockridge News Production

y Don

Cy Gulassa «ns eseessseeseseeseen Editor-in-Chief

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

Ortrun Niesar.........ssen The Rockridge Muse
Barry Kaufman. ......sscessee Food

Michael Simon........ccccceeesees Health

Theresa Nelson ....cccccsessssccsesees Neighborhood Merchant
Chris AhIstrand..........:+s0e Photography

Lydia Ganns......secsessessrecvessee Photography

Madeline Alcorta..........++ Advertising

Susan Montauk.......erecseseeees Business Manager

Don Kinkead........cscceceeee Graphics & Layout
RCPC Board of Directors, 1999-2000

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

Susan Montauk........cscccsees Co-Vice-Chair

Marilyn Citron........scsssecees Co-Vice-Chair

Frank GiUnta.........sccseeeeees Secretary |
Meredith Kaplan ................ Treasurer |

Cy Gulassa, Dan Pitcock,

seemed finished, something else would catch his eye. It was, well, an odd Ronnie Spitzer, Theresa Nelson ,
assortment: a tiny toy mouse, a trivet, and ribbon, which he wound through NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS )

his fingers. After a long time, he paid and left. Yearly subscriptions to The Rockridge News
We were dog tired, but there was a last rush. The pale man must have | can be obtained by sending a check for $18, payable
slipped in with them. “Just one more look,” he said, his fingers lingering on wpe alee hare to: Rockridge News
the leavings, patting and stroking. He had left several hours ago. “Have you Ubscriprions at the address below.
grandchildren?” | asked. “No. Just me and my wife.” His pockets were stuffed

CONTACTING THE RocKrioGe News
m Are there community issues you'd like to see

with his previous purchases. “She doesn’t like me to do this,” he confided. | covered in The Rockridge News?

| became really uneasy and said, “Well, you've got a lot of stuff.” “Yes,” he m Do you have questions about newsletter

said softly, “but there’s always something else.” distribution? |
As we packed up, he was still there, holding, relinquishing. | thought = Neb ike fo volunteer to be a Rockridge

of him late that night, unloading his trinkets, and sitting down to sort Contact us at sre of the following addresses or

them, like Hallowe’en candy. telephone numbers:

www.rockridge.org

The Rockridge News, 5856 College Avenue,
PMB 130, Oakland, CA 94618

$5 FREE pryc.eAninG with garment orders over $28 RCPC Voicemail: 814-6060

or $3 OFF orders over $15

Dry Cleaning only @ Present with incoming order

Garden Cleaners
5808 College Ave., Oakland

NewsLetter ADVERTISING/DEADLINES
| Articles published in The Rockridge News may
| be reprinted only with the permission of the

editors. Publication date of the next issue is

SRS a @ July 8,2000 @& July deadline is June 22.

$18 bed 601-1188 To advertise, call Madeline Alcorta at
LAUNDERED Mon-Fri 7-7 °Sat 8-6 547-2896. (RCPC reserves the right to refuse
4). Expires 7/8/00 (Across from Albertson's & Zachary’s Pizza) any display or classified ad that !t deems

inappropriate.)

oan VOR S Lewd ee

April 8, 2000

Ret) ea) Pee, 0 es” ee es es

ig ee | Be Sd SO, Ae ON ee Oe eS ee

RédckridgeNews

OS OQ a Se i ek,

3.

Claremont Hotel Expansion Plans & Lake Chabot
Golf Course Fix-Up Challenged by Neighbors

by: Susan Montauk,
RCPC Board Director

he KSL Recreation Corporation sent

representatives to Councilmember
Jane Brunner’s District | Advisory meet-
ing on May 6 to field comments from a
politely confrontational crowd regarding
its proposed expansion of the Claremont
Hotel Resort and Spa, and its potential
partnership with the Chester Rawls Conces-
sionaire of Chabot Golf Course. KSL,
parent company of the Claremont hotel,
established its beachhead in the East
Bay two years ago when it purchased the
Claremont Hotel and Spa.

The Claremont straddles Berkeley
and Oakland but pays taxes to Oakland,
so the city seems more than willing to
accommodate this corporate giant in its
quest for expansion. Ted Axe, General
Manager of the Claremont, explained that
KSL’s proposal includes the addition of
90 rooms on the Tunnel road side of the
hotel, bringing the total number of rooms
to 360. The existing hillside pine grove,
which Axe insists is already diseased,
would be cleared for the project.

Promises to replace felled trees were
made. There are also plans to construct
individual units suitable for timeshares
on the Ciaremont Avenue corner of the
property. Parking facility additions, perhaps
underground, and reconfiguration of
the Domingo parking lot are also in
the mix. Axe reiterated that these plans
are preliminary and open to community
input.

Audience members fired questions at
Axe. Analee Allen, of Oakland Heritage
Alliance, urged KSL to apply for landmark

SS :
ee?
ead

510.653.6888

M-F10-7 Sat/Sun 10-5

The
Claremont

Hotel
dominates
the Oakland-
Berkeley
border.
Adding 90
rooms may
worsen traffic
at nearby
intersections.
Inset:
Claremont
General
Manager Ted

Axe at

District |
meeting. .
From a postcard © McCords

status for the 1915 structure. Others
questioned the need for expansion when
occupancy is at 80% and voiced concern
about worsening the Ashby/Claremont
rush-hour gridlock. Berkeley Mayor Shir-
ley Dean and other Berkeley neighbors
appealed to Mr. Axe to work closely with
their city. Mayor Dean was surprised
that the Hotel has not contacted Berkeley
about the plans.

proposed upgrade of the Lake Chabot

Golf Course by KSL was also on
the agenda. Parks Commissioner Jim
Ryugo spoke of the need to upgrade the
course and its serious design flaws: a road
that crosses 5 fairways, small greens, a
clubhouse too small to host events. For
the last ten years the course has been
underused, losing money for the city.

The cost to repair the course and fix
the club house, according to Ryugo, is $12
to $15 million. Concessionaire Raymond

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Chester said a partnership with KSL (and
a city lease of 40 years) would “take
LCGC to its highest and best use, preserve
its beauty and value and bring it up to
competitive standards.”

Audience concern peaked with the
announcement that greens fees would
rocket from the current $18 to as much
as $135 on weekends for non-Oakland
residents. Oakland residents would cough
up $45 during the week and $65 on
weekends. Claremont Hotel guests would
get a discount. City Manager Robert Bobb
said that, despite protests that the new
course will not be affordable to residents,
the proposal has had many public hearings.
The EIR (Environmental Impact Report)
will be released for public comment this
month, and the Council will vote on
certification in July or August. A major
CUP (Conditional Use Permit) may also
be required for the clubhouse and will be
aired at a June public meeting. The hotel
expansion, however, is in early stages of
presentation to the community.

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Rdckridge News

June 3, 20
2000

Rockridge Park
Design Revisions

by Theresa Nelson

An design for the new Rockridge
Greenbelt Park will be discussed ata

special meeting on Monday, June 19, 7-9:00
p.m., at Peralta School. Councilmember
Jane Brunner is sponsoring this meeting
to respond to the many comments her
office received about the proposed design
displayed at the library in March. MIG, the
park designers, will present new elements

that increase the play value of the park
and seek community input.

In March and April, many residents
expressed a need for more play structures
and more efficient placement of them.
Locating units designed for different
age groups closer together, for example,
allows parents and caregivers to supervise
kids of various ages simultaneously. Also
recommended were play items that provide
multiple activities, including climbing,
sliding and swinging as well as imaginative
play, especially since the “Swiss Family
Robinson” concept at Redondo has been
eliminated. By improving the Clifton
corridor play area, the current plans to

cut trees in the Redondo area could be
reduced.

Plan to attend the meeting to discuss

these play elements and help move the
process toward a final design.

Rockridge Park Fundraiser

meeting of the fundraising committee

will be held at the Rockridge Branch
Library, 5366 College, Monday, June
12, 7-8:30 p.m., regarding fundraising
opportunities and events to raise additional
resources for the park’s construction.
Everyone is welcome to attend the fundrais-
ing meeting and volunteer time and energy

for this important effort. Call Steve Costa,
655-4818 for more information.

A Young Man Deserves
Credit, and He'll Get ad

| om Di Rocco lives on Chabot
Road. He attends Head Royce

| school where, as a freshman, he has
a community service requirement of
20 hours.

| One Friday a month he crosses
the street to the home of Julie
Dewey to join a “slightly older” crew
who prepare The Rockridge News for
delivery to over 5000 area homes and
businesses.

Tom admits that Julie had to talk
him into taking on the job, but, he
says, “It turned out to be pretty good.
| wouldn’t mind doing it again.”

ql kridge News
Rockne the Mon th

Volunteers 2

Steadfast Neighbor
Ends Years of Service

Dg Oey ea aa

94 “

tA Ca
ny Mabe

Photos: Susan Montauk

oger Petrie, 9! years old, delivers
his last Rockridge News this
month to the 5200 block of Miles
Avenue as he winds up 6 years

of service and support to the
neighborhood as a newsletter Block
Captain. Mr. Petrie hopes someone
will step forward to take his place.
Call 547-3855 to volunteer.

RCPC and the staff of The Rockridge
News thank Tom and Roger, as well
as all the 148 volunteers who deliver
the newsletter to more than 5,000
neighborhood readers.

If you are under 18 or over 70 and
deliver The Rockridge News, we’d like to
hear from you. Call 814-6060.

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June 3, 2000

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Rdckridge News

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PR PA Ne SS OE Ot ee ee

5.

North Oakland Community Charter
School to Open in Rockridge

by Raissa Lerner
At public elementary school will
open its doors in Rockridge this
September. The North Oakland Com-
munity Charter School is the result of
two years’ work by a group of parents
and educators committed to creating a
challenging. rewarding and inspiring
education for students. The school will
open with two classrooms of 20 children
each for kindergarten and first grade
students only, and will add at least one
grade each year up to sixth grade, for a
total of 140 children.

The school will focus on early literacy
and “teaching for understanding,” using a
curriculum of carefully designed, thought-
provoking projects that call on students
to demonstrate a deep understanding of
important subject matter. Students will
build portfolios of their work throughout
the year, subject to continual and innova-
tive grading and assessment under high
standards, and their own sense of pride in
their work. The school will also employ
the California Early Literacy Learning
program — successfully implemented in
several Berkeley elementary schools —
which focuses on building oral language
skills, writing and reading comprehen-

sion.

Teachers will stay with students for
more than one year to foster a sense of

community and continuity that builds
upon the teachers’ intimate understanding
of students’ abilities, achievements and
goals. The school envisions supporting a
community of learners with significant
parent involvement in the life of the
school. Parents may be asked to contribute
some time each month to serving on a
parent committee, producing a newslet-
ter, accompanying field trips, bringing
their special skills and knowledge to the
classroom, fundraising, etc.

For the first two years the North
Oakland Community Charter School
will be located in the College Avenue
Presbyterian Church, which has severa
large, bright, airy classrooms, a playgrounc
and gymnasium. Teachers are being hirec
now. Once staffing is complete, teachers
will host a meeting for prospective students

and families.

A lottery will be held in June for
enrollment in the school. Any child who
is a California resident and who will be
at least five years old by December 2000
is eligible for the kindergarten; those
who are at least six years old by that date
are eligible for the first grade. Lottery
registration forms may be obtained by
contacting Allison Pugh at 290-4541 or
pugh @socrates.berkeley.edu

Public Schools
Update: Where Is
Your Measure A
Money Going?

Proposed scope of Claremont
Middle School modernization

by Susan Montauk
CONSTRUCTION BupGeET: $1,260,000
TENTATIVE CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE:
June 19, 2000, to September 1, 2000
Exterior painting
Interior painting*
Upgrade fire alarm, entire site
Provide new electrical circuits
and outlets in all classrooms
5. Extend and upgrade existing
data network
6. New intercom P/A system
7. Replace hot water boiler
in gymnasium
8. Replace heating system in gym
9. Replace lockers in gymnasium
10. Replace floor tile in old class-
room building
11. Replace floor tile in cafeteria
and new building*
12. Refinish wood paneling*
13. Remove access barriers at:
a) Accessible entrances and path
of travel
b) Boys’ and girls’ restrooms
in new building
c} Men’s and women’s restrooms
in old building
d) New accessible drinking
fountains
e) New ramp to music room

* Indicates work that will be done if extra
monies can be found.

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|

6. Ridckridge News

@ Creating a comprehensive parking

Tunnel Pian pan paar a a | Yeda Altes for an ass
inc -davtime feeder bus oordinator fe Essmen
Challe nged are Hills to the BART how our NCPC and — are responding
from page 1 station with a separate nighttime to Rockridge promems mean heat
component. discover how et the oafect om, p Make
ranks 15". The MTC’s own Regional The City of Oakland has not taken an Rockies rane MUunities

Transportation Plan considers another official position on the 4" bore issue, but in the Bay

bore a Tier 2 project; has scheduled a hearing for the June 20 Beat 12Y (Rockridge) Crime Statistic.
mM MIC’s failure to create meaningful City Council meeting. Rockridge residents Jan Feb Mar Apr |
evaluation criteria to guide lawmakers: are urged to attend. Rape 7 Robberies a: : —
@ Lack of viable transit alternatives No venue or date has been selected for See ACH Robberies | 22 ~p~
to relieve either the regular or the the final MTC sponsored public meetings. Child Abuse 2.0 | 97
reverse commute: Notices will appear in local newspapers Assault w/deadly Weap. 0 2 0]
® Exclusion of Oakland and Berkeley and the dates will be posted on the RCPC con Ee 5 : : 2]
planning staff in defining the study website. If you prefer notification by the are Auto Burglaries 29183
alternatives: RCPC Traffic Committee, please contact Stolen Vehicles 9 5 |

@ Misleading cost estimate. Including us at 815-6060.
inflation, the real cost of a 2-lane

bore is probably $250-300 million, | A ealed
almost twice the initial estimate: CCAC Dorm Proposa PP

@ No timely evaluation of the impact _ from page |

on Oakland and Berkeley streets. area. CCAC presented the fourth revision of the proposed design, responding to concerns
Since the impact report will be )

about the overall architectural concept, and particularly the Broadway street frontage
Selayed until the EIR phase of the of the building. The new design shifts the main entrance of the building from Clifton

street to the corner of Clifton and Broadway, which will lead to more pedestrian
activity on the main street frontage.

Study, the nature and cost of mitiga-
tions may be determined too late

in the process to assure effective
implementation.

; ()" chief concerns are increases in more: mocha Espresso

. noise, parking congestion, and high- COMMU N ITY Tea, Chai

| way traffic taking shortcuts through se) Warm Pastries

neighborhood streets. Some proposals CALENDAR | Soup , Salad

to mitigate these problems have been [ Meeting: Childcare Sandwiches

forwarded to Councilperson Jane Brun- °

ner and the City of Oakland planning | Thursday, June 8: “Crisis in Childcare”: Join Assem- | Sweet Desserts
blywoman Dion Aroner and Wilma Chan, President of |

department: Y ! Colleae

cars ino discus g
| @ Building soundwalls to decrease | the Alameda County Board of Supervisors in a discus

d
noise: sion about quality, affordable childcare for families | ™ Alcatraz

a and better pay for child care workers. 6:30-8:30pm. o 7am till 10 d
m@ Redesigning Claremont and Broad- tty tocal 616, 1630 Webster St. (at 17th) in Ook- | rama se
way off-ramps to reduce traffic

\ | land. Free. Refreshments served. On-site child care
conflicts; available by calling 658-7353. Sponsored by the

Work and Family Coalition, 510-642-5898.
L

GS de® 9 Oar & eet ( Co”. © 6a -* Qortese 2 —

@ Constructing safer pedestrian crossings
on arterials leading to Highway 24;

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June 3, 2000

Rdckridge News

7.

——

OderanGcal Bhersadaia OGcatdears

Teens: Begging
To Differ

by Michael Simon

At 20th marked the one-year anni-
versary of the shooting deaths of 13
individuals and the wounding of 21 others
at Columbine High School in Littleton,
Colorado. A year before the massacre at
Columbine, fifteen-year-old Kip Kinkel
murdered his mother and father, and then
opened fire at Thurston High School in
Springfield, Oregon, killing two fellow
students and wounding twenty-five others.
Kip Kinkel, who grew up in a loving,
middle-class family, was branded by
police as ‘“‘a cold-hearted killer.” During
an 18-month period, from Bethel, Alaska,
to Conyers, Georgia, we witnessed over a
dozen school shootings.

In that same town of Conyers, Georgia,
a highly unusual outbreak of syphilis
occurred among a group of its teenagers
and the well-off community in which they
live. Children as young as thirteen and
fourteen named numerous sexual partners;
others spoke of binge drinking, drugs and
sex parties. Whether or not you have teens,
if you watch the nightly news or read

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the major dailies, you will have ample
reason to be deeply frightened and worried
about the state of America’s youth. There
are many parents, though, who would
beg to differ with the prevailing view
of teens.

Bay Area author and educator Michael
Riera is one of those parents. Riera is
the former Dean of Students at Marin
Academy and currently a consultant on
The Diary Project, a non-profit organiza-
tion and global multimedia resource
encouraging teens to write about their day-
to-day experiences. In one of Riera’s typical
presentations, he asks audience members
to shout out words that describe teenagers:
“selfish, violent, moody, irritable, lazy,
demanding, manipulative, aloof, sullen
and disrespectful” are among the words
that fill Riera’s list. Everyone in the audi-
ence laughs nervously, perhaps recognizing
their own child among the strong adjec-
tives. Next, Riera asks people to name
the issues and decisions facing teenagers:
choosing friends; sexuality, alcohol and
drugs; importance of school and grades,
class, race and economy; college and
career; AIDS and STDs; violence in school
and at home; relationships with family
members, and so on.

fter Riera has completed the two

lists, he pins them up side by side
and, usually accompanied by a fit of
laughter, remarks, “Probably anyone in that
condition (first list) shouldn’t be making
those decisions (second list).”

Teenagers face an astoundingly com-
plex array of opportunities, challenges and
fears. And they must compete with the

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images projected about them in the media
with their own sense of who they are
and want to be. Determining self-identity
forms the core of adolescent development.
Yet at the same time we show and tell
our teens how dangerous, lazy and sullen
they are, we miss important facts about
teens. Teens are involved in voluntary
organizations in record numbers — on their
own time — ranging from support and care
of the elderly to art/media projects on the
effects of violence, racism and sexism. The
Diary Project (www.diaryproject.com) was
inspired by the young Bosnian woman,
Zlata Filipovic, author of ““Zlata’s Diary,”
the story of her life growing up in war-torn
Sarajevo.

his isn’t one more article asking you to

ignore teen violence and tough deci-
sions about setting limits. It is, however, a
begging to differ. Teens are also creative,
resolute, extraordinarily compassionate,
uncompromisingly just, and just plain
fun. They are also our future leaders, our
challenging children and a barometer of
our commitment to mental health care.

Michael Riera suggests that the parental
role shifts in adolescence: we start as
managers, needing to more tightly control
our kids’ experiences to ensure safety and
learning. In adolescence, children often
need to know who they are by defining
themselves as “not their parents.” “We
get fired as managers,” Riera writes, “but
we can get rehired as consultants.” Our
teens may need to push us away, but they
do not want us to go away.

Michael Simon, M.S., M.A., is a Rockridge
resident (and parent), psychotherapist and
adjunct faculty member in the San Francisco
State University Department of Clinical
Psychology.

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Rockridge News

Coffee
Culture

n Warren Beatty’s epic film Reds, John

Reed visits anarchist Emma Goldman
in prison. Reed and Goldman argue the
finer points of the Bolshevik revolution
and Lenin's betrayal of the working class.
As Reed is leaving Goldman’s cell, he asks
if there is anything he could do for her.
Goldman thinks a moment: “Just make
sure I get my Chase and Sanborn coffee

— | cannot imagine a revolution without
my Chase and Sanborn.”

Coffee drinkers are in love with their
beverage as much as wine or beer drinkers.
Whereas wine and beer drinkers crave
variety, coffee lovers tend to settle on one
brand, one roast, one method of preparation
and most of all one favorite place to drink
their daily cup.The coffee drinker seeks
a coffeehouse with a comfortable corner
to read a newspaper, observe the passing
parade of daily life, and pass judgement
on personal and world affairs.

How lucky we are. Rockridge’s College
Avenue is the only East Bay neighbor-
hood commercial street with independent
and non-chain coffee specialty shops. A
walk down College Avenue finds four
distinctive coffeehouses: Hudson Bay
Café, Peaberry’s Coffee and Tea, Spasso
Coffeehouse, and Royal Coffee. Each
of these coffeehouses brings a unique
offering of coffee and culture. A “perfect”
cup of coffee in a coffeehouse is more than
the beverage; it is a magical intersection
of time, place, and people.

Hudson Bay Café is the oldest cof-
feehouse on College. It buys its beans
from Graffeo and Montanos Brothers, two

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Sat 9:30 - 5:00
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of the oldest and most respected coffee
roasters in the Bay Area. The culture of
Hudson Bay Café is the most traditional
bohemian. Many of the patrons of Hudson
Bay Café are either students or faculty
from the California College of Arts and
Crafts. On a recent visit, I found people
playing Hearts, reading, and writing
intensely into journals. For solitude and
a wonderful cup of coffee, Hudson Bay

Café is ideal.

, 9
Moving north, we come to Peaberry's

Coffee and Tea in Market Hall. Pea-
berry’s is the

complete oppo-
site of Hudson

Bay Café. More
in the Italian
tradition of a
standup coffee

S j bar, Peaberry’s
caters to a more
= g upscale and

professional
Rockridge clientele. Peaberry’s serves and
carries its own brand of coffee specially
roasted for them. They also carry a wide
assortment of prestige teas and sweets.

Next is Spasso Coffeehouse. At Spasso,
Rockridge News contributors and produc-
tion staff meet to review the past issue
of the News and prepare for the next.
Rockridge News readers will remember
that after Hamid Rasafar, Spasso’s former
Owner, was wounded in a robbery at the
store, the community came together to
support his family and business. What is
most striking about Spasso are the beauti-

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Rockridge News staffers gather in front
of the Spasso mural after a recent
production meeting. Front, from left:
Barry Kaufman, Madeline Alcorta. Back
row, from left, Don Kinkead, Cy Gulassa,
Lydia Gans, Ortrun Niesar, Yvonda
Silver and Susan Montauk. (Not
pictured is Alice Wilson-Fried.)

ful murals painted by Joshua Sarantitis,
assisted by Roberto Guerrero, depicting
coffee production in the Arab world.
Spasso is a perfect place to meet with
friends and talk about the state of the
world.

The last coffeehouse on our tour is
Royal Coffee. Royal Coffee is the only
one of the four coffeehouses that imports
its own green beans. The beans are roasted
by McLaughlin Coffee Company, and sold
directly at the coffeehouse. McLauglin
Coffee Company is among the finest coffee
roasters in the Bay Area. McLaughlin
roasts much of the coffee you drink in
high-end restaurants and specialty shops.
I’ve been using Royal’s Max’s Blend for
nearly 15 years. I will try other roasts and
blends but I always return to Max’s. Max’s
is named after the son of Bob Fulmer,
one of the partners in Royal Coffee. I had
the privilege of knowing Pete McLauglin
when he first opened Royal Coffee. After a
battle with cancer, Pete passed away a few
years ago, but among coffee lovers he was
a legend and a moving force in making
Royal Coffee what it is today.

The crowd at Royal Coffee is what
I would characterize as neo-bohemian:
young, hip-hop culture, with a pick-up
edge. It is only at Royal Coffee that you

get a freshly brewed pot of any coffee
variety sold there.

No recipe this month — just an invita-

tion to enjoy a “perfect cup of coffee”
in Rockridge.

~~? “Re OT Be wo Boru

June 3, 2000

Barking Up the
Right Tree

—— nail

Gallagher & Burk Construction
solves Hardy Dog Park
resurfacing problems

by Lynda O'Neil, President, HPDOA
t's turning out to be a good year for
dog parks: Friends of Cesar Chavez is
celebrating the Berkeley City Council's
May decision to make the off-leash dog
area at Cesar Chavez Park official after

isanuneeer-
REGEERORIR
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WGksaemasrar
ISeereeoe as

woe Gew © wm &4en “a7” 2-2. ™ atta oe oe —_—__ Qe 2 -_ -

a one-year probationary period; petitions
are circulat-
Ing to annex
an area of
Mosswood
park for off-
leash suse,
numerous
small and
under-used parks are being considered for
possible future sites; and Rockridge’s own
Hardy Dog Park is forging ahead with its
plans for resurfacing, site improvements,
and a general facelift.

In the April issue of The Rockridge
News, we briefly discussed our improve-
ment plans and our primary goal of
resurfacing the park. The original plan
was to eliminate the dirt areas by grading
and covering the entire area in asphalt,
but after researching this option, it proved
unfeasible without the installation of an
extensive drainage system that far exceeded
our budget. The day was saved by Ted

Hardy Dog Park supporters and users — bipeds and quadra-

—_-

peds alike — gather in the park for a general meeting that
included socializing, strategizing, and recreational scampering.
Inset: Sherlock softens up a tennis ball for some serious play

to come.

Gallagher, vice-president of Gallagher &
Burk Construction, who not only devised a
method of grading and resurfacing the dirt
areas with finely crushed and compacted
rock, but then offered to donate the rock!
Thank you, Mr. Gallagher.

The Association voted unanimously in
favor of the plan. The permit application is
in the works, and we expect to be enjoying
a dust-free park by the end of the summer.
And because the surface material is being
donated, we will be able to invest some
of our grant money in landscaping and
amenities.

In the meantime, we have not been idle.
Our first newsletter went out in March and
was a great hit with members, visitors and

Robert Pape, D.C.
-¢ Carol Barnes, D.C.
Melanie Linebaugh, LAc

Call for appointment
510.428.0450

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the community at large. Copies are avail-
able at the park and the library. Our web
site, http://hardydogpark.homestead.com/
Homepage.html, is fully functional and
linked to dog parks and animal resources
throughout the web. You will see familiar
dog faces on the web as well as the com-
munity board at the southwest entrance
to the dog park. Also on the board are
postings for lost/found/adoptable dogs,
community events and referrals.

Please come visit virtually or in

the flesh! For information, contact

me at 655-5268, by mail at 5337
College Ave. #436, or by email at
hpdoa@homestead.com

6025 College Ave. ° Oakland, CA 94015-1307
(510) 595-0837

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10.

June 3, 2009

Row, Row, Row
Your Boat,

Gently on
Lake Merritt

by Nancy Morton

()* morning last month I set my alarm
for the unholy hour of 4:30 a.m. Why?

So I could rendevous at Lake Merritt with
the Lake Merritt Masters Rowing Team
that practices there Tuesday, Thursday.
and Saturday mornings from 5 to 6:30
a.m., rain or shine. Andy Baxter, owner
and Personal Trainer par excellence of
New Angle Fitness, the neighborhood
gym on College Avenue between Hudson
and Clifton, invited me to join Coach Al
Alcosta in the launch boat to see what
sweep rowing was all about. After all.
I have been training on the Concept I]

rowing machine at the gym six days a
week.

On this particular morning I was invited
to join rowers who were training for the
San Diego Regatta. By 5:05, eight rowers
and the coxswain had the sleek, 60-foot
shell bobbing in the lake and were busy
adjusting the oars, which I learned had

to be “calibrated” in accordance with the
height of the rower.

In addition to Andy, the team was
comprised of eight fit Oakland men, all
of whom looked great in shorts. The
coxswain, seated at the stern of the scull,
was equipped with a microphone; the first,
or bow seat rower, was outfitted with a red
bow light ingeniously rigged to his shirt;
and Coach Al had a handy megaphone.
We shoved off from the dock and headed
into the black middle of the Lake.

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Training for the San Diego Regatta,

Team leave a smooth wake as they knife t !
the lake. In August, the team will host the annua

oach Al is a long-time Oakland resi-

dent who rowed at Cal. He now
coaches Oakland Strokes, the acclaimed
high school team composed of students
throughout the East Bay. He trained Lucas
and Jessica Ahlstrand, the children of
RCPC photographer Chris Ahlstrand,
prior to their moving on to university-level
rowing. Last year the Oakland Strokes
came in third in National competition. A]
has been coaching the Lake Merritt team
for almost a year which means a lot of
4:30 a.m. wake-up calls.

This morning, he was busy with the
megaphone calling out drills and critiquing
style in a manner that made sure he could
count on a quorum for the next practice.
The rowers listened attentively and then
followed instructions, moving through the
water like the ducks that were becoming
visible as the dark gave way to dawn and

Sis ee CPR : ie 4
| > - . oe
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- A ; ~)

4,

Photo; Nancy Morton
members of the Lake Merritt Masters Rowing

hrough the serene early morning waters of
National Masters Regatta.

the sun peeked over the Oakland hills.

The Mormon Temple sparkled like
a well-cut diamond, and the Tribune
Building was necklaced with strands
of twinkling lights. With the spreading
sunlight, one becomes aware of exercisers
running, walking, biking around the lake,
but we were the only ones on the lake.
On a great spring morning like this, it
made sense to be up with the birds and
the rowers.

In addition to San Diego, the team is
readying itself for the annual National
Masters Regatta to be held in Oakland
August 17 through 20.

The Lake Merritt Rowing Club will

host as many as a hundred teams all hoping
to row away with the trophy.

I'm definitely planning on heading
down to the Lake Merritt Boat House to
cheer on the local team.

The average selling price in 1999 was 8% over asking and in 2000 it is 25% over

Property values in Rockridge have risen since this time last year!

Median home price
1999 (Jan-May15) > $407,000
2000 > $510,000 * This is a 25% increase!

Average sales price per Square foot
1999 > $201 / Sq Ft
2000 — $289 / Sq Ft « This is a 44°

Average Days on Market
1999 + 19 days

2000 — 13 days

— ——————
3 If you are buying or selling in
Rockridge look to your
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Saraya Motley (510)280-2162

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April 8, 2000

Réckridge News

11.

Music Lessons
For All

M usic teachers abound in and around
Rockridge. So do pianos waiting to
be played. And summer is the perfect
time to get yourself or your kids involved
with both. Here are just a few of those
marvelous teachers among us.

Janet Weinstein is already well-loved
by many children (her specialty) from
Chabot, Bentley and Park Day schools. In
addition to teaching piano, Janet coaches
and encourages ensemble playing for
young people. She performs professionally
with her sons in the Ivanhoe Trio. Janet's
telephone number is 652-8430.

Margret Elson, former Music Director
of Junior Bach, has taught classical piano
in Rockridge for 30 years and has many
enthusiastic admirers who adore her

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animated teaching style. Margret accepts
intermediate students by audition. She
is also a psychotherapist specializing
in problems well-known to artists and
performers: memory slips and performance
anxiety. Her book on those topics will be
out soon. Margret lives on Harwood. Her

phone number is 601-7044.

Lou Ann Wernli has been teaching
classical piano on Russell Street in the
Elmwood forever, it seems. Her program is
designed primarily for adults seeking their
way back to music from the corporate
and professional worlds. She loves the fact
that her students come to her because
they want to. There is no worry about
anyone not practicing, and no recitals
to worry about. Instead, her students
gear up for the popular workshops she
holds every four months. Lou Ann can
be reached at 841-0333.

For harpsichord lessons for young and
old, you might call Kathy Westine at
601-9631. Kathy is a marvelous teacher,
artist and performer who is also the
producer of KATastroPHE Records and
the inspiration behind the Florio Street
Concerts held quarterly at her home.

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Lenny Gill on Harwood marches
to the tune of a different drummer. He
teaches guitar, bass guitar and drums to
little kids and big kids of all ages. Lenny
has been teaching for 20 years, both in
Rockridge and in Walnut Creek, and is a
member of a band, Jolly, which performs
throughout the Bay Area. Besides giving
private lessons, Lenny is interested in
forming and giving band lessons. Call

him at 601-1579.

Further abroad, the Harmony Road
Music School at the top of Piedmont
Avenue is now enrolling students for
private instruction in a plethora of musical
instruments. Kirsten Anderson highly
recommends Harmony music teacher
Erica Lee as a first music teacher
for children. Parents, note that the
school also offers music summer camps
that include dance, voice, theater and
musicianship courses. The telephone
number is 652-1222.

The Bay Area Children’s Theatre
Company is now enrolling kids who
like to sing and act and dance and clown
around. To see a performance, attend
their award-winning “The Dangerous
Dinos Show” on Saturday, June I7, at
John Muir Elementary School. For more
information about all of the above as
well as the Stagetrippers Academy 2000,

call 444-4942.

Rockridge 2000:A
Pictorial Essay Update

f you are interested in joining a
free-form group of artistic individuals
working to create an image of Rockridge
in the year 2000, give me a call
at 652-6664. We plan to meet again

in June.

12.

Réckridge News

June 3, 2000

RMeiassifieds

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. July deadline is June 22

Jazz and Classical

Piano Lessons

Rockridge jazz pianist with Berkeley Music
B.A. offers lessons in theory, eartraining, blues,
jazz, technique, beginning and intermediate

classical. Experienced, patient teacher of all
ages! Janet 653-6783

Apartment/Cottage Wanted
Female graduate student seeking one bedroom,
studio, in-law apartment/cottage. $700-$900
range. Near Rockridge, CCAC. | am non-
smoking, quiet, solvent, no pets. Please contact

Susan, 376-7220. sobeloff@hotmail.com,
206/325-3538.

Clerical Assistance Sought
Busy psychologists’ office near Market Hall
seeks clerical assistance. Word processing,
computer skills required, ability to multi-task.
10-20 hrs weekly, hours flexible. $15/hr. Send
vita to Dr. Persons via jbp@sfbacct.com.

voice/faxi510/428.0305

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Y | Check Your...

y 5856 College Avenu

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Submit Items To RCPC COMMUNITY CALENDAR,
e, #130, OAKLAND 94618 or call 814-6060.

College Avenue
lAdult Activities Center
l College Avenue Presbyterian Church, 5955 College Ave.
[All octivities Wednesdays, 11-noon. Lunch follows, $1.75.
| Slide (SS) and video (V) shows in Lighthouse Room.
June 7: (SS) “Norway”, Charlie Fitch
June 14: State Farm Insurance presents “Design for
Safety”, video and talk
l June 21: (V) “Canada, East Coast”, part |
E June 28: (V) “Canada, East Coast”, part 2
B July 5: (SS) Charlie Fitch

[NCPC Meetings

Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council meets 2nd Thurs-
day of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Rockridge United

Methodist Church, Manila & College. Public invited,

loOakland Tours

Discover Oakland's changing skyline, landmarks,
I churches and highrises on one of the free guided walking
flours. 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 renovated
I Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. Call 238-3234 to add your name
I to our mailing list and to receive a 2000 Schedule. Log on
J to www.oaklandnet.com and click on the community link
g for map, dates and starting places.

Rockridge Branch Library
5366 Coitece AVENUE, 597-5017
RockripGe LisRarRY STORYTIMES:
© Toddlers: 10:30 am Saturdays
© Preschool: 10:30 and 11:00 am Tuesdays, 6/6 and 6/20 |
© Pajama: 7:00 pm Wednesday, 6/14 ONLY i
© 6/07 Wed @7.00 pm Book Reading by Bay Area
author/ illustrator team of Peter Jan Honigsberg and
Tony Morse reading their book “Pillow of Dreams” i
© 6/21 Wed @7:00 pm Starko the Clown! |
© 6/28 Wed @7:00 pm Colibri: Music from Latin America |
Oaxtano Pustic Lisrary SUMMER READING Game begins
on June 15 and ends August 19. Read any books you
choose, keeping track of your time on our gameboard,
and get prizes when you visit the library! Sign up on
or after June 15, at the Rockridge branch, or at any
Oakland Public Library.

Lawyers IN THE Ligrary: Free advice 6-8 pm, Ist Thurs-
day each month. Signup starts at 5:00.

Boox Discussion Group; Wednesday, June 14, and
Thursday, June 29, 7-9 pm. Call 597-5017 for more
information.

Toastmasters

jJane Brunner Community
p Advisory Meeting
Saturday, June 3, 10:00 a.m.-12 noon at Peralta
I Elementary School, 460 63rd Street. Topic: Regional Plan-
| ning: Government and Infrastructure. Guest Speaker:
| Supervisor Keith Carson.

Early risers: Conquer your fear of public speaking
and develop leadership skills in supportive, relaxed
and friendly environment. Join Toastmasters. 7:00
am every Thursday. Please call 251-3066 or email:
spk2@flash.net

Community Workshop 2000

Safe kids, safe neighborhoods in North Oakland. Sat-

urday, June 10, 10 o.m.-1:30 p.m. Call 615-5802 for
location.

ma

WHY PAY 6% TO SELL YOUR HOME
WHEN WE CHARGE

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FOR THE SAME FULL SERVICE?

RKEALTY
- ADVOCATES

| www.realtyadvocates.com (510) 428-0757

April 8, 2000

Rdckridge News

13.

Letters to
The Editor

The Rockridge News
5856 College Ave., #130
Oakland,CA 94618

TELEGRAPH Bike LANES
Witt WorK

EpiITor:

Regarding Tom Brown’s letter of May
6 arguing against bike lanes on Telegraph
Avenue, Mr. Brown mentions “the dangers
of biking on such an artery,” and then
goes on to state that introducing bike
lanes would give cyclists “the false sense
that Telegraph had suddenly become safe
for biking.”

I have to tell you that no cyclist in their
right mind would ever think that riding
on any street alongside automobiles is
“safe.” We know that we must remain ever-
vigilant to avoid conflicts with motorists
who just won't recognize our right to
share the roads.

Mr. Brown suggests that cyclists use the
‘‘Webster-Shafter-Colby” alternative, which
in reality is Webster-48th-Shafter-Forest-
Colby-Alcatraz-Colby-Woolsey. First, that
is a longer, indirect, and confusing route.
Second, it is not flat like Telegraph, which
I believe most cyclists prefer — Pill Hill
is aptly named. Third, Telegraph is well-
lighted, which is a big safety concern
after dark.

To be fair, Mr. Brown argues in favor

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of increasing signage and lighting along
the Webster-etc. route. But let’s be realistic,
most cyclists want a flat, direct route to
their destination. Since Telegraph is a
commercial thoroughfare, most destina-
tions for cyclists as well as motorists are
on or near Telegraph, not Webster.

Finally, for those who think that a bike
lane on Telegraph will be detrimental
to businesses along the route, I suggest
riding up and down Valencia Street in
San Francisco. Since eliminating one
automobile lane and replacing it with
bike lanes in both directions and a center
left-turn median, that thoroughfare has
become one of the most commercially
vibrant in the City.

Marcello Aurelio Lanfranchi
Hudson Street

CCAC Dorm PROPOSAL IS
FAULTY IN Many Ways

EDITOR:

I am writing regarding the proposed
CCAC structure at Broadway, Clifton and
Broadway Terrace. I am in favor of the
idea of housing there and administrative
use of the ground floor, but I do have
several concerns:

¢ I can't see much justification for
a height variance for this project. Most
neighborhoods feel that present zoning
regulations are too pro-development; why

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bend the rules to allow greater density?

¢ The height of the structure could be
reduced and/or more parking provided
through the use of Klaus Parking Lifts,
which allow more cars to fit into a garage.
The cost of the machines could be offset
through user fees or fewer floors. Some
housing projects in Berkeley use such
lifts.

¢ The last block of Clifton Street serves
a limited amount of traffic. Perhaps the
College, City and Clifton property owners
could agree on a better use of the area,
such as narrowing the street and using
outdoor space for a College plaza.

¢ The parking lot to the west of the
sculpture studio is a great location for an
outdoor area. This would not compromise
the historic wall on Broadway and could
be a better foil for the sculpture building.
Perhaps a parking structure with studio
space or a terrace on top could be built
there, allowing the new housing structure
to cover more ground and reducing the
need for parking.

¢ Roof decks are problematic regarding
safety and waterproofing, but the new
building could have a substantial terrace
with a fantastic view. The Art Institute in
S.F. has such a roof treatment. This would
provide much needed open space and
would be safe and controllable.

¢ UC Berkeley and the City of Berkeley
are working on a new Southside Area
Plan, where parking is also a big issue.
The neighborhood wants the University
to take a proactive role in giving car-free
students priority. Perhaps CCAC should
explore a similar parking pattern. Also,
parking should be on a fee basis, it’s quite
valuable around here.

¢ My biggest problem with the project
is the choice of a ‘modernist revival’
aesthetic for the building. The Rock-
ridge neighborhood has overwhelmingly

See “Letters,” page I5

Frank SILVER CONSTRUCTION

BE PT Le a EN SEIS

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a

Seismic/Remodeling Specialist
Rockridge Resident Cal. Lic. #522497

547-6111

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14.

June 3, 2000

Crime Report Q & A

here have been no significant crimes
reported in Rockridge for the past
month. In lieu of the regular column, below

are answers to some recurring questions
from callers:

Q: What is the Rockridge Crime Alert
Hotline?

A: The Hotline is a voicemail system
funded by RCPC on which members of
the community can leave messages about
criminal activity in the neighborhood and
hear updates regarding incidents that have
been collected by the volunteer staff.

Q: Where does the Rockridge Crime
Report column get its information?

A: The information published in The
Rockridge News is a compilation of the

incidents reported to the Rockridge Crime
Alert Hotline.

Q: What are the sources of the informa-
tion reported on the Hotline?

A: The Hotline relies first and foremost
on Rockridge residents calling in and report-
ing incidents that have happened to them or
their neighbors. Additional information is
often made available by the Oakland Police
Department. Incidents are also sometimes
culled from the news media.

Q: The incidents reported in The Rock-
ridge News are dated. How can | find
out about them sooner?

A: Due to the publication schedule,
this column is submitted several weeks in

Rdckridge News

/~>-ROCKRIDGE~ >

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Reach Rockridge community policing Officer
J. Watson by paging her 1:00-11.00 p.m.,
Tuesday through Friday, at 330-4539; at 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 91! to report
suspected crimes in progress

advance. To keep up to date on criminal
activity in the neighborhood, call the Hotline
weekly at 814-2255 to hear about incidents
reported in the past week. The message !s
usually updated on Fridays.

Q: Can | get the Hotline reports by
e-mail?

A: Yes. The weekly Hotline reports
are also distributed by postings to the
Rockridge Listserver. To subscribe, go to
www.rockridge.org

Q: How do | report an incident to the
Hotline?

A: You can leave a message at
814-2255, or send an_ e-mail to
RCPC_crime_hotline@yahoo.com. When
making reports, please include the date, time
and location of the incident, and a detailed
description of the suspect, if available.
The Hotline has a general policy against

i -2255
(814-CALL)

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

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relaying anonymous information, so please
include your name and telephone number. Ajj
identifying information Is kept confidential.

Q: Why are specific addresses noz
included in the incident reports?

A: It is the Hotline’s general policy not
to publicize the name or specific address
of crime victims, both to protect their
privacy and security, and in hopes that ir
will encourage people (and businesses) to
report crimes that have occurred.

Q: Is making a report to the Hotline g
substitute for calling the police?

A: No. While the Hotline does pass on
information to Officer Johna Watson, our
Community Policing Officer, any past crimes
or current suspicious activity should first be
called in to the Oakland Police Department
on the non-emergency number, 777-3333.
Crimes in progress should be reported

using 911.

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June 3, 2000

Réckridge News

15.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD MERCHANT
BY THERESA NELSON

The Great Frame-Up

CArts Ahistrand

fo

Phe

5820 College Avenue at Birch Court

ave you been wanting to frame that
Hex you bought at last year’s Open
Studios, but just couldn't find the right
look? Or perhaps there is a special child’s
drawing you'd like to do something more
with than just tape to the refrigerator?
Then take a stroll to the Great Frame-Up at
5820 College Avenue at Birch Court.

Owners Rosemary and Percy Yung
opened The Great Frame-Up five years
ago, a few years after they immigrated
to the U.S. from Hong Kong, where they
were involved in the antiques business
and garment industry. After spending
three years in Houston selling antiques,
they moved to the Bay Area. They both
enjoyed the creativity of design and home
enhancement, and thus became interested
in the framing business which they now
own. Rosemary does most of the work
up front with customers, and Percy is in
charge of the workroom and construction

Norman ri, Burg, DD

General Dentistry

(510) 652-1517
5700 Broadway, Oakland

A Prevention Oriented Practice

o$,, SIERRA CLUB
SEY] BOOKSTORE

~
ter @

Specialists in travel & field guides

maps ¢ globes ¢ and activist books

Visit our web site
www.sierraclubbookstore.com

(510) 658-7470

6014 College Ave., Oakland
M-Sat 11-6 Sun 12-4

in the back of the store.

Entering the store, you see an array
of framed items along the left wall, from
paintings to diplomas, Father’s Day gifts
and vacation memories. The right wall
has a long magnetic board where you
can try out various mattes and frames on
your artwork. The magnet wall 1s popular
with children, of course, and they enjoy
selecting mattes and frames for their
artwork just as adults do. The store offers
more than 2,000 frames and about 1,000
options for mattes, truly an incredible
assortment. Frame styles range from
modern and colorful slender steel to
massive 5" gold-leaf made of intricately
carved wood, like something from the
Renaissance era.

Rosemary’s approach to framing an
item is to develop several options depending
on the style of artwork and the budget of
the customer. She notes that “whether you
are framing a favorite poster or gallery-
level original artwork, different mattes and
frames can completely change the look

Welcoming You Home To
Rockridge

510.339.0400

erubbco.com

of the art.’ Her background in garment
design comes through in her love of color
and style, and her goal in framing 1s
simple: “I want it to look just perfect
for the customer. I’m very picky about
every detail.”
()" neighbor came in recently with
a print from the Georgia O'Keefe
exhibit in San Francisco. This stark rust-
and-black print of leaves became truly
spectacular in a cherry frame with gray
and rust mattes. Another O’ Keefe of purple
pansies sparkled with its purple matte
and silver frame.

Rosemary and Percy enjoy the friendly
feel of College Avenue and building
relationships with the neighbors. “ I
remember framing some nursery items
for a couple expecting a baby,” Rosemary
said. “and now they return to frame the
child’s kindergarten artworks! We really
enjoy getting to know people in Rockridge
and their tastes.”

So stop by with your artwork and see
what a great frame-up can do for you.

The Great Frame-Up

5820 College Avenue 601-6389
Mon. - Thurs.: 9:30 a.m. -7:00 p.m.
Fri. -Sat.: 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun.: closed. Parking in basement
off Birch Court.

Letters
from page 13

traditional stucco buildings built before
WW II. Most of us think this prevailing
mode is attractive and would like new

buildings to be aesthetically contextual.

Kirk Peterson, Architect
College Avenue

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16. Rdckridge News June 3, 2000

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