# The Rockridge News - October 2000

- Issue ID: 2000_10
- Source PDF: issues/2000_10.pdf
- Rendered pages: 16 of 16

## Extracted Text

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

- CIRCULATION: 5,300 RESIDENCES, 200 BUSINESSES

VOL. 15 * NO.9 «+ ISSUENO. 161 ©  OctoperR 7, 2000
130 « Oakland, CA 94618 « 814-6060

Sponsored by The Rockridge Community Planning Council 5856 College Ave. #

CCAC Dorm Project Approved,

RCPC drops formal opposition after Planning
Commission responds to community concerns

A Pa 0
pe ey -N* DS ath\

by Susan Montauk, RCPC Chair

he California College of Arts and Crafts (CCAC) dormitory

project on Broadway between Broadway Terrace and Clifton
Street passed a major threshold on September 20 when the
Oakland Planning Commission granted zoning approvals for
the project, along with conditions responding to community
concerns. Construction of the three-story, 66-room dormitory 1s
expected to begin next spring

By a 5-0 vote (two commissioners abstaining), the Commission

granted a conditional use permit and two minor variances for
the project, subject to a long list of conditions, many hammered _ The architectual rendering above shows how the completed
out in eleventh-hour negotiations between RCPC representatives CCAC project should appear viewed from the intersection of
(helped by College Point Neighbors representative Patty Brunn) Broadway and College. ALL PROJECT GRAPHICS SUPPLIED BY THE ARCHITECT

—_ © 3 .
— te Tie 4 Ge eo Be hy 2
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wa

and CCAC administrators. to address the other major issues raised by neighbors. Under

The project, which will provide ROUSING al approximately the project conditions, CCAC must prohibit car ownership or
120 students, aroused significant community opposition after possession by dorm residents (detailed procedures are set forth

its unveiling in January. Neighoors strongly criticized the size, to assure compliance). The College must also cooperate in a

density, and “ppearance of the project, the expected negative Residential Parking Permit (RPP) program, making an annual

mae on neighborhood street parking; and other potential contribution of $1,500 toward neighbors’ permit fees for the first

side-effects, particularly noise. —_ years after the program’s inception. CCAC and the community
At the September 20 hearing, the Planning Commission went

along with the size and density proposed by CCAC, but sought See “CCAC Approval,” page 2

—EEE

RCPC General RCPC Announces $10,000 Challenge
Meeting Agenda Grant for Rockridge-Temescal Park

new park. All gifts are tax-deductible.

Thursday, October 19, 7:30 p.m. RCPC will add $1 to every $2
Rockridge Branch Library that individuals contribute to the Several years ago, the Rockridge
| Community Room tax-deductible park campaign community raised nearly $175,000 to
5366 College Avenue (at Manila) furnish and equip the new Rockridge

by Theresa Nelson

Library; that support helped make our

@ Fixing Oakland Schools: RCPC Boardmember library one of the best and most heavily
SUPERINTENDENT DENNIS CHACONAS;} ;
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS he Board of the Rockridge Com- used branches in the Bay Area. Now
Oakland Schools Superintendent munity Planning Council (RCPC) is we invite the community to support

supporting the new Rockridge-Temescal
Greenbelt park with a community chal-
lenge grant of $10,000. Every individual

this much-needed neighborhood park,
in planning by volunteers for more than
two years, including FRiends Of the

Dennis Chaconas will outline his
approach to fixing our schools.
Board Member Ken Rice will present

the schoolboard’s agenda for the new gift to the campaign for thenew parkup  G_oenbelt (FROG), which is sponsorin
school year and Member-elect Kerry to a total of $20,000 will be matched by discount dinin on behalf tthe ok
Hamill will speak about her special RCPC ina 2:1 ratio: for every $2 given (story, page 3). p
projects for the coming Board term. by the individuals in the community, y» DABS ~).

See story page 7. RCPC will contribute another $1 to the See “Challenge,” page 3

a a EF

2.

Rockridge News

CCAC Project Approval Comes With Conditions

| ooking down

Continued from page |

are to establish a liaison committee, which
will meet at least once a year to address
“issues of concern relating to the operation
of the college.” In addition, among other
requirements, CCAC must establish a
24-hour nuisance hotline.

The conditions also address RCPC’s
concerns about future development pro-
posals or changes of use. Planning
Commission approval will be required for
any future change of use affecting more
than 10% of the habitable floor area, or
any change to a use which serves other
facilities or involves regular gatherings
of non-residents (e.g., classroom space).
No new use or development on any other
lot can be approved as an accessory to
the dormitory project.

A number of changes have been made
to the initial exterior design of the project.
The Broadway Terrace side will now have
a bay-studded, terra cotta stucco and
steel surface, with the third story stepped
back and trellised. These features are
meant to harmonize the structure with the
surrounding residential architecture. The
Broadway elevation — which neighbors
felt was too looming and monolithic for a
building so close to single-family residences

| —

| [" Everypay Seeciat.
| $1SHIRTS
LAUNDERED
oa Expires 11/7/00 .

Broadway
Terrace toward
Broadway
from the
vicinity of
Thomas
Avenue, the
architect’s
rendering
shows how the
completed
project might
look next

to existing
buildings.

>» Pl. i
—— has been sent back by the Planning
Commission for further articulation of
the facade. The Clifton Street side, which

includes the main entrance and is oriented
architectural

toward the campus, remains an
statement for the College, with planted
open space and a semi-detached cylindrical
structure containing a student lounge,
kitchen, and dining area.

Because of the extensive conditions
placed on the project, the RCPC board has
decided to discontinue its opposition to
the project. RCPC will, however, continue
to focus on long-range concerns not
addressed by the Planning Commission,
including future CCAC expansion and the
college’s lack of a Master Plan.

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SEE COMMUNITY CALENDAR, PAGE 12
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RockridgeNews

The Rockridge News, founded in 19g¢ by D
Kinkead, is published monthly in Oakland nd
sponsored by the Rockridge Community Plann is
Council, a non-profit public benefit organizati.
founded to: preserve and enhance the unique chara on
of the Rockridge neighborhood; promote the heal
safety and quality of life of its residents; furnish a fory :
for community involvement, and provide leadersh,,
and representation of neighborhood interests. P

Rockridge News Production

—_|

Cy Gulassa ...cvsccrsrreereerenees Editor-in-Chief
Alice Wilson-Fried........00:. Writer

Ortrun Niesar...... Phe Rockridge Muse
Barry Kaufman .......sesesee: Food

Michael SIMON .......cececccees. Health

Theresa NelSOn ...csssrsssssssssessese Neighborhood Merchant
Chris Ahistrand...........ce00 Photography

Lydia Ganns.....--scseesrerecssereen Photography
Madeline Alcorta...........00. Advertising

Susan Montauk... Business Manager
Don Kinkead........scs0eeGraphics & Layout
RCPC Board of Directors, 1999-2009
Susan Montauk... Chair

Ronnie SpitZer....-..-esesenee Vice-Chair

Frank GiUnta....s-cccecsesseseee Secretary

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

Patty Brunn, Marilyn Citron, Cy Gulassa,
Theresa Nelson, Dan Pitcock, Chad Thompson

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 Rockrioce News
w Are there community issues you'd like to see
covered in The Rockridge News?
wm Do you have questions about newsletter
distribution?
m 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 ADVERTISING/DEADLINES

Articles published in The Rockridge News may be
reprinted only with the permission of the editor.

Publication date of the next issue is

@ November 4, 2000;

™@ November deadline is October 19.
To advertise, call Madeline Alcorta at
547-2896. (RCPC reserves the right to refuse
any display or classified ad that it deems
inappropriate.)

October 7, 2000

Rockridge News

3.

Featuring California Cuisine,

wren
frog %
Help Complete the —— fd
Rockridge-Temescal ix

Greenbelt eo)

We need your help in making the Rockridge- Temescal Greenbelt!

For years, neighbors have been working (o create a much-needed park in Rockridge. The City
of Oakland has committed $500,000 toward the Phase | construction of the $800,000 Greenbelt
Master Plan Friends of the Roc kridge- Temescal Greenbelt (FROG), a coalition of Rockridge and ‘i.
Temescal leaders and organizations, has organized to raise $75,000 towards the full compleuon of

the Greenbelt

There are many opportunities for you to make a tax-deducuble gitt to the Greenbelt, ranging
from helping to purchase children's play structures and picnic tables to “adopting a foot of the
greenbelt ” Gifts of $250 or more will be permanently recognized through the inclusion of your
name or the name ol your family, organization or business on the main park plaque

Please consider a special gift to the Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt, and help make this major
park a reality for our neighborhood. For more Information and details on donor opportunities
call Steve Costa at 510/655-4818 .

mre ies mes em se me ee ee ee ee ee ee ee a . ~
-) YES, | want to help complete the Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt!

Gifts of any amount are welcome. We will apply your gift as specified below

$ Play Structure (total cost. $25,000) 5 Picnic Tables ($750)

$ Creek-Sand Water Play Area ($10,000) $s Benches ($500)

$ Greenbelt interpretive Kiosks ($5,000) S$. Boulders ($150)

$_ Regular Swings ($4,000) $s Trees ($100)

$s Tire Swing ($2,500) $s Adopt a Foot of the Greenbelt ($50 per foot)
$ ____ Public An/Animal Totems ($1,000) $_____. General gilt to the part

My total gift to the Greenbelt Campaign is$ 0 Phone a

Name (please print) __ Senge ee see ee ee

Street address. —_— _ City oo State Zip

Make your check payable to ‘Park Fund/RCPC” and return tt with this form to
Rockridge Community Planning Council, 5856 College Ave., PMB 130, Oakland, CA 94618

~ ae *\ as ‘ie, . 3 oh ru es "> ‘nts . <3 , '

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Dine with a 10%
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Local restaurants support the
Greenbelt Park

by Eileen Faulkner

ine out anytime between now and

December with a FROG card and
receive a 10% discount at any one of
13 participating local restaurants, Show
your card upon receipt of the check and
receive 10% off before taxes. All card
sale proceeds go directly toward funding
the new Greenbelt Park that will connect
Hardy Park and Redondo along the old
Temescal creek path.

Purchase your discount dining card for
$20 at Spasso, 6021 College Avenue, or at
the Red Tractor, 5634 College Avenue, or
by mailing a check (payable to RCPC/Park
Fund) to: Frog Discount card, 5690 Ocean
View Drive, Oakland, CA 94618, and
begin enjoying College Avenue meals at
special prices.

FROG (FRiends Of the Greenbelt) is a
volunteer subcommittee of the Rockridge
Community Planning Council (RCPC). Its
goal is to raise $75,000 to fund amenities
including play structures for the Rockridge
Temescal Greenbelt.

Get your card now and use 1t for the
rest of the year. What better way to support
the community and enjoy the flavor of the
neighborhood as well? Bon appetit!

Challenge

from page |

Longtime RCPC Board Member Dan
Pitcock, owner of Roberts Electric,
kicked off the campaign with a $500 gift
toward the new play structure. With his
wife Maril and son Shane, Dan expects
to share many hours enjoying the new
park. Others are planning significant
contributions toward the match.

You can help make the park a reality
for our neighborhood: select a gift
Opportunity in the announcement at
left above that fits your interest or give
a general gift, and mail your check pay-
able to: Park Fund/RCPC, 5856 College
Avenue, PMB 130, Oakland, CA 94618.
Gifts of any amount are welcome, and all
gifts of $250 or more will be permanently
recognized through the inclusion of your
name or the name of your family or
organization on the main park plaque.

4.

Réckridge News

October 7, 2000

rr

Neighborhood Mourns a Loss, Celebrates a Life

Lifetime Rockridge Resident Julie Dewey of Chabot Road Suffers Fatal Stroke

4 Julie Dewey
celebrates with
young neighbor
Sophie Lee who won
“The Right Stuff”
award at a recent
Ames Center Space
Camp. (See story
below)

> A memorial
poster for Julie
placed by her
neighborhood
for their beloved
neighbor and
friend.

Julie became active in com-

ulie Dewey, née Julia Passadore, was born in 1922 in

Oakland. Her parents immigrated to this country

around 1910 and soon established themselves in
North Oakland, purchasing real estate in a post-earth-
quake and rapidly expanding residential neighborhood.
She attended Washington Elementary, Claremont
Middle School and University High, which was located
on the former Merritt College site on Martin Luther
King, Jr, Way.

She married Eric Gustafson, an Oakland policeman,
in 1951. Three years after her divorce in 1964, she married
Bob Dewey and they lived first in her Claremont Avenue
home and then at 5855 Chabot Road until his death
in 1987. Julie worked for the California Employment
Service, then as a legal secretary for the Oakland District
Attorney and ultimately ran Cheesecake Melba with Bob
from their business at 40th and Telegraph Avenue.

munity issues, joining picket lines to protest the
Dreyers expansion and then hosting the assembly of
The Rockridge News out of her Chabot home for almost
a decade.

he will be remembered by Chabot Road and Rock
Grieve neighbors as a feisty and frank woman who
always extended a helping hand to newcomers to
the neighborhood and to those in need of friendship
and support. RCPC and The Rockridge News mourn
the passing of a steadfast community activist and
volunteer.

A special fund has been set up for donations to honor
Julie. Donations will be applied toward the purchase of
a park bench dedicated to Julie for the new Greenbelt
park. Mail checks to RCPC Park Fund, 5856 College Avenue
PMB 130, Oakland, CA 94618. On your check write Julie
Dewey bench. Checks should include your address and
phone number.

PHOTOS PAGES 4 AND 5: K. MARKER

by Kathy Briccetti

\ . J earing an oversized white t-shirt and
a blue U.S. Space Camp cap pulled

down over her brown curls, ten-year-old
Rockridge resident Sophie Lee accepted
“The Right Stuff” award during recent
graduation ceremonies in Mountain View.

Sophie, who helped Julie Dewey deliver
The Rockridge News, attended the week-
long space camp near Ames Research
Center in August. She is pictured above
sharing her good news with “Auntie” Julie
Dewey.

The camp’s counselors chose Sophie

Rockridge Girl Has the Right Stuff

from the group of 185 fourth- through
seventh-graders as the camper who most
demonstrated “The Right Stuff” — what
it takes to become an astronaut.

“She has what it takes to go through
life,” her counselor said during the gradu-
ation ceremonies. He described Sophie as
someone who does her best, studies hard,
believes in herself, and is eager to learn
about the space program.

The Park Day School fifth-grader
performed some of the duties of a payload
specialist and ground control officer
while working with the Venus team.
Her counselor described her as an ambi-

tious, yet humble, team leader. Sophie’s
mother, Karen Marker, says that her
daughter is passionate about becoming an
astrophysicist and astronaut someday.

Meeting real astronauts, trying out the
simulators, learning about the history of
the space mission, visiting Ames research
center, and learning how astronauts use the
toilet in space were camp high points for
Sophie. She particularly valued working
as a team member.

The U.S. Space Camps, located in
Alabama, California, and Florida, began
in 1982 to educate and inspire children,
and to help them explore careers in the
space industry. It looks like Sophie Lee
is well on her way to becoming the first
Rockridge resident in space.

October 7, 2000 Rédckridge News 5,

a Rachel Lee, one of
Julie’s many young friends
and neighbors. Rachel’s
biography of Julie will be
printed in the November
Rockridge News.

Buss.es AND Batoons. Neighbors and friends gathered at the home of the late Julie Dewey to
celebrate her life and mourn her passing.

- ll bel
Julie Dewey all belonged to her and with her. The were equally important and all were

: doors were always open. That is why! — connected. It was in remembering to
Memorial began introducing this woman, asso __ check in, taking care of ourselves as
many other did, é ing hello

A Tribute to Julie Dewey y other did, as my adopted mother, well as each other, and saying
Sept ber 25. 2000 and why my two children had a daily and goodbye whenever we came and
pal abetted a relationship with her that was closer — went. | also learned that it was true,

by Karen Marker than with almost any other adult in the saying, that joy shared increases,

Wer | left home in Ohio at nine- their lives and sorrow shared decreases.
teen and came to the western My bond with Julie was really n the last week I've been thinking so
edge of this country, it seemed that cemented the afternoon that she was much about all this as|I've struggled
it was harder to feel a sense of perma grieving the loss of her husband Bob, to come to terms with the reality of

nence. But when I bought a house on —_ and | was strolling my baby daughter her loss. As I watched Julie's family
Chabot Road 15 years ago, | realized = Rachel down College Ave. That moment — come back to her house across the
for the first time since | had come — sheburstintotearsrightthereonthe street, | realized that they were help-
to California that something perma- street and shared her pain with me, ing us heal by caring for our feelings as
nent had taken root in my life, and allowing metocomforther Aseedwas = Julie had cared, and that this process
that this permanence had to do with planted then that continued to grow, of grieving together was making us all
my relationship to my neighbor Julie nurtured by more and more moments part of something bigger. Like learning
Dewey. So much so that today almost like this, where we shared sorrows, to ride a bicycle, Julie is now in our
everything in my life has been touched regrets, and forgiveness in ways that muscles. Once we have done it, we don't
by her, including the clothes that she might otherwise have been reserved forget. Now we know how to.keep on

helped me choose. for priests, rabbis or therapists. going, keep on caring, as she taught
Julie's heart was so big it had room But it was not only that. Julie us to do.
for everyone, but it had special room shared all the mundane stuff, too. Julie, today your wish for Rock-

for those who were most in need She loaned us the spices, helped us ridge has come true. Because of you we
of her care — children, animals and cook meals, baby sat for the kids, and are a real community. A place where
orphaned adults. Julie's special gift | providedacriticaleyeaboutthe mess — everyone hasareason to smile. A place
to us, her neighbors on Chabot Road on the front porch and the clothes — where we all look out for each other.
who came from somewhere else and we were wearing. From Julie | learned What an amazing and lasting gift this
thus were without extended families that both the big and little things is, this legacy of kindness that you
of our own, was this sense that we have left us all.

6.

October 7, 2000

New Oakland
Tech Principal
Felipe [barra Is
Welcomed by the
School

Community

“Charismatic but tough”
administrator loves kids and
believes in putting them first

by Janet Somers

| on more than a week into his new
job, Principal Felipe Ibarra walks
the schoolyard and hallways of Oakland
Technical High School and is greeted
enthusiastically by all the students he
meets. A group of giggling girls tries
to get him to reveal his first name (it’s
“Muister.”) Mr. Ibarra warmly returns the
greetings, patting students on the back and
engaging in easy conversation with many
of them. And perhaps because his manner
is friendly and humorous even when he
warns a student about an infraction of
the new, no-nonsense dress-code (in this
case, no wearing hats in the building), the
student responds in kind, removing the hat
without losing the smile on his face.

It was that blend of charisma and
professionalism that members of a novel
“principal selection committee” — made
up of parents, teachers, administrators,
and even a couple of students — saw
in Mr. Ibarra, and that helped lead to
his nearly unanimous choice as the new
principal.

A native of Guadalajara, Mexico, who

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Oakland Tech Principal Felipe Ibarra.

Puotro. Lypta GANS

spent part of his childhood in south central
Los Angeles, Mr. Ibarra comes to Tech
by way of Milpitas High School and San
Jose Academy and is no stranger to urban
environments. In San Jose he worked with
other community leaders to create a truce
and define an ongoing mediation process
between two rival gangs whose territories
divided the school. During that time he
got to know the gang members, even
visiting some of them at their homes. “Kids
involved with street life want to know
there’s a safe place to go,” he says.

Mr. Ibarra says simply that he “loves
kids.” (He has two of his own: a 21-year-
old daughter, who graduated from Stanford
and is now pursuing a teaching career in
his old Los Angeles neighborhood; and a
son, 7.) His simple and uncompromising
philosophy is that decisions about the
school should always be “student centered”
and filtered by the overriding question,
“Ts this good for the student?”

While emphasizing that real change
takes time, Mr. Ibarra is optimistic when
he describes what he says are some basic

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ideas for improving student morale and
scholastic achievement at Tech. He wants
to recognize and reward all academic
improvement, not just accomplishment at
the highest levels, he says. He intends to
ensure that the highly regarded “acad-
emies” at Tech are accessible to al]
students, even if that requires helping
some of them to acquire the skills neces-
sary for success in these programs.

He also wants to explore modern
class-scheduling models that can increase
and enrich teacher/student contact. And
he has begun a process of determining
and reporting on necessary repairs to
the facility.

His concern for the well-being of the
school and his lack of pretension are
much in evidence when, at the end of his
daily lunchtime “beat,” he casually starts
to pick up the trash that has accumulated
on the front steps of the school building;
an onlooker spontaneously follows suit.

It is easy to believe him when he says,
“I’ve encountered many great things
going on here on campus since my arrival,
and we just need to encourage them and
let the public know about them.”

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October 7, 2000

Rodckridge News

7.

On THE GENERAL MEETING AGENDA |

What’s in Store for Oakland Schools?

Superintendent Chaconas speaks
to Rockridge: October 19, 7:30
p.m., RCPC General Meeting,
Rockridge Library

by Susan Montauk, Chair, RCPC

f you can’t reach Superintendent Dennis

Chaconas downtown, try him at Oakland
Tech or Chabot Elementary. These are
two of the six schools he is personally
responsible for this year under his plan
to build accountability into the Oakland
School system. Four leadership directors
from the central office are assigned their
own schools among the 80 schools 1n the
District. Principals’ roles will also change.
They will be mandated to spend at least
two hours each day in the classroom,
observing, mentoring and evaluating their
teachers. According to Chaconas, “This
district does not need another round of
piecemeal crisis management. We need to
face up to the district’s shortcomings, roll
up our sleeves and begin to deliver on the

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intendent
4 Dennis

; Chaconas,
va pictured
hes. during a
“caste. recent
ee interview.

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promises we have made to the children
of Oakland.”

Hell-bent on delivering those promises,
Chaconas has shaken the establishment to
its core. He started by firing or “reassign-
ing” 29 school principals; many of their
replacements have been recruited from
outside the district. Over 120 teachers and
administrators “on special assignment”
were moved from the central office to the
classroom. A leaner, more efficient central
office is the goal, with crucial functions

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made more user-friendly and directed to
support the needs of school sites. These
and other central office cutbacks will
help meet last year’s raises in principals’
salaries and the next two years of increases
in teachers’ salaries. Starting salaries for
teachers will reach $37,000 by June of
next year, an $8,000 increase from last
year. Top salaries will jump to $68,000,
an increase of $13,000.

With academics at the top of the
superintendent's crisis list, school sites
will also have to adapt to curriculum
changes to avoid a possible takeover by the
State Board of Education. Only 35%
of Oakland’s third-graders score at or
above average on the state reading test.
Chaconas chose “Open Court Reading,” a
phonics-based program, to be implemented
in schools with less than SO percent of
students scoring above the 50th percentile
on the state (SAT/9) reading test. The focus
on improving mathematics instruction will
start with secondary math, particularly
on pre-algebra and algebra instruction,
and intervention strategies for 6th through
8th grades.

The elimination of multi-track, year-
round schools has resulted in an urgency
for new schools to be built. Woodward
Elementary in East Oakland opened its
doors in September. It is the first new
Oakland school in 35 years. The second
new school, to be located on the old
Montgomery Wards site, will open as a
temporary school in fall, 2001, and in
September 2002 as a permanent school.

A 10-year construction and moderniza-
tion program has begun. Everyone 1s
watching closely. You can hear all about
the state of our schools and address ques-
tions to the Superintendent at the October
19th RCPC General Meeting.

r —
DISTRICT 1 SCHOOL BOARD DIRECTOR
KEN RICE’S ADVISORY MEETING

OAKLAND TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL:
OAKLAND’S BEST-KEPT SECRET

DATE Monday, October 14, 2000
TIME =? toe Dom
PLACE:  Cloremont Wdale School Mullipurpase Room
5750 Cotege Avenue (next !o BART)
(tee parking in [he BART lof}

Carne nacr teaches tromn fech’s natonoty acciaimed ocodemy and
Paidea programs Teachers representing ine Computer, Education,
Engineenng, fine ond Perturmming Ars Technology, ond
Healtn/Boscience Academies wl? Gve presentations cbowl her
respective programs and curricula.

Addifonally. teaches from the ninth grade Calforma Studes
Engish/History Block. and Inferinks progroms wil give Gremess of trer
programms. Tech students wil De present fo answer Questions, Clong

win Tech porents,
Ren
“| SI

Rdckridge News

October 7, 2000

- — _ ———w-

Time for Squash

O°: always brings me back to
western Massachusetts. Having left
New York to attend graduate school, we
lived in a small rural community outside
of Amherst. It was in Shutesbury that
we planted our first vegetable garden.
Befriended by a local university professor
and some neighbors, the Brooklynites
planted everything that was available
from the Burpee seed catalog. I will never
forget that first garden with zucchinis
that seemed to grow overnight into green
monsters from some alien planet. We ate
baked squash, squash pancakes, squash
puree with cranberries, stuffed squash,
squash stew, and... you get the idea. |
could wax eloquent about the fall colors
of rural New England, but for me October
will always mean squash.

On a recent walk through Market
Hall Produce, Yasi Market, Safeway, and
Albertson’s, I was overwhelmed with the
variety of squash available to the home
cook. Along with corn and beans, squash
is part of the “holy trinity” of new-world
foods. There is evidence of squash being
eaten in Mexico and in the American
Southwest over 2,000 years ago. It’s hard
to imagine, but prior to the introduction of
new-world vegetables in the 16th century,
Italian food did not include tomatoes or
zucchini. Joyce Goldstein, in her cookbook
Cucina Ebraica: Flavors of the Italian
Jewish Kitchen, notes that that many old
traditional Italian Jewish dishes include
zucchini as a central ingredient. Food
historians credit the Jewish community
for introducing zucchini into the Italian
diet. My mother always made potato and
zucchini pancakes (/atkas).

quash is generally divided into two
major categories: summer squash and
winter squash. Summer squash have thin,
edible skins and soft seeds. Zucchini
and yellow crookneck are most common.
Winter squash have hard, thick skins and

ee

seeds. Winter squash varieties include
acorn, butternut, hubbard, delicata, turban,
and spaghetti. You should choose squash
that are heavy for their size with a blemish-
free, deeply colored rind. Winter squash
does not require refrigeration and can be
kept for over a month.

found that Market Hall Produce has the

largest selection of summer and winter
squash. Although there are many varieties
of squash, they all can be baked whole,
boiled and pureed for soups, scooped out
and stuffed, and fried.

The following recipe for zucchini
pancakes (/atkes) is an adaptation of my
mother’s specialty. Jewish food historian
Claudia Roden believes the dish originated
in the Turkish Jewish community and
spread throughout the Ottoman Empire

and to Italy.
Zucchini Pancakes/Latkes
| “A pounds of zucchini (about 3 large)
| teaspoon of salt

| carrot, peeled and grated

/, onion, grated

| large egg

3/4 cup of matzo meal

black pepper to taste

vegetable oil

Grate zucchini on the largest holes of a
box grater into colander and combine with
salt. Let zucchini drain about 30 minutes

Squeeze as much liquid from the zucchini
as possible. In a bowl stir together zucchini,
carrot, onion, egg, matzo meal and pepper
to taste.

Add about / inch of vegetable oil to a
skillet and heat over medium high heat until
hot but not smoking. Drop four 1/8-cup
measures of zucchini mixture into the skillet
and with a spatula flatten into %-inch pancakes.
Cook pancakes 2-3 minutes on each side, or
until golden and cooked through. Drain on
paper towels. Keep making more pancakes
the same way.

Serve with dollops of yogurt or sour
cream.

Makes about 10 pancakes

Barry Kaufman is a graduate of the
California Culinary Academy. He can
be reached at kaufman @ sirius, com,

Barry is available for cooking classes.

Getting the News
Didn't get your copy of =
The Rockridge News or

need another? Generally,
extras are available in
the Rockridge Library foyer”
and in many shops on
College Avenue. =

. gentle holistic relaxing
treatment

3179 College Ave, Suite 5
510.428.0450

Call for an appointment
Dr. Robert Pape - Dr. Carol Barnes

6025 College Ave. ¢
(510) 595- 0837

Ee

——— ae

RdckridgeNews 9

October 7, 2000

Rockridge Real Estate Prices Shift; Market Strong

owners to assess their real estate holdings

and make some good decisions for the
future.

The $500,000 exemption from taxable
gains from the sale of a personal residence
is still in effect, and you are not required
to buy a home of equal or greater value to
escape capital gains taxation. Homeowners
whose children have grown and moved
out may want to consider selling that large
house and purchasing a smaller home

and a vacation home, or even a future
retirement residence. That retirement
residence could be leased out until you
are ready to move In.

Tax base transfers for persons over 55

are also still available if you are purchasing
a home of equal or lesser value within the

county of Alameda or counties which have
a reciprocal agreement with Alameda.
For more information on this, talk with

your tax consultant.

Sales brisk but prices slowing

by Ortrun Niesar, Prudential Real Estate

or the first time this year, sales prices

have slowed their rapid ascent in
Rockridge. Sales continue to be brisk, but
buyers have sent a message that enough
is enough: overbids are generally less
extravagant.

Nevertheless, homes prepared properly
for sale will still attract multiple offers,
driving the sale price to 20% or more
over the asking price. The current median
price for a home in Rockridge is $520,000.

Recent Home Sales in Rockridge

Address Br Ba SaleDateDays/Mkt Ask Price Sale Price S:1%

Should sales slow down a little more, or 5335 Broadway Terrace 2 2 9/15/00 (5 295,000 346,000 =iII7
more inventory come on the market, it is 6329 Colby Street > | 8/30/00 T 305,000 405.000 133
likely that you will see homes priced 5169 Shafter Avenue 2 | 8/1/00 18 349,000 325,000 93
a bit more aggressively. That’s because 5248 James Avenue 2 | 8/28/00 3 385,000 385,000 _:100
homes continue to be initially priced ee ee osenty 2 g/18/00 —-26_——-399,000__—416,000 _ 104
somewhat below market at this time in 5784 moe pares ; ; = = - = EU ee D =
anticipation of multiple bids. The end 5114 Coronado Avenue 2. | B/1100 25 429,000 485,000 _113
result in a slower market may actually be 5249 James Avenue > I 8/8/00 T 445,000 455,000. 102
close to the same. 9336 James Avenue 2 | 8/22/00 14 459,000 580,000 126
This may be a good time for home 5435 Locksley Avenue 3 2 9/14/00 10 495,000 653,000 132
5668 Buena VistaAvenue 3 2 8/22/00 35 499,000 499,000 100
6000 Broadway 4 3 8/4/00 7 499,000 611,000 122
4987 Harbord Drive 3 2 8/1/00 20 518,000 520,000 100
5404 Lawton Avenue 3 2 8/2/00 13 559,000 725,000 130
5529 Kales Avenue 4 2 8/15/00 13 595,000 663,000 ah
5863 Chabot Court 3 | 8/14/00 0 599,000 66,0000 110
5609 Golden Gate Avenue 3 2 9/14/00 15 599,000 665,000 ty
5848 Ocean View Drive 3 3 8/30/00 12 599,000 747,000 = 125
6249 Buena VistaAvenue 3 2 8/18/00 19 685,000 747,000 109
572| Presley Way 4 3 8/29/00 I 699,000 710,000 102
6045 Chabot Road 4 2 9/8/00 16 745,000 889,200 119
6040 Chabot Road 3 2 8/11/00 9 925,000 1,270,000 137
6182 Contra CostaRoad 4 3 8/18/00 [2 985,000 1,015,000 103
5678 Margarido Dr 3. 4 8/1/00 10 990,000 1,034,000 104
WHY PAY 6% TO SELL YOUK HOME
WHEN WE CHARGE
y ee te 4% OR LESS
> ae oy < FOR THE SAME FULL SERVICE?
Oo) eee H
3 SE REALTY
5 | |
LO) ec ad www.realtyadvocates.com (510) 428-0757
Your Neighborhood Pub elaine cane
Le Td

10.

Rédckridge News

October 7, 2009

THe NEIGHBORHOOD MERCHANT
BY THERESA NELSON

FORM Vintage Modern
§332 College Avenue, Oakland 420-1950

AND

AHLST®

Puoro: Curis

Wednesday - Sunday, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.

by Theresa Nelson
Winns into FORM for me was like
stepping into a well-designed home
or Office, circa 1960: filled with modernist
furniture from the height of the period,
tastefully collected and displayed, with
interesting accents that foretold some
of the pop culture revolution brewing in
society.

Joe Kunis, the friendly and enthusiastic
owner of FORM, is a California native who
grew up in Berkeley’s Elmwood district.
A graduate of UC Santa Cruz and S.F.
State in education, he taught creative arts
at two local Jewish Community Centers
for several years and took additional
courses in architecture and art, pursuing
his personal interest in modernism.

Though he grew up ina Berkeley crafts-
man-style home, his maternal grandparents
in Connecticut inspired his love of all things
modern. Many artists and architects of
the day were clients of his grandparents,
including Philip Johnson, Jens Risson,
Marcel Breuer, and Elliot Noyse. At 21,
he received his first Eames chair from his
grandparents and was hooked.

L* fall, Joe went on a major buying
trip, secured the former Rockrose
space on College Avenue, and moved in. He
said, “College Avenue is a well-positioned
corridor for shopping, walking and driving,
with other furniture and design stores
nearby. I knew this location would bring
credibility to a new business.”

While we were talking, a 20-something
woman came in to ask about a 1952 George
Nelson bubble lamp. The large, flattened
sphere is made of a special plastic over
metal ribs. Hanging from a ceiling or on
a table, it appears to float in space, rather
like a UFO. Another couple in their 60s
came in to look at a white leather chair
and some lamps, exclaiming over a wood
and brass sunburst clock like one they had
years ago when they were first married.

Besides the colorful, autumn-toned

rya rugs, tall glass and steel etagéres, teak
cabinets and soft olive green couch, Joe

PHoto: Courtesy oF Jog Kunis

The “pod” chair in use by FORM
owner Joe Kunis.

has some very unusual pieces available.
Current favorites include the charming
1950s Italian “Atomic” espresso maker,
the epitome of new and modern in its time,
and the mesmerizing “aurora” clock, with
rotating disks housed in stainless steel
that change color as they go around the
clock face. The biggest eye-catcher was
an original, late ’60s “pod chair” of aqua
velour and white fiberglass, pictured above.
This futuristic chair and ottoman houses
a pair of speakers at ear level, which

| Saraya Motley

literally surround you with sound while
enclosing you in an extremely comfortable
easy chair. Customers often use these for
watching films as well as listening to
music. I had the chance to sit it in and
enjoy the cool jazz on the stereo for a few
minutes before the chair was delivered to
a waiting customer.

A few minutes later, Michael Thanos
from Rustica came in to browse the latest
arrivals. Michael said, “As someone who
goes to lots of vintage furniture stores, |
can say that Joe has the best selection at the
best prices. That’s why we bought several]
pieces here for the Conga Lounge [upstairs
from Rustica on College Avenue}.”

hile he collects and sells a wide

range of periods, “from deco to
disco,” Joe’s love is the mass-produced
pieces from the 50s and “60s, when good
design was available at reasonable prices,
His customers range in age from 20 to
70, some seeking the retro-hip look,
others enjoying the revival of treasures
from their own past. “I enjoy thinking
about how something will look in people’s
homes, whether they want something
that’s whimsical or a modern design piece
that’s very collectible.” He carries nothing
that is new or new reproductions of older
items. The authenticity of the original
items is very plain: “I’m a purist,” Joe
says, “and that comes through in what I
offer here at FORM.”

So stroll down College this weekend
and stop in for a very up-to-date view of
the past. You might find that perfect glass-
top coffee table or vintage orange Hobie
skateboard you’ve always wanted.

If you are buying or selling in.
Rockridge look to your
Complete Real Estate Resource-

Saraya Motley (510)280-2162

Rockridge Trivia

The Rockridge News.

2983 College Avenue - Berkeley, CA 94705
Leen a

Win Dinner for two at Filippo’s Pastaria on College!

Question: The term “Rockridge” is said to have commemorated the Livermore

family’s favorite picnic area. This large rock is located near what two streets
today?

Call me with the correct answer and your name will be entered in a drawing for

a delicious dinner for two at Filippo’s Pastaria. Entries must be received by
October 19th. The winner and answer will be posted in next month’s issue of

Red Oak Realty

October 7, 2000

Rockridge News

; Acting Up
At Any Age

ave you heard of Stagebridge? |
H hadn't until quite recently when |

heard someone say she couldn't wait to
be “old” enough to join. She was S5S.Hmm.
| went to check it out. Stagebridge meets
over at the First Congregational Church
at the corner of 27th and Harrison Streets
every Wednesday and Friday for classes
and rehearsals. What | found there was
a most lively group of seniors, and a
few curious juniors, getting together and
learning to perform on stage, tell stories
professionally, do improvisations, write
stories for radio and much more.

| have to admit | was totally fascinated
and have been back ever since. | am
particularly riveted by the storytelling
classes. Here is this wonderful treasure
trove of living history, this natural
laboratory for the study of human
experience to be had for the asking.
Members come from all over and all
kinds of backgrounds, offering up stories
fashioned from memories often dating
back to times few still know anything
about. They tell their stories with artistry,
passion and an unmistakable sense of
urgency. There is a ring of truth about
these wonderful stories such as you will
never find in a Hollywood movie. It’s the
truth of the experience, actually lived,

that makes your spine tingle.

Stagebridge has been around for 22
years. In fact, its first home was the
gym at the College Avenue Presbyterian
Church. By now it has gained national
recognition and serves as a model for
other areas of the country. Professional
drama teachers and storytellers help
members prepare for plays and shows,
radio performances, storytelling in
schools, even professional acting In

6038 college avenue BOSKO'S
oakland, california 94618
(510) 655-3966 picture

framing

on college avenue since 1945

by Ortrun Niesar 7

commercials. KPFA-FM hosts personal

life stories told by seniors all through
the month of January 2001. Other well-
known productions include “Grandparent
Tales,” which reaches thousands of school
children, and “Never Too Late.” which
tours retirement homes. Some seniors
| met have even taken on gigs on cruise
ships, in commercials, and all kinds of
workshops and festivals. Plans are also in
the works for a new “Festival of Creative

Aging,” which will take place next spring
in Berkeley.

If you are a born ham still yearning
to take center stage, or a person with
love for young and old and a story to tell,
Stagebridge is for you. Classes are not
terribly expensive, even free, and easy
to get to. The number to call for more

program information and registration
is 444-4755.

Rockridge 2000,A
Pictorial Essay Update

e plan to meet for tea at the
home of Lydia Gans on Thursday,
October |2,5-6:30 p.m. Photographers,
please join us to create a pictorial essay of
our neighborhood. For more information,
call Ortrun at 652-6664 or write to

oniesar@aol.com.

~~

Vy CASUAL 10 DRESSY!

f CONT PORRRY WOMEN'S CLOTHING.
ACCESSORIES, VEWELRY, HATS, WHIMSICAL

| GitTS, AND RO)KS! (On bY Atvd ViSIT

.\ 9940 COLLEGE AVE.
ALWAYS HONORING — OAKLAND. (A. 94618
WIMCN'!

910-653-3294
LiP WAS. 7

PHoTo: OrTRUN NIESAR
Taft Street residents gather for their

annual neighborhood picnic on a recent
September day.

Living on Taft

by Ortrun Niesar

iscover with me a very special neigh-

borhood within our neighborhood.
It’s a street you and I have traveled many
times between College and Broadway,
probably thinking only about getting from
point A to point B, wondering how long
this street is, and just how many speed
bumps there are, anyway.

But walk down the street and it won't
take you long before you sense something
very special about Taft. Comfortable
bungalow homes are crowded rather closely
together behind sunny porches and small
front yards filled with garden furniture
and beds of fragrant flowers and herbs.
Despite the never-ending traffic, there are
toys on the sidewalk and watchful parents
out front. Stories and bright hellos are
swapped from yard to yard and across
the roofs of cars carefully negotiating
the speed bumps. Taft to Broadway is
26 homes long, 52 homes in all, not
counting duplexes. And yet, Taft is a real
neighborhood!

How did they manage to do it? Well,
lots of kids (five babies born just this year)
and work-at-home adults and grandparents
on the block can’t hurt. But it takes
organizing skill and cooperation to pull
it off. I spoke with Annie Boddum, chief
organizer, about how she does it. She
told me an e-mail tree and e-newsletter
help tremendously. So do speed bumps,
block garage sales, neighborhood potluck
barbecues, and common issues to rally
around. By the way, Annie Boddum, an
interfaith minister, school nurse and a
grandmother, will be glad to come and talk

See “Taft Street,” page /5

a a «< a-Me 4 a wus“? ‘GA eee aS — * oe eo @--wee wT © -~ ~6@ -_ ~« - —_- ~—< 7

12 Rdckridge News October 7, 2000

i
/ | Check Your...
COMMUNITY CALENDAR ,
i
i

RMeiassitieds

Your Message Here

Your 36-word message: $18 (phone number
counts as one word). Mail to: RN Classifieds, A
5856 College Avenue, #130, Oakland, CA ff
94618. November deadline is October 21.

Submit Items To RCPC COMMUNITY CALENDAR,
5856 College Avenue, #130, OAKLAND 94618 or call 814-6060.
Deadline is next to the lost thursday of the month.

Fire Ecology Hikes At Merritt Prevention Council meets 2nd Thursday of each month ot "

College Environmental Center |“ TTS _— 4
I Toke hikes and do hands-on work in the hills and along | PRO

Jazz and Classical Piano Lessons I the creeks. An exciting new partnership centered at Mer- Houiay Art Fest Mercanrite Fair, Wednesday, October i

I. Enut , , aturday, November 11. Three weeks of ear!
Rockridge jazz pianist with Berkeley Music ‘itt College's Environmental Center will be hosting outdoor Aart ul Ninth Street, Oakland. Call nae
B.A. offers lessons in theory, eartraining, blues, ean Hh ine Call pen at Friends of Temes- na Sfontion 4
jazz, technique, beginning and intermediate cal Creek for information. 655-0341. —— ;
classical Experienced, patient teacher of all I Moperate HIKE 10 A FIRE CONTROL SITE. Rockridge Branch Library |
ages! Janet 653-6783. J October 8, Sunday: 10 a.m. 240 Alvarado Road, 5366 College Avenue, 597-5017. Rocxripce BRancH ,
; Berkeley. We will also discuss low flammability Liprary Storytimes for October, 2000:

House Sitter | green building material Pre-Scnoot Story Hours: Tue 10/17: 10:30& llam.
Let me put your mind at ease while you I retrofits and water retention options for direct use near | Toppter Story Time: Sat 10/07: 10:30 a.m.; |
travel. Seminary student will house/pet sit. I and on houses in fire ecology zones with guest Dr. Gary | Sat 10/28: 10:30 a.m. ,
experienced. 547-7775. J Scott and Prof. Robin Freeman. Pasama Story Time: Wed 10/11: 7 p.m.;
Seeking |-Week House Rental Devetopment Issues On Vicente CreeK In Wed 10/25: 7 p.m. Halloween Story Special Event I
Rockridge resident seeks to rent a large THE Temescal WATERSHED Boox Discussion Grou |
house in Oakland or Berkeley for a family i November 4 Saturday, 10 a.m., meet at Lake Temescal Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. |
gathering February |7-24, 2001. Need 4-53 Jf parking lot. Hike leader; Bruce Douglas, President of October 18: Seize the Day, by Saul Bellow. ,
bedrooms. Call Susan 653-1564 or Jennie | Friends of Temescal Creek. Bring lunch; dress for the November 1, Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen and
450-0430. , weather; easy to moderate hike. Visit two branches of t. Joon by George Bernard Shaw. Call 597-5017. i

- re . . Temescal Creek's headwaters. Lawyers In THE Lisrary: Free advice 6-8 p.m., Ist Thurs- |
ntowen CT ee alize your Njane Brunner day each month. Signup starts at 5 p.m. J
life: Low-impact, grounding, meditative Il Montnty Apvisory MEETING TOASTMASTERS ,
movement. Great way to start the day! — ff Saturday, October 14, 10 a.m.-noon at Peralta Ele- Early risers: Conquer your fear of public speaking
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday morning mentary School, 460 63rd Street. New Design Review and develop leadership skills in a supportive, relaxed I
classes, 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. 20 years experience. standards and zoning updates for city. and friendly environment. Join Toastmasters, 7a.m. ff
Beginners welcome. Karen 601-1619. bicec Meetings every Thursday. Please call 510-251-3066 or email: |

. Methodist Church, Manila/College Neighborhood Crime | spk2@flash.net |

Welcoming You Home To _

| ATTENTION

Sat 9:30 - 5:00 I will show you how to

CHIMES get top dollar for your

; _ > -- PHARMACY — and sell t now.
=sss e | Selling Homes in the
- . Serving Rockridge Since 1909 East Bay since 1980.

eke = __:3210 College Speak five Indian languages.

— a= =~ Near Alcatraz

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oh 652-1990 Buyali@aol.com Prudentia I

oe

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R&ckridgeNews

——

The Rockridge News
5856 College Ave., #130

Oakland, CA 94618

Dear Epiror:

was glad to hear about t aan?
iat for tenants’ rights in fro

City Hall recently. [ hadn’t heard of “Just

Cause — Oakland,” but! know something

about a recent eviction, right in our own

Rockridge neighborhood, and tt seemed
a sad event indeed. }

My 86-year-old friend has enjoyed her
pleasant apartment on Chabot Road for 22
years, a four-plex near College Avenue,
with a small garden and a level entry. She

felt safe and happy there.

(ea Alger ot ee acta SE in |

The eviction letter, written by an
attorney, Came as a complete shock, She
had no warning nor any prior hint from
the Owners, despite the fact that they
lived next door to her. The letter said

she is *) exemplary tenant, and blithely
offered “references.” But my friend was

completely unprepared, emotional]
the loss of her home. sd

“Can you tell me why?” she asked the
landlady politely,

me need the apartment for my mother,
who’s moving here,” was the response,
Oh, that’s understandable. But it’s hard

to see why she chose the eldest, most
established tenant to evict. Sull, if they

need to provide for their mother...

Then we learned from a reliable but
reluctant source that the Owner’s mother

has no plans to move to Chabot Road. She

Reach Rockridge community policing Officer
|. 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 911 to report
suspected crimes in progress

ARRESTS

Officer Watson, our Community Policing
Officer, reports two arrests for auto break-
ins, one on Monday, August 28 on the 500
block of SIist Street, and the other on
Friday, August 25, on the 5200 block of
Manila Ave.

Officer Watson reports that three men
in a stolen car held up a woman on the
5200 block of Shafter at around 9 p.m. on
Thursday, September |4. The good news is
that the suspects, who committed several
other robberies in other neighborhoods,

were arrested by the OPD later that same
night.

A resident of the 400 block of Cavour
reports that on Thursday, July 20, between
5:30-6:00 p.m., an intruder entered their
home through the unlocked front door. A
neighbor witnessed the act and telephoned
the resident who than discovered the strange
man in their living room. The suspect fled and
was subsequently arrested by police.

————
———

CommMeERcIAL BurcLary

A store on College Ave. near Chabot

was broken into at approximately 5:00 a.m.
on Sunday, September 10,

THEFT

A resident of the 5200 block of Coronado
reports that two very large plants were
stolen off of their front porch between 3:00
a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 25.

Car BREAK-IN

A resident of the 5400 block of Manila
reports their car was broken into on the

evening of Thursday, September 7.

THe Crime Acert Hor ine

The Rockridge Community Planning
Council’s Crime Alert Hotline is a volunteer
effort sponsored and funded by your dona-
tions to RCPC. Members of the community
can leave messages about criminal activity by
voicemail at (510) 814-2255, or by e-mail
at: rcpc_crime_hotline@yahoo.com.
Weekly updates can be heard at the
same phone number, and are being sent
to this list on a trial basis. When making
reports please include the date, time
and location of the incident that you
are reporting, as well as your name
and telephone number. All identifying
information will be kept confidential.

to report suspicious

activities or to near

weekly updates on
criminal activity

im Rockridge

13.

lives independently in another state, near
an attentive son. She recently traveled to
Europe. She wants to stay in her current
home, where she is happy. She said she
would be very unhappy here.

So: Why is my friend being evicted?
What is the need to upset TWO elderly
women?

Money? After twenty-two years of only
modest rental increases, my friend’s rent
was less than the current market value.
But, unlike many, she is able — with help
from her children — to pay more.

When offered more rent, however, the
attorney angrily declined, insisting that
his clients want to persuade their mother
that she should move here.

Moving is high on the list of stress-
producers. It is particularly painful for older
people. We watched my friend — normally
active and outgoing — grow anxious,
and withdraw. She seemed depressed; we
feared for her health.

Her children, who live in the Bay Area,
worked fast and fervently to find a new
home for her. We hope she can adjust and
feel safe and happy again. We know it
will take time.

But it seems so unnecessary to treat
people that way. Couldn’t they have talked
it over? Called a mediator, if necessary,
instead of an attorney? Where are our
values, our respect for one another?
Perhaps demonstrations for tenants’ rights
will help.

Nancy Galloway
Formerly of Ivanhoe Road

CCAC Opposition
Is SELFISH

Dear Epiror:

t’s obvious to anyone following the

“Storm Over the Dorm” that the
Opposition against it is purely selfish
with little regard for what’s best for
the community. The whole thing reeks of
“not in my backyard.”

Broadway Terrace is filled with condos
that are bigger and uglier than the pro-
posed housing. Yes, we believe in investing
in Oakland and more student housing is
a part of that investment.

Look on the bright side: the dorm might

block your view of the gas station.

Sincerely,
J. A. Albright, Hudson

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14.

Rdckridge News

October 7, 2000

Oakland’s First
Business
Improvement
District Likely for
Rockridge

Business assessments will
generate funds for beautification
of College Avenue

by Susan Montauk
Chair, RCPC

ih 1997, when College Avenue business
owners Jan Christensen-Heller (Chris-
tensen Heller Gallery) and Joyce Seuss
(Rockridge Rags) co-chaired the Rockridge
Area Merchants and Professional Associa-
tion (RAMPA), their discussions about
creating a Business Improvement District
(BID) were just a dream. Across the
country, city governments were facilitating
the formation of BIDs — assessment
districts within business communities.
Berkeley had established a downtown BID
and Lakeshore property owners were in
the process of forming a PID (Property
owners Improvement District). Oakland
had yet to adopt a BID ordinance.

When Christensen-Heller took over
the chairmanship of RAMPA in 1998, she
worked tirelessly with representatives from
CEDA, the City Manager’s Office and
Councilmember Jane Brunner to move the
process forward. Oakland finally adopted
the BID ordinance in 1999. One of two
annual grants of $7,500 was subsequently
awarded to RAMPA to hire a consultant
who began the process of determining

the feasibility of creating a District in
Rockridge. With a further loan of $25,000

PHoro: Lypta GANS

Jan Christensen-Heller, left, passes the
RAMPA torch to Cathy Smith, owner
of Goodnight Room.

from the city, months of meetings and
circulation of petitions, RAMPA met
the signers’ quota of 20% of the area's
businesses. Ballots were mailed in mid-
August, 2000, and the vote was tallied
in September. Out of the 406 business
license holders in the area, 154 had voted,
90 in favor and 64 opposed. The BID
passed.

If the City Council approves the
Rockridge BID, which 1s practically
guaranteed, the available funds from
Rockridge businesses will surge from the
$10,000 that RAMPA currently manages
to over $170,000. The assessments will
be collected from the business owners as
part of their annual business taxes by the

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City of Oakland. In addition to College
Avenue businesses from Broadway to the
serkeley border, the District will include
Poppy Fabrics and Washington Mutual
Bank on Broadway.

When assessment money 1S made
available to the BID in February of 2002,
the steering committee will address the
concerns of business owners In this order:
1) Safety (crime and homelessness); 2)
beautification (landscaping and litter
control); 3) parking; 4) marketing and
promotion of Rockridge businesses; and,
5) planning and zoning. Christensen-
Heller’s satisfaction was apparent when
she said, “We now have the ability to
make an impact on the Avenue, to make
it safe and clean. We will be able to hire
a coordinator and everyone will pay their
share, which will change how the Avenue
conducts business.”

Christensen-Heller has stepped down
as RAMPA Chair now that her hard work
is done. Taking over as interim Chair is
Cathy Smith, owner of Goodnight Room,
one of the newest children’s stores on
the Avenue. Smith laments the fact that
most business owners in Rockridge have
a full agenda managing their families as
well as their businesses. In addition to the
care of her two small children and a new
business, she has taken on the additional
demanding job of RAMPA Chair. She said,
“All our lives are full but I felt the need
to volunteer in order to make it happen.
I'm maxed out, but if we all do just a little
bit, it will lighten the load.”

The last step in this long process is
City Council approval. For information
call Cathy Smith at 601-6390.

Norman hi, Burg, DD

General Dentistry

(510) 652-1517
0700 Broadway, Oakland

A Prevention Oriented Practice

October 7, 2000 Réckridge News

15.

Goblin Time: 9th Annual Rockridge
Children’s Halloween Parade Planned

by Barbara Stewart

he ninth annual Rockridge Halloween

Parade for young children takes place
along College Avenue on Saturday, October
28 2000. This year’s fesuvities will begin
with Halloween Tales told by our own
storvteller, Ms. Gay Ducey. She will be
in the rear lot of the Rockridge Branch
Library beginning at 2 pm The Parade
will follow the storytelling. It will begin
at the library and proceed up both sides
of College Avenue and end at Claremont
Avenue. Participating College Avenue
merchants will be distributing treats to
the children in the parade.

Babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers, and
elementary-school children are invited to
attend in costume. All children must be
accompanied by an adult to participate.
Over 40 merchants support the parade and
trick-or-treat, and their involvement in this
community event is greatly appreciated.
Heavy rain will cancel the parade.

The parade is sponsored and organized
by the Rockridge Community Planning
Council (RCPC), with special help from
Rockridge Kids children’s store on College
Avenue, and the cooperation of College
Avenue merchants.

PHoto: B. STEWART
Bumblebee Margaret Hunger and

Princess Danielle Foreman invite all
the kids in Rockridge to the annual
Halloween parade, October 28.

For more information, contact Parade
Chair Barbara Stewart, 601-1237.

PuHoto. Lypia GANS

Please son us to celebrate
2 yeurs th OUSUCSS:

and our new location!

SATURDAY & SUNDAY
OCTOBER I4TH AND ISTH

10% discount on purchases over SSO
treats to eat and drink
and a little gift to take aw ay

Come by for a free slice

5800 College Ave. 655-4442 HE

WE NOW CARRY BEDDING AND FURNITURE ITEMS

Taft Street

from page II

to any group about some of the neighbor-
hood activities she has spearheaded. You
can reach her at annie @tio.net.

Best of all are, of course, the block
parties. This is the magic moment when,
for just a few hours, your street belongs
to you and only you, the residents. The
City of Oakland is to be commended
for permitting occasional closures of
residential streets, even busy ones, for
the sake of neighborhood events. On
September 9, Taft had its moment in the
sun. Everybody was there to celebrate
with music, food and fun.

Life on Taft is good!

STELLA AMDMOA cers
aa SOME 27
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PARL MTS MyrTE y Ray

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PARENTS NAGISA & bugs

orn EMMA Mage
| IMENTS. BAL & Magy

Lert, Janet Somers at the keyboard
during the September Taft Avenue
block party.

Asove, photo record of babies born since

last year’s event and expected to attend
many future block parties.

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Rdckridge News October 7, 2000

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