Extracted text

oe «ee? of 8._* *

ae ee ee | — ua

err

Of o@ *y

ee ff ele "2 ee

Ors OS “tt *”2 € , Pu?

. Ne eae BD OM ww»,

se. we ee, RN ce ae Se ee
~ = . i. sa

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

ra  —_ * . » oo oo @ o 2:
RSS T EO ATT Fes Re Se! Pare et Wea” are: ©

Ockri

° - +

VOL

IS * NO.10  * ISSUE NO. 162

Sponsored by The Rockridge Community Planning Council * 5856 College Ave. #130 °

RCPC General

Meeting Agenda

Thursday, November 16, 7:30 p.m.
Rockridge Branch Library
Community Room
5366 College Avenue (at Manila)

® Three Community Issues
Set for Meeting Debate

ws Play Structure: FROG (Friends
of the Rockridge/Temescal Greenbelt)
takes a look at some examples of Robert
Leathers’ famous community-built play
structures and asks: “Should we hire this
firm to help community volunteers design
and build children’s play structures at
the new greenbelt park?” (See article,
page 3);

& New Zoning Laws: Will the
proposed one-size-fits-most residential |
design review program be best for Oak-
land? Although the S-14 firestorm zone
would be eliminated with these new stan-
dards, many of its key provisions would
be applied Citywide. (See article, page |);

= Golf Course Lease: BONC
(Berkeley Oakland Neighbors of the Cla-

remont) addresses the issues of the
pending lease of the Chabot Golf Course

to the KSL Corporation which owns the
Claremont Hotel. ls the proposed expan-
sion of the hotel connected to the golf
course lease and what might be the con-
sequences for Claremont neighbors and
present users of the greens? (See article,

page 4).

=

—————

NOVEMBER 4, 2000

CIRCULATION: 5,300 RESIDENCES; 200 BUSINESSES

oe News:

Oakland, CA 94618 * 814-6060

Oakland Zoning Standards to be
Tightened for Additions, Second
Stories and Monster Homes

Oakland City Council gets proposals for streamlining design review

process for one- and two-unit residences

by Cy Gulassa
[ does happen: You’re in your modest hill home when
suddenly on a small lot across the street a monster
house rears up. It not only violates the character of your
street, it blocks your view and permanently shades your
sunny deck. Or you live among charming, one-story
craftsman homes when a neighbor’s house sprouts a
second-story addition, a do-it-yourself square box sided
in plywood. Maybe it even features a giant window that
peers into your bedroom. You soon learn that there may
not be anything in existing zoning regulations or the
design review program to prevent or ameliorate these
aesthetic abominations. No notification required. No
appeal permitted. It’s all legal.

Recognizing the inadequacy and confusion of the
existing ten-tract design review program, the City
Council in 1996 created the Residential Design Review
Working Group and instructed it to work with the
Planning Commission and the Community and Economic
Development Agency (CEDA) to streamline the design
review process and draft reasonable zoning standards
that would be applied uniformly throughout the City
for single homes and duplexes. The project is part
of Phase I of the Zoning Update Project designed to
bring existing regulations into conformity with the new

General Plan.
See “Zoning Proposals,” page 3

Proto’ Cy GULASSA
Leslie Gould, Director of
Oakland’s Planning and
Zoning department,
explains the proposed
new design review
program to a Rockridge/
Temescal audience at
Peralta Elementary
October 14, sponsored
by Councilmember Jane
Brunner.

A GATHERING OF GOBLINS

An audience of kids and parents,
possibly under the spell of witches
and goblins, listens raptly to stories
at Diesel books on when it rained
on the annual RCPC/Rockridge
merchants parade. More pictures
of creatures and activities

and a full story on page I|5.
Puoto: Cy GULASSA

er IN SIE SY ee I a EE ee eee

Rickridge News

ecorner Gay Ducey Children's Librarian

Dear Reader:

Gay Ducey, Rockridge Children’s Librarian whose “Book Corner
stories have charmed readers of the The Rockridge News ove’
the last decade, was seriously injured in an automobile accident
recently and will be recuperating at home until after the first of
the year. Gay has given extraordinary service to the community,
especially to Rockridge kids. A master story teller, she delights in reading to children of all ae
and has inspired a generation of them to love the magic of books. Cards may be ere
to Gay Ducey, c/o The Rockridge Library, 5366 College Avenue, Oakland, CA 74618. Unti
Gay is able to resume writing for “The Book Corner,” we will present reprints from
the archives. Below is the story of intrepid Delilah and her encounter with Sammy,

the Spider Dog, originally published October /2, 1996.
Sammy the Halloween Menace

In the neighborhood were we once lived, the place next door was big
and dark. There were four kids in the family, all of whom joined ours In
kick-the-can each evening. But nobody ever went to their house, even
though the backyard was full of trees with climbing branches, access to a
stream, and many hidey holes. You see, there was something else there. A
truly fearsome dog. The mailman (well, it was a man) delivered just to the
curb, and the children called out before stepping onto the porch. The
dog's name was Sammy the Biter Dog. He was never about, because they
locked him inside and only let him out on a thick chain against which he
strained until the spit flew. Sometimes, oh, once a month, they would
forget, and then the door would be opened, and before they could grab
him, he would snarl and snap his way past them to jump on anything he
could see, including cats, kids, adults or tires. His owners always believed
the foul beast must have been provoked. The dog had bitten many people,
some badly, and the animal control folks visited from time to time but

to little effect, for the masters would announce contrition and promise
tighter leashing.

But folk process is inevitable and unstoppable, and as the dog’s infamy
spread, his trespasses increased. Another generation grew into biting range,
but they did not call him Sammy the Biter Dog; they referred to him as
Sammy the Spider Dog. When | asked, the kids told me it was because his

bite was exactly like a Black Widow spider's and you would just drop dead
in about fifteen minutes. Seemed plausible to me.

Shortly before Halloween one year, a new family joined the neighborhood.
Their child was named Delilah. She was quickly initiated into the important

things-the Dip, the candy store, the bus stop bully, and Sammy the Spider
Dog. “Il am not afraid of dogs; | have a dog,” she said.

As was the custom, lots of the kids trick or treated together, and the
parents trailed behind. The Sammy house was the third one down, and
the parents called out before letting the kids go get their treats, which
were always homemade pumpkin cookies. Deep in chat, we approached the
porch and were about to call out when the door slammed open and Sammy

©
7.
“
4
bh
“
=
<
1a
Oc
&

See “Gay Ducey,” page /3

ee sess!

$5 FREE pryc.eanine with garment orders over $28
or $3 OFF orders over $15
Dry Cleaning only ® Present with incoming order

Garden Cleaners |
5808 College Ave., Oakland |
|
|
|

_ Everypay Specia!

$1 SHIRTS —

LAUNDERED
| Expires 12/2/00

601-1188
Mon-Fri 7-7 * Sat 8-6

(Across from Albertson's & Zachary's Pizza)

November 4, 2009

ROCKRIDGE BRANCH LIBRARY

5366 College Avenue Es
SP 507.5017

URS:
Monday, Tuesday, Saturday: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m,

Wednesday, Thursday: 12:30-8 p.m.
Closed: Friday and Sunday
See COMMUNITY CALENDAR, PAGE 12
coR LIBRARY PROGRAM DETAILS,

~ RUckridgeNews

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

Rockridge News Production

Cy Gulassa .scsscresssrsssersneeren Editor-in-Chief
Janet SOMEPS...sssrssseresrseee Writer

Or trun Ni@Sarirserecserceseenens The Rockridge Muse
Barry Kaufiman ..rvssvsssesssseses Food

Michael SIMON ...scescseeeeenees Health

Theresa NelSOM ....ccccsssverserosser Neighborhood Merchant
Chris AhIstrand .....sserssees Photography

Lydia Gann ....secseccerssnssnsenees Photography
Madeline AlCOrta....sressses Advertising

Susan MOntauk......ccssssrere Business Manager
DON KINke@ad......ccccsersverreees Graphics & Layout
RCPC Board of Directors, 1999-2000
Susan MOntauk.........cccsereees Chair

Ronnie Spitzer......rcserceeeers Vice-Chair

Frank GIUMta...csc-rerecrsseseees Secretary

Meredith Kaplan oo... Treasurer

Danielle Hawn Bluey, Patty Brunn,
Marilyn Citron, Cy Gulassa,
Theresa Nelson, Janet Somers, 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 Rocxrioce News

w Are there community issues you'd like to see
covered in The Rockridge News!

mw Do you have questions about newsletter
distribution?

@ Would you like to volunteer to be a Rockridge
News block captain?

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

www.rockridge.org

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

NEWSLETTER 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

™@ December 2, 2000;

™ December deadline is November 16.

To advertise, call Madeline Alcorta at
347-2896. (RCPC reserves the right to refuse

any display or classified ad that it deems
Inappropriate.)

November 4, 2000

=> —- _-_-* = <—_ al as «-s. — = gus —_

R&ckridgeNews

ot a ove qr” Be LS Ysa Be Pease “2c

3.

Zoning Proposals

from page 3

The Working Group's preliminary
recommendations were presented to the
City Council last October. Their premise is
that tighter, uniformly enforced standards
reduce the need for hearings to resolve
problems like those described above.
The recommendations fall into three
categories:

1) Zoning: By reducing height limits,
increasing setbacks, limiting building
areas, setting new floor-area to lot ratios,
and specifying appearance standards for
new construction and remodeling, the new
zoning standards would automatically
reduce most common problems. House
size would be governed by lot size and
the increased setbacks and restrictions on
buildable areas would reduce impacts on
view, solar access, and privacy. The new
zoning regulations would also address
driveways, garage and carport widths,
parking, fences, walls and security bars.
By tightening appearance standards,
including fit with neighboring structures,
the architectural character of existing
buildings and neighborhoods would be
preserved.

2) Project Review Framework: The
proposed design review process would
consist of two types, the Administrative
Design Review and the Regular Design
Review. The Administrative Review would
be fast and ultra simple. Any project
that meets the new standards would be
approved via a simple check off system
in 5 to 10 days at minimal cost to both
the City and the applicant. Any appeal
would be strictly limited to whether or not
the project meets the standards. A more
complex Regular Design Review would
be required for projects that don’t meet
the standards, or for special situations,
such as houses over 5000 square feet or
for projects in zones that always require
regular design review, including the
S-10 Scenic Route Combining Zone.
Unlike Administrative Review, the Regular
Review process requires notice to neighbors
and involves qualitative evaluation and
appeal rights. The Working Group con-
sensus is that this two-track program would
streamline approval because tightened,
uniform standards would reduce the

“Extensive construction activity inconsistent with both
the existing and proposed standards is occurring
in Oakland without permit.” CEDA report to City

Council, October 3, 2000.

frequency of contested issues. Most projects
would require only the semi-automatic
Administrative Review, allowing staff
to devote more time and attention to
problematic projects.

3) Design Guidelines: Design review
guidelines would be developed for qualita-
tive issues, such as type of materials,
compatibility of additions to the main
Structure and how well the project fits
into the neighborhood context. As might
be expected, this area involves subjective
aesthetic standards that as yet not all
participants agree to.

The Working Group warns that strong
enforcement of regulations is necessary
if the revisions are to succeed. At the
moment, according to its report to the
City Council, extensive construction is
now going on in Oakland without permits

that violates both existing and proposed
standards. Even projects with permits
frequently violate existing standards.
Increased fees could cover the cost of
hiring the additional staff necessary to
enforce the new zoning standard.

While there is consensus among par-
ticipants over general principles, they do
differ over some details. For example, the
Working Group urges adoption of build-
ing depth limits (front to back) for new
construction while the Planning Commis-
sion is opposed. Whether neighbors should
be routinely notified about upcoming
projects is also in debate. The Working
Group has requested that the City Council
extend the December 12, 2000, deadline
to March 27, 2001, to allow more time
for public review and development of

consensus.

On the RCPC November |6 General Meeting Agenda

Creative, Do-It-Together Play Structures
Considered for The Greenbelt Park

by Eileen Fitzfaulkner and Theresa Nelson

A: the final phase of the Greenbelt Park Master Plan nears completion, com munity
residents will have an opportunity to decide whether to design and build their own

play structures reflecting the unique quality of the Rockridge /Temescal neighborhoods

— or simply pick one out of a catalogue.

+o apse” "ew Ap,

Steve Costa, Chair of FROGS (Friends of the Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt)
will make a presentation on community-built parks featuring the designs of Robert
Leathers and Associates at the November 16 RCPC General Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

in the Rockridge Library.

Leathers and Associates, an architectural firm located in upstate N.Y., is known
nationwide for its ability to bring communities together to create unique, one-of-a-kind
play environments. Its designers collaborate with volunteers from a community to
design and build a custom-made structure of outstanding quality. The collaboration and
volunteer effort is like an old-fashioned barn-raising and has the same empowering effect
on participants from all communities, “A community built project builds community”
is the founding principle of the firm, which has built more than 1600 community parks.
The Smithsonian Magazine says: “Visually, the Leathers playgrounds are stunning,
perhaps because they are constructed chiefly of a rare intangible--community spirit.”
A recent Leathers’ project is the “Dreamland for kids” playground near the Bancroft

entrance to Berkeley Aquatic Park.
For more information on the work of Robert Leathers, please visit their web site

at: www.leathersassociates.com

r=. = ewe 4 ee ee

ES ae As CrP PP MOP Psy wer

ll i all aa

Rédckridge News

November 4, 2000

4.

7_—_—_-_-

Opposition to Claremont Expansion
Intensifies as Neighborhoods Unite

Berkeley and Oakland Neighbors
of the Claremont (BONC) builds
wider coalition to protest traffic

congestion and takeover of
Chabot Golf Course

by Michael P. Smith, Chair,
BONC Steering Committee

recent East Bay Express article

detailed efforts of KSL Recreation,
a subsidiary of the leveraged buyout
Investment tirm KKR, to privatize the
Lake Chabot golf course and correctly
linked the takeover of the public course to
KSL’s planned 165-room expansion of the
Claremont Hotel. The article noted the
protracted grassroots opposition by local
golfers to the golf course acquisition. It
further stated that the Claremont expansion
plans “have drawn the ire and suspicion
of the hotel’s neighbors, and when the
comfortable classes of the Berkeley and
Oakland hills get their dander up there 1s
usually hell to pay.”

What this article fatled to report is
that because KSL’s “destination resort”
expansion plans are linked to wider issues
affecting the citizens of Oakland and
Berkeley — from traffic safety to access
to public parking to the loss of public
facilities like the golf course — immediate
neighbors of the Claremont who banded
together last spring as Berkeley and
Oakland Neighbors of the Claremont
(BONC), now seek to broaden the coalition
on several fronts.

In mid-September, for instance, mem-
bers of BONC’s steering committee
supported the Lake Chabot Golf Course
Coalition by attending an Oakland Plan-
ning Commission meeting and speaking
at its Open Forum. BONC steering com-
mittee member Wendy Markel called

| Contacting BONC |

attention to the connection between the

hotel expansion and golf course privatiza-
tion and requested that public planning
assessment of traffic impacts of the goll
course development also consider increased
traffic between the hotel and golf course
and the impact of this increased flow on
local and regional traffic patterns. BONC
steering committee member Dan Lieber-
man pointed out that because membership
of the hotel’s pool and tennis club has
expanded well beyond the 900 members
allowed by its existing conditional use
permit (currently 1,120 and growing),
the Claremont Hotel is already adversely
affecting available public parking in
surrounding streets and affecting safety
on Claremont Avenue because of cars
parked on the winding shoulders of the
Avenue from Stonewall Road to Alvarado
Road. Much of this increased parking has
been generated by employees of the Hotel
and Resort, including the manager, who
are no longer allowed to park within the
Claremont complex, to accommodate the
expansion of the club membership, and
whose cars now take up all the empty
public parking spaces on streets that
do not have 2-hour parking restrictions.
Additional parking congestion is generated
by club members themselves who must
now either use often inadequate valet
parking spaces or add to the parking
congestion on surrounding streets. The
Oakland Planning Commission deemed
both issues raised by BONC leaders as
legitimate public concerns and has ordered
appropriate traffic/parking studies.

ONC, whose e-mail membership
list now exceeds 450 members from
scores of neighborhoods in Oakland and

GENERAL INFORMATION about BONC and
its grassroots activities:

Michael P. Smith (mpsmith@verio.com)
Elizabeth Kibbey (ekibbey@yahoo.com)

TRAFFIC/PARKING/OAKLAND City
PLANNING ISSUES

Dan Lieberman
(dlieberman@ Horizonnow.com)

Warren Daane (wdaane @aol.com)

LANDMARKING/ Historic PRESERVATION
Wendy Markel (markel2811@aol.com)
Helen Barber (tebarber@aol.com)
LEGAL REPRESENTATION

Tom Dashiell (tdashiell@flashcom.net)
FUNDRAISING

Bennett Markel (markel281|@aol.com)
COMMUNITY ADVOCACY AND ALLIANCES
Cindy Chandler (wplan@pacbell.net)
Michael P. Smith (mpsmith@verio.com)

Berkeley, 1S forging active connections
with Neighborhood groups 1n Rockridge,
Vicente Canyon, and other neighborhoods
‘7 Oakland and Berkeley concerned about
traffic safety and other environmental]
impacts. Other BONC subcommittees
have been organized to deal with the
issues Of (a) landmarking the Hotel and
its environs as a possible legal brake on
excessive development, (b) restoration of
the creek which was buried by landfil]
to accommodate previous Hotel and Spa
expansion plans, and (Cc) legal representa-
tion and fundraising.

Oakland and Berkeley citizens inter-
ested in becoming actively involved in
BONC’s grassroots efforts to resist the
KSL development plans should contact the
following members and supporters of the
BONC steering committee at their respec-
tive e-mail addresses at left, below.

*“*FOLLOWING A FEW
SIMPLE DIRECTIONS COULD
SAVE YOU MONEY.”

CALL ME TO SEE
HOW SAFE DRIVERS
CAN SAVE.

SUSAN STRAHAN
5940 COLLEGE AVENUE #A
OAKLAND

510/450-9050

W
Allstate.

You're in good hands

Sudiect to availab ity and qua*fications
© 2000 Allstate Insurance Company. Northbrook tihnors

November 4, 2000

Kdéckridge News

>.

Caltrans to Conduct 4" Bore
Environmental Impact Study

by Ronnie Spitzer

he California Transportation Com-

mission (CTC) voted on Sept. 28 to
release $15 million from its discretion-
ary fund for an environmental analysis
of a 4th bore for the Caldecott tunnel,
to be conducted by Caltrans. Everyone
interested in this project should send a
letter to Caltrans requesting placement on
the mailing list for updates and notices
of meetings. Caltrans, 111 Grand Avenue,
P.O. Box 23660, Oakland, CA 94623-0660.
Phone 510/286-4444. The timing of the
EIR decision is disturbing because the
regional Metropolitan Transportation
Commission (MTC) Corridor Study,
intended to serve as a guide for the
state Transportation Commission, ts still
unfinished. Not only 1s Caltrans going
ahead with an environmental study without
final recommendations from our local
groups, Gov. Davis has appointed two
members to the CTC who represent Contra
Costa, but none from Alameda.

The Corridor Study 1s uncompleted
because such deep divisions remain between
Alameda County (opposed to a 4"" bore)
and Contra Costa County (supportive)
that consensus recommendations in the
Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) are
difficult) However, City Councilmember
Jane Brunner has worked hard to address
and resolve all the 4'" bore issues raised
pertaining to the Corridor Study.

Please attend meetings and send letters
to our State representatives expressing your
opinion of the CTC’s decision to proceed with
an EIR for a 4" bore. RCPC is preparing its
own letter and will continue its involvement
in the Corridor Study and EIR process.

The Route 24/Caldecott Tunnel Cor-
ridor Study Policy Advisory Committee
holds its next public meeting on Friday,
November 17, 9:30 a.m. at the Alameda
County CMA Board Room, 1333 Broad-
way, Suite 220, Oakland, CA.Contact
project manager Doug Kimsey at 464-7794
or dkimsey@mtc.ca. gov

Prank

SILVER CONSTRUCTION

” os : ‘

Rockridge Resident

Seismic/Remodeling Specialist

547-6111

Cal. Lic. #522497

— —
Can You Spare

The Holidays are Here-

Treat Your Skin to the Best!

¢ Oxygen Vitamin A Facials

¢ Glycolic Peels

@ French Exfoliation Treatments
¢ Papaya Enzyme Treatments

¢ Waxing and Make up

¢ Lash and Brow Tinung

Featuring European and Professional Quality Products

$10 off any Treatment with this Ad.

Expires December 31.2000.
White Rose Skin Care

6004 College Ave. (near Claremont)
510-601-7042 Tuesday-Saturday

—

15 Minutes A
Month? The
Rockridge News
Needs Your Help

f you live in Rockridge below Mar-

garido Drive, you should receive

The Rockridge News monthly, except

for August when the newsletter takes
a vacation.

If you are not getting The News

at your home, it may be because your

block captain has moved or retired
from delivery service with a full

pension. We have also added new
blocks to our circulation route (see
#6K, 6L, 6M below) and have not

- located block captains for them. 150

volunteers have delivered the news
since 1986; occasionally they get
tired and need some help. The blocks
listed below need block captains.
If you would like to pitch in, or if
you wish to report a block that is not
being served, please call 547-3855. If
you are calling to volunteer, mention
the route number. In either case,
please leave your name and telephone
number.

#O8F: 5400-5500 Carlton Street

#05K: even numbers along
Chabot starting from and
including St, Alberts to Col-
lege Avenue,

#15D: 5100 block of Shafter
Avenue down Sist Street to
Miles Avenue

#16A: 5200 block of Miles
Avenue

#09H: up Keith from MacMil-

lan to 5925 Broadway

»

#6H: 6000 block of Mare s

#61: 5900 block of Margarido. ~
#6J: 5800 block of Margarido

#6K: Golden Gate Avenue from

Broadway to Eustice Avenue
#6L: Eustice Avenue and —

Brookside Avenue from Hues

tice to Ocean View Drive

#6M: Brookside Avenue from
Broadway to Eustice Avenue.

S

—

a] | ® of Pee S|

a Se ew Te” Ob we

aan eA) ™m*

~ SS > -
7 > ™~— TS ee i a - °

November 4, 2
ae 2000

R&ckridgeNews

Rockridge Park Update
Neighbors Fine
Tune Plans for

the Greenbelt
Park Accessories

by Theresa Nelson,
Rockridge Park Committee

()' October 5, a group of nine neighbors
met at the Clifton Corridor site to

review possible locations for park play
Structures,

After walking the length of the corridor
with Parks and Recreation Department
staff Kerry-Jo Ricketts-Ferris and Jennifer
Koney-Li, the group made two consensus
recommendations: 1) that the large central
area of the corridor, which is closest
to homes and apartment balconies, be
developed as mostly passive open space,
with some seating, and perhaps some
amenities like the butterfly garden, animal
art sculptures, or a small tracker ride or

The Audio Chamber

Home Theatre / Stereo
Solid State / Tube Equip.
DVD/CD / Turntables

omall / Big Speakers
5707 College Ave 654.6688

CONTEMPORARY CLOTHING
FOR WOMEN SIZE ]4+

29937 COLLEGE AVENUE
OAKLAND. CA 94619

T:510.654.5144

‘rechridge wea]

Help Build Our Park

OI Ee ee or

Rockridge “ . Temesci
To @) rx
Pe = fi
een 2 = f
soo, _ oo f
prem ge se SS AT
f ty
Contribute vant
i
Today!

Call 655-4818

$25,000

$10,000 £°

fr3
friends of the greenbele

POTS Fe
ead

‘

¢

Location of Greenbelt

$50,000

GOAL
$75,000

Galaxy-style twister; 2) that the larger
play structure be located in the upper
corridor area closer to Hardy Park, near
the pump station, and shielded by the
large redwoods and oak nearby. The play
Structure would be built on the large
flat area, and the creek path would be
located near the pump station and along

the original creek path through the central
area of the park.

Niman Ranch Beef, and
Organic Vegetables

5301 College Avenue +

Featuring California Cuisine,

For reservations, call 985-8388
Dinner Daily « 4:39 — 10pm

Questions raised included covering the
pump station, moving the pump access
hole, locating the water play area nearer
to the redwoods, and removing the large
eucalyptus leaning precariously over the
site. Parks Department staff will respond
to these queries at the next Master Plan
meeting, which City Councilmember Jane
Brunner will announce via postcard. Call
238-7001 to get on the mailing list.

a

2 for 1 Entrees |
with this coupon (maximum |
value $12). Good through |
\ December 2, 2000. }

November 4, 2000

Superintendent
Dennis Chaconas

Addresses RCPC
Meeting

New Oakland Schools chief lays

out his life story and his
prescription for Oakland Schools

Se he needed to “liven the joint
up,” Oakland Schools Superintendent
Dennis Chaconas began his address to the

RCPC October meeting with an amusing
story from his childhood. It seems that
the first few times his mother dropped
him off at school, she would arrive home
only to find him sitting on the front steps
again.

Born and raised in Oakland, Chaconas
said he went on to become a “nightmare”
of a student. Eventually, he met two
teachers who encouraged and inspired
him to go to college, fighting against
other teachers’ attempts to “dumb him
down” and even paying for him to take
the college entrance exam.

Chaconas frequently referred to these
teachers, and how they took responsibility
for him, in order to drive home his mes-
sage: teachers should take “ownership” of
their students, rather than finding “excuses
for them not to learn.” It was an idea
that seemed to resonate with the meeting
attendees, many of whom are parents,
teachers, and school administrators.

Chaconas related his experience at

Take 30% off
the entire bu
through
December 2, 2000

(Not combinable —
with 2 for t
Entree offer)

Lunch
11-2pm

88 OR DO OR et OE FP CON PFO CP PD ee ae es

Call for yeservations
Sum Brunch with Early Bird

Dinner
4-9: 30pmW
Located at 5362 Colleg

aa Sg" £0 QV e444 STA es Set ose ese won

R&ckridge News

Proto: Cy GULASSA

Oakland Schools Superintendent Dennis
Chaconas, pictured during his talk ata

recent RCPC meeting.

Oakland Tech, where he served as principal
for six years. “We raised standards,
treated teachers like professionals, and”
— repeating his phrase of the evening —
“took ownership of the kids.” He described
“flattening out the organization” in his
subsequent position as Superintendent of
Schools in Alameda, where, he claimed

Chaconas’ Accomplishments
Since Arriving in Oakland:

= Moved 300 top-rated teachers from down-
town offices back into classrooms;

= Cut bureaucratic layers between super-
intendent and principals from 5 tol;

= Implemented “Open-Court” pho-
nics-based reading program in many
under-performing schools (with plans to
establish a uniform reading program);

w Fired or re-assigned 39 principals and
vice-principals;

® Raised starting teachers’ salaries from
$26,000 to $37,000.

The Chez Panuse of Ro ckridge
510 © 420 + 8822

10-2pw Speciad)

& AVNue

(Next door to the Rockridge Library parking lot)

* ars —v ae eer ee CE OS OP ee eee ae SS eee a

7.

a

with evident pride, he personally supervised
and ruled on the tenure of every teacher.
He cited figures showing significant
academic improvement in that district
since his time there,

Since his return to the Oakland school
system, Chaconas has found that com-
munication, accountability and ownership
are lacking.

With regard to accountability, he
mentioned ironically the recent “pleasure”
of reading 1500 teacher evaluations, all
of which were positive except one. To
laughter from the audience, he proclaimed,
“I’ve never seen so many great teachers
in my life.”

He lamented a pervasive “lack of
ownership of the system” that breeds
“complainers instead of fixers,” recalling
countless meetings on the schools where
everyone present blamed problems on
“downtown” or “the superintendent” or
“the Board.” Without ownership, he said,
there can be no sense of responsibility
for improvement.

inally, he said, there’s the “issue of
Fruts Test scores, he asserted,
prove that the focus has not been on
the bottom line. He is pursuing specific
goals articulated by the Board and has
already cut the layers of administration
between himself and school principals
and significantly raised teachers’ salaries
(see box at left).

Answering a question about how “poll-
tics” would affect his ability to run the
schools, Chaconas said, “Once I start
worrying about the politics of adults and
not kids, I’m done anyway. I’m gonna
work with (Mayor) Jerry (Brown), and
I’m gonna work with the Board. I’m a
fighter, and I'm fighting for the 54,000
kids in Oakland.”

SIERRA CLUB
BOOKSTORE

Specialists in travel & field guides
maj@s ¢ 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

ES OS eer ee OS Re a re OS Pe ee Tt er’ oo tt

November 4, 2009

' :
fe)

East Meets
West on
Co lege Avenue

by Barry Kaufman

Awe once asked Woody Allan
why he rarely left New York City.
Woody replied: “It’s comforting to know
that I can get a bowl of roast pork chow
mein at 3:00 in the morning.” While living
in NY, I would often make a 2am run into
Chinatown for a bowl of steaming wor
won ton soup and roast pork chow mein.
When I left NY, I went through a Chinese
food withdrawal. To satisfy my cravings,
I bought a wok, stocked up on basic Asian
cooking ingredients and began my cooking
career trying to reproduce the classic
Cantonese dishes I loved so much.

When I arrived tn the San Francisco
Bay Area, my gastronomic love for Chinese
food was expanded to include the cuisines
of Japan and Southeast Asia. I love walking
around and shopping in the Asian markets
of San Francisco and Oakland.

In our own neighborhood, Yasai Market
carries a fairly extensive array of basic
Asian ingredients, but the largest pan-
Asian supermarket in the Bay-area is
Ranch 99 in Albany. For the serious
Asian food cook, I highly recommend
The Asian Grocery Store Demystified by
Linda Bladholm (Renaissance Books) and
the website www.asiafood.com.

Starting with Japanese restaurants,
Rockridge has three outstanding and highly
regarded choices: Uzen, Tachibana, and
Isobune. Uzen is a classic “cozy” country-
style Japanese restaurant. Although Uzen
offers a standard menu of sushi, it is their
steamy udon noodle soups that warm the
soul. A large bowl is easily a meal for two.
Although somewhat pricey, Tachibana
offers diners one of the finest Japanese
grills in the Bay Area. I can never resist

Rdckridge News

*.. Lt . %~ a
4 » _— > . + +) .
7 a7 at . . s he 4)
J —— -
\ Pf Pa a °2 ~ mn © «*
> 7 4 * a
7 ae ‘ ° ™ .
: - ‘ J >
> s a
: J st 5 &
| ’ “ . a AT : - y
Ss mie ~
~ rss ‘
e " . + . —” a
” a
‘ ny “o- ¥ ° _ sere
. > - wz b ™>
y > . 7. .
. > \y
4 s+ © t+
* , . 4 no
. _ 4 x)
: ft P « Vy é . @.
> ‘ a7 J . at
: | . , » ‘ i” .
, .- > & Pa
* i.” _ . a
~« q ~" \ ‘

“held

~a
~

Barn A. Kaufman

Tachibana’s spider rolls. Isobune, Japanese
for boat, is always a favorite and lots of fun
for families. Sushi is selected from little
boats that float around the oval counter.
For value, you cannot beat Isobune’s bento
box lunch special at $8.50.

For Chinese restaurants, Rockridge
offers Eve’s Hunan, King Shang, and the
Great Wall. Eve’s Hunan is beautifully
appointed and offers a menu that special-
izes in Hunan and Szechuan cuisine.
Hunan and Szechuan cooking features
meat dishes, particularly pork and lamb,
seasoned with spicy hot peppers. If you
can't make up your mind, there is King
Shang which advertises itself as special-
izing in Mandarin, Szechuan, and Hunan
cuisine. The menu here is ambitious,
similar to specializing in New England,
New Orleans, and California cuisine. The
Great Wall is a vegetarian and seafood
restaurant. The menu offers very unique
dishes including their famous sweet and
sour walnuts.

Rockridge Southeast Asian restaurants
include Pearl of Siam and Nan Yang.
Pearl of Siam offers a standard menu of
Thai dishes that includes a tasty tam yum
soup, green curry chicken, and pad thai
noodles. Under the direction of owner
Philip Chu, Nan Yang prepares some
of the best Burmese food in the Bay-
Area. Burmese cuisine combines the best
of Indian curries, Chinese spices, and
Southeast Asian flavors and Philip is

always experimenting with new flavor

combinations.
The following recipe ts one that I have
been preparing for many years. It is very
simple and combines the best of pan Asian

cooking.
chicken Lemongrass Soup
With Rice, Lime Juice,
Basil and Cilanto
1-2 stalks of lemongrass (available at
Yasai Market)
5 cups chicken broth (canned is fine)

¥, # boneless, skinless chicken thighs
cut in |.5 inch dice

| teaspoon sugar

| cup of cooked rice

3-4 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
(two limes)

salt to taste

Y, cup chopped cilantro

Y, cup chopped basil

Use only the whitish bulb end of
the lemongrass stalk and cut into |
inch pieces. Discard the tough green
end. Combine chicken broth, chicken,
lemongrass and sugar. Bring to a boil.
Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes or
until chicken is tender. Add lime juice,
cooked rice, cilantro and basil. Season
with salt.

Barry Kaufman ts a graduate of the
California Culinary Academy. His e-mail
is kaufman@sirius.com. Barry is avail-
able for private cooking classes.

6025 College Ave. ¢ Oakland. CA Sd015- 1507

(510) 595-0837

November 4, 2000

Rockridge News

9.

UPDATE: TEMESCAL GATEWAY PROJECT

Temescal Plans to ask City to
Acquire Pussycat Theater Site

Neighborhood groups seeks
coordinated development of the
vacant theatre lot and a parking lot

by Jeff Norman

A the recent Gateway community
meeting, Temescal and Rockridge

neighbors ratified the widely circulated

“community values statement” pertain-
ing to future development of the tormer
Pussycat Theater site at Slst and Tele-
graph, Among other recommendations, the
Statement calls for a coordinated develop-
ment of both the vacant lot and the adjacent
Children’s Hospital-owned parking lot
on SIst Street.

With this in mind, members of the
Temescal Neighbors Together(TNT) Gate-
way Committee met September 28 with

> gentle holistic relaxing
treatment

3179 College Ave, Suite 5
510.428.0450

Call for an appointment

Dr. Robert Pape & Dr. Carol Barnes

5352 College Avenue
¢ - 2t AIIVQ NadO

<
°
“S
z
©
iS
>
Oo
om | -
> a
°
°
row
0
3

representatives from Children’s Hospital
Oakland (CHO) to discuss its long-range
plans for the parking lot. For some years,
a portion of the lot has been used for
CHO staff parking while the rest has been
leased to an Auto Row dealership for car
Storage. At this meeting, it was confirmed
that CHO recently has agreed to lease
most of the property to the Oakland Fire
Department which intends to build a
temporary fire station on the site while it
replaces its aging facility across the street.
In the meantime, CHO is undertaking a
study to assess its long-term needs vis-a-vis
its various properties, including the SIst
Street parking lot. TNT has requested to be
included in CHO’s assessment process as it
pertains to the 5lst Street property

TNT has learned from SDH Propertes,
the southern California-based company
that acquired the former Pussycat theater
site last May, that SDH not only has no

COLLINS ROOFING

Family owned & Operated

601-9181-Mike

Rockridge resident over 10 years

Quality Work « Free Estimates
Lic# 696711

plans for the vacant lot, but a substantial
lien placed on the property by the city
has significantly reduced the property’s
value. At a communily meeting, a pro-
posal was made tor TNT to meet with
Councilmember Jane Brunner to explore
the city’s acquiring the property for open
space, with the goal of revisiting a design
for the combined properties once the Fire
Department vacates its temporary location
on CHO’s lot. Uses suggested for this open
space have included a landscaped park,
community garden, commemoration of
Temescal Creek and a site for the Temescal
farmers market.

The Oakland Fire Department (OFD)
has announced plans to temporarily relo-
cate Station No. 8 to the parking lot on
Sist Street across from its current facility
while it replaces the existing fire house
with a new structure. Members of the TNT
Gateway committee, meeting in September
with Fire Chief Gerald Simon, Assistant
Fire Chief Ron Carter, Councilmember
Jane Brunner, and her staff, learned that
OFD plans to erect a temporary “Butler’’-
type building to house the engines, and
modular buildings to house the crew
during the estimated three years it will
take to replace the current firehouse.
OFD already has budgeted for most of
the $650,000 required for the temporary
structures and will request $3 million
from the upcoming two-year city budget
for the new, asbestos-free, seismically
upgraded, larger facility. Construction of
the temporary fire house 1s expected to
begin in the next couple of months

iA

WHY PAY 6% TO SELL YOUR HOME
WHEN WE CHAKGE

4% OK LESS

FOK THE SAME FULL SERVICE?

REALTY
- ADVOCATES

www.realtyadvocates.com

(510) 428-0757

= — « ha! "aero!

~ eso At eo 9S ee ee eee ~~ oo | ee?

R%@ckridge News

November 4, 2000

THE NEIGHBORHOOD MERCHANT
BY THERESA NELSON .

ILDI & CO., An Elegant New Location
5902 College Avenue, Oakland 655-1164

r

Proto. CHers AHLSTRAN

Hours: |1-6; Tues & Thur I1-7; Closed Monday

o passers-by, the front window of

ILDI & CO. is a snapshot of a classic
Parisian café. Authentic woven chairs and
a zinc-top table display champagne in a
silver wine cooler accompanied by a fresh
baguette and tiny truffles, which turn out
to be in the shape of little dogs. The cast
iron pigeons pecking at the bread crumbs
scattered under the chairs look so real you
expect them to fly away as you approach.
Welcome to ILDI & CO., which recently
hosted a grand re-opening in a new, larger
space at College and Chabot Road.

The new store transfers the special
feel of the cozy former shop to a spacious,
light-filled location that has room for even
more of ILDI’s unique home and personal
gift items. Rockridge resident and store
owner Melissa O’Connor, a stylish woman
with dark hair and a warm smile, told
me how she aims to create a joyful and
memorable shopping experience. “I think
of it as the ‘wow’ factor,” she says,
“bringing together beautiful merchandise,
well-designed displays, unusual lighting
and great music, so that you want to take
home the feeling you have in the store,
like a postcard from a favorite place.”
On the busy grand re-opening weekend,
frequent gasps of delight were followed
by oohs and aahs as patrons discussed
this pair of drop pearl earrings or that set
of pink-silk pajamas festooned with Eiffel
Towers and French poodles.

This vision became a reality after
Melissa’s experience working in design
and retail, combined with the involve-

[TRA NEALE

running swimming
in Rockridge since 1982
M — Sat 10-6 Sun 12-5

6022 college avenue, oakland
655-4809

ment of friends and family. Her husband,
a construction manager and architect,
designed the front desk and counter to her
specifications, allowing ample space for
one of the store’s trademarks, exquisite
wrapping jobs by Melissa and her staff.
A friend who shares her design aesthetics
created the logo and signage for the store.
Melissa said, “Life is short and we only
get so many chances to do things that we
dream of. Creating this store is what I
really wanted to do, and it was time to take
the risk.” Degrees in merchandising and
management from the Fashion Institute
of San Francisco sharpened her aesthetic
sense, already well-developed from her
father’s party store in San Jose. She credits
him with teaching her the best way to tie
a ribbon and wrap a gift.

It seems that almost every surface
at ILDI & CO. displays something trés
helle, Bright silk bags and slippers nestle
next to soft wool hats and bright shawls
with Kashmir-style embroidery, Fragrant.
French-milled soaps of a hen and her eggs

keep an eye on a tiny brass travel clock
in a smart, red-leather case

Idi & Co. Entire display areas are given
founderand — over to dog and cat art items.
owner and antique, glass bookcases
Melissa are filled with delicate, tastefy]
Oconee jewelry. A glowing harvest
of her table sports Chinese autumn-
elegant print placemats, vintage brass
collection napkin rings, rust and green
of wares. dripless French candles, and

a tall bowl filed with alluring

plush fruit. Photo frames made

of vintage postcards join old-
fashioned fountain pens and a Parisian
desk clock on a fine, leather-topped desk,
next to the “French Phrase A Day” 200]
calendar.

The name ILDI & CO. comes from
Melissa’s late mother Ildico. Hungarian,
she grew up in Paris, moved to San
Salvador and reached Hollywood in her
teens. The store is a tribute to Melissa’s
mother, whose stories of France in the
1920s painted a magical picture for her
daughter which are now embodied in the
design and French flair of the store. As you
look for the perfect gift for the holidays
or a birthday, or for a special treat for
yourself, a visit to the charming ILDI
& CO. may uncover exactly the treasure
you're searching for.

Saraya Motley

If you are buying or selling in
Rockridge look to your
Complete Real Estate Resource-
Saraya Motley (510)280-2162

Congratulations Theresa Nelson!

month's trivia question.

who entere

Theresa won dinner for two at Filippo’s Pastaria for correctly answering last

ANSWER: The earliest known recording of the name “Rockridge” on a
map, designating the area north of Broadway where wealthy residents built
estates among outcrops of sandstones and lava flows. was in 1878. The term
“Rockridge” is said to have commemorated the Livermore family’s favorite

large rock where they picnicked, today near Glenbrook and Bowling Drives

(bayarea.citysearch.com Rockridge Neighborhood History). Thank you to all

d. If you have a Rockridge Trivia idea, call me & receive a gift.

Red Oak Real

2983 College Avenue « Berkeley, CA 94705 *

——

November 4, 2000

Rdckridge News

11.

Autumn Leaves

| ike autumn leaves swirling about in our
neighborhood, cultural activities are
everywhere in and around Rockridge in
November. The list of creative endeavors
is long and varied. Something there for
everyone. You can participate, spectate,
ruminate and cogitate. Or you can just
pull out your checkbook in support. But
one thing Is for sure, you won't have
to go far from home to be right in the
midst of it all. Here are a few delectable
morsels.

Theatre Oakland playwright Judith
Offer has written three one-act plays
which will be performed at the
College Avenue Presbyterian Church.
The performance, serendipitously named
“Three By Three” will be presented on
three consecutive November Sunday
afternoons (November 5, 12, 19) at
3 p.m. Ms. Offer is familiar to many
as the librettist for the musical “A
Shirtwaist Tale,” performed at the College
Preparatory School last fall. Her one-
act plays have been performed in New
York, Connecticut, San Francisco and
Walnut Creek. This time, the playwright
has focused on all of us in Oakland,
young, old and diverse. Her lighthearted
comedies and sketches are set in a
Rockridge home for sale, in the old
Capwell’s in Downtown Oakland, and at
a Fastprint on Lakeshore Avenue. Here's
our chance to come and see ourselves
as others see us, and perhaps laugh a
little at ourselves. Call 444-8521 now for
reservations to this delightful event.

And there is another play opening
just off Broadway. At Brookside, that
is. College Preparatory School plans to
present a student production, “Noises
Off,” by Michael Frayn, described as
“a hilarious English farce with 8 doors
and 5 plates of sardines.” That will

———*
ae tee

Ye

VINTAGE MODERN

Thank you fer the
nice review (seethe >.
October issve.}>>.

Buy « Sell + Rent

Furniture » Housewares « Decorative Arts
Resurrecting 20th Century Design

5332 College Ave Oakland CA 94618
Wednesday through Sunday 12-6

by Ortrun Niesar ;

be December 8 and 9 at the Buttner

Auditorium on the CPS campus. For
tickets call 652-0111.

Music

he Florio Street House Concerts

have begun again. The series opens
Sunday, November 19, at 3 p.m. with The
Mark Levine Jazz Trio. Tea and crumpets
will be served. Call Katherine Westine
at 601-9631 for more information. | am
told by BAHA that house concerts were
a much-cherished tradition in this area.
In fact BAHA (841-2242) is sponsoring
a concert on Sunday, November 5S, in a
lovely old Berkeley home to complement
their fall lecture series, “From Morgan
to Modern.”

College Preparatory School's fall
concert is shaping up for performances
November | 7-18.Tina Harrington of the
music department was most enthusiastic
about the fine renditions of Renaissance
and modern music planned by the school’s
jazz group, orchestra, chorus and vocal
ensemble. They will again be joined by
the “guest chorus’ made up of friends,
alumni, parents of CPSers and you,
their Rockridge neighbors. Yes, you are
welcome if you can make a few rehearsals.
They are particularly short of — what
else? — tenors! If you can hit that
high note, please give them a call at

652-0111.

y | 55 Years on Coiceae Avenue | \
BOSKO'S

6038 college avenue
oakland, california 94618 /
(510) 655-3966
picture

framing y,

Books

Diesel Books has a wonderful line-up
for book lovers. There will be a party
Sunday, November 5,2 p.m. to celebrate
the release of syllogism 5, published by
Manifest Press. Several of the contributors
to the journal will be on hand for the
readings. It promises to be a lively event,
so don’t miss it.Also, Meredith Moran will
be at Diesel on Wednesday, November
29, 7:30 p.m. to lead a discussion on
contemporary education. Ms. Moran
is the author of Bay Area Best Seller,
Class Dismissed: A Year in the Life of an
American High School. The study was done
at Berkeley High School, really close to
home. There is too much cto list here,
so please call Diesel at 653-9965 for a
complete list of events. Thank you.

Art

We're looking forward to seeing many
Rockridge artists opening their studios
again for the Holiday Open Studios 2000!
This will be on the weekend of December
9-10, from 12 to 5 p.m. Examples of
the artists’ work will be on view at
the Rockridge Library beginning mid-
November. Maps and other information
will also be available there. If the weather
is nice, do plan a walking tour. You are
likely to spot even more open studio
signs on the sidewalks. Artists have a
way of doing that. Participating artists
so far are:

Karen LeGault (Dec. 1,2,3 only),
Watercolors; Carol Aust, Painting; Lisa
Dahms, Prints; Linda Lemon, Mixed
Media, Note Cards; Liz Maxwell, Painting;
Martha Palos, Sculpture, Mosaics; Amy
Rosenfeld, Painted Wood Furniture;
Maura Singer, Prayer Fountains; Joanne
Yeaton, Paintings, Handmade Books;
Nora Barrows-Friedman, Photographs,
Note Cards; Greg McKay, Paintings; Tudy
Wehrman, Ceramics and Jewelry; Lydia
Gans, Photography and World Craft
Collection; Caroline Stern, Murals, Faux
Finishes.

Rockridge Photo Essay
2000 Update

f you are interested in joining us in

putting together a photographic quilt
of Rockridge as we are today, please
contact me at 652-6664, or e-mail me
at oniesar@aol.com. We are looking at
proposals January 25-31,2001. All are
welcome!

12.

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

5856 College Avenue, #130, Oakland, CA
94618 December deadline is November 16.

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.

Reincarnations:
One Day Decorating

Ready for the holidays? Get a whole new
look using what you already have — and ideas

for what might be missing. Save time and
money! 527-2903.

Tahoe Condo For Rent
Our lovely 3br/2+ba condo in Incline Village
is available for rent! Sleeps eight, is fully

equipped! Close to everything! Call 652-6664
for more information.

Classifieds
RI SSI

Welcoming You Home To
Rockridge

ui
or | 2
$ | ,
Wi
il i

~~ £

The GRUBB Co.
510.339.0400

grubbco.com

Riickridge News November 4, 2000

/ | Check Your...

=o

ms To RPC CO ;
5856 College Avenue, #130, OAKLAND 94618 r ai 6060.
Deadline is next to the last thursday of the ,

ROCKRIDGE BRANCH LIBRARY,

for NOVEMBER, 2000:
6017 Rockridge Branch Library Storytimes
” pene vous Jue 11/7: 10:30 & 11:00am; Tue 11/21: 10:30 & 11:00am

Toppim STORY TME! oo Sa 11/4: 10:30

11/8: 7:00PM
PAJAMA STORY TIMES cscs. secs ccc WD :
Library will be closed Saturday, Nov. 11 (Veteran's Day) and Thursday, Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving).

Lawyers in the Library free advic

College Avenue Presbyterian Church and
RAMPA Co-host Annual Thanksgiving Dinner

the nation will be commemorating the first cooperative harvest celebra-

|

|

e 6-8 pm, first Thursday each month. Signup starts at 5 pm.

On Thursday, November 3, families across | “eet “hout fa
tion of the American settlers and the ancient inhabitants of this land. Here in Rockridge those without families or

I
f
f
I
4
f
A
(
4
d
A
: without resources are invited to share a Thanksgiving meal at the College Avenue Presbyterian Church at 5951
i
d
i
4
4
i
d
A
i
i
i
i

ome ue ae ae ee a

College Avenue from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m |
The menu will feature turkey, yams, cranberry salad, vegetables, bread and dessert. The Rockridge
and Professional Association and the Church are sponsoring this event and need volunteers to sel up, cook, serve I
and clean up. Food and clothing donations for the Give-Away section are also welcome. Money donations will help j
to defray costs.

If you would like to volunteer, call Pastor Bill Beatty at 547-3053 or Ginni Palmer at 658-0604. Checks can be

mailed to: THANKSGIVING MEAL, 5951 College Avenue, Oakland, CA 94618
ee
if
calg

>
ae |
~D
rat)
=
a)
bee |
o
—
&
=
—
uw
om

is

RIK PASIIRA?.

a ATTENTION

4 | HOMEOWNERS
I will show you how to
get top dollar for your
home and sell it now.

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

= PHARMACY

Serving Rockndge Since 1909
3210 College
= Near Alcatraz

652-1990

Selling Homes in the
East Bay since 1980.
Speak five Indian languages.

FATIMA ALI
910/845-0211
Buyali@aol.com

y Prudential

California Realty

ROBERTS ELECTRIC | ©

COMMERCIAL | RECO If resipentu

INSTALLATION ¢ REPAIR ¢ 220 WIRING

NEW CONSTRUCTION * REMODEL
FREE ESTIMATES

480-23d 834-6161 oaktano

SERVING EAST BAY SINCE 1932 CA. LIC# 728215

OLLINS |
12 CUITEIING
Lic #699595
Service, Repair, Drain
& Sewer Cleaning

SEAN COLLINS : 654-5793

Nouscember 4, 2000

Rockridge News

13.

Ly, 7;ROCKRIDGE~ %S

“CRIME
REPORT

- SHoTs FIRED

A resident reports hearing an exchange
of gunfire in the vicinity of Clifton and
College Ave on Friday, Oct. 13 between
10:30 and || p.m. The shots were thought
to have been fired between two groups
of youths, one in a car and the other on
foot. No further details are available at
this time.

THe HotT.ine

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

Thank you.

a Complete architectural z
services since 1970

Jarvis architects

5278 College Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 654-6755 fax 654-3424 fs

a

Dial 81
(814-CALL)

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

Letter to

( The Editor

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

FLowerR THIEVEs Cut aNpb Run

Epiror
he hydran

gea thieves are back again,

this time on Harwood. They cut more
than they could take so they just left a

bunch of cut f

lowers to die

A curse upon these thieves and a double
curse on the flower sellers who buy from
them, especially the seller who was asked
not to but continues anyway.

Liz Waterman

Gay Ducey ~

from page 2

barreled out. He looked just like
the cartoon Tasmanian Devil, a
roiling, snapping ball of mayhem.
He made straight for the pack
of wailing kids, leapt into space
and came down right on Delilah
as the grownups waded in with
sticks and feet. We never landed
a blow. Delilah squatted, growled
a warning, and then bit Sammy on
the ear. “BAD DOG," she said, in
an impressive understatement.

Afterward, Sammy the Spider
Dog did not change either his
venom or his venue, but there was
a limited spiritual readjustment.
The kids never did walk up to the
porch; they waited for Delilah to
do so, and when she did, they
could hear Sammy whimpering and
snapping behind the door, backing
up all the while.

Henry C.Levy &Co.
Beene Espresso
Certified Public Accountants mocha Ten Choi
and Consultants cog Warm Pastries
A Professional Corporation Soup Salad
i | Sandwiches
*tax preparation * estate planning Sweet Desserts
* tax planning ¢ business valuation
5940 College Avenue, Suite C C ollege
Oakland, Califorma 94618 and Al t
510.652-1000 FAX 510.654-2363 ae
ig www. hanklevycpa.com r Open 7am till 10pm everyday
a

all my

I’ve done

holiday
shopping at

‘ = As
Rockridge
|
Beauty! at

( College Avenue

\

ROCKRIDGE BEAUTY
SUPPLIES
& SALON

H app} ¢
HO

5510 CoLLteGe AVENUE
420-1760
7 Days M-F 10-7
Sat 10-6 SuN 12-5

/

nr ee eee eee eee eee oe

14,

R&ckridge News

Even the Rain Could

thousand thanks to College
Avenue merchants, especially
Diesel Bookstore, Rockridge Kids,

the Rockridge Library, and hundreds of
parents and children who enjoyed the 9th
Annual Rockridge Children’s Halloween
Parade. Although the weather did not
cooperate with us this year, it didn't
dampen spirits as more than a hundred
kids and their parents crowded into Diesel
Bookstore to sit around the fireplace and
listen to stories. A very special thanks to
storyteller Jenny Makofsky, and to authors
Robert San souci and Judy sierra who read
from their books, including Cinderella
skeleton and Antarctic Antics.

This year’s parade had adorable and
fabulous costumes aplenty, creating many
oohs and aahs among merchants and
parents alike. Most enjoyable were the
wonderful treats generously donated by
College Avenue merchants.

An event like this requires the help
of many volunteers to make it a fun
experience for all. Special thanks to
the Rockridge Kids children’s store for
providing the balloons. Thanks also to
volunteers for blowing up hundreds of
balloons and helping handle traffic during
the parade: Holy Names High School and
Boy Scout Troop (274).

Our most heartfelt thanks to our wonder-
ful College Avenue merchants who welcomed
the children in spite of the rain and helped
make this a happy and fun day for all:

(East side of College Avenue): Nan
Yang, Super Cuts, Murasaki Futon Shop,
Ag Photo Digital, Hank & Frank Bicycles,
Bosko’s Framing Gallery, TranSports,
Sierra Club Bookstore, Birkenstock,
Baby World, Zip Mama's, Barclay’s

Author Judy Sierra reads The House that Drac Built to undampened Halloween
spirits who took refuge in Diesel Bookstore on a rainy October 28. The

November 4, 2009

Not Scare

+ ‘ -
~ : fs
ss oe” + F e
. xe x ’ 7 ’ 4
oe Sank
: 7 _ 4 @
7 ; " ‘ 7 7 - . ¥ ,
Z - oh, 4 ' eS
f -
: . ww - ~ -
> | “™
.
:
oe _- ;

Fiend of Bloodygore, illustrated above in wicked detail, is widely suspected of

summoning rain for the annual parade.

———————

Restaurant,ILDI & Company, Cotton &
Company Shop, Capezio Dance-Theatre
Shop, The Great Frame-Up, Rockridge
Luggage, Garden Cleaners, Las Palmas,
Moderne Eye, Great Harvest Bread, Oak-
land Kosher Foods, Lillian’s Children’s
Resale, Crossroads Trading, Red Tractor
Cafe, Ben & Nick’s Bar & Grill, Crep-
evine, Pendragon Books, Cotton Basics,
Itsy Bitsy, Rockridge Beauty Supply,
Pasta Pomodoro, Rockridge Cafe, Saturn

Investing Is More Than
Stocks and Bonds.

We offer a full range of investments to
help meet your needs, including:

Mutual Funds * CDs « Annuities

Insurance * Stocks « Bonds

Leila S. Gough

1999 Harrison Street, #2050
Oakland, CA 94612
510/273-8851

www.agedwards com

AG Edwards

VESTMENTS SINCE 1887

Member SIPC * 1998 AG Edwards & Sons, inc.

Records, Madame Butterfly, Cafe Rus-
tica, Filippo’s Pastaria;(West side of
College Avenue) Shell, Agatha Rainford,
Warm Things, Talisman Antiques, In Full
Swing, Paperia, Katrina Rozelle, Dreyer’s,
Barney’s Gourmet Hamburgers, Zachary’s
Chicago Pizza, Rockridge Rags, Jucy’s,
Market Hall Produce, Rockridge Fish
Market, Enzo’s Meat & Poultry, Paul
Marcus Wines, Bloomie’s, Oliveto Res-
taurant and Cafe, The Pasta Shop, Grace

Norman Burg, DDS

General Dentistry

(510) 652-1517
9700 Broadway, Oakland

A Prevention Oriented Practice

November 4, 2000 R&ckridgeNews \ 15.

——

Halloween Away from College Avenue

Pp,

=<

7

Baking, Rockridge Antiques, Fenton
Maclaren, Cactus Taqueria, Body Time,
Bodywork Central, Rockridge Kids, Ugo’s
Delacar Comics, Noah's Art, High Strung,
Eddies Liquors, Rockridge Royal Cleaners,
Diesel Books, Next Eyewear,Alexander
Pope, Rockridge Barber, Soiree, Seed
and Hudson Bay Cafe. The families — Cojlege Avenue merchants, and we appreci- Advocating for Rockridge KidS, a working
who participated in the parade support ate the support of our merchants for this | committee to develop a children’s park

family event. in Rockridge.
The parade was sponsored by the For more information about PARKS,

RCPC subcommittee PARKS, People __ please call Theresa Nelson at 420-0539.

Protos: Cy GuLassa

Festive trinuin ings for table and home

LLDI& CO.

7, (dornment ‘for Home and: Sef —.

Bread Co:

Please place your holiday bread
orders by Nov. 18th 5902 COLLEGE AVENUE, AT CHABOT ROAD * TEL 510.655.1164

HOURS: 11-6 * TUES & THUR 11-7 * CLOSED MONDAY

5800 College Ave. 655-4442

— ~e* id

wiv "Fas? Oe G4

eas wie

Tree. FOP i eo VS SE etree

i".

"*LixXvasrh we. 4 VFS)

ee) oy et Oe Pe a ads, Sb ee ee

See ee CES Ge © he ORS WR Os Ca eS Fie’ GB. hte i’ Ss Pee

sm rem ef tet woe @ +S EF

eee aS we ees ee

a ee a rm” -. “‘*er ye ©
owe 4 . ‘. .‘ « 4
BORE AIA Sen Eo ee

head - *

Rdckridge News

November 4, 2000

Call me...

Don Coelho

339-4721

24th year
serving Rockridge!

Buying or selling real estate in 2000?
the proven professional

Quest Real Estate

Jeffrey Auen

25 Years
Experience in
Sales &
Marketing
mw Residential Sales
@ /ncome Property
Investments
resident and

. Rockrn re

Offices in Rockridge
and Lafayette

1.800.805.8827

Landlords & Tenants Since 1970

hustneds owner since 1976

Broadway Shell

weneny 5755 Broadway, Oakland Tel 547-4101

Save Time. Use your SHELL,
VISA, MASTERCARD and

DISCOVER Card at the pump.

@ she!) — oe. ees
OPEN 24 HOURS, EVERYDAY

Matching East Bay

HOMEFINDERS
BULLETIN

FREE TO LIST *« HOURLY UPDATES
HOUSES, APARTMENTS & ROOMS
CREDIT CHECKS + FREE PREVIEWS
FAX, EMAIL & WEB ACCESS AVAILABLE
$5 OFF REGULAR ACCT. W/AD

web - Www. homefindersouver com
2158 University Ave + Berkeley + CA + 94704

Terry Kulka*

339-4789

Proven Results in Selling Rockridge Homes

* Terry is in the top 5% in production for
Coldwell Banker nationwide and is a proud supporter of
Chabot Elementary School

COLDWCLL
BANKCR ()

Looking fora Realtor® .*.
to help sell your home? = “"'&
Experience, integrity, oe
& he makes house calls. Ee

KEN KATZ

He’ll take you where you want to go!
(510) 527-2700x40 (0) ¢ 6M) % 428- yea

pj Bes

eReN ee

Marvin Gardens Real Estate

one

‘gel’
Pad ae: —

rel ave.

+}
<a)

E
‘we

——————_,

———

Jan Fougner

4 SSOCIATE BROKER

—_—-

nl cet

a tel

-

ROCKRIDGE? NEED THE
SERVICES OF A REALTOR?
VE BEEN REPRESENTING
BUYERS AND SELLERS
SUCCESSFULLY FOR 209
YEARS, AND WOULD BE
HAPPY TO DISCUSS YOUR
REAL ESTATE NEEDS.

655 . 2330 Day
655. 8211 Eve

BUYING OR SELLING IN. |

Rockridge

R EA LT

ORTRUN NIESAR

Rocxripce Reat Estate MARKETING CONSULTANT

Direct: 510/986-9560

Email: oniesar@aol.com

Prudential

Caldorma Realty

KEVIN BROWN
Broker
654-8707 or 593-4780
PROVIDING

PROFESSIONAL,
FULL SERVICE REAL
ESTATE BROKERAGE IN
ROCKRIDGE
FOR OVER 22 YEARS.

SPECIALIZING IN...

* Residential Sales

* Income property

* Commercial

** Property Management

+?¢+ o

.)

ee ee

Better Homes Realty
9353 College Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618