
Extracted text · highlighting “Ken Rice”
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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