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VOL. 19 NO. 4 ISSUE NO. 200 April 3, 2004 CIRCULATION: 5,100 RESIDENCES; 200 BUSINESSES
Sponsored by The Rockridge Community Planning Council • 5245 College Ave. PMB 311 • Oakland, CA 94618 • 644-4228
April RCPC General Meeting
RCPC Schedules Board
Gardening for Pleasure, Color,
Privacy and Property Value
by Jennifer Edmister
S
And By-Laws Vote
Meet RCPC board candidates and
vote at the General Meeting in the
Rockridge Library, Thursday, April 15,
7:00-9:00 pm, or vote at the entrance
to the library, Saturday, April 17, from
10-1:00 p.m. Anyone 18 or older with
evidence of residence within RCPC
boundaries (a driver’s license, for
example) is eligible to vote.
pring is in the air! For many of
us, the arrival of an early and
uncommonly warm spring presents
a perfect opportunity to head out-
doors and tend to our gardens and
grounds. On Thursday, April 15,
RCPC welcomes you to join a lively
panel discussion featuring some of
Rockridge’s finest landscape artists
and gardeners. The meeting will
be held at the Rockridge Library
from 7-9 pm.
RCPC: 25 Years
Of Community
Volunteerism
And Leadership
Nancy Sale, a local landscape designer
with 31 years of experience, will share some
of her favorite techniques for renovating
small lawns and gardens. With a nod to the
Spring garden blooms in Rockridge.
PHOTO: SUSAN MONTAUK
by Dan Ferdelman, RCPC Chair
Tcharacter of a bungalow community, Nancy
enjoys designing beautiful alternatives to
grass lawns, using ambling perennials and
potted foliage. Nancy’s green thumb has
left its mark at the Berkeley Rose Garden,
among other projects.
he most important item in The Rock-
ridge News this month is the annual
election of the Rockridge Community
Planning Council board of directors. As a
Rockridge News reader, you probably know
that the newsletter is published by RCPC,
but you may not be
fully aware of what
RCPC is and does
and why it deserves
your strong support.
agenda:
RCPC General Meeting
Thursday, April 15, 7:00 p.m.
Mimi Wiesenfeld will also join our panel,
offering coveted tips on foliage contrast.
Mimi developed much of her expertise at the
Santa Cruz Farm and Garden Project, where
she practiced organic farming and gardening
for years. Mimi artistically blends greenery
with burgundy and other contrasting tones
in shrubs and perennials, to create vibrant
landscapes without excessive flowering.
T
(note time change)
Rockridge Branch Library
Community Room
5366 College Avenue at Manila
RCPC ELECTIONS: The Rockridge
RCPC was formed
initially to challenge
development
proj-
ects that would have
drastically altered the
character of our neighborhood and qual-
ity of life. Without RCPC’s advocacy and
vigilance, Rockridge today would be home
to a 12-story, high-rise transit village along
BART, as well as chain stores, fast food
outlets, and a major factory. And many
more Craftsman houses would have been
demolished for parking and business expan-
sion. In contrast, College Avenue today is
Community Planning Council invites
Rockridge residents to vote for can-
didates for five board positions. See
candidates’ statements, pages 4-5.
Dan Ferdelman
he April meeting is also a must for
anyone who has ever been tempted to
plant a 30-foot magnolia to block the view
of his neighbor’s garage. Sam Bryant, owner
of the Broadway Terrace Nursery, will stress
the importance of selecting appropriately
sized landscape materials. Larger plants
and trees, if properly scaled, can be ideal
for providing shade, privacy and aesthetic
appeal. But, despite the recent trend favoring
oversized trees, Sam cautions that a red-
SPRING GARDENS. Everything you
ever wanted to know about gardening.
A panel of Rockridge garden profes-
sionals will share their expertise and
answer audience questions. Article on
this page.
FORL ELECTIONS: FORL holds
its annual membership meeting.
Become a member at this meeting.
Article on page 3.
RCPC BY-LAWS VOTE. Article on
page 5.
RCPC LEGACY, PAGE 12
GARDENING, PAGE 10
April 3, 2004
2.
In Our Opinion
ROCKRIDGE BRANCH LIBRARY
5366 College Avenue
The Value of Diversity in Rockridge
by Lydia Gans and Hiroko Kurihara
T
597-5017
NEW HOURS:
Tuesday: 12:30 – 8 p.m.
Weds, Thurs, Sat: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday 12 – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, Monday CLOSED
LIBRARY DETAILS: SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 15.
his is the first of a series of articles that will look at our community and celebrate
the people, all kinds of people, and the value that diversity brings to a neighbor-
hood. Real estate prices indicate that we live in a “nice and desirable” neighborhood.
But having a big interest in living here doesn’t necessarily mean you have the big bucks
to be able to move in or stay here long-term. Do we want Rockridge to be an exclusive
enclave only for people who can afford to live here and are similar only to each other?
We think it is diversity, in all its forms, that makes for a healthy neighborhood. Having
people of different ages, interests, backgrounds and income levels interacting with each
other creates a truly vibrant community.
The Rockridge News, founded in 1986 by Don Kinkead,
is published monthly in Oakland and is sponsored
by the Rockridge Community Planning Council, a
non-profit public benefit organization founded to:
preserve and enhance the unique character of the
Rockridge neighborhood; promote the health, safety
and quality of life of its residents; furnish a forum for
community involvement, and provide leadership and
representation of neighborhood interests.
For example, let’s consider our elders in Rockridge. Our commercial neighborhood
district and transit hub make it very convenient for our seniors and for those of us not
quite there but who hope to grow old in this community. Many have limited incomes and
can stay in their own homes because they are paid for; some live in subsidized multi-unit
housing. Having someone who can communicate a bit of history or who might become a
surrogate grandparent is a neighbor to treasure, not shun. We have recently heard from
seniors who are being pressured to sell their homes. Is that pressure coming from greedy
realtors or developers or annoyed neighbors because the landscaping and upkeep isn’t
perfect? We plan to look into this.
W
Rockridge News Production
Cy Gulasssa ........................Editor-in-Chief
Ortrun Niesar, Claire Isaacs
Doug White ....................... Writers
Barry Kaufman...................Food
Jo Ellis...................................Advertising &
Community Calendar
Theresa Nelson ....................Neighborhood Merchant
Lydia Gans...........................Photography
Susan Montauk...................Business Manager
Don Kinkead.......................Graphics & Layout
e also value diversity in housing arrangements. A neighborhood does not have to
consist entirely of single-family homes. A building like Otterbein Manor, located
across from the Rockridge Library, houses a special mix of 40 Chinese, Iranian, Rus-
sian, Caucasian and Korean seniors. Otterbein is managed by Satellite Housing, Inc.
and offers subsidized housing for people with low incomes. In these economic times, it
would be particularly unfortunate if Satellite were forced to sell this valuable property
and displace our community members. There was a threat to that effect last spring when
a Texas-based company came around.
RCPC Board of Directors, 2003-2004
Daniel Ferdelman ..............Chair
Deborah Weinstein...........Vice-Chair
Jessica Pitt, John Potis .......Secretaries
Greg Yoch............................Treasurer
Dulcy Anderson, Jennifer Edmister,
Hiroko Kurihara, Susan Montauk,
If we want to promote neighborhood-serving businesses (rather than becoming “Res-
taurant Row just a quick turn off “Auto Row”), we need to increase the number and types
of housing opportunities on and near College Avenue, as our C-31 zoning designation
allows. Furthermore, it is the diversity of people within a neighborhood, patronizing the
shops, the coffee houses, restaurants and other businesses that will encourage a variety
of neighborhood services (like a post office or local pharmacy) to thrive. To create an
interesting cultural life and exchange in Rockridge, it will take a conscientious effort to
offer those who have a desire to live in Rockridge the opportunity to live here, use the
library, attend the churches and community events, stop to chat as we pass each other on
the street, support each other and enrich all our lives as an inclusive community.
Theresa Nelson, Mike Taylor
NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS
Annual 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 ROCKRIDGE NEWS
Are there community issues you’d like to see
covered in The Rockridge News?
Do you have questions about newsletter
distribution?
Would you like to volunteer to be a Rockridge
In the coming months we will pursue these issues through more articles. Let us know
what you think. If you’re interested in being part of positive change, contact Hiroko
Kurihara at h2Oakland@sbcglobal.net or 384-0557 and Lydia Gans at lydiagans@juno.com
or 658-4445.
$ #
$ ! " $
!
"
$
!
News block captain?
Contact us at one of the following addresses or
telephone numbers:
Editor: editor@rockridge.org
www.rockridge.org
The Rockridge News, 5245 College Avenue,
PMB 311, Oakland, CA 94618
RCPC Voicemail: 644-4228
Articles published in The Rockridge News may be
reprinted only with the permission of the Editor.
NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING/DEADLINES
Publication date of the next issue is
May 8, 2004
May deadline is April 22
Advertising rates are $22/column inch. Six-month
pre-pay rate available. To advertise, call Jo Ellis
at 653-3210, or e-mail joellis1@hotmail.com.
(RCPC reserves the right to refuse any display or
classified ad that it deems inappropriate.)
3.
April 3, 2004
Progress for Library Friends
The Zoning Counter
T
PROGRAMS: 2003 was the first year of the
Summer Scholarship, which provided grants
to two Oakland Technical High School stu-
dents to assist library staff during July and
August. We also helped fund the summer
Teen Hip Hop workshop, which offered a
class on this contemporary song-and-dance
style. The kids loved it!
by Marilyn Citroen
Ihe Zoning Counter provides Rockridge
residents with an opportunity to review
construction project proposals to be under-
taken in their neighborhoods. While it is a
compilation of recent applications filed with
the Oakland Planning Department, it is not
necessarily a complete or up-to-date listing.
Individuals may contact the Case Planner
or the Planning Department for additional
information.
t is donation time! Your generous con-
tribution to the Friends of the Rockridge
Library will help our mission of supporting
the Rockridge Branch and enriching the
lives of the people who use its resources.
FORL and the Rockridge Branch staff are
excited about the passage of Measure Q with
a phenomenal voter approval of 77%. But
our branch still needs your help. FORL’s
funding provides books, periodicals and
programs that would not otherwise be
available. You make the difference.
LEGAL: the FORL board is currently
amending its bylaws through our pro bono
attorney John Gussman. Proposed changes
include an increase in the number of board
members.
426 51ST STREET
Proposal: To construct a 193 square foot one-
story addition to a 1,783 square foot single
family dwelling and to merge two parcels under
common ownership into one parcel.
Applicant: Jane Burton
Owner: Jane Burton
Contact Person/Phone Number: Jane Burton
510/428-9570
Planning Permits Required: Minor Variance
for a 7'-06" rear yard setback where 15'-0" is
required and a Parcel Map Waiver to merge two
contiguous parcels under common ownership
into one parcel.
Case Planner: Leigh McCullen at 238-4977 or
lmccullen@oaklandnet.com
THANKS: FORL thanks all 2003 donors
and hopes they will contribute again in 2004.
Also welcome are donations of books which
are then sold on the library book cart.*
As another alternative, Diesel Books has
a “wish” list for the library where you can
purchase and they will deliver a book of
your choice.
GIFTS: 2003 was an exciting year. FORL’s
gifts to the library included a classical music
collection of more than 250 compact discs;
on-going newspaper, magazine and finan-
cial publications not included in the city
budget (for example, the New York Times
and Value Line); and two complete sets of
all NOLO Press books currently in print,
one for reference and one for circulation. In
addition, on Monday, October 20, 2003, the
Friends hosted their first Donor Appreciation
party, bringing together library staff, FORL
Board members and donors for an evening
of wine, cheese and conversation.
Join us at our annual FORL meeting
Thursday, April 15, at the Rockridge
Library (part of the RCPC General Meet-
ing that night).
* Please consult library staff regarding
donation guidelines. For example: no text-
books, magazines, etc.
5448 MANILA AVENUE
Project Description: Construct a 605 square
foot second story addition to an existing one
story 1,258 square foot single family resi-
dence.
Owner/Applicant: Kathryn Rogers
Phone Number: 510/526-2720
Case Planner: Ann Clevenger at 238-6980 or
aclevenger@oaklandnet.com
&RIENDS OF THE 2OCKRIDGE ,IBRARY $ONATION
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Mon–Fri 9:30 - 6:00
Sat 9:30 - 5:00
0LEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO &/2, AND MAIL TO
CHIMES
PHARMACY
Serving Rockridge Since 1909
&RIENDS OF THE 2OCKRIDGE ,IBRARY #OLLEGE !VENUE /AKLAND #!
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FEDERAL TAX )$
3210 College
Near Alcatraz
652-1990
S and J PCS Center
Celluar Phones and Accessories
5916 College Ave @ Chabot Ave
(510) 601-8282
Open 7 days a week
Authorized cell phone Dealer for:
AT & T, T-Mobile & Verizon
April 3, 2004
4.
Board Candidates Offer Qualifications for Election
here. Now my husband Ben and I and our
baby son Ethan live near Colby Park. Soon
we’ll be visiting the library and thinking
about elementary schools.
Mike McDonald
Locksley Avenue
Ehab Bandar
Forest Street
RCPC is a huge part of what fills the
gap between what our children, and all
the residents of Rockridge, could and
should have. As an attorney, I recognize
the importance of both advocacy and
diplomacy, and hope to utilize those skills
on behalf of my community as a member
of the RCPC Board.
Mike
lives
on
Locksley Avenue
with his wife Jill,
and their 7-month
old daughter Jenner,
in a Craftsman
bungalow that Mike
& Jill renovated
from the ground up in 1999. Mike is a
licensed general contractor specializing in
residential and commercial remodels and
a Realtor with Lawton Associates. Mike
has been active in community projects
including FROG park, Firestation 8, and
most recently with the Locksley Gardens
Project.
I am running for
the RCPC Board
because I believe
that Rockridge
is one of those
rare places whose
strength lies in its
diversity. Living
in
Rockridge
has taught me that beautiful places
require the involvement of many people
committed to improving the community in
countless ways. Without such community
activism, the interests of a few can quickly
overwhelm the wishes of the many. Against
this backdrop, we all must protect the
eclectic mix that makes Rockridge a truly
special place to live, work, and shop.
Camille Reed
Rockwell Street
I
would
be
honored to be
considered for
the RCPC Board.
I grew up in the
neighborhood
and moved back
after an absence
of over 35 years
in 1998. I would welcome the opportunity
to make a meaningful contribution to
maintaining the quality and integrity of
this exceptional neighborhood. I also have
many ideas about how to make it even
more delightful.
Asked why he loves Rockridge,
McDonald replies: “What’s not to love
about it? Great weather, great neighbors,
great shops and restaurants, convenient
transportation… this place is awesome!”
Asked why he wants to serve on the
RCPC Board, McDonald is succinct:
“I want to make a difference in my
community.” Specifically, McDonald cites
the UnderBART project, crime prevention,
and general traffic and planning issues as
his main RCPC Board interests.
I bring a unique perspective to the
Board. I grew up in the East Bay and lived
all over the country, but have returned
again and again to the character, vibrancy,
and openness that define the Bay Area
and Rockridge in particular.
Thank you for this opportunity. If
elected, I promise to fight for the interests
of the people who make up this great
community.
I would bring the skill sets I developed
as an executive director of three orchestras
and an arts council. I have worked on
neighborhood revitalization, fundraising,
event creation, planning and forging
community partnerships. I presently
teach at the University level and am a
non-profit consultant.
Mike Taylor
Ross Circle
Star Lightner
61st Street
I am a recent
Rockridge resident
who is interested
in
preserving
our
wonderful
neighborhood.
Great
neigh-
borhoods do not
happen by accident
— they require lots
of individuals to work together and I want
to help in this effort. My background as
a teacher and technology manager has
drawn me to work with schools and the
Rockridge.org website. I was appointed to
fill a vacant board position in December
and hope to continue the aforementioned
work for at least the next two years.
My name is Star
Lightner and I’d
like to serve on
the RCPC Board
because I want to
do something more
than simply live in
Rockridge — I want
to contribute to
what makes Rockridge the kind of place
you call home, no matter how far away
you move.
I have strong organizational, strategic
planning, verbal and written skills and
deeply believe in the importance of
planning, vision, community input and
participation, and sensitive and strong
leadership.
Vote at the RCPC meeting
Thursday, April 15, 7-9 pm (note
earlier meeting start time) in the
Rockridge Library, or on Saturday,
I grew up in Rockridge. I lived on Birch
Court, went to Chabot and Claremont, and
when we moved to Southern California, all
I could think about was how to get back
April 17, 10 am-1 pm, outside the
library entrance.
5.
April 3, 2004
RCPC Seeks Vote to Expand
Board From 11 to 14 Directors
Suzanne Thompson
Coronado Avenue
by Dan Ferdelman, RCPC Chair
T
In my search for a new place to call home
three years ago, I was drawn to Rockridge
for its charming homes and rare mixed-use
composition. Since then, my appreciation
for this dynamic, pedestrian-friendly
community has only increased, and now
it’s time to give something back. I believe
in RCPC’s mission for providing Rockridge
residents with support, representation, and
opportunities for community involvement,
and would be honored to join the board
of directors.
he RCPC Board of Directors has recommended changes to the organization’s bylaws
to increase the number of elected Directors from 11 to 13, and to add one appointed,
non-voting member. By expanding its Board, RCPC will be better able to achieve its
goals, attract members with appropriate expertise, and staff its standing committees:
Land Use, Schools, Public Safety, The Rockridge News, Parks, Traffic & Pedestrian
Safety, Fundraising and Website. These changes, shown below, must be approved by
a majority of Rockridge residents who are present and voting at the April general
membership meeting. Anyone 18 or older with evidence of residence within Rockridge
boundaries may vote at the meeting on Thursday, April 15, 7-9 pm (note earlier meet-
ing start time) in the Rockridge Library, or on Saturday, April 17, 10 am-1 pm, outside
the library entrance.
The Bylaws of the Rockridge Community Planning Council are hereby amended as
follows: Section 8.2 (“Number and Qualification of Directors”), is amended to read:
“The authorized number of directors shall be fourteen (14), of whom thirteen (13) shall
be voting directors and one (1) shall be a non-voting director. There shall be two cat-
egories of voting directors: (a) twelve (12) directors who meet the criteria of Section 5.1
of Article V shall be elected by the membership according to the provisions of Article
VII. (b) [existing appointive position is unchanged] the position of non-voting director
shall be filled by the editor-in-chief of The Rockridge News, provided that a contract is
in effect between the editor-in-chief and the corporation, and provided further, that the
board shall have discretion to appoint an alternate to serve in the event that the editor-
in-chief is unable to attend one or more meetings of the board.”
My qualifications include a professional
background in business analysis and
software design, an English degree
from Cal, and 6 years of experience
as a volunteer advisor for the Youth &
Government program. I hope to apply my
strengths to the RCPC board to facilitate
positive change and growth in our unique
community.
Deborah Weinstein
Boyd Avenue
In Section 8.3 (“Election and Term of Office of Directors; Limitation on Elected
Terms”), subsection (a) is amended to read: “At each annual meeting of the members,
six (6) of the twelve (12) directors in subsection (a) of Section 8.2, shall be elected to
serve until the end of the annual meeting in the second calendar year after the year of
their election. Of the two additional voting positions on the board of directors created
by amendment of section 8.2 in April, 2004, one position shall be currently filled by
election on the same date, pursuant to the preceding sentence; and the other position
shall be filled by appointment of the board, according to the terms of section 8.6, until
the annual meeting in April 2005, at which time that position shall be filled by election,
pursuant to the preceding sentence.”
When I moved to
the neighborhood
three years ago,
I was attracted
to
Rockridge’s
strong community
that reflects my
own values. My
past
volunteer
experience includes: Auxiliary Board
Member, ODC/SF, Executive Board
Member, San Francisco Street Project,
Community Garden Coordinator, San
Francisco League of Urban Gardeners.
The Rockridge News Needs Block Captains
D
o you have 10-20 minutes to spare each month? Would you like to dedicate this
time to your community? Here are two delivery routes that need volunteers:
#11F
BLOCK CAPTAIN: From 5418 College, even numbers along College
up Manila, then across the street to the corner of Bryant and Manila
down the odd numbers of 5400 Manila to College.
#15C BLOCK CAPTAIN: Both sides of 5100 Lawton and down 51st Street
In April 2002, I was thrilled to be
elected to serve on the RCPC Board.
Since then, I’ve worked on the Rockridge
Schools Committee, which presented
the first Community Service Grant to
a Rockridge public school, as Co-Chair
of the 2003 Rockridge Kitchen Tour, as
Secretary, and currently as Vice Chair.
to Shafter.
Please call 547-3855 or e-mail Susan at smontauk@juno.com to volunteer.
Ready for Summer? Get
Your Rockridge T-Shirt!
As part of its fund-raising activity, RCPC
offers Rockridge-specific merchandise:
t-shirts, mugs, and canvas tote bags. Merchan-
dise may be ordered via on-line mail-in coupon
available at www.rockridge.org.
If elected, my focus will be bringing
volunteers into our schools, developing
a volunteer participation network for
Rockridge, and looking for ways to
celebrate together as a community.
April 3, 2004
6.
Residents Stumped by City’s Tree-Removal Plans
by Perry Riani
Hview. Residents, though, are alarmed at the
potential loss in property values.
a disability rights advocacy group in part
because of its crumbling sidewalks.
ave you noticed that the most sought-
after neighborhoods, like Rockridge,
have beautiful tree-lined streets? Not only
do these wonderful trees make attractive
neighborhoods, they increase property
values.
“I am totally outraged by this if it indeed
becomes policy,” Lawton Avenue resident
Ron Kriss said. Kriss, a real estate broker,
estimated a loss of $40K in property tax
revenue for the county for his block alone,
based on removal (and non-
replacement) of hazardous
trees and an estimated 5%
loss in property values. That
number, he emphasized,
would have to be multiplied
by the number of blocks in
the city.
T
The city’s original proposal listed over 10
conditions calling for tree removal, including
obstruction of traffic signs, roots that have
outgrown their curb space, and proximity
to phone and electrical wires.
What if city officials told residents
that the trees were making it so costly to
maintain sidewalks that they were going to
chop many of them down?
That’s what’s happening in Oakland.
Last year, Glenview residents were out-
raged when the city mowed down more
than 20% of the liquidambar trees on
Wellington Avenue, giving them only two
days’notice. Now, according to a proposal
that reached Jane Brunner’s office early this
year, the city plans to remove all trees that
create potential hazards.
here clearly is a need
for sidewalk repair in
Rockridge. In January, Taft
Avenue resident Bill Kaufner,
program manager for the
Pacific Disability Business
and Technical Assistance
Center that provides informa-
tion about the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), sent his neighbors
an e-mail that began: “After tripping and
almost flipping, I began to realize that the
condition of some of our sidewalks is pretty
dangerous, especially at night.”
It’s not clear whether the city is plan-
ning to replace the trees. At a recent RCPC
meeting, RCPC President Dan Ferdelman
announced that the city’s proposal calls
for simply putting in asphalt patches. City
Council President Ignacio de la Fuente,
however, was quoted in the Montclarion
as saying that trees will be replaced. Even
so, many residents are up in arms about
the prospect of their mature trees being
replaced with young ones.
Some Rockridge sidewalks have been dramatically
affected by tree roots. Is removal the only option?
PHOTO: SUSAN MONTAUK
Residents have suggested alternate solu-
tions: If trees block signs, lights or utility
equipment, organize a pruning plan. PG&E
takes on some of this task already. If roots
are causing sidewalks to buckle, create a
larger opening around the tree. Move the
sidewalk closer to the homeowner’s prop-
erty to maintain ADA requirements. If a
tree is diseased, plant a new tree of a dif-
ferent type not susceptible to the disease;
once the new tree is mature, remove the
diseased tree.
Indeed, many Taft Avenue residents
often see a wheelchair-bound neighbor
traveling down the middle of the street,
even in the dark. “When wheelchairs flip
over,” Kaufner said in an interview, “that’s
when the occupants become totally help-
less.” He added that the city of Sacramento
is currently the target of a major lawsuit by
What is clear is that, in cases where
trees are not replaced, or in simple side-
walk repairs, the city most likely will use
asphalt. City personnel told one Rockridge
resident who requested a sidewalk repair a
few months ago that he would be “lucky to
get concrete within two years,” and that the
“best they could do” was asphalt.
A recent article in the Montclarion said
the city is using the $620K that it paid out
last year in lawsuits from sidewalk injuries
to justify the plan from a financial point of
28% increase in the median home sales price in Rockridge in one year!
Residential
The median home sale
Address
List Pr
Selling Pr
Close date
5124 Miles
$595,000
$715,000
3/3/2004
5937 Taft
$639,000
$791,000
3/5/2004
5836 Lawton
$865,000
$958,000
3/5/2004
5887 Margarido
$1,195,000
$1,300,000
3/16/2004
5946 Oceanview
$699,000
$876,000
3/16/2004
price was $881,000 in the
first quarter of 2004 vs
$686,000 in the
Residential Income
5117 Lawton
$775,000
$775,000
3/5/2004
first quarter of 2003.
7.
Confessions of an RCPC Chair
April 3, 2004
Letters to
The Editor
The Rockridge News
5245 College Ave., PMB 311
by Dan Ferdelman, RCPC Chair
T
he Rockridge Community Planning Council does not make decisions lightly. Once
we receive notice of a project that requires special conditional use permits or a vari-
ance, we review it carefully, meet with the applicants, note comments of the planning
staff and listen to the concerns of neighbors. Of great importance is whether the project
is in keeping with the scope and character of C-31 zoning designation and the Rockridge
Area Plan. Throughout the process, we work with the parties and planning department
to resolve differences before making a final decision whether or not to oppose. We prefer
to work out issues before they necessitate the involvement of the planning commission.
This can be a long, arduous and sometimes contentious process.
Oakland, CA 94618
or e-mail:
editor@rockridge.org
ENJOYED THE FEBRUARY ISSUE
Editor:
I just wanted to say that I thought the Feb 6
issue of The Rockridge News was the best
in the 5+ years we’ve lived in the area.
Keep up the good work.
Jean Durall
Hudson St
Time pressure can compromise the process, as happened recently with the Rockridge
Montessori School’s (5616 Broadway at Manila) proposal to expand their 38-child daycare
facility to 132 by purchase and development of a church at 5633 Manila Avenue.
The Land Use Committee, the RCPC Board of Directors and I reviewed the applica-
tion, noted the planning and engineering departments’ reservations, reviewed the history
of the original Montessori school and met with neighbors concerned over a project of
this scope in a residential area which could generate noise and serious traffic and park-
ing problems. Because of scheduling conflicts, however, I was unable to meet with the
applicants before I went to the planning commission to report RCPC’s opposition.
OUSD CLUELESS
Editor:
With disgust I read your recent interview
with School Board member Kerry Hamill
headlined, “Forced Closures Poor Way to
Fix Oakland Schools” (Feb 6, p.1). It’s
appalling to read that the folks in charge
of the Oakland Unified School District
remain clueless about the massive multi-
million dollar spending deficits that have
happened on their watch. And here in The
Rockridge News we were treated to a whiny,
one-sided rant by someone that was derelict
in her official duty. Shame.
James K. Sayre
James Avenue
At the meeting, a large group of day school parents described the acute shortage
of daycare facilities in Oakland and persuaded the planning commission to approve
the project, provided the school worked with neighbors to mitigate traffic and parking
problems. I was surprised by the size and zeal of the parents’ delegation and the shortage
of day school facilities they described, and regretted not having met with the applicants
beforehand. A meeting might not have changed my mind or RCPC’s decision to oppose,
but I failed a cardinal rule of RCPC: to hear all sides of an issue before taking action.
This case, however, illustrates how elusive and difficult it is to achieve an equitable
settlement. Which is more important, the parent’s need for more day schools or the resi-
dents’ right to enjoy their homes and neighborhood in peace and quiet? At latest word,
the local homeowners are working with the applicants to find a better arrangement of
traffic and parking, one that will work for parents and neighbors alike. RCPC will await
the final plan and will amend its decision based on the latest findings, weighing whether
to appeal the planning commision’s verdict.
RENTER PRICED OUT OF ROCKRIDGE
Editor:
I’m writing in reaction to “Real Estate in
Rockridge” (Feb.6, p.1) by Ortrun Niesar.
My boyfriend and I have rented in Rockridge
for more than ten years. As professionals,
we make the bulk of our money through
full-time editorial jobs and our combined
income has grown from $70K to $130K.
And yet we’re still unable to afford a home
in Rockridge.
As Chair of RCPC I accept responsibility for ensuring a fair hearing to both sides
prior to RCPC determing its stance. The Land Use Committee is revising procedures to
ensure prompt communication with applicants, city staff and affected neighbors. I and
my RCPC colleagues are dedicated to enlightened discussions of the issues that affect
Rockridge and strive to make it a neighborhood the works for the residents, businesses
and institutions.
Hop To It At Frogpark Community Day
by Carroll Moore,
Frogpark Steering Committee
Fplay structures with your work gloves and
a garden rake, broom and/or hand whisk.
Mark your belongings to identify them. Cold
beverages and water will be provided for
all volunteers.
rogpark needs your help on Saturday,
May 1, from 9 to noon at our annual
Spring Community Day.
Niesar happily declares that “compared
with 2002, our homes sold substantially
over asking price. In fact, 2003 was our
best year ever!” This gushing praise of the
home seller’s fat bounty without so much
as a nod to the renter’s purgatory is simply
insensitive. The economy went bust in 2001,
but housing prices in the area continue to
surge out of control: this does not bode
well for the economic health of the East
Bay community.
Want to do more? We need six adult
volunteers to act as Captains for the Com-
munity Day. Captains will answer questions
and help guide the work as needed. No
special tool skills required. Please contact
carroll@rdlab.com soon if you’d like a spot
on the Captains team.
This is everyone’s opportunity to be a
Frogpark volunteer and contributor. We
built these playgrounds with our own hands,
and that’s how we continue to ensure their
future. We sweep, rake, collect trash and do
other family-friendly tasks each spring (and
do major maintenance in the fall). Bring
children of all ages — there’s something
for everyone to do.
Frog depends tremendously on the sup-
port of everyone who uses and enjoys our
great community parks. Mark your calendar,
spread the word and come lend a hand.
Come to either the Hardy or Redondo
LETTERS, PAGE 8
April 3, 2004
8.
Merchant Association Spruces Up College Avenue
by Cy Gulassa
S
RDA funds street sweeping, extra security
during holidays, promotes fairs and events,
and works with the city to ease parking,
improve landscaping, add more benches and
remove blight like old news racks. It’s also
partnering with RCPC on the UnderBART
project to make that area more useful and
attractive. One future project includes street
banners for the street’s 60 poles. Residents
at the meeting suggested installing smart
new street lighting, but Riemer says the
cost is plain prohibitive.
pring cleaning has new meaning along
the length of College Avenue. Tree wells
and street gutters are litter-free, new trash
cans are strategically placed, and with trees
in full bloom,
the
street
looks ready
for a parade.
The organization distributes an attrac-
tive brochure entitled “Out and About on
College Ave” that lists all businesses and
services, and regularly advertises in the
Montclarion and Contra Costa Times.
Information about the mission, staff and
schedule of meetings is available on the
RDA website: www.rockridgedistrict.com.
The mer-
chants group
responsible
for the spruce-
up hopes that
parade will
consist
of
s h o p p e r s
looking for
b a r g a i n s ,
gifts, a great
dining expe-
rience or just a good place to sit with
a latte and a bestseller from one of the
bookstores.
Letters, from page 7
out if your visit will be covered is by call-
ing the member services number of your
insurance company.
Frances Dalton, MD
Rockridge
The homeowners of Rockridge should
be chagrined to their toes for insisting
upon as much as $550K for a two-bed-
room, 1,200 square-foot box. They’ve got
to be kidding!
Merrill Gillaspy
No Address Provided
Louise Rothman-
Riemer, Rockridge
District Association
Chair.
SUTTER ARTICLE A BIG HELP
Editor:
Thanks to Claire Isaacs, (“Urgency or
Emergency,” March 9) my marriage is
still intact. On our recent visit to the Bay
Area, my husband, a misguided romantic,
made me a beautiful necklace of a vine and
small perforated rocks he found on a Bolinas
beach. Lovely, except the vine turned out to
be poison oak and I became a true redneck.
Dreading a long wait in ER, I remembered
Claire’s article and drove to Urgent Care
where I received immediate professional
treatment. Thanks! In the next issue, please
have some botanist explain to my husband
how to identify poisonous vines no matter
how pretty the sea has made them.
C. Hernfeld
Vienna, Austria
PHOTO: CY GULASSA
CHECK URGENT CARE COVERAGE FIRST
Editor:
I’m glad you spread the word about Sutter
Health Urgent Care in the recent Rockridge
News article by Claire Isaacs (“Urgency or
Emergency?” March 6, p. 9). While health-
care access is no problem at this wonderful
facility, reimbursement from your insurance
company may be. The Alta Bates Medical
Group Medical Director, Brian Ely, MD,
stated at a recent meeting that Alta Bates
HMO terminated its contract with Sutter
for financial reasons and that its members
will once again have to be treated at the
ER for urgent matters. The best way to find
In 1999, eager to preserve the entre-
preneurial spirit of College Avenue
businesses—it’s one of the few strips in
Oakland free of chain stores and big-box
retail—a group of merchants created the
Rockridge District Association. Funded by
self-imposed taxes, the association’s mission
is to collaborate with merchants and the
community to make College Avenue a great
place to do business, shop and relax.
It’s doing just that, according to RDA
Chair Louise Rothman Riemer, who spoke
to residents at RCPC’s March meeting.
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9.
April 3, 2004
Orunamamu:
Rockridge
Storyteller
time — as a token teacher being passed
around the Berkeley school system to fulfill
the obligatory diversity requirements and
with little to do. Some may remember her
teaching black history at Vista College
from 1979 on. But, what does it matter,
she says. “You never make up your mind
about a person until you meet them and get
to know them.” And life does go on. For
her it’s been nearly 90 years now, as far as
I can surmise.
by Ortrun Niesar
I was sitting
at Oliveto’s
one recent
Wednesday morning, revving up for my
business day with a strong cup of coffee,
cell phone at the ready. A pleasant voice
behind me said, “If you see a feather, a
soft and tickly little feather, pick it up. It’s
a letter for you. Pick it up and put it in your
pocket.” I turned around and there was the
lovely, ageless face of Orunamamu grinning
at me with a most heartwarming smile.
Telling a story for Orunamamu is like
“dancing to the thunder and the irresistible
rhythm of life.” You can’t do it timidly, you
must give it space and authority, bcause
stories carry within them the most ancient
expressions of human consciousness. She
advises all to read everything from the
classics to native tales from around the
world. But that in itself is not enough to
bring the story forth. The real secret is to
find an object that speaks to you and to
connect to it at the deepest level; do that
and a mighty story will happen. And, she
says, “don’t be too hasty to throw out things
half-used. After all, how will you ever get
to the core of anything? The real story is
the marrow, and that is in the bones, don’t
you know.”
We spent
I had wanted to meet this wonderful lady,
Rockridge’s very own world-class storyteller,
for some time now, and there she was, green
velvet chapeau, quilted jacket, yellow stock-
ings (her trademark), necklaces and bangles,
numerous bags and a sturdy walking stick,
the mark of the griot. “Stories are like feath-
ers,” Orunamamu laughed. “They blow here
and there, they swing in circles and settle
wherever they will, soft and mysterious. And
when someone picks one up, an adventure
begins.” Well, she had me. I turned off the
cell phone and followed her for that day.
We talked together no end.
Orunamamu: Storyteller
PHOTO: ORTRUN NIESAR
staff sergeant, and grew up in a family
where generosity, love of family and story
telling mattered most. She remembers her
grandmother admonishing her to hush up
because it was not yet her time to talk.
Someday, she was told, when she was old
and wise, it would be her turn and others
would listen.
the day moving
from place to
place. Had the best senior lunch in town
at the West Berkeley YMCA Center. From
there it was on to the West Berkeley Senior
Center to attend a black history celebration.
That night she was to leave for a stay on the
Peninsula as the storyteller grandmother-
in-residence. A life full of adventure! But
Orunamamu is getting tired. It’s time to
pass on the mantle, she says. She is looking
for an intern, a student. “Rockridge needs
its storyteller. It’s important.” If you are
interested in meeting Orunamamu, look
for her early on Wednesday mornings at
Oliveto’s. Or stop by her house on Ocean
View and leave a story on her front door.
She’ll be so delighted.
After graduating from Payne College,
Augusta, Georgia, — that was in 1943 — she
became a teacher. Story telling was always
a part of her, but it was not until she came
to California in the ’60s that she developed
her storytelling skill and wisdom, nurtured
by Quaker artists Trudi Regon and Meg
Pelley and Peninsula storyteller Pat Brown,
all of whom played a huge part in her life.
“I am not a Quaker, but Quakerism is in
the fabric of my life”, she says.
She settled
She has no cell phone or even a regular
phone. She has a house, but it’s a house that
is turned inside out and you most likely won’t
find her there, because to find a feather, as
everyone knows, you must go out to where
the feathers are. And so her house on Ocean
View, just off College, is not so much a house
as it is a public private museum, a repository
of all the adventures and stories she brings
home with her each day. If you are lucky you
will find Orunamamu (meaning morning star
in Yoruba) sitting on her front steps among
a panoply of colorful objects, handing out
stories or inviting you to tell one.
in her home on
Ocean View in
1967, married twice and raised two sons,
one an attorney, the other a writer of legal
and educational books. Her expression
changes briefly as she tells me about the
racial strife in the ’60s and ’70s in the Bay
Area. She did have a job almost all of the
She was born Marybeth Washington
in Wisconsin, the daughter of an army
Ortrun Niesar can be reached at oniesar@aol.com.
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April 3, 2004
10.
Rockridge Crime Report 2/15 to 3/14
Compiled by Jennifer Barragan Edmister, RCPC Director
Beat 12Y
2/15/04... Shooting towards
inhabited dwelling ....................Early A.M.............5416 Telegraph Ave.
... Robbery...................................Early A.M.............450 59th St.
...Attempt. Res. Burglary..........Early P.M..............6073 Claremont Ave.
2/17/04...Auto Burglary.........................A.M.......................6286 Colby St.
2/18/04... Commercial Burglary...........Early A.M.............5291 College Ave.
2/21/04...Auto Burglary.........................Early A.M.............4000 Claremont Ave.
...Assault/Deadly Weapon .......Early A.M.............Telegraph/Alcatraz
... Petty Theft .............................................................500 Martin St.
2/22/04... False Impersonation ............................................474 59th St.
2/23/04... Residential Burglary..............A.M.......................6220 Hillegass Ave.
... Residential Burglary..............Early P.M..............5253 Shafter Ave.
2/24/04... Robbery...................................A.M.......................5800 Presley Wy.
... Residential Burglary..............Afternoon...........476 Hardy St.
2/25/04...Auto Theft...............................Early P.M..............5860 Ocean View Dr.
2/26/04...Auto Burglary.........................Early P.M..............5554 Claremont Ave.
2/27/04...Auto Theft...............................A.M.......................Miles/College
... Burglary...................................A.M.......................479 North St.
... Residential Burglary..............A.M.......................433 Alcatraz Ave.
2/29/04...Auto Burglary.........................Early P.M..............400 66th St.
3/2/04... Residential Burglary..............Early P.M..............5216 Desmond St.
... Residential Burglary..............A.M.......................433 Alcatraz Ave.
3/3/04... Petty Theft ..............................A.M.......................5830 Ayala Ave.
...Auto Burglary.........................Early P.M..............5221 Locksley Ave.
3/7/04...Assault/Deadly Weapon .......Early A.M.............400 Alcatraz Ave.
... Petty Theft ..............................A.M.......................5800 Claremont Ave.
... Petty Theft ..............................Early P.M..............6435 Benvenue Ave.
3/8/04...Auto Burglary........................................................5216 James Ave.
3/9/04... Residential Burglary..............Early P.M..............5309 Locksley Ave.
...Auto Theft...............................Afternoon...........6334 Telegraph Ave.
3/10/04...Auto Burglary.........................Early A.M.............6121 Harwood Ave.
3/12/04...Auto Burglary.........................Early A.M.............5934 Telegraph Ave.
3/13/04...Arson........................................Early A.M.............5311 Miles Ave.
3/14/04... Petty Theft ..............................Early A.M.............5727 College Ave.
Beat 13X
2/16/04...Attempt. Auto Theft..............Early P.M..............4401 Harbord Dr.
...Auto Burglary.........................P.M........................6181 Brookside Ave.
2/20/04...Auto Theft...............................A.M.......................6067 Manchester Dr.
3/5/04...Auto Burglary.........................Early P.M..............Broadway/Freeway 24
3/8/04... False Impersonation ............................................5836 Mendocino Ave.
3/9/04...Auto Burglary.........................Late P.M...............5644 Broadway Terr.
EPIC Alcohol Study
Needs Your Help
Environmental Prevention In Communities (EPIC) of the
Alcohol Policy Network recently developed a collaborative
project to address crime and blight in Oakland by, among other
things, tabulating window signage of stores that sell liquor.
EPIC surveyed a total of 90 stores in Fruitvale to assess their
conformity to standards, and in March and April will conduct
a comparison survey in the Rockridge and Montclair areas.
EPIC would like your support and help. To participate
in this survey, call Program Coordinator Kara Andrade at
510/384-0788 or send an email to youthepic@yahoo.com.
Gardening
wood in the back yard is not
always a good choice.
Local arborist Matt
Horn will also join the panel to address common concerns
regarding Oakland street trees. Matt will explain who owns
the trees that dot our Rockridge streets and sidewalks, and
who is responsible for maintaining them. By popular request,
Matt will also offer a few pieces of timely advice about the
dreaded aphid epidemic in Northern California.
from page 1
After the last tree has been trimmed, and the last plant
potted, many agree that a cherished landscape is not complete
without the benefit of illumination. Dan Pitcock, a former RCPC
board member, specializes in landscape lighting design. Dan
works with landscape architects in Rockridge and throughout
the East Bay, using gentle illumination to enhance outdoor
spaces while providing additional security.
Join us on April 15, as these and other professionals offer
their best tips to help beautify your outdoor home space,
increase your property value, and soothe your soul.
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Market Hall’s lower level
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11.
April 3, 2004
Pieces of Cloth,
Pieces of Culture
Itheirs, the Alta California storytelling group
meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of
each month at the Claremont Branch
of the Berkeley Library. You can just
drop by, then learn more about the
local storytelling network. The Annual
Bay Area Festival takes place May 22
and 23 at the Kennedy Grove Regional
Recreation Center in El Sobrante (off San
Pablo Dam Road, easy to get to). These
are two full days of delectable storytelling
by some of the best storytellers from
around the country! There will be time
to swap some of your own tales too.
Food and drink will be available to
purchase, but you can bring a picnic
as well. There will be a quilt raffled
off at the end of the festival. Another
piece of cloth embodying culture. Go
to www.bayareastorytelling.org or call
869-4946.
n recent years, one of the most exciting
developments at CCA has been the
establishment of the Center for Art
and Public Life. The Center’s aim is to
encourage creative activity and practice
in our society through community
partnerships between artists and the
diverse cultures of the Bay Area. Living
where we do, we are lucky enough to
be able to share in this experience. For
this current academic year, for example,
women artists from Oakland’s Tongan
community have been participating
in a study of Tongan culture, art and
religious practices. At the center of this
project is the ritual making of a 15’x15’
ceremonial tapa cloth from the bark of
the mulberry tree, something that has
never happened before on American
soil. The project is entitled “Pieces of
Cloth, Pieces of Culture” and provides
a unique opportunity to learn more
about the Pacific Islander traditions
our Tongan neighbors have brought with
them to these shores. The lead artist is
Oakland resident Siu Tuita, musician and
by Ortrun Niesar
dancer and member of the Tongan royal
family, who has dedicated much of her
energy to preserving the Tongan way of
life for Tongan youth born in America.
Demonstrations, including traditional
chanting and dance, and lectures for
the general public will take place on
April 6 and 13 at the Far West School,
5263 Broadway and on April 19 and 20
at the Oliver Art Center on the CCA
campus. Call the Center at 594-3763 for
more information. And keep watching for
more such wonderful programs.
Rockridge Photography
Exhibition 2004
Here is an opportunity for you to help
build the fabric of our own local
culture and traditions. The Fourth Annual
Rockridge Photography show will take
place in October this year. Participation
is open to enthusiastic photographers
of all ages and skill levels. You must live
and/or work or attend school in and
around our neighborhood, though. If you
plan to participate, it’s not too early to
start toting your camera around with
you. We can also use some volunteers
to give us a hand. For more information,
please call Lydia Gans at 658-4445.
Storytelling
If you want to try your hand at telling
a story, or just listen to others tell
NOTE: please contact me about
your upcoming event no later than the
10th of the month prior to publication.
Oniesar@aol.com or 652-6664.
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12.
RCPC Legacy
the organization’s involvement in the com-
munity, such as Friends of the Rockridge
Library (FORL) and FROGPark, both of
which have enriched Rockridge.
whatever its decisions, RCPC’s fundamental
commitment has been, and is, to preserve and
enhance the quality of life in Rockridge. To
all of those who for decades have labored to
make Rockridge the ideal community it is
today, I say thank you. To all of those work-
ing selflessly today to support and enhance
that legacy, again I say thank you.
from page 1
home to privately owned, entrepreneurial
enterprises that give the major artery its
character and hometown attractiveness. In
its 2002 survey of the “Ten Best Places to
Live in America,” Money magazine listed
Rockridge as one of the three best in the San
Francisco Bay Area. That did not happen
by accident.
N
Has RCPC’s long struggle to preserve
the neighborhood been worth it? I for one
unequivocally say, YES. Is RCPC infal-
lible in its positions? NO. But rest assured,
Mary Jane McConville
Mary Jane McConville
Mary Jane McConville
Mary Jane McConville
Mary Jane McConville...............The T
The T
The T
The T
The Team Y
eam Y
eam Y
eam Y
eam You Can T
ou Can T
ou Can T
ou Can T
ou Can Trust
rust
rust
rust
rust
ow in its 25th year, RCPC is a non-profit
organization staffed by a volunteer
army for the betterment of the Rockridge
community. It is funded by donations, sales
of merchandise, advertising and the bien-
nial Kitchen Tour. At monthly meetings
the directors set policy, review development
projects and act on the recommendations
of the organization’s committees.
You Come First
You Come First
You Come First
You Come First
You Come First
Providing Exemplary Service
In Rockridge since 1980
Shannon Klatt
Shannon Klatt
Shannon Klatt
Shannon Klatt
Shannon Klatt
Buyer Specialist Realtor
(510) 339-4281 direct line
Mary Jane McConville
Mary Jane McConville
Mary Jane McConville
Mary Jane McConville
Mary Jane McConville
Senior Realtor
(510) 339-4280 direct line
Call
Call
Call
Call
Call Mary Jane
Mary Jane
Mary Jane
Mary Jane
Mary Jane today
today
today
today
today for all your Real Estate needs
for all your Real Estate needs
for all your Real Estate needs
for all your Real Estate needs
for all your Real Estate needs
(510) 339-8400
(510) 339-8400
(510) 339-8400
(510) 339-8400
(510) 339-8400 office
office
office
office
office ♦www
www
www
www
www.MaryJaneMcConville.com
.MaryJaneMcConville.com
.MaryJaneMcConville.com
.MaryJaneMcConville.com
.MaryJaneMcConville.com
As chair, I serve at the pleasure of an
11-member board of directors that we hope
to increase to 13, if Rockridge residents
approve the by-law changes ( see proposal,
page 5). In addition, we hope to create a
non-voting, appointed seat for the editor
of The Rockridge News to assure good,
two-way communications. The goal is to
expand representation and strengthen our
service to the community. This year we
have an outstanding slate of candidates
for the RCPC board. Please carefully read
their credentials and statements ( pages
4 and 5), come to the General Meeting in
the Rockridge Library, Thursday, April 15,
7:00-9:00 pm (note earlier start time), and
hear them in person and then vote, or vote at
the entrance to the library, Saturday, April
17, from 10-1:00 p.m. Any person 18 or
over residing within the RCPC boundaries
is eligible to vote.
Jan Carlisle
Jan Carlisle
Jan Carlisle
Jan Carlisle
Jan Carlisle
Administrative Assistant
Linda Fino
Linda Fino
Linda Fino
Linda Fino
Linda Fino
Escrow Coordinator
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Directors also serve as representatives
on at least one of RCPC’s standing com-
mittees. The committees focus on critical
community issues, including Land Use,
Traffic and Pedestrian Safety, Schools,
Parks, Fundraising, Website, and The
Rockridge News, which reports on board
matters as well as items of general interest
to the community. Published monthly, The
Rockridge News is supported primarily by
advertising and is hand-delivered to homes
and businesses by 148 volunteers.
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In addition to these standing committees,
RCPC provides administrative oversight for,
and strongly supports through advocacy and
grants, other organizations that spring from
13.
April 3, 2004
Temescal Creek Earth Day Cleanup Set for April 24
T
he DMV Neighbors Association, under
the City of Oakland’s Adopt-a-Creek
Program, is hosting its annual Temescal
Creek/Redondo Park cleanup followed by
a delicious potluck lunch. We clean, prune,
sweep and rake in the Greenbelt from Clark
and Redondo, down Redondo along the
creek to the DMV, and along the path next
to the creek up to Clifton. Volunteers are
welcome, as are all who have worked on the
play structures and the Greenbelt.
as green waste is stacked, not bagged.
Lunch will be served in Mike Bogart’s
driveway at 5275 Redondo Avenue, and
tables set up in the adjoining park at Redondo
and Cavour. Continuing a much-loved tradi-
tion, the Colombo Club will provide pasta
and garlic bread. Bring your favorite side
dish or salad. The DNA group will supply
cold beverages, coffee and dessert.
The cleanup begins 9am, Saturday, April
24; sign in at the parking lot behind the DMV
office at Claremont and Cavour. Coffee and
pastries donated by local merchants will
be available. The first 50 volunteers will
be given commemorative t-shirts. We will
have a large water cooler; bring your own
bottles. A limited supply of tools and gloves
will be provided by the city. Be sure to label
personal tools. Wheelbarrows are useful,
Thanks in advance for your participation
— the parks and the creek always look so
much nicer after our efforts!
Writing Courses:
Accessing the Intuitive Mind
at The Opening:
594-1905
Play With Language: Access Inner Landscapes
Word Textures—Trance States
Improvisation Games—The Tarot—Meditation
"SHOULD YOU
SAVE FOR YOUR
Writing From The Subconscious
KID'S COLLEGE
OR FOR YOUR
RETIREMENT?
OR BOTH?"
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+" #%'/0#.#" .,(#.# )#. #* #. $$'!# ,$ 1-#.2'/,.3
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April 3, 2004
14.
Spacious Furnished Bedroom
Overlooking beautiful view of San Pablo Bay;
12 miles north of Oakland, full bath, walk in
closet, kitchen privileges, parking. $500/month.
First and last month rent requested. References
important. 510/724-7730.
Your Message Could Be Here
Your 36-word message: $18 (phone number
counts as one word). Mail to: RN Classifieds,
5245 College Avenue, PMB 311, Oakland, CA
94618. May deadline is April 22.
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.
Pilates or Gyrotonic®
Try a FREE 30 minute BUZZ Session.CLASSES:
First Class Free in Pilates MAT, NIA®, Yoga,
Yogilates and/or Yamuna® Body Rolling.
Workshops & Teacher Training Certifications.
Mind-Body Connection, 5255 College Ave.,
420-0444 (www.mindbodyconnection.net)
Jazz and Classical Piano Lessons
Rockridge jazz pianist with UC Berkeley
music B.A. offers lessons in jazz, blues, clas-
sical, music theory, ear-training, technique.
Experienced, patient teacher, all ages/levels.
Janet 653-6783.
Home Repair Expert
Carpentry, remodeling. Doors and windows,
glass and locks, small electrical, plumbing jobs,
drywall, painting, fences, decks and other odd
jobs. Good rates. Rick 510/464-5934.
Work From Home
Earn $500 $5000 P/T to F/T. Full Training
Provided. Local Interview. Bilingual positions
available. For free info: Gary Sinick 510/597-
1129 www.growmynestegg.com.
Computer Helpdesk Comes to You!
In home or office, personal desktop support.
System recovery, Internet, E-mail & antivirus.
Wired/Wireless networks. DSL installation and
sharing. Certified PC hardware/software, net-
work specialist. Donegan Consulting MCSE,
CCNA 510/338-0645.
Responsible, Cultured
Elderly Lady
with section 8 seeks one bedroom apartment
with back yard, close to Rockridge Library.
594-1361.
Computer Handyman
Need help with anything PC related? I have 25
years experience solving problems for home
and business users. Prompt, courteous, effec-
tive. Support for DSL, Wireless, Networking,
Software, Anti-spam/virus, and more. Ron, RH
Systems 655-5252.
Psychotherapy Can Help
Want more from life: Psychotherapy can help
you discover priorities, remove roadblocks,
find new solutions. Fast and focused, or gentle
and exploratory—you choose the pace. Jan
Graham, MFT. (MFC #35757). 510/207-5402;
time4therapy.com.
663-6674
15.
April 3, 2004
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Compiled by Jo Ellis
Check Your…
E-mail Rockridge News Community Calendar items to: joellis1@hotmail.com, phone 653-3210, or mail to: Rockridge News
Community Calendar, 5245 College Avenue, PMB 311, Oakland, CA 94618. Deadline is the next to the last Tuesday of the month.
Councilmember Jane Brunner’s
Community Advisory Meeting
• Claudine Naganuma Dance Troupe: Saturday,
• Wednesday, 4/28, 7:30pm, Co-founder of
May 8, 2pm. Theater/dance performance in
celebration of Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage
Month. All ages welcome.
FOR ADULTS:
• Lawyers in the Library: Free legal advice. First
Move On, Joan Blades, and Move On repre-
sentative Arthur Blaustein will discuss Move
On: 50 Ways to Love Your Country.
• Thursday, 4/29, 7:30pm, Mylene Dressler: The
First Saturday every other month, 10am to noon.
Peralta Elementary School: 460 63rd St. April
topics: Trees, design review and zoning update.
No May meeting. More information at 238-7001
or www.oaklandnet.com.
Oakland City Council Meeting
Floodmakers.
For more inf. about readings, discus-
sion groups and classes: 653-9965 or
www.dieselbookstore.com.
Chabot Elementary School
Annual Spring Auction
Tuesday of each month, 6 to 8pm, (4/6, 5/4).
Advance sign-up 5pm.
• Workshop for adults: “How to De-clutter a
Room.” Saturday, April 17, 2pm. Presentation by
professional organizer Joan Craig. No sign-up
required.
Every Tuesday, 7pm, City Hall
Oakland Planning Commission
1st and 3rd Wednesday, 6:30pm, City Hall. Agen-
das, details at www.oaklandnet.com.
The Greater Rockridge N’hood
Crime Prevention Council
“Evening in Paradise” PTA fundraiser for enrich-
ment programs: e.g. music, art, library, new
on-site garden curriculum. Saturday, April 3, 6
to 11pm at Pauley Ballroom in the U.C. Berkeley
student union building. Tickets: $25 in advance,
$30 at the door. To donate an item or gift certifi-
cate to be auctioned or to make a cash donation,
contact Susie Poncelet, 985-1246 or e-mail
sponcelet@earthlink.net.
North Oakland Senior Center
Library Hours: See box, page 2
Writer’s Support/Critique Group
Rockridge Branch Library, Saturday, April 17, 1:
30 to 5pm. ALL writers welcome. Bring 8 copies
of up to 5 pages of your prose for on-site reading/
discussion. California Writers Club, Berkeley branch
(www.berkeleywritersclub.org/).Information:
482-0265 or Writefox@aol.com
Diesel Book/Poetry Readings
Steering Committee meets 3rd Tuesday each
month, 7 to 8:30pm, Fire Station #8, 463 51st
Street. Residents and business members of
NCPC’s 12Y and 13X areas are invited.
Rockridge Branch Library
5366 College Avenue, (510)597-5017
FOR CHILDREN:
• Toddler Story Time: Saturday, 10:30am:
5433 College Ave. All events are FREE and open to
the public.
• Sunday, 4/4, 2pm, Margo Perin, editor: How I
5714 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Center Hours:
Monday – Friday, 8:45am to 4:45pm
• Free Tax preparation help until April 15.
Learned to Cook.
• Monday, 4/5, 7:30pm, Paul Theroux: Dark Star
Call 597-5085 for appt. (between 11am
and 3pm).
• Sign up for Asparagus Festival trip in April
4/3,4/10,5/1,5/8.
• Pre-School Story Hour: Wednesday, 10:30 &
Safari. (Tickets for this event require book pur-
chase).
• Tuesday, 4/6, 7:30pm, Rebecca Solnit: River of
11am: 4/7,4/21,5/5.
• Pajama Story Time: Tuesday, 7pm: 4/13,
and October trip to New York to see the Lion
King.
Call 597- 5085 for membership, newsletter,
class or appointment times, and volunteer
opportunities
Oakland Elizabeth House
4/27,5/11.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
• Family Worm Composting Workshop: Sat-
Shadows.
• Monday, 4/12, 7:30pm, Amnesty International
Monthly Meeting.
• Wednesday, 4/14, 7;30pm, Michael Plitnick and
urday, April 17, 10:30am to 12noon. For kids
ages 4 – 10 and their families. Each family
receives a worm bin to take home. Sign-up
required. Sign-up sheet at Children’s refer-
ence desk or call 597-5017.
• Celebrate National Library Week: Tuesday,
Aurora Levin-Morales will answer questions
about Wrestling With Zion.
• Thursday, 4/15, 7:30pm, Ruth Ozeki: All Over
Special Volunteers needed to plan for Elizabeth
House 2nd Annual Art Auction and Dessert
Reception, May 15. Help raise extra money
for summer camp programs and move-in
gifts for our families who transition into
independent living facilities: 601-1213 or
FranceID@oakehouse.org.
Creation.
• Sunday, 4/18, 2pm, Hiroko Sherwin: Eight Million
April 20, 3;30 to 5pm. Use creative think-
ing and humor to play non-competitive art
games. All ages; kids 7 and under must bring
a grown-up. Sign-up not required.
Gods and Demons.
• Thursday, 4/27, 7:30pm, Pico Iyer: Sun After
Dark.
Temescal Creek Earth Day Cleanup
Frog Park Spring Community Day Clean-up
Saturday, May 1, 9am to noon. Come to Hardy or Redondo play structures.
Children welcome. Cold beverages and water provided. See article, page 7.
Saturday, April 24, starting at 9 am. Sign in at parking lot behind the DMV
office. Coffee, pastries and lunch provided. See article, page 13.
Henry C. Levy & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
and Consultants
A Professional Corporation
• tax preparation
• estate planning
• tax planning
• business valuation
5940 College Avenue, Suite C
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Oakland, California 94618
510.652-1000
FAX 510.654-2363
April 3, 2004
16.
Don Coelho
339-4721
28th year
serving Rockridge!
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