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VOL. 20 NO. 10 ISSUE NO. 217 November 5, 2005 CIRCULATION: 5,100 RESIDENCES; 200 BUSINESSES
Sponsored by The Rockridge Community Planning Council • 5245 College Ave. PMB 311 • Oakland, CA 94618 • 644-4228
BART Update
BART to Charge
Parking Fees
Beginning in
December
by Bob Franklin,
District 3 BART Director (Rockridge)
A
RCPC K-Tour 2005
s your Rockridge representative on the
BART Board of Directors, I want to
give you an update on the latest developments
at BART and at the Rockridge Station.
Parking Charges
Charges for parking at 10 BART stations
will begin in the next few months, including
at the Rockridge Station this December.
People will pay $1
to park weekdays
BART UPDATE, PAGE 9
PREPARING FOR A DISASTER
IN NORTH OAKLAND
Councilmember Sets
SIXTH BIENNIAL KITCHEN TOUR
Local Disaster
Preparedness Forum
D
Z
A
Z
S
E
L
DAZZLES ROCKRIDGE
Saturday, December 3, 10a.m.—noon
PHOTOS, MONTAGE DESIGN: CY GULASSA
by Jennifer Edmister, Tour Co-Chair
Mat Peralta Elementary School
(Details in Calendar, page 15)
H
ore than ten years after its inception, the Rockridge Kitchen Tour continues to
draw hundreds of guests from the Bay Area and beyond. On October 2, tour guests
enjoyed nearly perfect weather, and followed their guide maps to nine craftsman and
contemporary homes in our very own Rockridge neighborhood. We were not surprised to
see packed crowds at the perfectly charming two-bedroom bungalow on Locksley, with
its gleaming stainless steel kitchen and impeccable décor; or at the master renovation
on Taft, completed almost entirely by the owner herself; or at the stunningly modern
kitchens on Hudson, including the wholly wheelchair accessible home, with the most
asked-about reddish paint color in recent tour memory. As they strolled from home to
home on a warm fall day, nibbling brie and sipping citrus punch, tour guests reported
that a great time was had by all.
urricane Katrina’s toll on New
Orleans reminds us of the
importance of being prepared when
disaster strikes. At Councilmember
Jane Brunner’s community advisory
meeting, you can learn how the city
of Oakland is preparing for a major
earthquake and what steps you, your
family and your neighborhood should
take to be prepared. Speakers will
include representatives from Oakland’s
Office of Emergency Services and the
CORE Program (Citizens of Oakland
Respond to Emergencies). For more
information, call Councilmember Jane
Brunner’s office at 238-7001.
Zac Wald, Aide to Councilmember Brunner
KITCHEN TOUR, PAGE 4
RCPC was also pleased to inform approximately 40 lucky raffle-ticket holders that
they had won a prize generously donated by local merchants. Soon you could see many
of your neighbors dining out on College Avenue and perusing the shops, gift certificates
in hand.
As always, proceeds of the kitchen tour benefit the Rockridge Community Planning
Council (RCPC), a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation which represents the community of
Rockridge on matters of land use and building design,
parks and open spaces, traffic and pedestrian safety
2.
November 5, 2005
Commission Denies RCPC Appeal
&## !
, %+
by Deborah Weinstein, Chair, RCPC
Athat the project met the necessary criteria for
approval, noting that conditional use per-
mits allow the City to attach conditions on
proposed uses that limit their impact.
s reported in the June 2005 issue of
The Rockridge News, RCPC opposed
the application for a minor Conditional
Use Permit (CUP) to permit a real estate
office at 5327 College Avenue (near Bryant
Avenue). RCPC opposed the application
because it believed that the proposed use,
a real estate office at the ground level, was
inconsistent with the City of Oakland’s C-31
zoning guidelines.
In the next issue of The Rockridge
News, Heather Sittig and Hugh Robertson
of Maison Nouveau will describe their plans
for the space at 5327 College Avenue, includ-
ing two key elements, a home-design library
and art gallery in the front of the building.
Approval of the CUP was conditioned on
these two elements.
" ( (-'(&!( $ * "#) # % (' !
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.
On Wednesday, October 19, the Oak-
land Planning Commission heard RCPC’s
appeal, and statements by city staff and
Heather Sittig of Maison Nouveau. The
Planning Commission voted to deny the
appeal 6-1.
RCPC thanks community members who
voiced opinions in favor of or against the
appeal of Maison Nouveau. Because RCPC
represents the community’s interests, it is
important that we hear from you.
Rockridge News Production
Cy Gulassa ..........................Editor
Ortrun Niesar.....................The Muse
Claire Wahrhaftig-Isaacs.... Writer
Barry Kaufman...................Food
Jo Ellis...................................Advertising &
Thank you for expressing your views.
Planning commissioners were of the view
Why Does RCPC Always Seem
Opposed to Projects?
A
Community Calendar
Theresa Nelson ....................Neighborhood Merchant
Lydia Gans...........................Photography
Susan Montauk...................Business Manager
Don Kinkead.......................Graphics & Layout
primary function of RCPC is to provide zoning oversight. When a project is
proposed, Land-Use Committee members confer with owners, developers and city
planning officials to review zoning guidelines and urge compliance. If a project does
not meet the guidelines, RCPC typically opposes the project and may even pursue an
appeal if the planning department proposes to override the guidelines. If the project
meets the guidelines, RCPC drops its opposition. Except for public projects, RCPC
has only two speeds: it is either opposed or not opposed, depending on whether or not
projects meet zoning regulations and criteria. Given the limitations of its role, RCPC
does not “approve” development projects, except for projects which are dedicated to
a public purpose. RCPC may endorse and strongly advocate for public projects that
serve the entire community such as the Rockridge Library and FROGPark.
Awitch’s brew and a
monster or two at
the 14th Annual Rockridge
Children’s Halloween Parade
held Sunday, October 30.
Some photos from the
event taken by Mike Taylor
are included in this issue
with a story to follow in the
December issue. Boo!
RCPC Board of Directors, 2005-2006
Deborah Weinstein...........Chair
Jessica Pitt ...........................Vice-Chair
Adrienne DeAngelo..........Secretary
Ehab Bandar........................Treasurer
Kent Deverell, Jennifer Edmister, Dan Ferdelman
Cy Gulassa, Hiroko Kurihara, Susan Montauk,
Mike McDonald, Mike Taylor, Robert Wiles
NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS
For annual subscriptions to The Rockridge
News, send your 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
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: 510/644-4228
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
December 3, 2005
December deadline is November 17.
Advertising rates are $22/column inch. Six-
month pre-pay rate available. For display ads,
call Jo Ellis at 653-3210 (after noon), or e-mail
joellis1@hotmail.com. (RCPC reserves the right
to refuse any display or classified ad that it deems
inappropriate.)
3.
November 5, 2005
The Zoning Counter
428 CAVOUR STREET
Proposal: To raise an existing 994 square foot
single-family residence 2' in height and convert
the existing basement into 759 square feet of
new habitable space.
Applicant: William Coburn
Contact Person/Phone Number:
William Coburn 510-893-8826
Owner: Karen Hardison and Tracy Cosgrove
Planning Permits Required: Design Review
per Chapter 17.136 for additions and alterations
to an existing residence and Minor Variances
per Chapter 17.148 to increase the height of
the building which is already nonconforming
because it encoraches into the required side
yards (existing nonconforming and new side
yards are: 2.25' and 3.2' at the east side, and
4.57' at the west side, whereas 5' minimum is
ordinarily required for new construction).
Case Planner: Ann Clevenger at 238-6980 or
aclevenger@oaklandnet.com.
Farewell to Dan Ferdelman
F
riends, neighbors and RCPC board members gathered for beer and barbecue
in FROGPark a weekend ago to wish farewell to Dan Ferdelman, RCPC board
member and former chair (see arrow), and his wife Marina (to Dan’s right) and
infant daughter Rosa, who are moving to Columbus, Ohio. Dan reports that
although he hates to leave the Bay Area for his hometown, on the bright side,
he just bought a handsome, 2,000 square foot house in an upscale Columbus
neighborhood for $250K. (Story follows in December issue).
PHOTO: CY GULASSA
The Zoning Counter provides Rockridge
residents with an opportunity to review
construction project proposals in their
neighborhoods. It is a compilation of recent
applications filed with the Oakland Planning
Department, but not necessarily a complete
or up-to-date listing. Individuals may contact
the case planner or the Planning Department
for additional information.
Nominate and Vote for Your Favorite Books
Rockridge Library Hosts Kids’
Book Week Celebration
For the most up-to-date information
about applications on file at the city, go online
at www.oaklandnet.com.
by Erica Siskind
Dwill be announced at an awards ceremony
Tuesday evening, November 22, during a
special Pajama Story Time, where every-
one is invited to come dressed up as their
favorite character in a book. Refreshments
will be served.
Anthony
Chabot School
Plans Annual
Book Fair
Nid you know that Children’s Book Week
is celebrated all around the country
during the third week in November? This
year, we will have a special celebration in
honor of Children’s Book Week at Rockridge
Branch Library: “Children’s Choice Book
Awards.”
Start thinking about which books you
would like to nominate, in any or all of
the following categories: “Favorite Book to
Listen to,” “Favorite Book to Read Myself,”
“Favorite Author,” “Favorite Illustrator,”
“Funniest Moment,” “Saddest Moment,”
“Favorite Illustrations,” “Favorite Infor-
mational Book.”
We are looking for kids to nominate and
vote for their favorite books. If you are a
kid 15 years old or younger, and you like
to read, or you like to listen to books read
aloud to you, we need you. Come in to the
Rockridge Library to pick up a nomina-
tion form at the Children’s Reference Desk
and turn it in before Monday, November 14.
Mom or Dad can register for youngsters. All
participants will receive a bookmark.
o matter what you or your children
like to read, there is something for
all at the Chabot Elementary School
Book Fair which will be open Novem-
ber 14-16 from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.,
and November 17 from 7:45 to 2:45
p.m., followed by Family Night events
from 6 to 8 pm.
For questions, please call Erica at
597-5017. See you at the Library!
Come look over the great selection
of books for all ages and do some early
holiday shopping.
The nominated books will be posted
on our bulletin board from Monday eve-
ning until Saturday afternoon, November
14-19. So we need you again to come in
and vote on your favorites. The winners
Anthony Chabot Elementary is
located at 6686 Chabot Road.
4.
November 5, 2005
Kitchen Tour
from page 1
At the October RCPC Town Hall Meeting
October Meeting Message: Vote November 8
and schools. Among other credits, RCPC has
published the Rockridge News since 1985.
Past RCPC fundraising proceeds have gone
to FROGPark, the community service proj-
ect of North Oakland Community Charter
school and the Lower Rockridge Parents
Association, the Locksley Gardens project,
and restoration of the Oceanus mural on
Claremont Avenue.
League of
Women Voters
representatives Judy
Peck, left, and Mary Ann
Taylor explained the
nuts and bolts of the
eight propositions on the
November ballot to over
50 Rockridge neighbors
at the October RCPC
Town Hall meeting.
PHOTO: CY GULASSA
RCPC wishes to thank all those who
made this event possible.
Homeowners
Jeff & Tara Birnbaum, Janli Degenhardt,
Kathleen & David Edwards, Linda Fogel,
Julie Harris & Jose Arcellana, Janet Kirk,
Tammy Medress & Neal Fujita and Jan
Louden;
Planners
Margaret Phillips, Mark Ringer, Claudia
Reet, Cathy Schwabe, Ellen Seltzer, Alan
Serrano, Mark Sgarzi, Debra Sharpe, Susan
Smith, Lisa Spearman, Carol Strickman,
Gail Sullivan, Ann Tubbs, Anne Wil-
liams, Cathy Witney, Fahima Vafai, Judy
Velardia;
Poster Underwriting
Genray Salon, Global Vineyard Importers,
Hiroko Kurihara Designs, Homesteader,
La Farine Bakery, Lulu Rae Confections,
Marica Seafood Restaurant, Market Hall,
Namaste, Nan Yang, Oliveto, Pasta Pomo-
doro, Pendragon Fine Books, Rockridge
Café, Rockridge Home, Rockridge Kids,
Rustica Café, Ruta’s Indian Kitchen,
Schokinag Chocolate, Spenger’s Seafood
Grotto, Tootsies, Twenty-Two, Vino!,
Zachary’s Chicago Pizza.
Maureen Alano, Karen Cilman, Brian
Deans, Jo Ellis, Don Kinkead, Akasha
Madron, Marilyn Mansfield, Natalie Mehta,
Nancy Sale, Susan Shawl, and the RCPC
board members;
Docents
Ron Kriss /Lawton Realty Associates;
Ticket Sales
Shari Adams, Fatima Ali, Allison
Andrews, Trisha Buresh, Karen Carlson,
Karen Cilman, Pam Critchfield, Sherry
Davis, Rene Diene, Karen Donald, Anne
Emerick, Sue Emmons, Robin Emory, Bill
Garcia, Kathy Garcia, John Gomes, Cheryl
Goodrich, Lynne Hoffman, Carolina Juarez,
Barbara Kline, Terry Kulka, Esther Larsen,
Bill Leeden, Melly Levy, Barbara Littwin,
Natalie Mehta, Sharon Miller, Caroll Moore,
Nancy Morton, Janie Page, Judith Paquette,
Maison d’Etre/Fred Womack;
Tour Refreshments
Great Harvest Bread Co.;
Photography
Kenneth Rice Photography;
Raffle Donors
A Côté, A Different Angle, Berkeley
Kid’s Room, Bittersweet, Cactus Taqueria,
Christopher’s Burgers, Citron Restaurant,
Cuvae, Filippo’s Pastaria, Garibaldi’s,
5295 College Avenue (nr Broadway)
Oakland • 510 601 8828
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5.
November 5, 2005
November 14 Follow-Up Meeting Planned for
Mixed Use Proposal at 51st and Telegraph
by Bill Lambert
In mid-September more than 35 people
from the Temescal and Rockridge neigh-
borhoods met to hear plans proposed for
a new mixed-use, residential development
project at the corner of 51st and Telegraph.
Councilmember Jane Brunner was also pres-
ent. A scale model was on hand for viewing
and several plans and elevations were dis-
played. The presentation stimulated a long
and spirited discussion about community
values, the future of Temescal and various
individuals’ ideas for this project.
The developers and architects have
digested the many comments they received
at the first meeting and would like to dis-
cuss further refinements. The developers,
Ron Kriss, Roy Alper and Pat Zimski,
along with their architectural firm, Van
Meter Williams Pollack, are planning this
return engagement for Monday, November
14, at the Temescal Library, 5205 Telegraph
Avenue, 6:30-8 pm.
Architectural rendering of the development proposed for 51st and Telegraph
The Planning Department has scheduled
public hearings on the project, the traffic
analysis is complete and greater detail on
the public plaza at 51st and Telegraph will
be available. Plan to attend to hear more
and to provide further input.
For more information, contact Bill Lambert at
550-4200x512 or bill@shastapros.com.
“Walk the Talk,” a Guided Tour
Along Temescal Creek Pathway
Open House
At Emerson
Elementary School
by Jeff Norman
Jthe Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt, closing
of the Pussycat Theater, development of
Temescal Plaza (Walgreens), and creation
of the PostMark Temescal public art site.
oin local historians, artists, activists, and
neighbors in a “Walk the Talk” free tour
along the path of Temescal Creek to learn
about key neighborhood sites and the com-
munity history behind them.
by Christie Beeman
If you live in Rockridge between Clifton
and 51st Street, Emerson Elementary is
your neighborhood school. To learn more
about the school and what it has to offer,
please come to a Family Literacy Night and
Open House on Wednesday, November 16,
from 5:30 to 8 p.m. There will be Literacy
Night activities throughout the school from
5:30 to 7 pm — see teachers in action in
their classrooms. At 7 pm, principal Wendi
Caporicci and teachers will gather in the
school auditorium for a community round
table forum to talk about the school and
answer your questions.
The tour will begin at the bulletin board
in Hardy Park (aka FROGPark), located
at Hardy Street and Claremont Avenue.
Be sure to bring water, hat, or umbrella
as needed.
The tour, to be held Saturday, November
12, 1-3 p.m., will feature guest speakers who
participated in the community initiatives
and collective actions that helped shape
these sites. Topics will include the routing
of the Grove Shafter Freeway (Highway 24),
culverting of Temescal Creek, building of
The tour will end with a reception
at Temescal Amity Works, just off the
intersection of Telegraph Avenue and
49th Street.
Walk the Talk is organized by Jeff Norman, community artist and founder of Shared Ground, and
sponsored by Temescal Amity Works (www.amityworks.org). For more information, call 653-7190.
See the school grounds, meet the dedi-
cated personnel, and learn what Emerson
has to offer. Current Emerson families,
Emerson neighbors, and parents of pre-
school kids are all encouraged to attend.
Emerson School is located at 4803 Lawton
Avenue, near 49th Street. For more infor-
mation: 450-0585.
Oooooh! More
spooky sights
on College at
the 14th Annual
Rockridge
Children’s
Halloween Parade
held Sunday,
October 30.
6.
November 5, 2005
Chez Panisse’s Brine for Turkey
Ingredients:
21⁄2 gallons cold water
2 cups kosher salt
1 cup sugar
2 bay leaves, torn into pieces
1 bunch fresh thyme, or 4 tablespoons
dried
1 whole head of garlic, cloves separated
and peeled
5 whole allspice berries, crushed
4 juniper berries, smashed
Talking Turkey
INSTRUCTIONS: Place the water in a
large pot that can easily hold the liquid
and the turkey you intend to brine. Add
all ingredients and stir for a minute or two
until the sugar and salt dissolve. Put your
turkey into the brine and refrigerate for 24
hours. If the turkey floats to the top, use a
plate or other weight to keep it completely
submerged in the brine. Before roasting,
remove the bird from the brine and drain
well. Pat dry.
In the next few weeks, every major cooking
magazine, newspaper food section and
TV cooking show will feature articles and
demonstrations on how to prepare, cook
and present the Thanksgiving turkey. No
other single food item gets as much media
attention as the good old American turkey.
While the term “turkey” is often used as a
metaphor for a failed event, activity or even
person, in November turkey is the golden
bird of culinary delight.
key to having an evenly cooked bird with
a crispy, golden-brown skin is brining the
turkey for at least 24 hours. What is brining?
The turkey is immersed in a salt, herb and
spice brine before being cooked. Accord-
ing to food chemist guru Harold McGee,
the movement of salt into the meat results
in greater water-holding capacity in the
muscle cells, thereby making the turkey
juicier. In addition, the turkey absorbs the
aromatic flavors of the herbs and spices in
the brine.
Barry is a graduate of the California Culinary
Academy. He is available for cooking classes.
Barry’s email is kaufman42@earthlink.net.
Most families have their favorite method
of preparing and cooking the Thanksgiv-
ing bird: oven roasted, deep fried, grilled
or smoked. Our family maintains a large
Thanksgiving folder with all our favorite
recipes and endless shopping lists. Every
year we argue over whether to include new
dishes or alternative turkey preparations.
Although we pore over our November cook-
ing magazines, we generally end up with
our long-standing traditional favorites. As
for the turkey, we prefer slow smoking our
bird over hardwood charcoal and hickory
wood.
The annual Thanksgiving issue of the San
Francisco Chronicle foods section always
includes the brine recipe from Alice Waters
of Chez Panisse. I guarantee that if you
follow it, your Thanksgiving turkey will
be juicy and flavorful. Have a joyous and
healthy Thanksgiving.
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Whatever cooking method you use, the
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TUVEFOUJOBMPDBMFMFNFOUBSZTDIPPM
THE COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
THE COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
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An Independent Secondary School (Grades 9-12)
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committed to intellectual engagement, diversity,
and strong programs in the arts, sports, debate,
and community service.
OPEN HOUSES
Saturday, November 5
at 11:00 am
Sunday, November 20
General Dentistry
at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm
For information call our Admissions Office
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All interested students and families are welcome.
CPS admits students regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender,
sexual orientation, religion or physical handicap.
6100 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94618 (510) 652-0111
7.
November 5, 2005
Theresa Nelson Ends 14-year Stint on RCPC Board
by Cy Gulassa
Tin the struggles that helped shape Rockridge
in the 90s: the fight to keep Dreyers from
expanding and demolishing more Craftsman
houses; the suit against the City for violating
its own General Plan and zoning regulations;
the BART battle over plans to add a second
story to its parking lot and commercially
develop surrounding property; the victory
of Measure L that supported a new library;
the creation of the Rockridge Area Plan
(RAP) —Nelson was there through all of
these, and more. She even founded, and for
14 years chaired, the Rockridge Halloween
Parade.
heresa Nelson recently stepped down
after 14-years of service on the RCPC
Board, a span of time that saw Rockridge
recover from the aftermath of road construc-
tion and mature into a vibrant neighborhood
rated one of the best in the nation. While
she says that RCPC’s success is due to the
vision and hard work of many community
members, Nelson herself has been an out-
standing leader who has done much for
Rockridge.
According to her husband, Nelson is
afflicted with a bad case of EED, which
he cheerfully defines as “Excess Enthusi-
asm Disorder.” In addition to working for
RCPC, chairing its committees, writing
articles for The Rockridge News, running
her own consulting businesses for non profit
enterprises, and singing with the Oakland
Symphony Chorus, the California Revels and
other choral groups, she is also a member of
the Oakland Recreation and Parks Advisory
Board and is chief fund raiser for many
RCPC projects.
Asked what contribution she is most
proud of, Nelson points to FROGPark
(Friends of the Rockridge Greenbelt).
Inspired by Nancy Dutcher, who lobbied
nearly a decade for a new Rockridge Library,
Nelson steadfastly pursued the dream of a
family park in Rockridge. After an unsuc-
cessful search for sites (“We examined
every tiny little plot”) and losing a bid for
DMV property, the committee conceived
the idea of a linear park anchored by play
structures at either end. Serving as head of
fundraising, she secured bond funds and
raised $1.2 million for what came to be
known as Phase One of FROGPark.
Theresa Nelson
PHOTO: CY GULASSA
comfortable around adults.”
When Nelson settled here in 1984,
she was sold on Rockridge but rec-
ognized the need for changes that would
enhance the quality of life. Many shops
were closed and the neighborhood was in
recovery. It was parking that launched one
career as a community activist. Back then,
BART riders parked cars with impunity,
even across driveways, forcing residents to
park blocks away from their homes. When
a pregnant neighbor couldn’t get to the
hospital because of her blocked driveway,
Nelson had enough. She joined the RCPC
Traffic Committee, and residential parking
permits soon followed.
When graffiti began appearing on public
property—lamposts, stoplights—she learned
how to safely handle toxic paints and every
week for four years walked the main arter-
ies of Rockridge, daubing out the marks
of vandals. When her daughter, who was
bundled off to meetings practically from
birth, grew old enough to play games, she
played “meetings” with her little friends.
“Apparently there was no lasting harm,”
Nelson laughs, “because she’s a great kid
today—articulate, a good student, and
“The Big Build” in 2001 proved a trans-
formational experience for Nelson. More
than 1600 men, women and kids worked for
10 days to prepare the site and build the play
structures. The day the construction started
was symbolic: “I began my search for a park
shortly after the birth of my daughter, and
broke ground on her 11th birthday. I even
brought a little cake to celebrate and sang
happy birthday. Then we all got to work.”
N
From the traffic committee it was only
a short leap to the RCPC Board and a voice
ow that she’s stepping down, Nelson
says she values most of all the friends
she’s made while working for RCPC. “I
know someone on almost every block of
Rockridge—good, hardworking, dedicated
people who are smart and know how to get
things done, but who most of all are real
people who care deeply about their com-
munity. It’s a privilege to know them. And
I love my family. They’ve not only encour-
aged me to serve, they’ve been right there
beside me. I’m very, very lucky.”
A Change in the Season & A Change in the Market!
Address
Bed/Ba.
List Price
Selling Price
Close Date
5442 Broadway
3/2
$ 849,000
$ 849,000
9/28/05
5440 Locksley Ave.
2/1.5
$ 699,000
$ 800,000
10/4/05
6009 Auburn Ave.
3/2
$ 899,000
$ 899,000
10/5/05
5340 Broadway Terr. #403.
2/1
$ 489,000
$ 575,000
10/7/05
390 63rd St.
3/1
$ 715,000
$ 951,000
10/11/05
6001 Margarido Drive
7/5.1
$ 2,275,000
$ 2,150,000
10/12/05
5463 Broadway
2/1
$ 699,000
$ 725,000
10/13/05
5324 Bryant Ave.
2/1
$ 489,000
$ 575,000
10/17/05
Please contact me if you are interested in buying or selling.
8.
November 5, 2005
Top Scoring Rockridge Charter
School Seeks New Location
Letters to The Editor
The Rockridge News welcomes letters to the editor. Please limit
letters to 200 words. Include your name, address and a phone
number for verification. Only your name will appear with your
letter. Letters may be edited for clarity and brevity.
by Allison Pugh
The North Oakland Community Charter School (NOCCS) at
Alcatraz and Colby is one of the top-scoring public elementary
schools in Oakland, yet could be homeless by the summer of 2006,
school officials warned at the school’s first Community Day on
October 7. Families, students, educators and politicians gathered
to celebrate NOCCS achievements, even as community leaders
voiced concern over the site issue.
MUGGING IN ROCKRIDGE
Editor,
I want your readers to know that I was physically assaulted
(mugged) by a high school student on Monday, October 17, around
6:45 pm on Oak Grove Avenue next to Forest. He ran up behind
me and grabbed for my purse. For two full minutes I fought with
the thief before he escaped with my purse. It was still very light
out so people could have seen us and heard my screams for help,
yet no one called the police or came to my rescue. One witness did
explain later that he would have helped but didn’t have his shoes on.
Another said he saw the young man get into a 4-door sedan with
two other juveniles and head down Colby Avenue. My wallet was
found later with the credit cards by Zachary’s, but my keys, digital
camera, cell phone and paycheck for work with all my personal
identification are still missing (or at the local pawn shop).
“You are a model school,” announced Alameda County Super-
intendent Sheila Jordan who joined Oakland Unified representative
Liane Zimny in pledging support. Oakland Planning Commission
member Michael Lighty lauded the school community as “a diverse
group committed to working together to provide an excellent edu-
cation for Oakland’s kids.”
NOCCS joined just four other Oakland public elementary
schools with an Academic Performance Index (API) over 900 in
2005. 1000 is the highest score possible. The state legislature gave
NOCCS an award for its performance on state tests. NOCCS serves
104 children in kindergarten through 5th grade. Admission is by
public lottery, and there are waiting lists for most grades.
This reminded me of the story, “Rockridge Burglar Swipes
Laptops,” which appeared in The Rockridge News last month. It
seems, however, that a mugging is a more serious problem than
a break-in, especially when the thief uses physical force in broad
daylight. I would like to remind readers to be alert and proac-
tive—that could protect them and greatly reduce crime.
— Meghan
“With all that we have achieved, the school still faces a major
challenge in that we have no permanent home,” said NOCCS Direc-
tor Julia Kassissieh. “We’re passionately committed to staying in
our St. Augustine location, but the church is taking bids from other
possible tenants.” Church members say they need more revenue
from the prime location.
Kayla Kirsch, the school’s site committee chair, called on com-
munity members to spread the word for possible locations. Call
School Director Julia Kassissieh at 655-0540 for more information
or to suggest available sites.
NOTE FROM THE ROCKRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH NETWORK
(RNWN): On Sunday, October 30, a mugging was thwarted by
citizen intervention. When a thief accosted a couple walking home
after dinner on College Avenue, they ran down Taft Avenue yelling
for help and pursued by the thief. Neighbors called 911, stepped out
of their doors and joined in the yelling. The thief ran to a getaway
car. Two OPD officers arrived on the scene in just minutes, but
the thief was gone.
©2005 Curves International
Why wait to make
a resolution?
Learn what’s going on with crime in the neighborhood. Share
your concerns: Go to www.yahoogroups.com and search for Rockridge
Neighborhood Watch Network. Fill out the simple form and you
will be enrolled.
Start now and make 2006 your best year yet.
Join Curves where our 30-minute workout
three times a week will get you results.
curves.com
Over 9,000 locations worldwide.
(510) 655-8808
Market Hall’s Lower Level
Entrance on Shafter, @ BART
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At MacArthur & Fruitvale (510) 531-5300
(510) 655-8808
Market Hall’s lower level
Entrance on Shafter, @ BART FREE PARKING!!!
In The Laurel
4158 MacArthur Blvd.
Near High St. (510) 482-4826
Dimond District
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FREE PARKING!
Offer based on first visit enrollment, minimum 12 mo. c.d. program. Service fee paid at time of enrollment.
Not valid with any other offer. Valid only at participating locations through 12/23/05.
9.
November 5, 2005
BART Update
“A cement area with benches
where people can gather
would greatly improve the
[station] environment.”
from page 1
between 4 a.m. and 3 p.m. Parking will remain
free after 3 p.m. on weekdays and all day on
weekends. Once you go through the faregates,
you enter your parking spot stall number
into a machine and pay the $1 fee by cash
or with your BART ticket. There will also
be a new option: daily reserved parking. If
you want to take BART when the parking
lot is usually full, you will be able to reserve
a space by phone or online up to two weeks
in advance for a charge of $4.50.
Smart Parking
will likely occur in 2007 and will include
strengthening station structures as well as
bracing the columns supporting the tracks,
similar to how Caltrans strengthened the
columns supporting Highway 24.
Noise
BART Director Bob Franklin.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF MR. FRANKLIN
The noise generated by BART unfor-
tunately affects many in the Rockridge
community. The noise and vibration from
the screeching metal wheels on steel tracks
reflect off the cement structures of Highway
24 and disturb many neighbors. Solutions
are costly and have undesirable by-products,
but we are monitoring new ways to address
this problem.
MY PRIORITIES
Real-Time Departure Information
Hivy on BART property. I would like to begin
at the intersection of College and Keith across
from Cactus Taqueria by replacing the ivy
with a more inviting surface. A cement
area with benches where people can gather
would greatly improve the environment. I
have proposed to the BART Board to use a
portion of the new parking fees to pay for
some of these improvements.
Greater Cooperation Between
BART and ACTransit
The Rockridge Station began a Smart
Parking Program last December that dis-
plays the actual number of parking spaces
available on message signs on Highway 24.
You may reserve a space by phone when
you see that spaces are available or you
can make a reservation online up to two
weeks in advance. This pilot program began
charging on October 3.
Wider Faregates
opefully soon, you will be able to access
by phone, computer, e-mail and PDAs
real-time departure information for BART
trains from any location, so you will be able
to better time your arrival to avoid having to
wait unnecessarily on the platform. At some
point there will be signs on the street level
displaying train and bus departure times,
so you will know if you have time to get a
cup of coffee or a burrito instead of waiting
on the platform.
Cleaning Up the Area Under BART
A new wider faregate will be installed at
the Rockridge Station to more easily accom-
modate wheelchairs, luggage, bicycles, baby
strollers and other large items. Over the next
few years, at least one wider faregate will
be installed in every BART station.
Seismic Retrofit
The new “All Nighter” bus service will
begin in December, with buses stopping at
most BART stations after midnight when
BART stops running. This is one way that
BART and ACTransit are working together.
A longterm vision of mine is to have daily,
weekly and monthly passes that can be used
on both BART and buses. I think that this
would make taking public transportation
easier and more convenient.
Last November, residents in the three
BART counties voted to levy a new prop-
erty tax to pay for the $1.3 billion cost to
seismically retrofit the BART system. The
program is underway with work beginning on
the Transbay tube. Retrofitting at Rockridge
Bob Franklin is the BART Director from District
3, which includes Rockridge. Bob can be reached
by email at BobFranklinBART@aol.com or by
phone at 510/655-1210.
One of the things that a former committee
of Rockridge citizens called the “UnderBART
committee” wanted to do was to remove the
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Songwriters performing In the Round
to benefit the Friday Night Meal
$10 Suggested Donation
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10.
November 5, 2005
Community Yard Sale Brings Peralta
School More than Money Can Buy
Design for
ironwork gate
created by
Peralta student
Billy Hurth, to
be fabricated
using LRPG yard
sale profits.
by Susan Killebrew
Oare still too young to attend Peralta.”
n Saturday, October 1, the Lower
Rockridge Parents’ Group (LRPG)
held its fourth annual community yard
sale to benefit Peralta Elementary School.
More than 30 neighborhood households
participated, turning Peralta’s schoolyard
into a bustling marketplace filled with
merchandise ranging from baby strollers
to a zebra-striped chair. School yard-sales
are not uncommon, but as LRPG member
Christopher Frost points out, “What everyone
finds so impressive about this effort is that it’s
driven primarily by parents whose children
Peralta School has its own parent orga-
nization, the Peralta Parent Teacher Group
(PPTG), which raises thousands of dollars
each year to support school enrichment pro-
grams like art, music, P.E. and the school
library. PPTG members have also created
Peralta’s acclaimed schoolyard, known for
its abundant gardens and vibrant murals.
PHOTO BY LAUREN
ELDER.
The Lower Rockridge Parents’ Group
plays a different role in supporting Peralta
School. LRPG was founded by parents
committed to increasing neighborhood
involvement in the school. Their goal is
200 community members.
This year’s yard sale raised over $2,700.
The money will help pay for fabricating two
ironwork gates designed by Peralta students
in collaboration with artist-in-residence
Lauren Elder as part of Peralta’s ongoing
schoolyard beautification project.
to deepen the sense
of community among
neighborhood familes,
believing that parents
who know each other
will want to send their
children to school
together. LRPG mem-
bers regularly host
get-togethers, includ-
ing a monthly potluck
brunch and an annual
neighborhood summer
picnic, and maintain a
computer-based mes-
sage exchange mailing
list (listserve) of over
PPTG Co-Chair Christopher Waters
summed up the community effort: “The
LRPG’s annual fundraisers always finance
projects of great pride for our school. An
even greater benefit is that they bring the
community together. LRPG is grassroots
community-building at its finest.”
Peralta school
neighbor
Ben Riddell,
right, helps
customers
select from the
large inventory
of gently used
toys and clothes
at LRGP’s
fourth annual
community
yard sale.
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11.
November 5, 2005
PHOTO: DON KINKEAD
THE NEIGHBORHOOD MERCHANT
Time to Fill
BY THERESA NELSON
’Er Up
When your inkjet or laser printer flashes
that “ink empty” message, there’s a
new place where you can fill ’er up. Car-
tridge World on College Avenue (across from
the College Avenue Presbyterian Church at
Harwood) refills black or color inkjet and
laser cartridges, copier toners and thermal
fax ribbons for far less than buying new.
The cost of ink far exceeds the value of the
cartridge, running into hundreds of dollars
per ounce.
Cartridge World
Cartridge World
Ken Wong of
5940 College Avenue
Oakland 428-9500
www.cartridgeworldusa.com
PHOTO: CY GULASSA
Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Pickup and delivery available
Owners Ken and Mirna Wong, both Bay
Area natives who live nearby, opened Car-
tridge World in February to help computer
users save money, reduce waste, and operate
in a more environmentally friendly way. A
large banner inside sums up his philosophy:
“Refill Not Landfill.” Ken spent more than
20 years as a space and facilities planner
and was always intrigued by green busi-
nesses. When a friend told him about this
opportunity (Cartridge World is an indi-
vidually owned franchise), he jumped at
the chance, opening a store in downtown
Berkeley 18 months ago, and the College
Avenue store last February.
a small, single-color cartridge goes for $7
vs. $10 new. When you add the cost sav-
ings to the waste reduction, it’s a win-win
idea. If customers are not satisfied with
the quality, they are guaranteed a refund
or replacement. As Ken says, “We want to
make customers happy so they’ll come back
in the future.”
Squality of a generic cartridge may be of
lesser quality than the original, and refills
may not perform well. Cartridge World’s
100% guarantee instills confidence.
The store also offers basic supplies:
Pens, pencils, colored markers, scissors,
glue, white-out, paper clips, padded enve-
lopes, binders, Post-Its and specialty papers
for inkjet and laser printers — all the basics
you use at home and school. They also stock
computer mice and cables, cleaning acces-
sories, CDs, diskettes, and surge protectors,
along with a full selection of new cartridges
for inkjet and laser printers by Canon, Epson,
Brother and HP.
Co how does refilling work? I brought
in some cartridges to find out. Each
takes about five minutes to fill, so four
would take about 20 minutes, long enough
for a spin around the block, some window
shopping or coffee at a nearby café. Laser
cartridges fill in about 30 minutes. Ken
also offers an exchange program wherein
popular cartridges are refilled in advance
and kept in stock. Just drop off your empties
and walk out with refills without waiting.
The store carries more than 200 bottles of
inks formulated for each specific cartridge
by the original manufacturer. As it turns
out, there’s no such thing as a universal
ink. Home refill kits may work for a while
but eventually may clog the cartridge and
possibly even the printer itself. Due to
different engineering and inks, the print
A display on the outside window com-
pares the cost of new cartridges at a big-box
office supply store with the refill price,
which averages one third to one half less.
For example, a high-capacity black cartridge
refills for $17.50 vs. $33 new. A multi-color
cartridge refill is $16 vs. $27.99 new, and
artridge World offers other interesting
services. Local schools and non-profits
are encouraged to collect empty cartridges
as a fundraiser and receive $1-2 for inkjet
and $2-5 for laser cartridges at the store.
Ken will also place collection bins at schools
or businesses and empty them for free.
Commercial accounts receive free pick-up
and delivery.
So start saving your cartridges, and
the next time your supply runs low, stop at
Cartridge World and fill ’em up.
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12.
November 5, 2005
Reflecting Rockridge
The
Muse
by Courtenay Redis
P
Eight-year-old Tassia Reoutt, who has
been actively photographing for three years
and is also an actress, poet and founder of
Monkey Buttface Productions was on hand
with mother/agent/participating artist Wendy
Wheeler for the opening reception to engage
the audience in her vision of the world from
a third-grader’s perspective.
erhaps you’ve seen a few of our local
photographers in action on the streets
of Rockridge, making images for our 5th
Annual Rockridge Photo Exhibition, which
is held throughout October at the Rockridge
Branch of the Oakland Public Library. Eleven
artists participated this year, and more than
40 guests attended the opening reception
held on Monday, October 10.
Another series, by photographer Eveyree
Sharon Kain, presented four survivors of the
firestorm that swept through the Oakland hills
14 years ago this month, including three images
of flowers and one of longtime Rockridge
resident Jerry DeJorno. The event was enriched
by the presence of Ms. DeJorno and her stories
of collaborating with her late husband, Pete,
to design and construct by themselves their
first home on Pinewood Road in the 1930s,
a second home on Roble Road in 1941, and
additional cottages and homes on Roble Road
in the 1940s and Chabot Road in the 1950s.
Theirs was a creative and prolific partnership
Exotic Rose by Eveyree Sharon Kain
As in years past, the 2005 event
reflected the diversity of our community
and included a range of styles, levels of pho-
tographic experience and themes. Longtime
Rockridge resident and annual contributor
Robert Hofmann presented three images
of the Chinese Elm that reigns above his
62nd Street yard. Looking at Hofmann’s
detailed and richly textured photographs of
this arboreal majesty, the viewer is reminded
how exquisitely delicate even the mightiest
creation can be.
Martha Snider and Ruth Woodruff, who
also curated the exhibit.
The organizers will be seeking new
exhibition space for the Fall 2006 show,
as the library venue will not be available.
To participate in the exhibit, or recommend
an exhibit space, contact Rockridge Muse
MUSE, CONTINUED NEXT PAGE
"SHOULD YOU
SAVE FOR YOUR
KID'S COLLEGE
OR FOR YOUR
RETIREMENT?
OR BOTH?"
until Pete passed away in 2000.
Rockridge Photo Exhibitors 2005
From left: Sharon, Ruth, Courtenay, Bob, Robert, Jim,
Ortrun. Missing: Mike, Suzanne, Martha, Wendy, and Tassia.
First-time participant Robert
Krones submitted work he created
since purchasing his first digital
camera. At the age of 79, Bob
has discovered a new way to see
the world, and he demonstrated a
humorous and joyous engagement
in his image of children at play
jumping over a puddle.
Other photographers who
participated in the exhibition
include James Baldocchi, Mike
Coffield, Suzanne Olmsted,
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13.
November 5, 2005
Muse
events in November. “[Outside of the] Box
Art” is a free event, open to the public, held
on Saturday, November 19, 7-9 p.m., at the
Pro Arts Gallery in Jack London Square, 550
Second Street. This benefit event features a
cocktail reception, silent and live auctions,
from previous page
columnist Ortrun Niesar via oniesar@aol.com
or call The Rockridge News.
Holiday Open Studios
raffle prizes, live
entertainment and,
of course, superla-
tive artwork donated
by local artists. New
this year, Pro Arts
will be auctioning
“art experiences,” like
portfolio reviews and consultations with art
professionals, a mural tour, custom street
portrait and more. For more information, visit
www.proartsgallery.org or call 763-4361.
Building Futures
Begin your holiday shopping at this year’s
artist open studios, each of which will have
gift items available for purchase. Support
your local Rockridge artists on the weekends
of December 3-4, 10-11 and 17-18. Check
artist sites for specific dates and times.
Directories and maps will be placed at the
Rockridge Library by mid-November.
Artist Lorna Moglia holds the jewel she
created especially for the EHouse event,
valued at $3,000, while EHouse Board
Member Sheila Lopez holds her winning
raffle card.
Ann Daniels, 5599 Lawton,
www.annscooljools.com
Karen LeGault, 2512 13th Avenue,
www.karenlegault.com
Linda Lemon, 5524 Vicente Way,
Carol Brighton, Kit Skeoch, Latisha Baker,
Lisa Klein and Kathleen Garcia, EHouse also
received great community support from local
congregations St. Augustine’s, St. Theresa’s
and Corpus Christi.
www.lindalemon.com
Liz Maxwell, 5808 Chabot Road,
Rockridge non profit Oakland Elizabeth
House held its third annual Art Auction and
Dessert Reception to benefit the low-income
women and children served at their Colby Street
transitional house. Selling artwork by more
than 30 donors including Rockridge artists
Liz Maxwell, Sylvia Sussman, Carol Aust,
www.lizmaxwell.com
Joanne Yeaton, 2733 Alcatraz
Free Art Event
For information on how to donate clothing,
money, and food or to volunteer at EHouse,
visit www.oakehouse.org or call 658-1380.
Pro Arts, an East Bay arts institution
supporting artists for more than 30 years,
will hold one of its two annual fundraising
New
Students:
$8/week —
Rood
Construction
917-1378
roodbrian@hotmail.com
Rockridge resident over 30 years
PERALTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
5 Week
minimum
460 63rd ST. (Telegraph & Alcatraz)
general contractor, license # 843851
M/W 5:30pm T/TH/F 6:15 SAT 9:00am
AJ Benham 510-654-7078
REFILL
+
+
+
$")*$( * !%&!'#
SAVE BIG
PRINT HAPPY
14.
November 5, 2005
Pro Arts Juried Exhibition
P
Do You Need a Petsitter for
The Holidays?
AT YOUR SERVICE, A Pet & Home Sitting Service
provides your pets and property with care by pet
loving professionals. Call 510/386-3163.
ro Arts announces that Michael Wilson,
Associate Editor (US Reviews) for
Artforum magazine, will select works for the
Pro Arts Juried Annual exhibition Claim the
World of Art as Our Domain. Entry deadline is
Thursday, December 1, 6pm. Exhibition dates
are January 7–February 26, 2006.
Your Message Could Be Here
Your 36-word message: $18 (phone number
counts as one word). Mail to: RN Classifieds,
5245 College Avenue, PMB 311, Oakland, CA
94618. December deadline is November 17.
Ergonomic Workstation &
Movement Analysis
We work onsite in your business or home office
to solve problems in both equipment and body
usage with easy, cost-effective solutions. Prevent
injury with The Body At Work: 510/601-9863,
www.thebodyatwork.com.
For more information: Christian L. Frock,
Director of Exhibitions & Programming at c
hristian@proartsgallery.org or 510/763-9425.
Place a classified ad: call Susan Montauk, 547-3855
Housecleaning
Reasonable rates. Expert & reliable services from
local employment cooperative. Call 536-6498 and
we’ll send someone to spiff up your home. Ask
for our references from Rockridge clients.
YOU MAY LIVE 30 YEARS
PAST RETIREMENT.
Jazz and Classical Piano Lessons
Rockridge jazz pianist with UC Berkeley music
B.A. offers lessons in jazz, blues, classical, music
theory, ear-training, technique. Experienced,
patient teacher, all ages/levels. Janet 653-6783.
Green Housecleaning
We use 100% eco-friendly products to achieve
unsurpassed quality, while protecting your health
and the environment. Regular and moving service.
Call 510/532-6645 for a free estimate. Natural
Home Cleaning Professionals, a worker-owned
cooperative.
' #(" )" &*
"$'+ !))' "* " ( )" &*&, )*% &*)
((")'&+"*
.#$&
--- -( ) '% $ "$ '+ !
Carmel Family Home
Furnished 3BR+2BA available for short-term
rental. Peaceful setting, 15 minute walk to town.
Great Patio, reasonable rates (1 week minimum).
Not cute, quaint or upscale, but has character.
Call 510/547-1856.
Tahoe Condo For Rent
Our lovely 3br/2+ba condo in Incline Village is
available for rent! Sleeps eight,fully equipped!
Close to everything! Call 652-6664.
Artwork
Aliea Wallace is a talented East Coast artist
living in Rockridge, now available for holiday
commissions. Experienced in realistic and
abstract painting/drawing and bookbinding. Call
415/272-5353 for rates. Portfolio and e-mail
available at www.aliea.com.
Women’s Martial Arts
Berkeley Martial Arts School has been training
women for over 20 years. Female black belts teach
small classes with lots of individual attention.
Beginners and experienced students welcome.
Contact 510/595-8583 or ka.gee@sbcglobal.net
to schedule visit.
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.
Piano Lessons, Vocal Lessons
Highly experienced piano/voice teacher now has
openings in Rockridge music studio. Classical, jazz,
pop, rock styles. All ages, levels. Lisa 653-0107.
15.
November 5, 2005
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.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Compiled by Jo Ellis
Councilmember Brunner’s
Community Advisory Meeting
Diesel Book/Poetry Readings
Exhibition: California College of
the Arts (CCA)
All events are FREE and open to the public
• Sunday, 11/6, 4pm. Olivier Said & James Mell-
First Saturday every other month, 10am to noon.
Peralta Elementary School: 460 63rd St. (parking
on Alcatraz Ave., just east of Telegraph). Decem-
ber 3 Topic: Preparing for a Disaster in
Oakland. Speakers: Representatives from Office
of Emergency Services and the CORE Program.
For information on District One issues, call 238-
7001 or www.oaklandnet.com (the site for all
City-related information).
Aesthetics of Ecology: Occupying Space
for Sustainable Living: A juried exhibition
featuring work by artists, designers and archi-
tects. Free and open to the public, November
16 through December 8. Opening reception:
November 16, 6 to 8pm. Presented by the CCA
Alumni Council. For more inf. call 703-9595.
gren: The Bar: Spirits, Cocktails, Knowledge.
• Sunday, 11/13, 3pm. John Hodgman: The
Areas of My Expertise: An Almanac of Complete
World Knowledge.
• Sunday, 11/30, (call for time). USF writing
students: Students in Rusty Morrison’s
Creative Writing Class read their work.
5433 College Ave. For information about book
discussion groups and classes: 653-9965 or
www.dieselbookstore.com.
Sick Plant Clinic
Bring your ailing plants to the University of Cali-
fornia Botanical Garden for a free diagnosis by UC
plant pathologist Dr. Robert Raabe, UC entomolo-
gist Dr. Nick Mills and their team of experts. First
Saturday of every month from 9am to noon. UC
Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive, Berke-
ley (above Cal Memorial Stadium in Strawberry
Canyon). For more information: 643-2755 or
http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu.
The Greater Rockridge N’hood
Crime Prevention Council
Rockridge Montessori School Yard Sale
Residents and business members of NCPC’s
12Y and 13X areas are invited to voice their
concerns about crime and public safety. Steer-
ing Committee meets 3rd Tuesday each month,
7 to 8:30pm at CCA, 5212 Broadway at Col-
lege Avenue, Building B-4. Full directions:
www.rockridgencpc.com.
Educational toys, books and new and gently
used kids clothes. Saturday, November 8, 9am
to 12 noon. 5610 Broadway at Manila (look for
the purple dinosaur). Partial proceeds will be
donated to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
Sponsored by the Parent’s Association. For
more information: 652-7021.
North Oakland Multi-Purpose
Senior Center
Rockridge Branch Library
Peralta School Kindergarten Events
For Children:
• Toddler Story Time: 1st and 2nd Saturdays,
• Parent Forum: Meet current Peralta parents.
Program Highlights: Computer classes; Health
Insurance counseling and advocacy program; driver
safety; trips, tours and theater outings.
November Special Events:
• Stagebridge Senior Theater Company
November 17, 6:45pm
• School Tours: Wednesdays and Thursdays
10:30am: 11/5, 11/12, 12/3.
• Pre-School Story Time: 1st and 3rd Wednes-
beginning in November. Call 879-1450 to
schedule a tour date.
• Kindergarten Open House: Meet principal and
days, 10:30am: 11/16, 12/7.
• Pajama Story Time: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays,
presents “Never Too Late!” a cabaret musical
revue. Hors d’oeuvres at 6 pm, Musical Cabaret
7 to 8pm, followed by dancing at “Club NOSC.”
Fundraising donations to benefit Hurricane
Katrina relief. Saturday, November 12.
• Pre-register in November for free digital
7pm: 11/8, 11/22
Special Event for Kids and Families:
• Active Arts performs “Two-Minute
teachers. Wednesday, January 18, 6:45pm.
To RSVP for childcare for events or for
more information call 655-2737. 460 63rd
Street. 879-1450 or www.geocities.com/
peraltaschool/
Tales” for Children’s Book Week, 2005, on
Saturday, November 12, at 3pm. Well-known
folk and fairy tales performed with much humor,
especially for children ages 3 to 9.
• 2005 Children’s Choice Book Awards at
photography class scheduled for December
5 through 9, from 9am to noon.
Center Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:45am to
4:45pm. 5714 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. The
Newsletter, “North Oakland Senior Times” has a
schedule of classes and a monthly lunch menu:
(suggested donation: seniors age 60 + $2.25;
$4 for those under age 60). Call 597-5085 for
details and opportunities to volunteer.
Emerson Elementary School Family
Literacy Night & Open House
Rockridge: From November 1 through 14, kids
can nominate books for awards in a variety of
categories...and then during Children’s Book
Week, they can vote to choose the winners.
Pick up a nomination form before November
14th at the Children’s Desk, and return for a
ballot between November 15 and 19. The awards
ceremony will take place during Pajama Story
Time on November 22, 7pm. All ages welcome.
For more details call Erica: 597-5017.
For Teens:
• Bookwormz (Teen Book Club): last Tuesday
Wednesday, November 16, 5:30 to 8pm. Meet the
principal and teachers and tour the school. There will
be Literacy Night activities throughout the school
from 5:30 to 7pm and a community round table
forum with the principal at 7pm. Tours are avail-
able on Wednesday mornings by appointment. Call
principal Wendi Caporicci, 879-1152. 4803 Lawton
Avenue (between 48th and 49th streets).
Volunteers Needed
• Second Start Adult Literacy Program:
Teach an adult to read. Free training. Nine
month minimum commitment. Volunteers
can meet with their students at the Rockridge
Branch Library. More information: 238-3432
or www.oaklandlibrary.org/services/
SecondStart.
• Friends of Temescal Creek: Monitor water
quality by collecting water samples at Temes-
cal Lake for analysis. Important for Rockridge
residents because Temescal Creek runs above
ground near Frog Park. Volunteers meet on the
third Saturday of each month from 10am to noon.
Regular commitment preferred. For more infor-
mation and for where to meet, contact Friends of
Temescal Creek at fotc2005@yahoo.com.
• Emerson Elementary School: needs vol-
unteers to work in the school library, especially
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for a 3 hour
shift. Contact Tara Wolf: 879-1152.
Chabot Elementary School
Annual Scholastic Book Fair
Monday, Nov. 14 through Thursday, Nov. 17:
8:45am to 2:45 daily and Family Night on Thurs-
day from 6 to 8pm. 6686 Chabot Road. For more
information contact Caroline Aszklar: 530-1905
or SBJULES@aol.com.
evening of each month from 5 to 6pm, 10/25.
For more information call Susy: 597-5017.
For Adults:
• Lawyers in the Library: Free legal advice.
First Tuesday of each month: 6 to 8pm. Advance
sign-up starts 5pm.
Art Exhibits:
• Gallery: Edith Yu; Abstract Watercolors
• Display case: Harlan Conti; Archival Pho-
Women’s Cancer Resource Center:
Art Exhibit
Oaktown: Art about Oakland and our
Communities. Watercolor, drawings, pho-
tography and paintings by five local artists.
November 4 through December 16. Wheelchair
accessible. Women’s Cancer Resource Center,
5741 Telegraph Ave. For more information contact
Margo Rivera-Weiss, Art Gallery Coordinator:
420-7900 x 111 or margo@wcrc.org.
tography
5366 College Avenue, 597-5017
Library Hours:
Monday and Tuesday, 12:30 to 8pm.
Weds, Thurs and Sat 10am to 5:30pm
Fri, 12 to 5:30pm
Closed Sundays.
NOTE: Closed Thurs and Fri, Nov 24 and 25.
16.
November 5, 2005
gifts,
clothing,
and bliss
at namaste
510 547-YOGA
5416 College Avenue
(near the library)
www.namasterockridge.com
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