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NOTE:
No Town Hall Meeting in December
w w w.rockridge.org
VOL. 20 NO. 11 ISSUE NO. 218 December 3, 2005 CIRCULATION: 5,100 RESIDENCES; 200 BUSINESSES
Sponsored by The Rockridge Community Planning Council • 5245 College Ave. PMB 311 • Oakland, CA 94618 • 644-4228
Mixed Reviews for Proposed
51st and Telegraph Development
CRIME IN ROCKRIDGE
Rockridge Hit by
Robbery Wave
by Janet Somers
R
The proposed
development
at 51st and
Telegraph
would have a
ground level
plaza with
access to
street-level
retail.
ockridge, North Oakland and the city as whole are
in the midst of a robbery wave, according to North
Oakland police commander Lt. Lawrence Green. Green
said that as of mid-Novem-
ber (the last date for which
statistics were available)
year-to-date robberies were
up 31% in North Oakland and
27% in Oakland. (He said
overall crime was down 77%
here and 2% in the city, with
a reduction in car break-ins
accounting for much of the
decline.)
GRAPHIC SUPPLIED
BY DEVELOPER.
by Adrienne DeAngelo
O
Alper said that he and business
partner Ron Kriss are now working
with Neighborhood Housing Services
to explore the feasibility of including
affordable housing as a part of the pro-
posed development’s 67 units, which
range from studios to two-bedroom
townhouse apartments.
n November 14, developer Roy
Alper kicked off the second
meeting on the proposed mixed-use
residential development at 51st and
Telegraph (called CIVIQ) by reviewing
the scope of the project and follow-
ing up on parking, traffic, height
and affordability questions raised at
a previous meeting.
OPD Lt. Lawrence
Green FILE PHOTO
In Rockridge, there
were 11 street and inhabited-home robberies during the
first two weeks of November, up from only one inci-
dent during the last two weeks of October, according
to crime reports available on Green’s public website,
www.northoaklandpolice.com.
Alper reassured the nearly 50
Recent incidents have included armed and strong-
armed robberies of pedestrians on College Avenue and
side streets including Taft Avenue and 62nd Street, some
before dark; a patron at an ATM machine who was robbed
at gunpoint; a BART patron who was asked to hand over
her wallet at 9 a.m. in the BART parking lot; and a home
invasion robbery on Ayala Street in which two masked
assailants entered a home through an unlocked front
door and accosted its elderly resident, one holding him
down on the ground while the other ransacked the house
(he escaped through a window and sustained only minor
injuries). (Police
believe the victim
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT, PAGE 10
Currying Savor
Khana Peena, a new addition
to College Avenue, is the first
Indian restaurant to join the family
of Rockridge eateries serving world
cuisines.
to forming India’s distinct culinary
customs. Religious groups within the
country have strict dietary restric-
tions: Hindus don’t eat meat, Muslims
are prohibited from eating pork, and
Buddhists are vegetarians. History,
too, has had its influences. Goa, on
India’s west coast, was ruled by the
Portuguese for nearly four centuries.
ROCKRIDGE CRIME WAVE, PAGE 9
Stocking Your Security Arsenal
T
HE WHISTLESTOP WHISTLE can
provide a warning for neighbors and
a call for help when trouble threat-
ens. See page 9 for details and how
to get a whistle of your own.
Along with French, Italian and
Chinese food, culinarians recognize
Indian cooking as one of the great
world traditions. Geography, his-
tory and religion have contributed
ROCKRIDGE CORNUCOPIA, PAGE 6
2.
December 3, 2005
Do-It-Yourself Disaster Preparation
&## !
, %+
Residents of one Rockridge neighborhood plan a collective defense
against major disaster with the support of a Fire Department program
by Carol Strickman
O
create a database of neighborhood
" ( (-'(&!( $ * "#) # % (' !
ur block of 62nd Street between Hil-
legass and Colby is organizing around
earthquake preparation. First, several of us
attended the Oakland Fire Department’s
excellent free programs: CORE I and CORE
II. (CORE stands for Citizens of Oakland
Respond to Emergencies.) CORE I provides
helpful information about family and home
preparedness — the things we do individu-
ally to protect our homes. The premise of
CORE II is that in a major earthquake,
fire department and emergency services
will be so overwhelmed that we will be
our own first responders. CORE II teaches
neighborhood preparedness and response:
essentially, how to be our own fire depart-
ment. In a major earthquake, we will have
to contend not only with damage and injury
from falling buildings and objects, but also
with fire.
information
draw a map of the neighborhood,
showing each residence and loca-
tion of gas shut-off valves and other
information
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.
ensure everyone knows how to shut
off their gas and that gas valves are
not corroded (call PG&E to repair)
investigate the efficacy and afford-
ability of automatic gas shut-off
valves
stock a command center with sup-
Rockridge News Production
Cy Gulassa ..........................Editor
Ortrun Niesar.....................The Muse
Claire Wahrhaftig-Isaacs.... Writer
Barry Kaufman...................Food
Jo Ellis...................................Advertising &
plies
develop a neighborhood plan follow-
ing the CORE II model
sponsor neighborhood training on
Community Calendar
Theresa Nelson ....................Neighborhood Merchant
Lydia Gans...........................Photography
Susan Montauk...................Business Manager
Don Kinkead.......................Graphics & Layout
family and block preparedness
encourage neighboring blocks to
similarly organize themselves
We have learned that some preparations
are cheap and simple, like keeping a sturdy
pair of shoes by your bed and learning why
to put them on (avoid cuts from broken
glass). Others are more expensive and
complex. By starting with ourselves and
with the simplest steps, we can bring the
neighborhood along.
RCPC Board of Directors, 2005-2006
Deborah Weinstein...........Chair
Jessica Pitt ...........................Vice-Chair
Adrienne DeAngelo..........Secretary
Susn Montauk.....................Treasurer
This summer, residents of the block
formed a seven-member committee to plan
emergency response roles. Each member
agreed to be the contact person for a number
of homes on the block; every home is cov-
ered. Presently, we are going door-to-door,
with several goals in mind:
Kent Deverell, Jennifer Edmister, Cy Gulassa,
Al Hussian, Hiroko Kurihara, Mike McDonald,
Steve Meyer, Mike Taylor, Stephanie Upp, Robert Wiles
NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS
informing neighbors of our efforts
Our theory is that by encouraging each
other to prepare and by instilling a spirit
of cooperation and community, we will all
be better off. The more people who have
stockpiled water and flashlights, the better
for everyone. The more quickly we can
mobilize ourselves immediately after “the
big one,” go door to door to rescue people
and fight fires, the better for everyone. We
can’t prevent an earthquake, but we can
prevent some of its devastating impact on
us. By thinking through a crisis in advance,
as individuals and as a neighborhood, we
can save lives.
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.
distributing an information hand-out
we compiled
assessing interest and participation
CONTACTING THE ROCKRIDGE NEWS
level
Are there community issues you’d like to see
obtaining updated information
covered in The Rockridge News?
Do you have questions about newsletter
about each household: names, phone
numbers, email addresses, pet infor-
mation
distribution?
Would you like to volunteer to be a Rockridge
News block captain?
Contact us at one of the following addresses or
telephone numbers:
identifying who has special skills
and special needs
Editor: editor@rockridge.org
www.rockridge.org
The Rockridge News, 5245 College Avenue,
PMB 311, Oakland, CA 94618
RCPC Voicemail: 510/644-4228
finding a garage or other location
to serve as our “command center,”
and
discussing preparation activities on
Articles published in The Rockridge News may be
reprinted only with the permission of the Editor.
a family and neighborhood level.
Interest has been fairly high, with
homeowners and long-term tenants more
interested, in general, than newer, younger
tenants. In addition, we have begun to do
the following:
Complete architectural
services since 1970
NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING/DEADLINES
Publication date of the next issue is
January 7, 2006(!)
January deadline is December 19.
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.)
5278 College Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 654-6755 fax 654-3424
start with our own families and homes
to implement CORE I’s preparedness
ideas
3.
December 3, 2005
RCPC Welcomes New Board Members
T
The Zoning Counter
he Rockridge Community Planning Council (RCPC) is pleased to introduce the
appointment of three new members to our 14-member board. Albert Hussian and
Stephanie Upp have been appointed to serve until April 2006; Steve Meyer’s appointed
term expires April 2007. Here are their statements:
6235 BUENA VISTA AVENUE
Proposal: To legalize a newly built masonry
wall and to construct a new wood fence within
the front yard of an existing single-family
dwelling.
Applicant: Andrea Shannon.
Contact Person/Phone No.: Andrea Shan-
non 510/601-5333 .
Owner: Andrea Shannon.
Planning Permits Required: Minor Condi-
tional Use Permit to allow the construction of:
1) A 6' high masonry wall where the maximum
permitted height is 3.5' high in the front set-
back; and 2) A 4.5' high wood fence where the
maximum permitted height is 3.5' in the front
setback.
Case Planner: Mike Rivera at 238-6417 or
mrivera@oaklandnet.com.
Albert Hussian
Locksley Avenue
I
Steve Meyer
Broadway
As a homeowner
and resident
of Rockridge, my
family and I have
come to enjoy and
appreciate all of the
things that make this
neighborhood truly
great and unique. Currently I am coordinat-
ing an effort to increase pedestrian safety
and calm traffic on Broadway. While my
specific area of focus within the RCPC will
include addressing traffic/pedestrian safety
concerns, more broadly I look forward to
working to help preserve and strengthen
the Rockridge community for all current
and future residents.
have lived in
the Rockridge
district my whole
life; I have seen
all the changes to
this neighborhood.
I am a member of
College Avenue
Presbyterian Church, Coordinator of The
Music That Cooks concert series, and a
current student at DeVry University. But
most important of all, I have a sincere love
for the Rockridge district of Oakland. One
of my first projects as a board member
will be to coordinate a community holiday
concert celebration.
5351 LAWTON AVENUE
Proposal: To demolish an existing single-family
residence and construct a new 2,500 square-
foot single-family dwelling on the property.
Applicant: Dwane Jensen.
Contact Person/Phone No: Dwane Jensen
510/836-9300.
Owner: Susan Churcher.
Planning Permits Required: Design Review
for a new single-family dwelling on a vacant lot,
and a Minor Variance to locate a portion of
the rear deck structure within the minimum
20'-0"rear yard setback.
Historic Status: Potential Designated Historic
Property (PDHP); Survey rating: D2+ (minor
importance).
Case Planner: Ann Clevenger at 238-6980 or
aclevenger@oaklandnet.com.
Stephanie Upp
65th Street
Iam a new homeowner, a dog owner, a new mom who frequents
FROG Park, and I take BART to work in San Francisco. Profes-
sionally, I have a background in economic development. On the
RCPC board, I hope to use my professional and volunteer experi-
ence to help our community thrive. One of my first projects as a
board member will be to work to bring my neighboring streets
into RCPC boundaries and organize a block party.
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.
For the most up-to-date information
about applications on file at the city, go online
at www.oaklandnet.com.
4.
December 3, 2005
Green Day Rocks Rockridge
young drunken bums running amok. We’d
have to fight our way to our seats.
But the gravy train stops here
Actually, we didn’t really have seats.
We had a space on the ground right by the
stage; but Guest Services graciously pro-
vided us with special chairs at the top of
the stadium. And thanks to VIP stickers and
yellow wrist bands, we could pass through
all the security and go into the action up
front, yet return to our chairs to watch the
large-screen spectacle.
Green Day’s
by Claire Isaacs Wahrhaftig
I
Mike Dirnt,
t’s all Gravy’s fault. For three years this
kitty with the tinkling name tag has
been prowling my home and purring my
lap. The grey furball has attached himself
to me like Velcro in the absence of his
master, my neighbor. But Gravy turned
out to be my own personal gravy train, a
ticket to the stars.
a Rockridge
resident, in
concert.
speakers, I felt
utterly bowled over by the
wave of sound, it’s that physical.
And what a spectacle! Blinding lights
continually flashing and changing colors;
fireworks bursting upstage, flames blazing
downstage, smoke billowing everywhere.
The players looked tiny and their screen
images looked huge. Every moment was
choreographed, every visual coordinated
perfectly with the music and the musi-
cians’ movements.
I
Actually, Gravy’s master IS a star. He
is Mike Dirnt, bass guitar player for the
numero uno rock group, “Oakland’s own”
Green Day. From garage group to Grammy
Rock Album and Rock Single of the year
to eight MTV awards, Green Day is on top
these days.
Suddenly Mike appeared before me, so
close I could almost touch him, gold hair
afire with red lighting, big bass stick wielded
wildly, a strutting, striding, mythic figure.
Next was lead singer BillyJoe, tossing his
fine black hair. Upstage, drummer Tre Cool
spread like a spider in his web over his drum
set, an alchemist of sound. I was drawn into
this vortex of energy, agility, and taunting fun.
“I’ve been saved,” I yelled to my nieces.
I’ve never actually met my neighbor
Mike. My beloved late husband Bill once
described him as “tatooed, punctured, thin,
polite, and quiet, really quite nice.”
worked my way down to the front of the
“mosh pit.” I found few grunge, punk,
goth, or other colorful members of the
present generation, but instead, 30- and
40- somethings, with children and tween-
ers on their shoulders; young professionals;
would-be musicians and wannabe rockers.
I joined them in singing the lovely ballad,
“Wake Me Up When September Ends” and
cheered Greeen Day’s unprintable political
messages.
Mike always longed to live in the hills.
He purchased a rundown house and turned
the acreage into an admired property, con-
structing a soundproof rehearsal space to
spare his neighbors. He enjoys his fame and
prosperity in seclusion and comfort. He is a
great neighbor. But, when he tours, his cat
Gravy, the ’hood’s Kato Kaolin housepet,
snuggles with me.
I think Mike is a great guy, extraordi-
narily talented and decent. As a neighbor,
he has improved the property, cares for it,
and his parties are under control.
For more interesting information, try
Green Day on the Internet, which has a
lot about Mike, his musical careers and
adventures, his childhood and more.
After three years of teenage nieces and
Gravy groupies oohing over my celebrity
cat, I wanted to see Mike and Green Day
in person. With four comp tickets from
Mike to his concert in Carson, California
near Long Beach, I worked logistics out
online and onphone with family and my
SoCal friends Ruth and Ken. Off I flew
on October 8 to Long Beach with niece
Carol and grandnieces, Berkeley High
students Caitlyn, age 17, and Chelsa, 14.
The afternoon of October 9, I was nervous.
I imagined rabid, drug-crazed, crowds of
And who could not respect a young
group who sings: “Don’t wanna be an
American idiot/Don’t want a nation under
the new mania/And can you hear the sound
of hysteria/The subliminal mindf*** Amer-
ica.” Or, “Summer has come and passed/The
innocent can never last/Wake me up when
September ends.”
And then there was the S O U N D!
Standing so near the stage and its immense
Caitlyn
and Chelsa
in Green
Day gear
at the
Wake me up, Gravy. It must have been
an October dream. No, it wasn’t. Caity
and Chelsa are still wearing those yellow
wrist bands.
concert.
PHOTOS: CLAIRE ISAACS WAHRHAFTIG
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5.
December 3, 2005
Elmwood Theatre
Offers Free Movies for
Kids and Seniors
Witches, Goblins
And Entertainers
Parade on Halloween
Storyteller-
Witch Dyanna
by Mike Taylor
Rby Claire Isaacs Wahrhaftig
L
CPC, the Rockridge District
Association (RDA), local mer-
chants, and hundreds of costumed
children and parents participated
in another successful Halloween
parade on Sunday, October 30, a
tradition that began in 1992.
ove the movies? Our neighbors in Elmwood
have cooked up a great free movie oppor-
tunity for seniors and kids, lasting through the
week just before Christmas. Seniors can attend
free movies at the newly renovated Elmwood
Theatre each Thursday through December
22. Call 649-0530 for weekly titles, or check
newspaper listings.
Nervis
Many are to be applauded for
their generous contributions to the parade’s success. Heading the
list of thanks are Dyanna Nervis from Claremont Day Nursery for
the scary storytelling and Andy Fullington for her spooky Hal-
loween music. Other supporters who helped ensure parade success
are Jennifer Kaplan from Rockridge Home; Nishan Shepard and
Christian Ericksen from Rockridge Kids; RDA’s Mary D’Orazi;
Dreyers; College Avenue Presbyterian Church; Halloween Parade
Committee members Jason McBriarity and Jennifer Vetter; and
Parents may take their kids at 10 a.m. and
12 noon each Saturday through December 24 for films including
“Sponge Bob Square Pants” on December 3; “Shrek 2,” December
10; The Grinch who Stole Xmas,” December 17; and “Miracle
on 34th Street,” December 24. The Elmwood offers the kids a
popcorn and drink special for only $3. While the kids are enjoy-
ing the films, parents can shop the stores and restaurants of the
Elmwood neighborhood.
RCPC Board members
Adrienne DeAngelo,
Mike McDonald, Hiroko
Kurihara and Deborah
Weinstein. And, natu-
rally, a hearty thanks to
the hundreds of kids and
their parents and grand-
parents who made it all
worthwhile.
To get the free tickets, stop by the Elmwood for a list of par-
ticipating sponsors, then visit one of them. Sponsors range from
cleaners to copy shops, restaurants to realtors, shoes to statio-
ners, and more. No purchase necessary, but one’s patronage is,
of course, valued.
Musician
Witch Andy
PHOTOS: MIKE TAYLOR
Fullington
The Elmwood Theater is located on College Avenue just south
of Ashby. The theater is a pleasure; the architecture and style have
remained traditional, and the interior has a fresh, clean feel so
rare in movie palaces today.
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6.
December 3, 2005
Rockridge
Cornucopia
for food preparation. The only authentic
spice blend used by Indian cooks is garam
masala, but even that is not a standardized
mixture: every Indian home has its own
family garam masala recipe. The mixture is
used sparingly and is generally put into the
preparation towards the end of the cooking
period or used as a garnish sprinkled over
cooked meats and vegetables.
As with all great world cuisines, Indian
food offers diners an infinite variety of
choices. When looking at a recipe for an
Indian dish, home chefs are often over-
whelmed by the number of spices they
need. We are fortunate to have a number
of Indian groceries along University Avenue
in Berkeley. I use Milan International at
990 University Avenue. They have the
largest selection of bulk spices in the Bay
Area. Whenever possible, buy your spices
in seed form.
from page 1
Many of the residents of Goa were Jews who
fled Portugal and Spain during the Inqui-
sition. In the 16th century, Moguls came
from Persia and introduced meats cooked
in yogurt. British colonialists introduced
the customs of high tea, mid-afternoon gin
cocktails and pre-mixed spice mixtures they
called curries.
A
Khana Peena’s extensive menu offers
mainly Northern Indian cuisine and
changes monthly. Like many authentic
Indian restaurants, menu items are all a la
carte, which allows diners to design their
own meals. A typical Indian meal begins
with a section of appetizers, or “chaats.”
Chaats can include samosas, meat patties, or
deep fried lentil wafers know as papadams.
Following the chaats, diners select a few
condiments, such as raita, a lightly spiced
yogurt with cucumber; a mixed vegetable
pickle combination; or a chutney.
Here is a cilantro chutney recipe that can
be served with grilled meats or chicken. It
also serves as an excellent dip.
ll Indian cooking uses spices, but not
all of the dishes are “hot.” The “heat”
in Indian cooking comes from hot chili pep-
pers (not considered a spice). Chilis were
introduced to India in the 16th century by
the Portuguese, who brought them back
from the New World.
Cilantro Chutney
3 oz fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
1 fresh hot green chili (serrano or jala-
peno), seeded and coarsely chopped
11⁄2 tablespoons lemon juice
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin
Fresh ground black pepper
Common spices in Indian cooking
include cumin, coriander, black pepper,
black and yellow mustard seeds, fennel seeds,
cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric and cloves.
The combination and permutations of spice
blends are endless and account for the large
variety of tastes in Indian dishes.
No Indian meal would be complete with-
out a selection of “nan” (bread). Khana Peena
features some 20 nans, prothas and puris
(stuffed breads). Their rice dishes include the
Indian classic preparation called “briyani,”
rice flavored with spices and selected meats,
chicken or vegetables. Khana Peena offers
a wide selection of vegetarian dishes that
include dhals (split peas), lentils, chickpeas,
potatoes and eggplant. Chicken, fish and
meat entrees are prepared as stews or in a
tandoori oven.
Combine all the ingredients in a blender or
food processor, blend into a paste and serve
in a small glass or ceramic bowl.
Barry is a graduate of the California Culinary
Academy. He is available for cooking classes.
Barry’s email is kaufman42@earthlink.net
No authentic Indian recipes call for
curry; a pre-mixed spice blend called
curry is actually a British invention. True
Indian recipes list numerous spices that
often need to be roasted and ground into a
mixture. As a result, all Indian chefs have
their own unique blends of spices (curry)
+
+
+
CORRECTION: An article in the November Rockridge News
about the Peralta School yard sale (page 10) incorrectly
attributed the design of an ironwork gate that was pictured
in the article to Billy Hurth. The correct name is Billie Hurth,
and, in her clarifying note to the editor, the artist pointed
out that, “He is not a boy, he is a girl.” The Rockridge News
extends its apologies. — Editor
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7.
December 3, 2005
It’s Back to Ohio for the Ferdelman Family
by Mike McDonald
Rhelped shape the expansion plans to reduce
the impact on the neighborhood. In the end,
CHO decided against the warehouse and
dropped their lease.
ockridge said a sad goodbye recently to
Dan Ferdelman and family. Ferdelman,
a former RCPC Board Chair and longtime
community activist, moved back “home” to
Ohio with his family early last month.
Other projects that Dan was intimately
involved with during his almost five years on
the RCPC board include: Dreyer’s expansion
plans, the new Cactus Tacqueria, the Boero
building conversion to retail spaces, Khana
Peena, the Claremont & Colby project, the
Kirin restaurant proposal and, most recently,
the Maison Nouveau project. Ferdelman was
also a founding member and chair of the
UnderBART committee and participated in
the BART retrofit consultations in 2002.
D
Dan and his wife, Ronny, moved to
Rockridge from Ohio in August 1997 so
Ronny could pursue a post-doctoral fellow-
ship at UC Berkeley. Dan had just completed
his master’s degree in Community Planning
and Urban Design at the University of Cincin-
nati, and secured a job with Glenn Reynolds
Design/Walker & Moody Architects, a San
Francisco residential architecture firm.
After Dan and Ronny married in August
2000, Dan felt it was time to become more
connected with his community. He joined
the RCPC board in January 2001 and served
right up until his moving van left Claremont
Avenue last month.
an, Ronny and their one-year-old
daughter, Rosa, are now back in Ohio,
and, as Dan puts it, closer to family and
more affordable environs. Ronny, having
completed additional training at UCSF, has
taken a job at the Ohio State University
Hospital in Columbus as a pharmacist.
Rosa is happy to see “baba” (grandma)
every day and is learning to deal with the
cold weather. Dan also is “relearning” how
to deal with the cold and is enjoying being
“Mr. Mom,” doing a little job hunting, and
settling the family into the house they just
purchased in Bexley, a small community
near Columbus. Their new house, a three-
bedroom Tudor, was purchased for a little
more than 1/3 the price of homes they looked
at in Rockridge.
Dan’s first year on the board saw FROG
park planned and built. He assisted in the
building of Phase I of the park, and says:
“FROG was and is the finest community
effort I’ve ever seen. I am most proud to
have been a part of it.”
Former RCPC Board Chair Dan
Ferdelman, wife Ronny and baby
Rosa. PHOTO: CY GULASSA
especially the Green Bean. He says, “I miss
my morning coffee. Ohio could use some
latte lessons from the Green Bean!”
Dan’s work with RCPC focused on land-
use. He presided over many highly charged
discussions, often marching down to City
Hall to present RCPC’s stance on zoning
decisions and policy. When Children’s Hos-
pital Oakland (CHO) wanted to enlarge their
campus and convert the “old Safeway” at
Clifton and Claremont into a warehouse,
Dan joined the CHO Advisory Board and
In recognition of Dan’s achievements,
Councilmember Jane Brunner last summer
declared him to be a Community Hero, a
model leader who has: “vision and passion
… and is conscientious, intelligent, reliable,
free with his time, respectful of Rockridge’s
history and enthusiastic about its potential.”
We will all miss Dan and his family.
Dan is still gung-ho about Rockridge and
says he misses his friends in the RCPC, and
at Market Hall, Wally’s World Market and
Rockridge holds strong in this changing market!
Address
Bed/Ba.
List Price
Selling Price Close Date
6130 Colby Street
3/2
$ 799,000
$ 827,000
10/17/05
5416 Broadway #2
2/2
$ 519,000
$ 608,000
10/21/05
5734 Claremont Ave
5/2
$ 795,000
$ 970,000
10/24/05
5932 Manchester Dr.
2/2
$ 650,000
$ 800,000
10/27/05
5156 Shafter Ave.
2/1
$ 725,000
$ 740,000
10/28/05
6045 Claremont Ave.
3/1
$ 699,000
$ 699,000
11/10/05
! " "
""" $
"
# % #
!
Please contact me if you are interested in buying or selling.
8.
December 3, 2005
Neighborhood Crime Prevention
Council Works for Rockridge
Taking a bite out of crime: a look at this
year’s GRNCPC crime-fighting activities
by Susan Montauk, Chair, GRNCPC
Tcomplaints about litter and noise problems
at the Oakland Housing Authority (OHA)
project on Colby Street. The council invited
OHA representatives to attend meetings with
these neighbors to discuss their complaints.
Conditions have improved since OHA rebuilt
a property line fence and a problem family
moved out of the complex.
he Greater Rockridge Neighborhood
Crime Prevention Council (GRNCPC)
has had a busy year dealing with youth
crimes, crime sprees, and a local drug
dealer. GRNCPC volunteers often took to
the streets to deliver flyers alerting neighbors
to criminal activity.
In July, the council addressed the
burgeoning graffiti on College Avenue.
In addition to purchasing cans of graffiti
remover for the merchants, the GRNCPC
sponsored a graffiti removal week in late
July. Lampposts were repainted by Oak-
land Public Works and volunteers removed
graffiti from parking meters, benches and
buildings. Unfortunately, the graffiti
returned with a vengeance. An effective
anti-graffiti campaign requires an ongo-
ing program to remove and paint out the
markings as soon as they occur. GRNCPC
will revisit this problem in 2006.
T
Early in the year, Ross Street/Ross
Circle/Rockwell/Florio residents were
plagued with the petty theft crimes of a local
youth who stole from unlocked houses. He
carried a yellow bucket and offered to wash
cars as his cover. GRNCPC delivered flyers
with a description of the youth’s MO. He
has since moved out of the neighborhood.
Later in the year, flyers were dis-
tributed to Claremont/Martin vicinity
residents to warn of a drug dealer selling
on the street. After GRNCPC volunteers
distributed 300 flyers in that area, e-mails
and other information came in which cor-
roborated the sightings of drug deals, gave
a consistent and detailed description of the
individual and identified the apartment in
which this person lived — just steps from
the intersection. The dealer’s landlord read
the flyer; the problem tenant was asked to
leave the building and did so promptly,
leaving North Oakland altogether.
he GRNCPC meets the third Tuesday
of each month at 7 pm in Building B
at the California College of the Arts. To
be truly effective the Council seeks more
residents to attend these meetings to help
set the police priorities for the month and
to participate in crime prevention activities.
Another way to be involved is to volunteer
to be a GRNCPC contact person for your
block.
In September, volunteers distributed
flyers to over 800 residents in the Colby,
Claremont, Alcatraz, Telegraph area after a
rash of laptop burglaries. Two suspects who
live in the neighborhood have been arrested
but their connection to these crimes has not
been established. Neighbors are on the alert
and caution prevails.
For detailed crime statistics and more
information about the GRNCPC, its monthly
meetings and to learn more about our Volun-
teer Contact Program, see our website and
contact us via www.rockridgencpc.com
In another matter, GRNCPC served as
the mediator between neighbors. Colby Park
residents contacted the council chair with
!$*(*"
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Songwriters performing In the Round
to benefit the Friday Night Meal
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Life Sentence
For Killer of
Lisa Smith
Marques Lott, 29, was recently sen-
tenced to life in prison without the
possibility of parole for the murder of
Rockridge resident Lisa Aline Smith, 22,
on June 10, 1997. A St. Mary’s College
student, Smith was robbed and stabbed
to death as she walked home from the
BART station one evening. Lott was
arrested shortly after the crime when
calls he made on Smith’s cell phone were
traced to him.
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Art Fine Jewelry Crafts
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$ ) 3 * 4 5 & / 4 & /
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How to Plan a Proposal
to Remember
Thoughtfully Planned....
Superbly Executed.....
Joyfully Accepted
Please join us for a discussion with
Ann Evans, M.Div, Author of Promises
to Keep and event planner Jolie Fay of
City Celebrations to talk about how to
create a proposal that your beloved will
enjoy, accept and remember forever.
Thursday, December 8th at 6PM
RSVP to reserve your place
510.655.5952
5829 College Avenue
Oakland, California 94618
Tues - Sat 11 to 6 Sun 12-5
9.
December 3, 2005
WhistleStop: Just Put Your Lips Together and Blow
whistles in Rockridge; our aim is to use
those whistles to help make our neighbor-
hood safer and more secure.
WhistleStop whistles should be worn
with the breakaway chain as a visible
deterrent to crime. A WhistleStop pack
containing the whistle, chain and crime-
prevention decal for your window is just
$2.50 and is available for purchase in
Rockridge: Contact Margaret Wahlberg at
ml@chriswahlberg.com.
Whistlestop could save your life
by Susan Montauk
W
The WhistleStop concept is simple: If
you see a crime being committed or you
need to call for help, blow your whistle. If
you hear a whistle, determine the nature
and location of the problem and call 911,
then blow your whistle to scare the assailant
away and alert the victim and the assailant
that the police have been called and help
is on the way.
histleStop, our community crime
prevention program,
and the Oakland
Police Department
remind you that we must
be vigilant in our efforts to
deter crime on the streets
of Rockridge. Since 1992
WhistleStop has sold over 1,000
As Lauren Bacall famously said to
Humphrey Bogart, “You remember how
to whistle, don’t you? Just put your lips
together… and blow.”
Rockridge Crime Wave
immediately after the incident by Officer
Johnna Watson in an unmarked car, with the
help of one of the two victims. (Rockridge
problem-solving officer Debi Mack specu-
lated that since he is subject to the juvenile
justice system he may be back on the street.
She said his alleged accomplice was not in
custody at presstime and is possibly out on
bail.) OPD also arrested two suspects who
live in Alameda and downtown Oakland,
respectively, for robberies committed near
Piedmont Avenue.
from page 1
may have been targeted by acquaintances
of a homeless man he had taken in.)
and 62nd Street, was hit twice.
OPD has conducted special operations
and made several arrests. A 16-year-old
juvenile who lives on the 400 block of 62nd
Street, and his cohort, who lives on the 400
block of 63rd Street, were arrested for one
of the Taft holdups. The juvenile was caught
Although residential burglaries were
down as of mid-November, there has been
a recent spate of them, especially in the Colby
Park area, usually through unlocked doors
and windows. One house, near Hillegass
The crime wave has residents uneasy and
calling for more police. Several weeks ago,
in an effort to reduce violent crime happen-
ing in other parts of the city, Chief Tucker
removed the OPD Crime Reduction Teams
(CRTs), which focus on crime prevention,
from North Oakland. After a public uproar,
District 1 Councilmember Jane Brunner
convinced the mayor, the city manager
and Tucker that removing them was a bad
idea, especially during the holiday season.
The CRTs now work half-time here and
half-time in Montclair and are scheduled
to return fulltime January 14.
! %! " ! $
$" # %&!! $'
Green said crime waves happen periodi-
cally. The last spike in robberies in North
Oakland and also the city occurred around July.
No statistics are available just for Rockridge,
but some residents recall the “backyard bur-
glar” from about two years ago.
Green advised residents to pay attention
to their surroundings, carry a cellphone pro-
grammed with OPD’s cellphone emergency
number (777-3211), and “yell and scream” if
threatened. “This is an urban environment,”
he said. “People need to develop an urban
mentality.”
Mack said the holiday season is a prime
time for crooks: “Whatever beat I go to, it’s
the same story, just different faces,” she
said. “With the holidays coming up, maybe
they (the criminals) just want to get mom
something nice.”
10.
December 3, 2005
Proposed Development
residences and set a precedent for developers to build more six-
story or higher buildings along Telegraph and Shattuck Avenues.
The residential zoning that applies to the property dates from 1965
(R35, R40), while the C-28 commercial zoning is from the ’90s.
They all have restrictive heights substantially below what has been
designed. However, the 1998 General Plan calls for Telegraph Ave
to be developed as a dense transit corridor.
Tfrom page 1
attendees that ample parking would be provided. Plans include
90 spaces for tenants and retail staff and one for City Car Share,
but none for customers of proposed retail space fronting Telegraph
Avenue.
he developers presented their project to the Oakland Planning
Commission’s Design Review Committee on November 16,
and, despite opposition from the Temescal Neighborhood Associa-
tion, the commission praised the design. The project is tentatively
scheduled to come before the Oakland Planning Commission for
final approval on January 4, 2006. For more information about the
project, contact Lawton Associates in Berkeley, 547-5970.
Traffic engineer Mark Spencer of DKS Associates, hired by
the developers to address traffic issues, claimed that the increase
in car traffic would not significantly impact the surrounding com-
munity. Many were concerned, however, about the poorly timed
intersection at the corner of Telegraph and 51st, as well as the lack
of a crossing at Clarke and 51st. Alper and Kriss promised to work
with the city to improve the crossings at those two junctures.
O
To view a three-dimensional model of the development, call
Bill Lambert, 510/550-4200 ext. 512.
ver the course of the last several months, community members
from Temescal and lower Rockridge have been collaborat-
ing with the developers about ways to extend the Temescal Creek
Greenbelt from Redondo to the “gateway” intersection of Telegraph
and 51st Street. While a greenbelt extension has been incorporated
into the project design (cutting through the center of the new devel-
opment), there is still no guarantee that the space would remain
open to public pedestrian traffic in the future. The FROG Park
Committee is investigating options with the development team.
EBMUD UPGRADE UPDATE
Claremont Tunnel Progress
by Claire Isaacs Wahrhaftig
As of November 1, Atkinson Construction completed mining
activity on the Claremont Water Tunnel seismic upgrade proj-
ect until next fall. Now the tunnel will be lined with reinforced
concrete 1'5" to 2'5" thick, cast inside the current excavation.
The project will set a new standard in Oakland for sustainable
development, according to Alper. He estimates that the project
will use 75% less electricity and natural gas than developments of
similar size because of the use of active and passive solar energy
and sustainable building materials.
According to the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD),
Atkinson excavated a total of 1,970 feet, mostly by mechanical
means. Some controlled blasting was required to remove a sandstone
boulder which had started tearing teeth off the roadheader.
Other design elements include warm colors in various tones to
help break up the size of the project, as well as a variety of textures
— stone, stucco, shingles, painted board, and metal awnings — to
give the building what architect Rick Williams called “a timeless
nature.”
The western tunnel outlet is located at Chabot and Golden Gate
Avenues, east of Chabot Elementary School. The tunnel channels
water to Oakland from the Orinda side of the hills. The outflow
will serve 800,000 people daily.
While many residents were pleased with the “green” nature of
the project and the more detailed architectural renderings presented
at the meeting, some objected to its overall height. The proposed
65-foot tower at the gateway corner exceeds zoning height limits
and the multi-story townhouses on Clarke Street would be taller
than neighboring structures.
©2005 Curves International
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project would overwhelm the adjacent commercial district and
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11.
December 3, 2005
THE NEIGHBORHOOD MERCHANT
PHOTO: DON KINKEAD
BY THERESA NELSON
Treat Your Tootsies
Our feet take a beating, carrying us
around all day, sometimes cold and
often tired. So when you come across a
store that pampers your tired tootsies with
a relaxing pedicure and entices you with
wonderful shoes, you know you’ve come
across something special. And Tootsies
on College near Market Hall does both
beautifully.
all over the Bay Area before deciding to
open in Rockridge. Nini’s idea is catching
on. Six other Tootsies are opening around
the country, each owned by an individual
woman working with Nini as consultant.
“It’s a sisterhood of shoe stores,” says Liz,
rather than a franchise, and that special
feeling comes through in the store.
What will you find at Tootsies? When I
visited, the burnished coppers, greens,
browns and warm colors of the fall palette
were in full swing, with holiday sparklers
coming in. Olivia Rose Tal shoes are hand-
made of beautiful fabrics, like the tapestry
kitten heel slide in terracotta. Dressy sandals
by Laundry and Pelle Moda feature crystal
trim and glittery buckles over golds, silvers,
coppers, pewters and blacks.
Adorable, affordable shoes, fashionable
accessories and relaxing pedicures are the
keys to the Tootsies concept. Owner Liz
Taylor believes in buying delightful, high-
quality shoes in a medium-price range.
She searches the major shoe shows, trying
on each shoe herself (she’s a size 6, same
as the show samples are) to make sure it
feels good.
Tootsies
5525 College Avenue 595-7272
Monday - Saturday - 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
She features a special section of sizes 5,
5-1/2 and 11, which are often hard to find
in many shoe stores.
Wedges are also big right now, with a
tapestry-patterned one by Dr. Scholl that
looks both cute and comfy. Beautiful flats
include tailored Etienne Aigner slides in
olive suede or grey flannel with black ribbon
bands. Festive shoes from Apepazza feature
feather and fabric decorations on subdued
suedes with kitten heels. Tootsies offers
cowboy boots and city boots, some with
embroidery, patterned linings, or a bit of
flare or detail on the heel to stand out from
the crowd. Classic boots by Ralph Lauren
are nearby along with cozy shearling-lined
clogs and many styles of casual Skechers.
And all year long, Tootsies offers resort
shoes and sandals.
Sunday - 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
sies, with beautiful color mixes like copper
with pewter, black with silver and dusky
orange with olive green; and luxurious fabric
scarves by Mary Frances and Eyeful. Near
the pedicure area is a small jewelry display,
with swingy chandelier earrings and clever
magnetic bracelets that turn into a necklace
or choker.
Tootsies features about 150 styles of
shoes at any time, with new shoes arriving
daily. Many are lines like those you’d find
at Nordstrom, including Moda, Seychelles,
Ralph Lauren, Nicole, Etienne Aigner, Pelle
Moda and Pazzo. She also offers a growing
number of girls’ shoes in sizes 12-1/2 to 5,
such as Keds with the trendy shaggy seams
and glittery pink flats.
Pedicures are a special element of
Tootsies. The staff is highly experienced,
the ambiance is fun with brightly colored
canopies, and the use of disposable tub
liners and tools means everything is com-
pletely hygienic. On Thursday and Friday
evenings, Tootsies hosts pedicure parties
by reservation for groups of up to nine.
Partygoers can bring their own food and
beverage and enjoy a night of pedicures
and private shoe shopping. Liz notes that
she has a growing clientele of men who get
pedicures as well.
An Oakland native, Taylor opened
Tootsies in May of this year. She spent 25
years working in retail at the buyer and
executive level for groups like Gap and
Long’s and knew it was time for a change.
She had always wanted to open her own
business, building on her skills in retail.
After talking with friend Nini Dake, who
had opened a shoe and pedicure store in
Florida called Tootsies, Liz felt it was
the right opportunity for her. She looked
Along the crisp white walls, playful bags
and luxurious scarves alternate with tall
bookcase displays. Evening bags feature
beads, feathers, silks and velvets in metal-
lics, brights and dressy black. Tootsies also
carries a locally-made line of handmade
scarves and small shawls by Knotty Gyp-
Liz talked about how much she really
likes being in Rockridge: “It’s wonderful
to be part of this community where local
neighbors support local businesses, and local
businesses support the neighborhood.” (She
also donates to local schools).
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Judging by the reactions of shoppers in
the store that day, Rockridge is glad to have
Tootsies here as well
12.
December 3, 2005
December) or visit the Oakland Zoo’s
new children’s section featuring a new
bat habitat and fantastic alligator display.
Your young son or daughter might prefer
to watch the horses at Fox Ridge Farm
Stables on Redwood Road, just off
Skyline Boulevard; 531-0262. Or check
out MOCHA, the children’s art museum,
which offers afternoon drop-ins or winter
camp December 19-30. Not too costly and
a marvelous experience. Call MOCHA at
465-8770. At the Julia Morgan Theater,
the Berkeley Ballet Theater will perform
The Nutcracker on the weekends of
December 9 and 16. This is an annual
family treat. Call 843- 4689.
The
Rockridge
MuseB
Shopping ’Till
You’re Dropping?
D
From Ava’s sketch…
…to Cat’s Meow! Thanks,
Grandma Harriet!
ecember is a time of the year that
simply crackles with positive energy,
feelings of generosity, goodwill, love and
hope. It’s also a time when the commercial
hype of the holidays can get totally out
of hand and kids and adults can wind
up sitting on a heap of useless gadgets
and motley plastic parts destined, sans
assembly instructions, for a garage sale
come spring. What a pity to throw it
all out. But the alternative to what to
do with all this stuff is certainly much
worse: a never- ending nightmare of
mounting clutter and confusion all over
the house, likely to threaten your sanity
in the end.
PHOTO: CY GULASSA
Gifts of Talent
And Learning
There may be someone in your life
you has always wanted to take drumming
or art or photography lessons. Please
feel free to contact me at 652-6664 for
a list of instructors you might want to
contact. And, try to catch Splash Circus
at the Julia Morgan when it comes around
again (the last show this year si Sunday,
December 4 at 2 p.m.) This is a circus
for kids by very talented kids and is a
huge favorite. The parent organization is
Head over Heels Gymnastics and Circus
School in Emeryville. The school conducts
classes for children ages four and up
in acting, tumbling, juggling, aerial arts,
clowning, stilt walking and much more.
Call 655-1265. Note: Splash Circus holds
auditions for skilled young performers
ages 10-18 in January 2006.
Gifts from the Heart
There are gifts I am sure you will
never regret having given. They are
the gifts from the heart, the gifts you
make yourself. No matter how simple,
inexpensive or small, you will never have
to worry about these gifts disappearing
in a closet somewhere or cluttering up
the basement. Like little Ava Gulassa’s
cat. Last year three-year-old Ava drew
an image of her favorite cat and grandma
(Omi) Harriet stitched it together exactly
like that in bright orange and white,
complete with whiskers and white tips on
the ears. That wonderful cat is destined
for more than nine lives in Ava’s arms. It
will likely go to college with her someday.
Gifts that your children make for you
will likewise never be dishonored.
Gifts of Time
Here are some alternatives you
might consider giving this year.
For children, nothing is more fun than
enjoying a special event with their parents
or aunts and uncles.
Take the kid to a movie (as described
in an article on page 7, the Elmwood
Theater offers a special free series in
MUSE CONTINUED TOP OF NEXT PAGE
— CO and MP, Oakland/Lafayette
Jeff has worked with us on 6 transactions over
the past years and is our trusted real estate
advisor. He has saved and made us money time
and again with his excellent negotiating skills.
Jeff Auen
Beyond
Traditional
Real Estate
Heritage Real Estate Century 21
Rockridge. Montclair. Lafayette.
Residential. Investment.
Lots and land. Renovation Consulting.
Call Jeff:1.800.805.8827
Visit: www.HomesEastBay.Info
E-mail: JeffAuen@comcast.net
s
s
s
s
s
13.
December 3, 2005
Muse
from previous page
Holiday Extravaganza Planned by
Gifts of Encouragement
RCPC & Music that Cooks
T
he Rockridge Community Planning Council and Music that Cooks present the first
annual Community Holiday Party, Sunday, December 18, 2-5p.m., at the College
Avenue Presbyterian Church, 5951 College Avenue. Featured are a concert by three
Bay Area singer/songwriters: Greg Lamboy, Christi McCarthy and Damond Moodie;
and a sing-along of holiday songs and carols. Kids will have an opportunity to visit
with Santa, have their photos taken and enjoy story time.
Almost all the organizations I have
mentioned above are non-profits who
enrich our lives immensely all year
round. All, without exception, need
your financial support and participation
on boards and committees. They invite
you to become a passionate donor or
supporter. To become involved this
year, check with your accountant or
estate planner for information on a set
of especially favorable tax rulings that
will apply to all charitable donations
until December 31, 2005.
Music That Cooks is a concert series started in 2004 to help support the Friday
Nite on College dinner program at the church. The concerts are monthly — usualy on
the second Friday of the month. The concerts feature three local independent singer/
songwriters who donate their time to the concert series. Your volunteer donation to
the party will help support the Friday Night dinner program.
For more information contact Albert Hussian: MusicthatCooks@comcast.net.
GREG LAMBOY: A local San Francisco-based
artist, Greg puts his music where his heart
is. Greg has raised funds and awareness for
numerous homeless outreach groups and
political campaigns. www.greglamboy.com.
CHRISTIE MCCARTHY: A local Berkeley-
based artist, Christie is a dynamic Jazz/Rock
inspired musician and has played at three
prior dinner concerts. This concert will
feature music from her new CD Winter.
Ortrun Niesar can be reached at 652-6664
or oniesar@aol.com.
"SHOULD YOU
SAVE FOR YOUR
KID'S COLLEGE
OR FOR YOUR
RETIREMENT?
OR BOTH?"
#!1.'0'#/,$$#.#"0&.,1%& ))/0 0#'+ +!' ) #.2'!#/ #!1.'0'#/'+
+" #%'/0#.#".,(#.# )#.#* #. $$'!#,$ 1-#.2'/,.3
1.'/"'!0',+ ,10&
0& 0.##0'+!,)+
4))/0 0#+/1. +!#,*- +3 ))/0 0#!,*
www.christiemccarthy.com.
DAMOND MOODIE: A local Oakland-based
artist, Damond describess his style: “Who
do I sound like? I like to call it alternative
acoustic soul. I play a percussive rhythm
guitar and spread vocals like velvet thun-
der on top. It’s not straight folk, rock, or
soul, but an amalgamate of these sounds
with some blues and jazz thrown in.
www.damondmoodie.com.
New
Students:
$8/week —
PERALTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
5 Week
minimum
460 63rd ST. (Telegraph & Alcatraz)
M/W 5:30pm T/TH/F 6:15 SAT 9:00am
AJ Benham 510-654-7078
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14.
December 3, 2005
Is Your Job a Pain in the Back?
Learn to work pain free with a GIFT
CERTIFICATE from the Body At Work ergo-
nomics. Workstation & movement analysis
for home & business office. 510/599-6014,
www.thebodyatwork.com.
The Perfect Gift
An elegant bronze sculpture for home or office.
Contact Rockridge sculptor Heli Perrett at
510.655-1481 or HEPerrett@aol.com to view
the 2005 Dream series (soft, graceful abstracts)
or the African series (torsos and busts).
Your Message Could Be Here
Beginning in January, 2006 your 36 -
word message will be $20. (Phone number
counts as one word). Mail to: RN Classifieds,
5245 College Avenue, PMB 311, Oakland,
CA 94618. January deadline is December 19.
For information: e-mail smontauk@juno.com
Girls Love Math
…when I help them use their individual
strengths to excel in arithmetic, pre-algebra,
and geometry. I’m a UC Berkeley graduate
with 20 years’ teaching experience. Refer-
ences gladly provided! Contact 510/845-6441
or dbuckwald@hotmail.com.
Piano and Trumpet Lessons
At the Jazzschool in Berkeley. Beginning Adults
and Children. Ages 6 and up. Contact Marina
Garza. 415/269-7607. Over 10 years of teach-
ing experience.
Housecleaning Cooperative
Reasonable rates. Expert & reliable services from
local employment cooperative. Call 499-5836 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.
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.
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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 for information.
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.
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
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.
Homeowners
How much is your house worth? For a
FREE, no-obligation market analysis, visit
www.EastBayHomeWorth.com or leave a
message at 510/981-3014.
MOVI-RITMO Dance
Treat your body & soul to a great class w/stimulating
choreography & superb music w/artist Lina del Roble.
$5 for 1st class when you bring a friend! 5390 Miles
Ave. Sat. 10:30-12 noon. 510/658-3423.
15.
December 3, 2005
E-mail Rockridge News Community Calendar items to: joellis1@hotmail.com, phone 653-3210 (after noon), 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
Activities and Events For Seniors
• Tuesday, 12/27, 7pm. Book Group #1 will
discuss Dead Souls by Nicolai Gogol. All
welcome to attend.
5433 College Ave. For information about all
events, book discussion groups and classes:
653-9965 or www.dieselbookstore.com.
• College Avenue Adult Center. Light exercise,
socializing, travel programs and music. Hot
lunch at noon for $2. Every Wednesday from
9:30am to 1:30pm. College Avenue Presby-
terian Church, 5955 College Ave. For details
about upcoming field trips, call Kathy at 531-
6724.
• North Oakland Multi-Purpose Senior Center.
First Saturday every other month, 10am to noon.
Peralta Elementary School: 460 63rd St. (park-
ing on Alcatraz Ave., just east of Telegraph).
No January meeting. For information on all
District One issues or events, call 238-7001 or
www.oaklandnet.com (the site for all City-
related information).
Writers Support/Critique Group
ALL writers welcome. Bring at least 10 copies of
5 pages of your prose for on-site reading/discus-
sion. Sponsored by the California Writers Club,
Berkeley branch (www.berkeleywritersclub.
org/) Rockridge Branch Library, third Saturday of
the month from 1 to 5pm. For more information:
420-8775 or Writefox@aol.com.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Computer classes; Health
Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program
(HICAP); driver safety; trips, tours and the-
ater outings. Center Hours: Monday – Friday,
8:45am to 4:45pm. 5714 Martin Luther King,
Jr. Way. The newsletter, “North Oakland Senior
Times” provides a full schedule of classes as
well as a monthly lunch menu: (suggested
donation: seniors age 60 + $2.25; $4 for those
under age 60). Call 597- 5085 for details about
membership, newsletter, classes/events and
opportunities to become a volunteer.
The Greater Rockridge N’hood
Crime Prevention Council
Residents and business members of NCPC’s 12Y
and 13X areas are invited to voice their concerns
about crime and public safety. Meets 3rd Tuesday
each month, 7 to 8:30pm at CCA,5212 B’way (at
College Ave.), Bldg. B-4. Directions and more
information: www.rockridgencpc.com.
Peralta School Kindergarten Events
• School Tours: now available Wednesdays and
Thursdays .Call 879-1450 to schedule.
• Kindergarten Open House: Meet principal and
Rockridge Branch Library
teachers. Wednesday, January 18, 6:45pm. To
RSVP to arrange childcare for events or for
more information call 655-2737.
For Children:
• Toddler Story Time: 1st and 2nd Saturdays,
Volunteers Needed
10:30am: 12/3, 12/10, 1/7
• Pre-School Story Time: 1st and 3rd Wednes-
• Second Start Adult Literacy Program: Teach
460 63rd Street. 879-1450 or
www.geocities.com/peraltaschool/
an adult to read. Free training. Nine month
minimum commitment. Volunteers can meet
with their students at the Rockridge Branch
Library. For more information: 238-3432
or www.oaklandlibrary.org/services/
SecondStart.
• North Oakland Community Charter School
days, 10:30am: 12/7, 12/21, 1/4
• Pajama Story Time: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays,
Chabot Elementary School Holiday
Bazaar & Rummage Sale
7pm: 12/8. Note: no Story Time on 12/27.
Special Event for Kids and Families:
• Winter Family Story Time: Tuesday, 12/13
Saturday, December 10 from 10am to 3pm.
Proceeds support scholarships in the academic
achievement program. Toys, jewelry, handmade
crafts, new and gently used items and good food.
One dollar admission includes raffle ticket for
spectacular prizes. Free for children 12 and under.
6686 Chabot Road, in the school auditorium and
upper yard. For more information or vendor space
(limited), call Sharese Hill at 205-6712.
at 7pm. All ages welcome to come—in your
pajamas—for a cozy evening of winter stories,
snowflake making and a bite of dessert.
• Snowflake-Making for all ages will be avail-
(NOCCS): Tutors to work with 1st to 5th
graders, one-on-one or in small groups,
on math, reading and writing skills; time
commitment of at least one hour per week.
Located at 410 Alcatraz Ave. (cross St. Colby).
Contact Julia Kassissieh, Director: 655-0540
or director@noccs.org.
• Friends of Temescal Creek: Monitor water qual-
able from 12/14 to 1/14. Ask at the Children’s
Reference Desk for materials. For more details
call Erica: 597-5017.
For Teens:
• Bookwormz (Teen Book Club): last Tuesday
Art Exhibit
ity by collecting water samples at Temescal 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.
• HEROES: is the volunteer placement program
evening of each month from 5 to 6pm. For
more information and to confirm date, call
Susy: 597-5017.
For Adults:
• Reading and book signing by Gil Smolin, profes-
Oaktown: Art About Oakland and Our Communities.
Watercolor, drawings, photography and paintings
by five local artists. On now through December 16,
Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm. 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.
sor at UC San Francisco Medical School and
author of the medical thriller, Reign of the Rat.
Monday, 12/5, 6:30-8pm.
• Lawyers in the Library: Free legal advice. First
for the Oakland Unified School District which
helps to enhance the quality of educational
experiences for students in the Oakland
public schools. To volunteer, call 879-2908
or www.oaklandheroes.org.
California College of The Arts (CCA)
Exhibition
Tuesday of each month: 6 to 8pm. Advance
sign-up starts 5pm.
Art Exhibits:
• Gallery: Chris Jennings, Photography Show
• Display case: Kwanzaa Display
Aesthetics of Ecology: Occupying Space for Sus-
tainable Living: A juried exhibition featuring work
by artists, designers and architects. Free and
open to the public, Runs now through December
8. Presented by the CCA Alumni Council. For
more inf. call 703-9595.
U.C. Botanical Garden Special
Holiday Plant Sale
5366 College Avenue, 597-5017
LIBRARY HOURS:
Monday and Tuesday, 12:30 to 8pm.
Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday
Rare and unusual plants propagated from the
Garden’s global collection. Includes large-scale
cacti, succulents and orchids. Also: indoor and
outdoor containers, books and art. Proceeds ben-
efit the non-profit research garden and museum.
Friday, December 2 through Monday, December
12 (except Tues., Dec. 6: gardens closed 1st
Tues. of every month). 10:30am to 4:40pm. 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.
Sick Plant Clinic
Bring your ailing plants to the University of Cali-
fornia Botanical Garden and get a free diagnosis
by UC plant pathologist Dr. Robert Raabe, UC
entomologist Dr. Nick Mills and their team of
experts. First Saturday of every month from 9am
to noon. UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial
Drive, Berkeley (above Cal Memorial Stadium
in Strawberry Canyon). For more information:
643-2755 or http://botanicalgarden.berkel
ey.edu.
10am to 5:30pm
Friday, 12 to 5:30pm
Closed Sundays. NOTE: Closed Saturday, 12/24
through Monday, 12/26, and Monday, 1/2.
Diesel Book Readings and Events
All events are FREE and open to the public
• Tuesday, 12/13, 7pm. Book Group #3 will
discuss The Inner Circle by T.C. Boyle. All
welcome to attend.
16.
December 3, 2005
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