← Home All issuesJune 2007Issue 2007_06 · 16 ppShowing matches for “Margaret Wahlberg”‹ Prev Next ›Download PDF

‹Page 2 / 16›

Extracted text · highlighting “Margaret Wahlberg”

www.rockridge.org

VOL. 22  NO. 6  ISSUE NO. 235  June 2, 2007 
CIRCULATION: 5,100 Residences; 200 Businesses

Sponsored by the Rockridge Community Planning Council • 5245 College Ave. PMB 311 • Oakland, CA 94618 • 869-4200

Safeway Plans Major Rebuilding of Rockridge Stores

bers to discuss the College
and Claremont store rebuild,
emphasizing their desire to seek
extensive community input on
the design of the store.
Community invited to
June 21 meeting
by Elizabeth Jewel,
project consultant
S
Todd Paradis, manager of
Safeway’s real estate, said that
the new design would comple-
ment the style and pedestrian
feel of College Avenue between
Alcatraz and Claremont. The size
of the new College and Clare-
mont store will be increased
significantly to house a bakery,
pharmacy and a much larger
produce section, as well as other
services and products. Eager to
afeway is beginning con-
versations with neighbors
and planning officials about its
plans to demolish and rebuild
two stores in the Rockridge
area, one at the intersection of
College and Claremont avenues,
the other in the Rockridge Shop-
ping Center at Broadway and
Pleasant Valley Avenue. They
have not been updated in many
years and don’t reflect the wider
aisles or much broader array
Safeway’s venerable presence at Claremont and College
avenues is in line for major changes according to the
company. Community comments will help guide the
outcome. Photo: D. Kinkead
of goods and services offered
in the newer Safeway stores.
Safeway officials met recently
with several RCPC board mem-
Safeway Plans, page 13
¬

Rockridge Crime Surge: NCPC Sets June 13
Emergency Meeting with Brunner, Cops, DA

June Meeting Agenda:
RCPC Town Hall Meeting
Thursday, June 21, 7-9 p.m.,
★
College Avenue
Presbyterian Church,
Note
Changed
Meeting
5951 College Avenue
Place
n Safeway Store to be Rebuilt:
Rockridge residents are invited
to discuss the rebuilding of the
Safeway store at College Avenue and
Claremont with Safeway representa-
tives. Come share your ideas about
the new store and provide important
input during the project’s early stage.
See article above.
n Oakland Bicycle Master Plan:
Jason Patton, City of Oakland Bicycle
and Pedestrian Program Manager,
presents an overview of the draft
bicycle plan. Rockridge-specific provi-
sions, including Upper Broadway and
Colby Street, will be discussed. This
is an opportunity for your comments
to be heard. (See the entire master
plan at www.oaklandpw.com/bicycling/
bikeplan.htm. The bicycle network and
Broadway feasibility study is at www.
rockridge.org under Traffic and Pedes-
trian Safety Committee.)

by Susan Montauk, NCPC Chair
Tground by a mugger
who ran off when he
heard people yell-
ing and was chased
by a neighbor; that
evening passers-by
and several residents
prevented a mugging of a woman at 63rd and
Colby. The mugger fled the scene.
he Rockridge Neighborhood Crime
Prevention Council (NCPC) will hold an
emergency Town Hall on Wednesday, June
13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Rockridge Library
to address the increase in violent crime in
Rockridge over the past four months. Guest
panelists include Oakland Councilwoman
Jane Brunner, who has initiated discussions
with the mayor and Oakland Police Depart-
ment (OPD) about the crime surge, OPD chief
Wayne Tucker and Alameda County Deputy
District Attorney John Creighton.
Frightened citizens have expressed
their fears in e-mail discussions on the
Rockridge Neighborhood Watch Network
Yahoo Group. Some are considering moving
out of Rockridge, but there are no obvious
havens from crime. In March, more than
a half dozen businesses along Lakeshore
Drive were robbed. Three individuals in the
Lake Merritt neighborhood were robbed by
hooded bandits in just a few hours.
So far, this year through mid-May (the
last date for which statistics were available),
more than 20 armed robberies occurred on
the streets and in the shops of Rockridge.
Some resulted in injuries, as in the case of
a woman who was beaten badly in broad
daylight in a mugging at Miles and Cavour on
May 15. At least two intended victims were
saved from serious harm due to the quick
action of neighbors: At 8 a.m. on May 21 at
Miles and Forest, a woman was thrown to the
The invasion of criminals into our neigh-
borhoods may be linked to increased police
pressure in historically crime-oppressed
Crime Summit, page 10
¬

June 2, 2007

Confessions of a Book Thief and Notes on the
Rockridge Library Summer Reading Program

ROCKRIDGE BRANCH LIBRARY
5366 College Avenue
597-5017
by Gay Ducey, children’s librarian
I
Librarian.” It was not signed, but I’d know
my mother’s handwriting anywhere.
HOURS:
Mon,Tues:
Weds,Thurs, Sat:
12:30 – 8 p.m.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
12 – 5:30 p.m.
CLOSED
Closed Sundays and Wednesday, July 4.
stole a book once, in a kind of crazy book
romance. I didn’t mean to steal it, I didn’t
know I had stolen it; I just hadn’t returned
it. Sometimes eight year olds can’t part with
a book. It just stays, first in a pile, then a
corner, finally migrating to the permanent
book place. So it was with my purloined
booty. It took up residence. Adding insult
to larcenous injury, I stole it from Lakeview
Presbyterian Church in New Orleans, my
home town. My whole family attended that
church. One might think I would steal from
the Baptists, but no, I had to soil my own
nest. Thievery didn’t come naturally to me.
I just took it with the same kind of impulse
that results in a case of lime Jell-O after
shopping at Costco. Book love.
We are in the business of romance here
at the public library. The kind of romance
that is kindled between a child and a book.
If it takes flame early enough, the romance
lasts a lifetime, but it is never too late to
start. That is the reason we have a Summer
Reading Program. Unlike most libraries we
don’t count the number of books kids read,
and we don’t require any reports or other
proof of reading. We ask families to keep
track of the number of minutes and hours
read, up to eight hours. We give away small
enticements along the way. Our approach
celebrates the act of reading, not the prowess
of being able to knock off five titles a day.
The bookkeeping is pleasing and involves
coming into the library and recording the
minutes and hours. Kids who complete the
program get coupons for things like the
Lawrence Hall of Science and also get to
choose a new book to take home. We wel-
come all kids, even preschoolers, because
whether you read yourself or are read to, it
all counts toward your eight hours. We do
ask that the books read be from the library.
The program begins on June 9 and ends
August 11. We hope you and your family
will join up. And read… at night, in the car,
on vacation, any time at all.
Friday:
Sunday:
Library program details: See Calendar, page 15.
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.
Rockridge News Production
Cy Gulassa...........................Editor
Janet Somers.......................Copy Editor
Ortrun Niesar.....................The Muse
Claire Isaacs Wahrhaftig.... Writer
Barry Kaufman...................Food
Jo Ellis...................................Advertising &
My mother discovered the theft quickly,
as mothers do. She told me to return it, and
I told her I would. But I didn’t. I couldn’t,
I loved it so. So it sat for decades on my
bookshelf until I returned to New Orleans.
My mother had died and I was going to
make good on that promise. I arrived and
announced my bona fides, presented the book
and asked that it be inscribed in honor of my
mother. The secretary looked startled: “You
might like to visit the church library before
you leave,” she said. I did, and discovered a
copy of the book on the shelf. The inscrip-
tion read: “In honor of MaryGay Boettcher,
Community Calendar
Theresa Nelson.....................Neighborhood Merchant
Susan Montauk...................Business Manager
Don Kinkead.......................Graphics & Layout
RCPC Board of Directors, 2007-2008
Ronnie Spitzer....................Chair
Annette Floystrup ............ Vice-Chair
Gloria Bruce.......................Secretary
Susan Montauk...................Treasurer
Jennifer Edmister, Cy Gulassa, Ellen Peterson,
Peter St. John, Jeff Small, Richard W. Smith,
Danica Truchlikova, Stephanie Upp, Margaret Wahlberg
Newsletter Subscriptions
To subscribe to The Rockridge News, send
your check for $20, payable to Rockridge News
Subscriptions, to: Rockridge News Subscriptions at
the address below.
PS: It was Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations.
Contacting The Rockridge News

Summer Reading Ideas From Your Local Children’s

 Are there community issues you’d like to see
covered in The Rockridge News?
 Do you have questions about newsletter
Librarians Erica Siskind and Gay Ducey
distribution?
 Want to volunteer to be a Rockridge News
Tblock captain?
 Would you like to write a letter to the Editor?
Contact us at one of the following:
he best part of Summer Reading is that
kids get to choose whatever they want
to read. Each summer, though, the Oakland
Library chooses a theme, and for 2007, it’s
“Get a Clue at the Library”— with a list
of great MYSTERIES for kids. When you
come to the library, ask us for a booklist of
Mysterious Picture Books, Readers, Chapter
Books, and Non-Fiction. Here’s a sample of
books for readers 8 to 12 years old. Give
one a try and see if it grabs you!
& Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money by
James Brown on it before Agent Fondoo
steals it!
& The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn
by Dorothy Hoobler (214 pages):
Fourteen-year-old Seikei must prove he has
the courage to become a samurai and gets
his chance when a ghost steals a priceless
gem intended for the shogun of Japan. The
sequels are great, too.
& Public Enemy Number Two OR
Editor: editor@rockridge.org
www.rockridge.org
The Rockridge News, 5245 College Avenue,
PMB 311, Oakland, CA 94618
RCPC Voicemail: 510/869-4200
Articles submitted for publication may be e-mailed
to the above address. Submissions are limited to
650 words; must include the author’s name, phone
number, e-mail address, and city or neighborhood
of residence; and are subject to editing. To reprint a
Rockridge News article, please contact the editor.
Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
(180 pages, approx.):
Horowitz has written two great series. One
features the Diamond Brothers, two teens
who investigate mysteries involving inter-
national spies, thugs and master criminals.
Newsletter Advertising/Deadlines
Publication date of the next issue is
 July 7, 2007
 July deadline is June 21.
Advertising rates are $26/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. (Classified ad contact, page 14.)
Christopher Paul Curtis (151 pages):
Flint Future Detective Club members Steven
Carter, his friend Russell and Russell’s
dog Zoopy must solve the mystery of a
quadrillion-dollar bill with the image of
Summer Reading, page 10
¬

.
June 2, 2007

that the structure’s overall height and mass
have been sufficiently tempered. Hauser is
also proposing several community benefits,
including a pedestrian plaza located on 51st
Street adjoining the approved CIVIQ Plaza,
a 10-foot greenway (possibly extending the
CIVIQ-approved Greenbelt), inclusion of
affordable housing units (terms unknown),
and office space for a non-profit organiza-
tion facing the greenway.
Project Updates: n 5132 Telegraph/Hauser
Architects/Global Video;
n 5253 College/Peterson project
Hauser
Architects’
proposal for
“Creekside,”
to be built at
5132 Telegraph
Avenue, was
approved
by the city’s
Design Review
Committee.
While the committee decided that the
project can proceed, in its current form, to
the next stage of review, committee mem-
bers urged the applicant to work with the
community. The RCPC is actively soliciting
community input on the project. Submit
comments to rcpcchair@rockridge.org
5253 College/Peterson
Oby Ronnie Spitzer, Chair, RCPC
5132 Telegraph/Hauser
Architects/Global Video Site
D
Street building exceeds height limits by
50-100%. The new 3-foot front setback
at the entrance of the proposed driveway
does not meet code requirements, and does
not allow sufficient space for landscaping/
screening. Other issues with the 105-unit
project include: excessive densities (142
units per acre); insufficient parking; and
inadequate pedestrian safety. The project
requires at least four variances, and the
proponent has requested a General Plan
Conformity Determination to implement
the revised project.

n May 2, the Planning Commission
denied the neighbors’ appeal of a staff-
level approval of the Peterson project, a
commercial and residential development near
the intersection of College and Broadway.
The Commission did, however, make several
modifications to the project, increasing the
height of the ground-level fence for better
screening and noise reduction, and relocat-
ing the rooftop usable open space farther
to the east (toward College). The project’s
neighbors believe the bulk and scale of the
project have not been adequately addressed
and have filed an appeal with the City
Council, challenging the project’s claimed
exemption from environmental review.
Zoning Changes Proposed for Telegraph
Avenue and Lower Claremont Area

espite community outcry, the City’s
Design Review Committee decided
on May 23 that the Hauser Architects pro-
posal for the Global Video site sufficiently
addresses the concerns raised by community
organizations and members of the public, and
that the proposal may proceed to a hearing
before the full Planning Commission.
Many elements of the project do not
comply with zoning regulations, both current
and proposed, for the Temescal corridor. In
its proposed location at the corner of Tele-
graph and Claremont, the 65-foot building
exceeds existing height limits by 20-60%,
and the stepped-back, 45-foot high Clarke
The recent revisions to the project did
include increased building articulation and
upper floor setbacks, persuading commis-
sioners on the Design Review Committee
Bus Rapid
Transit for
Telegraph?
by Ronnie Spitzer, Chair, RCPC
Aby Ronnie Spitzer, Chair, RCPC
C
Mixed Use designation; 2) adjust the zone
boundaries including: upzoning lower
Claremont to a higher intensity C-30
District Thoroughfare Commercial Zone;
3) create a new Temescal corridor combining
SD-TEM zones raising maximum density
and building heights to 45-55 feet to the
Berkeley border; 4) adopt modifications
to Telegraph Avenue’s zoning C-28; and
5) adopt a set of design guidelines specific
to the Temescal corridor.
ouncilmember Jane Brunner and the
Oakland Planning Department initiated
a community planning process to update
zoning along the Telegraph corridor and
bring it into compliance with the General
Plan. The draft proposal goes before the
Zoning Update Commission on June 20.
C Transit is working on the East Bay
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project to
improve bus service on a key corridor that
extends from downtown Berkeley through
Oakland to San Leandro, using Telegraph
Avenue, International Boulevard, and East
14th Street. BRT is patterned after European
models that combine rail features with
roadway-based transit.
Components specific to Rockridge
include: 1) adopt General Plan map amend-
ments adjusting land use classifications
(partially shown in the diagrams on page
13), by replacing the current lower Clare-
mont Avenue General Plan classification
to “Community Commercial,” which
allows a wide variety of commercial and
institutional operation, and by changing
the area bounded by Clarke Street/51st
Street/Claremont Avenue/Telegraph to a
single General Plan Neighborhood Center
The updates reflect the fact that Claremont
Avenue is now considered by the city to be a
busy thoroughfare, functioning as an automo-
tive service corridor leading to freeway ramps,
Telegraph, Rockridge and the Oakland Hills,
and could support buildings of greater scale
than envisioned by the current Claremont
Avenue General Plan designation. The city
BRT requires dedicated bus lanes, signal
prioritization, more frequent service, and
enhanced stations along the corridor. The
Draft Environmental Impact Statement/
Report (DEIS/R) evaluates BRT for its effect
Telegraph Bus, page 10
¬
Telegraph Zoning, page 13
¬

June 2, 2007

Keeping Up
With BART
by Bob Franklin, BART director, District 3
Temporary BART Parking at
Trader Joe’s New Site
Ihave any ideas or concerns about impacts,
please let me know soon, as plans are being
finalized.
Parking Lot Repaving
BART plans to repave the western and
the attended parking lots in Rockridge this
summer. The eastern permit lot will not be
impacted. Work will occur in two phases,
each lasting two weeks and displacing
about 250 of the 909 parking spots at a
time. Notices will be posted before work
begins.
Rockridge Plaza Redesign
mmediately following the MacArthur
Maze collapse, BART rider Mark Chekal-
Bain sent an e-mail to me suggesting that
BART should use Trader’s Joe’s vacant
parking lot at the former Albertson’s
site (the future home of Trader Joe’s) to
accommodate additional parking during
the freeway reconstruction. When asked,
Trader Joe’s unhesitatingly agreed to do
so until it begins work on its new store in
June. On behalf of the community, we want
to thank Trader Joe’s for its quick response
to a regional emergency.
New Drop Off Zones for BART
Commuters
Many BART commuters used parking
space made available by Trader Joe’s
at the store’s future location during
reconstruction of the damaged
section of I-880.
Photo/D. Kinkead
BART recently hired Level Four Studio
to redesign the Rockridge Plaza at the base
of the BART escalator; draft plans will
be posted on my website by July. Most of
the suggestions from the “UnderBART”
committee sponsored by RCPC will be
addressed: more seating, a direct pedestrian
path to BART, better lighting and a more
attractive landscape than ivy. I am also
working with the Rockridge merchants
association (RDA) and RCPC to install
a community kiosk and business direc-
tory for this area. BART train departure
information will soon be available on the
internet, once internal firewalls are secure
and the software is fully integrated. I am
working with a few College Avenue mer-
chants to display this real-time departure
schedule on a computer monitor in their
stores, so you will know when your BART
train is arriving without having to wait on
the platform.
Direct Service to SFO
were recently relocated because drivers
were blocking traffic when they stopped
to mail a letter.
Seismic Work and
Ivy Replacement
Seismic work on the BART system is
scheduled for Rockridge in 2009-2010 and
will impact the Rockridge BART parking
lots in phases. The foundations of the nine
pillars supporting train tracks need to be
reinforced, each requiring about a 15 foot
work zone around its base. The work will
provide an opportunity to replace the ivy at
the western end of the parking lot at Forest
and Locksley. Six alternatives to ivy are
viewable on my website (see below) along
with a map of the affected area. If you
The current Rockridge BART passenger
drop-off location inside the east parking lot
is so inconvenient that some people drop
off passengers in the College Avenue bus
stop zone, risking a $250 fine. BART has
been working with the city of Oakland,
Councilmember Brunner’s office and AC
Transit to reconfigure the bus loading zones
to include clearly delineated passenger
drop-off areas on both sides of College
Avenue. The mailboxes near the bus zones
Later this summer, BART will offer
direct service on the Pittsburg-Bay Point
line into SFO, so you will not have to
transfer if you take BART to the airport
from Rockridge. Long term parking will
also be available in BART parking lots.
Bob Franklin is the BART Director for District 3,
which includes Rockridge. E-mail: BobFranklin-
BART@aol.com, visit WWW.BobforBART.com
or phone 510/684-0026.
Rockridge
Located on Market Hall’s Lower Level
Entry on Shafter Avenue
510-655-8808
Open 7 Days
Mon- Fri 6:00 -7:30
Sat & Sun 8:00 - Noon
Free Parking!
Across from BART
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

5.
June 2, 2007

rk Corner
a
P
At right, even
tadpole Henry
Dolan had to hop
Gto it on FROG
A monthly update on
what’s happening at the
maintenance
day, April 21.
Photo: Cy Gulassa
FRO
best community-built
looks great. To par-
ticipate in future
maintenance days or
to become a FROG
Park “steward,”
contact Volunteer
Coordinator Howard
Ferrier at hwferrier
@sbcglobal.net.
Tests of E. Coli and Coliform in
Temescal Creek Meet Standards
and maintained
park in Oakland
Park Faces Changes, Challenges
by Mike McDonald, FROG steering
committee member
Global Video Site
F
Hardy Park Permanent Restroom:
Neighborhood Meeting Saturday, June 9,
10 a.m. at Hardy Park.
FROG will host a second neighborhood
meeting for those interested in the Hardy
Park permanent restroom project. Plans are
progressing; dozens of signatures of support
as well as comments and concerns have
been received. Most support the restroom
as an urgent need, but several neighbors
and park users want the restroom secured
at night so that it does not become a tran-
sient or homeless hangout. If you can’t
make the June 9 meeting but would like to
add your input, e-mail us at: frogrestroom
@rockridge.org
FROG Park Maintenance Day
A Big Success
On Earth Day, April 21, a great crew
of FROG Park community volunteers
cleared debris, shoveled sand, trimmed
brush and cleaned the Hardy and Redondo
play areas. Oakland Fire Department vol-
unteers made quick work of the sand pile
for Redondo, and extra workers from the
Friends of DMV cleared the creek bed areas.
Thanks to all who pitched in, the park now
ROG continues to be concerned about
the proposed Global Video development
site at Claremont and Telegraph Avenues.
The project went before Oakland’s Design
Review Committee late in May. The
developer reduced the size of the project
from 115 to 105 units, but has done little
to address problems like building over
the Temescal Creek culvert, creating an
extension of the greenbelt, and improving
pedestrian safety. The site sits adjacent
to the planned extension of the Greenbelt
to Telegraph and 51st Street through the
CIVIQ development.
Bacteriological (E. coli/coliform) tests
done by Friends of Temescal Creek between
2003 and 2007 show that Temescal Creek
(the creek running under and through FROG
Park) almost always meets the State non-
contact recreation standard. (“Non-contact”
means it’s okay to put hands in, but not to
go swimming.) Testing has been carried
out at least twice a year, usually winter and
summer. Samples taken from four sites,
including Hardy Park, have been collected
according to standard protocol; tests are
performed by the EPA at the Richmond
Field Station.
Major issues include: adequate space for
a publicly accessible greenbelt extension;
pedestrian hazards caused by traffic in and
out of the parking garage onto Clarke Street;
excessive shading and shadow due to build-
ing heights; and a footprint that covers the
Temescal Creek culvert, which affects future
plans to daylight the creek. Direct comments
on this development to FROG Chair Jennifer
Cooper at jennifer@live-work.com.
The results, similar to those of other
East Bay Creeks, indicate that the level of
E. coli in the creek should not be a barrier
to pumping up the creek year-round. In fact
the data show that the E. coli numbers are
lower in the winter. “However,” says Friends
of Temescal Creek member Joan Marie
Wood, “FROG Park users are advised to
wash their hands after playing in the creek
and before eating. Also, do not drink the
water! Remember that this is a creek and
that water-borne illnesses can be contracted
even from wilderness streams.” Woods
added that as part of the project to keep
the creek flowing year round, “We plan
FROG Report, page 13
¬
COLLINS ROOFING
Family Owned & Operated
482-2227 Seamus
www.collinsroofing.com
Quality Work • Free Estimates
Lic # 695711

June 2, 2007

The Rockridge Kitchen
Tour Kitchen Selection
Process is Complete —
And the
Winners Are…
by Jennifer Edmister
Aeasy, mostly walkable clusters
of three. Unfortunately, the
tour limit of nine kitchens has
caused us to forgo a number
of spectacular kitchens. The
Rockridge Community Plan-
ning Council and the Kitchen
Tour selection committee extend
heartfelt thanks to everyone who
volunteered their kitchens and
home space to this worthwhile
fundraiser.
Volunteers Still Needed
If you are interested in being a
docent, please contact Nancy
Sale at 510/655-4625.
To assist with pre-tour and
event-day activities, including
set-up, food preparation and/or
ticketing, please contact Jennifer
Edmister at 510/547-2841 or
toejrb@earthlink.net.
Brochure Advertising
fter hours poring over
maps with pushpins and
gorgeous photos, we are pleased
to announce the selection of
nine spectacular kitchens for
the 2007 Rockridge Kitchen
Tour. With a record number of
kitchens to consider, the task of
narrowing the list to just nine
was exceptionally difficult.
The final selections were based
upon a combination of factors,
including design appeal, variety
of materials, price range and
proximity to other selected
kitchens. As has been the custom
for six tours past, we tried to
group the kitchens into three
The kitchen tour brochure
provides merchants, real estate
brokers, builders, architects,
designers, decorators, and other
residential home professionals
with an opportunity to reach
an interested and enthusiastic
audience. For more information
about securing advertising space
in the tour brochure, please
contact Jo Ellis at joellis1@
hotmail.com, or, after 12 noon,
at 653-3210.
Our docent committee is
busy signing up volunteers
to guide tour guests through
our showpiece kitchens. Two
to three docents are assigned
to each home, and they rotate
duties – greeting guests at the
door, showing tour guests the
kitchens’ amenities and helping
to serve refreshments on back
patios. Docents are treated to
a pre-tour of a cluster of three
kitchens as part of their training.
A sneak preview of one
of the nine spectacular
kitchens on the October 7
tour. Avoid the rush and
save a few bucks: buy your
advance purchase tickets
now or on-line at (www.
rockridge.org) by the end
of June.
! ! ! !
Photo: Jennifer Edmister
,

YES! Save me a spot for the 2007 Rockridge Kitchen
Tour, Sunday, October 7, 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Ticket Order Form
2007 Rockridge
Kitchen Tour
Advance

Please send me the following ticket order:

_____ Number of tickets @ $30 advance price = $_________ total enclosed

Name ______________________________Phone _____/________

Address _____________________ City____________ ZIP_______

Mail this coupon, a self-addressed stamped envelope and your check or money
order payable to: RCPC/Rockridge Kitchen Tour, 5245 College Avenue PMB 311,
Oakland, CA 94618. Thank you!

In Memory
of Cynthia Karen Tilden
1951-2007
from her Rockridge neighbors
and friends.

.
June 2, 2007

Jessica Pitt: Let’s Seek Common Ground

Former RCPC Chair
Leaves Board after
Four Years of Service
studied and worked in over the years, it
has been a tremendous challenge to get
people involved in neighborhood issues.
In Rockridge, however, people have an
incredibly strong sense of attachment to
their community and choose to contribute
in many different ways, whether through
the RCPC board and its committees, the
NCPC, the schools, or as volunteers for
Earth Day clean-ups and other community
events. Some of Rockridge’s greatest assets
came about as a result of small groups of
dedicated individuals who had a vision
and undertook major projects such as the
Rockridge Branch Library, FROG Park, or
the benches along College Avenue. I was
very pleased to see so many people turn out
to vote in this year’s board election. This
was yet another demonstration of the degree
to which Rockridge residents are invested
in their community.
I under-
stand that
people feel
strongly
about these
i s s u e s —
whether they
oppose higher-
density development or support it—and much
is at stake for our community. However,
rather than a healthy dialogue in which
people listen to one another and respect-
fully engage in debate, there seems to be a
growing intolerance of divergent views. For
example, on more than one occasion I have
heard homeowners disparage renters as an
unwanted element in our community, and
speakers who express unpopular opinions
have been booed and interrupted. These
kinds of exchanges promote divisiveness,
and keep us from seeing where there might
be common ground.
In April, I stepped down from the RCPC
board of directors after two terms on the
board. During my four years in office, I
held several positions including Secretary,
Vice-Chair, and for the past year Board
Chair. After serving during one of the most
tumultuous periods in RCPC’s history, in
which our community has experienced
increasing development pressures, I come
away with a mix of emotions.
Jessica Pitt
On the one hand, I have tremendous
appreciation for the extraordinary level of
community engagement in Rockridge, from
my fellow board members who invested
uncountable hours in the RCPC to the more
than 500 people who cared enough about
their neighborhood to turn out to vote in the
annual board election. On the other hand, I
am deeply concerned about the rifts develop-
ing within our community, and especially
what I see as growing intolerance for diver-
gent views and a decline of civility.
Along with this strong sense of attach-
ment come very passionate feelings about
In the coming years Rockridge will
continue to grapple with development
pressures. As RCPC responds to these
important land use issues, as well as other
community concerns, I hope we can create
an atmosphere in which the expression of a
wide range of views is acceptable and even
encouraged. I believe that this can only
strengthen RCPC and our community, and
will lead to even more community engage-
ment and participation.
I
“Some of Rockridge’s
greatest assets came
about as a result of
small groups of
dedicated individuals
who had a vision.”
When I decided to run for the RCPC
board in 2003, I was a relative newcomer
to Rockridge. I had been a renter in the
neighborhood for three years and had just
purchased my own home. As a graduate
student in urban planning in the 1990s, my
dissertation looked at community building
initiatives around the country with a focus
on community participation. At the time, I
worked for a nonprofit where I facilitated
resident-led community improvement proj-
ects in neighborhoods throughout Oakland
and the United States. I felt that it was time
to get involved in my own community.
what we think is best for Rockridge. Over the
past two years, the intensity of those feelings
has become evident as the neighborhood has
seen a rash of new building in and around
our neighborhood. I have attended numerous
community meetings addressing this new
development, and have become concerned
about the tone of these discussions.
have greatly valued my time on the RCPC
board and feel fortunate to have worked
with so many dedicated people. I particularly
want to acknowledge and thank my fellow
board members for their contributions over
the past four years. It is my hope that we
can reaffirm the importance of civility so
that the RCPC will remain an inclusive and
welcoming organization.
In many of the communities I have
YOU MAY LIVE 30 YEARS
PAST RETIREMENT.
ARE YOU PREPARED?
Based here in Rockridge,
we specialize in:
Rockridge Resident
[24778-v1-0668]RP-260-0805
Leila S. Gough,AssociateVice President-Investments
1999 Harrison, Suite 2050 • Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 452-8060
www.agedwards.com/fc/leila.gough
Architectural remodels/additions
Gardens/outdoor spaces
New construction
2004 A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. • Member SIPC
www.AboutInsideOut.com 510.655.7674

June 2, 2007

Pastor Bill Beatty — A ‘Man for All Seasons’ Retires

seminary and not yet
fully ordained, had
accepted an interim
pastoral appointment
at College Avenue
Presbyterian Church
(CAPC). At the time
it was not clear to him
or his superiors what
exactly it was he was
called to do here. The
church, housed in a
building designed
by Julia Morgan, had
always been a bas-
tion of middle-class
respectability. But
this was 1973, and
it didn’t take Bill
long to realize that
in this time of pro-
found social change,
the old formulas of
presbytery ministry
no longer worked.
His church was not exactly moribund, but
it was not full either. Undaunted, Bill took
to the streets. He became a community/vil-
lage pastor and urban missionary, caring for
his church family and eventually building
a large spiritual community outside of the
church as well. Sundays, Pastor Bill would
be in his sanctuary, leading the congrega-
tion in singing every verse of every hymn.
But many more of us know him striding
along College Avenue Monday through
Saturday, joyfully greeting one and all,
shaking hands, sharing a cup of coffee,
being there for those in need.
After 34
years as
a community
leader and
pastor of the
College Avenue
Presbyterian
Church in
Rockridge,
Bill Beatty is
retiring. Below,
in an interview
with Ortrun
Niesar, he shares
highlights of a
ministry that
spanned decades
of cultural,
spiritual and
neighborhood
change. A
celebratory
farewell was held
at the church on
Sunday, June 3.
Photo: Ortrun Niesar
In 1973 the Bay Area was reeling from
civil and spiritual unrest spurred by the war
in Vietnam, the draft, drugs, the Summer
of Love – a volatile social cocktail spiked
with numerous subcultural movements and
rebellions. Locally there were the Black
Panthers, the Moonies, the Rashnishi,
and the Symbionese Liberation Army to
deal with. Rockridge itself had been split
in half by the Grove-Shafter Freeway and
was newly straining under the coming of
BART. People retreated in droves to Walnut
Creek, Orinda, Lafayette. College Avenue
storefronts between Claremont Avenue
and Broadway were largely papered over,
shut.
But new dwellers appeared, young
people with energy and new ideas, to help
create a new Rockridge. Bill was the perfect
messenger for this new generation. As an
enthusiastic young pastor with missionary
zeal, he reached out to one and all, using
the church assets to serve an urban com-
munity that now had very different needs.
College Avenue Presbyterian became the
venue for pre-school, youth and senior
activities, RCPC meetings, Friday eve-
ning Agapé Meals, political activism and
cultural events.
by Ortrun Niesar
The Claremont Diner was the place where
we had agreed to meet. As soon as I
entered the café, Bill Beatty’s joyful and
still very youthful face emerged from a rear
booth. There were enthusiastic handshakes
and greetings. We ordered rhubarb pie à la
mode and coffee and then we settled down
to talk for the next two and a half hours.
A new church family evolved as well: a
congregation no longer local or urban, but
global, diverse and wonderful. The world
had reached our neighborhood, and Bill
believes this paradigm is here to stay in
Roll the film back and the same scene
could have happened 34 years ago, perhaps
at Dreyer’s Coffee Shop. Bill, fresh out of
Pastor Bill, page
¬
aboutface&body
dayspa oaklandberkeley
G
R E A L T O R S
The GRUBB Co.
serving you since 1981
Specialists in
Brazilian waxing
3190 college avenue
at alcatraz
berkeley, ca 94705
510.339.0400
1960 Mountain Boulevard •Oakland
p 510.428.2600
www.aboutfaceandbody.net
510.652.2133
3070 Claremont Avenue • Berkeley
sun-tues 10:30-5:30
wed-sat 10:30-8:00

9.
June 2, 2007

Pastor Bill, from page
“Thank you,
Bill, from the
bottom of our
hearts for the
great service
you have given
not only to
your congre-
gation, but
to the entire
Rockridge
community.”
the 21st century.
Over the years Bill has served as chaplain
for Kaiser Hospital and the Oakland Police
Department; helped formulate the Oakland
City Plan; championed the racial integration
of the National Association of Evangelicals
in Oakland, and provided leadership in
many local organizations. The Beatty home
on Ocean Avenue has been host not only
to hundreds of Rockridge neighbors and
church members but also a steady stream
of visitors from around the world.
Bill and his wife Beth plan to stay on in
Rockridge but take out time to explore new
territory, perhaps carry farther the work they
have started here. There is a sister church,
St. Andrews, located in Uburu, Nigeria.
Help is urgently needed there in the local
hospital. There is a possibility of teaching,
perhaps at Patton University. But then the
bag pipes of Scotland are calling as well.
Bill has always wanted to learn how to
play them. In case you wonder, it was his
twin brother who played the bagpipes in
all those Easter processions. Bill is a tuba
player and loves to sing as well.
Bill’s love for his extended church com-
munity will continue to burn bright. No
matter where he might hear his next call,
he will always cherish the memories of his
years here. His greatest hope for Rockridge
and the church in the future is to see all of us
who live here stay long enough in one place
to allow us to deepen our relationships to
each other and to the community, to move
from mobility and excessive consumption
to a place of responsibility for each other as
well as deeper spiritual commitment.
After 36 years of serving the elderly
of the Rockridge community, the
Senior Center of the College Avenue
Presbyterian Church, 5951 College
Avenue, closed its doors May 9 with
an elegant farewell lunch hosted by
Pastor Bill Beatty, who is retiring,
and adult education teacher Cathy
Connelly. Above, top left, Pastor
Beatty reads citations awarded to
some of the 30 regulars who for years
enjoyed afternoons swapping stories,
playing games and singing around the
piano. At right above, Cathy Connelly
serves up a delicious lunch as senior
guests, dressed in Sunday best for the
occasion, share food and farewells.
They are all invited to join the senior
center at St. Leo’s Catholic Church on
Piedmont Avenue in Oakland.
Thank you, Bill, from the bottom of
our hearts for the great service you have
given not only to your congregation, but to
the entire Rockridge community. We do
not say good-bye, but thank you for your
spirit, love and inspiration. We hope that
you will stick around to see your dream
for Rockridge come true.
3. The congregation has also decided to
establish a Support Ministries Fund (the
Pastor Bill & Beth Fund). Please call the
church for more details at 510/658-3665.
Pastor Bill’s direct line is 510/547-3053.
CAPC said good-bye to Bill and Beth
Beatty in a day full of celebration on June
Small Office Specialists
Small Office Specialists
Regency Antique Restoration
Professional and Experienced
ALL Furniture Repairs
For a kitchen,
In-Home Services
New finishes & waxing
consult a kitchen expert.
For a closet,
find a closet designer.
For your office,
FREE ESTIMATES
Pickup & Delivery
come to us.
5933 College Ave. (off Claremont) Oakland, 510-654-9500
534-0603
Bruce Wagg
bruce@bayareaantiques.com
WWW.GALVINS.COM
1265 Veterans Blvd., Redwood City, 650-365-7800

10.

June 2, 2007

Summer Reading
Telegraph Bus?
Crime Summit
from page
from page
from page
on traffic and parking, and examines envi-
ronmental impacts and cost-effectiveness. A
key Rockridge concern is that the Telegraph
and Alcatraz intersection may, in the future,
require substantial reconfiguration.
neighborhoods like East Oakland. Criminals
looking for greener pastures can be expected
to look for them in other neighborhoods.
As Assistant District Attorney Tom Rogers
puts it: “When one fishing hole is fished
out they go to another.”
The other series features Alex Rider, the
14-year-old nephew of a secret agent who
goes undercover for Britain’s intelligence
agency, MI6, in an exciting series of books
with a James Bond feel and plenty of spy
gadgets.
& The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan,
AC Transit is hosting hearings to provide
information and receive comment: Open
house 5:30 p.m; public hearing 7 p.m.
Rogers also believes that a pattern of
lenient sentencing has created repeat crimi-
nals. He urges communities and NCPCs
to unite behind an effort to strengthen
sentencing for crimes like auto burglary
and auto theft, which are often classified
as misdemeanors with no time served.
(377 pages):
ADD/ADHD, or DEMIGOD? After learning
that he is the son of a mortal woman and
Poseidon, god of the sea, 12-year-old Percy
is sent to a summer camp for demigods like
himself, and joins his new friends on a quest
to prevent a war between the gods. Sea of
Monsters, and Titan’s Curse follow.
& The Case of the Missing Marquess
n Thursday June 7, Metropolitan
Transportation Commission, Audi-
torium, 101-8th Street (at Oak);
n Wednesday, June 13, Fruitvale/San
Antonio Senior Center, Fruitvale Transit
Village, 3301 East 12th Street, Suite 201
(opposite Fruitvale Public Market),
The DEIS/R is available at www.actransit.
org/brtdraft_eis.wu. The Rockridge com-
munity is encouraged to submit comments
via mail: East Bay BRT Project Office, AC
Transit, 1600 Franklin Street, Oakland,
CA 94612; or at the web site http://www.
actransit.org/brtcomment.wu. Comments
are due no later than 5 p.m., July 3.
Rogers says that community pressure
to bring stricter sentencing to the criminal
justice system is one important way to get
criminals off the streets and teach them that
there are penalties for breaking the law.
by Nancy Springer. An Enola Holmes
Mystery, (216 pages):
Enola Holmes, the much younger sister of
detective Sherlock Holmes, must travel to
London in disguise to unravel the disap-
pearance of her missing mother.
& Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief by
Wendelin Van Draanen, (168 pages)
Detective Sammy searches for the thief she
saw through her binoculars – and who caught
her looking back at him! A great series of
urban mysteries with realistic crimes and
neighborhood characters.
Find information about NCPC meetings
and crime rates at www.rockridgencpc.com.
Thinking of
Selling?
Rebecca Lueck, LCSW
Get a Free Home Value Report at:
ValueMyHouse.com
Individual and
Family Counseling
(415) 235-1071
Located at College and Alcatraz
Treating relationship issues,
anxiety, depression, panic disorders,
childhood trauma, grief, infertility

and adoption, and addictions.
Sliding scale : Insurance accepted
Norman H. Burg, DDS
General Dentistry
(510) 652-1517
5700 Broadway, Oakland
A Prevention Oriented Practice

11.
June 2, 2007

STAND Says Temescal Condos Require Environmental Review

by Bob Brokl
S
Gate 48) would be demolished, including
the developers’ headquarters and three
rental housing buildings.
the position that state law forbids granting
of so many variances to projects in such
close proximity, without rezoning. The
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for
the General Plan requires as a mitigation
measure for ground floor commercial on the
Shattuck street frontage, but the planning
commission overruled even this limited
adjustment, instead allowing ground floor
residential.
tanding Together for Accountable
Neighborhood Development (STAND),
a Temescal-based organization, is challeng-
ing plans for a 5-story, 44-unit, market rate
condo project for 4801 Shattuck, which was
approved by the city planning commission
April 4. A hearing before the city council
on the appeal has not yet been scheduled.
City planning staff recommends a major
conditional use permit and four “minor”
variances (waivers of existing zoning
requirements) for height and setbacks for
this building. All in all, the 6-story project
at 4801 Telegraph Temescal Place, Gate 48
and 4801 Shattuck, if approved as proposed,
will require 13 variances.
STAND argues that these developments
require a California Environmental Qual-
ity Act (CEQA) review and has retained
environmental/land use attorney Jeff Hoff-
man to help with the appeal. His letter to
the city asks that environmental review be
conducted, beginning with an “initial study.”
He points out that the CEQA categorical
exemption for infill development used to
avoid environmental review cannot be
invoked if these projects require variances in
order to conform to existing zoning/general
plan designations. STAND further takes
The developers are Roy Alper, Ron Kriss,
and Patrick Zimski. Their other projects
include Temescal Place at 4801 Telegraph,
Civiq at 51st and Telegraph, Contrada at
4700 Telegraph, and the “Kingfish” at 52nd
and Telegraph/5200 Claremont.
Analysis of cumulative impacts could
affect the decisionmaking on all the
proposed condo projects on the Temescal-
Rockridge border, especially the largest to
date, the 105-unit, 6-story Hauser “Creek-
side” building proposed for Telegraph
Avenue at Claremont.
The 4801 Shattuck building would
stretch from the corner of Shattuck and 48th
to another project of theirs, Gate 48. All
existing buildings on this block (excepting
For more information: Robert Brokl
(of the STAND steering committee),
broklcrofts@earthlink.net. Contributions to
STAND’s legal fund can be sent to STAND,
P.O. Box 20486, Oakland, CA, 94620.
Pilates Plus
Mon – Fri 9:30 – 6:00
Sat 9:30 – 5:00
CHIMES
PHARMACY
Serving Rockridge Since 1909
Pilates
Gyrotonics
Strength and Flexibility Training
®
5255 College Avenue
Susan Bernosky LUTCF
Oakland CA 94618
3210 College Avenue
Insurance Agent
(510) 450-9050
www.pilatesoncollege.com
Near Alcatraz
510 . 420 . 1412
652-1990
5940 COLLEGE AVE #A
OAKLAND
susanbernosky@allstate.com
CA Lic: 0738807,0D34069
Call me today to see how you can save
when you combine your auto policies.
(Spend more on your honeymoon).
Rockridge Homes Not Sitting on the Market!
Address
Bed/Ba.
List Price
Selling Price
Close Date
6040 Ocean View Drive
3/1
$ 1,095,000
$ 1,350,000
5/1/2007
5343 Broadway Avenue
2/2
$495,000
$ 485,000
5/2/2007
5732 Clover Drive
3/1
$ 875,000
$ 891,000
5/2/2007
5724 Broadway
2/1
$ 629,000
$ 741,000
5/4/2007
5224 Boyd
4/2
$659,000
$620,000
5/11/2007
I
Notary Public available

f you listed your home and it sold in May of this year, the average time on the market was
only 15 days! Last year at this time houses sat on the market a little longer. However if size
matters, this time last year the avg. sq ft for a house sold was almost 1900, as compared with
this year, the avg. was 1571 sq ft according to public records.

Insurance and savings subject to availability and qualiﬁcations.
Savings applies to most major coverages. Allstate Indemnity
Company: Northbrook, IL.
©2004 Allstate Insurance Company.

12.

June 2, 2007

Free Food, Songs, Rockridge News Booze; Wow!

challenge,” commented guest
Henrietta Radcliff after the
party. “Who could ask for any-
thing more?”
As a thank you to some of
the 144 neighbors who
faithfully deliver The Rockridge
News to your doorstep each
month, RCPC and the news
staff hosted a dinner party last
month in the hall of the Berke-
ley Korean United Methodist
Church on Hudson Avenue at
Manila. Forty of the valiant
feasted on hors d’oeuvres from
Garibaldi’s, lasagna from Market
Hall, and strawberries and
cookies from local markets.
Bottles of coveted Rockridge
News Booze (Sip Booze with the
News) Chardonay were awarded
to those who scored highest on
a quiz of events covered in the
235 issues of The Rockridge
News published since its found-
ing in 1986, as well as to those
who created and belted out the
cleverest lyrics to “99 Bottles
of Beer on the Wall.” Sample:
“I deliver the Rockridge News
/ Every month for free / Up the
stairs and down the stairs / My
feet are killing me.”
“I got food, fun and a
Join the Rockridge
News Team
If you’ve got about 15 minutes of free
time each month you can support your
community by delivering The Rockridge
News to your neighbors. Please let us
know if you would like to pick up one of
the open routes listed below. Call Susan at
547-3855 or email her at smontauk@gmail.
com to volunteer.
Route
Delivery Area Description
24B
North side of Alcatraz from Hil-
legass to Benvenue, 6400 block
of Hillegass and Woolsey from
Hillegass to Benvenue.
21G Along the odd numbers of 6000
A few of the 144-member Rockridge News home delivery team at a
dinner party last month. Above right, a young deliverer-in-training
helps Mom with The Rockridge News quiz. Photos: Cy Gulassa
Claremont.
SIMPLIFY!
Clutter Control
Paper/Filing Systems
Kitchens/Closets
Space Planning
Packing/Unpacking
Solutions for the critical mess
Non-Judgmental & Confidential
www.SummersOrganizing.com
Barbara ✔ 415-381-0707

13.
June 2, 2007

Telegraph Zoning
from page
claims these changes would permit higher
building densities consistent with General
Plan, State and regional policies for major
transit corridors, and allow for more uniform
development, albeit at a higher density, in
the Clarke/51st/Claremont area.
Impacts to Lower Rockridge from this
proposal are being evaluated by the RCPC
Land Use Committee. To become involved,
contact rcpcchair@rockridge.org
Present Telegraph Zoning Proposed
Safeway Plans
FROG Report
The Zoning Counter
The Zoning Counter is a compilation of re-
cent applications filed with the Oakland
Planning Department. Individuals may contact
the case planner or the Planning Department
for additional information by phone or on-line
at www.oaklandnet.com.
from page
from page
get the project underway, Safeway expects to
spend the summer getting community input
and making preliminary drawings.
to continue bacteriological testing twice a
year and need trained volunteers to help.”
To get involved and/or volunteer, contact
Joan Marie Wood at: joanmariew@earthlink.
net. E. coli data will soon be available at
www.temescalcreek.org.
The company has retained a Berkeley-
based consulting firm, Aroner, Jewel & Ellis
Partners, to coordinate outreach to the com-
munity, elected officials and planning staff.
As part of that effort Safeway will create
a special website devoted to the College
and Claremont store rebuild that will post
architectural drawings, list community meet-
ings and allow users to share thoughts and
concerns as the project moves forward.
a
318 & 320 Hudson Street
cross-cultural congregation
striving to partner with
the Rockridge community
in lifestyle and service.
Proposal: To replace an existing accessory
structure limited to 12 feet in height within
rear and side yard setback which covers more
than 50% of rear yard setback. This project also
includes replacement of the deck and stairs
located at the rear of the existing duplex.
Contact: Stan Wu 510/421-0200
Owner: Stan Wu
Planning Permits Required: Variance to replace a
361 square ft accessory building covering 62% of
the rear yard setback where 50% is allowed.
Case Planner: Jason Madani at 510/238-4790 or
jsmadani@oaklandnet.com
Neighbors are invited to the RCPC Town
Hall Meeting on June 21 [see agenda box,
page 1] to learn more about the project
and share ideas and concerns. This is your
chance to let Safeway managers know your
views in the early stages of development;
they hope many Rockridge residents will
take advantage of this opportunity.
College Avenue Presbyterian Church
5951 College Avenue, Oakland 510 658-3665
Sunday worShip 10:30 aM • ViSit: capcchurch.org
our wonderful coMMunity Meal, fridayS, 6-7pM
a great opportunity to SerVe
Low Down Payment Loans
now available for families
moving from small
2-bedroom homes to larger
3- & 4-bedroom homes.
Call 888-293-2477 ext. 1
Your Neighborhood Rockridge Mortgage Specialist
for a free recorded message.
Fatima N. Ali
E-MAIL: Buyali@aol.com
Rates are Low!
It’s a good time to buy as we
move into a Buyer’s Market!
Take advantage of
great inventory —
Call now for Pre-approval!
Monica C. Di Perna
510-225-5635
monicaloan@aol.com
15 years in the mortgage industry;
I am a Rockridge resident

14.

June 2, 2007

Handyman
Carpentry, electrical, Kitchen, bath, decks,
fence, drainage, foundation repair, windows,
walls, dry rot, termite damage. Lic#458473
Don 510/812-0310.
Identity Theft!
Would you know what to do if it happened
to you? Get the EXPERTS on your side. Very
affordable and get peace of mind today! Free
information: www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/
jmforest.
Your Message Could Be Here
Your 36-word message is $20. (Phone number
counts as one word). Mail to: RN Clas-
sifieds, 5245 College Avenue, PMB 311,
Oakland, CA 94618. July deadline is June 21.
For information: e-mail smontauk@gmail.com
Manicure & Pedicure
We use Zoya polish which does not contain
formaldehyde or toluene or DBT. Call Halina
@ Milagro Salon, 5269 Broadway @ College.
510/593-5080. Mention this ad and receive a
10% discount.
Work From Home!
Internet business opportunity with 34-year-
old NTSE company. PT/FT. Unlimited income
potential maketing s service everyone needs.
Training, support provided. Free information:
http://JForest.buildlastingsuccess.com.
High Quality Gardening
Skilled maintenance and fine gardening, aesthetic
pruning, outdoor lighting, irrigation, clean-ups,
real estate prep, installations. Organic practices.
14 years in the Berkeley/Oakland area. Green’s
Gardens—Green Huse. 510/593-3490.
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 510/761-7168.
Ergonomic Workstation &
Movement Analysis
We work onsite at your business or home office
to solve equipment/body usage problems with
easy, cost-effective solutions. Bodies that feel
better get more done! The Body At Work:
510/601-9863, www.thebodyatwork.com.
Housecleaning Cooperative
Reasonable rates. Expert & reliable service
from local employment cooperative. Call
499-5836 and we’ll send someone to spiff
up your home. Ask for our references from
Rockridge clients.
We Hand Wash Rugs from
Around the World!
Fifty years of rug washing and repair as well as
carpet and upholstery cleaning in Rockridge
homes. Yes, we will pick up your rugs. www.
Applebycleaning.com 510/351-5230.
Pop Singing Classes for
Girls
New summer session for Girls ages 9-13. Sing
songs from the Wiz and the Wizard of Oz!
Vocal technique, group dynamics. Tuesdays,
Thursdays, 7-8 pm. 3 weeks, 6 classes. June
26th-July 12th. Lisa 510/653-0107.
Jazz & Classical Piano Lessons
Rockridge jazz pianist with UC Berkeley
music B.A. offers lessons in jazz, blues, clas-
sical, music theory, ear-training, technique.
Experienced, patient teacher, all ages/levels.
Janet 653-6783.
Educational Therapy for
Adolescents and Adults
Shawn Usha provides assessment, intervention,
and tutoring to set the challenged learner on
the path to learning success by developing
the necessary tools, self-knowledge, attitude,
and skills. www.iknowhowtolearn.com
510/450-0646.
Aesthetic Pruning and
Garden Maintenance
Combining art and science in the care of your
garden. Complete garden maintenance or sea-
sonal pruning of trees and shrubs under 20 feet.
Specialties: Japanese maples, pines, camellias.
Bruce Thompson 510/428-4964.
$1900 Prime Business
Location at College &
Claremont
Large, carpeted open space below street level.
Sidewalk entrance on College. Adjacent bath-
rooms. Formerly Gymboree space. Minimum
one-year lease. Utilities included. Call College
Avenue Presbyterian Church: 510/658-3665.
Unexpected Guests?
Short-term rental, lovely room 2 blocks
from Rockridge BART in owner’s flat. Wi-fi,
cable, t.v. Photos available. Barbird@aol.com
510/652-7044.
Kitchens
• Design
• Remodeling
• Showroom Sales
www.acornkitchens
andbaths.com
KITCHENS & BATHS
510
547-6581
4640 TELEGRAPH AVE • OAKLAND
HOURS: T-F 10-5 • SAT. 10-4
$PMMFHF"WF

15.
June 2, 2007

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

Rockridge Branch Library
month from 1 to 5pm. For more information: 420-8775
or Writefox@aol.com.
Knitting Classes for Seniors (50+): All levels wel-
come. Beginners bring light color yarn and a pair of
size 8 needles. If experienced, bring projects to work
on. Tuesdays, from 12:30 to 2:30pm in the upstairs
meeting room.
Lawyers in the Library: Free legal advice. Can-
celled for July.
ART EXHIBITS:
Center (WCRC) Gallery, 5741 Telegraph Ave. Wheelchair
accessible. Show co-sponsored by the American Cancer
Society. 601-4040 x111 or wcrc@wcrc.org.
5366 College Avenue, 597-5017
FOR CHILDREN:
ó
Rockridge Area Artists
Toddler Story Time: 1st and 2nd Saturdays, 10:30am:
6/2, 6/9, 7/7.
Pre-School Story Time: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays,
10:30am: 6/6, 6/20 (Zoomobile).
Pajama Story Time: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 7pm:
6/12, 6/26 (puppet show).
SPECIAL EVENTS FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES:
ó
Will participate in ProArts Open Studios June 9-10.
Maps and info available at the Rockridge Library, 5366
College Ave. More info: Liz at 654-5741.
ó
ó
ó
Benefit Concert at Hudson Bay Café
Flamenco concert, Saturday, June 16, 7-10pm. Pro-
ceeds to benefit the Rockridge Library. All donations
welcome. 5401 College Ave., (corner of Hudson). Info:
Sadri at 658-0214.
Gallery: June: Dana Davis, photographs.
The Summer Reading Program begins on Saturday,
6/9. Children of all ages, get ready to sign up and get
prizes for reading.
Magic Show: Jean-Paul Valjean performs magic
and clowning for all ages, 6/9, 7pm.
Zoomobile: Meet live animals. 6/20, 10:30am. Best
for pre-schoolers.
Puppet Show: The Puppet Art Theater performs
“Tommy’s Train Trouble.” 6/26, 7pm. All ages wel-
come.
Family Reading Workshop: Reading fun for parents
and children (ages 2 to 6). 6/30, 10:30am. For more
info and to register call Erica: 597-5017.
FOR TEENS:
ó
July: Oakland Art Association exhibit.
Lobby Display Case:
June: Puppets and book illustrations by
Katherine Tillotson.
July: Oakland Art Association.
ó
Wisteria Ways Concert Series
Moira Smiley and VOCO, joined by members of Kitka:
Vocal and instrumental Balkan, Appalachian and African-
American music. Saturday, 6/30 at 8:30pm (a 6pm show
will be added if the later show sells out). 383 61st Street,
inside venue (not wheelchair accessible). $18 suggested
donation for musicians. Reservations recommended
(limited seating). RSVP to info@WisteriaWays.
org or 655-2771.
ó
LIBRARY HOURS:
Mon. and Tues, 12:30 to 8pm.
Wed., Thurs. and Sat. 10am to 5:30pm.
ó
Fri., 12 to 5:30pm. Closed
Sundays and Wed. July 4.
ó
Diesel Book & Poetry Events
All events are FREE and open to the public.
Monday, 6/11, 7:30pm: Amnesty International meet-
ing. All welcome.
Wednesday. 6/13, 7:30pm: Drew Curtis, founder of
FARK.com: It’s not News, It’s FARK; How Mass Media
Passes Off Crap as News.
Thursday, 6/14, 7:30pm: Local author Anita Amir-
rezvani: The Blood of Flowers.
Wednesday, 6/20, 7:30pm: Michele Simon: Appetite
for Profit. How to counter-attack groups that undermine
nutrition policy in schools and elsewhere.
Sunday, 6/24, 3pm: Local writing group, Wednesday
Writers, will read from their new collection, Something
That Matters.
5433 College Ave. For more information about other
events, Book Discussion Groups and El Grupito, the
Spanish discussion group: 510/653-9965 or www.
dieselbookstore.com.
Concerts at the Chimes
ó
Summer Volunteers, ages 11 to 16, needed to help
run the Summer Reading Program. Each volunteer
must attend an orientation with a parent or guardian.
To get details and sign up, call Erica Siskind or Gay
Ducey at 597-5017.
Anime Club: Teens ages 13 and up, watch and talk
about new anime (Japanese animation) with other
teens. 2nd Tuesday of each month, from 5 to 6:30pm,
upstairs meeting room. Film on 6/15 is Naruto (episode
100+). For more info, call Susy, the Teen Specialist
Librarian, at 597-5017.
Teen Advisory Board: Talk about what YOU want
at the library. First meeting on Wed., 6/20, 3:30 to
4:30pm.
Teen Summer Program, June 9 through Aug. 11.
Assist beginning computer users, help younger kids
with the Summer Reading Game. Earn points for
Teen Summer Prizes. Teens with at least 10 hours
of combined library activity time will be invited to a
celebration with raffles and snacks. Call for more
info and to sign up.
FOR ADULTS:
ó
Soul at the Chimes: “Songs to Freedom.” Gospel
concert and reception. Fundraiser for Bay Area
Repertory Theater (BayART). Sunday, June 10, 2 to
4pm followed by reception (door open 1:30pm). Tickets
in advance ($20/$15 Sr. or student) through www.
brownpapertickets.com or at the door $25/$20.
Info: 464-3086 or info@bayarearep.org.
Father’s Day Jazz Jam and Brunch: Free. All dads
and musical kids, bring your instruments and jam
with some of the Bay Area’s finest jazz sidemen. All
instruments and vocalists welcome. Light brunch
provided. Sunday, June 17, 11am to 1pm. Info/sign-
ups: 228-3218. Followed by:
Jazz at the Chimes with the Hal Stein Quartet.
Sunday, June 17, 2pm. Ticket sales at the door begin at
12:30pm: $10 (cash only) for concert and reception.
Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. For more
info about the Jazz Jam or concerts: 228-3218, www.
lifemarkgroup.com/oakland/special-events.
asp or mdorazi@lifemarkgroup.com.
ó
ó
ó
ó
ó
ó
ó
ó
ó
ó
Temescal Street Fair
Entertainment on 2 stages, arts and crafts, fashion show,
children’s activities including a climbing wall and great
food and drink from local restaurants. Saturday, June 9,
from noon to 6pm along Telegraph Ave. between 48th
and 51st streets. Valet bike parking by East Bay Bike
Coalition. Info: Karen Hester, 654-6346 or Karen@
hesternet.net.
Beginning Computer Skills: get help from teen
volunteers on Thursdays, 4 to 5:30pm and Fridays,
4:30 to 5:30pm. Make an appointment with the adult
reference desk: 597-5017.
Writers Support/Critique Group. ALL writers
welcome. Bring at least 10 copies of 5 pages of your
prose for on-site reading/discussion. Sponsored by
the California Writers Club, Berkeley branch (www.
berkeleywritersclub.org/).Third Saturday of the
ó
North Oakland Senior Center
Flea Market
Saturday, June 9, 8am to 4pm. Vendor spaces available
for $10 (cash). Purchase in advance at reception desk.
Donations also accepted for the Sr. Center booth (no
clothing). 5714 MLK, Jr. Way; Flea Market in parking lot
on 58th Street. More info at 597-5085.
“Significant Others”
ó
Third annual art show featuring the works of 14 local
artists from the LGBT community. Show runs through
June 28 (June is LGBT Pride Month). Regular gallery
hours: M – F, 9am to 5pm. Women’s Cancer Resource
$5 FREE DRYCLEANING with garment orders over $28
or $3 OFF orders over $15
Dry Cleaning only Present with incoming order
Garden Cleaners
5808 College Avenue, Oakland
EXPERT
SHIRT
LAUNDERING!
601-1188
Mon – Fri 7 – 7 • Sat 8 – 6
Across from Zachary’s Pizza

16.

June 2, 2007

VINITA GOKHALE
ROCKRIDGE REALTOR AND HOMEOWNER
ROBERTS ELECTRIC
Happy
RECO
COMMERCIAL
RESIDENTIAL
You are invited to
visit my new neigh-
borhood website at
the address below
for local information,
links and real estate
information. – Vinita
http://www.myrockridgeneighbors.com
INSTALLATION • REPAIR • 220 WIRING
New
NEW CONSTRUCTION • REMODEL
FREE ESTIMATES
Year!
2408 Webster St. 834-6161 Oakland
SERVING THE EAST BAY SINCE 1932
CA. LIC# 728215
510-717-0630
510-428-0757
Email: Vinita@realtyadvocates.com
SPY
PI PE
™
• Trenchless Sewer Pipe
Replacement
• TV Pipe Inspections
• Drain & Sewer Service
Coming in June
Free Estimates
Over 25 Years Experience
IMMEDIATE RESPONSE
5849 Virmar Avenue
Charming Craftsman Bungalow in Rockridge
(510) 465-3000
3 Bed/ 1 Bath
License #754966
Open Sundays 1-5 pm
574 48th St.
New Condos
in Temescal
12 Brand New Condos in Temescal
1 bed/1 bath from $399K
2 bed/ 1 bath from $475K
Up to $25K in Builder Incentives Available
www.Gate48.Net
“YOUR 24/7
REALTOR”
L A W T O N
Ron Kriss, Broker
Lawton Associates
510-547-5970 Ext. 55
ronkriss@jps.net
A S S O C I A T E S
“#1 in Rockridge Real Estate”
R E A L E S T A T E
B R O K E R A G E
Is there a move in your future?
Talk to me about featuring your home
For Sale in this ad space as well as other
creative marketing ideas
Terry Kulka 510/339-4789
terrykulka@att.net
http://www.terrykulka.com
With over 300 homes sold –
Experience Counts

Jan Fougner
OWNER – BROKER
BUYING OR SELLING IN
ROCKRIDGE? IF YOU
NEED THE SERVICES
OF A REALTOR, CALL
29
ME. I HAVE 28 YEARS
OF ROCKRIDGE SALES
EXPERIENCE AND THE
EXPERTISE YOU NEED.
6 5 5 - 2 3 3 0
ROCKRIDGE
R
E
A
L T
Y
6 0 1 9 C O L L E G E AV E N U E
WHAT’S SO SPECIAL
ABOUT
ASHBY LUMBER?
1,458
years of
Experience,
…as of today.
ASHBY LUMBER
HARDWARE & BUILDING SUPPLIES
824 ASHBY AVE
BERKELEY
(510) 843-4832 OPEN 7 DAYS
2295 ARNOLD INDUSTRIAL WAY
CONCORD (925) 689-8999 Mon-Sat
KEVIN BROWN
Broker
654-8707 or 593-4780
PROVIDING
Professional,
Full Service
Real Estate Brokerage
To Rockridge Clients
For Over 26 Years.
SPECIALIZING IN
27
W Residential Sales
W Income Property
W Commercial
W Property Management
Better Homes
Realty
5353 College Avenue
Oakland