Extracted text · highlighting “Lyn Hikida”

www.rockridge.org

VOL. 22  NO. 10  ISSUE NO. 239  November 3, 2007 
 CIRCULATION: 5,100 Residences; 200 Businesses

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

Rockridge Community Planning Council (RCPC)
Agenda: November Town Hall Meeting
Thursday, November 15, 7 p.m.,
Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College
Avenue at Manila, Community Room
Authors’ Night: Extreme Weather &
Poetic Watersheds
• Christopher C. Burt, author of Extreme

Weather, and expert on heat bursts and other
strange meteorological events, will describe how
changing environment influences the weather.
• Pamela Michael, Bay Area writer and radio producer,
will discuss ways to inspire community engagement and
awareness through exploration of local watersheds.
Open Forum including Planning and Project
Review Committee updates
Plus: FREE Compact fluorescent light bulb giveaway
at the meeting. Details, page 5.


Mayor Ron Dellums, center, listens as local real estate broker
and developer Ron Kriss, right, opines that crime is driving
people out of Oakland. Dellums discussed the state of the city
at Councilwoman Jane Brunner’s, left, bimonthly community
meeting in October.                                             Photo: Anna L. Marks
Authors’ Night:
Extreme Weather and
Poetic Watersheds
Dellums: Partnership,
Collaboration, Philanthropy to
Solve Oakland’s Problems
by Margaret Wahlberg
We often hear on the news that today was the hot-
test, coldest, wettest, or snowiest on record. Is
the climate really becoming more extreme as a result
of global warming and environmental change? Come
to the RCPC Town Hall meeting November 15 at the
Rockridge Library from, 7-9 p.m., to hear Christopher C.
Burt, author of Extreme Weather, describe how changing
environment influences the weather. He’s an interna-
tionally recognized expert on heat bursts, electrified
dust storms, snow rollers, pink snowstorms, luminous
tornadoes, falls of fish and toads, ball lightning, super
bolts, and other strange meteorological events.
Burt is co-founder of the acclaimed Compass Ameri-
can Guides series. His weather articles have appeared in
the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles
Times, and Condé Nast Traveler. He now resides in
Oakland, “a city of unremitting weather dullness.”
The November Town Hall will also feature Bay Area
writer and radio producer Pamela Michael, who will
discuss ways to inspire community engagement and
awareness through sensitive exploration of local water-
sheds. She is executive director and co-founder with
former U.S. Poet Laureate
by Anna L. Marks
C
Elementary School.
rime, development, schools and
the expansion of Children’s
Hospital dominated the concerns of
local residents who attended Coun-
cilwoman Jane Brunner’s Town Hall
meeting with Mayor Ron Dellums
on Saturday, October 13, at Peralta
The standing-room-only event
was, for many, the first time to see
and hear the mayor speak about
his vision for Oakland, and his
opportunity to re-envision his plan
for “the model city.” As he stated,
“the business
Dellums, page 10
¬
Rockridge Welcomes Trader Joe’s
Crowds throng
opening: story
and photos
page 3
Authors, page 12
¬


2.

November 3, 2007

Affordable Housing 101
ROCKRIDGE BRANCH LIBRARY
5366 College Avenue
by Gloria Bruce, RCPC Secretary
Warea’s median income, which in the East
Bay is $83,800. Some affordable housing
is targeted at special-needs populations like
formerly homeless young adults, seniors, or
the disabled. Residents typically have jobs
and pay taxes, and include families and
people of all backgrounds.
597-5017
ith people at all income levels affected
by rising foreclosure rates, housing
costs – always a hot topic in the Bay Area
– have been even more at the forefront of
public debate. Groups on both sides of the
development debate in Oakland claim to
advocate for “affordable housing” – so
just what does that mean and why should
you care?
HOURS:
Mon,Tues:
Weds,Thurs, Sat:
12:30 – 8 p.m.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
12 – 5:30 p.m.
CLOSED & Nov 22-23
Friday:
Sunday:
Library program details: See Calendar, page 15.
Often, low-income housing is con-
structed by non-profit developers who
limit occupancy to households below a
certain income level and ensure resident
costs stay below 30% of their income. Such
housing is funded by city and state money,
The Rockridge News, founded in 1986 by Don Kinkead,
is published monthly in Oakland and is sponsored by
the Rockridge Community Planning Council (RCPC),
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.
Whether you can afford one of the
$800,000 homes advertised in this news-
letter, or you are struggling just to make
rent, high housing
costs have effects
that go far beyond
Rockridge. We all
lose when service
workers, teachers,
and public safety
officers leave Oak-
land because housing
is too expensive.
Drivers suffer from congestion caused in
part by people commuting long distances
to lower-priced homes in the suburbs. Open
land is eaten up by new housing designed for
the rich or for those who want more space
than they can afford in the urban core.
federal tax credits,
foundation grants,
and loans from
banks fulfilling
their community
investment require-
ments.
“an inclusionary ordi-
nance… requires new
residential develop-
ments of a certain size
to include a percentage of
affordably priced units.”
Rockridge News Production
Cy Gulassa...........................Editor
Ortrun Niesar.....................The Muse
Barry Kaufman...................Food
Jo Ellis...................................Advertising &
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, Stuart Flashman,
Cy Gulassa, Ellen Peterson, Peter St. John,
Jeff Small, Richard W. Smith,
Danica Truchlikova, Margaret Wahlberg
Contact the Board: rcpcchair@rockridge.org
Multiple studies
have shown that
affordable housing
has no negative impacts on surrounding
property values. What’s more, occupants
tend to own fewer cars and thus have
less impact on traffic than those in high-
end developments. Like any residential
development, affordable housing can be a
neighborhood asset if it is well-designed
with both residents and neighbors in
mind.
What is affordable housing? According to
the federal government, affordable housing
costs no more than 30% of a household’s
income. Beyond that, affordable housing
can take many forms, from small studios
to 4-bedroom single-family homes. It can
have avant-garde architecture, or can give
a new life to a historic property, like the
Hotel Oakland downtown.
For information: info@rockridge.org
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.
One way to provide affordable housing
is through a local “inclusionary ordinance”
that requires new residential developments
of a certain size to include a percentage of
lower-priced units. Usually, developers must
set aside 10-20% of their units for lower- or
moderate-income families or pay a substan-
tial fee to the city to be used for affordable
housing. Berkeley, San Francisco, and over
60 other Bay Area cities are using inclusion-
ary housing as an effective tool for creating
mixed-income neighborhoods. Oakland is
Contacting The Rockridge News
 Are there community issues you’d like to see
covered in The Rockridge News?
 Do you have questions about newsletter
distribution?
 Want to volunteer to be a Rockridge News
While most affordable housing has
government funding assistance, it is not
synonymous with public housing – a type of
subsidized apartments owned and operated
by a housing authority.
Mblock captain?
 Would you like to write a letter to the Editor?
Contact us at one of the following:
Editor: editor@rockridge.org
www.rockridge.org
The Rockridge News, 5245 College Avenue,
PMB 311, Oakland, CA 94618
RCPC Voicemail: 510/869-4200
uch affordable housing is rented
or sold to families who are “low-
income,” or making less than 80% of the
Articles submitted for publication may be e-mailed
to the above address. Submissions are limited to
600 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.
Affordable Housing, page 
¬
$5 FREE DRYCLEANING with garment orders over $28
or $3 OFF orders over $15
Dry Cleaning only  Present with incoming order
Newsletter Advertising/Deadlines
Publication date of the next issue is
 December 8, 2007
 December deadline is November 22.
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.)
Garden Cleaners
5808 College Avenue, Oakland
EXPERT
SHIRT
LAUNDERING!
601-1188
Mon – Fri  7 – 7 • Sat  8 – 6
Across from Zachary’s Pizza


.
November 3, 2007

Rockridge-Friendly Trader Joe’s Open for Thanksgiving

by Jeff Small, RCPC Boardmember
Fordinances and a bit of salesmanship, as well
as TJ’s cooperation and good faith. Below
is a partial list of project changes:
Landscaping in the Parking Lot: RCPC
convinced TJ’s to replant the inner lot area
and are in negotiations to persuade them to
replant the College Avenue side.
Bike Parking: RCPC met with Jason
Patton, Oakland’s Bicycle/Pedestrian
Program Manager and designed a 24 bike
parking lot schematic for TJ’s that was
accepted. The cement has been poured and
the U-Racks  are on order.
Signage: RCPC has received complaints
about the current signage and is investigat-
ing conformity with zoning.
Pedestrian Safety: The City agreed to
restripe and redo signage at the two College
Avenue crosswalks in front of TJ’s and the
Oak Grove Avenue crosswalk at Zachary’s
Pizza. A request for zebra striping awaits
confirmation. We are off to a good start. Our
next goal will be to create safe pedestrian
access from Miles Avenue.
or Oakland residents who have waited
for Trader Joe’s to open in Oakland,
their wishes came true – twice. The store on
College Avenue and the store on Lakeshore
opened October 26 within 20 minutes of
each other.


Since TJ’s moved into a pre-exist-
ing structure on College, using the same
conditional use permit (CUP) as the previ-
ous tenant (Albertson’s), few City zoning
approvals were needed. For mitigations
of community impacts, RCPC relied on
convincing arguments, research into City

My friends often ask what RCPC does. This is it.
It isn’t always exciting (like building FROG Park
or a library) but it also helps make Rockridge
even more livable. — J. Small


‘What Brought You to Trader Joe’s This Morning?’

by Theresa Nelson
Afor the official opening. Many in
the clutch of ready shoppers held
their colorful Trader Joe’s cloth
shopping bags at the ready.
precisely 9 a.m. and the first wave
of the throng entered between
two lines of smiling, clapping
employees who welcomed every-
one to the new store.
opens up the windows on the
front of the store, bringing in
lots of natural light.
bout 8:30 on Friday morn-
ing, October 26, a crowd
began to gather in front of the new
Trader Joe’s on College Avenue.
Over the next half-hour, itgrew
to more than 100 people waiting
The happy shoppers were
excited to be there and quickly
filled the aisles. Here’s what
several had to say:
After a brief greeting from
Store Captain (manager) George
Yamashita, the doors opened at
The store is bright, cheery
and open, and the new design
➧	“Their food is a very good
¡	“We’re so glad, and we’ve
quality. Lots of organics, even
the peanut butter crackers are
organic!”
 Sara Jewell,
been waiting for this, especially
the ‘try table’ (demo station),
as we’ve been going to the
Lafayette store for a long time.”
 Ellen (mom) and
Rockridge resident
Marin Mattesi,
Oakland residents
➧	“I’ve been curious to come
¡ “This is much anticipated, and
here, it’s very organized and
attractive, easy to walk to, and
I hope they can be competitive
with Safeway and Albertson’s.”
 Art Smith,
will change the way my family
eats. The convenience of being
able to walk here and the really
healthy foods are wonderful.”
 Sarah and daughter
Rockridge resident
Julia Larson,
Rockridge residents
➧	“I have several kids and am
¡ “We like having this Trader Joe’s
interested in prepared dinner
items. As a firefighter, I shop
a lot for the fire station. I’m
always looking for good food at
good prices, and hope this will
be a resource for our station.”
 Zac Unger, Oakland
so close to where we live, it will
be very popular; many of us will
be coming here regularly.”
 Jim and Dorothy Jee,
Oakland residents
firefighter and
Rockridge resident
¡ “(Manager) George Yamashita has done a fantastic job working with
the community. The Oakland Private Industry Council is pleased that we
could partner with Trader Joe’s to hire a number of Oakland residents.”
	 Cynthia Dyson, Oakland Private Industry Council

job developer and Oakland resident
Photos: Don Kinkead


4.

November 3, 2007

Letters to the Editor
this proposal, while the West Berkeley Business Alliance (WBBA),
made up of a handful of large commercial real estate owners, is
promoting it. An important point to remember is that merchants
who do not own property would be powerless to vote to dissolve the
CBD. We should not allow this to happen in Rockridge.
— Nancy McKay
The Rockridge News welcomes letters to the editor. Your name,
address, phone number and e-mail address and city/neighborhood
must be included for verification. Only your name will appear with
your letter. Letters may be edited for clarity and brevity.
New Tunnel Will Speed Commute, Lessen Exhaust
And: Safeway’s Changes at Longs Site Are Moot
Editor:
Would someone please explain exactly how a fourth Caldecott
Tunnel bore “will have a long-term impact on Rockridge?” Do
those involved really prefer the rush-hour, bumper-to-bumper cars
spewing forth their exhaust to having our neighbors to the east sail
through the tunnel? But then you probably never use the present
bores. Believe it or not, there are people on this side who venture
to Contra Costa County and would like to be able to return to
Rockridge at a better pace during the rush hour!
Baby Clothes for Underprivileged Newborns
Editor:
Now as for Safeway, would [safeway representative Todd] Paradis
explain how they seem to have the idea that, were they to rebuild on
the Longs site, the parking lot would be solely for their customers’
use? What about the 10 other businesses adjacent to the lot? And
the gas station, why not put it on the Emil Villa’s site? Better yet,
keep the present Safeway, replace “the obsolete equipment and
furnishings,” and move the deli and bakery to that site. I don’t think
that you need to put too much energy and money into the project,
however, because most of us will be going to Trader Joe’s!
— Pat Parker
I live in Rockridge and have started a clothing drive in conjunc-
tion with several Oakland hospitals. Upon leaving the hospital, new
mothers under special circumstances receive a box of clothes to make
their transition a little easier. I am seeking donations of used baby
clothes, blankets, small toys, etc., for newborns to 12-months-olds).
(If you have time to snap the onesies, it would save our volunteers
lots of time.) So far, over 600 pounds of baby clothes have been
donated. Cool Tops Cuts For Kids has graciously placed donation
bins at their three stores. The Rockridge store is located at 5697
College Avenue. For more information on how to help with this
clothing drive, contact Lisa at: ClothesForBabies@yahoo.com.
— Lisa
RCPC Responds:
By removing constraints on tunnel traffic, a fourth Caldecott
Tunnel bore will put more traffic onto the section of Highway 24
running through Rockridge, and on local streets, notably Broad-
way, that connect to it. More traffic will mean more noise and air
pollution. In addition, there will be major construction impacts
on those living near the tunnel, including literally thousands of
truck trips off the eastbound Broadway exit. All this, if not prop-
erly mitigated, will impact Rockridge residents. The Fourth Bore
Coalition is saying only that impacts need to be acknowledged and
mitigated, something Caltrans has refused to do.
Congratulations to Rockridge-Temescal merchants
Editor:
A recent issue of Diablo Magazine, based in Contra Costa
County, named its “best of” for various categories. Five Rockridge
and Temescal merchants were listed, showing that folks from the
other side of the tunnel know how special our merchants truly
are. We congratulate these stores and services:  n Best Fashion
Show: Serrahna  n Best Place to Shop for an Oscar Gown: Chic
n Best Deli: Genova’s Delicatessen  n Best Bike Shop: Hank &
Frank Bicycles  n Best Kids Haircuts: Cool Tops Cuts for Kids.
— Theresa Nelson
CBDs a Mistake Whether in Berkeley or Rockridge
Editor:
I have been a homeowner in Rockridge for 29 years. Recently
The Rockridge News had an article about a Community Benefit
District (CBD) being considered for our neighborhood. Coincidently,
I attended a Berkelely Town Hall Meeting on this same issue. I am a
small business owner with a leased business space in West Berkeley,
an area on the brink of being overtaken by a CBD. While a CBD
sounds promising as a way to improve the district, it uses a voting
system weighted according to property ownership, which would put
control into the hands of a few big property owners. As I understand
it, they could ultimately have all the say on zoning issues with little
regard for a democratic process, and all property owners within the
boundaries, including residential, would have to pay extra taxes to
fund the CBD. This is being orchestrated by an outside consulting
company, New City America, run by Mr. Marco Li Mandri from
San Diego. He has set up 41 CBDs in the country, the majority of
which are in California. The West Berkeley Artisans and Industrial
Companies (WEBAIC), spearheaded by Rick Auerbach, are fighting


5.
November 3, 2007

RCPC’s Planning and Project
Review Committee (PPRC)
PROJECT
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.
UPDATES
n 5474 College — New Restaurant: A
new restaurant is planned for 5474 College
that will replace the Madame Butterfly
clothing store. It will seat 15-20 people and
serve northern Italian cuisine. Application
for a Conditional Use Permit for change
of occupancy has been filed with the City.
Construction is scheduled to start in January
’08 when the clothing store lease expires.
n Safeway — College & Claremont:
PPRC met with Safeway architect Kirk
Peterson. Design is in preliminary stages.
The architect is working on plans but
brought no drawings to review. Traffic study
is complete. Safeway will hold another
public meeting later this year. The earliest
completion date is 2010.
by Danica Truchlikova,
RCPC boardmember
n 5175 Broadway —Mixed-Use Proj-
ect: The completed traffic study is being
reviewed by the Oakland Public Works
Department. Mitigation of the toxic con-
tamination site and an environmental assess-
ment are underway and will probably lead to
a Mitigated Negative Declaration instead of
a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
A public hearing is unlikely before Novem-
ber.
n 5132 Telegraph — Hauser Creekside
(Global Video site): Traffic will signifi-
cantly impact the area according to a recent
study. City planning staff is preparing an
initial study that will lead to a Focused
EIR assessing traffic and other neighbor-
hood impacts. The Planning Commission
will hold a public EIR scoping hearing in
December.
n 5401 College — Hudson Bay Café
New Restaurant: Hudson Bay Café owners
will soon open a new restaurant next door to
the café, seating 30-35 people and serving
Iranian-Sicilian cuisine. The restaurant will
feature low-key music by local perform-
ers (guitars, singing, and poetry reading),
which requires a cabaret license issued by
the City. The owners asked for RCPC input.
After research, the RCPC board passed
the following resolution: “The RCPC does
not oppose granting of a cabaret license to
Hudson Bay Café for evening performances
of non-amplified background music by one
or two people, with noise level not exceeding
60 decibels, and on the condition that the
license is issued for this establishment and
this owner only and any subsequent owner
will have to apply for a new permit.”
5474 College Avenue
Proposal: To convert an existing 750 square foot
clothing store into full service restaurant with
beer and wine sales.
Contact Person/Phone Number: Joe Madison
510/333-5357
Owner: Norman & Margaret Madison
Planning Permits Required: Conditional Use
Permit to establish General Food Sales Com-
mercial Activity.
Historic Status: Potential Designated Historic
Property (PDHP)
Survey Rating: D2+
Case Planner: Jason Madani at 510/238-4790 or
jsmadani@oaklandnet.com
For project updates or more information,
e-mail: info@rockridge.org.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb
Giveaway at November Town Hall Meeting

R
CPC is cooperating in a joint project
of the California Public Utilities
Commission, Pacific Gas & Electric Co.,
and the Sierra Club, to distribute compact
fluorescent light bulbs. Each attendee at
RCPC’s November Town Hall Meeting
can receive two free bulbs. If you’d like
to receive bulbs but can’t make it to the
meeting, or to distribute more light bulbs
on your block, contact Stu Flashman at
510/652-5373 or e-mail stuflash@aol.com
to make arrangements.
4th Bore Update: Negotiations
by Ellen Peterson,
Boardmember, RCPC
O
12, the time during which challengers to the
final Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
may file suit. The City of Oakland, along with
other groups, is negotiating with Caltrans
over the project but may file suit.
n October 12, Caltrans rescinded its
Notice of Determination (NOD) for the
Fourth Bore Project that it had posted on
September 12. Caltrans then posted a new
NOD on October 12. The effect of the new
NOD is to extend for 30 days, to November
Offer your comments and thoughts on
the Caldecott Tunnel 4th Bore project. E-
mail fourthbore@rockridge.org
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6.

November 3, 2007

RCPC October Meeting: Rockridge
& Temescal Zoning Update, Projects

RCPC Accepts
Compromise in
Kingfish Appeal
by Stu Flashman, Boardmember, RCPC
Rby Ronnie Spitzer, RCPC Chairwoman
A
That happened with the recent Kingfish
development proposal, when the commission
overrode staff’s recommended C-30 “best fit”
zoning to approve a far denser C-45 zoning
classification. RCPC’s appeal to the City
Council helped to reverse that ruling.
n attentive audience heard Coun-
cilwoman Jane Brunner, Oakland
Strategic Planning Director Eric Angstadt,
and Rockridge Community Planning Coun-
cil (RCPC) Boardmember Stu Flashman
describe efforts to reconcile current zoning
with the general plan and what this could
mean for the city and for Rockridge, and
discussed upcoming development projects
with RCPC’s Planning and Project Review
Committee (PPRC) members at RCPC’s
October Town Hall meeting.
CPC’s appeal of the approval of the
“Kingfish” project along Telegraph and
Claremont avenues was resolved by the City
Council, with RCPC accepting “half a loaf.”
Reconciling outdated zoning with the
more recent General Plan should be completed
within two years. The City will prepare a city-
wide Environmental Impact Report assessing
impacts from the reconciliation, starting with
traffic studies. The current “interim” reconcili-
ation guidelines are proposed to be in effect
until the new zoning is adopted.
The Kingfish project is a five-story mixed-
use project, where the current C-28 zoning
would only allow a maximum of four stories.
The developer argued that five stories were
needed to accommodate the project’s use by a
co-housing residents’ group. RCPC had sought
to have the project reduced to four stories under
existing zoning. While the Council approved
the project with only minor changes to its physi-
cal appearance, under an agreement  brokered
by Councilwoman Jane Brunner on behalf of
neighbors, the project was approved under
C-30 “best fit” zoning, rather than the more
intense C-45 zoning the Planning Commission
had chosen. The City Council modified the
legal findings accompanying the approval to
make clear that the project’s approval would
not be a precedent in considering other projects
along Claremont Avenue.
A key issue for the zoning update is the
General Plan itself, which paints in broad,
vague brushstrokes a “smart growth” vision
for the city, concentrating growth along
major transit corridors and in the downtown.
After Oakland decided that the plan should
override conflicting zoning, it adopted
ambiguous “interim” guidelines intended
to reconcile zoning with the plan until an
anticipated zoning update, which, due to
past mayoral priorities that decimated the
planning staff, is only now occurring. The
combination of a broadly worded general
plan and “fuzzy” interim guidelines has led
to peculiar Planning Commission interpreta-
tions and what amount to “spot rezonings.”
Proposed merchant changes along College
Avenue and development projects elsewhere
in Rockridge occupied the remainder of
the meeting. The RCPC board and PPRC
members discussed more fully the projects
noted each month in The Rockridge News,
with active audience participation. Increased
traffic caused by new development, the
proliferation of restaurants along College
Avenue and the 5175 Broadway project
status were among the audience’s concerns.
RCPC plans to follow-up on these issues,
and will continue to hold an open forum on
these and other topics at its monthly Town
Hall meeting.
Affordable
Housing

from page 
Return of Studio One Art Classes Postponed

by Patrick Daughton,
Friends of Studio One
Dseason. When scheduled, the event will be
an opportunity for neighbors and the arts
community to look at the $12.5 million
state-of-the-art North Oakland facility and to
meet the staff, tour the studios, enjoy a bit of
food and music and perhaps create some art.
Contact the Office of Parks and Recreation,
510/597-5027 or www.oaklandnet.com/parks
for class schedules this fall.
one of only three major California cities
lacking an inclusionary housing ordinance.
Our City Council is currently studying the
merits of such a policy and is expected to
vote on the issue in November.
ue to construction delays, the long
anticipated return of art classes to
historic Studio One Art Center at 365 45th
Street has been delayed, likely until Janu-
ary 2008. The gala reopening celebration,
previously scheduled for this fall, has like-
wise been postponed until after the holiday
For more information, including the
sources of the statistics in this article,
please contact the author at gloriabruce00@
gmail.com.
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Bruce Wagg
bruce@bayareaantiques.com
www.pilatesoncollege.com
CFP® is a certification mark owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
Total Merrill (design/words) is a registered service mark/service mark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
© 2007 Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. Member, SIPC.
510 . 420 . 1412


.
November 3, 2007

Timeless Things
The
Rockridge
 Muse
Orchestra performs Sunday, December
9, 4 p.m., at St. Mary Magdalen Church,
2005 Berryman Street at Milvia in Berkeley,
presenting Mass in G Minor by Vaughn
Williams and Brahms’ Quartets for Choir
and Piano. The pianist is Nadia Blank.
in a Changing
World
Every year about now, the holiday spirit
will stir. Try as you may, it will knock
on your door or heart with ever-growing
urgency. Signs of the approaching holidays
are everywhere: Suddenly your kids are
acting mysteriously about the school
projects they are working on; students
come home after dark from music practice,
toting their instruments; passing by an
open window, you hear strains of “Hark
the Herald Angels Sing” played by a child’s
hand. And tonight someone will surely
need a ride to choir practice.
Instead of mailed announcements,
e-mails arrive telling us of festivities,
both large and small, begging for our
attendance... The events to choose from are
mind-boggling; self-discipline is necessary
as you fill your calendar:
Note: If you would like to join the ever-
growing singing community in the Bay Area,
you will find a complete chorus directory
listed on www.choralarchive.org.
by Ortrun Niesar
Art and Craft
Liz Maxwell is organizing the North
Oakland December Open Studios
again this year. To participate, contact
her right away: there is little time left.
lizmaxwell@prodigy.net or 510/654-5741.
The event is a Rockridge institution,
offering us all a chance to buy good art
and artifacts, jewelry, pottery, sculpture,
paper works and more right here. Hiroko
Kurihara is offering beautifully designed
and crafted blankets, pillows, throws and
scarves. Call her at 510/384-3146.
The Pro Arts Annual Box Art
Benefit Auction takes place with
food and fanfare Saturday, November
17, 6-9 p.m. at 550 Second Street,
Jack London Square. (Auction preview
exhibition, November 13-17.) Beautiful
works on paper will be up for auction.
Tom Vacar of Channel 2 “KTVU” will
host. Bidding and raffle items include
unusual experiences, trips, and tickets to
fun events. More information: 763-9425,
or David@proartsgallery.org.
The Pro Arts Holiday Arts and
Crafts Fair takes place November
23-25 at the Gallery. Artists should
go to www.proartsgallery.org, or call
510/763-9425 to participate.
Music
Your musical neighbors want you to know
that the Berkeley Broadway Singers
will perform at St. Augustine’s on Sunday,
November 18, at 4 p.m. Their program
will be composed of blues, jazz, Broadway
tunes, swing and big band favorites. The
concert is free. Feel like singing, yourself?
Go to www.berkeleybroadwaysingers.org
for information on how you can join this
group of about 80 singers.
The Berkeley Community Chorus
and Orchestra will perform Saturday,
December 1, 8 p.m. (Sundays, December
2 and 16 at 4:30 p.m.) at St. Joseph The
Worker Church, 1640 Addison in Berkeley.
The program features the glorious Messa di
Gloria by Giacomo Puccini and a selection of
shorter works by Vivaldi, Verdi, and other
Italian baroque and romantic composers.
Go to www.bcco.org.
COLLINS ROOFING
Family Owned & Operated
482-2227  Seamus
www.collinsroofing.com
Quality Work  •  Free Estimates
Lic # 695711
B e l l a  M u s i c a  C h o r u s  a n d
Mon – Fri 9:30 – 6:00
Sat 9:30 – 5:00
CHIMES
PHARMACY
Serving Rockridge Since 1909
Rockridge:  5400 College Avenue
3210 College Avenue
Kitchens
Elmwood:  2930 College Avenue
Near Alcatraz
Weekend Brunch in Elmwood
652-1990
• Design
• Remodeling
• Showroom Sales
YOU MAY LIVE 30 YEARS
PAST RETIREMENT.
www.acornkitchens
andbaths.com
ARE YOU PREPARED?
Rockridge Resident
KITCHENS & BATHS
[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
510
547-6581
4640 TELEGRAPH AVE  •  OAKLAND
HOURS: T-F  10-5  •  SAT. 10-4
2004 A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. • Member SIPC


8.

November 3, 2007

Sweet and Sour Tongue
Ingredients:
• 2.5 pound pickled tongue (Ver Brugge
Rock  ridge
Cornucopia
Cornucopia
Market on College will order this)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 whole allspice
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 15 ounces water
• juice of one lemon
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup dark raisins
Preparation:
1.	 Put tongue, onion, bay leaf and all-
Barry A. Kaufman
Organ Meats
While traveling in Morocco this spring,
we went to a traditional Berber
market in the high Atlas Mountains where
we saw a young lamb being butchered. As I
approached, the butcher laughed and with
his knife pointed to the testicles of the lamb.
My guide told me that he was offering me a
very special delicacy. Hoping not to insult
the butcher, I declined.
made from hog intestines or “guts,” are two
examples of such favored specialties.
Why is it we can eat cow, lamb, pig,
or fowl meat, but shun the organs of these
animals? Meat eaters will relish a good
steak but balk at brains. Perhaps seeing
these organs reminds us how close we
are to our animal nature. We really don’t
personally identify with a roasted leg of
lamb, but perhaps eating kidneys, hearts
or tongue seems a bit too real.
spice in a pot. Cover with cold water
and cook covered on medium heat
for 2 hours.
2.	 Cool. When the tongue is lukewarm,
peel. Then slice the tongue – tip to
back – into medium width strips.
3.	 In a separate pot, combine tomato
As we continued on our drive, I reflected
on my own experience with organ meats.
Coming from an immigrant, Eastern Euro-
pean Jewish tradition, I grew up eating
many organ meat delicacies: sweetbreads
(thymus), brains, liver, tongue, and kishka
or derma (stuffed cow intestines).
sauce, water, lemon juice and brown
sugar. Add sliced tongue. Cook the
tongue in this sauce on medium-low
heat for another hour or until the
tongue is tender. In the last half hour
of cooking, add the raisins.
As a child I loved going to Bar Mitzvahs
and other family gatherings where I could
eat sweet and sour tongue, sweetbreads or
kishka. It was when I was a student at the
Culinary Academy in San Francisco that
I first learned that sweetbreads were pre-
pared from the thymus gland or pancreas
of a young calf or lamb, and gained new
respect and appreciation for organ meats.
Often at a traditional Mexican taqueria, I
order a tongue taco with all the fixings.
Since supermarkets don’t carry organ meats,
you’ll need to go to an ethnic market to
find them.
Barry is a graduate of the California Culinary
Academy. Barry is available for cooking classes.
His email is kaufman42@earthlink.net
Several years ago my partner, who
unlike me does not savor such delicacies,
unknowingly ordered a dish at an upscale
Seville restaurant that turned out to be pork
kidneys. Although the food was beautifully
presented, she sent it back, embarrassed.
On another occasion in Mexico City, she
mistakenly ordered a dish of pork knuckles.
Some people have all the luck.
a
cross-cultural congregation
striving to partner with
         the Rockridge community
   in lifestyle and service.
While many in America avoid organ
meats, many ethnic groups often regard them
as special delicacies to be served on Sundays
or holidays. Menudo (tripe), a dish made from
cow or pig stomach lining, and chitterlings,
Here is a recipe for traditional sweet
and sour tongue from my childhood. If
you make it, please let me know how you
liked it.
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
2ELEASETENSIONAND
REVITALIZEYOURSELFWITH
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9.
November 3, 2007

rk Corner
a
Friends of the
Rockridge Library
Annual Appeal
F
P
G
A monthly update on
what’s happening at the
FRO
best community-built
riends of the Rockridge Library (FORL)
is a nonprofit neighborhood committee
which works to enhance the Rockridge
Branch Library by providing books,
materials, equipment, furnishings, and
amenities not covered by the City’s library
budget. Many members of the Rockridge
community have joined FORL simply by
making a donation. You, too, can join or
renew your membership by completing the
donation form on page 12.
and maintained
park in Oakland
FROG Park Needs YOU!
F
ROG (Friends of the Rockridge-Tem-
escal Greenbelt) is a small, dedicated
volunteer group maintaining and improv-
ing our community park. We are actively
looking for new committee members. Do
you enjoy the park and want to give back
to your community in a hands-on way? We
like to get things done! Come to our next
meeting, Wednesday, November 14, 7 to
9 p.m. in the Rockridge Library, or call FROG
Chair Jennifer Cooper at 510/653-6581 to
find out how you can get involved.
Active projects include updating our web
site, working with the City on a new bath-
room at Hardy Park, getting the creek to flow
year-round, maintaining the playgrounds,
planting and landscaping, and extending the
Greenbelt. We’d like your help.
During 2007 FORL has supported many
library projects including contributions to
our branch’s book, DVD, and CD collections.
We have purchased magazine subscriptions,
new reference materials, and shelving and
furniture upgrades. In addition, we have
paid for refinishing existing furniture and
a fifth annual summer internship for two
Library Friends, page 12
¬
Peralta Holiday
Auction Supports
Class Enrichment
Peralta Elementary Parent Teacher Group
(PPTG) invites you to join our annual
Holiday Auction on Saturday, December
8, 2-6 p.m. at Peralta Elementary School,
460 63rd Street at Dana, Oakland.
Running a school is no game but support-
ing our school can be fun, and this year’s
theme is all about the community aspect
of game play. As many know, Peralta was
the unfortunate victim of arson last March,
but because of community support we were
able to continue our enrichment programs,
including art, music, library resources and
Sports4Kids, which created a sense of
stability for our student body.
THE COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
To continue, these programs need your
help. Please come to Peralta on December
8 and have fun supporting our wonderful
school.
To donate an auction item, gift certifi-
cate, or cash, please contact Debbie French
at deb@the-frenchs.com or call 510/682-
6741. Donors will be listed in our auction
program and on our website at http://www.
peraltaschool.org/auction
Saturday, November 3, 2007 1pm
Sunday, November 18, 2007 1pm
Sunday, December 2, 2007 1pm
RSVP not required. Everyone welcome.
6100 Broadway Oakland CA 94618 (510) 652-4364 www.college-prep.org


10.

November 3, 2007

the process. He explained that although 119
or so new officers were hired last year, this
yielded an increase of only 9 new officers
due to retirement and attrition.
a mixed-use of “maritime, shopping, flex
offices and creative industry,” resulting in
a minimum of 10,000 new jobs. He is also
planning to establish a World Trade Center
in Oakland to encourage trade and invest-
ments and generate more employment.
Dellums
from page 
of Oakland is the unfinished business of
this country.”
According to Dellums, the “model city”
must include a vibrant economy along with
a well-educated, healthy, and well-informed
citizenry that is multi-racial, multi-cul-
tural, multi-ethnic and multi-lingual. He
believes this is possible only through col-
laboration and partnership at all levels of
government and with the participation of
the governed.
A 2004 ballot measure set the number
of Oakland officers at 803, yet the current
target number is still about 70 short. To
help mitigate this shortfall, there is cur-
rent arbitration for moving schedules to a
3-day work week with 12 hour shifts for
officers, instead of the 4-day week with 10
hour shifts now in place.
Additionally, Dellums wants to insti-
tute an “outreach worker effort” to bring
neighbors together to mitigate crime and
violence, along with programs that offer
training and employment opportunities to
parolees prior to their release. The approxi-
mately 3,000 people who return to Oakland
from San Quentin each year account for
40 to 50 percent of local crime. He sug-
gested that Peralta Community College
offer recruitment classes with coursework
geared to qualify individuals for the Police
Academy, as well as increased community
involvement.
Zoning and Development
Dellums said he would like to see a col-
laboration with the State (which will provide
the monetary resources) to do a block-by-block
revitalization similar to what was done to 70
blocks in the Crenshaw area of Los Angeles,
adding that the full nature of this partnership
will be announced in a few weeks.
Currently, the mayor is seeking $350,000
to $500,000 in seed money from The San
Francisco Foundation and The East Bay
Foundation to establish an office of public/
private partnership to advance community
concerns. He plans to go after additional
philanthropic assistance and a much larger
grant from the Atlantic Foundation (a $3
billion endowment) and others to figure
out how to make a sustained commitment
to Oakland of 7 to 10 years.
During his 45-minute talk, the mayor
emphasized that public safety is funda-
mental and he sees a need for a national
strategy to solve the local crime epidemic.
He prefers to see a state/federal partnership,
saying this is “a big problem requiring a
big solution” specifically in the areas of
prevention, intervention, enforcement and
sustainability.
Public Safety
A
Among the many who expressed con-
cern about crime was developer Ron Kriss,
who summed up the overall feelings of the
morning, saying, “People are moving out
because of crime… if people don’t stay in
Oakland, don’t stay invested in Oakland,
we can’t have a great city.”
lthough Oakland is ranked as the eighth
most dangerous city nationwide, and
the second most dangerous city in the state
(2006 Morgan Quitno Crime Rankings),
Dellums believes that simply having more
police is not the answer. Clarifying recent
conflicting news reports about his stand on
increasing the size of the police force, he
said that while he does see the need for more
officers, the problem of recruiting complicates
The mayor cautioned that zoning is cur-
rently based on projects, not on planning
with vision and values, and offered a zoning
plan that includes high-density development
in downtown and along transit corridors.
While vague about the plans for the Oakland
Army Base, Dellums said he will present
a plan to the City Council which includes
Anna Marks is a member of the Oakland Parks
Coalition and has been a Rockridge resident
since 1989.
For Sale
3877 Howe St. #206, Oakland
Complete architectural
services since 1970
Reduced to $339,000
Seller Motivated : Incentives
2BR/1BA, 935 sq ft;
new paint, new carpet;
walk to Piedmont Avenue
5278 College Avenue
Oakland, CA  94618
(510) 654-6755   fax 654-3424
Fatima N. Ali
E-MAIL: Buyali@aol.com
510-207-3711
New Market Strategies
Jeff Auen, Realtor
Norman H. Burg, DDS
for Buyers and Sellers
Residential and
Income Properties
Jaoffice@comcast.net
• Comprehensive Market Strategy
for Sellers and Buyers
• Renovation Consultation for
Straight Talk
General Dentistry
Resale and Purchase
• Over 200 Vendor References
Creative
Solutions
www.JLAHomes.com
(510) 652-1517
5700 Broadway, Oakland
from floors to kitchens
• 60-Step Marketing and
Pre-Sale Plan for Owners
• Over 30 articles free at:
1-800-805-8827
Results
Jeff Auen
A Prevention Oriented Practice
www.JLAHomes.com


11.
November 3, 2007

Seventh Biennial Kitchen Tour: A Success!

Susan Bernosky LUTCF
Insurance Agent
(510) 450-9050
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).
Notary Public available

by Jennifer Edmister
Myear’s event was the best yet.
ore than a dozen years after its incep-
tion, the Rockridge Kitchen Tour
continues to draw hundreds of guests from
the Bay Area and beyond.
The proceeds of the 2007 Rockridge
Kitchen Tour benefit the Rockridge Commu-
nity Planning Council (RCPC), a non-profit,
501(c)3 corporation which represents the
Rockridge community in matters of land use
and project planning, parks and open spaces,
traffic and pedestrian safety and schools.
On October 7, tour guests enjoyed warm
weather, good company and nine stunning
kitchens, leading many to conclude that this
On the 2007 Kitchen Tour
¡ Jo Ellis, left, and Architect Kathy
Rogers in Merry Ross and Pat
Zimski’s kitchen.	 √ Kitchen Talk
in Phil Tecau’s kitchen.
Photos: Susan Montauk
RCPC thanks all those who
made this event possible:
HOMEOWNERS: Mary MacDonald, Merry Ross &
Patrick Zimski, Debby Sommer & Ron Heckart, Nora &
David Mitchell, Phil Tecau, Annette Chenevey & Andy
Black, Andrea Shannon & Hope Broderick, Esther &
Patrick Arnold and Elizabeth Durand
PLANNERS: Maureen Alano, Jo Ellis, Meredith Kaplan,
Don Kinkead, Marilyn Mansfield, Diane Mayo, Nancy
Sale, Susan Shawl, and the RCPC board members
DOCENTS: Adams, Shari; Alderman, Ann; Arakaki,
Jahlee; Buresh, Trisha; Carolina, Carolyn; Critchfield,
Pam; Crosby, Lynn; Davillier, Mary; Davis, Clay; Davis,
Sherry; Del Simone, Ann; Emmons, Sue; Ewing,
Aparna; Fenichel, Ellen; Friedland, Sandy; Galer, Robin;
Garcia, Bill; Gomes, John; Hikida, Lyn; Hoffman, Anna;
Jacobson, Diane; Kulberg, Sari; Kulka, Terry; Lappen,
Sally; Levy, Melly; Littwin, Barbara; Lozier, Dee Dee;
MacDonald, Mary; Mayo, Diane; McHugh, Cathy;
Mitchell, Nora; Morton, Nancy; Omari, Folashade;
Orr, Chris; Paquette, Judith; Phillips, Margaret; Reet,
Claudia; Rinklieb, Kelda; Schwabe, Cathy; Spearman,
Lisa; Tasch, Jacqueline; Taylor, Mike; Traum, Sheryl;
Veza, Valerie; Villalobos, Rosa; Wikander, Sarah;
Williams, Anne; and Williams, David
POSTER UNDERWRITING: Ron Kriss /Lawton
Associates
TICKET SALES: Maison d’Etre
TOUR REFRESHMENTS: Great Harvest Bread Co.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Kenneth Rice Photography
High End Homes in Rockridge Hold Strong!

Close Date
BR Bth
Address
Orig Price
LP
Final SP
DOM
	10/23/2007
2
1
6322 Colby
$799,000
$799,000
$880,000
13
	10/17/2007
3
2
298 Sheridan Rd
$1,049,000
$1,049,000
$1,069,000
3
	10/18/2007
4
4
70 Roble Rd
$1,699,000
$2,395,000
$1,550,000
115
	10/12/2007
4
2
5404 Lawton Ave
$1,189,000
$1,189,000
$1,256,000
10
	10/12/2007
4
3
6155 Hill Rd
$1,590,000
$1,590,000
$1,575,000
10
	10/10/2007
5
3
6077 Contra Costa
$1,995,000
$1,995,000
$2,150,000
8
	 10/3/2007
3
2
101 Alta Rd
$950,000
$950,000
$920,000
11
Supply of Inventory by price range:
a.	Under $500,000 = 2 month supply    b. Between $500,000 and $1,000,000 = 2.3 month supply
c.	Over 1,000,000 = 2 month supply

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


12.

November 3, 2007

Public Library system. To continue to
provide these supplemental and well-used
materials and services, FORL invites you,
the community, to continue your generous
support of our neighborhood branch. Your
tax-deductible donation benefits all who
enjoy our wonderful library.
Authors
Library Friends
from page 
from page 
high school students. While the library is
largely funded by the City, support by local
residents and businesses has helped make
our library one of the stars of the Oakland
Robert Hass (1995-97), of the acclaimed
River of Words organization which helps
connect children around the world with
their watersheds and their imaginations
through poetry and art.
Each year, River of Words, along with
the Library of Congress Center for the
Book, conducts a free international poetry
and art contest for youth on the theme of
watersheds. The contest is designed to help
young people explore their local natural and
cultural history, and to express, through
art and poetry, what they’ve found. Here’s
how 8-year old Avery Forsythe, of Crested
Butte, Colorado, described her watershed
discovery in her own river of words:
Become a Friend of
the Rockridge Library!
Name _______________________ Address ________________________
City _________________________ e-mail __________________________
Membership Levels:
 Book Worm..........................$100.

Individual..............................$25.
 Book Friend............................$50.

Senior/Student....................$15.
 Family.......................................$35.  
Business..............................$100.
 Additional Gift $____________
 My employer will match my contribution. Contact______________.
Love My Dog
The summer sun danced off the water
While I played in the S-shaped bend
In the East River.
I stomped in the water
With my puddle boots
And watched my dog Taylor flop down
Like a child flops down on her bed
She looked like a lump of angel rock
Protecting me as I
Plomped,
Plomped,
Plomped
In the shallow edge
Of the river.
I was always the happiest
Kid in the world
Playing with my dog
In the sun
At the S-shaped bend
In the East River.
 New Member    Returning Member
Enclosed is my check payable to FORL in the amount of $______________
Send this completed form and your check to:
Friends of the Rockridge Library, 5245 College Avenue #335, Oakland, CA 94618.
Contributions are tax deductible — Federal Tax ID #94-3011284
FORL is a committee of the Rockridge Community
Planning Council (RCPC), a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.
©River of Words
Information for this article was obtained from
the authors and from their websites.
Rebecca Lueck, LCSW
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


13.
November 3, 2007

Milk
Milk … the very word sounds calm,
nourishing, and wholesome. And the
store Milk on College is the kind of calm
environment where you can find wonder-
ful and inventive clothing and gifts for
younger children. The pale grey floor, jute
rug, blonde wood shelves and uncluttered
displays make it easy to see what’s available
and how to put items together. The focus is
on little ones, from newborns to age 8, with
some special jewelry and intimate gifts for
mothers as well.
The Neighborhood Merchant
Photo: Don Kinkead
by Theresa Nelson
basics and special items. A Makié plaid grey
and rose poncho jacket matches with cords
from Bon Bon, and a Makié jumper-dress
coordinates with a range of subtle print tops.
Tuss offers grey striped leggings in 100%
cotton with a matching scarf, that might
be paired with the Bonpoint fleece-lined
rose jacket.
When former owner Mona Yang was
looking for someone to take over the store
(she returned to her dentistry practice), a
twist of fate brought in Baretta Van Dyke,
who took ownership in October 2007. Last
July, Baretta opened Oakland’s first tennis
show boutique, the store Verse in July, with
a partner. Her experience in childcare and
retail gives her insights into what parents
want for kids and what kids will wear.
Little boys have many options as well.
Bon Bon’s sweats and fleece vest in brown
and grey pair with soft Ts. Flora & Henri
brown cords have matching cardigans in
various colors, and their brown plaid pants
go with a grey fleece jacket.
Milk
Owner: Baretta Van Dyke
5833 College Avenue, Oakland
Tuesday – Saturday 11:00am-6:00pm
For older girls ages 3-8 years, the choices
are adorable and practical. Basics like the
MorMorRita stretchy jeans, sweats and tops
in pink, beige, and taupe go with special
items like Dagmar Daley hand-knit sweaters
in grey or mulberry. For dressier times, a
lovely fuchsia velvet pant with sailor-button
front and matching cropped or longer button
jacket is not only stylish but has a hidden
adjustment for longer wear.
Sunday 12:00-5:00pm
510/547-6455    jadoremilk@gmail.com
Milk’s concept is to provide stylish,
high-quality children’s clothing, shoes and
accessories, sustainably produced in places
with fair working conditions. While there
are certainly places which sell children’s
jeans for less, the jeans at Milk will last a
long time – at least a year – with designs that
grow with the child, and which can then be
passed on to another young one. The clothes
also look like children’s clothing, perhaps
like something your mother or grandmother
might have made, rather than the mini-adult
styles often seen in chain stores. Quality is
evident in every item: the shoes, for example,
offer good support, style and a good fit for
a growing child. And once parents try this
kind of clothing on their children, they come
back again and again.
www.jadoremilk.com
(formerly a designer at Cartier) includes a
tiny bracelet with silver or gold links and
heart. MHT jewelry, a well-known line from
France for mothers, includes delicate gold
and silver earrings with various colored
stones, tiny charms and lockets made from
vintage jewelry.
For older boys ages 3-8 years, the focus is
clothing that looks nice (but not too cutesy)
and that boys can really play in. Choose
from the Bellerose jeans that can change
fit with a buckle in the back, the Bonpoint
jeans with style and a flexible fit, Flora
& Henri cords, or colored jeans by local
designer Abe Jone. The Hildeco t-shirts have
special neckbands that keep their shape and
go easily over children’s heads.
For all kids, there is a whimsical line
of rainwear from Pluie Pluie (French for
rain). It features matching raincoats lined
with felt, rainboots, umbrellas, rainhats,
and waterproof backpacks in a number of
adorable prints ranging from multicolored
frogs and blue trucks to pastel stripes and
pink polka dots. Other outerwear includes
wool hats, coats and scarves from Amelia,
in a special non itchy wool that children
will be comfortable wearing.
Babies have a special section, with
basics like Flora & Henri extremely soft
shirts and vests. Milk also offers some
lovely traditional silver items, cups, rattles,
spoons and forks. Baby jewelry by Dinh Van
For little girls, Milk offers a range of
Do stop by Milk for something that
offers style, quality and sustainability for
the special child in your life.
Henry C. Levy & Co.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Certified Public Accountants
and Consultants
A Professional Corporation
■
• tax preparation • estate planning
• tax planning
• business valuation
5940 College Avenue, Suite C
Rockridge
Located on Market Hall’s Lower Level
Entry on Shafter Avenue
510-655-8808
Oakland, California 94618
510.652-1000   FAX 510.654-2363
Open 7 Days
Mon- Fri  6:00 -7:30
Sat & Sun 8:00 - Noon
Free Parking!
Across from BART


14.

November 3, 2007

St. Augustine Roman
Catholic Church
Fr. Mark Wiesner, Pastor, 400 Alcatraz Avenue,
Oakland, CA 94609, Parish Office: 510/653-
8631, Saintaugustinechurch@comcast.net.
Saturday Sacrament of Reconciliation, 4-4:30
pm; Saturday Vigil, 5 pm; Sunday Eucharist,
8 am. and 10:30 am.
Your Message Could Be Here
Your 36-word message is $20. (Phone number
counts as one word). Mail to: RN Classifieds,
Seniors in Transition
Moving On provides personalized service
designed to assist and support seniors who
are ready to sort their lifetime possessions in
preparation for moving. Ten-hour minimum.
Call Lynn, 510/527.7732.
5245 College Avenue, PMB 311, Oakland, CA
94618. December deadline is November 22.
For information: e-mail smontauk@gmail.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 510/761-7168.
Do You Need a Petsitter
for Vacation or Holiday?
Our service provides your pet(s) and property
with care by a loving pet professional. Bonded
and insured. Call 510/386-3163.
Housecleaning Cooperative
We clean homes, apartments, offices, and help
you clean up for moves, in and out. Careful
professional attention to detail and reasonable
rates. Ask for our excellent references. Please
call: 510/499-5836.
Rockridge Open Studio
Artist Liz Maxwell (www.lizmaxwell.com) will
hold her Holiday Open Studio, December 8
and 9, noon to 5 pm at 5808 Chabot Road.
Paintings, prints, and drawings. Call 654-5741
for updates about other Rockridge artists.
Low Stress Carmel Getaway
Comfortable, cheery 3BR+2BA family home
available for short-term rental. Fully furnished
from piano to ping pong, sunny patio. Quiet,
peaceful—pines, oaks, birds. Only two hours
away. Reasonable weekly rates. 510/547-1856.
Evening Kid Care
Experience with k-12th grade as art teacher.
Available Mon-Sun (except Tuesdays) from
early evening. Will cook dinner, bring fun art
projects and help with homework. I live in
Rockridge! Mia. 510/390-6904.
Unexpected Guests?
Short-term rental, lovely room 2 blocks from
Rockridge BART in owner’s flat. Wi-fi, cable,
t.v. Suitable for one person. Photos available.
Barbird@aol.com 510/652-7044.
Bright & Friendly Salon
Seeks stylists for full or part-time chair rental.
Please contact Jenny at Milagro Salon, 5269
Broadway at College Avenue. 510/601-8384.
Custom Sewing for
the Home
Window coverings — curtains, Roman shades,
top treatments; slipcovers — pillows and
cushions; bed accessories — duvet covers, bed
skirts, pillow shams & bolsters. Special projects.
Decorator fabrics & drapery hardware. Holly.
510/531-1177.
Handyman
Carpentry, electrical, Kitchen, bath, decks,
fence, drainage, foundation repair, windows,
walls, dry rot, termite damage. Lic#458473
Don: 510/812-0310.
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.
Holiday Art Extravaganza!
Dec. 8 & 9, 11 am-6 pm, 5568 Kales Avenue
Open Studio (@ Broadway). Kiln-formed art
glass, jewelry, sculpture, felted scarves, metal-
mesh origami boxes, photography, and more!
Unique pieces for the discriminating. Wide
price range. 654-1202.
Quality Gardening
Skilled maintenance and fine gardening. Planting
and design, pruning, irrigation, outdoor light-
ing, clean-ups. Ecological practices. 14 years in
Berkeley/Oakland. Local references. Green’s
Gardens. 510/593-3490.
Non-Toxic Housecleaning
Lotus Cleaning Services provides an excellent
service while protecting your health and the
planet. Licensed, bonded and insured. Experi-
enced, reliable cleaners. Great for households
with allergies, asthma, small children. Rea-
sonable rates. 510/452-0755. lotusclean@
comcast.net.
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 neces-
sary tools, self-knowledge, attitude, and skills.
www.iknowhowtolearn.com 510/450-0646.

G
R  E  A  L  T  O  R  S
The GRUBB Co.
510.339.0400
1960 Mountain Boulevard •Oakland
510.652.2133
3070 Claremont Avenue • Berkeley
Energize yourself at your friendly,
independent, neighborhood gym!
Formerly Inside Out -
new owner, new look,
new classes, new energy!
This is not your typical gym!
Pay-as-you-go memberships.  Light, airy space.
Over 45 classes a week.
Motivating instructors & trainers.
Group Classes, Personal Training, Childcare
4444 PIEDMONT AVE, OAKLAND (510) 655-8308
WWW.INSIDEOUTSIDEFITNESS.COM
Let us help you
get ready for
the holidays!

$PMMFHF
"WF
	


f h k f v k p


15.
November 3, 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

The Greater Rockridge N’hood
Crime Prevention Council
Oakland Out Loud! Poetry Reading: PEN Oakland,
a chapter of the International Organization of Poets,
Essayists, and Novelists, in partnership with the Oak-
land Public Library, presents the Oakland Out Loud
series. Bob Levin, Maria Espinosa, and CB Follett
(Lyn) will read from their work, followed by an open
mic. Copies of Oakland Out Loud will be available for
purchase. Tuesday. 11/27, 6-7:30 pm.
Lawyers in the Library: Free legal advice. First
Tuesday of each month, 6- 8pm. Advance sign-up
starts 5pm. NOTE: no meetings on Nov. 6: the
meeting room will be a polling place.
ART EXHIBITS
Gallery: November: M.E. Foster and Chris Rockwell:
etchings and paintings.
            December: Photographs by Chris Jennings,
Oakland library staff member.
Lobby Display Case: November: Robert Draheim:
children’s books.
Group Arts program that features Bay Area talent.
Info/Reservations: 228-3218. www.lifemarkgroup.
com/oakland/special_events.asp.
Wisteria Ways Concert Series

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 California College of the Arts (CCA), 5212
B’way (at College Ave. Directions and more information:
www.rockridgencpc.com.
Ellis Island: Old World Klezmer band. Sunday, 11/4,
3pm. Inside venue (not wheelchair accessible).
383 61st Street. $15 suggested donation for musicians.
For more info or reservations, RSVP to info@Wiste-
riaWays.org or 655-2771.
Amahl and the Night Visitors

Rockridge Branch Library
5366 College Avenue, 597-5017
FOR CHILDREN:
One-act opera by Gian-Carlo Menotti. Friday, 12/7 at 8pm
and Sunday, 12/9 at 3pm. St. Augustine Catholic Church,
400 Alcatraz Ave., between College and Telegraph.
Free (donations welcomed). Wheelchair accessible;
free parking in church parking lots. More info: Karen
Miller, kmm8006@gmail.com.
Los Hilos De La Vida /
Threads Of Life
Toddler Story Time: 1st and 2nd Saturdays, 10:30am:
11/3, 11/10, 12/1, 12/8.
Pre-School Story Time: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays,
10:30am: 11/7, 11/21, 12/5.
Pajama Story Time: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 7pm:
11/13 (see special events), 11/27, 12/11.
SPECIAL EVENTS FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES:
Children’s Book Week: Nov 12 to 18: There will be
special events at all Oakland branch libraries.



LIBRARY HOURS:
Mon. and Tues, 12:30 to 8pm.
Wed., Thurs. and Sat. 10am to 5:30pm.
Free exhibit of 49 Latina-themed folkloric story quilts by
women and children of the Mendocino County co-opera-
tive. Show runs Nov. 2 through Dec.20 at The Women’s
Cancer Resource Center Gallery, 5741 Telegraph Ave.
Gallery hours: Mon –Fri, 9am to 5pm. Wheelchair
accessible. 420-7900; www.wcrc.org.
Art Exhibit
T-Rex Thunderlizard Wild West Puppet Show:
Tuesday, 11/13, 7pm. All ages welcome.
Sewing Felt Craft Session: Thursday 12/6, 4 to 5pm.
Please come on time; this project takes the full hour.
For kids 7 and older. Adults welcome.
FOR TEENS:

Fri., 12 to 5:30pm. Closed Sundays.
CLOSED: 11/22 and 11/23 for Thanksgiving.

Diesel Readings and Events
All events are FREE and open to the public.
Tuesday, 11/6, 7:30pm: Ted Nordhaus and Michael
Shellenberger: Break Through: From the Death of
Environmentalism to the Politics of Possibility.
Monday, 11/12, 7:30pm: Amnesty International
Meeting: exchange information and ideas on action.
All welcome.
Tuesday, 11/13, 7:30pm: Bruce Watson: Sacco and
Vanzetti.
Wednesday, 11/14, 7:30pm: Fritjof Capra: The Science
of Leonardo: Inside the Mind of the Great Genius of
the Renaissance.
Sunday, 11/18, 3pm: Local author Tom Downs: Walking
San Francisco: 30 Savvy Tours Exploring Dive Bars,
Grand Hotels, Steep Streets and Waterfront Parks.
Wednesday, 11/28, 7:30pm: Rockridge resident and
artist Elizabeth Opalenik: Poetic Grace: Photographs
1979 – 2007.
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.
Paintings and drawings by 5 local women artists, “The
Magpies”: Priscilla Birge, Barbara Hazard, Joanna
Katz, Diane Rusnak and Sarah Whitecotton. Nov. 3
through Dec 2. Opening reception on Sunday, Nov.4,
from 2 to 5pm. Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. (at
Ashby near the Claremont Hotel). 848-1228; giorgigal-
lery@yahoo.com.
North Oakland Senior Center

Anime Club: Teens 13 and up, watch and talk about
anime (Japanese animation) with other teens. 2nd
Tuesday of each month, from 5 to 6:30pm, upstairs
meeting room. Meet 11/13 to watch Full Metal Alchemist:
Conqueror of Shamballa.
Special event at Oakland Main Library (125 14th
Street): Local author/illustrator Gene Yang will talk
about creating his award winning graphic novel,
American Born Chinese. Saturday, 11/17, 11am. All
ages welcome.
More info: Susy, Teen Specialist Librarian, 597-5017.
FOR ADULTS:





Program Highlights: Computer classes; Health Insur-
ance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP); trips,
tours and theater outings; Alzheimer’s caregivers support
group; AARP driver safety classes; .

Lavender Lunch Bunch: Free lunch, entertainment,
speakers and socializing for LGBT elders age 55+ and
friends. Friday, 11/16, 12:30 to 3pm.
farmers market, Wednesdays, 10:30am to 2:30pm
Hours: Mon. – Fri., 8:45am to 4:45pm. Closed Mon.,
11/11 for Veterans’ Day. 5714 Martin Luther King, Jr.
Way. The Newsletter, “North Oakland Senior Times,”
provides a full schedule of classes and a monthly
lunch menu ($2.25 to $4.00). For details about events,
membership, and opportunities to become a volunteer,
call 597- 5085.

Writers’ Support /Critique Group: ALL writers
welcome. Third Saturday of each month (11/17) from
1 to 5pm. Bring up to 5 pages of your prose for on-site
reading/discussion. Sponsored by the California Writers
Club, Berkeley branch (www.berkeleywritersclub.org/).
For more info: 420-8775 or Writefox@aol.com.
Knitting Classes for Seniors (50+): with instructor
Teri Barr. All levels welcome. Beginners bring light
color yarn and a pair of size 8 needles. If experienced,
bring projects to work on. Tuesdays, 12:30-2:30pm,
upstairs meeting room.




Book Signing at the Pasta Shop
Noted pastry chef Alice Medrich will be at the Pasta
Shop to present her new cookbook, Pure Dessert, True
Flavors, Inspiring Ingredients, and Simple Recipes.
Taste recipes and ingredients. Saturday, 11/10, from
1 to 3pm. Market Hall, 5655 College Ave. 547-4005;
www.pastashop.net.
WINSTON’S PLUMBING
HEATING & ELECTRICAL
lic.# 537739/554406
Bambino Thrift Shop Holiday Season
Since 1979
• Trenchless Sewers
Do your holiday shopping and benefit Children’s Hospital.
Nov. 6 through Dec. 21. Tuesday — Friday, 10am to 3pm;
Saturday, 12 to 4pm. 5290 College Ave., 658-7473.
Based here in Rockridge,
we specialize in:
• Earthquake Protection
• Tankless Water Heaters
Architectural remodels/additions
Jazz at the Chimes
• Remodel & Repair
Gardens/outdoor spaces
Featuring jazz vocalist Madeline Eastman and her trio.
Sunday, 11/18, 2pm. Ticket sales at the door begin at
12:30pm: $15 (cash only) for concert and artist’s reception
and refreshments. Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont
Ave. Wheelchair accessible. Sponsored by the Lifemark
New construction
510-652-8014
www.winstonsplumbing.com
www.AboutInsideOut.com     510.655.7674
“”May your toilet never runneth over!”


16.

November 3, 2007

VINITA GOKHALE
ROCKRIDGE REALTOR AND HOMEOWNER
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p 510.428.2600
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ronkriss@jps.net
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terrykulka@att.net
http://www.terrykulka.com
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OWNER – BROKER
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