← HomeAll issuesMarch 2008Issue 2008_03 · 16 ppShowing matches for “Gay Ducey”‹ PrevNext ›Download PDF
‹Page 1 / 16›
Extracted text · highlighting “Gay Ducey”
www.rockridge.org
VOL. 23 NO. 2 ISSUE NO. 243 March 8, 2008
CIRCULATION: 5,100 Residences; 200 Businesses
Sponsored by the Rockridge Community Planning Council • 5245 College Ave. PMB 311 • Oakland, CA 94618 • 869-4200
Agenda: RCPC March
Town Hall Meeting
Thursday, March 20, 7:30 p.m.,
Rockridge Branch Library,
5366 College Avenue at Manila,
Community Room (Upstairs)
RCPC Presents
■
■
Storyteller Gay Ducey:
Spinning Straw Into Gold;
Using Stories in Community
and Family Life.
Gay Ducey presents a workshop that will
encourage folks to try telling stories, as
opposed to reading them.
Gay says, “Everyone has stories. Whether
we gather children to tell a tale at home,
shoot the breeze with the neighbors, or
linger at the water cooler, we all spin yarns.
Telling stories is easy to do, and important.
Stories introduce us, define us and help us
understand ourselves and others.
Spend a Thursday evening with a master
storyteller and educator who will give you
tips about how to recall, collect, and tell
family stories and traditional tales. No
formal experience necessary or desirable.
Prerequisites? Yes: Life experience and a free
evening; you have both of those already.
Report: February Town Hall Meeting
Community, RCPC Board Scope
Rockridge Issues for Coming Year
by Don Kinkead, Editor
Invited to comment on the issues facing
Rockridge, and how they would want the
Rockridge Community Planning Council
(RCPC) board of directors to prioritize
them, attendees at the RCPC Town Hall
Meeting held February 21 did not hold back.
From planning issues to crime in Rockridge
to changes in the RCPC bylaws, audience
members peppered the boardmembers with
questions and comments.
Safeway’s proposal to build a new,
larger store and parking area on its present
College Avenue site was high on the list of
most attendees.
“This thing terrifies me,” said Patrick
Ansari, owner of The Meadows flower shop
on College, directly across from Safeway.
“Closing the driveways [presently opening
onto College across from Cole Coffee and
the Bank of America] would hurt local busi-
nesses. Now, customers can park and shop
at Safeway, then come to our businesses
across the street. That won’t happen if the
driveways are closed.”
Noting RCPC’s commitment to a pedes-
trian-friendly retail-commercial area,
boardmembers said RCPC has met several
times with Safeway representatives. Some
suggestions by RCPC for a design more in
Rockridge Issues, page 3
¤
¤
NCPC Forum Highlights Crime Prevention
Through Intervention and Redirection
Measure Y program representatives
s p e a k a t t h e R o c k ri d g e
Neighborhood Crime Prevention
Council (NCPC) Town Hall, February
28, held at the Rockridge Branch
Library. More than 30 Measure Y
programs receive $6.4 million funding
each year to steer youth, young adults
and released prisoners in postive
directions. Panel members below,
from left: Charles Turner, Oakland Private
Industry Council; Tony Crear, Alameda County
Probation Department; Michelle Clark-Clough,
Youth Employment Partnership; Celsa Senad,
Mentoring Center; Demetria Huntsman,
Peacemakers.
Visit www.oaklandnet.com to learn more
about Measure Y and its use in fighting crime.
RCPC Open Forum, including
■
■
Land Use Committee updates
City Council to Consider
Fee Increase in Residential
Permit Parking Program
An increase in Residential Permit Parking
(RPP) fees has been recommended by
the city’s Finance and Management Agency
to meet program costs. If approved by the
City Council, renewals would increase to
$50 from $15; new permits would increase
to $30 from $17.50 (or $60 from $25,
depending on registration date).
View the Agency’s resolution on-line
at http://clerkwebsvr1.oaklandnet.com/
attachments/17818.pdf, or contact Jane
Brunner’s office at jbrunner@oaklandnet.
com (copy to RCPC: info@rockridge.org)
or phone 238-7001 for more information
and hearing dates. (See Letters, page 4.)
Photo: Susan Montauk
Measure Y: Helping in
the Fight Against Crime
2.
March 8, 2008
In My Opinion
Get Involved: Fight Crime
ROCKRIDGE BRANCH LIBRARY
5366 College Avenue
597-5017
HOURS:
Mon, Tues:
Weds, Thurs, Sat:
Friday:
Sunday:
Library program details: See Calendar, page 15.
12:30 – 8 p.m.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
12 – 5:30 p.m.
CLOSED
by Vivek Bhatia
Many years ago, I was having a par-
ticularly difficult time at work. My
manager told me something that’s stuck
with me to this day: “Everything in life
goes in cycles,” she said. “The difficulty
is in finding the right perspective to rec-
ognize it. Only when you recognize the
cycle can you decide what actions to take
in order to minimize the time you spend in
the downturns.”
Well, there’s no question about it:
Rockridge is in a downward cycle as far
as crime is concerned. Since January 1,
2008, the crime rate has been the worst it
has been in the last two-and-a-half years,
as measured by Oakland Police Department
crime reports. We’ve had an average of 26
crime reports per week in the first five weeks
of the year, compared to a per week average
of 14 in 2007 and 11 in 2006.
I’ve been following this subject to see
if I could spot the cycle, and see what we
could do to reverse the trend. Below are
the four most important factors I found, in
order of importance:
Keep an eye out for yourself
and for each other
The most important thing you can
do about crime is to keep an eye out for
yourself and for your neighbors. • Don’t
leave valuables in your car in plain sight.
• Lock your doors. • Trim your bushes back,
so muggers can’t hide behind them. • Keep
exterior lights on at night. • Watch for and
report suspicious cars in your neighborhood.
(A man suspected of 30 North Oakland
robberies was caught after someone saw a
strange car in the neighborhood, watched
the suspect jump in and drive off, and wrote
down the license plate number, which the
police used to find him.)
Get more engaged in
our local community
Get involved online, attend commu-
nity meetings, or both. We have two
Yahoo groups focusing on Rockridge
(RockridgeCommunityOnline and Rock-
ridgeNeigborhoodWatchNetwork) and
two local community organizations – the
Rockridge Community Planning Council
(RCPC) and the Rockridge Neighborhood
Crime Prevention Council (NCPC).
Demand more active leadership
and better communication from
our elected leaders
Phone, write or e-mail the Mayor
(238-3141) and City Councilmembers (Jane
Brunner: 238-7001) with your concerns and
ideas, and ask for regular updates.
OPD needs to reach its officer
staffing target
Oakland currently has fewer than 730
police officers, short of its staffing
goal of 803. Oakland’s Police Academy, one
of the country’s finest, has a high dropout
rate. Graduates who leave to serve in other
localities coupled with routine retirements
makes reaching this goal more difficult.
From my research, one thing is clear: without
the full complement of 803 officers, we are
not going to beat our crime problems.
Whether you agree or disagree with my
thoughts, I ask each of you to get involved
in solving the Rockridge crime problem.
Attend the NCPC and RCPC meetings, join
the Yahoo groups, and contact our elected
officials to make your opinion known. United
we stand, and Oakland is a mighty city that
deserves to stand tall and proud.
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 nonprofit 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
Don Kinkead.......................Editor
Ortrun Niesar.....................The Muse
Barry Kaufman...................Food
Anna Marks.........................Writer
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,
Don Kinkead, Ellen Peterson, Peter St. John,
Jeff Small, Danica Truchlikova, Margaret Wahlberg
Contact the Board: rcpcchair@rockridge.org
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.
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
block 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
Rockridge resident Vivek Bhatia is founder and
webmaster of www.rockridgresidents.org. The site’s
slogan is “By the Residents, For the Residents.”
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.
$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
601-1188
Mon – Fri 7 – 7 • Sat 8 – 6
Across from Zachary’s Pizza
Newsletter Advertising/Deadlines
Publication date of the next issue is
April 6, 2008
April deadline is March 20.
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.)
EXPERT
SHIRT
LAUNDERING!
3.
March 8, 2008
reports of crime and how police respond. Del
Rosario explained that he handles calls for
beat issues such as aggressive panhandlers,
trespassers, and suspicious circumstances,
“the quality-of-life issues.” He said that calls
to police at 777-3333 for non-emergencies or
777-3211 for emergencies are responded to
in order of seriousness. For example, crimes
in progress get a response from any officer
taking the call. Del Rosario works from 5
a.m. to 5 p.m. He can be reached by e-mail
at ndelrosario@oaklandnet.com.
A proposed change in RCPC boardmem-
ber term limits drew questions from the
audience. RCPC legal advisor John Guss-
man explained that the by-law change, if
approved, would actually limit board power
by reducing its discretion to refuse a board
candidate the right to run for a seat. In the
subsequent vote at the meeting by written
ballot, the measure was approved: Board-
members who have served three consecutive
elected terms will not be eligible to stand
again for election, unless there was a break
in the boardmember’s actual service within
those elected terms, as described in Bylaws
section 8.3(d), or until at least one annual
election cycle has passed since the end of
the boardmember’s last elected term. No
other term limits will apply.
Several audience members expressed
concern about the potential for changes
to College Avenue if a proposal by the
Rockridge District Association to create a
“community benefit district” succeeds. Such
a district could shift important decision-
making power to a few large College Avenue
property owners such as BART/CalTrans,
Safeway, ASR Tx Lease (the Trader Joe’s
site), Wilson Associates (Market Hall, etc.)
and Dreyer’s, (see The Rockridge News,
October 2007).
The outcome of that proposal is not
known. RCPC boardmembers noted the
group is working with the City to resolve
inconsistencies in zoning regulations and
provide stronger zoning guidelines. No
changes are currently planned for College
Avenue, the boardmembers said.
Rockridge Issues
from page 1
the style of existing College Avenue shops
were challenged by Safeway. Boardmembers
emphasized RCPC concerns about the size
and design of the proposed store and park-
ing lot and agreed that parking would be a
difficult problem to solve.
Attendees with backgrounds in archi-
tecture stressed Safeway’s opportunity to
create a unique urban design for this store.
Architect Larry Meyers said the Union 76
gas station site at College and Claremont, to
be a part of the new facility, was on a “‘100
percent corner,’ meaning it has access and
exposure, assets that should not be wasted
by routine design.”
Audience members were referred to
recent issues of The Rockridge News posted
on the RCPC website at www.rockridge.
org and were encouraged to comment at
landuse@rockridge.org. Safeway consultants
Aroner, Jewel & Ellis maintain a website
for comments, as well: www.safewayon-
college.com.
Crime in Rockridge and Oakland also
concerned those at the meeting. Oakland
Police Officer Norman Del Rosario, Beat
Officer for Beat 12X (Rockridge), discussed
The March Town Hall meeting features
storyteller Gay Ducey who will present
“Using Stories in Community and Family
Life.” A graduate of UC Berkeley’s Library
School, Ms. Ducey is the children’s librar-
ian at the Rockridge Branch Library, and
the staff trainer for volunteer storytellers
at Oakland Head Start programs. The
Commission on the Status of Women
recently named her one of the “Outstand-
ing Women of Berkeley.” Details in agenda
box, page 1.
Library Friends Seek Board Candidates for April Election
by Karen Carlson,
FORL co-chair
The Friends of the Rockridge
Library (FORL) board of
directors is looking for a few
new board members. We meet
four times a year, our work is
interesting and useful, and the
company is wonderful.
The mission of the board
is to champion the Rockridge
ing of RCPC.
For more information, con-
tact either FORL co-chair
Karen Carlson at KarenCarls@
sbcglobal.net, 654-0588; or
Carol Bieri cbieri@pacbell.net,
547-5660.
No photos or speeches
required. Shy and retiring
bookworms are welcome.
Branch Library; to create and
stimulate public enthusiasm and
interest in library programs;
and to advocate
for the library to
the community and
government bodies.
FORL seeks to gen-
erate new ideas for
the enhancement
of library facilities
and programs, and to encour-
age volunteers and gifts to the
library. In general, we foster
continued support
for the library’s abil-
ity to respond to and
serve the needs of our
diverse population.
FORL’s annual
election will be held
at the April 17 meet-
SIMPLIFY!
Regency Antique Restoration
Professional and Experienced
ALL Furniture Repairs
In-Home Services
New finishes & waxing
FREE ESTIMATES
Pickup & Delivery
534-0603
Bruce Wagg
bruce@bayareaantiques.com
Clutter Control
Paper/Filing Systems
Kitchens/Closets
Based here in Rockridge,
we specialize in:
Space Planning
Packing/Unpacking
Solutions for the critical mess
Non-Judgmental & Confidential
Architectural remodels/additions
Gardens/outdoor spaces
New construction
www.SummersOrganizing.com
Barbara ✔ 415-381-0707
www.AboutInsideOut.com 510.655.7674
4.
March 8, 2008
Letters to the Editor
RCPC, the Fourth Bore Coalition and Livability
Editor:
One of the many things most Western European visitors to
America find particularly startling is the experience of driving
along our freeways and being able to look directly at nearby
residential buildings. In Europe, protecting residential peace
and quiet from freeway noise is taken very seriously. Thorough
separation by combinations of broad fields, forests, berms, below-
grade routing, and/or effective soundwalls (and even special “quiet
night” speed limits) is strictly mandated.
Forty-five years ago the construction of Highway 24, an elevated
freeway built right through Temescal Canyon and the Rockridge
and Temescal Districts, one of the most attractive areas in the
East Bay, seriously diminished livability. Although we citizens
have politely numbed ourselves to the reality of Third World noise
levels, the planned fourth bore of the Cladecott Tunnel will indeed
invite an increase in traffic that will make things worse.
RCPC and the Fourth Bore Coalition are to be commended
for having filed suit against Caltrans for its failure to consider
wider environmental impacts, and all citizens should rally in
support of this effort.
Such things as lounging outdoors, listening to the calls of birds,
and meditating to the rustle of the breeze are not frivolous plea-
sures. The quiet enjoyment of your home is your legal right.
— Ray Perman
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.
Proposed Residential Permit Parking Fee
Increase is Outrageous!
Editor:
Attached is a copy of an e-mail I sent to the city of Oakland
and to Jane Brunner regarding the City Council’s proposed permit
parking fee increase. The increase would raise the cost of the initial
parking permit to $60 from the current $25 (depending on when
purchased; and the cost for annual renewals to $50 from $15. Ms.
Brunner’s office replied, saying the council had not yet taken a
position on the proposal.
Dear Ms. Brunner:
I attended last night’s meeting at the Rockridge Library (Febru-
ary 20) regarding the proposed increase in parking permit fees. I
was struck by the total lack of organization of the presenters: they
kept referring the audience to an RPP report but had no copies.
They had no idea how many blocks were included in each “parking
technician’s” jurisdiction or beat. They did not know how many
technicians they had out on the streets, how often those technicians
patrolled their beat, how many tickets were written by each techni-
cian, or how much money was received from fines. They stated
that this division of their department had lost over $147,000 but
could not say whether that loss was accumulated over a number of
years or if it was a full tally of losses for this fiscal year. They also
were not able to produce a copy of their “calculations” or explain
how they came up with the new permit fee amounts. They contend
that to make the parking permit division profitable, they need to
raise the rates. When we asked if the City Council would make a
two-tiered program for permit parking, lowering the fees for senior
citizens, the handicapped and retired people all living on fixed
incomes, we were told, “No! The City Council decided not to do
that.” When we asked why the City Council made that decision,
we were told that there was no explanation. That is intolerable! To
me it looks as if the permit parking division is trying to make up
for its incompetence by throwing money at their disorganization.
This will not do! Under no circumstances should we, the public,
be asked to accept an outrageous increase in fees with no end of
incompetence in sight.
— Diana Mitchell-Chavez
RCPC E-Mail List: Timely
Information Direct to You
The RCPC is happy to announce that an e-mail tree has
been established to notify you about upcoming events on
the RCPC calendar, including RCPC Town Hall Meetings and
Land Use Committee Meetings.
To join this e-mail notification system, simply send your
e-mail address to info@rockridge.org and you’ll be added to
our list. You can expect to receive no more than two e-mails a
month and your information will be kept confidential. E-mail
addresses provided will not be shared and will be used by the
RCPC for official notifications only.
Proposed Permit Parking Fee Hike Unjustified
Editor:
I am writing to express my strong objection to the proposed fee
hike from $15 to $50 for Residential Permit Parking. I sometimes
wonder if the City has declared war on its citizens, seeking every
opportunity to squeeze more money out of us.
I have participated in the permit program for two years and
I see few efforts at enforcement. Will a higher cost bring better
enforcement? The city should collect the money it can through
proper enforcement before raising the rates. A 300% increase is
otherwise unjustifiable.
— Ted Radosevich
5.
March 8, 2008
Updates: Hauser and
Safeway Projects, Others
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.
by Stuart Flashman, committee chair
Committee Notes
■
■
Land Use Committee Meeting:
Wednesday, March 26, 7 p.m.,
Rockridge Branch Library
Richard Smith has resigned as chair of
the Planning and Project Review Commit-
tee, and the RCPC board appointed Stuart
Flashman to be his replacement. The board
also voted to change the committee’s name
back to the Land Use Committee.
Based on applications received, the
board appointed two new members to the
committee: Jeff Small and Bill Garcia.
Unless otherwise noted, meetings will now
be held the 4th Wednesday of each month
at 7 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room of
the Rockridge Branch Library. Meetings
are generally open to the public. Contact
Stu Flashman by phone at 652-5373 or via
e-mail: stuflash@aol.com with questions.
Hauser/Creekside residential/
■
■
roof-top parking would be off Claremont.
The truck loading area would be recessed
under the side of the store nearest Alcatraz.
Plans call for trucks to exit onto College
just south of Alcatraz, but this may create
traffic problems. Safeway’s plans are still in
flux. There will be another public meeting
when the plans have been refined.
5175 Broadway residential/
■
■
400 Avon Street
Proposal: To convert four residential dwelling
units into four residential condominium units.
Contact/ John E. Gutierrez, Esq.
Phone: 510/647-0600
Owner: Michelle Vasey
Permits Required: Tentative Parcel Map for
condominium purposes.
Planner: Caesar Quitevis, 510/238-6343 or
clquitevis@oaklandnet.com
mixed-use project
RCPC voted not to oppose the project,
subject to conditions to mitigate its impacts
on the neighborhood. However, the Planning
Commission rejected the project, based on
design considerations, and sent it back for
formal design review.
5666 Telegraph residential
■
■
5148 Broadway
Proposal: Replace 5 existing Bank of America
business signs with new signs.
Contact/ Matt Sieck, Sign Productions
Phone: 319/364-6697
Owner: Property Development Associates
Permits Required: Design Review to replace
approximately 170 square feet of total sign area
at a shopping center. Variance to allow the total
signage to exceed the total permitted aggregate
sign area of 200 square feet.
Planner: Holly Pearson, 510/238-3079 or hpear-
son@oaklandnet.com
mixed-use project (Global
Video Site – 5132 Telegraph)
City staff is still working on getting
an environmental impact report prepared
for this project. Reportedly, the project is
being redesigned, although no new plans
are available. We hope that when revised
plans become available, the applicant will
have another public meeting to discuss this
significant and potentially very large (over
100 units) project.
College Avenue Safeway
■
■
project
This five-story project, just north of
Highway 24, while not formally within the
RCPC boundaries, could set an unfortunate
precedent for this part of Telegraph Avenue,
including areas that are within RCPC’s
boundary. It was approved administratively,
but neighbors appealed the approval to the
Planning Commission. RCPC expressed
concern to the commission about the proj-
ect’s scale and its neighborhood impacts.
The commission approved the project, but
directed the applicant to work with the appel-
lants to address the concerns raised.
Trader Joe’s/Pharmica signage
■
■
6391 Hillegass Avenue
Proposal: To convert four residential dwelling
units into four residential condominium units.
Contact/ Kristen Personett
Phone: 510/697-4289
Eli Israel and Michelle Medeiros
Permits Required: Tentative Parcel Map for
condominium purposes.
Historic Status: Potential Designated Historic
Property (PDHP)
Survey Rating: Dc2+
Planner: Caesar Quitevis, 510/238-6343 or
clquitevis@oaklandnet.com
rebuild (6310 College Avenue
at Claremont)
Safeway gave a preliminary presenta-
tion of their revised plans to the RCPC
board. The revisions reduce the overall size
somewhat, but the store is still proposed
to be larger than 50,000 sq.ft. The store
would have two street-level entrances off
College Avenue, and the auto entrance to
by Jeff Small, RCPC boardmember,
and Stuart Flashman
Pharmica, a new subtenant of Trader
Joe’s, wants a 100 sq. ft. sign, while the
zoning only allows it 20 sq. ft. The current
free-standing Trader Joe’s sign eats up most
of the allowed signage allotment. Trader
Joe’s also wants an additional large sign
on the wall facing the BART parking lot.
RCPC is opposing this, and has notified
the Planning Department. It appears the
department intends to deny Pharmica’s and
Trader Joe’s requests, unless Trader Joe’s first
agrees to modify its stand-alone sign. Sig-
nage normally is handled administratively,
without a public hearing. To express your
opinion on this issue, contact the Planning
Department at 238-3911.
Small Office Specialists
Small Office Specialists
For a kitchen,
consult a kitchen expert.
For a closet,
find a closet designer.
For your office,
come to us.
5933 College Ave. (off Claremont) Oakland, 510-654-9500
1265 Veterans Blvd., Redwood City, 650-365-7800
WWW.GALVINS.COM
6.
March 8, 2008
Claremont Community Day Brings
Merchants and Students Together
by Jennifer Edmister,
RCPC boardmember
The rain on Friday
morning, February 22,
couldn’t dampen the enthu-
siasm of the more than 100
eighth graders from Clare-
mont Middle School who
poured onto College Avenue
in small groups, ready to
visit local merchants who
had opened their businesses
to the students. Escorted
by parents and community
volunteers, including two
good-spirited Oakland police
officers, most of the kids
were happy enough to be
excused from their morn-
ing classes. Many, however,
took to the experience (and
to the College Avenue trivia
quiz that stumped most of
the adult participants) with
unexpected enthusiasm.
“How much money can
you make at this job?” Sev-
eral budding entrepreneurs,
Schools: Claremont and Commerce
tour of the kitchen where
sous chef Michael Cook
explained his role and that
of the kitchen staff, already
hard at work more than six
hours before the restaurant
would open for dinner. Janet,
a local psychotherapist, drew
hoots of enthusiasm when she
gave students a Soprano-like
moment, inviting them to
sit on the couch and make
themselves comfortable.
Less-small businesses, like
newcomer Trader Joe’s,
added to the mix. Inside the
walk-in freezer – big enough
to accommodate a group of
10 students – the assistant
manager discussed how per-
ishables are supplied to the
store and then, outside the
freezer, offered warm brown-
ies to the chilled group.
Hosted by
the Rockridge
district Asso-
ciation, the
R o c k r i d g e
Neighborhood
Crime Preven-
tion Council and
the Rockridge
C o m m u -
nity Planning
Council, the
first Claremont
Middle School
Rockridge Community day
was an event to make the
community proud. As stu-
dents opened a positive,
Susan Bernosky of Allstate Insurance
and Marcie Hodge of Claremont (at
left) with their student group.
respectful discourse with the
business people of College
Avenue, the benefit flowed in
both directions – sometimes
in unexpected ways. “I never
knew why insurance was
so important,” one student
remarked. “I should ask my
parents if they have it.”
Hearty thanks to Sarah
Lamb, Rockridge district
Association Program direc-
tor and organizer of this
event, to the Rockridge
merchants who generously
participated and to princi-
pal david Chambliss, the
staff, parents and especially
to the students of Clare-
mont Middle School, all of
whom conducted themselves
graciously and enthusiasti-
cally. Asked for suggestions
to improve the event, one
eighth-grader wondered,
“Next time, can we do it not
just in Rockridge, but in other
cities, too?”
Ron Kriss of Lawton Associates
with his student group at
Stauder Automotive.
and others weighing their
options, approached the Col-
lege Avenue merchants with
candor and courtesy that was
returned in kind. Touching
lightly on the concepts of
overhead, inventory, and of
course, profit, many small
business owners explained
that their shops were their
livelihood, not just their
hobbies. Alison, co-owner of
dramatic play space Glitter
and Razz, discussed intern-
ship opportunities and helped
a few students to complete
applications. At A Côté,
groups were treated to a
Time out for a snack
at Zachary’s Pizza.
Seismic Analysis
&
c A
&
c A
&
Kimberly Lang
Foundation
Engineering
PhotoS: SuSan Montauk
Draperies
Roman Shades
Cushions and Pillows
Fabric and Style Advice
■
■
■
Specializing in
Seismic Retrofit
(510) 220-0274
www.SAFEinSF.com
510.540.6864 www.kimberlylang.com
7.
March 8, 2008
Claremont Middle School to Hold
Musical Play-a-Thon in Rockridge
by Ron Kriss,
Rockridge parent
Exciting things are hap-
pening at Claremont
Middle School (CMS) in
Rockridge. In the last two
years, a daily band and
orchestra program added to
the curriculum has grown
wildly. Starting with just
eight students, the program
grew to 45 students last year
and now has exploded to over
120 students.
Under the direction
of Music Director Renae
Briggs, the CMS Band
& Orchestra has repre-
sented the school and the
Rockridge community at
district and regional music
festivals, including the 2007
Rockridge Out & About
Festival, the BART 50th
Anniversary Celebration and
the 2007 National Anthem
Project in Sacramento.
This year the students
are excited about attending
a statewide band festival in
Sacramento and the School
Music Day at Great America.
Each student must raise $75
to cover travel expenses and
entry fees for this year’s
trips. To help meet those
costs, the students are plan-
ning their only fundraiser:
The 2008 Music Play-a-
Thon. The students have
learned 100 songs that they
will perform in three College
Avenue venues from 1 to 5
p.m. on Wednesday, March
19: in front of Claremont
Middle School on College
at Miles (5750 College); at
the Rockridge BART Sta-
tion; and in front of Trader
Joe’s. The Band & Orchestra
will play music from many
different eras including
Classical, Jazz, Marches,
Movie Themes, Rock ’n Roll,
Pop, and the Blues.
Please sponsor a stu-
dent! All donations are tax
deductible. Contact Renae
Briggs (renaeb@california.
com), drop by the school
and visit the music program,
or just show up on March
19 with your checkbook.
Ms. Briggs also invites
Rockridge neighbors who
play an instrument to sit in
and play along with the CMS
students during the Play-A-
Thon. Claremont parents,
teachers and students hope
Music Director Renae Briggs
Schools: Claremont and Music
Claremont Middle School Band & Orchestra perform
on College Avenue during the 2007 “Out and About
in Rockridge” street fair.
that Rockridge will rally
and support these aspiring
young musicians.
Much of the program’s
success is due to Renae
Briggs. With an infectious
spirit that has captured the
support of students, parents,
and Rockridge neighbors,
she has become a driving
force at the school. As
Principal David Chambliss
remarked, “It’s now cool
to be smart and to be in
“Much of the
program’s
success is
due to Renae
Briggs.”
the band and orchestra at
Claremont.” This thrills the
many Rockridge families
who have dreamed of Clare-
mont becoming a spirited
neighborhood school pro-
viding a quality education
for all students, including
those who live nearby and
those who travel from other
Oakland areas.
Photos: Ron Kriss, Renae Briggs
Feel like
a kid again...
YOUR FINANCIAL LIFE GOES BEYOND
STOCKS AND BONDS. SHOULDN’T YOUR
FINANCIAL STRATEGY DO THE SAME?
HALLIE HART, CFP®, FINANCIAL ADVISOR
510-208-3823
MERRILL LYNCH
1111 BROADWAY, 22ND FLOOR
OAKLAND, CA 94607
Group Classes
Cardio & Weights
Personal Training
Child Care
4444 PIEDMONT AVE, OAKLAND (510) 655-8308
WWW.INSIDEOUTSIDEFITNESS.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.
8.
March 8, 2008
RCPC 2007
Financial Statement
Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2007
R
CPC publishes its annual financial
statement in The Rockridge News
after the end of each fiscal year.
(1) A portion of these funds are restricted
gifts towards specific items planned for FROG-
Park development.
(2) Correcting entry made on 1/29/07 to
adjust Locksley Gardens account balance to
$499.06, after team review.
(3) Includes remaining balance of the $100k
pledge in 2006 by Councilmember Ignacio
de la Fuente for capital improvements of
FROGPark.
(4) Represents a commitment by RCPC
to fund an additional $3,000 of legal costs
related to the 4th Bore Coalition (FBC)'s suit
against CalTrans for a total RCPC commit-
ment of $5,000.
(5) Represents commitment by FROG to
fund $5,000 of legal cost for FBC's suit against
CalTrans.
RCPC tax records are on file at the
Rockridge Library for public review.
COLLINS ROOFING
Family Owned & Operated
482-2227 Seamus
www.collinsroofing.com
Quality Work • Free Estimates
Lic # 695711
RCPC General Fund
P&L DATA
Income
(cash basis)
Rockridge News
$41,790
Kitchen Tour
20,319
Interest Income
1,300
Other Income
901
Total Income
64,310
Expenses
Rockridge News
36,352
Other Program Expenses
918
Kitchen Tour
5,684
Legal & Accounting
4,689
Insurance, Permits and Sales Tax
2,017
Misc. Administrative Expenses
4,475
Total Expenses
54,135
Net Receipts
10,175
Friends of the Rockridge Library (FORL)
Income
Donations
7,097
Merchandising (book sales)
3,328
Interest Income
1,290
Total Income
11,715
Expenses
Gifts to the Library
7,978
Library Scholarship
2,700
Misc. Administrative Expenses
973
Total Expenses
11,651
Net Receipts
64
Friends of the Rockridge Greenbelt (FROG)
Income
Donations
10,507
Merchandising (tee-shirts)
-
Interest Income
820
Total Income
11,327
Expenses
Playground New Construction
1,406
Playground Maintenance & Bathroom
2,141
Misc. Administrative Expenses
404
Total Expenses
3,951
Net Receipts
7,375
Whistlestop Committee
Income
Merchandising (whistles)
120
Expenses
Merchandising (whistles)
122
Grants
200
Misc. Administrative Expenses
16
Total Expenses
338
Net Receipts
(218)
Locksley Gardens No activity in 2007
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Assets
Cash Accounts
RCPC
14,849
FORL
12,722
FROG(1)
62,803
Whistlestop
453
Locksley Gardens(2)
499
Other Assets
FROG: Balance of de la Fuente Funds(3)
26,607
RCPC CDs
40,952
FORL CDs
32,253
Total Assets
191,137
Liabilities & Equity
RCPC: Commitment to FBC(4)
3,000
FROG: Commitment to FBC(5)
5,000
Equity
183,137
Total Liabilities & Equity
191,137
Footnoted items detailed, top of next column
Pilates Plus
ates Plus
Pil
®
Pilates
Gyrotonic
Strength and Flexibility Training
Pilates
Gyrotonic
Strength and Flexibility Training
®
5255 College Avenue
Oakland CA 94618
5255 College Avenue
Oakland CA 94618
510 . 420 . 1412
www.pilatesoncollege.com
www.pilatesoncollege.com
WINSTON’S PLUMBING
HEATING & ELECTRICAL
lic.# 537739/554406
Since 1979
• Trenchless Sewers
• Earthquake Protection
• Tankless Water Heaters
• Remodel & Repair
510-652-8014
www.winstonsplumbing.com
“”May your toilet never runneth over!”
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
9.
March 8, 2008
RCPC’s Redesigned Website Ready
for Fine Tuning; Help Wanted
R
CPC has been working since the fall to create a new, comprehensive, interactive
website for the Rockridge community. We want it to be a community resource with
the integrity and credibility of The Rockridge News.
We hope to better meet the RCPC mission with a community calendar, RCPC com-
mittee pages, community polls and forums/blogs, among other elements. As currently
envisioned, the new RCPC website will function as an “umbrella” site within which
Rockridge neighbors – homeowners, renters, students and merchants – can get together
to enrich and improve our community. For example, boardmember Annette Floystrup is
working to establish a “Green Rockridge Initiative.” This would find a home in the new
website as a web page where residents can find resources, share ideas and cooperate to
lessen Rockridge’s environmental “footprint.” Another example: the Safeway on College
is planning a new, much larger store on the site. What better place to gather, refine and
focus community interest than a web page dedicated to this project?
We have a draft site underway, based on the open source content software drupal
that has all the necessary elements and functions; now we need help making it simple
and attractive. Sounds like a job for an experienced web designer! Having identified
website elements and their relationships, it should be a straightforward task to complete
the site.
If you have advice, referrals, or are the person who wants to complete this website,
contact Peter St. John at pcstjohn@earthlink.net.
Rockridge
Located on Market Hall’s Lower Level
Entry on Shafter Avenue
510-655-8808
www.curvesrockridge.com
Free Parking!
Across from BART
Open 7 Days
Mon- Fri 6:00 -7:30
Sat & Sun 8:00 - Noon
Mon – Fri 9:30 – 6:00
Sat 9:30 – 5:00
CHIMES
PHARMACY
Serving Rockridge Since 1909
3210 College Avenue
Near Alcatraz
652-1990
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
Insurance and savings subject to availability and qualifications.
Savings applies to most major coverages. Allstate Indemnity
Company: Northbrook, IL.
©2004 Allstate Insurance Company.
YOU MAY LIVE 30 YEARS
PAST RETIREMENT.
ARE YOU PREPARED?
Rockridge Resident
[24778-v1-0668]RP-260-0805
Leila S. Gough, Associate Vice President-Investments
1999 Harrison, Suite 2050 • Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 452-8060
www.agedwards.com/fc/leila.gough
2004 A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. • Member SIPC
Visit my website at www.eastbayhouse.com!
2008 February Sales; Chart, Median Prices for 2 Years
Close
BR/Bth Address
Orig Price
DOM Listing Price Selling Price
2/12/08
2/2
5947 Keith Ave
$779,000
81
$769,500
$730,000
2/14/08
4/3
6000 Broadway
$1,125,000
14
$1,125,000
$1,087,500
2/25/08
2/1
5436 Proctor Ave
$749,000
14
$749,000
$780,000
2/26/08
4/3
6205 Mathieu
$1,275,000
11
$1,275,000
$1,337,500
Median Price of Houses
Sold Over a
2 Year Period on a
Monthly Basis
01/01/06 - 01/31/08
10.
March 8, 2008
Oakland’s Earth Day; April 19, ’08
Each year hundreds
of Oakland’s neigh-
borhood groups recruit
thousands of volunteers to
work on their own parks,
median strips and open
spaces. They are coordinated
by and receive assistance
from Oakland Public Works.
Rockridge projects have
included the 51st Street
public way, the Greenbelt
from Clifton to Redondo
Park and FROGPark.
Pictured below is a group
of volunteers hard at work on
51st Street in a past Earth Day
celebration.
The Rockridge News
will report news of 2008
local events in the April
issue.
Be sure to register
your project now with the
Public Works Department to
receive assistance from the
City (see box below).
Earthday
Greening and
Cleaning
Saturday morning,
April 19, 2008
throughout Oakland.
Register your project for
Earth Day and qualify for
tools and other assistance:
e-mail Sandra Steen at
ssteen@oaklandnet.com or
call 434-5113 by March 14.
Photo: Susan Montauk
a
Rebecca Lueck, LCSW
Individual and
Family Counseling
(415) 235-1071
Located at College and Alcatraz
cross-cultural congregation
striving to partner with
the Rockridge community
in lifestyle and service.
Treating relationship issues,
anxiety, depression, panic disorders,
childhood trauma, grief, infertility
and adoption, and addictions.
College Avenue Presbyterian Church
5951 College Avenue, Oakland 510 658-3665
SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:30 AM • VISIT: CAPCCHURCH.ORG
OUR WONDERFUL COMMUNITY MEAL, FRIDAYS, 6-7PM
A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE
Sliding scale : Insurance accepted
4QSJOH#SFBL"SU$BNQ
.BSDI¬
BN¬QN
Join us for a Hawaiian Holiday
• Daily Drawing Lessons
• 3D Projects
• Experienced Instructors
• Healthy Snacks
• Build Confidence
and Learn to Focus
Discover the
MONART Difference!
Noelle, age 9
Fine Arts Classes for Children, Teens and Adults
5427 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 94609
www.monarteastbay.com
510.654.DRAW (3729)
Restoration / Renovation
Custom Wood
Windows and Doors
(510) 893 1157
www.woodenwindow.com Lic 640153
11.
March 8, 2008
Rockridge Real Estate Sales 2008 in Safe Mode
past, and it may become even longer as sources of money tighten
up. Also, if you anticipate financial difficulties, start now to figure
out what to do. Time is of the essence, and so is finding a good
financial consultant and real estate professional to help you sort
out what you need to do to stay out of foreclosure.
The State of our Real Estate in 2007-8
■
■
by Ortrun Niesar
The year 2007 presented a mixed bag of blessings for Rockridge
home owners and buyers.
Inventory of about 118 units of single-family homes in our
study area was fair, but availability was not equivalent in all price
categories. Sales were sporadic throughout the year, best in the
spring and fourth quarter, while the third quarter barely showed
signs of life. Nevertheless, sales of properties that met the criteria
for overall desirability – condition, appearance, location, schools
and views – did better than expected. Listing prices for these
properties actually increased conservatively, with sales coming
in at about 3-5% over asking price, on average.
Comparative Sales Analysis
Be happy; the market is adjusting gently for us in Rockridge.
Compare Rockridge sales price averages for detached single-family
homes over the last three years; there has been little change. Aver-
age price per square foot in 2007 was $588, $538 and $506 for
2, 3 and 4+ bedrooms respectively. A higher median price was
due to the availability of a greater number of 4+ bedroom homes,
fetching prices of $1 million or more. Overall, demand for our
homes remained high, even pushing sales prices a few percentage
points over asking prices.
Outlook for 2008
So far, our bubble has not burst, but Rockridge is not immune
from economy and mortgage crisis worries. There may not
be many sub-prime loans in the neighborhood, but people who
bought within the last two to four years may face refinancing or
a step-up in interest payments without a concomitant rise in home
values this year. The good news is that Rockridge home values
have not dropped dramatically, nor will they. But times are indeed
uncertain. The best advice would be to stay put for a year or two
and just enjoy our fabulous neighborhood. If you must sell, you
will find that a good home in Rockridge will still sell well if it is
priced right. Give yourself plenty of time, though. Average time
on the market is currently about 25 days, twice as long as in the
This analysis covers Rockridge homes sales from the Berkeley border in the
north, south to Broadway Terrace and 51st Street, west to Colby and east
to Highway 13. Information supplied by East Bay Regional Data (EBRD)
is deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. Ortrun Niesar is a Realtor with
Prudential California; ortrun.niesar@prurealty.com
Comparing Rockridge
Home Sale Prices 2002-2007
Year
Avg. Price
% Chge
Median
Price
%Chge
2002
$ 770,604
$ 691,500
2003
847,637
9.9
750,000
8.5
2004
902,000
6.4
805,000
7.3
2005
1,032,139
14.4
930,500
15.6
2006
1,111,317
7.6
903,500
-3.0
2007
1,097,050
(1.3)
1,017,500
12.6
Average Sold Price by No. of Bedrooms
Year
2BR
3BR
4+BR
Homes
Sold
2005
$802,513
$956,722
$1,466,920
124
2006
760,782
962,488
1,498,687
112
2007
794,272
971,663
1,377,322
118
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
12.
March 8, 2008
Make It A: habit
habit,
a premium denim outlet,
is one of the few places on
College Avenue where you can buy designer
goods at outlet prices. Behind the clean,
crisp lines of the store lie some incredible
bargains, 30-70% off retail prices for the
same items found at major department stores
and boutiques.
When Michelle Kim opened habit, she
had already been selling clothing online
for two years (through the former www.
hipstersoutlet.com), while working as a
music teacher in local schools. She’d always
wanted her own store, and since she already
enjoyed coming to College Avenue to shop,
she grabbed an opportunity and opened in
May 2006.
The Neighborhood Merchant
Photo: Don Kinkead
by Theresa Nelson
less of a layer and more something you wear
on its own. Necklines are more feminine,
some are quite dressy with lace trims, and the
prints and textures are more sophisticated.
habit offers a rainbow of T-shirts, every
color arrayed along one wall in a cascade
of choices: basic plain cottons, graphics,
and a variety of sleeve styles. This year,
many Ts feature interesting blends such as
cashmere and cotton, silk and cotton, and
sufina cotton.
Other choices include a variety of shorter
pants – capris and gaucho pants, in a variety
of colors and denim. Michelle also carries
some corduroys in winter, as well as a few
velvet styles, and khaki-style pants without
pockets.
noted that “People come to Rockridge for
the wonderful ambiance, folks who prefer
strolling and seeing unique items (rather than
going to a mall) and who enjoy some good
coffee and great food along the way.”
So take a stroll down College Avenue
to habit, and you just may find the perfect
pair of jeans you’ve been looking for, at a
discount!
habit
habit’s concept is simple: offer designer
jeans and casual clothes at outlet prices.
Michelle is able to go directly to vendors
to get overstocks and special lines and to
then offer discounts of 50% or more. I can’t
mention the names of the lines she carries,
but when you visit habit, you will see some
of the most popular brands available.
Michelle notes that trends in jeans are
shifting: higher rise, wider legs, and darker
colors are in style. Ripped jeans are no
longer popular, and boot-cut jeans seem to
be phasing out. The jeans at habit are all
of the newer styles, and complement the
changes in other clothing elements. She
noted that “Because jeans are something
that almost everyone is comfortable with,
they appeal to women from ages 15 to 65
and more.” habit carries jeans in sizes 23
(like size 0) to 32 (like size 12); tops are
available in sizes from XS to XL.
The denim skirts offered range from
the micro-mini to knee-length, and from
simple to quite adorned.
T-shirts are getting longer, almost tunic-
like, and the trend seems to be that Ts are
Premium Denim Outlet
Owner: Michelle Kim
habit also offers some lovely bags
from Argentina, with fine leather, not too
decorated or adorned – they fit the simple,
clean lines of the clothes. Also available
are shoes from well-known designers, and
a nice range of cute flip-flops in colors
and patterns.
Michelle summed up her approach: “If
you love designer clothes, you don’t have
to pay full price, just come to habit and
we will find the right fit for you.” Though
the store offers dozens of styles of jeans,
she is able to help customers find the two
or three pairs that will fit, rather than a
shopper having to try on endless pairs of
jeans. This kind of personal service makes
shopping for jeans – and other clothes – a
pleasure.
Michelle enjoys being in Rockridge. “The
customers here are wonderful– friendly,
fashionable and nice to work with.” She
5467 College Avenue, Oakland
Open Mon - Sat 11 - 6
Closed Sunday
Phone 510/652-2247
Fax: 415/520-5266
Email: info@habitonline.com
Web: www.habitonline.com
(internet sales)
Rockridge: 5400 College Avenue
Elmwood: 2930 College Avenue
Weekend Brunch in Elmwood
Order New Market
Jeff Auen, Realtor
Residential and
Income Properties
Jaoffice@comcast.net
Norman H. Burg, DDS
Handbook for
Buyers and Sellers at
www.JLAHomes.com
Straight Talk
• Renovation Consultation for
Resale and Purchase
• Over 200 Vendor References
from floors to kitchens
• 60-Step Marketing and
Pre-Sale Plan for Owners
• Over 30 articles free at:
www.JLAHomes.com
General Dentistry
(510) 652-1517
5700 Broadway, Oakland
Creative
Solutions
www.JLAHomes.com
1-800-805-8827
Results
Jeff Auen
A Prevention Oriented Practice
13.
March 8, 2008
March 2008
New Store
Inamorata
Women’s clothing and beauty bar
5326 College Avenue, Oakland
Phone 510/594-9400
www.inamorataboutique.com
Open Sunday, Monday 12 - 5 p.m.,
Tuesday through Saturday
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Closed
Madame Butterfly
5474 College Avenue, Oakland
International Women’s Day
by Anna Marks
International Women’s Day (IWD),
March 8, was born at the turn of the last
century — a time of economic and political
turbulence. Celebrated around the world,
IWD is rooted in the global movement for
women’s rights, including the right to vote,
the right to equal pay and job opportunities,
the right to hold office, and the right to live
and work in a safe environment.
In 1975, the first of four International
Women’s Conferences was held in Mexico
City — this same year was officially identi-
fied as the International Year of Women (at
the recommendation of the UN Commission
on the Status of Women), and IWD was
given official recognition by the United
Nations. It was also the year that CEDAW, the
Convention on the Elimination Against All
Forms of Discrimination Against Women,
was drafted.
Often described as the “International
Bill of Rights for Women,” CEDAW was
formally adopted in 1979 by the UN Gen-
eral Assembly and has been ratified by 185
countries. It awaits ratification by the U.S.
(the only developed nation that has not yet
done so).
To continue the progress women have
made toward true equality, there have been
three more International Women’s Confer-
ences – Copenhagen in 1980; Nairobi in
1985; and Beijing in 1995.
The Beijing Conference saw the unani-
mous adoption of the Platform for Action
(first drafted in Mexico City and formulated
from agreements reached at the three previ-
ous conferences) by 189 countries, which
continues to represent the framework of
gender equality globally. There is a strong
movement to see a fifth world conference
in 2012 that would be the largest and most
effective gathering of women to date (see
www.5wwc.org).
Gender-based violence continues to be
the most common but least punished crime
in the world, both domestic and war-time,
with no end in sight. As women around the
globe continue to draw the links between
peace and gender equity, they also continue
to struggle for safe and free contraceptives,
for access to adequate child care and health
care, for equal political participation, for
legal and safe abortions, for equal access to
education, and to live free from fear.
As Eleanor Roosevelt, who, as chair of
the UN Commission on Human Rights was
instrumental in the creation of the Univer-
sal Declaration of Human Rights (signed
December 10, 1948), stated so succinctly:
“The destiny of human rights is in the hands
of all our citizens in all our communities.”
For the women of the world, this is a time
to review how far they have come in their
struggle for justice, peace and equality. It
is also an opportunity to unite, network and
mobilize for meaningful change.
Anna Marks is a Rockridge resident, and serves on
the Executive Committee of the Alameda County
Commission on the Status of Women.
14.
March 8, 2008
Custom Sewing for the
Home
Window coverings: curtains, Roman shades,
top treatments; slipcovers: pillows and cush-
ions; bed accessories: duvet covers, bed skirts,
pillow shams & bolsters. Special projects.
Decorator fabrics & drapery hardware. Holly.
510/531-1177.
Psychotherapy-Drama
Therapy-Expressive Arts-
Coaching
In Rockridge. We see adults, teens, children,
families, couples for issues around: depression,
anxiety, addiction, trauma, relationships, parent-
ing, and more. Sliding scale. Merry Ross, MFT,
Heather Macbeth, MFT, 510/420-1979.
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. April deadline is March 20.
For information: e-mail smontauk@gmail.com
Non-Toxic House Cleaning
Lotus Cleaning Services provides 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.
Baby & Children’s Gifts
Baby Alula, 3929 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland,
94611. www.babyalula.com.
Gardella Gardening Services
Garden maintenance, yard clean up, new lawn,
pruning, trimming, weeding, sprinkler instal-
lation, hauling and dumping, placing fences.
All work guaranteed. Excellent references.
Luis Gardella, lgardella20@hotmail.com
510/847-0411.
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.
Lake Tahoe Summer Rental
Lovely 2-BD condo: pool, hot tub, BBQ, kid’s
playground, on beach. Available July 13-20
& August 22-29. Reasonable. Also available:
condo in Puerto Vallarta, on beach. Special
deal. 510/658-9530.
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.
Babysitter Wanted
Two-mom family seeks regular babysitter.
About twice-a-month (weekends or weekdays).
Will pay $8/hour for care of our sitter-friendly
toddler. You should be prompt, responsible
and have some experience with kids. E-mail
adfoodie@gmail.com.
Aches & Pains? Low Energy?
Metabolism Problems?
A Free & Functioning Nervous System Can
Help. Robert Townsend Chiropractor, 5300
College Avenue, Suite 210, 510/708-9363,
roberttownsenddc@gmail.com. Pregnancy,
Pediatric, People Care.
Unexpected Guests?
Short-term rental, lovely room 2 blocks from
Rockridge BART in owner’s flat. Wi-fi, cable,
TV. Suitable for one person. Photos available.
Barbird@aol.com 510/652-7044.
Top Performances
Athletes, performing artists, writers & public
speakers, both amateurs & professionals. Pro-
fessional psychological consultation to control
anxiety, improve focus & bring emotional
mastery & enjoyment to your performance.
Ellen B. Klyce, M.A. MFT. www.EllenKlyce.
com 414-1537.
Restring Necklaces
Your necklaces will look very beautiful when
restringing is properly done with knots, silk
thread and French wire by a Trained and Reli-
able Professional. Well-experienced at fine
jewelry stores. Pearl Lounge 510/547-9856,
http://groups.msn.com/PearlLounge.
Handyman
Carpentry, electrical, kitchen, bath, tile, decks,
fence, drainage, foundation repair, windows,
walls, dry rot, termite damage. Lic#458473
Don 510/812-0310.
Ready to Get Your Busi-
ness Out of the House?
Executive Suite Style Office Spaces in Temes-
cal with business support services available
www.shastapros.com. 510/550-4200 ext.
511. Shasta Pros — “Taking Care of YOUR
Business.”
Manicure & Pedicure
20% off first visit. We use Zoya polish which
does not contain formaldehyde or toluene
or DBT. Call Halina at Milagro Salon, 5269
Broadway and College. 510/593-5080. Mention
this ad and receive a 10% discount.
New Client Specials: $25
Haircuts (reg. $35-50)
50% off color/highlighting services. Licensed
cosmetologist, creative and professional with
over 25 years experience. Call Laura at Cuttin’
Up on College, 5811 College Avenue (next to
Zachary’s), 510/652-1889.
Quality Gardening
Skilled monthly or bimonthly maintenance—
pruning, planting, design, irrigation, outdoor
lighting, ecological practices. 15 years in East Bay,
local refs. Green’s Gardens: 510/593-3490.
Caring Acupuncturist;
Oakland Hills
Honest, caring acupuncturist treats chronic
pain, digestive disorders, allergies, stress,
hormone problems and other disorders. CA
licensed, nationally certified in acupuncture
and herbs. Call 510/632-7801 to book a free
initial health consultation.
Pacific Boychoir Auditions
The Boychoir is auditioning boys ages 5-10.
No experience necessary for this once-in-a-
lifetime opportunity for boys, concerts with
orchestras, at sporting events, and around
the world. Convenient rehearsals at Alcatraz/
Colby. 510-652-4722.
Complete architectural
services since 1970
Aesthetic Pruning
I specialize in pruning trees and shrubs under
20 feet tall. I work with trees to enhance
their natural beauty. Specialties: maples,
camellias, conifers, fruit trees, focal points,
hands-on pruning instruction. Bruce Thompson
510/428-4964.
5278 College Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 654-6755 fax 654-3424
$PMMFHF"WF
15.
March 8, 2008
E-mail Rockridge News Community Calendar items to: joellis1@hotmail.com, phone 653-3210 (after noon), or mail to: Rockridge News
Community Calendar, 5245 College Avenue, PMB 311, Oakland, CA 94618. Deadline is the next to the last Tuesday of the month.
Community Calendar
Compiled by Jo Ellis
Councilmember Brunner’s
Community Advisory Meeting
site reading/discussion. Sponsored by the California
Writers Club, Berkeley branch (www.berkeley-
writersclub.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.
Oakland Bird Club
■
■
Free open meeting (non-members
welcome). Bill Bousman will talk about his book,
Breeding Bird Atlas of Santa Clara County, California.
Wed., 3/19, 7:30pm. More info: 444-0355.
Women’s History Month Program
■
■
: free screening of
Iron-Jawed Angels, starring Hillary Swank as Alice
Paul, dramatizing the struggle of women to get the
right to vote. Presented by Oakland Eastbay NOW.
Saturday 3/8, 2pm.
Clear Your Clutter:
■
■
Experienced organizer Joan Craig
will share proven methods to reduce clutter and get
organized. Saturday, 4/5, 1 to 3:30pm.
Lawyers in the Library: Free legal advice.
■
■
First
Tuesday of each month from 6 to 8pm. Advance sign-up
starts 5pm. More information: 597-5017.
ART EXHIBITS
Gallery: March: Artwork by Jean Diller and Oakland
Public Library Staff Members.
Lobby Display Case: March: Artwork by Jean Diller
and Oakland Public Library Staff Members.
Call 597-5017 for April exhibits.
in Rockridge: In front of Claremont Middle School (on
College at Miles), the Rockridge BART Station and Trader
Joe’s on College Ave. If you play an instrument, you’re
invited to sit in and jam with the 6, 7 and 8th graders
in the orchestra. Bring your instrument and your check
book. All donations are tax deductible. Wednesday, 3/19
from 1 to 5pm. For more info contact Renae Briggs at
renaeb@california.com. See article on page 7.
Saturday April 12, 10am to noon (no March meeting).
Peralta Elementary School: 460 63rd St. (parking on
Alcatraz Ave., just east of Telegraph). Meeting topic:
What Makes a Great Urban Public School? Featured
speakers: OUSD State Administrator Vincent Matthews
and Emery Unified School District Superintendent Ste-
phen Wesley. For info on all District One issues, call
238-7001, or view Brunner Report at www.oaklandnet.
com (the site for all City-related information).
Neighborhood Crime Prevention
Council (NCPC)
Park Day School Benefit
Jon Carroll, local columnist for the S.F. Chronicle, spends
an evening in conversation with fellow columnist Leah
Garchik. Monday, 3/24, 7pm. Wine and soft drinks avail-
able. Come early to get a good seat and mingle. Tickets:
$25 (students $18) can be purchased on-line at www.
parkdayschool.org. Proceeds benefit the school’s
academic and financial assistance programs. Berkeley
Rep’s Thrust Theater, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. Info:
653-0317x103 or cathy@parkdayschool.org.
Residents and business members of NCPC’s 12Y and
13X areas are invited to voice their concerns about crime
and public safety. Note new time and place: Meets
4th Thursday each month, 7pm, at Rockridge Library,
upstairs meeting room. Rockridge Library, 5366 College
Ave. info@rockridgencpc.com.
Rockridge Branch Library
Jazz at the Chimes
Concert and Artist Reception featuring The Wayne
Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet. Sunday, 3/16, 2pm. Ticket
sales at the door begin at 12:30pm: $10-15 (cash only)
for concert, reception and refreshments. Kids under 12
free. Sponsored by the Lifemark Group Arts program
that features Bay Area talent. Chapel of the Chimes,
4499 Piedmont Ave. Wheelchair accessible. Info/
Reservations: 228-3218. www.lifemarkgroup.com/
oakland/special_events.asp.
5366 College Avenue, 597-5017
FOR CHILDREN:
Toddler Story Time: Note new days: now every
■
■
Saturday, 10:30am.
Pre-School Story Time:
■
■
1st and 3rd Wednesdays,
10:30am: 3/19, 4/2.
Pajama Story Time
■
■
: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 7pm:
3/11, 3/25, 4/8 (see Special Event).
Special Events for Kids and Families:
Stories to Play With
■
■
: Tales told with puppets, paper,
toys and imagination. Hiroko Fugita, Master Japanese
storyteller, with Fran Stallings giving brief English
synopses of the tales. Tuesday, 4/8 at 7pm.
FOR TEENS:
LIBRARY HOURS:
Mon. and Tues, 12:30 to 8pm.
Wed., Thurs. and Sat. 10am to 5:30pm.
Fri., 12 to 5:30pm. Closed Sundays.
Amnesty International Meeting
Wisteria Ways Concert Series
Keith Terry and Tobias Roberson: Unique body percus-
sion duo. Thursday, 3/27, 8pm (house opens at 7:30pm).
Inside venue; not wheelchair accessible. More info at
www.crosspulse.com and www.riqq.com.
Eliyahu and Qadim: Modern interpretations of ancient
mystical music of the Middle East. Sunday, 4/6, 3pm.
383 61st Street. Simple refreshments provided and you
can also bring something to share. $15-20 suggested
donation for musicians (cash please at the door). For
reservations (highly recommended), RSVP to info@
WisteriaWays.org or 655-2771.
Exchange information and ideas on action. All welcome.
Monday, 3/10, 7:30pm. Diesel Bookstore, 5433 College
Ave., 653-9965.
Anime Club:
■
■
Teens 13 and up, watch and talk about
anime (Japanese animation) with other teens. 2nd
Tuesday of each month (3/11), from 5 to 6:30pm,
upstairs meeting room.
5th Annual Making Manga Magic Contest:
■
■
On an
8-1/2"x11" sheet, draw (black & white or color), paint,
or use computer graphics to create your own manga or
anime character. Entrants must be 12-18 years
old and have an Oakland Public Library card.
Deadline for submission is March 30. Contact the
library for information on how to submit your entry.
Winners will be announced on the library website (www.
oaklandlibrary.org) and a reception held April 12.
Teen Tech Week Celebrations:
■
■
Get details from Teen
Specialist Librarian Susy Moorhead, 597-5017.
FOR ADULTS:
Writers’ Support /Critique Group
■
■
: ALL writers
welcome. Third Saturday of each month (3/15) from
1 to 5pm. Bring up to 5 pages of your prose for on-
Peace Corps Information Session
It’s never too late to serve! Volunteers work in 74 countries
in education, health, business, environment and more.
No upper age limit to join. Learn more Monday, 3/17, 6 to
7:30pm, Rockridge Library, 5366 College Ave. More info:
Nick Bosustow, 452-8444, nbosustow@peacecorps.
gov, or www.peacecorps.gov.
The Pacific Boychoir Academy
The Grammy Award winning Boychoir and members
of the Laudate Orchestra will perform the Pergolesi
Stabat Mater, presented within the context of The
Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, as part of the St
Augustine’s Church Centennial Celebrations. Friday,
3/21, 1pm (doors open at noon). St. Augustine Church,
400 Alcatraz Ave. For more info, contact Music Director
Jim Gilman at 220-8453.
LiveTalk@CPS
College Preparatory School (CPS) Lecture Series: open
to all. Fish Forever: Creating Sustainable Fisher-
ies. Paul Johnson, founder of famed Monterey Fish
Market, talks about the degradation and destruction of
fish habitats, discusses fishing practices and habitat
sustainability and shares insights and anecdotes.
Thursday, 3/13, 7:30 to 9pm. Doors open at 7pm for
complimentary refreshments. $12.50 in advance or $15
(students $5) at the door, cash only. Proceeds support
the CPS endowment fund and financial aid program.
Buttner Auditorium, 6100 B’way (at Brookside). Wheel-
chair accessible; free parking. More info: 420-2351 or
www.college-prep.org/livetalk.
California College of the
Arts (CCA) Events
Launch: The First Year Exhibition: A curated show of
works by first-year CCA undergraduates. March 3-14.
Preview day: Sat., 3/8, 10am – 1pm. Gallery hours: Mon.-
Fri., 8am to 4:40pm. CCA Oliver Art Center, 5212 B’way.
Info: 594-3642 or www.cca.edu/calendar.
Spring Fair: Arts and crafts fair with unique, afford-
able gifts made by CCA students, alumni and staff.
Ceramics, glass, jewelry, clothing and textiles, photos
and paintings. Live jazz music. Saturday, 4/12, 11am to
3pm. CCA Oakland Campus (B’way and College), main
walkway. Info at 594-3678.
Claremont Middle School
Music Play-A-Thon
Fundraiser for the Claremont Band and Orchestra.
Band members must raise funds to attend 2 music
festivals. Neighbors, commuters, and shoppers will be
serenaded with 4 hours of music at 3 different venues
16.
March 8, 2008
ROBERTS ELECTRIC
Henry C. Levy & Co.
RECO
COMMERCIAL
RESIDENTIAL
Certified Public Accountants
and Consultants
A Professional Corporation
• tax preparation • estate planning
• tax planning
• business valuation
5940 College Avenue, Suite C
Oakland, California 94618
510.652-1000 FAX 510.654-2363
INSTALLATION • REPAIR • 220 WIRING
NEW CONSTRUCTION • REMODEL
FREE ESTIMATES
2408 Webster St. 834-6161 Oakland
SERVING THE EAST BAY SINCE 1932 CA. LIC# 728215
SPY
PI PE
™
• Trenchless Sewer Pipe
Replacement
• TV Pipe Inspections
• Drain & Sewer Service
Free Estimates
Over 25 Years Experience
Rockridge - Coming in March
Stunning Craftsman Bungalow
on James Avenue
2+ Beds/ 1 Bath
Perfect Period Kitchen
Craftsman Detailing
www.5333James.com
IMMEDIATE RESPONSE
(510) 465-3000
License #754966
Temescal – Coming in March
“The Convenient Truth” = Convenient
to everything & truly Built Green
aboutface&body
dayspa oaklandberkeley
$459,000
574 48th St
2 Beds/ 1 Bath
Condo
New construction
serving you since 1981
Specialists in
Brazilian waxing
www.Gate48.net
L A W T O N
3190 college avenue
at alcatraz
berkeley, ca 94705
Ron Kriss, Broker
Lawton Associates
510-547-5970 Ext. 55
p 510.428.2600
www.aboutfaceandbody.net
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
sun-tues 10:30-5:30
wed-sat 10:30-8:00
f h k f v k p
Nearly Level Entry – All Level Living
5822 Ivanhoe
This 2 bedroom 2 bath home offers the convenience of
all level living, a kitchen family room combination,
an easy care yard and is ever so close to BART
and the shops of College Avenue $799,000
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
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
30
30
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
W Residential Sales
W Income Property
W Commercial
W Property Management
28
Better Homes
Realty
5353 College Avenue
Oakland