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Extracted text · highlighting “Safeway”
www.rockridge.org
VOL. 23 NO. 5 ISSUE NO. 245 May 3, 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 May
Town Hall Meeting
(Special Location)
Thursday, May 15, 7:30 p.m.
College Avenue Presbyterian
Church, 5951 College Avenue
Candidates Night
■
■
Are you ready for a break from the
national-level political squabbling? Do
you long to hear some down-to-earth local
politicking? Join your friends and neighbors
at the candidates night sponsored by the
Rockridge Community Planning Council
and hear from candidates for Oakland City
Council and the Oakland School Board.
The RCPC April Town Hall meeting starts
at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, and will
be held at the College Avenue Presbyterian
Church, 5951 College Avenue, a special
location just for this meeting. Each candidate
will make a brief presentation of his or her
positions and qualifications. There will be a
Q & A session after the presentations.
Candidates on the ballot for
Oakland’s District 1 (Rockridge)
are:
Councilmember, District 1
■
■
Incumbent Councilwoman Jane Brunner,
and challenger Patrick McCullough, attorney
and electronics technician.
Councilmember At Large
■
■
Kerry Hamill, School Board member;
Rebecca Kaplan, AC Transit director at-
large; Clinton Killian, attorney; Charles Pine,
retired information technology professional
and neighborhood anti-crime activist; and
Frank Rose, a member of the Oakland
Advisory Commission on Aging.
Oakland School Board, Dist. 1
■
■
Jody London, businesswoman and parent;
Tennessee Reed, writer and editor; and
Brian Rogers, retired teacher and parent.
RCPC invites all Rockridge residents to
meet these candidates for public office and
learn their positions on important local
issues. What we learn will help us make
informed decisions on Election Day, June
3. Warm up for the meeting with informa-
tion from the League of Woman Voters
(LWV) Smart Voter web site at http://www.
smartvoter.org/ca/alm/
Report: April RCPC Meeting
Board Candidates Speak;
Residents Discuss Crime,
Safeway, and Development
Stuart
Flashman
by Gloria Bruce
‘I
f it ain’t broke, don’t fix
it,” was a common refrain
heard at the April RCPC Town
Hall meeting, whether the topic
was Rockridge streets or a local
supermarket. Six candidates for
positions on the RCPC board
of directors, each pledging to
retain Rockridge’s neighborhood
character, introduced themselves
to the community during the
meeting held Thursday, April
17. The meeting also featured
discussions on development and
eminent domain and an added
focus on two hot topics: crime
and the redesign of the College
Avenue Safeway. (In voting held
at the meeting and at a subsequent
voting session on Saturday, April
19, the six candidates, pictured at
right, were elected.)
Resident voters also elected
board members for Friends of
the Rockridge Library (FORL)
and heard about that group’s work
to restore the library’s furniture,
replace worn children’s books,
and perhaps one day create a teen
center – needs that demonstrate
how heavily used the branch is
by community members.
At the candidates forum, Jona-
than Gabel first uttered the “ain’t
broke” line, crediting RCPC
with keeping the neighborhood
great since he first moved here
in 1975. Doug Patton picked up
on the theme, saying that he had
seen “amazing” changes since
choosing to stay in Rockridge
during the rough times of the
1960s, and that he wanted to
keep what worked while address-
ing crime and schools. These
were also issues of concern for
incumbent board member Stuart
Flashman, who said that devel-
opment in Rockridge should be
thoughtful and sensitive to context.
Also seeking another term was
Annette Floystrup, who proposed
an environmental initiative and
redesigned website as ways to
“sustain and grow the organi-
zation.” Newer residents Katy
Taylor and Joan Martin promised
to bring fresh perspective to the
board, along with their expertise
in landscape architecture and
finances, respectively.
The Safeway issue surfaced as
soon as the forum opened to
audience questions, with Nancy
McKay of Neighbors Concerned
with Safeway/College asking
where the candidates stood on the
proposed store redesign. All six
said they wanted to work more
with the project managers and dis-
cuss whether such a large store is
appropriate for the neighborhood,
given the impact on traffic and the
streetscape. The topic came up
again during the Land Use Com-
mittee update, when committee
chair Stuart Flashman discussed
possible changes to the store plan
Annette
Floystrup
Jonathan
Gabel
Joan Martin
Doug Patton
April Meeting, page 5
¤
¤
Katy Taylor
2.
May 3, 2008
ROCKRIDGE BRANCH LIBRARY
In Memoriam
Patrick Daughton
October 5, 1944 – April 2, 2008
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
A renaissance man,
a loving husband to Barbara,
devoted father to Colin and Brendan,
he will be remembered with love
and deep appreciation for his dedication
to the well-being of his community.
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,
Danica Truchlikova, Margaret Wahlberg
Contact the Board: rcpcchair@rockridge.org
For information: info@rockridge.org
Essays on matters of local interest are invited for consideration
as Op-Ed pieces for The Rockridge News. Please limit length to
450 words and submit to editor@rockridge.org.
Trees? Yes, but the Right Tree
In the Right Place
The Montclarion article of March 28,
1997, “Dealing with sidewalk problems
means getting to the root of the matter,” is
still relevant 11 years later. Then, the large
evergreen ash and liquidambar trees from
60th Street to Alcatraz above Colby Street
had grown massive surface roots creating
monstrous hazards threatening pedestrian
safety and hindering wheelchair access.
Both species were known for their inva-
sive roots and large space requirements, and
would not have been chosen in an objective
and rational selection process. A tree is a
benefit to the environment only if it is “the
right tree in the right place.”
In 1997, a City tree supervisor recom-
mended removal of the offending trees on
62nd and 63rd streets, but relented after
neighbors protested. The large trees, in their
prime, formed a pleasant shady canopy over
the street, and residents were not willing to
let the City remove them. After demolition
of almost the entire walkway and extensive
cutting of roots up to 12 inches in diameter,
new curbs and sidewalks were installed.
Today, the costly concrete replacements
of 11 years ago are developing new hazards,
and several minor pedestrian accidents
have occurred. The City’s director of tree
services will eventually be charged with
resolving the dilemma, which is not unique.
Similar examples of large trees planted in
narrow curb strips are encountered almost
everywhere, and numerous trees have been
removed. This costly waste can be prevented
by somehow creating the space essential for
the species selected.
New designs to accommodate appropriate
tree species and new pervious materials to
replace conventional concrete must be found.
The production of cement is a high-cost,
high-energy process with extremely large
carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
A street tree policy task force should
consider new plans to improve the manage-
ment of our urban forest.
— John Wagers
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
John Wagers is an amateur arborist and a former
member of the Street Tree Policy Task Force.
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
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Across from Zachary’s Pizza
Newsletter Advertising/Deadlines
Publication date of the next issue is
June 7, 2008
June deadline is May 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.)
EXPERT
SHIRT
LAUNDERING!
3.
May 3, 2008
rk Corner
a
P
G
A monthly update on
what’s happening at the
best community-built
and maintained
park in Oakland
FRO
Earth Day at the Rockridge/Temescal Greenbelt
by Jennifer Cooper, chair, FROG Park
Thanks to lots of community volunteers (including all those under 10), the Earth Day
clean-up at the Rockridge Temescal Greenbelt was a great success. Thanks especially
to Howard, Ronnie, Mike, Patrick and Rodrigo, who all did excellent jobs coordinating
and cleaning.
We had one of the best turnouts in several years, with activities organized by FROG
and DNA (DMV Neighbors Association) focusing on playground clean-up, trash clean-up,
gardening, and lots of clearing of the creek bed. It was a good thing, because the creek
has sprung forth and is now flowing. On the actual Earth Day, April 22, the County of
Alameda turned on the pumps so we can now enjoy our seasonal (April to October) creek.
If you see any debris piling up in the creek, particularly if it is blocking a culvert, please
be kind and try to remove it.
FROG is a great way to get involved in your local park. Plan to attend the next FROG meeting, Tuesday,
May 6, 7:30-9:00 p.m. at the Rockridge Library, or call Jennifer Cooper at 653-6581.
Chabot School
Cub Scout Pack 274:
Marco Martinez,
left, Nicholas Zak-
Lee, Jerry Feist,
Evan Feist.
L o i s D i x o n ,
left, Chris Staller,
B u c k
K i n g ,
Margie Cahalan,
L e o n o r a S e a ,
Barbara Morgan.
Photos:
Susan Montauk
Isadora, left, and Julia Clements.
Jennifer Cooper and Mike McDonald.
4.
May 3, 2008
Letters to the Editor
An Open Letter to the Claremont Middle School
Community and our Rockridge Neighbors:
Wednesday, April 16, was a sad day for our Claremont Middle
School community and our Rockridge neighbors. Following our
early dismissal, two student fights occurred on College Avenue, a
few blocks from our campus.
I am writing this letter for three reasons. One, I want to share with
our community and neighbors what we know about the fights and
what we have done and intend to do about them. Two, I want to pro-
vide a broader picture of Claremont students and our school’s current
violence prevention strategies, to help our families and community
see that the awful behavior of a small percent of our students does
not reflect the values, priorities, and behavior of our entire student
body. Three, I want to share the many ways we are building positive
communication and relationships with our families and community
and to ask for people’s help with these efforts.
Here is what we know about the incidents on College Avenue: One
fight was between two girls who had repeatedly refused the conflict
mediation offered them earlier in the day. They chose instead to fight out
their problems in a public spectacle attended willingly by dozens of Cla-
remont students and unwillingly by shocked Rockridge neighbors.
The second fight was a group assault on a Claremont student,
started by a high school girl, who was then joined by several other
students. Four of these “joiners” attend Claremont, and three others
are students who have been expelled from Claremont.
The students involved in the fights are being severely disciplined
including extended suspensions and referrals for expulsion. We will not
tolerate this kind of violence that imperils the safety and well-being
of so many people. As to the students who created the general chaos
on the street, we are working to identify the students who were most
disruptive and defiant, and they are being disciplined as well.
We have a parent-led Positive School Climate Task Force that is
meeting regularly to develop strategies [to prevent this type of vio-
lence]. We have partnerships with the Rockridge District Association,
the Rockridge Crime Prevention Council, the Rockridge Library,
and local businesses like Zachary’s, Las Palmas, and Trader Joe’s,
all of which are developing strategies and programs. I invite you to
join us in these efforts.
— David Chambliss, Principal,
Claremont Middle School
P.S. For our neighbors and community, it might be easier to contact
us via e-mail: David.Chambliss@ousd.k12.ca.us.
The Rockridge News welcomes letters to the editor. Your
name, address, phone number, 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.
Note: The following letters, edited for space, were either writ-
ten as letters to the editor, or were forwarded to RCPC with the
intent of reaching the wider community through publication in
The Rockridge News. Claremont Middle School Principal David
Chambliss’ letter was written to respond to community concerns
following altercations on College Avenue involving Claremont
students. — Editor
Student Makes Amends for Art Project Damage
Dear Rockridge Community Members:
I am Ryan Jones, Associate Dean of Students at California
College of the Arts (CCA). My duties include judicial affairs and
addressing student behavior on campus and in the community.
One of our students did a film project in December during
which she trailed paint from a leaking paint can between the college
and 51st Street. She was confronted by Rockridge resident Trevor
Brown and the police were called. At the time, we were unable to
identify this student. However, her film was recently included in a
student review and I immediately recognized it from the incident
that Trevor described.
I have met with this student to discuss her actions on that day
and how they have negatively affected the Rockridge neighborhood.
As part of the consequences for her actions, I asked her to write a
reflective paper and a letter of apology to the Rockridge community.
She will also be assigned community service hours in Rockridge to
give back to the neighborhood which she willfully damaged.
It is rare that we have the opportunity to hold our students
accountable for this type of vandalism and I am eager to make it
a true and lasting lesson for this student on what it means to be a
part of a community.
— Ryan Jones, Assoc. Dean of Students,
California College of the Arts. E-mail rjones@cca.edu
Editor’s Note: Dean Jones reports the student has completed
some school-related sanctions, participated in Rockridge Earth Day
clean-up projects, and is preparing a formal letter of apology.
So, Where Are the Trees?
Editor:
In a piece regarding the proposed Landscape and Lighting Dis-
trict (LLAD) assessment, Susan Montauk mentioned that Oakland
had planted 10,000 trees. As a member of the Hills Conservation
Network, I was wondering where these trees were planted.
— Bob Sand
Susan Montauk replies:
Dear Mr. Sand:
The trees are all over. Check out the Pleasant Valley median
for a bunch! Check out the 5200 block of Lawton – almost all
those are City trees planted in the last 15 years! Or contact Dan
Gallagher at www.Oaklandnet.com for specifics. He’s the City’s
tree man.
— Susan Montauk
5.
May 3, 2008
April Meeting
Project Status Reviews
from page 1
Land Use Committee Meeting: Wednesday,
May 28, 7 p.m., Rockridge Branch Library
yet to be disclosed (see next column for a
recent bulletin), and gave the latest news on
condominium projects planned for Broadway
and Telegraph Avenue.
Crime was another focus of the evening,
as the Neighborhood Crime Prevention
Council’s (NCPC) new officers – elected in
April – introduced themselves and fielded
questions. Co-chairs Chris Jackson and
Denise Boisvert – who is also treasurer –
joined with Secretary Karen Ivy to describe
the group’s mission of collecting neighbor-
hood input and working with everyone from
the principal of Claremont Middle School
to the Oakland Police Department to solve
problems through proactive collaboration.
Broadening the discussion beyond local
matters, League of Women Voters
(LWV) representative Marion Taylor
described Propositions 98 and 99, two
competing measures on the June statewide
ballot. Many attendees were surprised
to hear that Prop 98 could prohibit rent
control, and, according to some analyses,
environmental regulations. The League has
taken a position opposing Proposition 98
and urges voters to vote yes on Proposition
99, which restricts the seizure of private
property under certain conditions, but would
supersede Prop. 98.
While a purpose of the meeting was to
introduce the candidates for the RCPC board
of directors and to begin the voting, the
gathering gave long-time and newer neigh-
bors a sense of the varied work of RCPC,
FORL, and NCPC. As new board member
Joan Martin put it, “it’s not an accident
that so many people consider Rockridge a
great place to live.” All candidates agreed
that the full participation of residents and
the RCPC organization has been crucial in
shaping the neighborhood.
5175 Broadway residential/
■
■
Land Use Committee Meetings
The RCPC Land Use Committee meets
the fourth Wednesday of each month,
7 p.m., at the Rockridge Branch Library.
Contact Stu Flashman at 652-5373 or
stuflash@aol.com for copies of the agenda.
mixed-use project
This project was heard by the Planning
Commission’s design review committee in
April. RCPC submitted a letter providing
extensive comments, which the committee
considered in detail. The committee recom-
mended some changes to the project design,
especially a downward reorientation of the
roofline at the rear of the building. Revised
project plans are in preparation. Contact the
applicant’s consultant, Lucy Armentrout, at
220-6445 or lucy@plananddev.com for more
current information. The project is currently
scheduled for a public hearing before the
Planning Commission on May 21.
by Stuart Flashman, committee chair
College Avenue Safeway
■
■
rebuild (6310 College at
Claremont Avenue)
A neighborhood group, Neighbors
Concerned with Safeway/College, has
formed to “bird-dog” this major project.
Contact safewayneighbors@sbcglobal.net
to get on their mailing list. Also, Safeway
has its own website for the project, http://
safewayoncollege.com where project plans
will be posted when released.
BULLETIN — Monday, April 28: There
has been a sudden change in Safeway’s plans
for rebuilding its College Avenue store.
As of last week, Safeway has terminated
its contract with Kirk Peterson, the local
architect working on the College Avenue
Safeway project. Presumably, plans will
need to be redone by a new architect. How
long that will take is anyone’s guess, but it
probably means a delay of at least a month
or two in the release of new plans.
Hauser/Creekside residential/
■
■
Trader Joe’s/Pharmaca
■
■
Signage dispute resolved
The signage dispute involving Trader
Joe’s and Pharmaca has been resolved.
Trader Joe’s agreed to reduce the size of
its front signage to allow Pharmaca 100 sq.
ft. for its sign. Trader Joe’s also dropped
its application for an additional large sign
on the wall facing the BART parking lot
(Miles Avenue). Trader Joe’s is repairing
the irrigation system for its landscaping.
RCPC is continuing to work with the City
and Trader Joe’s to ensure compliance with
City requirements.
Broadway/Broadway Terrace
■
■
mixed-use project (Global
Video Site – 5132 Telegraph)
Preliminary project plans have just come
out, and will be the subject of extensive
discussion in next month’s Rockridge News.
There will also be an RCPC-sponsored
community meeting on this large and
important project.
76 Station (5300 Broadway)
The station is closed for installation of
a State-mandated vapor recovery system.
RCPC has not heard anything about changes
to the future use of the site.
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6.
May 3, 2008
Rockridge NCPC Reaches Out to
Community, Seeks New Members
Traffic,
Pedestrian and
Bicycle Safety
News
by Susan Montauk
Twenty people attended the first meeting
of the Greater Rockridge Neighborhood
Crime Prevention Council (GRNCPC)
conducted by its newly-elected officers at
the Rockridge Library on March 27. New
co-chairs Chris Jackson and Denise Bois-
vert led discussion about crime trends in
Rockridge beats 12Y (below Broadway) and
13X (above Broadway). Newspapers are full
of horror stories about the rising Oakland
crime rate and there is a definite perception
that the streets of Rockridge are less safe
than they have ever been. A comparison of
local crime statistics between 2007 and 2008
for a recent six-week period gives a mixed
picture as shown in the following chart:
emergency reports
(510/373-NCPC).
Information
Officer and NCPC
Secretary Karen
Ivy is excited
about the direc-
tion the NCPC has
taken. She feels
the program “will help pull the neighbor-
hood together” and help to create a safer
community. Co-Chair Boisvert concurs and
adds that it is important to fight crime by
taking preventative measures, “by know-
ing your neighbors, being aware of your
surroundings, by not hesitating to call in
anything suspicious, and by being active
and engaged in your community.” One of
the most effective measures, she added,
is “to join or start a Neighborhood Watch
group on your block.”
The Rockridge NCPC is an official
community policing body of the Oakland
Police Department. OPD assigns a Problem
Solving Officer and a Neighborhood Service
Coordinator to attend NCPC meetings and
support members’ efforts to combat crime
in their neighborhoods.
The GRNCPC meets the fourth Thursday
of each month at 7 pm at the Rockridge
Library.
A report from the RCPC
Traffic, Pedestrian and Bicycle
Safety (TPBS) Committee
by Ronnie Spitzer
Rockridge-specific changes envisioned
in the Oakland Bicycle Master Plan for
the Broadway corridor and improvements to
existing bikeways, particularly along Colby
Street in the “Rockridge Triangle” area, were
presented by Jason Patton, Oakland’s Bicycle
and Pedestrian Program Manager, at the
April RCPC Traffic, Pedestrian and Bicycle
Safety (TPBS) committee meeting.
For Broadway, changes between Keith
and Broadway Terrace include resurfacing
the roadway and potentially re-striping the
traffic lanes to create bike lanes in both
directions, reducing motor vehicle traffic
lanes to one lane in each direction, and creat-
ing a center turn lane. Street parking would
be unaffected. Lane configurations would
vary beyond Broadway Terrace, but bicycle
February 18-
March 31
2007
2008
Residential Burglary
12
13
Auto Theft
16
20
Auto Burglary
9
6
Robbery
6
6
Theft
6
5
The NCPC hopes to address Rockridge
crime by developing a strong membership
base that will attend monthly meetings
and set appropriate priorities for each beat.
To achieve that goal, it is redesigning its
website (www.rockridgencpc.com) where
users will find extensive ICE (in case of
emergency) information, monthly priorities
and information about the Rockridge NCPC.
The group is also reaching out to Rockridge
residents through a safety flier inserted in
this issue of The Rockridge News, a new
Yahoo Group called rockridgencpc@yahoo-
groups.com which will be used exclusively
for crime reports, and voice mail for non-
Bicycle Plans, page 9
¤
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7.
May 3, 2008
Dreyer’s Ice
Cream Parlor
Reopens
by Margaret Wahlberg
D
I c e
c r e a m
c o u n t e r m e n
Alexander, left,
and Brian dish out
cups and cones of
the cold stuff to
crowds celebrating
the re-opening of
the Dreyer’s Ice
Cream Parlor.
Photo: Margaret
Wahlberg
reyer’s Grand Ice Cream welcomed
hundreds of Rockridge residents with
free scoops at the re-opening of its Ice Cream
Parlor at 5929 College Avenue. Children were
treated to balloon artists and face painters and
the sight of Dreyer’s first delivery truck, a
1920 Model T Ford, fascinated the crowd.
The parlor opens with a fresh new décor
that includes increased seating both inside
and outside on College Avenue. In addition
to the multitude of flavors to sample in the
shop, Dreyer’s also offers packaged ice cream
to enjoy at home.
Rockridge neighbors are delighted to
welcome Dreyer’s Ice Cream Parlor back,
just in time for the summer season.
Letter to the Editor
RCPC’s Role in Helping Shape College Avenue
Dreyer’s Ice Cream Parlor.
RCPC also insisted on parking lot con-
trols that would direct most vehicle traffic
to the Claremont Avenue entry and restrict
use of the Chabot Avenue access.
Lastly, the front garden and day care
facility of the neighboring First Presbyterian
Church still enjoys much direct sunlight
thanks to RCPC’s persistence in pushing
for a deeper set-back for the third floor of
the Dreyer’s building.
Success can come at a price: the parlor
was too crowded for me to get my free ice
cream at the re-opening celebration, but I’ll
be just as happy to come back later with my
family and buy our treats – and we’ll raise
our mint-chip ice cream cones in toast to
RCPC and its support for pedestrian-friendly
retail zoning.
So again, congratulations to all.
— Ray Perman, former chair,
RCPC, 1982-84
Editor:
It was fun to see the crowd of excited
children and parents at Dreyer’s Grand Ice
Cream celebrating the newly re-opened
parlor. Special congratulations to Dreyer’s
as the new shop looks great.
The event reminded me of how much
RCPC volunteers have done in helping to
shape Rockridge into such an enjoyable
community.
Back when Dreyer’s corporate headquar-
ters building was originally proposed, RCPC
challenged the design’s divergence from
C-31 zoning regulations. Dreyer’s original
design envisioned a continuous wall of
office spaces with tinted glass windows at
ground level for the College Avenue façade.
No retail space was included as called for
in the zoning for College Avenue. RCPC
pushed for the design to fulfill C-31 provi-
sions for retail use, resulting in space for
today’s Cotton Basics, Katrina Rozelle, and
COLLINS ROOFING
Family Owned & Operated
482-2227 Seamus
www.collinsroofing.com
Quality Work • Free Estimates
Lic # 695711
happy yoga.
3 classes for $30*
Only 2/3 of Rockridge Listings Sold Over Asking in April
Close Date BR Bth ADDRESS
Orig Price
LP
SP
DOM
4/02/2008
4
2
5433 BELGRAVE PL
$1,095,000
$995,000
$1,042,000
36
4/04/2008
3
2
5438 LAWTON AVE
$895,000
$859,000
$845,000
56
4/04/2008
3
2
365 61ST ST
$949,000
$949,000
$900,000
35
4/11/2008
2
2
5335 BROADWAY TER
$529,000
$529,000
$515,000
20
4/15/2008
2
1
5333 JAMES AVE
$799,000
$799,000
$929,600
10
4/18/2008
2
2
5400 BROADWAY TER
$649,000
$649,000
$620,000
33
Beginning Yoga Workshop
Saturday, May 17
Also visit our store for the largest selection of
women’s yoga wear and yoga props in the East Bay
*new students only; valid for 30 days
April 2008 Median Sales Price $872,500 | April 2008 Average DOM 31
April 2008 Average original list/sell price 101%
for class schedule, visit
www.namasterockridge.com
5416 college avenue 5 1 0 . 5 4 7 . YO G A
( n e a r Ro c k r i d g e l i b r a r y )
8.
May 3, 2008
Worm Composting for Small Spaces
While throwing out compostable garbage
is convenient, home worm composting
is both easy and fun and a tremendous
source of excellent potting soil as well as
a natural liquid fertilizer called “worm
tea.” Traditional compost methods rely on
sun-generated heat to speed the process;
worm composting relies on red wigglers
(Eisenia fetida), which number about 1,000
per pound. StopWaste.org offers discount
composting bins to residents, including the
Wriggly Wranch Worm Bin for just $29
plus tax and shipping, and a list of sources
to purchase worms.
Several compact worm bins are available
to make composting kitchen scraps easy.
Like the Wriggly Wranch Worm Bin, which
measures just 16" x 23" x 19" high, they are
apartment friendly, and will compost 2-5
pounds of kitchen scraps a week depending
on model. For coffee drinkers there is an
added plus; coffee grounds make redworms
really happy, and make them breed. You will
be hard-pressed to run out of worms!
If you don’t like the green plastic bin
from the City on your kitchen counter,
you can buy quite attractive ceramic and
stainless scrap containers, and if you don’t
like cleaning them, there are biobag liners
that biodegrade with the scraps in your
worm bin… indeed, your worms like a bit
of newspaper, coffee filter and pizza box
paper to keep them happy.
RCPC looks forward to bringing you
more topics of environmental interest, and
to hearing your success stories about worm
composting.
Cast your lot in with the future
by Annette R Floystrup,
RCPC vice-chair
As he complimented our neighbor-
hood on how many people brought
their own bags to Trader Joe’s, the young
clerk lamented the fact that he could not
compost his garbage because he lived in an
apartment. I was happy to tell him about
one of my favorite books, “Worms Eat
My Garbage” by the late Mary Appelhof,
the Worm Woman. This book is available
through the Oakland Public Library.
Traditional composting has always
required two things that many of us don’t
have; sun and a lawn. Most compost meth-
ods have focused on garden waste with
great emphasis on lawn clippings. In the
drought-conscious Bay Area, where lawns
are becoming both smaller and scarcer, this
isn’t as relevant as general composting of
all organic waste from the kitchen as well
as the garden.
Waste Management and the City of
Oakland have given us green kitchen scraps
buckets to augment our green garden waste
bin. This program makes compost that is then
marketed. The City of Oakland publishes
an informative document on food scrap
recycling which contains a comprehensive
guide to what can and cannot be properly
composted. This is available as a PDF file
on the www.stopwaste.org website, which
has useful links to information including
environmental purchasing, recycling used
oil, and green building.
Feel like
a kid again...
Group Classes
Cardio & Weights
Personal Training
Child Care
4444 PIEDMONT AVE, OAKLAND (510) 655-8308
WWW.INSIDEOUTSIDEFITNESS.COM
Worm Composting Resources
Here are some web resources on worm
composting followed by a list of
wonderfully informative books:
www.wormwoman.com
www.wormlady.com
Great books:
The Worm Cafe: Mid-scale Ver-
micomposting of Lunchroom Wastes,
Binet Payne. This manual describes how
a teacher and her students developed a
system to compost lunchroom waste
with worms and save their school $6,000
per year.
Worms Eat Our Garbage: Classroom
Activities for a Better Environment,
Mary Appelhof, Mary Frances Fenton,
and Barbara Loss Harris. This curriculum
uses over 150 worm-related classroom
or home activities to develop problem-
solving and critical-thinking skills in
children grades 4-8. Activities integrate
science, mathematics, language arts,
biology, solid waste issues, ecology, and
the environment.
Worms Eat My Garbage: How to Set
Up and Maintain a Vermicomposting
System, Mary Appelhof. The definitive
guide to vermicomposting, a process
using redworms to recycle food waste
into nutrient-rich food for plants.
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
SIMPLIFY!
Clutter Control
Paper/Filing Systems
Kitchens/Closets
Space Planning
Packing/Unpacking
Solutions for the critical mess
Non-Judgmental & Confidential
www.SummersOrganizing.com
Barbara ✔ 415-381-0707
9.
May 3, 2008
Bicycle Plans
from page 6
lanes would continue along Broadway all the
way to 22nd Street downtown. Broadway’s
resurfacing should occur within the next
five years, subject to funding.
Oakland’s recently adopted Master
Bicycle Plan provides a comprehensive
Oakland bicycle travel network.
Bicycle boulevards are routes on resi-
dential streets with relatively low traffic
volumes that prioritize bicycle traffic and
provide direct, right-of-way travel. “Shar-
row” roadway symbols will mark these
boulevards, to alert drivers that bicycles
and vehicles share the same roadway travel
lane. The TPBS committee’s charge is to
prioritize Rockridge streets receiving these
markings. Colby Street and Chabot Road,
Shafter and Lawton avenues will become
Bike to Work Day, May 15; Get Rolling!
Join the thousands from all around the Bay Area on Thursday, May 15 and ride
your bike to work! It’s healthy, economical, reduces traffic, and is environmen-
tally friendly. In fact, May is National Bike Month. Check out Bay Area activities
online at http://www.bayareabikes.org/btwd.
total. While substantially lower volumes than
originally expected were observed, these are
still high numbers for a neighborhood street.
Slightly lower cut-through traffic numbers
were measured on Hillegass Avenue.
Enhancements to neighborhood pedes-
trian crossings are being pursued. Once
options are clarified by City staff, and the
neighborhood prioritizes its choices, Jane
Brunner’s office will help secure funding.
Tentative survey options include: Alcatraz/
Colby crossing, Alcatraz/Dana crossing,
Alcatraz/Hillegass crossing, and safety
enhancements to Claremont/Forest/Colby
intersection. An additional survey ques-
tion is whether the neighborhood wants the
proposed Alcatraz/Colby light installed,
currently ranked #28 on the City’s imple-
mentation list. Expect the survey sometime
this summer!
More Information? Easy!
Watch for TPBS updates in The Rockridge
News and join the RCPC TPBS Committee
Yahoo Group. E-mail your contact infor-
mation (name, address, e-mail, and phone
number; and your area(s) of interest) to
the Yahoo group at RCPC_Traffic_Pedes-
trian_and_Bicycle_Safety_Committee. Not
enrolled in the group? Sign up at http://
groups.yahoo.com/.
Bicycle Boulevards. College Avenue, with
the highest accident rate per mile, will be
an arterial bike route.
College Avenue Bike Parking
Removing parking meters following
the installation of “pay and display” park-
ing kiosks along College Avenue created a
shortage of secure bicycle parking. For the
short term, two meter poles per block with
the meter housing intact and a bike park-
ing sticker remain for bicycle parking. In
January, Councilmember Jane Brunner used
discretionary transportation funds to help
alleviate the bike parking shortage. Over
the next five years, 25 new racks should be
installed along College Avenue.
Rockridge Triangle Safety Study
The completed Rockridge Triangle
Safety Study measured approximately 3,500
vehicles traveling on Colby Street daily, with
“cut-through traffic” comprising 75% of the
Susan Bernosky LUTCF
Insurance Agent
(510) 450-9050
5940 COLLEGE AVE #A
OAKLAND
susanbernosky@allstate.com
CA Lic: 0738807,0D34069
G
Call me today to see how you can save
when you combine your auto policies.
(Spend more on your honeymoon).
GRUBBCO.COM
Notary Public available
Rockridge
Located on Market Hall’s Lower Level
Entry on Shafter Avenue
510-655-8808
510.652.2133
3070 Claremont Avenue • Berkeley
Insurance and savings subject to availability and qualifications.
Savings applies to most major coverages. Allstate Indemnity
Company: Northbrook, IL.
©2004 Allstate Insurance Company.
www.curvesrockridge.com
Free Parking!
Across from BART
510.339.0400
1960 Mountain Boulevard • Oakland
Open 7 Days
Mon- Fri 6:00 -7:30
Sat & Sun 8:00 - Noon
10.
May 3, 2008
More: Earth Day at the Rockridge/Temescal Greenbelt
M e m b e r s o f
Chabot Cub Scout
Pack 274 clean up
trimmed debris.
Far right, Bodi (in
stroller), Deborah
a n d G a v i H i l l ,
Lily (left) and Jill
Seiberlich.
Photos: Susan Montauk
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.
Lois Dixon, who lives near 51st and
Shafter, points to the Dumpster she
helped fill.
Photos: Don Kinkead
Lee Patterson, left, of Miles Avenue,
and Buck King of 43rd Street prepare
to plant a buckeye tree.
Lee Patterson surveys tools used in
the Earth Day clean-up.
Sliding scale : Insurance accepted
4UVEFOU"SU4IPX
4VOEBZ
+VOF
QN¬QN
Oakland-Temescal Drawing Studio
Original works of art
by MONART
drawing students
Refreshments
Gallery Atmosphere
Discover the
MONART Difference!
Fine Arts Classes for Children, Teens and Adults
5427 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 94609
www.monarteastbay.com
510.654.DRAW (3729)
11.
May 3, 2008
More: Earth Day at the Rockridge/Temescal Greenbelt
Gary Lee, right, with his son Apollos and
his sister Sheryl.
Kris Carraway, right, with
granddaughter Alexandra Serrano.
Lydia Greenspan, front, Lavinia Tiveti, left
rear, Ruth Finnerty. Photos: Don Kinkead
YOU MAY LIVE 30 YEARS
PAST RETIREMENT.
Are you prepared?
Leila S. Gough, Associate Vice President-Investments
1999 Harrison, Suite 2050 • Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 452-8060 • www.agedwards.com/fc/leila.gough
[24778-v1-0668] RP260-0508
Please consult “Important Information About Your Relationship With A.G. Edwards” on
agedwards.com/disclosures for a discussion of the differences between our brokerage
and advisory services.
A.G. Edwards is a division of Wachovia Securities, LLC. Member SIPC.
a
cross-cultural congregation
striving to partner with
the Rockridge community
in lifestyle and service.
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
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.
May 3, 2008
50 Years of Community and Song –
The Oakland Symphony Chorus
Photo: Courtesy OSC
to the human condition, and the Oakland
Symphony Chorus works in our community
to bring beauty and song.” One of OSC’s
primary missions is to share this passion by
forging connections with the community,
so we invite you to get involved as we enter
our 50th anniversary season. Come to our
performance of “Carmina Burana” at the
Lesher Center in Walnut Creek on May 4
or 6, or in Berkeley on May 18. This piece
is an old favorite for fans of choral music,
and others will recognize it from dozens of
films and commercials. Buy a raffle ticket
for our annual fundraiser, and win great
prizes like a Robert Mondavi VIP tour and
tasting, a $250 Macy’s gift card, and much
more. Raise your voice during our “Summer
Sing-Ins” of choral classics with great local
conductors. Or audition! Find out more at
www.oaklandsymphonychorus.org. Keep
discovering the hidden cultural gems our
corner of Oakland has to offer.
Director Dr. Lynne Morrow, center, and Oakland Symphony Chorus members.
by Gloria Bruce
When I moved to Rockridge, I had no
idea of the “arts scene” hidden among
its bungalows and in-law apartments: jewelry
workshops in back yards, artists living on
every block, dance studios on residential
streets– and 120 singers filling a church
basement on Broadway with music every
Wednesday night. I was lucky enough to
stumble upon the latter and find a new com-
munity in the Oakland Symphony Chorus
(OSC). Founded in 1948, this group has
brought “50 years of community and song”
to Oakland through its performances of
classical and modern repertoire – ranging
from Bach to Gershwin, to brand-new and
commissioned works. With members from
Rockridge, other Oakland neighborhoods,
and well beyond, OSC performs in the East
Bay’s favorite venues, including the Para-
mount Theater, and is proud to collaborate
with the Oakland East Bay Symphony and
other local orchestras. The group is guided
by the expertise, grace, and humor of director
Lynne Morrow, whose credentials include
hosting the Stern Grove Music Festival,
teaching at Sonoma State University, and
directing the Grammy-nominated Pacific
Mozart Ensemble.
I’m one of the younger members and
fairly new to choral singing, but was wel-
comed by people whose common love for
creating music binds us together across
generations, ethnicities, and professions.
As Dr. Morrow puts it, “Singing is vital
Mon – Fri 9:30 – 6:00
Sat 9:30 – 5:00
CHIMES
PHARMACY
Serving Rockridge Since 1909
3210 College Avenue
Near Alcatraz
652-1990
WINSTON’S PLUMBING
Norman H. Burg, DDS
HEATING & ELECTRICAL
lic.# 537739/554406
Since 1979
• Trenchless Sewers
General Dentistry
(510) 652-1517
5700 Broadway, Oakland
• Earthquake Protection
• Tankless Water Heaters
• Remodel & Repair
510-652-8014
www.winstonsplumbing.com
A Prevention Oriented Practice
“”May your toilet never runneth over!”
Order New Market
Jeff Auen, Realtor
Residential and
Income Properties
Jaoffice@comcast.net
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
Creative
Solutions
www.JLAHomes.com
1-800-805-8827
Results
Jeff Auen
13.
May 3, 2008
The Ins and
Outs of
Residential
Permit Parking
newly proposed RPP area can be created
with at least six adjacent petitioning block
fronts. Existing RPP areas can add individual
adjacent streets upon petition. Eligible block
fronts must be 80% zoned residential, and
at least 75% of on-street parking spaces
must be occupied during any 2-hour period
between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The petition
should include the desired parking limit.
Approval signatures from over 51% of each
street’s households are required, but the city
strongly urges contact with all residences
and encourages a higher percentage.
The program provides procedures to
ensure that residents and the City Council
are fully aware of all the facts before any
Residential Permit Parking boundaries
are established and parking time-limits
implemented. Following City verification, a
public hearing is scheduled to solicit public
comments and explain how permit parking
works. Then the City Council, in public ses-
sion, decides whether to establish the area.
Sufficient permits must be purchased within
the following three months to establish the
designated RPP area or street.
The decision to establish a residential
permit parking zone is controlled by the
residents of each block. This article is
provided as a public service following
numerous information requests. For more
information, contact Transportation Services
at 238-3466 or visit http://www.oaklandpw.
com/Page547.aspx.
available on-street parking spaces, with
more frequent turnover. While daytime
parking congestion can be reduced, no
night-time enforcement is available. Many
Rockridge streets close to College Avenue
participate in the plan, with either a 2- or
4-hour parking limit in effect between 8
a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays. Residents at
any one participating address can purchase
up to three permits for that address. Every
College Avenue business may purchase
one (transferable) business permit. College
Avenue residences near a street with RPP
are also eligible for permits. Visitor passes
are also available.
To obtain a permit, a resident must
provide current proof of residence and car
ownership. Currently, a residential permit
costs $25 for the first year with a $15 yearly
renewal fee. Merchant fees are higher. (The
City Council is expected soon to receive and
consider a proposal from the City Admin-
istrator’s office that would triple initial
RPP fees and quadruple renewal costs for
residential areas.)
Establishing a residential permit park-
ing zone is an individual street decision. A
by Ronnie Spitzer, RCPC chair
Having difficulty parking on your block
during the day? Seeing the same cars
there all the time, none belonging to your
neighbors? When this situation occurs,
Oakland’s Residential Permit Parking (RPP)
program may be your choice. It provides
residents and local business owners with the
opportunity to park in their own neighbor-
hood when non-resident long-term parkers
compete for scarce on-street daytime park-
ing spaces. Here’s everything you always
wanted to know about permit parking in
Rockridge but were afraid to ask.
The RPP program does not guarantee a
daytime parking space to each permit holder.
It does force long-term parkers elsewhere.
Permit holders typically chose from more
Rockridge: 5400 College Avenue
Elmwood: 2930 College Avenue
Weekend Brunch in Elmwood
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
Oakland, California 94618
510.652-1000 FAX 510.654-2363
14.
May 3, 2008
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.
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. June deadline is May 22.
For information: e-mail smontauk@gmail.com
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.
New Stores
Pharmaca Integrative
Pharmacy
5729 College Avenue, Oakland
510/740-1468
Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 8:00pm,
Saturday: 9:00am – 7 p.m.,
Sunday: 10:00am – 7 p.m.
www.pharmaca.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.
Low Stress Carmel Getaway
Comfortable, cheery 3BR+2BA family home
available for short-term rental. Fully fur-
nished from piano to ping pong, sunny patio.
Quiet, peaceful—pines, oaks, birds. Only two
hours away. Reasonable weekly rates. E-mail:
lowstress-getaway@yahoo.com.
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.
Re-Opened
Woman to Woman
Psychotherapy
Feminist Relational Therapy with older, expe-
rienced, interactive, kind therapist. Women of
all ethnicities and sexualities welcomed. Maggie
Rochlin, LCSW. 510/845-6556.
Dreyer’s Grand
Ice Cream Parlor
5929 College Avenue, Oakland
510/652-8187
Sunday – Thursday: Noon – 9p.m.,
Friday – Saturday: Noon – 10 p.m.
www.dreyers.com
Handyman
Carpentry, electrical, kitchen, bath, tile, decks,
fence, drainage, foundation repair, windows,
walls, dry rot, termite damage. Lic#458473
Don 510/812-0310.
Couples Therapy in Rockridge
Missing your partner? Rediscover the spark.
Center for Stress Reduction. Rebecca Connell,
LCSW. 510/594-8224. I have advanced training
in the highly-regarded Gottman Method, proven
to increase intimacy and improve conflict skills.
www.CenterforStressReduction.com.
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 at College. 510/593-5080.
Complete architectural
services since 1970
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.
Professional Massage Therapy
Experienced massage therapist with emphasis
on integrated massage, oncology/Hospice and
pre and postnatal. References available. Joey,
510/421-3204.
5278 College Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 654-6755 fax 654-3424
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.
Piano, Vocal Lessons
Lisa Goulder Music Studio has openings for
summer in piano and/or voice instruction.
Ages 6 and up, all levels. For piano: classical,
pop, jazz, rock styles. For voice: popular music
repertoire. To inquire, call 653-0107.
free gifts for moms
thru Mother’s Day!
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.
Gardening and Landscape
Maintenance
Experienced, skilled gardener serving Rockridge,
Piedmont & Montclair for over 20 years. Excel-
lent references, excellent rates. I do landscape
restoration and maintenance to suit your
gardening needs. Chris: 510/655-0157.
Custom Sewing for the Home
Window Coverings: curtains, Roman shades.
Top Treatments: slipcovers, pillows and cush-
ions; duvet covers, bed skirts, pillow shams &
bolsters. Special projects. Decorator fabrics
& drapery hardware. Holly. 510/531-1177.
Traditional Spanish Paella
Catering
Enjoy the experience of traditional paella being
cooked on-site. Organic and seasonal! Ideal for
indoor/outdoor gatherings. “A dish that always
brings people together” www.vengapaella.
com or call Eduardo 415-377-6392.
$PMMFHF"WF
15.
May 3, 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
Neighborhood Crime Prevention
Council (NCPC)
Residents and business members of NCPC’s 12Y and
13X areas are invited to voice their concerns about
crime and public safety. New time and place: Meets
4th Thursday each month, 7pm, at Rockridge Library,
upstairs meeting room, 5366 College Ave. info@
rockridgencpc.com.
Rockridge Branch Library
5366 College Avenue, 597-5017
FOR CHILDREN:
Toddler Story Time: Every Saturday
■
■
, 10:30am.
Pre-School Story Time
■
■
: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays,
10:30am: 5/7, 5/21, 6/4.
Pajama Story Time:
■
■
2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 7pm:
5/13, 5/27, 6/10.
SPECIAL EVENTS FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES:
The Summer Reading Program begins on June 7. Kids
of all ages can sign up and earn prizes for reading.
FOR TEENS:
Anime Club: Teens 13 and up
■
■
, watch and talk about
anime (Japanese animation) with other teens. 2nd
Tuesday of each month, (5/13) 5 to 6:30pm.
Be a Book Buddy
■
■
: teen volunteers needed to read
with children this summer. Call Susy at 597-5017 for
more info.
FOR ADULTS:
Writer’s Support /Critique Group
■
■
: ALL writers
welcome. Third Saturday each month (5/17), 1 to
5pm. Bring 10 copies of up to 3 pages of your prose
for on-site reading/discussion. Sponsored by the
California Writers Club, Berkeley branch (www.
berkeleywritersclub.org.) 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 experi-
Community Invited
To Claremont’s
Spring Fling Festival
Join us at Claremont Middle School’s
Spring Fling on Saturday, May 17 from 11
a.m. to 3 p.m.; a county-fair style celebration
of everything great about the school!
We’ll have student science and art
exhibits, performances by our amazing
120-strong band and orchestra and local
elementary schools, food and carnival games
sponsored by different student groups,
crafts activities, plus face-painting, henna
art, demonstrations of wool-spinning, a
petting zoo (for livestock, of course!), and
much, much more.
For more information, check the school
website at www.claremontms.org or contact
PTA president Julie Harris at julieharris@
pacbell.net or 510/652-2373.
enced, bring projects to work on. Every Tuesday,
12:30-2:30pm.
Peter Y. Sussman
■
■
: The former editor of the SF
Chronicle discusses his book, Decca: The Letters of
Jessica Mitford. Thursday, 5/29, 7 to 9pm.
Lawyers in the Library: Free legal advice
■
■
. First Tues-
day each month from 6 to 8pm. Advance sign-up starts
5pm. More information: 597-5017. Note: no Lawyers
in the Library on June 3 due to election.
ART EXHIBITS
Gallery: May: Merritt College portrait class figure
drawing.
June: Giovanna Capone; collage art.
Lobby Display Case:
May: Rockridge Library’s Teen Photos.
June: Laotian needlepoint.
LIBRARY HOURS
Mon. and Tues, 12:30 to 8pm.
Wed., Thurs. and Sat. 10am to 5:30pm.
Fri., 12 to 5:30pm. Closed Sundays.
Diesel Book/Poetry Events
All events are FREE and open to the public.
Wed., 5/7, 7:30pm: local poet
■
■
August Kleinzahler:
Sleeping it Off in Rapid City.
Mon., 5/12, 7:30pm:
■
■
Amnesty International Meet-
ing: exchange information and ideas on action. All
welcome.
Wed., 5/14, 7:30pm: local author
■
■
Michael Chabon:
The Yiddish Policeman’s Union.
5433 College Ave. For more information about other
events, Book Discussion Groups and El Grupito, the
Spanish discussion group: 653-9965 or www.die-
selbookstore.com.
Peralta in Bloom
Peralta Elementary Spring Community Festival.
Carnival games; 30-foot climbing wall; feast on pulled
pork sandwiches; entertainment and more. Saturday,
5/10, noon to 4pm. 460 63rd St. Info: Paul Kagiwada,
paulgkag@yahoo.com.
An Evening With the Peace Corps
No upper age limit to serve. Volunteers work in 74
countries in education, health, business, computers
and more. Tuesday, May 20, 6 to 7:30 pm, Rockridge
Library, 5366 College Ave. Info: Nick Bosustow:
452-8444, nbosustow@peacecorps.gov or www.
peacecorps.gov.
Spring Garden Party & Fundraiser
Light buffet, hosted bar and live music by Robert Temple.
Donations of $25/person, $45/couple requested to sup-
port all-volunteer efforts in North Oakland. Proceeds to
benefit Standing Together for Accountable Neighborhood
Development (STAND). More info or to RSVP: 655-3841
or www.standoakland.org.
Jazz at the Chimes
Concert and Artist Reception (with refreshments)
featuring vocalist Clairedee and the Ken French trio.
Sunday, 5/18, 2pm. Tickets: $10-15, cash only at the door
(starting at 12:30pm). 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. More info at 228-3218 or www.
lifemarkgroup.com/oakland/special_events.
asp or www.claaidee.com.
California College of the Arts (CCA)
2008 Baccalaureate Exhibition: celebrating the creativ-
ity and accomplishments of CCA’s 2008 undergraduate
class. May 8–12, (gallery hrs: Mon., Thurs. and Fri.,
8:30am–noon and 1-4:30pm; Sat., 10am-1pm; Sun.,
10am-4pm.) CCA Oliver Art Center, 5212 B’way. Info:
658-1224 or www.cca.edu/calendar.
Christensen Heller Gallery
Showing the work of local artist Patti Heimburger:
California textural landscapes in mixed media through
oil paint, fabric and yarn. Now through May 18. Gallery
hours: Wed.-Sat., 11am to 6pm; Sunday, noon to 5pm.
5829 College Ave. Info: 655-5952 or www.chris-
tensenheller.com.
Singers Wanted
The Distaff Singers, the Bay Area’s longest-running
women’s choral group, is seeking new members. No
auditions necessary, just the ability to match pitch.
Practice Tuesdays, 7:15 to 9:15pm at St. Theresa Church
on Clarewood Ave. A benefit concert in the fall supports
local K-12 music programs. For more info: 547-1191 or
www.distaffsingers.org.
Red Cross Volunteer Orientation
Learn to give help and support to blood drives each
month in the East Bay, weekends and evenings included.
Greet and inform donors, offer refreshments, assist
with community outreach and more. Wednesday, 5/7
from 10am to noon and Tuesday, 5/20 from 6 to 8pm.
6230 Claremont Ave. Advanced sign-up required.
Contact Anne at 594-5165 or blackstonea@usa.
redcross.org.
North Oakland Senior Center
Computer classes; health insurance counseling and advo-
cacy program; exercise classes; trips, tours and theater
outings; Alzheimer’s caregivers support groups.
3rd Annual Health and Resource Fair
■
■
: Sponsors
include Red Cross, Over 60 Clinic, Area Agency on
Aging and many more. Thurs., 5/29, 1 to 4pm.
Big Flea Market
■
■
: Clean out your closets and garage.
Vendor space still available for $10 (cash only).
Saturday, 5/21, 8am to 4pm.
Hours: Mon. – Fri., 8:45am to 4:45pm. 5714 Martin
Luther King, Jr. Way.
Subscribe to “The North Oakland Senior Times,”
for a full schedule of classes/events and a monthly
lunch menu ($2.25 to $4.00). For details about events,
membership, and opportunities to become a volunteer,
call 597- 5085.
16.
May 3, 2008
Jan Fougner
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