Extracted text · highlighting “Doug Patton”

www.rockridge.org

!
No
Newsletter
In August

VOL. 24        NO. 7        ISSUE NO. 258        July 6, 2009                   CIRCULATION: 5,100 Residences; 200 Businesses

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

2009 Rockridge Kitchen Tour: Sunday, September 20. Purchase tickets at www.rockridge.org

See What the Buzz Is About: Join the Rockridge
Kitchen Tour, and the Margarido House Reception

by Jennifer Edmister
The 2009 Rockridge Kitchen
Tour, the original home
kitchen event in one of Oakland’s
most exciting neighborhoods, will
soon be upon us. For the Standard
Ticket presale price of $30, you
will tour eight new kitchens and
one full home. Each space is a
stunning example of its kind, from
impeccable bungalow kitchen res-
torations to grand, modern living
spaces. Once again, our Rockridge
homes boast designs and build
quality that are bold, innovative,
tasteful and, this year, smart.
The Margarido House, a
nationally acclaimed collabora-
tive project, is the first home in
the United States to be both LEED
Platinum certified and Greenpoint
rated. The Margarido House,
with its planted rooftop garden
and in-floor hydronic heating,
joins eight other kitchens on the
September 20 tour.
For those who would enjoy a
closer look, the Premium Ticket
price of $60 includes an eve-
ning reception (5-8 p.m.) at the
Margarido House. Sip a cocktail
at sunset, admiring bay-wide
views from the greenest home in
Rockridge, and linger to sample
cuisine from Oakland’s newest hot
This richly appointed
2009 tour kitchen is
also designed to be
family-friendly.
Kitchen Tour 2009, page 2
¤
¤
Safeway Planning Major Changes
for Rockridge Shopping Center
RCPC Board Seeks Merchant Member
Under RCPC’s bylaws, one seat on the board of directors
is set aside for appointment of a Rockridge merchant
representative. Given the number of commercial contro-
versies currently in play in Rockridge, the board would
like to fill that seat.
If you are a Rockridge business owner and interested
in contributing your time and ideas, please submit a short
statement of interest, including your background and
qualifications. Statements may be sent to the RCPC mail-
box (5245 College Avenue, PMB 311, Oakland, 94618) or
e-mailed to chair@rockridge.org. The board will make the
appointment at its August or September meeting.
by Stuart Flashman
Safeway’s commercial
real estate division
unveiled plans for a rede-
signed Rockridge Shopping
Center, including an enlarged
Safeway store, at two open
houses held June 23 and
25. The Rockridge Shop-
ping Center, at the corner
of Broadway and Pleasant
Valley Avenue, is the biggest
shopping center in North
Oakland, serving not only
Rockridge but also Tem-
escal, Broadway Terrace,
Piedmont Avenue areas, and
Safeway wants to demolish and replace the
Safeway and Long’s stores and redevelop
and add other buildings.                D. Kinkead
RCPC Town Hall Meeting
AGENDA
July 2009
beyond. While Safeway isn’t the owner of
the property, it has been allowed to control
its development.
Thursday, July 16, 7:30 p.m.
Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College at Manila,
Community Room (Upstairs)
Rockridge Center: Safeway, page 12
¤
¤
Time for Current Permit Parking Stickers
n Joint Meeting: RCPC and Rockridge NCPC
In July, RCPC and the Rockridge NCPC
(Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council)
hold a joint meeting to present and collaborate
on crime and nuisance abatement concerns
within the Rockridge area. The NCPC’s areas of
interest are in OPD police beats 12Y and 13X.
Following up on concerns expressed by Rockridge residents about when
2009-10 Residential Permit Parking stickers must be displayed: RCPC
has been informed by Mrs. Ira M. Christian, Supervisor, Parking Citations
Assistance Center, that there is a 10-day grace period following the June
30 expiration date in which permit holders may affix the new stickers.


2.

July 6, 2009

scenes, the Rockridge Kitchen Tour still
needs docents. Docents, who are on hand to
guide guests through each of our featured
kitchens, receive a pre-tour of three kitchens
and a complimentary ticket to visit the other
six kitchens on the day of the event.
If you would like to be a docent, please
call Nancy Sale at 655-4625.
Brochure Sponsorship
Many of our tour guests are looking
for ideas and resources to assist them in
future renovation projects. The Rockridge
Kitchen Tour brochure is an excellent way
to reach an interested and enthusiastic
audience.
Limited advertising space remains, and
ads must be reserved this month to meet
our print deadlines. For ad information,
contact Jo Ellis at joellis1@hotmail.com,
or, after 12 noon, at 653-3210.
Kitchen Tour 2009
ROCKRIDGE BRANCH LIBRARY
5366 College Avenue
597-5017
HOURS:
Mon, Tues:
Weds, Thurs, Sat:
Friday:
Sunday:
Library program details: See Calendar, page 15.
from page 1
spot, B Restaurant and Bar. The Margarido
House Reception takes place on Thursday,
September 17; tickets are limited.
To purchase presale Standard Tickets or
Premium Tickets, visit www.rockridge.org
or complete and return the coupon below.
Premium Tickets, which include the greatly
anticipated Margarido House Reception,
are selling fast. Don’t miss your chance to
see what the buzz is about— for the full
experience, purchase a Premium Ticket to
join both the Margarido House Reception
on September 17 and the Rockridge Kitchen
Tour on September 20.
Docents Needed
If you’d rather join the fun behind the
12:30 – 8 p.m.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
12 – 5:30 p.m.
CLOSED
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
Jo Ellis	�����������������������������������Advertising &
Community Calendar
Theresa Nelson	��������������������Neighborhood Merchant
Susan Montauk	�������������������Business Manager
Don Kinkead	�����������������������Graphics & Layout
RCPC Board of Directors, 2008-2009
Stuart Flashman	�����������������Chair
Andrew Charman	���������������Vice-Chair
Ruth Miller	��������������������������Secretary
Joan Martin	��������������������������Treasurer
Annette Floystrup, Jonathan Gabel, William Kaufner,
Don Kinkead, Colby Lavin, Doug Patton,
Katy Taylor, Ann Winterman
Contact the Board: chair@rockridge.org
For information: info@rockridge.org
Advance Ticket Order Form
Save me a spot for the 2009 Rockridge Kitchen Tour
Sunday, September 20, 12:30–5:30 p.m.
Please send me the following tickets:
Yes!

Standard Tickets @ $30 presale price..........................................= $

Premium Tickets (Includes 9/17 cocktail reception) @ $60........= $
TOTAL...........= $
Name:
 Phone (
)
Address:
 City:
 Zip:
E-mail address:

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.

Please mail this coupon, a self-addressed stamped envelope and your check or money
order payable to: RCPC Kitchen Tour, 5245 College Avenue PMB 311, Oakland, 94618.
Tickets will be mailed approximately two weeks before the event(s). Thank you!

Mon – Fri  9:30 – 6:00
Sat  9:30 – 5:00
CHIMES
PHARMACY
Serving Rockridge Since 1909
3210 College Avenue
Near Alcatraz
652-1990
$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
EXPERT
SHIRT
LAUNDERING!

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
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.
Newsletter Advertising/Deadlines
Publication date of the next issue is
 September 5, 2009 (No August issue)
 September deadline is August 20, 2009.
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.)


3.
July 6, 2009

The RCPC Land Use Committee meets the
fourth Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m.,
at the Rockridge Library.
Next meeting: Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Land Use Meeting Agendas
Contact Stu Flashman at 652-5373 or chair@
rockridge.org for a copy of the current Land Use
Committee meeting agenda.
the applicant’s recently submitted supple-
mental application materials. RCPC has
raised concerns about the project’s potential
traffic impacts, especially the safety hazards
that would be caused by extensive U-turns
at the Broadway/Manila/Monroe intersec-
tion in front of the school. The City’s case
planner is Ulla Britt-Jonsson (238-3322,
ujonsson@oaklandnet.com).
College Preparatory School
■
■
Land Use Update
by Stuart Flashman,
RCPC Land Use Committee chair
McGuire Real Estate Co.
■
■
(5327 College Avenue)
In 2005, RCPC lost a hard-fought battle
against the installation of the Maison Nou-
veau real estate firm in a ground-floor space
on College Avenue. In the process, Maison
Nouveau offered two concessions to the
Rockridge community: an art gallery and a
home design library, both to be located in
the front lobby of the building and accessible
to the public during normal business hours.
These concessions were incorporated in the
conditional use permit granted by the City.
Maison Nouveau recently moved out, and has
been replaced by McGuire Real Estate Co.
However, the use permit and its conditions
remain applicable to the new business.
Following up on a recent complaint,
RCPC discovered that the artwork had been
replaced by travel posters and the “library”
had been reduced to a single bookcase
along one wall. RCPC notified the City of
the apparent violation and has met with the
building’s owner, Heather Sittig.
A new art exhibit has now been installed
and Ms. Sittig assured RCPC that she would
comply with the use permit conditions, but
is awaiting new furniture for the library.
RCPC will continue to monitor compliance
with the City’s use permit conditions. City
case planner: Darin Ranelletti (238-3663,
dranelletti@oaklandnet.com.)
Rockridge Shopping
■
■
Center rebuild
(Broadway & Pleasant Valley)
See article, page 1, for a discussion of
Safeway’s ambitious plans for redesigning
this important North Oakland shopping
center. The City’s case planner is Darin
Ranelletti (238-3663, dranelletti@oakland-
net.com).
College Avenue Safeway
■
■
Facilities Master Plan
(6100 Broadway)
After discussions with both Murray
Cohen, College Preparatory Head of School,
and neighbors of the school, RCPC sent a
letter to the City outlining its concerns with
the school’s proposed capital improvement
master plan and suggestions about how they
might be addressed. RCPC will continue to
work with the school and its neighbors to
reach a mutually acceptable plan. The City’s
case planner is Leigh McCullen (238-4977,
lmccullen@oaklandnet.com).
Citywide Zoning Update
■
■
rebuild (6310 College Avenue
at Claremont)
Safeway submitted its completed appli-
cation for this large project, including a
subdivision map application to make the
small shops into condominiums. The City
is preparing an initial study of the project’s
potential environmental effects and the
Planning Commission will hold a “scoping”
hearing later in the summer for the project’s
environmental impact report. The City’s
case planner is Peterson Vollman (238-6167,
pvollman@oaklandnet.com).
Rockridge Montessori
■
■
The City’s very belated zoning update
process is moving forward. The City is cur-
rently preparing detailed regulations for the
CN-1 zone, a zoning category intended to
replace both the C-31 zone that now applies
to College Avenue and the C-27 zone that
applies to Montclair Village. As of now,
the new zone would incorporate all of the
important provisions of C-31 and would
continue to protect and promote ground
floor retail on College.
The next meeting of the technical advi-
sory groups is in August. Please check the
RCPC Web site at rockridge.org or the
city Web site at http://oaklandnet.com/
zoningupdate for details.
Expansion Project
(5616 Broadway)
Rockridge Montessori’s original use
permit application for the proposed expan-
sion to over 200 students was deemed
incomplete. The City is currently reviewing
RCPC Seeks Rockridge
Neighborhood
Association Groups
The RCPC Communications Commit-
tee is assembling a list of neighbors’
associations in Rockridge. As part of the
rockridge.org Web site redesign, we will
compile the list, make a map, and put it all
on the site.
Connecting at the neighborhood level is a
great way to know your neighbors, celebrate
good times, and be prepared for emergen-
cies. If you’re in a neighbors’ association,
please send a contact person’s name, group
or individual e-mail address, and the streets
of your association to: Rachel Hollowgrass,
at rachelsh@earthlink.net.
Kimberly Lang
Draperies
Roman Shades
Cushions and Pillows
Fabric and Style Advice
5418 College Ave. (510) 420-1928
510.540.6864        www.kimberlylang.com


4.

July 6, 2009

Letters to the Editor
‘gentrification’?
My primary concern with the large store
plans relates to traffic. Given that Alcatraz is
basically the effective end of College Avenue
for the “Rockridge” area, even if it is in
Berkeley at that point, Safeway replacing the
dead space of that suburban-flavor parking
lot with a lot-facing store could create an
amenity for the neighborhood.
If we look at our neighborhood logically,
BART should NOT be on College. Telegraph
would have better handled the traffic. I
could imagine high-density residential on
the blocks around BART and perhaps office
spaces for local and transient serving busi-
ness (medical offices, etc), but I don’t imagine
RCPC reacting favorably to that.
In the 1970s, 51st between Broadway
and Telegraph was widened and pretty
much ignored thereafter. Had the widening
been approached differently, that corridor
might be better utilized. College would be
far more difficult and expensive to widen,
so we are likely ‘stuck’ with it. We could
probably provide stricter traffic enforcement
to improve flow, but do we want that?
— Robert Wiles
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.
Clarifying the question of the
City Attorney’s pay cut
Editor:
I noticed in the June 6 edition of the
RN that you mentioned pay cuts for elected
officials. The city attorney did accept pay
cuts – much more than 5 percent. Russo
accepted a cut of almost 15 percent (14.4%)
to his compensation. That’s on top of the
previous salary reduction he took during
the last budget crisis in 2003 (7.4%).
— Alex Katz
Communications Director
Oakland City Attorney’s Office
Big Market Clash
Editor:
In the June Rockridge News, archi-
tect Buttrick reportedly asserts that the
“streetscape” of the proposed Safeway store
is notable by its second-floor commercial
presence. He’s right: it’s not typical, but the
street-level plan for retail with anything over
it is compliant with the intent of C-31 to
promote street-level commerce. There are
several older segments on College where
above ground level is commercial, too.
The existing prevalence of ground
floor restaurants is less in keeping with
the intent than planned, but it is the real-
ity of what’s happened based on what’s
become of College. Call it a commercial
Clarifying the question of the
City Auditor’s pay cut
Editor:
I saw the June Rockridge News regarding
elected officials’ salary cuts and wanted to
help clarify some information.
In fact, City Auditor Ruby has taken a
pay cut this year – the equivalent of 2.5%.
You may not have been aware that when
she took office she received a 17% salary
reduction from her predecessor as well.
Auditor Ruby is very aware that the cur-
rent financial crisis in the City will entail
additional sacrifices and she’s doing her
part to help alleviate the burden.
— Erica Harrold
Executive Assistant
to the City Auditor
Join the Rockridge
News Team
N
!
No
Newsletter
In August
www.rockridge.org
VOL. 24        NO. 7        ISSUE NO. 258        July 6, 2009                   CIRCULATION: 5,100 RESIdENCES; 200 BUSINESSES
Sponsored by the Rockridge Community Planning Council • 5245 College Ave. PMB 311 • Oakland, CA 94618 • 869-4200
2009 Rockridge Kitchen Tour: Sunday, September 20. Purchase tickets at www.rockridge.org
See What the Buzz Is About: Join the Rockridge
Kitchen Tour, and the Margarido House Reception
ew Marshal Needed: Pick up
joins eight other kitchens on the
September 20 tour.
For those who would enjoy a
closer look, the Premium Ticket
price of $60 includes an eve-
ning reception (5-8 p.m.) at the
Margarido House. Sip a cocktail
at sunset, admiring bay-wide
views from the greenest home in
Rockridge, and linger to sample
cuisine from Oakland’s newest hot
spaces. Once again, our Rockridge
homes boast designs and build
quality that are bold, innovative,
tasteful and, this year, smart.
The Margarido House, a
nationally acclaimed collabora-
tive project, is the first home in
the United States to be both LEEd
Platinum certified and Greenpoint
rated. The Margarido House,
with its planted rooftop garden
and in-floor hydronic heating,
by Jennifer Edmister
The 2009 Rockridge Kitchen
Tour, the original home
kitchen event in one of Oakland’s
most exciting neighborhoods, will
soon be upon us. For the Standard
Ticket presale price of $30, you
will tour eight new kitchens and
one full home. Each space is a
stunning example of its kind, from
impeccable bungalow kitchen res-
torations to grand, modern living
and deliver bundles to three
This richly appointed
2009 tour kitchen is
also designed to be
family-friendly.
District Captains (routes 13, 14 & 16)
Kitchen Tour 2009, page 2

¤
RCPC Board Seeks Merchant Member
Under RCPC’s bylaws, one seat on the board of directors
is set aside for appointment of a Rockridge merchant
representative. Given the number of commercial contro-
versies currently in play in Rockridge, the board would
like to fill that seat.
If you are a Rockridge business owner and interested
in contributing your time and ideas, please submit a short
statement of interest, including your background and
qualifications. Statements may be sent to the RCPC mail-
box (5245 College Avenue, PMB 311, Oakland, 94618) or
e-mailed to chair@rockridge.org. The board will make the
appointment at its August or September meeting.
Safeway Planning Major Changes
for Rockridge Shopping Center
in lower Rockridge first weekend of
by Stuart Flashman
Safeway’s commercial
real estate division
unveiled plans for a rede-
signed Rockridge Shopping
Center, including an enlarged
Safeway store, at two open
houses held June 23 and
25. The Rockridge Shop-
ping Center, at the corner
of Broadway and Pleasant
Valley Avenue, is the biggest
shopping center in North
Oakland, serving not only
Rockridge but also Tem-
escal, Broadway Terrace,
Piedmont Avenue areas, and
each month. Call Susan Montauk
RCPC Town Hall Meeting
AGENDA
July 2009
at 547-3855 or e-mail her at smon-
Safeway wants to demolish and replace the
Safeway and Long’s stores and redevelop
and add other buildings.                D. KinKeaD
beyond. While Safeway isn’t the owner of
the property, it has been allowed to control
its development.
Thursday, July 16, 7:30 p.m.
Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College at Manila,
Community Room (Upstairs)
tauk@gmail.com to volunteer.
 Joint Meeting: RCPC and Rockridge NCPC
In July, RCPC and the Rockridge NCPC
(Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council)
hold a joint meeting to present and collaborate
on crime and nuisance abatement concerns
within the Rockridge area. The NCPC’s areas of
interest are in OPD police beats 12Y and 13X.
Rockridge Center: Safeway, page 12

¤
Time for Current Permit Parking Stickers
Following up on concerns expressed by Rockridge residents about when
2009-10 Residential Permit Parking stickers must be displayed: RCPC
has been informed by Mrs. Ira M. Christian, Supervisor, Parking Citations
Assistance Center, that there is a 10-day grace period following the June
30 expiration date in which permit holders may affix the new stickers.
Rick Prime    Financial Planning
Praying - Serving - Growing
St. Augustine
Roman Catholic
Church
400 Alcatraz Ave.
Oakland
(between Telegraph
and College
Avenues)
510-653-8631
Mass Schedule
 Saturday: 5 p.m.
 Sunday: 8 a.m.
  & 10:30 a.m.
 Weekdays: 8:30 a.m.
How can you afford to live here and
send your children to college?
Obtain objective advice from your local
investment professional today!
Reconciliation
 Saturday, 4 p.m.
www.rickprime.com  (510) 384-1009
2936 Domingo Ave., #1, Berkeley, CA 94705
SecuritieS and inveStment adviSory ServiceS offered through
financial network inveStment corporation, member Sipc
www.staugustineoakland.com


5.
July 6, 2009
a
rk Corner
P
Hardy Park Site
G
A monthly update on
what’s happening at the
best community-built
and maintained
park in Oakland
FRO
Building Hardy
Park’s play
structures began
with laying out the
site, progressed
to half-built
structures, below,
and then finished,
next below, as the
park is today.
How is a park built?
In 1997, some Rockridge residents realized that
local children had no nearby parks to visit.
The group formed a sub-committee within
RCPC called PARKS (People Advocating for
Rockridge KidS), co-chaired by Theresa Nelson,
and began planning for land, fundraising, and
equipment.
Today, maintenance of much of FROGPark,
the park the group created, is on the City’s list
of budget cuts. Volunteers will be needed to
maintain the park in usable condition. Visit
FROGPark’s Web site at http://www.frogpark.
org/ and RCPC’s site at http://www.rockridge.
org for ways to help and for volunteer news.
HARDY
PARK
Hardy Park
Progress
ROCKRIDGE-
TEMESCAL
GREENBELT
Hardy Park
Complete
FROGPark
co-founder
Theresa
Nelson
embosses a
frog design
in the
Greenbelt
walkway.
DMV
Paving the Greenbelt
ROCKRIDGE-TEMESCAL GREENBELT
Redondo Park Site
Redondo Park Complete
The completed Redondo
Park with play structures
and benches.
REDONDO
PARK
Graphic: Katy Taylor
There is a lot of world to explore.
りきゅう
After 25 years of preparing
authentic Japanese cuisine
for exceptional restaurants
such as Kiku of Tokyo,
Mikaku San Francisco,
Kirala, and We Be Sushi,
Chef Tatsuya Koyake
decides to have his own
space to share his passion
for cooking. Come join
him for a taste of Japan.
new discoveries - new friends - renewed life
Contact Us Today
Call Thomas Talboy
(866) 984-8687
or visit us online at:
www.UbiquityInternational.com
Authentic Japanese Cuisine
ADDRESS 5335 College Avenue,

 Oakland, CA  94618
Rikyu
TEL 510 595 7388
Family and Student Travel
School Travel • Pilgrimages • Special Interest
ISIC, IYTC, ITIC • European Rail
Ubiquity International, LLC
PO Box 21265
 Piedmont, CA 94620-1265
JAPANESE RESTAURANT
CST: 2070359-40  WA SOT: 602-549-382


6.

June 6, 2009

Rock  ridge
Cornucopia
Cornucopia
Barry A. Kaufman
Saucy Foods

Mexican Pico de Gallo that is better than
any commercial version.
Pico de Gallo (Salsa Mexicana)
2 tablespoons diced white onion
8 Roma (Italian pear) tomatoes, diced
2 Serrano chilies, finely chopped (use
jalapeño pepper for milder salsa)
2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 lime, freshly squeezed
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Chill in
the refrigerator for a least an hour before
serving. Note: You can also use this
salsa as a marinade for shrimp civiche.
Let shrimp marinate for an hour. Serve
with chopped avocado.

In celebration of the 4th of July and in anticipation of the elaborate bar-b-queing being planned, The
Rockridge News is pleased to present a past food feature from Barry Kaufman. “Saucy Foods” discusses
condiments and sauces you may want to consider for any grilling you are planning.

Several years ago my daughter came
home from high school, opened our full
refrigerator and yelled, “There is nothing to
eat! You have 10 mustards, umpteen Asian
sauces and every condiment known to man,
but nothing to eat.” On another occasion,
a poker player in our local weekly game
went to get a beer and said, laughing, “You
must not have young children; nothing but
condiments.”
Guilty as charged – my refrigerator door
and pantry are filled with every conceivable
condiment.
The word “condiment” originally meant
pickled or preserved food. Chutneys are a
good example. Earliest condiments were salt,
pepper, seeds, jams, mustard and molasses.
In the 19th century, Americans began to use
table condiments, like ketchup and mayon-
naise. Today, condiments include any food
item used to complement or enhance our
dining experience, including spices, bread
or cracker spreads, table sauces, dips, and
more recently, ethnic condiments.
A visit to Market Hall’s Pasta Shop is a
great place to see and sample the array of
new fancy condiments. A few years ago,
home chefs had a choice of three types of
salt: table, kosher, and sea. The Pasta Shop
and other gourmet food stores now carry
over a dozen different types – pink, gray,
black, red and smoked, to name a few. You
can even buy a chunk of a salt rock and
grate your own.
Most of us grew up with the standard
sauce condiments: yellow mustard, ketchup
and mayonnaise. Now, my refrigerator door
holds 10 different types of mustard and a
myriad of Asian and table condiments: soy
sauce, hoisin sauce, wasabi, Vietnamese
and Thai fish sauce, Chinese chili sauces,
plum sauce, and Indian chutneys. Since
the Civil War, Tabasco sauce, produced by
the McIlhenny family on Avery Island, in
Louisiana, was the mainstay hot sauce at
home and at every restaurant in America.
Now there are over 500 varieties of hot sauce
available to the pepper sauce connoisseur.
Check out More Hotta the Betta Web site,
www.mohotta.com.
I love having a good stock of condiments
to prepare a quick but distinctive meal.
Vietnamese sweet chili sauce (look for it at
Yasai Market) is ideal for sautéed shrimp. I
sauté a pound of shelled shrimp in canola
oil with some chopped garlic and minced
ginger. Once the shrimp are pink, pour in
the sweet chili sauce – just enough to coat
the shrimp. Serve with rice and you have a
perfect Asian light supper.
Achiote paste can be found in virtually
every Mexican market. Sold in small red
blocks, it is a combination of crushed achiote
seed, vinegar, salt, garlic and spices. A small
chunk of the block, diluted with either lime
or orange juice, makes the perfect Yucatan
marinade for fish or pork. Marinate for
about 15 minutes. Grill the fish or pork.
Serve with tortillas and black beans for a
perfect Sunday supper.
The wide availability of commercially
manufactured condiments has brought a
revolution to the average American table.
The downside of mass-produced commercial
condiments, however, is standardization.
This is particularly the case with ethnic
condiments. As ethnic condiments become
part of the culinary mainstream, they can
lose their unique homemade flavor.
We all the like the convenience of
twisting open a jar of Mexican salsa.
But here is an easy recipe for a traditional
Barry Kaufman is a graduate of the California Culi-
nary Academy. Barry is available for private cooking
classes. Email: kaufman42@earthlink.net.
Me. I’ve been an Allstate Agent for 10
years. And riding bikes for 17. That means
I can talk all day about insurance features
and discounted rates, but I’d just as soon
talk about a new route you’ve found.
Let’s talk today.
Susan Bernosky, LUTCF
(510) 450 9050
5940 College Ave, #A
Oakland
susanbernosky@allstate.com
Rockridge
Private Patrol
547-SAFE
The Cupped Hands logo is a registered service mark of Allstate Insurance
Company. Life insurance and annuities issued by Allstate Life Insurance
Company, Northbrook, IL and Lincoln Benefit Life Company, Lincoln, NE.
In New York, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, Hauppauge,
NY.  Property-casualty insurance products issued  by Allstate Fire and
Casualty Insurance Company, Allstate Indemnity Company, Allstate
Insurance Company, Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company:
Northbrook, IL. © 2007 Allstate Insurance Company


7.
July 6, 2009

Changes in Store ? – A View of Safeway’s Plans
Wuxtry! Wuxtry!
Got ink in your veins? Want to
help keep print alive? Here’s
your opportunity: Deliver The
Rockridge News on Broadway.
Details, page 4.

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
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
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.

A Safeway Walk
to Where?
Picture yourself the size of
the people shown in these
drawings of Safeway’s proposed
new College Avenue store. What
might you see and feel as you
walk around in the plan? It could
be like the scenario at left.
Enter the
passageway
Walking south on
College, you take a
left into what could be an
intriguing passageway lead-
ing from the Avenue, under
the pedestrian bridge, past
some quaint shops and on to
a magnetic destination.
Instead, the trip appears
to be a walk down a com-
mercial arcade leading to
Claremont Avenue with
only the beckoning wall of
the medical office building
drawing you onward.
Exit the walkway, turn
left up Claremont and walk
past the imposing two-story
outer wall of the food store
and garage, avoiding the traf-
fic moving in and out of the
garage and the underground
parking areas.
Walk to Alcatraz, then
down to Old College Avenue
for a soothing coffee at your
favorite haunt. Relax. It’s
only your imagination....
Exit to
Claremont
Avenue
Mind the traffic
Graphics: Lowney Architecture, from safewayoncollege.com


8.

July 6, 2009

Ask a Cop
INTERIOR-EXTERIOR LEAD
CERTIFIED PAINTERS
Professional preparation. Many local
references. All work Guaranteed
(510) 654-3339
by PSO Officer Chew and PSO Officer Gerrans
The “Ask a Cop” column provides
a question-and-answer format for
Rockridge Problem Solving Officers (PSO)
to answer residents’ law enforcement and
crime-related questions. PSOs Chew and
Gerrans hope the column will improve
communications and involve residents in the
Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council
(NCPC) activities. Send your questions
to editor@rockridge.org. Please include
your name and address. Only your name
will be printed.
Regency Antique Restoration
Professional and Experienced
ALL Furniture Repairs
In-Home Services
New finishes & waxing
FREE ESTIMATES
Pickup & Delivery
517-6280
Bruce Wagg
bruce@bayareaantiques.com
Ask-A-Cop Questions, July 2009
or 510/777-3211 from your cell phone to
reach an Oakland 911 Dispatcher.
The 510/777-3211 number is the direct
emergency line within the city. Dialing
911 from your cell phone will delay the
response time, since your call will go first
to a CHP emergency dispatcher located in
Vallejo, who must then forward your call
to the Oakland Police.
Call the non-emergency number, 510/777-
3333, to file a police report on a crime
against you that is hours old, with no suspect
description, and where no medical help is
needed.
If in doubt, dial 911 and let the dispatcher
help sort the matter out.
— PSO Officer Chew
Why did the Oakland Police Depart-
 
 
ment remove the words “To Serve
and Protect” from its fleet of police
vehicles?                    — Johnnie Thompson
Dear Mr. Thompson:
The word I received from the OPOA
(Oakland Police Officer’s Association, our
union) regarding the slogan or phrase “To
Serve And Protect” is that it has never been
used on OPD vehicles. However, during my
research, I did find out another interesting
fact. In the ’60s, our patrol cars were tan
and white and had an oak tree symbol,
representing the city of Oakland, displayed
on the doors. (Many irreverently called the
logo “the brain.”)
a
cross-cultural congregation
striving to partner with
         the Rockridge community
   in lifestyle and service.
Where should I call if I see a crime in
 
 
progress? Where should I call to report
a crime against me (burglary, mugging,
car theft)?                           — S. Rainolds
Dear S. Rainolds:
If you witness a crime in progress, you
should call 911 from a land line in Oakland
G
R   E   A   L   T   O   R   S
The GRUBB Co.
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
A New Year
and a
NEW DAY
 to help
those in need.
Rockridge
    Optometry
Throughout 2009, I will donate 10% of
my net proceeds to the charity of your
choice whenever I represent you (or a
friend) in the purchase or sale of a home.
You pick the charity and I will promptly
send a check after the close of escrow. So
pass the news along and please send your
referrals my way.
Your neighborhood
family eyecare providers
since 1947
Dr. Donald Sarver
Dr. Larry Sarver
Dr. Scott Yokoi
Dr. Cindy Sakai
Featuring selected BCBG, Cole
Haan, Ellen Tracy, and Izod
frames. All frames are 30% off.
Together, we can truly impact some
very worthy causes.
Julie Gardner
510.339.0400/245
jgardner@grubbco.com
JulieGardner.com
G
5321 College Avenue, Oakland
510-655-3797
www.rockridgeoptometry.com


9.
July 6, 2009

Jerry Ratch,
Rockridge
Author

Ratch’s novel of low jinks in Berkeley goes
off like a packet of Chinese firecrackers.…”
It does. One’s perception of reality is
truly pushed to the edge, but not quite
over it, as episodes of painful divorce
and awakened love, heightened sensibility,
insane jealousy, drug induced craziness,
all-night flings in fast moving cars, and
impenetrable summer fog swirl about
in a rapidly flowing river of engaging
poetic prose.
It all sounds quite alien against a
backdrop of Rockridge as we know it
today, but those who remember life
here in the ’70s will recognize the
pervasive, romantic can-do spirit of
personal freedom and vulnerability of
those years that animates this story.
Maybe they – we – even yearn for it a
little. It was a unique time and Jerry,
then teaching creative writing at UC
Berkeley, clearly didn’t have far to look
beyond his own experiences for his
material. It’s a fun read.
Jerry grew up in Chicago and has an
MFA degree in creative writing from
UC Irvine. He had written 12 books of
poetry, including his powerful sequence
of poems entitled “Puppet X,” before
deciding to move on to fiction. His
poetic training gives him a precise and
compelling literary voice that is uniquely
his. In the coming months, he will be
publishing “A Body Divided: a memoir
about growing up with Polio.” And for
enthusiasts of the culture of those times,
“The Great Poetry Wars of the ’70s”
will soon be ready for publication as
well. Jerry is also well-known on the
local reading circuit.
Jerry is married to artist and painter
Sherry Karver. Sherry is currently
preparing for a solo exhibition at the
Kim Foster Gallery in New York. In
recent years, they have made their studio
home in the old Women’s Club building
on Chabot Road and have become a
permanent fixture in Rockridge.
To purchase a copy of “Wild Dreams
of Reality,” contact jerry@jerryratch.
com. Published in 2001, the novel might
be hard to find in bookstores. Jerry will
be glad to supply you from the little
stash he still has.
Visit Jerry’s Web site at http://www.
jerryratch.com/index.htm for more
information about him and his work.
The
Rockridge
 Muse
Wild Dreams of
Reality
A Wild Rockridge
Romance
Uby Ortrun Niesar
ntil the other day, I confess, I
hadn’t thought about the words
“Rockridge” and “wild romance”
appearing in the same sentence. To me,
Rockridge has always had a kind of quiet,
sleepy quality about it after the turbulent
’70s. In fact, I have come to think of
Rockridge rather like a giant incubator,
safe and warm, beautiful but not terribly
exciting, certainly not crazy, a perfect
place to raise our children.
But then I met up with Rockridge
poet and novelist Jerry Ratch over coffee
at Spasso’s, and he quickly changed my
perception of things going on here.
Jerry, his chin graced by a handsome,
silvery beard and his bushy eyebrows
framing soft blue eyes, was already waiting
for me, seated at the open window
near the front of the café. Why at the
window? “Because this is the best place
for watching people unobserved,” he
commented.
Call it voyeurism, but it’s something all
writers need to do. I’ve done it too, not
writing, but sketching strangers as they
pass by anonymously. And then there is
the synapse-stimulating bustle of College
Rockridge author Jerry Ratch.
Photo: Ortrun Niesar
Avenue, elevated by the noise of BART
and the freeway. This cacophony is not
exactly welcome in our bedrooms; the
double pane window business thrives in
Rockridge. Nevertheless, it combines
well with the lively hum of café life
along this stretch of College. Artists
feel inspired by this environment. And
so they are here, creating our very own
café culture. It isn’t New York, Jerry
concedes, but it’s alive and well.
Jerry handed me two books that he
has written, one a charming collection
of haiku poems for homeowners (how
appropriate for a poet whose day job is
in real estate), the other his very first
novel, published in 2001, entitled “Wild
Dreams of Reality,” an adult coming-of-
age romp of love, obsession and personal
liberation, set in a Rockridge and Berkeley
of a generation ago.
I
took the book home and read it right
away. Reviewer Oakley Hall wrote, “Jerry
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
Ortrun Niesar can be reached at
oniesar@sbcglobal.net


10.

July 6, 2009

Association), neighbors from Hemphill Court
and Susan Bernosky from Allstate Insurance.
This mural helps to identify our district while
abating blight in the neighborhood.
Street Improvements
Chris Jackson, the RDA’s administrative
staffer, has been working with the city of
Oakland to bring additional improvements
to the street. Among the results of his efforts
are six new trash containers, freshly painted
curb zoning markers, removal of the old
parking meter poles, sidewalk power wash-
ing and removal of graffiti sites.
Sidewalk Benches Return
The RDA has also been working closely
with the City to improve the sidewalks around
tree wells. As a result, the district’s benches,
which were removed during construction,
will be returned to the street. When returned,
they will be repositioned so that they do not
interfere with access to parked cars.
College Avenue Area Security
The RDA has also been working closely
with the police department and the merchants
to stay on top of any security issues. In
particular, the group has sponsored a mer-
chant watch program, which has increased
merchant awareness of security breaches
on the street.
Utilizing City Programs
Additionally, the RDA has co-sponsored
a workshop for merchants to acquaint them
with the district’s Enterprise Zone benefits
such as tax and hiring credits. In June, the
RDA held a bag lunch meeting for merchants
on how to take advantage of façade improve-
ment programs offered by the City.
College Avenue:
Good Things
Are Happening!
RDA Activities in Rockridge
Chris Jackson, left, RDA administrative staff worker, and College Avenue
insurance agent Susan Bernosky, worked with a nearby business and neighbors
during Earth Day cleanup to paint a delapidated fence marring the entry to
Rockridge’s shopping district. Jackson then made a photograph into a welcoming
poster and mounted it on the fence.                                           Photo: Don Kinkead
by Louise Rothman-Riemer,
DHR Investment Counsel Ltd
R
Mural at College at Broadway
Please take note of our new “Shop
Rockridge” mural located adjacent to the
walkway and fence at College and Broadway.
This was an Earth Day project created by
many hands. In particular, a big thanks to
Sabuy Sabuy Thai Cuisine restaurant, the
NCPC (Neighborhood Crime Prevention
Council), the RDA (Rockridge District
DA, the Rockridge District Association,
is an organization of business owners
in Rockridge. Members work at volunteer
improvement projects to help keep College
Avenue a vibrant and attractive shopping
area. Following are some recent projects
and achievements of the association.
RDA Web: http://www.rockridgedistrict.com/
G
GRUBBCO.COM
510.652.2133
3070 Claremont Avenue • Berkeley
510.339.0400
1960 Mountain Boulevard • Oakland


11.
July 6, 2009

Photo: Don Kinkead

The Neighborhood Merchant
by Theresa Nelson

Dapper Men’s Store
5332 College Avenue, Oakland
Ken Fox, owner
Marcus Leung, manager
510/594-1940
webstore: www.shopdapper.com
news: www.dappermen.blogspot.com
Open Wednesday 12–6pm
Thursday–Friday 12–7pm
Saturday and Sunday 11–6pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday

Men, Get Dressed at Dapper
A

rare breed on College Avenue,
	 Dapper is devoted entirely

 to men’s clothing and accessories.
Located a half-block from the Rockridge
Library, this sleek store opened in Rockridge
in late 2007, moving here from Emeryville’s
Bay Street shopping mall.
the evenings, Dapper carries seasonal coats
as well. The Orthodox line offers classic
styles updated with new fabrics, such as a
brushed cotton coat that feels like suede.
Their coat styles are named after famous
writers: the black “Kierkegaard” car coat,
the “Lawrence” cardigan, and others named
for Chaucer, Elliot, and Blake.
Accessories include leather goods from
Tanner in Portland, whose belts, briefcases
and wallets are made from leather from one
of the few remaining U.S. tanneries. Socks
from Marcoliani of Italy are available in
soft pima cotton or merino wool. Artificial
Flavor briefs and boxers are available in a
variety of colors and cuts. Extra-thin ties
from Revl in silks and knits feature unusual
patterns such as fishhooks or harpoons.
Paul Frank sunglasses and stylish watches
complement the French Schmoor shoes and
boots. And the classic PF Flyers many men
remember from childhood are now available
for adults in black, white, tan, and patent
leathers, with removable ergonomic insoles,
and the famous little green logo.
“As a small business, we can be really
responsive to what men are asking for,”
said Marcus. “When customers asked for
more suits, we were able to quickly respond
with styles like the modern yet classic one-
button Kostym jacket with peaked lapels in
a regular fit with darts, at less than $300
for the jacket and pants.”
Marcus noted that people who shop in
Rockridge tell him that they do so because
they really want to support local businesses,
knowing that it helps build the neighbor-
hood. So stop in to Dapper for quality,
stylish men’s clothing – right here in the
neighborhood.
Dapper offers men comfortable clothing
that can be worn in a variety of situations;
their menswear is stylish but not trendy,
classics with a little something extra for
men of various ages. Many of the items
Dapper carries are from small businesses,
are made of organic materials, and are often
manufactured in the U.S. In contrast to the
huge and sometimes overwhelming selec-
tion at department stores, manager Marcus
Leung notes that “At Dapper, we edit the
options, so you have quality choices with
personality.”
A good example of this approach is the
standard pairing of jeans and a T-shirt.
Marcus says, “Dressing casual does not
have to mean dressing sloppy… T-shirts
and jeans that really fit can be comfortable
as well as stylish.” The Good Society jeans
they carry are hand sewn in the US, made
of organic cotton under fair trade contracts,
dyed with natural indigo… and under $100.
The Jamie Marx Company T-shirts feature
clever graphics on soft cotton. Each year
Dapper Men’s Store manager Marcus
Leung displays some of the men’s
shirts the store offers.
Photo: Christina Ahlstrand
the company contributes a portion of its
proceeds to charities, this year to an or-
ganization that supports after-school art
and athletics programs for children.
Men’s shirts are available in a wide
variety of styles. Artificial Flavor, a small,
California-based firm, offers shirt jackets
in olive green and black, and Mexican-style
guayabara shirts, all made of soft textiles
that will feel as good as they look. Shirts
from 7 Diamonds (another California
manufacturer) come in various black and
white patterns. Button-downs, polos in soft
cottons, and short-sleeved shirts for summer
easily mix with the pants and jackets.
Because it can be cool in the East Bay in
Rockridge Sales Hot this Summer
Closing Date BR/Bth	 Address
Original Price	 DOM
LP
SP
	 5/27/2009
0/1
288 Whitmore Street
$175,000
49
$149,900
$135,000
	 6/5/2009
2/1
418 Avon Street
$575,000
35
$575,000
$570,000
	 6/15/2009
2/1
331 Clifton Street
$739,000
10
$739,000
$742,500
	 6/12/2009
3/2
395 60th Street
$789,000
26
$789,000
$750,000
	 6/5/2009
3/1.5
236 Florence Avenue
$799,000
14
$799,000
$827,000
	 5/28/2009
3/3
5925 Ocean View Drive
$930,000
27
$930,000
$880,000
	 6/18/2009
4/2.5
85 Norman Lane
$1,150,000
40
$1,098,000
$1,082,000
	 6/18/2009
4/4
5932 Buena Vista Avenue	 $1,875,000
30
$1,795,000
$1,500,000
• There is currently 1.8 month’s worth of inventory in Rockridge  • The average market time has increased
by nearly 41% since a year ago this time  • The average List to Sell price has greatly decreased, as it was
106% a year ago, and is now 94%.  • 75% of last month’s sales Sold for below the asking price.


12.

July 6, 2009

Rockridge Center Proposal: Safeway

From the City’s posted
project notice:
“The project would
contain a total of approx-
imately 304,000 square
feet of commercial
space and 1,000 parking
spaces. Also proposed
are modifications to
adjacent streets includ-
ing additional vehicle
travel lanes and/or turn
lanes.”
from page 1
able Temescal Rockridge Area) felt that the
proposal was too suburban and needed to
be far denser. They wanted to see four, and
perhaps even eight-story buildings on the
site, including residential units in the upper
stories. (Safeway said that was impossible
and explained that the site’s long-term master
lease did not allow residential use.)
On the other hand, a resident in the con-
dominiums that face the shopping center on
the other side of Pleasant Valley Avenue was
appalled at the prospect of looking across at
a row of four-story buildings. Others com-
mented on the need for a better connection
to the community through the Broadway
frontage, and referenced a site study pre-
pared by the City several years earlier that
tied the area to additional development on
the west side of Broadway.
Regardless of what design is chosen,
a major concern will certainly be traffic.
The Broadway/51st Street/Pleasant Valley
intersection already is subject to major delays
during peak commute hours. Safeway pro-
poses to add turn lanes on both Broadway
and Pleasant Valley, but it seems likely
that adding another 110,000 sq. ft. of space
will make an already-congested section of
Broadway considerably worse.
The current shopping center, dating back
to the 1960s, includes about 185,500 sq. ft.
of space, including Safeway, a Long’s Drugs,
and a Chase bank (formerly Washington
Mutual Bank). Safeway’s proposed rebuild
would add about another 110,000 sq. ft. of
commercial space to the complex, putting
a second story on most of the site’s single-
story buildings and adding buildings along
the Pleasant Valley frontage.
Perhaps the most controversial aspect
of the proposal is to move Safeway onto
the site now occupied by Long’s Drugs.
According to Safeway, CVS, the new owner
of Long’s, isn’t interested in maintaining the
current 87,000 sq. ft. store, and will, instead,
move into a much smaller (approximately
15,000 sq. ft.) store. Once the new Safeway
is finished, the current store would be torn
down and replaced by a two-story structure,
including several major retail tenants and
some second-story office space.
The community’s reaction at the June
23 open house was decidedly mixed. While
many welcomed the expansion of the retail
space, some complained that the proposal
was still too auto-oriented and not pedes-
trian or bicycle-friendly. Several members
of the group ULTRA (Urbanists for a Liv-
There will be a public hearing before the
Oakland Planning Commission, tentatively
scheduled for July 15, to consider the scope
of environmental studies for the project. This
is an opportunity for direct public comment
on the project. Comments are entered into
the record for consideration and response
in the final report.
As July 15 approaches, please be sure to
check RCPC’s Web site at www.rockridge.
org for more details.
get bendy
3 classes for $30*
Now offering Pilates Mat classes
Tuesdays and Fridays at Noon
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
Norman H. Burg, DDS
General Dentistry
(510) 652-1517
5700 Broadway, Oakland
www.namasterockridge.com
5416 college avenue  510.547.YOGA
(near Rockridge library)
A Prevention Oriented Practice


13.
July 6, 2009

At the June RCPC Town Hall Meeting
(Solar) Power to the People in Rockridge

it until use in a standard hot water tank.
External factors, of course, affect the
efficiency of solar power systems. Since
most installations are placed on the roof, its
orientation to the sun determines the amount
of sunlight the solar panels receive. Also,
trees, nearby tall buildings and other shading
sources influence the system’s efficiency.
Each potential location is analyzed by solar
power installers to determine the potential
benefit available to specific sites, according
to the presenters.
Once installed, a system can provide
significant savings over utility company
costs. The expected system life of 25 to 30
years can provide a satisfyingly long time
off the grid.
by Don Kinkead
Getting off the Grid has been the rallying
cry and dream of many a back-to-the-
land modern day pioneer. A compelling
concept, but, until recently, its realization
could often mean living in social isolation in
the far corner of a National Forest, recreating
urban necessities, such as electricity, through
super-technical generating systems.
Nowadays, it is possible to realize the
dream while maintaining a vibrant urban
lifestyle. The ins and outs of disconnecting
oneself from the confining grasp of PG&E’s
network of electric wires and gas pipes – the
Grid – were discussed by two solar power
company representatives at the June RCPC
Town Hall meeting.
Sales Manager Eric Nyman of the aptly
named Sun Light & Power company, and
Project Manager Evan Raymond of Renew-
able Artistry Solar, said modern solar-driven
generating systems are designed more
efficiently, last longer, and require less
maintenance than earlier designs. Install-
ing the systems is also easier, allowing
homeowners to keep system costs down
while saving on power costs.


South- and west-facing solar panels
installed on a Rockridge Bungalow
home.                          Photo: Don Kinkead
Nyman and Raymond also said that gov-
ernments – local, state and federal – offer tax
breaks and installation subsidies to encourage
wider use of renewable energy sources.
Solar power systems deliver two types
of service, Nyman and Raymond said. The
first, photovoltaic, produces electricity for
appliances, lighting, electric heaters and
other home-oriented electricity-based uses.
The second, solar thermal, heats water for
bathing, laundry and other cleaning, storing

Web site addresses: Sun Light & Power is at
http://www.sunlightandpower.com/, or phone
510/845-2997. Renewable Artistry Solar is at http://
renewableartistry.com/, or phone 415/533-7534.
Both companies are located in Berkeley.
1-BOG: Another Solar Power Resource
Another important local solar power
resource is One Block Off the Grid.
1-BOG organizes large groups of people
who want to install solar energy systems
and then helps arrange group discounts for

LOOKING FOR DIRECTION IN THIS
VOLATILE MARKET? LET'S TALK.
Lan J Shaw
Financial Advisor
.
2161 Allston Way Suite A
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-704-8854
www.edwardjones.com
Member CIPF
Member SIPC
Peace of Mind
Bodywork
A touch therapy to relax
the fabric of your being.
Sharon Smith, CMT
6097 Claremont Ave., Oakland
www.peaceofmindbodywork.com
510-461-6431

Jeff Auen
REMAX ACCORD
Residential
■
■
Income Properties
■
■
REO Specialist
■
■
WWW.REO-SFBay.COM
WWW.JLAHOMES.COM
JeffAuen@comcast.net
800-805-8827
When hiring
a service
company,
make sure
they are the
best at what
they do.

the purchase and installation of the systems.
The program is available to homeowners
and residential property owners.
Learn more at http://1bog.org/, or phone
650/823-1670.
The art of hair design
5431 College Ave Oakland Ca 94618
510.652.5431
www.elizabethh.net
Eco-friendly salon
Experienced Stylists
Organic & Sustainable products
Residential &
Commercial
Armed Patrol,
365 x 24 x 7
547-SAFE
(547-7233)


14.

July 6, 2009

Jazz & Classical Piano Lessons
Jazz and classical piano lessons from Rockridge
jazz pianist with B.A. in music from U.C.
Berkeley, 15 years experience teaching and
performing. Reasonable rates, patient, dedi-
cated. All ages welcome. Janet 653-6783.
Elizabeth H/the art
of hair design
Full service eco-friendly salon for everyone in
the neighborhood: hair, skin, nails, massage.
All non-haircare products 15% off in July with
mention of this ad. Elizabeth H, 5431 College
Avenue. 510/652-5431.
Your Message Could Be Here
Your 36-word message is $22. (Phone number
counts as one word). Mail to: RN Classifieds,
5245 College Avenue, PMB 311, Oakland,
CA 94618. September deadline is August 20.
For information: smontauk@gmail.com
Unexpected Guest?
Short-term rental, lovely room 2 blocks from
Rockridge BART in owner’s flat. A steal. Photos
available. Wi-Fi, cable, TV. Suitable for one
person. Photos available. Barbird@aol.com
510/652-7044.
Holistic Organic Skin Food
Results-oriented Holistic Organic Skin Treat-
ment. Acne, anti-aging, microderm and
ultrasonic facials. Lash/brow tints, waxing.
Diane at Elizabeth H, 5431 College Avenue.
510/652-5431.
Electrical Repairs &
Remodels
From doorbell repair to whole-house rewiring,
we’ve been doing electrical work in Oakland
and Berkeley for over 30 years. Sutorik &
Company, lic#397149. 510/655-3677.
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.
Gardener
Over 15 years of service to the Rockridge
area. Maintenance and garden restoration.
Reasonable rates and excellent references.
Please call Chris: 510/655-0157.
Low Stress Carmel Getaway
Comfortable, cheery 3BR+2BA family home
available for short-term rental. Fully furnished
from piano to ping pong, sunny patio. Quiet,
peaceful: pines, oaks, birds. Only two hours
away. Reasonable weekly rates. E-mail: lowstress-
getaway@yahoo.com.
Aesthetic Pruning
I specialize in pruning trees & shrubs under 20
feet tall. I work with trees to enhance their natu-
ral beauty. Specialties: maples, camellias, fruit
trees, & focal points. Pruning instructor Merritt
College. Bruce Thompson 510/428-4964.
Group Psychotherapy:
Women and Boundaries
Explore your sense of self in a group process.
Wednesdays at lunchtime near Rockridge BART.
Call for a free pre-interview. Eileen Flanagan,
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist,
510/601-1590. www.eileenflanaganlmft.com.
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.
Restring Necklaces
Pearls, stones, any beads. Necklaces will have a
brand-new beautiful look with knots, silk thread,
French wire by Experienced Professionals at
Fine Jewelry Stores. $25/choker (sliding scale).
Pearl Lounge Jewelry Design. 510/547-9856.
www.myspace.com/SFPearlLounge.
Psychotherapy for Older
Women/Grandmothers
Brief or long-term therapy for women wanting
a better relationship with their adult children/
grandchildren. Older, 30 years experience,
interactive psychotherapist. Maggie Rochlin,
LCSW. 510/845-6556.
Take Music Lessons!
Private lessons on electric bass, violin, viola,
flute, clarinet or saxophone. Musically Minded
Studio’s dynamic staff produces great results
in a fun and inspiring environment. www.
musicallyminded.com, 510/428-4094. admin@
musicallyminded.com. Initial consultation free!
Weeding and Yard Clean-Ups
Areas below Broadway served. Three- and
four-hour jobs welcome. Have most small
tools. No hauling. Fred, 510/234-2902.
SpectrumDx
Assessment Clinic
Team approach evaluation including Psycholo-
gist, Speech/Language therapist. Specializing
in Autism, but also assess learning disabilities,
ADHD, giftedness, developmental delay, lan-
guage disorders. Call Dr. Svenson. 510/610-2138
or e-mail spectrumdx@gmail.com.
My neighborhood gym!
Judith Glass & Sheila Sabine
Your Grubb Company Agents appreciate
Rockridge. If you are thinking of selling your
home contact us-Moving changes your life-we
make the process easy. www.GlassSabine.com.
“After working out here for years,
I bought the place!
Check out our new
equipment & classes.
Bring in this ad &
get a *FREE
WORKOUT*”
SIMPLIFY!
Clutter Control
6
-Lisa
Gartland,
gym owner
%
Paper/Filing Systems
Kitchens/Closets
Inside
Space Planning
Outside
Fitness
Packing/Unpacking
Solutions for the critical mess
Non-Judgmental & Confidential
Since 1986
realtyadvocates.com
* New members only *
(510) 655-8308
4444 Piedmont Ave
Oakland, CA 94611
www.InsideOutsideFitness.com
www.SummersOrganizing.com
(510) 428-0757
Barbara ✔ 415-381-0707


15.
July 6, 2009

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.

Compiled by Jo Ellis

DIESEL, A Bookstore, 5433 College Ave. Info about
other events, book discussion groups and El Grupito,
the Spanish discussion group: 653-9965 or www.
dieselbookstore.com.
Music by Jesse Strickman

Community Calendar

Local Rockridge guitarist and songwriter Jesse Strick-
man will perform at The Art and Soul Festival Oakland,
Sat., Aug. 15, 3:45pm, on the Singer/Songwriter stage
in front of City Hall. He will also perform with his band,
Dear Indugu, at the ND-Fest: New Music Dance and
Art Party on Saturday, Aug. 8, 8pm at El Rincon, 2700
16th St., S.F. More info at www.myspace.com/
DearIndugu.
Singers Wanted
At the Rockridge Branch Library
starts 5pm. More info: 597-5017.
A Conversation With Your Aging Parents:
■
■
 Tips and
resources to help you assist aging family members.
Presented by the Rockridge Branch Library and
Eldercare Services, a Bay Area professional geriatric
care agency. Tues., 8/11, 7–8pm.
Writing Workshop:
■
■
 Writing for Spiritual Growth
and Transformation with Susanne West. Sat., 8/29,
2–4 pm.
OTHER LIBRARY MEETINGS:
Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council (NCPC):
■
■
5366 College Avenue, 597-5017. NOTE: If you are
ages 11 to 16 and are interested in being a summer
volunteer at the library, see Erica or Gay or call
597-5057.
FOR CHILDREN:
Toddler Story Time:
■
■
 Every Saturday, 10:30am.
Pre-School Story Time
■
■
: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays,
10:30am. (No Story Time on 9/2)
Baby and Toddler Story Time
■
■
: 1st and 3rd Wednesday,
10:30am, upstairs Community Room.
Pajama Story Time:
■
■
 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 7pm,
(see events below).
SUMMER READING SPECIAL EVENTS:
Summer Reading: through 8/8. Sign up, read for 8 hrs.
over the summer and get prizes. All ages welcome to
read or be read aloud to.
Making Jewelry
■
■
 with Chelsea Robinson: Tues.,
7/7, 7pm.
Craft Workshop Making Creatures:
■
■
 Thur., 7/16, 3pm.
Bharatanatyam Dance Arts of India:
■
■
 Tues., 7/21, 7pm.
The Bubble Lady:
■
■
 Tues., 8/4, 7pm.
Craft Workshop Making Puppets:
■
■
 Thurs., 8/6, 3pm.
East Bay
■
■
Depot: Tues., 8/18, 7pm.
FOR TEENS:
Call for Book Buddy Volunteers!
■
■
Teens will read aloud
to younger kids, or listen while new readers practice
reading aloud themselves. Every Weds until Aug. 5,
from 2-4pm. Contact Susy, 597-5017 to volunteer.
Rockridge Ninjas (Anime Club): Teens 13 and up,
■
■

watch and talk about anime (Japanese animation)
with other teens. Second Tuesday each month, 5 to
6:30pm, upstairs meeting room.
Get Out! Teen Summer Passport Program: For
■
■
The Distaff Singers, the Bay Area’s longest-running
women’s choral group, is seeking new members. No audi-
tions necessary, just the ability to match pitch. Practice
Tuesdays, 7:15 to 9pm. New rehearsal venue: Bishop
O’Dowd HS, 9500 Stearns Ave. A benefit concert in the
fall supports local K-12 music programs. Info: Carola
Ingram, 547-1191 or carolaingram@mac.com.
12th Annual Bay to Barkers
Dog Walk and Festival
Residents and business members of NCPC’s 12Y
and 13X areas can voice their concerns about crime
and public safety. NOTE: July only. Joint meeting
with RCPC on July 16, 7:30pm, (see p.1). Regular
schedule in Aug.; 4th Thursday each month, 7- 8:30pm,
upstairs meeting room. E-mail: Info@rockridgencpc.
com or infofordenise@yahoo.com.
Peace Corps Information Night:
■
■
 Learn about vol-
unteering overseas in education, health, business,
environment and more. No upper age limit. Mondays,
7/20 and 8/17, 6:30 to 7:30pm. Info: Heather Driscoll,
452-8444, sfevents@peacecorps.gov or www.
peacecorps.gov.
ART EXHIBITS: Call to confirm dates.
Gallery:
July:
■
■
Darrill Tighe; Abstract watercolors.
August:
■
■
 Irving Wiltshire; Photography of the
Rockridge Area.
September:
■
■
Oparna Ewing; Quilts by Oakland
Quilt Group.
Lobby Display Case:
July:
■
■
David Peniston; Assemblage of Old Books.
August:
■
■
John Baldwin; Hand Puppets.
September: Quilts by
■
■
Oakland Quilt Group.
LIBRARY HOURS: Note: Library schedule may
change; Call after July 1 to confirm hours.
Mon. and Tues, 12:30 to 8pm.
Wed., Thurs. and Sat. 10am to 5:30pm.
Fri., 12 to 5:30pm. Closed Sundays.
Also closed: Mon., 9/7 and Wed., 9/9.
Diesel Book/Poetry Readings
One mile dog walk, games contests, prizes and spa
time for humans and canines. Sun., Aug.2nd, 10am to
1pm. Registration begins at 8:30am ($30) or in advance
for $25 per dog at www.berkeleyhumane.org. North
parking lot of Golden Gate Fields, Albany. Proceeds
benefit homeless dogs and cats at the Berkeley-East
Bay Humane Society. 845-7735, ext 13 or cshelby@
berkeleyhumane.org.
Out of the Ashes; a Project Peace
Film Festival to Benefit Oakland
Elizabeth House
Featuring films by Bay Area women filmmakers. Friday,
July 31. Doors open 7pm; films and panel discussion
7:30–10:30pm. Gaia Arts Center, 2120 Allston Way, Berke-
ley. Tickets: $10 (includes one drink and snacks). Info and
reserve tickets: www.projectpeaceeastbay.org.
North Oakland Senior Center
teens 12 to 18. Runs through Aug. 15. Pick up
your Teen Summer Passport at the Library and get
your passport stamped as you explore recommended
Bay Area Hot Spots. You can also earn stamps by
volunteering, doing book reviews, attending library
programs, or personalizing your passport with a photo
or drawing. Teens can win prizes such as an iPod
Nano, a laptop computer, and a Flip camera.
FOR ADULTS–Library sponsored events:
Writers’ Support/Critique Group:
■
■
 ALL writers
welcome. Bring 14 copies of up to 5 double-spaced
pages of any prose for on-site reading/discussion.
Meets 3rd Saturday each month, 1-5pm. Sponsored
by the California Writers Club, Berkeley branch
(www.berkeleywritersclub.org.) Info: 420-8775
or Writefox@aol.com.
Lawyers in the Library:
■
■
Free legal advice. First
Tuesday each month from 6 to 8pm. Advance sign-up
Program Highlights: Computer classes; health Insur-
ance counseling and advocacy program; exercise; trips,
tours and theater outings; tap and jazz dance lessons;
Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Groups.
Lavender Seniors Book Club:
■
■
 1st Fri. each month;
free.
Farmers’ Market:
■
■
 every Wed., 10am–2pm.
Flea Market:
■
■
 Sat., Aug. 8, 8am–4pm. Vendor space
$10 (cash only).
Call 597-5085 for details on community event
■
■
“August
Night Out” on Aug. 4 at 6:30pm.
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 monthly
lunch menu ($2.25 to $4). Volunteer: 597-5085.
American Red Cross
Mobile Blood Drives:
■
■
Call 800-GIVE-LIFE (800/448-
3543) or go to HelpSaveALife.org to find a location
near you. In July, donors will be entered weekly
in drawings for a $100 gas card (not available at
school blood drives).
Volunteer Orientations:
■
■
 Tour the Oakland Blood
Center. Learn to assist blood donors, deliver blood,
help with special projects. Wed., 7/15 and 7/22 from
6pm–8pm. 6230 Claremont Avenue (across from Col-
lege Ave. Safeway). Learn more or sign up: Anne at
594-5165 or BlackstoneA@usa.redcross.org.
All events are FREE and open to the public.
Thurs., 7/9, 6pm.
■
■
The Bay Area Writing Project’s
Young Writers’ Camp will read their work.
Sun., 7/12, 3pm.
■
■
Dorianne Laux, Joseph Millar and
Michelle Bitting read their poetry.
Mon., 7/13, 7pm.
■
■
Amnesty International Meeting:
All invited to exchange ideas on action.
Tues., 7/14, 7pm.
■
■
Dean Kuipers: Operation Bite Back:
Rod Coronado’s War to Save American Wilderness.
Wed., 7/29, 7pm. Local attorneys
■
■
Janelle Orsi and
Emily Doskow: The Sharing Solution: Save Money,
Simplify Your Life, and Build Community.
Sun., 8/2, 3pm.
■
■
Poetry Flash with Lucille Lang Day
and Roz Spafford.
COLLINS ROOFING
Family Owned & Operated
F.B.I.: Oakland is the 4th
most dangerous city in
the entire United States of
America.
 Summertime patrol
specials: Call us now
before your vacation!
482-2227  Seamus
www.collinsroofing.com
Quality Work  •  Free Estimates
Lic # 695711


16.

July 6, 2009

Restoration / Renovation
Custom Wood
Windows and Doors
(510) 893 1157
www.woodenwindow.com    Lic 640153
aboutface&body
dayspa      oaklandberkeley
serving you since 1981
Specialists in
Brazilian waxing
3190 college avenue
at alcatraz
berkeley, ca 94705
p 510.428.2600
www.aboutfaceandbody.net
sun-tues 10:30-5:30
wed-sat 10:30-8:00
KEVIN BROWN
Broker
654-8707 or 593-4780
PROVIDING

Professional,

Full Service

Real Estate Brokerage

To Rockridge Clients
 For Over 26 Years.
SPECIALIZING IN

WResidential Sales

WIncome Property

WCommercial

WProperty Management
29
Better Homes
Realty
5353 College Avenue
Oakland

Number of Homes Sold: Over 300
Homes Sold In Rockridge: Over 70
Value of Working with a Realtor® with
25 years Experience? PRICELESS
DRE #00875454
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
WINSTON’S PLUMBING
ROBERTS ELECTRIC
HEATING & ELECTRICAL
RECO
COMMERCIAL
RESIDENTIAL
lic.# 537739/554406
Since 1979
• Trenchless Sewers
INSTALLATION  •  REPAIR  •  220 WIRING
• Earthquake Protection
NEW CONSTRUCTION  •  REMODEL
FREE ESTIMATES
• Tankless Water Heaters
2408 Webster St.  834-6161  Oakland
• Remodel & Repair
SERVING THE EAST BAY SINCE 1932            CA. LIC# 728215
510-652-8014
www.winstonsplumbing.com
“”May your toilet never runneth over!”
WHAT’S SO SPECIAL
ABOUT
ASHBY LUMBER?
Vacant & Available
FoR Rent oFFices – RocKRidge

5767 Broadway
$2,500/ mo.
Professional Offices Approx 1,350sqft
Remodeled Open Floor Plan, 2 Bathrooms, Kitchen
www.5767Broadway.com

FoR sALe – eLmwood
2902 Hillegass Avenue
$1,195,000
3++ Beds & 3 Baths
2-story Shingled Craftsman
www.2902Hillegass.com

new Listing – RocKRidge

5556 & 5558 Claremont Avenue
Prices available upon request
5556 = 2 Beds & 1 Bath on a 14,000sqft +/- Lot
5558 = 4 Beds & 2 baths on a 4,000sqft +/- Lot
Buy these homes separately or
together as a family compound.
Possible development opportunity =
Currently zoned R-60 for multi-family housing
www.5556claremont.com

5616 Kales Avenue
$719,000
2 Beds & 1 Bath
Redone Craftsman Bungalow
www.5616Kales.com

5906 Colby Street
Price reduced $899,000
2 Beds & 2 Baths 2-Story Owners
w/ 2 Beds & 1 Bath Apartment
www.5906colby.com
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
PictuRe
coming
Pending
Pending
L A W T O N
Ron Kriss, Broker
Lawton Associates
510-547-5970 Ext. 55
ronkriss@jps.net
A S S O C I A T E S
“#1 in Rockridge Real Estate”
R E A L   E S T A T E
B R O K E R A G E