Extracted text · highlighting “Rick Prime”

www.rockridge.org

VOL. 24    NO. 8    ISSUE NO. 259    September 5, 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

The RCPC Kitchen Tour: Last Chance
for Presale and Premium Tickets!
RCPC Town Hall Meeting
AGENDA
September 2009
by Jennifer Edmister,
Kitchen Tour co-chair
The 2009 Rockridge
Kitchen Tour, which
takes place Sunday, Sep-
tember 20, features eight
beautifully remodeled home
kitchens and one complete
home, the Margarido House.
This eminently walkable
tour through the historic
Rockridge neighborhood
is the eighth biennial tour
since 1995, and celebrates
the newest innovations in
kitchen design and appli-
ances.
New to the event this
year, the Premium Ticket
includes the full Sunday
tour, plus an exclusive
preview of the famed Mar-
garido House at a cocktail
reception on the evening of
Thursday, September 17.
The Margarido House
Reception proudly show-
cases the first custom home
in the country to be both
Thursday, September 10, 7:30 p.m.
Rockridge Branch Library, 5366
College at Manila,
Community Room (Upstairs)
NPR Reporter Lonny Shavelson
Moderates a Battle of the
Greens at September Town Hall
by Jennifer Edmister
A
few years ago, David Gottfried
fanned the green flame within and
undertook a radical renovation of his
modest, 1915 Craftsman bungalow. Got-
tfried implemented solar electric, solar hot
water, rain water recapture and gray water
capture, among other things. Wherever
possible, he used salvaged wood from
a local bridge to complete the project,
which did not significantly increase the
square footage of the home.
A few miles away, Michael McDonald,
whose home will be on the Rockridge
Kitchen Tour, erected his own green
dream entirely from scratch. With brand
new construction on a formerly vacant
lot, featuring in-floor hydronic heating,
state-of-the-art green appliances, smart-
house automation, an interior air quality
management system and a third-story,
planted rooftop garden, the Margarido
House is 4,000-plus square feet of high
tech green majesty.
Which shade of green are
you—and does it matter?
Whether you’re a diehard dark
greenie, or simply a good neigh-
bor looking to do your part for a healthy
planet, join us on Thursday, Septem-
ber 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rockridge
K-Tour Tickets, page 2
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Green Built — LEED Certified: Two Homes in Rockridge
Existing/Adapted: David Gottfried
New Construction: Mike McDonald

by Don Kinkead, editor
As t­he founder and first president of
the U.S.
Green Building
Council and
founder of the
green building
consulting firm
Regenerative
Ventures, Rockridge resident David Got-
tfried put his family where his passion was
by Rockridge News Staff
Top to bottom, the Margarido House is
gorgeous. Set into the hillside, the house
offers breathtak-
ing views of both
the Bay and the
property’s  unique
landscaping.
The entire
house and its
grounds will be open to the public for the
David Gottfried
Mariko Reed
Existing/Adapted, page 12
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¤
New Construction, page 10
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¤

Rockridge Out & About Street Festival
Sunday, September 27
11 am – 6 pm

Green and Green, page 2
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¤

by Roberta Klugman, RDA
Every year, “Rockridge Out &
About” showcases the area’s
businesses and services with a some-
thing-for-everyone street fair.
Outside and alongside the
shops and restaurants that make
Rockridge a year-round destina-
tion, over half a mile of College
Out & About, page 12
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Photos: RDA


2.

September 5, 2009

September 18. Visit www.rockridge.org.
Tickets purchased online will be held for
pick up in the will-call line at the registra-
tion desk on the day of the tour.
On the Avenue:
■
■
 Tickets are also
available during business hours at Maison
d’Etre, 5640 College Avenue, until 3 p.m.
September 18.
On site:
■
■
 For those who wait, $40
Standard Tickets will be sold at the registra-
tion desk, 5951 College Avenue, beginning
at 11 a.m.
Docents Needed
■
■
K–Tour Tickets
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
LEED-H Platinum certified and Greenpoint
rated and guests will be guided through
this remarkable, environmentally dynamic
home in the Oakland Hills by the profes-
sionals involved in its conception and
construction.
Oakland’s newest culinary sensation, B
Restaurant & Bar, will provide the dinner
treats. Hall Wines, Frey Vineyards and New
Belgium Brewing Company will supply
beverages to complement the cuisine.
The 2009 Rockridge Kitchen Tour
takes place Sunday, September 20, from
12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Here’s how and where
you can get your tickets:
12:30 – 8 p.m.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
12 – 5:30 p.m.
CLOSED
Sunday and Monday:
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
To be appointed	�����������������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
We are still in need of a few volunteer
docents who will guide our guests through
the eight stunning Rockridge kitchens and
the Margarido House.
Docents, who are assigned a short shift at
one particular home, will receive a compli-
mentary ticket to visit the rest of the homes
before or after their shift. If you would like
to be a docent, call Nancy Sale at 655-4625,
or e-mail kitchentour@rockridge.org.
Get Your Tickets Now
■
■
Online:
■
■
 Presale Standard Tickets
($30) and Premium Tickets ($60) are avail-
able online, until the evening of Friday,
York Times, Newsweek, Mother Jones and
other publications, but you may know him
best from NPR’s All Things Considered,
Morning Edition and Day to Day.
Shavelson, who has himself observed
that the “low-hanging green fruit” may have
more impact than over-the-top green strategy
of any shade, will rouse the audience to a
lively debate of the issue.
Tickets for the Margarido House Recep-
tion and the Rockridge Kitchen Tour will be
on sale at the Town Hall or can be purchased
now at www.rockridge.org.
Green and Green
from page 1
Library for lively discussion between two
Rockridge neighbors who proudly reside
on very different points along the green
spectrum.
Moderating the discussion will be the
renowned writer, photojournalist, radio
journalist, author and physician Lonny
Shavelson. Shavelson brings his journalistic
prowess from numerous articles in the New
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
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block captain?
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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
Mon – Fri  9:30 – 6:00
Sat  9:30 – 5:00
CHIMES
PHARMACY
Serving Rockridge Since 1909
3210 College Avenue
Near Alcatraz
652-1990
Articles submitted for publication may be e-mailed
to the above address. Submissions are limited to
600 words; must include the author’s name, phone
number, e-mail address, and city or neighborhood
of residence; and are subject to editing. To reprint a
Rockridge News article, please contact the editor.
$5 FREE DRYCLEANING with garment orders over $28
or $3 OFF orders over $15
Dry Cleaning only  Present with incoming order
Garden Cleaners
5808 College Avenue, Oakland
601-1188
Mon – Fri  7 – 7 • Sat  8 – 6
Across from Zachary’s Pizza
Newsletter Advertising/Deadlines
Publication date of the next issue is
 October 3, 2009
 October deadline is September 17, 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.)
EXPERT
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3.
September 5, 2009

NOTE: Fall Land Use Committee meeting dates
are revised, due to new library schedules:

Sep 30 (5th Wed)
Nov 24 (4th Tues)

Oct 21 (3rd Wed)
Dec 23 (4th Wed)
Meetings start at 7 p.m.

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.

Safeway’s Rockridge Center Plans Panned
at Planning Commission Scoping Hearing

sioners had their say. After complimenting
the speakers for exceptionally cogent and
well-thought-out comments, the commission-
ers, one after another, chastised Safeway for
its unimaginative, suburban-style proposal.
Commissioners echoed the speakers in asking
for a more urban alternative proposal, and
made it clear that major changes would be
needed if Safeway expected to get Com-
mission approval.
It remains to be seen how well Safeway
heard the message.
by Stuart Flashman, RCPC chair
Safeway has said it wants to hear from
the public about its proposed plans for
dramatic remodeling of the aging Rockridge
Shopping Center located at Pleasant Valley
Road and Broadway. The company got an
earful at the Planning Commission’s July
public hearing held to receive comments on
the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to
be prepared for the project.
Safeway’s plans call for increasing the
size of the shopping center, currently about
185,000 sq. ft., by 110,000 sq. ft. Most of
the center’s buildings would be replaced
by two story structures, with the Safeway
store itself expanding from 50,000 sq. ft. to
65,000 sq. ft. and moving to the space now
occupied by the Longs Drugs/CVS store.
(That store would be replaced by a much
smaller 15,000 sq. ft. conventional drug
store.) Most of the parking (1,000 spaces
in all) would continue to be surface park-
ing spread over the lot. Some underground
parking is planned, as well.
Planning commissioners heard from sev-
eral neighborhood groups, including RCPC,
and other interested citizens. In addition to
its testimony at the hearing, RCPC submitted
a six-page comment letter.
The dominant theme of the comments
was that Safeway’s plans had major problems
and would need a lot of revision.
Other neighborhood groups weigh-
ing in included Friends and Neighbors of
College Avenue (FANS), the Temescal
area’s Standing Together for Accountable
Neighborhood Development (STAND), and
Urbanists for a Livable Temescal Rockridge
Area (ULTRA). A fifth group, Piedmont
Avenue Neighborhood Improvement League
(PANIL), submitted written comments but
did not attend the hearing.
While the groups have sometimes been at
odds with one another on past North Oakland
development projects, they were conspicuously
unified in rejecting the Safeway proposal.
Indeed, several commissioners commented
on how unusual it was to have the entire com-
munity speak with one, united, voice.
Speaker after speaker pointed out the
project’s potentially damaging transporta-
tion, air quality, and public safety effects.
Speakers also emphasized the need to look
beyond Safeway’s proposal at more urban,
transit-oriented, and community-integrated
alternatives. Several specifically referenced
a study that the City itself had commissioned
two years earlier for a commercial “node” at
the Broadway and 51st Street intersection.
After the speakers finished, the commis-
Update: Safeway on College Proposal
Editor’s Note: Much has been posted on
local-issue blogs and on the Internet about
Safeway’s Rockridge Center plans. Below
are a few links to City documents, Safeway’s
plans, and blog discussions, provided as a
service to Rockridge News readers, not nec-
essarily as an endorsement of any content or
point of view found via the links:
■ Oakland City Planning Staff Report:
http://www.oaklandnet.com/government/
ceda/revised/planningzoning/Commission/
July-15-2009/Item5/SafewayPCReportEIR-
scoping7-15-09.pdf
■ Safeway’s Pre-Application Plans
posted at docstoc: http://www.docstoc.
com/docs/7400347/Rockridge-Center-Safe-
way-Pre-Application-Plans http://transbayblog.
com/2009/06/30/more-pleasant-on-pleas-
ant-valley/
■ http://ouroakland.blogspot.com/2009/07/
blog-pulse-pleasant-valley-safeway.html
■ ht tp://w w w.abet teroakland.com/
new-broadway-safeway-eir-scoping-session-
tonight/2009-07-15
Submitted by Concerned Neighbors of
College Avenue Safeway
The Planning Department does not expect
to receive the proposed scope of the
EIR (Environmental Impact Report) for
the College Avenue Safeway project from
Safeway’s environmental consultant until
sometime in September, at the earliest,
according to case planner Peterson Voll-
man. This schedule effectively puts the
project in a holding pattern.
Asked about the traffic study rumored to
be prepared during the summer, Vollman said
the study cannot begin until school starts.
Once the scoping document is submit-
ted to Vollman’s office, he will review it
and decide on potential revisions. When
the document is approved by Vollman,
a “Notice of Preparation” will be issued
which will specify the date of the scoping
hearing.
Neighbors and community members
will then be able to review the proposed
scope and prepare comments for the public
record and for Safeway’s response.
If you have thoughts or questions about the project,
e-mail safewayneighbors@sbcglobal.net. Safeway
posts information at http://www.safewayoncollege.
com/  — Editor’s Note: the links to these Web
sites are provided for informational use only, not
necessarily as an endorsement of any positions
stated at the sites.
5418 College Ave. (510) 420-1928


4.

September 5, 2009

Letters to the Editor
What’s up with FROG’s Public Art?
Editor:
FROG Park is where Pugsley gets walked
on days packed with meetings or when the
weather’s too awful to go to the Albany Bulb
or Point Isabel for off-leash activity. Hardy
Dog Park under the freeway was a good idea,
just not the best
location.
S i n c e
FROG is on my
radar screen,
the unfolding
non-drama of
the public art
“s cu lp t u r e”
a l o n g
t h e
walkway is a
curious one. I
don’t remember
the name of the
artist selected; I
do recall local
artist Mark Bulwinkle was the runner-up;
an unfortunate decision, borne out by the
results to date.
Last year, elaborate pits were dug, fol-
lowed months later by roughhewn cement
forms with rectangular openings near the
top— vaguely stupa-like. Had I not stumbled
across a flyer at FROG describing the fin-
ished product, I would have assumed that
was it. Instead, the openings will be filled
with information about local typography,
history, flora and fauna. I await that devel-
opment still...
Too bad the selection committee wouldn’t
accept art for art’s sake, but picked a pro-
posal for its edifying and didactic nature,
like sugary breakfast cereal coated in
vitamins. Surely, what the public can see so
far doesn’t support Bulwinkle being passed
over. An artist myself, I’ve enjoyed looking
at his work over the years, including his
residence on Manila which he covered with
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.
“Changes in Store?” articles were biased and not journalistic
Editor:
Shame on you, Rockridge News, for the
series “Changes in Store?” I am anticipating
the next installment might be titled something
like: “Changes in Store? New Safeway Coming
in Form of Mushroom Cloud.”
These biased articles in the June and
July issues of the newsletter did not present
any news or facts, had no bylines and were
not represented as op-ed pieces. Their only
purpose was to spread baseless fear about
the new proposed Safeway store on College,
especially in regard to traffic (even when the
June article points out no formal traffic study
has been completed yet).
We all want the best for our neighbor-
hood, regardless of one’s opinion about the
proposed Safeway. The fact is, whether one
likes the new store plans or not, Safeway has
gone out of their way in a very professional
manner to engage in dialog and has come
up with many solutions to address concerns
about scale, urban fit, parking, and delivery
problems.
There is enough fear and divisiveness
already on the topic without the Rockridge
News and RCPC thinking they have the right
to control and manipulate opinion using petty
tactics. There has to be room for dialog from
all sides, yes, even Safeway’s. These articles,
as presented, crossed a line and I don’t think
they represent the journalistic standards I have
come to know from The Rockridge News.
— John Hauser
Editor’s Reply:
Mr. Hauser: Thank you for your interest
in the “Changes in Store?” squibs recently
printed in the newsletter. Your concern
about a lack of bylines is valid. The editor,
alone, conceived of and designed the
content to illustrate aspects of Safeway’s
proposal that got short or no shrift in the
public presentations, and regrets not having
taken credit.
The content was not incisive analysis.
Deliberately couched in conditional terms
and fantasy vignettes, the content was meant
to encourage readers to consider aspects
of the proposal not evident in Safeway’s
presentations. There was no intent to
spread baseless fear. It has never been the
intent of The Rockridge News to spread
baseless fear.
Considering possible effects of changed
traffic patterns prior to a completed traf-
fic study is responsible examination. This
project would not have been proposed as
it has without an expectation by Safeway
of increased patronage, which often means
increased traffic.
Lastly, please do not attribute to RCPC
all material appearing in the newslet-
ter. While the organization sponsors the
newsletter, it does not necessarily agree
with or support all of the points of view
expressed herein.
— Don Kinkead, Editor
Pugsley the dog
reviews FROG Park
art progress.
Photo: Al Crofts
Letters, page 5
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 Weekdays: 8:30 a.m.
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5.
September 5, 2009
a
rk Corner
P
Letters
Gfrom page 4
A monthly update on
what’s happening at the
best community-built
and maintained
park in Oakland
metal sculpture. His gates and freestand-
ing sculptures — often with his signature
dogs and plant forms — abound in East
Bay gardens. His most visible public art
is the parking lot steel relief sculpture on
pedestals at the East Bay Bridge/Home
Depot shopping center on the Oakland/
Emeryville border. I credit Pat Cashman, a
former City of Oakland employee who went
to work for Catellus, the shopping center
developer, for the astute pick, probably a
risky one since corporate taste tends to be
overly cautious and conservative.
No doubt the FROG art committee
decided sculpture like Bulwinkle’s – so
skilled and assured they might be cut from
butter and not steel – was too amusing.
Instead, we have unfinished cement out-
croppings, neither aesthetic or amusing,
nor yet edifying.
Time at FROG for a Miss California
remedy: replace Carrie Prejean and award
the prize to the runner-up! Pugsley would
approve.
— Robert Brokl
FRO
FROG Park Fall Maintenance Day
F
ROG Park needs your help to make
FROG Park Fall Maintenance Day a
success. Join your neighbors and friends
to sweep, rake, paint, clear, and replant at
FROG Park. Adults and kids over 13 years
old are welcome. We will work on the Hardy
and Redondo Playgrounds and the adjoining
Greenbelt. When does the fun begin?
Saturday, October 3, from 8:30 a.m. to
4 p.m. (It’s OK to come by for just an hour
or two.) Meet at either the Hardy or Redondo
playgrounds. Bring your own trowel, tall
garden fork, pruners, garden rake and work
gloves, if possible.
We’ll also maintain the existing structure
and new kiosk. FROG will provide cold
drinks and snacks for all volunteers.
FROG’s lease renewed
As part of the Fourth Bore Coalition
settlement, the City of Oakland’s FROG
Park lease with Caltrans was renewed for
another 10 years. FROG Park lies on City
of Oakland, Caltrans right-of-way, and
Alameda Flood Control land.

RCPC Board Vacancies Available to
be Filled: Your Help Welcomed
The Rockridge Community Planning Council (RCPC) seeks to fill by appointment
two vacancies on its board of directors. Recently-elected board member Ruth
Miller has left the board because of work-related travel conflicts. Board member
Colby Lavin will be leaving the board because he and his family are moving out
of the Rockridge area.
Applicants appointed to the vacancies will serve out the remainder of the
two members’ terms, until the spring of 2011. Board members must be age 18 or
older and reside within the RCPC boundaries as shown on the map on RCPC’s
Web site, www.rockridge.org. In addition to attending monthly board meetings
and town hall meetings, board members are expected to serve on at least one
board committee. The expected time commitment is approximately 10 to 15
hours per month.
Those interested in applying for a seat (either for yourself or someone you know),
should send a short (roughly 150 word) statement of interest, including qualifica-
tions, to the RCPC, 5245 College Avenue, PMB 311, Oakland, 94618, or by e-mail
to: chair@rockridge.org. Application deadline is September 30, 2009.

Reply by Jennifer Cooper,
FROG chair
Mr. Brokl’s letter refers to the interpre-
tive art project sponsored by the city of
Oakland Public Art Program that will be
completed this fall in the Greenbelt. The
artist, Mark Brest VanKempen of Oakland,
was selected by a panel made up of commu-
nity members and artists, organized by the
city of Oakland and FROG. It is important
to note that the concrete monuments are not
meant to stand alone, but to house a series
of spotting scopes focusing on sculptures
of animals and artifacts that have special
relationships to the site such as the model
Letters, page 8
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6.

September 5, 2009

Rock  ridge
Rockridge
Private Patrol
547-SAFE
Cornucopia
Cornucopia
Barry A. Kaufman
East Meets West: Travels Through Turkey
This past spring, we traveled to Turkey.
With one foot in Europe and the other
in Asia, Turkey has, for over a millennium,
served as the crossroads of culinary tradi-
tions. Turkish cuisine is generally divided
into two main styles: Ottoman and Anatolian.
Ottoman food represents the culinary tradi-
tions of the urban rich and Anatolian is more
representative of the rural poor. Today, both
Ottoman and Anatolian are interwoven with
Greek, Persian, Balkan, and Mediterranean
ingredients and recipes. As with all great
cuisines, there are endless regional varia-
tions. Even within a region, certain dishes
will vary from town to town.
Turkish restaurants are differentiated
by the style of preparation and offerings.
Diners can feast in restaurants that serve
only grilled dishes and lamb kebabs, or in
restaurants that offer ready-made stews, cas-
seroles, and vegetables prepared in advance
and kept warm in steam trays. But the best
are the Turkish taverns that serve an endless
selection of meze. Meze are Turkish small
plates or appetizers.
We also fell in love with a version of
Turkish pizza called pida. Pida are prepared
on wonderful Turkish bread with a variety
of toppings. Other favorites were plates of
kofte (lamb meatballs) and mati (Turkish-
style ravioli). But my go-to dish was imam
baylidi. Literally translated as “the imam
fainted,” it is a preparation of eggplant
stuffed with ground lamb, tomatoes, garlic
and onion – delish! As many times as I
had imam baylidi, it was never prepared
in exactly the same way.
In towns along the Mediterranean, fresh
fish is brought into port daily. You can go
to the local fish market to buy a whole fish
and bring it to a nearby restaurant to have
it grilled, accompanied by Turkish bread
and seasonal vegetables. Freshly grilled
fish sandwiches are a staple in Istanbul.
And of course, ending a meal with a visit
to a neighborhood sweet-shop for Turkish
coffee or tea and an endless selection of
Turkish pastries. We never had a bad meal
in our travels.
I’ve had eggplant prepared in many
countries, but the Turks are the masters of
eggplant. I’m not sure what it is but there
is nothing better in Turkey than one of the
endless varieties of eggplant dishes. Grilled
eggplant and Turkish-style yogurt is found
on all meze menus. It is served with warm,
crusty, puffy bread brushed with a little
olive oil. It can be served as a dip or an
accompaniment to grilled lamb kofte.
The following recipe is adapted from
the incredible cookbook Turquoise by Greg
and Lucy Malouf.
Smoky Eggplant and Yogurt
1 eggplant
1 small garlic clove, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
6 oz Turkish or Greek-style yogurt
Juice of ½ lemon
Finely chopped parsley or mint
Prick eggplant all over with a fork and set
directly on the flame of your stove. Turn
constantly until the whole eggplant is
charred. Remove from flame and place in
a glass bowl. When the eggplant is cool,
gently peel away the skin from the flesh.
Drain flesh in colander for 10 minutes.
Put drained eggplant into a bowl. The
tender eggplant flesh will fall apart. Mix
in crushed garlic, salt, olive oil, yogurt,
and lemon juice. Chill until ready to eat.
Transfer to serving dish, add extra salt to
taste and sprinkle with parsley or mint.
Serve with crunchy bread.
A New Rockridge Restaurant
Restaurant Chu, an upscale Chinese
restaurant, has opened at 5362 College
Avenue. Chu is a welcome addition to the
neighborhood. The menu is a unique combi-
nation of well-prepared and well-presented
Chinese dishes. The decor is sleek, sexy
and modern.
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
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
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
Barry Kaufman is a graduate of the California
Culinary Academy. Barry is available for cooking
classes. His e-mail is: kaufman42@earthlink.net


7.
September 5, 2009
New Claremont Principal Discusses
Plans and Goals for the New School Year
each. Claremont is also part of a State pro-
gram that will reduce class sizes over the
next three years. The Mills College TRiO
Program is providing interns to assist with
counseling issues.
RN: Will there be an After School
Program this year?
KC: We are very excited to have a
full After School Program this year. The
first 45 minutes will focus on homework
completion. The remaining time will offer
electives in fine arts, animation, sports,
foreign language and dance.
RN: Have there been any changes
to Claremont’s physical plant?
KC: The Interior Design class of EOYDC
(East Oakland Youth Development Center),
taught by Cora Sue of Anthony Staging,
has created a design plan. Hallways, class-
rooms, and lockers have been painted in
pleasing colors that give the interior a fresh,
modern look. Art and photography works
will complete the process. Thanks to the
Fourth Bore Coalition lawsuit settlement,
we expect new landscaping and ventilation
systems to be in place by spring.
RN: What do you see as your big-
gest challenge this semester?
KC: Raising student and teacher expec-
tations will be an ongoing task. We want to
energize and excite children about education
so they will succeed at the next level. We
by Bill Kaufner, chair,
RCPC Education Committee
Bright, bubbly, and passionate about
middle school education, Kenya Crock-
ett brings a wealth of experience to her
new post as Principal of Claremont Middle
School. Both Ms. Crockett and her Adminis-
trative Team partner, new Assistant Principal
Kevin Taylor, are Bay Area educational
products who came back to Oakland with
the goal of making Claremont an outstand-
ing middle school. Expect to see positive
changes in academics, school climate, and
the school’s buildings and grounds.
Following are excerpts from an interview
with the Administrative Team focusing on
Ms. Crockett’s vision of a renaissance for
Claremont.
RN: What new programs are in
store for Claremont?
Kenya Crockett: Building on the
success of this summer’s Algebra Academy,
Claremont is considering 8th grade gender-
based math classes. Sixth and 7th graders
will take part in the Si Swun-based math
program. A thirty-minute daily homeroom
curriculum will teach character development
and study skills (note-taking, organizing,
New Claremont School Principal Kenya
Crockett and Assistant Principal Kevin
Taylor look forward to an exciting year.
Photo: Don Kinkead
test-taking).
Science classes will play a large role
in rebuilding the Claremont gardens. Our
staff development will take place on Friday
afternoons this year.
RN: How will the grade levels be
organized this year?
KC: The school will be divided into
houses based on grade levels to provide an
atmosphere where it will be more possible
to address the needs of each child. There
will be five houses of about 60 students
Claremont Principal, page 8
¤
¤
Studio for Rent
This studio has all the warmth and
comfort you would expect from a home.
Features include plenty of closet space,
full-size washer and dryer, and
French doors that lead to
a huge private deck.
FOR DETAILS ABOUT THIS RENTAL AND OTHERS, VISIT


8.

September 5, 2009

NCPC Sets September Elections
Is it time for you to get involved in your local community policing team? Here’s
your chance: The Greater Rockridge NCPC has scheduled elections of officers to
be held during the September 24 meeting. The available elected positions are Chair,
Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.
If you don’t want to be an officer but would like to volunteer, we are interested in
expanding NCPC membership, and working on the NCPC’s information technology
projects (Web site, Yahoo e-mail groups, for example).
Come to the meeting, September 24, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Rockridge Branch Library
community meeting room, even if you will not be running for NCPC office or vol-
unteering. There is lots to learn about community policing. Also, you can meet and
work with your local Problem Solving Officers.

INTERIOR-EXTERIOR LEAD
CERTIFIED PAINTERS
Professional preparation. Many local
references. All work Guaranteed
(510) 654-3339
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
Letters
Claremont
Principal
from page 5
of a Cooper’s Hawk, as
shown at right. The com-
pleted project will use a
combination of viewing
devices, strategically
placed sculptures, and
signage to focus attention
on the history and ecol-
ogy of the Greenbelt and
Temescal Creek.
The FROG steering committee has also
had concerns about how long the project
has taken to complete, and has continued
to work with the city of Oakland and the
artist to ensure that the project is completed
this fall.
It was unfortunate that the monuments
were installed so much earlier than the rest
of the project, as many park visitors are left
wondering about the incomplete monoliths
placed in the park.
from page 7
are here to coach teachers to be educational
practitioners who base their instruction on
data-driven assumptions. We will strive to
create a school culture that supports and
rewards academic achievement.
RN: What should parents expect
when they send their children to
Claremont?
KC: A safe and supportive environment
that will educate the whole child with an
emphasis on academics, character, and
social preparation.
a
Cooper’s
Hawk
cross-cultural congregation
striving to partner with
         the Rockridge community
   in lifestyle and service.
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
Together, we can truly impact some
very worthy causes.
OGI and Ray Ban
Sunglasses — 30% off
➨
Julie Gardner
510.339.0400/245
jgardner@grubbco.com
JulieGardner.com
G
5321 College Avenue, Oakland
510-655-3797
www.rockridgeoptometry.com


9.
September 5, 2009

A Tree Falls
In Rockridge
T

arborists labored for five days, carefully
separating limbs, slowly lowering huge
branches on sturdy ropes. A crane
was brought in ultimately to remove
the severed trunk. Buckets of water
poured from its fresh wound. Neighbors
eagerly claimed massive blocks, while the
tree stump was leveled to the ground,
leaving a giant memorial foot print, a
smooth platform large enough to dance
upon. If the root crown has not been
compromised, a new sapling will hopefully
emerge one day, much as it would after
a natural fire.
The Coast Live Oak has lived
virtually unchanged in the Pacific
Northwest for 20 million years; it is
uniquely adapted to our environment.
If not diseased or felled by natural
disasters, it can grow to be 250,
even 600 years old. It seems that
the greatest threat to healthy oaks
is human encroachment on their
natural habitat. Local ordinances
and watchful care are therefore a
necessity.
The ancients must have known this
as well. In the Indo-European Celtic-
Druidic and Greek cultures, dryads —
tree nymphs ­— lived in or near sacred
oak groves, warding off evil spirits and
mortals bent on doing harm. If a tree
died, a dryad died as well and punishment
from angry gods for this would be swift
and certain.
May our oak renew itself!
The
Rockridge
 Muse
his wasn’t just any tree. It stood
about 80 feet tall and was at least

as wide in its spread, shading several
backyards during the day and rising like
a majestic dark silhouette against the
sky at night. Its trunk had a diameter
of more than five feet. Its crown was
home to a virtual kingdom of creatures
large and small. Squirrels, cats, birds,
insects scurried up and down its
hefty trunk and branches that held
up an impenetrable canopy of solid
dark green, so thick that daylight
never entered in some spots. A swing
and children of all ages have dangled
happily from its branches.
In the Rockridge backyard where
the oak tree lived, the ground was so
completely shaded and covered with
leaves that nothing else has grown there
for decades that were not a kin of the
oak. The monumental Coast Live Oak
had completely claimed its domain.
The oak tree began its life’s journey
there probably about 130-150 years ago.
Most likely there was a meadow there
and a creek; houses did not reach this
neighborhood until about 1920. Today,
the root system taps deep down into
the underground stream below us and
spreads horizontal feeder roots in tiered
layers beneath at least six neighboring
yards. I like to think that it is cradling
our homes in its subterranean arms.
It was about 8:30 p.m. on August 9,
already nearly dark, when a strange sound,
a creaking and straining, suddenly filled
the air. It lasted for a few seconds, only
by Ortrun Niesar
Arborists remove the carcass of the
fallen oak tree.    Photo: Ortrun Niesar
to be replaced by an all encompassing
swooshing sound, a thump, and a sudden
blast of wind and whirling leaves. Then,
silence.
The neighborhood broke out in
chatter as people ran from their homes
to see what was going on. And there
it lay, about one third of the mighty
oak spread out over three back yards,
a fallen goliath.
An arborist was called, but before he
arrived the next morning, the massive
tree, already weakened, had lost yet
another third of its limbs, smashing
garages and fences like match sticks. By
this time, a gouge representing a loss
of about 50 percent of the tree’s girth
about half way up the main trunk put
our tree in mortal danger. The oak was
dying and we knew it.
It did not give up without a struggle,
and maybe not altogether. A team of
Fifth grader Matias Arizmendo
memorialized a tree spirit. The fallen
tree lived in his family yard.
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
PIEDMONT EAST BAY CHILDREN’S CHOIR

Welcoming boys & girls ages 5 and up
(510) 547-4441 www.piedmontchoirs.org

Rockridge:  5400 College Avenue
 Elmwood:  2930 College Avenue
Weekend Brunch in Elmwood


10.

September 5, 2009
Parking Meter Fee Increase Still Rankles

New Construction
from page 1
Suzanne Fraser and
daughter Lilah:
“We live in the
neighborhood, so it will
have no affect on us. I
think, though, people
will come anyway –
even with the parking
increases.”
College Avenue Q&A:
“How did the parking
meter fee increases
affect you? Do you think
they will affect shopping
in Rockridge?
Rockridge Kitchen Tour, along with the story
of how it was destined to become Northern
California’s first LEED Platinum house.
A drought-tolerant garden frames the
concrete and steel structure tucked into
the hillside. Windows, doors and open-
ings enable light to stream into the house.
Tucked into corners and crannies are pocket
gardens, concrete seats, and a luxurious
master suite.
Among the many green features are
passive solar, custom sun shades, a
solar-assist hot water system supplying up to
80 percent of hot water and in-floor radiant
heat, engineered and recycled lumber and
steel framing, and a 4,000-gallon cistern to
capture rain- and groundwater. An electrical
control system continually adjusts lighting,
ventilation, and heating.
Margarido House is the creation of
builder-owner Mike McDonald of McDonald
Construction & Development, his architect-
brother Tim McDonald of Philadelphia-based
Plumbob LLC, and a team of local artisans.
Local vendors Mike Rogero of Con-
creteworks, Chris French of Chris French
Metal, Ian Read of Medium Plenty, Catherine
Bailey of Heath Ceramics, and Lauren Sch-
neider of Wonderland Garden and Landscape
combined their expertise to create the con-
crete and steel structure with a living roof
and water-friendly garden. Several of these
artisans will be on hand during the Kitchen
Tour to answer questions and discuss the
diverse green issues encountered during
construction of the house.
The Margarido House features top to
bottom green design strategies and is 55
percent more efficient than California’s tough
Title 24 energy standards. It is the first newly-
built home to receive be LEED Platinum-H
certfied and be Greenpoint rated.
Interviews and photos:
Christina Ahlstrand
Public reaction was swift and
sure when the City raised park-
ing fees from $1.25 to $2 per hour,
and increased some fines.
Talk of a parking and shopping
protest boycott spread rapidly;
people pointed out that patroniz-
ing Oakland’s evening restaurant
and entertainment venues would
be complicated by the ticket
machines’ two-hour maximums.
City officials responded, creat-
ing three-hour evening parking
limits between 5 and 8 p.m., and
making parking receipts with
remaining time valid for other
areas.
The Rockridge News inter-
viewed several College Avenue
strollers to learn their reactions
to the parking changes.
Paul Erskine:
“I’ve heard some
grumbling, but I live
nearby and have a
parking space, so I’m not
affected. I do care that
others are, though.”
How far
was the City
prepared
to go to
increase
parking
revenue?
Photo: Martha
Silverspring
➧
Learn about applying these strategies
and about green living at one of the Kitchen
Tour events.
Find more information about the Mar-
garido House at www.margaridohouse.
com.
Find more details about LEED (Lead-
ership in Energy and Environmental
Design) certification at the Web site of the
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC),
http://www.usgbc.org/

Barbara La Rocca,
PsyD.:
“It’s ridiculous! Will
cause business to
decrease. I want to
shop less…it makes me
sick. It’s psychologically
demoralizing in this time
of financial stress.”
Tom and Diane
Ferlatte:
“Terrible! But they
[the City] have to have
money from somewhere.
We can walk, so it’s
helping our fitness
program, but it’s bad for
business.”


11.
September 5, 2009

Celebrating 25 years in
Rockridge, both established in
1984, congratulations to:
Warm Things                  Murasaki
Between 21 and 24 years ago,
Rockridge welcomed:
About Face & Body (1987)
Bloomies (1987)
Claremont Diner (1987)
Cole Coffee (1987)
Cutting’ Up on College (1985)
Enzo’s Meat & Poultry (1988)
Hank & Frank Bicycles (1988)
Hazara Gallery (1985)
Esther Lerman MFT (1985)
Oliveto Restaurant and Café (1988)
Pasta Shop
Paul Marcus Wines (1987)
Pavé Fine Jewelry Design (1986)
Katrina Rozelle Pastries & Desserts
Snips (1986)
In Rockridge for 20 years, all
opened in 1989:
Barney’s Gourmet Hamburgers
Great Wall Chinese Vegi Restaurant
Itsy Bitsy Jewelry & Gifts
The Meadows
Noah’s Bagels (College Ave. was the original
store in the chain)
Peaberry’s Coffee & Tea
Pizza Rustica
From 16 to 19 years ago,
Rockridge continued to expand:
Barclay’s Restaurant & Pub (1991)
Cactus Taqueria (1990) (in their original
location near Rockridge Kids)
Christensen Heller Gallery (1991)
Citron Restaurant (1992)
Filippo’s (1993)
Garden Cleaners (1993)
The Great Frame-Up (1993)
Market Hall Produce (1991)
Moderne Eye Optometry (1993)
Nan Yang Burmese Cuisine (1992)
Rockridge Kids (1992)
Rockridge Luggage (1993)
Spasso Café (1993)
Tachibana Japanese Cuisine (1992)
Talisman Antiques (1991)
Thelma Harris Gallery (1989)
Opened 15 years ago, in 1994:
Photo: Theresa Nelson
The Neighborhood Merchant
by Theresa Nelson
Neighborhood History: Rockridge Merchants
This is the first of three articles profiling
anniversaries of Rockridge merchants.
The listings are not complete. Although
I stopped at every storefront (224 of
them), some businesses were closed, and
at some no one could tell me the year the
business opened. I hope to include them
in future updates.
If your store or business is not listed
in the accompanying list, e-mail merchant@
rockridge.org. Also, many therapists with
offices on College are not included, as
one can’t just walk in and ask questions.
Therapists and counselors: feel free to
e-mail your year of opening on College
Avenue.
The accompanying article, first of the
series, focuses on stores and restaurants
opened over the first 15 years after my
family and I moved to Rockridge, 1984
through 1999.
The next article will present the addi-
tions to the thriving College Avenue scene
since 2000, while the last will showcase
the most long-term Rockridge businesses
(pre-1984), and reveal the name of the
Rockridge business open the longest on
College Avenue.
Rockridge merchants are an amazing
group. They undertake the brave step of
opening a new store or service on a promising
commercial street in a friendly neighbor-
hood, hitching their hopes and dreams to
the success of the neighborhood as well as
their own business. I profile the new ones
in this column every month, and it seemed
time to highlight the longtime businesses
in the neighborhood as well.
On a sunny weekend in August, I spent
almost eight hours walking the length
of College Avenue, Claremont Avenue,
Broadway, and a few side streets. It was
great fun, and I highly recommend it – the
diversity of goods and services available
within a 15-minute walk (1/2 mile) from
the Rockridge BART station is astonishing.
From old-fashioned pubs to stylish new
clothing, you can find almost anything for
your daily needs in Rockridge.
In 1984, many College Avenue storefronts
were vacant, and the neighborhood was still
recovering from the freeway and BART
construction of the 1960s and ’70s, as well as
changing demographics where many of the
earlier residents left the city for the suburbs.
Retail picked up dramatically later in the
1980s; many businesses which opened in
the ’90s are still operating today.
Many, Many, Homes Selling in Rockridge!
Closing Date BR/Bth	 Address
Original Price	 DOM
LP
SP
 8/5/2009
3/1
5272 Shafter Ave.
$599,000
12
$599,000
$580,000
 8/11/2009
2/2
5400 Broadway Ter.
$659,000
60
$659,000
$647,500
 8/14/2009
4/3
1 Sheridan Rd.
$969,000
29
$969,000
$949,000
 8/5/2009
3/3
7037 Chabot Rd.
$1,050,000
18
$1,050,000
$1,009,000
 8/14/2009
3/1
5409 Belgrave Pl.
$1,050,000
42
$1,050,000
$981,000
Diesel A Bookstore (1994)
Maison d’Etre (1994) (in their original loca-
tion, College near Manila; later relocated
near the BART station)
From 11 to 14 years ago,
more expansion:
Our own Rockridge Library (1996) (origi-
nally opened in 1919 on Shafter near College,
then located at College and Miles for decades
until closed in the late 1980s and relocated to a

• There is currently a 1.7 month supply of inventory in Rockridge. • Only 20% of properties Listed in Rockridge, Sold for
OVER asking price in the last 2 months, compared to 50% last year. • The current median market time is 24 days, compared
to a mere 14 days, this time last year. • At this time in 2008, the average List to Sell price was 105% vs the current 98%.
• Last year at this time, Rockridge yielded only 1/2 as many closings as in the last 2 months of this year.

Happy Anniversary, page 12
¤
¤


12.

September 5, 2009

Existing/Adapted
Happy
Anniversary
Out & About
from page 1
from page 1
Avenue becomes the stage for local musi-
cians, street performers fashion shows,
cooking demos, in-store workshops, well-
ness activities, and merchant, artisan, and
community booths.
This popular festival features a Main Stage
for live music and community announcements,
the Rockridge Runway with fashion shows
from local boutiques, and The Chef Stage with
cooking demonstrations from neighborhood
restaurants. Bay Area food writers who will
be discussing and signing their books include
Jerry Anne DiVecchio, Francoise Dudal
Kirkman, Janet Fletcher, Fran Gage, Nicolette
Hahn Niman, and Clark Wolf.
Food-themed activities abound with
gourmet food and beverage booths, and at
Market Hall’s “Picnic in the Street” which
transforms the corner of Shafter and College
into a farmers’ market with cheesemakers, olive
oil producers, produce growers, and winemak-
ers. Market Hall chefs fire up the grills and
merchants hold comparative tastings.
Organized by the Rockridge District
Association, Out & About gives visitors and
residents alike a chance to celebrate the day
by being… well, out and about in Rockridge.
Visit: www.rockridgeoutandabout.com.
from page 11
and moved to Rockridge to capitalize on the
neighborhood’s strong energy-conserving
features.
Offering the ability to walk to most des-
tinations, the availability of BART within
walking distance and an array of local plants
softening the harder edges of concrete and
asphalt, Rockridge presented an appealing
energy-efficient foundation. David then made
plans to bring the family’s dated 63rd Street
Craftsman bungalow, with its single-pane
windows, general lack of insulation and an
antiquated heating system, into the world of
resource conservation, re-use and recycling:
green building.
With the broad goal of improving the
efficiency of housing resource use, David
grouped his improvements into water
capture and recycling, energy generation
and efficiency and the use of recycled and
reclaimed building materials.
Working with architect Dan Smith and
builders Canyon Construction, both with
strong backgrounds in sustainable building
tenets and familiar with LEED standards,
David fashioned a home with double-paned
windows, cellulose insulated walls, dual
flush toilets, reclaimed woods, Energy-Star
appliances, rain gutters that drain into modu-
lar water holding tanks (Rainwater HOGS),
yard pavers that drain into distributive rock
basins, solar panels that generate electricity,
and a Felix solar water heater that senses the
temperature of the roof  to pick appropriate
times to circulate heated water.
In 2008, the home was awarded the
LEED Platinum rating, the highest of four
residential ratings, by the U.S. Green Build-
ing Council.
trailer on Claremont Middle School grounds until
the beautiful new Library opened in 1996)
Ben ‘n’ Nick’s (1997)
College Avenue Liquors & Deli (1998)
Flashback Guitars (1998)
Garibaldi’s Restaurant (1997)
Genray Hair Salon (1996)
Great Harvest Baking (1996)
Green Bean (1998)
Groove Yard (1987)
In Full Swing (1995)
Las Palmas Taqueria (1997)
Pasta Pomodoro (1997)
Agatha Rainford Boutique (1996)
Vino! (1995)
And 10 years ago, in 1999:
Crepevine
Form Vintage Modern
Homesteader
Kirk Peterson & Associates
Architects
Oriental Nails
So go out, take a walk, stop in at one of
these merchants and congratulate them on
their longevity. They are a key part of what
makes Rockridge a walkable, neighborhood-
oriented district. They’ll enjoy hearing from
you, and you just might find something you
need or something you’ve been looking
for… right here in Rockridge.
To learn more about the Rockridge District Associa-
tion (RDA), visit www.rockridgedistrict.com.
get bendy
New to Yoga?
Introductory Workshop
Saturday, September 19 - $20
David Gottfried will join Mike McDon-
ald at the September 10 RCPC Town Hall
meeting to discuss his role in the develop-
ment of green building standards and how he
applied those standards to his own home.
Also visit our store for the largest selection of
women’s yoga wear and yoga props in the East Bay
Complete architectural
services since 1970
5278 College Avenue
Oakland, CA  94618
(510) 654-6755   fax 654-3424
www.namasterockridge.com
5416 college avenue  510.547.YOGA
(near Rockridge library)


13.
September 5, 2009

Jeff Auen
REMAX ACCORD

Where in the World...
                                    Is The      Rockridge News?
G

While travelling in Europe recently,
Rockridge residents Chuck Afflerbach
and Carolina Juárez made sure to
Residential
■
■
keep up with the home front by
Income Properties
■
■
keeping up with The Rockridge News.
                          Photo: Chuck Afflerbach
REO Specialist
■
■
WWW.REO-SFBay.COM
WWW.JLAHOMES.COM
JeffAuen@comcast.net
800-805-8827
GRUBBCO.COM
The art of hair design
5431 College Ave Oakland Ca 94618
510.652.5431
www.elizabethh.net
510.652.2133
3070 Claremont Avenue • Berkeley
Eco-friendly salon
Experienced Stylists
Organic & Sustainable products
510.339.0400
1960 Mountain Boulevard • Oakland
My neighborhood gym!
Peace of Mind
Bodywork
“After working out here for years,
I bought the place!
Check out our new
equipment & classes.
Bring in this ad &
get a *FREE
WORKOUT*”
A touch therapy to relax
the fabric of your being.
Sharon Smith, CMT
6097 Claremont Ave., Oakland
www.peaceofmindbodywork.com
510-461-6431
-Lisa
Gartland,
gym owner
Inside
Outside
Fitness
Henry C. Levy & Co.
* New members only *
(510) 655-8308
4444 Piedmont Ave
Oakland, CA 94611
www.InsideOutsideFitness.com
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
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
When hiring
a service
company,
make sure
they are the
best at what
they do.
Feeling the pinch?
Find value with
Rockridge merchants.

COLLINS ROOFING
Family Owned & Operated
482-2227  Seamus
www.collinsroofing.com
Quality Work  •  Free Estimates
Lic # 695711
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
Residential &
Commercial
Armed Patrol,
365 x 24 x 7
547-SAFE
(547-7233)


14.

September 5, 2009

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.
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.
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.
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. October deadline is September 17.
For information: smontauk@gmail.com
Restring Necklaces
Pearls, stones, beads. Necklaces will have
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.
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.
Beautiful Image
Micro current facial toning machine does
a wonderful job toning the facial muscles.
Give yourself a lift for the holidays! Visit
www,beautifulimageLLC.com Then give me a
call. Jeanne at 510/653-3100.
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.
Skin Care Salon
Penelope’s Aesthetics, a serene garden setting
in Rockridge 12 years, specializes in profes-
sional beauty needs. Facials, waxing, lash/brow
tints, skin tag/capillary removal, permanent
make-up, reflexology and more! 30% off w/ad.
www.penelopecalef.com 510/594-1552.
Quality Gardening
Skilled monthly or bimonthly maintenance,
aesthetic pruning, planning, design, irrigation,
consultations, ecological practices. 15 years of
horticultural experience in the East Bay. Local
references. Green’s Gardens, 510/593-3490.
Orlandy’s Housecleaning
If you are looking for someone dependable
and reliable to clean your house you have
found him. I have years of experience and
great references, given upon request. Please
call 510/858-7290.
Unexpected Guests?
Lovely room 2 blocks from Rockridge BART in
owner’s flat for short-term. Reasonable. Photos
available. Barbird@aol.com 510/652-7044.
Upper Flat in Rockridge Duplex
Unfurnished 2/1 flat in Rockridge duplex ~1200
sq ft. Yard, laundry, storage. Utilities. Private
deck. Disposal, dishwasher, microwave. Amaz-
ing closets. Hardwood/Pergo floors. Off-street
parking. Cable/wi-fi ready. Photos available.
510-652-7044. Barbird@aol.com.
Aesthetic Pruning
I specialize in pruning trees & shrubs under
20 feet tall. I work with trees to enhance
their natural beauty. Specialties: maples,
camellias, fruit trees, & focal points. Pruning
instructor Merritt College. Bruce Thompson
510/428-4964.
Rockridge Bungalow
Vacation Rental.
Fully outfitted with style! Best location. Steps
to College Avenue shopping, restaurants &
cafes. Home away from home. www.rockridge-
bungalow.com.
Non-Toxic House Cleaning
Lotus Cleaning Services provides excellent
service while protecting your health and the
planet. Licensed, bonded and insured. Experi-
enced, reliable cleaners. Great for households
with allergies, asthma, small children. Rea-
sonable rates. 510/452-0755, lotusclean@
comcast.net.
TAI CHI and QIGONG
Classes, Thursdays/10 am, Saturdays/9 am at
Methodist Church downstairs at 303 Hudson
(at College). Learn Tai Chi principles. Breathe
and relax with gentle movement and meditation.
Visit www.harmonytaiji.com. E-mail harmonytaiji@
yahoo.com or phone 415/786-2469.
Deco Art
Decorative Painting, murals, faux finish, sten-
cils, gold leaf, color, fine art, interior painting,
repairs and restoration. Deco Art. 510/652-
0683. www.carolinestern.com.
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.
Wood Floors
Install, refinish, repair all types of wood floors.
Personalized service. 20 + YEARS IN THE East
Bay. Bruce L. Williams Wood Floors. 510/652-
8121. www.blwfloors.com Lic# 913727.
Coming soon: Ultra
low-cost premium service
level alarm monitoring…
for details, call John at
547-SAFE today!
Deck Experts
• Design & construction of decks • Custom
fences • Gates • Stairs • Cedar shingles
• Windows • Doors. Ned 510/301-5448.
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


15.
September 5, 2009

Rockridge Out & About Festival

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

Sunday, 9/27, 11am to 6pm; along College Ave., between
Claremont and Manila. Our annual Street Fair features: a
food extravaganza with gourmet tastings and demonstra-
tions by local chefs; musicians and street performers;
fashion shows; many children’s activities and much more.
Organized by the Rockridge District Assn. (RDA). Info:
301-3122 or www.rockridgeoutandabout.com.
Wisteria Ways Concert Series

Community Calendar

District 1 Schools Meeting
Peace Corps Information Session:
■
■
 Learn about
volunteering overseas in education, health, busi-
ness, environment and more. No upper age limit.
Tues., 9/29, 6:30 to 8pm. Info: Heather Driscoll,
452-8444, sfevents@peacecorps.gov or www.
peacecorps.gov.
ART EXHIBITS: Call to confirm dates.
Gallery:
Sept.:
■
■
Oparna Ewing quilts by Oakland Quilt Group.
Oct.:
■
■
Chris Jennings (call for details).
Lobby Display Case:
Sept.: Quilts by
■
■
Oakland Quilt Group.
Oct.:
■
■
John Baldwin: finger puppets.
LIBRARY HOURS: Note: New Library closed dates
Tues, 12:30 to 8pm.
Wed., Thurs. and Sat. 10am to 5:30pm.
Fri., 12 to 5:30pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
(Oakland Public Library branches
are no longer open on Mondays.)
Also closed Tues. 9/8 and Wed. 9/9.
Diesel Book/Poetry Readings/Events
School Board Director Jody London invites you
to meet Oakland’s new School Superintendent
Dr. Tony Smith. Learn about Oakland’s education
priorities, offer ideas and compare notes with other
public school supporters. Wed., 9/30, 7-8pm at Oakland
International High School, 4521 Webster St. Refreshments
provided. For more info and to RSVP: Jody.London@
ousd.k12.ca.us or 459-0667.
Rockridge Branch Library
Stairwell Sisters: Acoustic old-timey band with punk-
rock intensity, and VOCO!: stompin’ rebel harmony
with cello and banjo. Saturday, 9/19; a double bill for
two shows at 1pm and 4pm — both bands play at both
shows. House opens at noon. Outdoor concert: be sure
to bring something to sit on (blanket or lawn chair), hat,
a picnic. $15-20 suggested donation for musicians (cash
only at the door). 383 61st Street. Wheelchair accessible.
Listen to sound samples at www.stairwellsisters.com
and www.singers.com/world/moirasmileyVOCO.
html. For reservations (highly recommended), RSVP to
info@WisteriaWays.org or 655-2771. Please indicate
whether 1pm or4pm show preferred.
Women Orchestral String Players
Wanted
5366 College Avenue, 597-5017
FOR CHILDREN:
Toddler Story Time:
■
■
 Every Saturday, 10:30am.
Pre-School Story Time:
■
■
 1st and 3rd Wednesdays,
10:30am.
Baby and Toddler Story Time:
■
■
 1st and 3rd Wednesday,
10:30am, upstairs Community Room (same days and
times as Pre-School Story Time).
Pajama Story Time:
■
■
 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 7pm.
FOR TEENS:
Rockridge Ninjas (Anime Club): Teens 13 and up
■
■
,
watch and talk about anime (Japanese animation) with
other teens. Note: New meeting day this month, 9/15,
because of a mandatory shutdown day. 5 to 6:30pm,
upstairs meeting rm. Info: Susy, 597-5017.
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 to 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
starts 5pm. More info: 597-5017.
Memory Camp:
■
■
 For adults 50+ to improve concentra-
tion and memory. Free 12 week session taught by Pat
Schroeder of the Oakland Adult and Career Center
of OUSD. Classes from Sept.15 to Dec 8 on Tuesdays
from 12:30 to 2:30pm. Call 452-2074 to register.
Other Library Meetings
Greater Rockridge N’hood Crime Prevention
■
■
If you play violin, viola, cello or bass, rehearse and perform
with the Community Women’s Orchestra (CWO), under
the direction of Kathleen McGuire, for this exciting 25th
anniversary season. CWO rehearses by Lake Merritt on
Thursday nights from 7:30 to 9:30pm. To join, contact
Linda Kay: itune88@comcast.net. More info: Susana
England, 658-9473, susengland@AOL.com or see
www.communitywomensorchestra.net.
Singers Wanted
All events are FREE and open to the public.
Thurs., 9/10, 7pm. David Bacon: Illegal People.
Sun., 9/13, 3pm.
■
■
Poetry Flash featuring Jenny Browne
and Cheryl Dumesnil.
Mon., 9/14, 7pm.
■
■
Amnesty International Meeting:
All invited to exchange ideas on action.
Sun., 9/20, 3pm. Local writers
■
■
Kathy Briccetti, Meilan
Carter and Jasmine Dawson discuss their contribu-
tions to the national anthology, Who’s Your Mama?:
The Unsung Voices of Women and Mothers.
Sun., 9/27, 3pm. Local author and history professor
■
■
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.
Creek to Bay Day: Volunteers
Needed to Clean Temescal Creek
Gretchen Lemke-Santangelo: Daughters of Aquarius:
Women of the Sixties Counterculture.
Tues., 10/6, 7pm.
■
■
Daniel Silberberg: Wonderland:
The Zen of Alice.
Thurs., 10/08, 7pm. Local author & Mills College Professor
■
■
Cornelia Nixon’s publication party for Jarrettsville.
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.
Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir
Auditions
Join your neighbors on Saturday, 9/19, from 9am to noon,
at the DMV parking lot (corner of Cavour and Redondo),
to clean the creek bed through the greenbelt. Coffee
and morning snacks at 9am; commemorative T-shirts
for the first 50 volunteers. Many tools provided by the
City Public Works Dept. If you bring your own tools,
they should be well marked. For more info/questions:
Margaret. 655-1767.
Volunteer Faire for Oakland Schools
Council (NCPC): Residents and business members
can voice their concerns about crime and public safety.
Note: Election of officers at this mtg. (see article
p.8). 4th Thursday each month (9/24), 7- 8:30pm,
upstairs meeting room. Info@rockridgencpc.com
or infofordenise@yahoo.com.
Auditions for the East Bay’s oldest children’s choir
begin on Sat., 9/12. Ages 5-18; no experience required;
scholarships available. To schedule an appt. or for more
info: 547-4441 or www.piedmontchoirs.org.
Saturday, 9/12 from 11am to 2pm. Local residents will
be linked to school-based volunteer opportunities
that match their interests, schedules and abilities as
a rewarding way to support students and strengthen
schools during trying times. Volunteers will be fully
trained before they begin a program. Hosted in the
West Auditorium of the Oak. Main Library, 125 14th St.
More info: Stan Weisner, 531-2055 or volunteerfaire@
montclairaction.com.
American Red Cross
Mobile Blood Drives: Friday, 9/11 at Children’s Hospital,
747 52nd St., or call 800-GIVE-LIFE (800/448-3543) or go
to HelpSaveALife.org to find a location near you. In Sept.,
donors will be entered in weekly drawings for a $60
gift card to Applebee’s or La Pinata Restaurant; (not
available at high school or college blood drives).
Be a Red Cross volunteer, call Anne at 594-5165 or
e-mail BlackstoneA@usa.redcross.org.
Norman H. Burg, DDS
General Dentistry
(510) 652-1517
5700 Broadway, Oakland
A Prevention Oriented Practice


16.

September 5, 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

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29
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Realty
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Oakland

Number of Homes Sold: Over 300
Homes Sold In Rockridge: Over 70
Value of Working with a Realtor® with
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• Tankless Water Heaters
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• Remodel & Repair
SERVING THE EAST BAY SINCE 1932            CA. LIC# 728215
510-652-8014
www.winstonsplumbing.com
“”May your toilet never runneth over!”
Vacant & Available
FOR RENT OFFICES – ROCKRIDGE

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

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

FOR SALE – ROCKRIDGE
 5556 Claremont Avenue
$799,000
2 Beds & 1 Bath
on a 14,000sqft +/- Lot
www.5556Claremont.com
Sustainable Living
Starts at Home
Sustainable Building
Starts at Ashby Lumber
Pending
Looking for a Contractor?
Visit our Contractor Directory
at ashbylumber.com
.
824 Ashby Avenue    Berkeley
Ph: 510.843.4832  Fax: 510.843.3840
Buy these homes separately or
together as a family compound.
Possible development opportunity =
Currently zoned R-60 for multi-family housing
5558 Claremont Avenue
$829,000
4 Beds & 2 baths
on a 4,000sqft +/- Lot
www.5558Claremont.com
COMING SOON – ROCKRIDGE
5241 Manila Ave.
3+ Beds & 4 Baths
Charming Craftsman w/
Remodeled Kitchen & Baths.
Offi ce/Studio Space in
Detached Garage
www.5241Manila.com

Ron Kriss, Broker
Lawton Associates
L A W T O N
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