Extracted text · highlighting “Many Merchants”

www.rockridge.org

VOL. 24        NO. 9        ISSUE NO. 260        October 3, 2009                  CIRCULATION: 5,100 Residences; 200 BusInesses

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

Update on Board of
Directors Positions

Rockridge Out & About Street Festival

As billows of fragrant smoke wafted skyward from bar-b-que cookers ranged along
College Avenue and hot sun beat down on the street, thousands of Rockridge neighbors
and visitors ambled up and down the Avenue, sampling sandwiches, ice cream, music,
dancers, massages, hand-made jewelry, and countless
other offerings from vendors, all creating a mellow
mood for the Rockridge Out & About Street Festival.
The festival, sponsored by the Rockridge District Asso-
ciation (RDA), showcases the vibrant neighborhood
that is Rockridge as well as the occasional aspiring
guitar hero!
Text and Photos: Don Kinkead

RCPC Town Hall Meeting
AGENDA
October 2009
October 15, 7:30 p.m.
Rockridge Branch Library
5366 College at Manila
Community Room (Upstairs)

The RCPC board of directors has three
vacant seats – two regular board seats
and the appointed seat usually reserved for a
Rockridge merchant or owner of commercial
property. The board expects to fill the mer-
chant slot and one of the regular vacancies
at its October 1 meeting, leaving one addi-
tional slot.
If you’re interested in helping RCPC
maintain and improve our Rockridge com-
munity, consider applying for the vacant
seat. The appointment would be from
now until the April 2011 board elections.
Board members are required to attend
board meetings once a month. In addition,
board members are expected to participate
in at least one board committee (land use,
Update, page 7
➧➧
The Sun Shone Brightly on the Eighth
Biennial Rockridge Kitchen Tour

by Jennifer Edmister and Susan Montauk, Kitchen Tour Co-Chairs
Once again, the well-attended, well-loved Rockridge Kitchen Tour was a testament to
the spirit of community that thrives in our neighborhood. Early-arriving tour guests
relaxed at College Avenue cafes
and restaurants before setting
out to visit the nine residential
kitchens in upper and lower
Rockridge. Under sparkling skies,
friends, neighbors, and enthusi-
astic guests shared a perfect late
summer afternoon sipping citrus
punch, nibbling brie, sampling
scrumptious Great Harvest breads
in the terraced garden of one of
the Rockridge Boulevard homes,
admiring Bay-wide views from
atop the Margarido House and

C u r i o u s  a b o u t  R o c k r i d g e
n e i g h b o r h o o d  h i s t o r y  a n d
a r c h i t e c t u r e ?  T h e  O c t o b e r
RCPC Town Hall meeting is for you.
n	 Jane Powell, noted author and lecturer
on craftsman houses and their details,
will talk about the diversity and historical
significance of the housing stock in our
neighborhood. Pictures in some of Jane’s
six books are from area homes.
n	 Rockridge neighbor Annalee Allen,
author of two books on Oakland,
columnist and long-time Oakland
Heritage Alliance activist, will share
stories about the long and interesting
history of our mass transit oriented
neighborhood.

Visitors peruse materials in one of the featured
kitchens of the popular event.
Kitchen Tour, page 5
➧➧


2.

October 3, 2009

In My Opinion
Tough Times for Business

ROCKRIDGE BRANCH LIBRARY
5366 College Avenue
597-5017
HOURS:
Mon, Tues:
Weds, Thurs, Sat:
Friday:
Sunday:
Library program details: See Calendar, page 15.
12:30 – 8 p.m.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
12 – 5:30 p.m.
CLOSED

by Annette R. Floystrup, past chair of the Bay Area Small Business Development Cor-
poration (now NorCal FDC), a state funded nonprofit making loan guarantees to small
business in the 9 Bay Area counties. Projects funded in Oakland during her tenure
include Everett & Jones and the new Yoshi’s, both in Jack London Square.

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
Valerie Knight	���������������������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

Ms. Floystrup is also a Board member of the Rockridge Community Planning Council.
However, the opinions expressed in this article are solely those of Ms. Floystrup and do
not necessarily reflect the opinion of RCPC or its Board of Directors.
At all times, and especially hard times, small business is the engine that drives the
American economy forward. As large corporations nationwide have collapsed
under their own weight and risky business strategies, small-business owners have
scrambled to reinvent themselves, investing even more time and energy with the fast
reaction time and flexibility that small business alone can muster.
Here on College Avenue, we have seen some retail stores close due to slower sales
and lack of access to credit, but fortunately, many of the apparently vacant stores on
the Avenue are, in fact, under contract and pursuing permits and other requirements
to open. It’s a good thing, because, as Oakland is experiencing extreme budget dif-
ficulties, College Avenue is still a leading source of revenue, as it has been for the past
many decades. It is the little engine that could.
All of which begs the question, why has the Rockridge District Association (RDA)
chosen this time to pursue a path that would take control of the College Avenue
business district out of the hands of local merchants and put it into the hands of large
property owners, a path that would increase fees to our merchants? When contacted,
a number of merchants were quite clear that a sizable increase of their current fees
would be unsustainable.
With a bad economy and the impact of the City’s disastrous parking fee changes,
this is not the time to add to the merchants’ burden.

See “College Avenue Tug-of-War” on page 4 for further
examination of this matter.
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!

Newsletter Subscriptions
To subscribe to The Rockridge News, send
your check for $20, payable to Rockridge News
Subscriptions, to: Rockridge News Subscriptions at
the address below.
Contacting The Rockridge News
	 Are there community issues you’d like to see
covered in The Rockridge News?
	 Do you have questions about newsletter
distribution?
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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
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
 November 7, 2009
 November deadline is October 22, 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.
October 3, 2009

The RCPC Land Use Committee meeting
schedule for the remainder of 2009 is:
Oct. 21, Nov. 24, and Dec. 23, all at 7:30pm
at the Rockridge Branch Library.
The Zoning Counter
The Zoning Counter is a compilation of re-
cent applications filed with the Oakland
Planning Department. Individuals may contact
the case planner or the Planning Department
for additional information by phone or on-
line at www.oaklandnet.com.
Rockridge Shopping Center Rebuild
(Broadway and Pleasant Valley)
City’s case planner is Leigh McCullen (238-4977,
lmccullen@oaklandnet.com).
by Stuart Flashman,
RCPC Land Use Committee chair
According to the City’s case planner for
this major project, Darin Ranelletti
(238-3663, dranelletti@oaklandnet.com),
Safeway, following the scathing comments at
the project’s July hearing before the Planning
Commission, will be doing major revisions
to its project plans. Nonetheless, work on
the environmental impact report (EIR)
for the project is proceeding. The likelihood
is that any revised project proposal will
show up as one of the project alternatives
in the EIR. Given the size of the project,
preparation of the draft EIR could take a
while. A release date of sometime in early
spring would seem a good likelihood, but
is far from certain. Watch this space, and
www.rockridge.org, for updates.
5464 College Avenue
Proposal: To construct a 329 sq. ft. second-story
addition to an existing commercial structure at
the rear of the property containing two existing
commercial structures, and to legalize an exist-
ing 120 sq. ft. addition at the ground level of the
same structure. Total square feet of additions =
449. (NOTE: This application constitutes sub-
stantial changes from the one that was noticed
for the same property in April, 2009, under
Case # DR09073.)
Applicant (Contact): Jeff Doney
Phone Number: 415/999-8658
Planning Permits Required: Regular Design
Review for additions to an existing structure;
Minor Conditional Use Permit to legalize the
expansion of commercial space at the ground
level in the C-31 Zone.
Historic Status: Potential Designated Historic
Property; Survey Rating: C2+
Case Planner: Ann Clevenger at 238-6980 or
aclevenger@oaklandnet.com
Citywide Zoning Update
■
■
Work on a new zoning ordinance continues
to move forward. City staff has completed
designing a new, simpler set of citywide zoning
categories. College Avenue and Broadway
(along with other similar areas like Piedmont
Avenue and Montclair Village) will be in a
new zoning category: CN-1, but the regula-
tions for the new zone will be very close to,
but perhaps slightly more stringent than, the
existing C-31 zoning rules. Residential zoning
for Rockridge will also be largely unchanged,
since the general plan designates the area
as a “maintain and enhance” area. The next
commercial corridor technical advisory group
meeting is now set for Monday, October 5,
from 6–8 p.m. in hearing room 2 at City Hall,
1 Frank Ogawa Plaza. At that hearing, staff
will preview the proposed citywide zoning
map and discuss ideas for defining height
limits in the new zoning ordinance. Please
check the city Web site at www.oaklandnet.
com/zoningupdate for further details.
College Avenue Safeway
■
■
Rebuild (6310 College Avenue
at Claremont Avenue)
The environmental consultant group
working on this project is apparently almost
finished with their initial study of environ-
mental effects. Once that’s completed, the
City will make a decision about whether an
EIR is needed. While the City has not yet
committed to preparation of an EIR, the
site’s size and prominent location, and the
already-congested traffic situation along
College Avenue make it extremely likely
that one will be required. Check with
RCPC’s Web site at www.rockridge.org for
the latest updates. The City’s case planner
is Peterson Vollman (238-6167, pvollman@
oaklandnet.com).
Rockridge
Private Patrol
547-SAFE
Land Use Committee
Vacancies
Coming Soon
The RCPC Land Use Committee cur-
rently has space for a couple of additional
members. The committee meets one evening
a month, reviews zoning changes and land
use applications for the Rockridge area, and
makes recommendations to the RCPC Board
of Directors. If you’re interested, especially
if you have some background in land use
and/or urban design, your application would
be welcome. Please send a short (200 word)
summary of your background and statement
of interest in the committee. Letters can be
sent by e-mail to chair@rockridge.org or by
U.S. Postal service to the RCPC mailbox
(The Rockridge News, 5245 College Avenue,
PMB 311, Oakland, CA 94618). Applications
will be considered in the order received.
Three Bedroom, Two Bath Homes
in Oakland and Berkeley. For Details about
these properties and other Real Estate
services visit:  www.rockridgedigs.com
Lic. # 01427070
College Preparatory School
■
■
Facilities Master Plan (6100
Broadway)
City staff has approved modifications
to the use permit for College Preparatory
School to accommodate the school’s capital
improvements master plan. The plans include
a new performing arts center and several new
classroom buildings. Plans were modified and
conditions added to address concerns brought
forward by the school’s neighbors. The letter
approving the modified use permit will be
posted on the rockridge.org Web site. The
Jeff Auen
REMAX ACCORD
Residential
■
■
Income Properties
■
■
REO Specialist
■
■
WWW.REO-SFBay.COM
WWW.JLAHOMES.COM
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.
JeffAuen@comcast.net
800-805-8827


4.

October 3, 2009

College Avenue Tug-of-War
NCPC Election Results:
by Annette R. Floystrup, RCPC board member
Chris Jackson, Chairman
4
Many College Avenue merchants were
surprised to learn that the board of
directors of the Rockridge District Asso-
ciation (RDA) reactivated the attempt to
dissolve the existing Business Improve-
ment District (BID), an entity controlled
by merchants, and replace it with a new
Community Benefits District (CBD),
an entity financially controlled by large
land owners. Business owners and public
opinion stalled the initial effort in 2007 as
reported in the Rockridge News, October
2007. A coalition of small property owners
stopped the effort at the August 11, 2009,
CBD Steering Committee meeting, but
the September 2009 RDA Board minutes
indicate that the “pursuit for the CBD may
continue.”
proceed with its formation. Representatives
from Dreyer’s Corporation (Nestlé SA) cast
the lone vote to go forward, and the nays
carried the day 12-1.
Frank Castro, Vice Chair
Denise Boisvert-Jorgensen,
 Treasurer
Karen Ivy, Secretary and
 Information Officer
Money in the bank
The RDA, with an approximate annual
income of $140,000, has an administration
contract for $50,000 with their primary
consultant, Marco Li Mandri, and his
firm, New City America. Of the remaining
year. An additional $80,000 is budgeted
for maintenance personnel, supplies and
equipment.
The projected CBD assessment income
could mean a doubling of fees to most
merchants, because commercial leases
have pass-through clauses. This means
assessments on land owners will be passed
through to their merchant tenants, something
that might well be problematic for many
in today’s economic climate. Currently,
merchants pay annual BID fees between
$120 and $2500 based on gross receipts.
Second floor businesses, such as therapists,
pay a flat fee of $60 per year.
In addition to local merchants, almost
200 residential rental units are included in
the proposed CBD boundaries. CBDs make
no exemptions for residential properties or
“In addition to local merchants,
almost 200 residential rental units
are also included in the proposed
CBD boundaries.”
funds, there are large unspent balances
carried forward from previous years.  In
the current budget year, the surplus is
$41,000, equivalent to 29% of merchant
assessment fees from 2008-2009.  The
Lakeshore/Lake Park Business Improve-
ment Management District, with an almost
identical income of $140,230.00, had a
surplus of just $913.74, or less than 1%
in their 2008-2009 budget.
Budget documents prepared by RDA
Treasurer Hank Levy (Henry C. Levy &
Co.) for the May 7 RDA Board Meeting,
show a balance of $128,381 as of April 30.
In an interview following the August 11
CBD steering committee meeting, Levy
confirmed that the RDA had an approxi-
mate current balance of $100,000. One
merchant benefit which could be funded
and which has been discussed is tree trim-
ming (a service that the City has put on a
highly delayed schedule) so that merchant
signage would be visible. Minutes from the
September 2009 RDA board meeting show
that the issue was raised with a price tag of
$25,000, but no action was taken.
Opposition coalition
A group of small parcel owners on
College Avenue sent out a survey with
information about the proposed CBD
to all the affected property owners and
received a 42 percent survey return rate in
just two weeks. The responses represented
56 of the 139 parcels within the proposed
boundaries. All responses were strongly
and unanimously negative to formation
of a CBD. The coalition of small parcel
owners was joined in opposition to the
CBD by Safeway. A representative group
of property owners came to the August 11
CBD Steering Committee meeting at the
Market Hall offices, and after hearing a bit
about the CBD, forced a vote on whether to
“The projected CBD assessment
income could mean a doubling of
fees to most merchants.”
nonprofits like churches, and assessment
fees could be passed on in the form of
higher rents. This is legal, according to
Steve Edrington, Executive Director, Rental
Housing Association of Northern Alameda
County, even under Oakland’s current rent
control laws, because the assessment fees
appear on property tax bills.
Kitchens
• Design
• Remodeling
• Showroom Sales
www.acornkitchens
andbaths.com
The Rockridge RDA BID renewal will be discussed
at the October 27 CED Committee meeting. Loca-
tion: City Hall, Hearing Room 1. Time: 2pm. Please
check www.rockridge.org for updated information
closer to that date for possible changes. Interested
parties are encouraged to comment in person or by
email to members of the CED committeee.
Where does the money go?
The current annual income of the RDA
through BID assessments is about $140,000.
At the August 11 CBD steering committee
meeting, documents provided by Li Mandri
proposed a new CBD budget of $317,113.
Most of that increase, $82,368, would go
to fund two private security guards called
“ambassadors” to patrol the street six
hours a day, six days a week, 52 weeks a
KITCHENS & BATHS
510
547-6581
4640 TELEGRAPH AVE  •  OAKLAND
HOURS: T-F  10-5  •  SAT. 10-4
This is the first of a short series of
articles exploring the role of CBDs and
BIDs among Oakland merchants.


5.
October 3, 2009

RCPC Continues
to Monitor BART
Construction Noise
Kitchen Tour
from page 1
enjoying pleasant shade in
the Japanese-inspired garden
on Taft Avenue.
Tour attendance and fund-
raising goals were met A
portion of the proceeds of the
2009 Rockridge Kitchen Tour
will benefit Claremont Middle
School, located in the heart
of Rockridge. The balance of
the proceeds will provide the
two-year operating budget for
the Rockridge
Community
P l a n n i n g
C o u n c i l
( RC P C ) ,  a
n o n p r o f i t
501(c)3 corpo-
ration which
represents the
R o c k r i d g e
community in
matters of land
use and project
planning, parks and open spaces, schools, pedestrian safety
and traffic.
by Stuart Flashman, RCPC chair
The seismic retrofit construction work
at and around the Rockridge BART
station continues to advance. The work in
the west-of-College Avenue parking lot and
sidewalk areas is now complete, and work
is extending through the east-of-College
Avenue area and onto Patton Street. RCPC
continues to monitor construction noise
and lighting for compliance with BART’s
own standards.
At the start of the project, the contrac-
tor had used only canvas sheets as noise
barriers. Thus, College Avenue pedestrians
had been exposed to noise levels as high as
90 dBA (about the noise level of a motor-
cycle gunning its engine). After RCPC
complained to BART, the contractor added
wooden temporary noise barriers in the
construction areas and noise levels dropped
considerably. At this point, RCPC’s observa-
tions indicate that noise levels are  mostly
complying with BART noise standards, but
with sporadic violations. With Claremont
Middle School back in session, RCPC is
particularly concerned about the potential
for the construction noise to disrupt classes
and school activities.
The construction work will also be
moving into residential areas both east
and west of the BART station, where noise
sensitivity is likely to be greater. If you
feel that the noise levels are becoming
excessive near you, you can call the BART
complaint hotline at 874-7425. You should
also let RCPC know, either by e-mail
at chair@rockridge.org, or by phone at
869-4200. More detailed construction
information is available on the BART Web
site: www.bart.gov/earthquakesafety and on
the RCPC Web site at www.rockridge.org.
Photos: Don Kinkead
Elegantly integrating
the outdoors was the
objective in many of the
remodels.
RCPC thanks all those who made this event possible:
Tour co-chairs: Susan Montauk and Jennifer Edmister

Homeowners: John Beintum & Patrick O’Connell, Clarice & John Cummins, Kelly
Cushner & Jeff McCarthy, Christopher Doane & Neal Shorstein, Hilary Fox & Matt
Jacobs, Maxi Lilley & Eric Faurot, Jill Martensen & Mike McDonald, Brenda Twehues
& Matt Boudreau, Sally West & Peter Compton

Planners: Maureen Alano, Jo Ellis, Marcia Hofer, Don Kinkead, Meredith Kaplan,
Barbara Montauk, Nancy Sale, Susan Shawl, Dodie Shoemaker, and the RCPC board
of directors

Tour Docents: Ann Alderman, Angela Chan, Jane Chan, Karen Cilman, Bonnie Clare,
Lynn Crosby, Sherry Davis, Ann Del Simone, Ben Dhong, Linda Eby, Jon Eldan, Sue
Emmons, Kristine Fowler, Bill Garcia, Kathy Garcia, John Gomes, Suzanne Grishman,
Lyn Hikida, Gigi Hua, Susan Huppert, Diane Jacobson, Sari Kulberg, Sally Lappen,
Melly Levy, Barbara Littwin, Dee Dee Lozier, Stephanie Masquelier, Diane Mayo, Nora
Mitchell, Judith Paquette, Jennie Schact, Lisa Schiffer, Cathy Schwabe, Lisa Spearman,
Debbie Stanford, Mike Taylor, Stephanie Upp, Candy Vernetti, Robin Washington, Judy
Weiss, Anne Williams, David Williams, Dean Wolf, Suzanne Wolf

COLLINS ROOFING
Family Owned & Operated

Margarido House Reception: B Restaurant & Bar, New Belgium Brewing, Frey
Vineyards, HALL Winery

482-2227  Seamus
www.collinsroofing.com
Quality Work  •  Free Estimates
Lic # 695711

Photography: Kenneth Rice Photography
Poster Underwriting: Ron Kriss /Lawton Associates
Ticket Sales: Maison d’Etre/Fred Womack
Tour Refreshments: Great Harvest Bread Co.
Tour Ice: Eddie’s Liquors


6.

October 3, 2009

Shades of Green
ics that account for almost all his
electrical needs, and employed
green materials in the renovation.
He has a wonderful Web site about
the home, detailing all the prod-
ucts and green features at www.
gottfriedhome.com/.
McDonald pulled together
a team of local contractors and
fabricators who used green mate-
rials and methods to build a large
house without the environmental
and visual impacts of a house its
size. He started by carving down
into the hillside and using the
earth to insulate a substantial
portion of the downstairs, and
by doing so built a house that,
in spite of its size, complied with
view ordinances and zoning. The
house itself is oriented to take advantage of
natural light and passive solar for heating.
It also boasts solar photovoltaics that cover
almost all the electrical needs of the house.
Sustainable materials were used throughout,
and a particularly beautiful feature of the
home is its rainwater catchment system – a
drought-tolerant roof garden. McDonald has
a comprehensive Web site featuring product
and vendor lists, as well as many wonderful
photos at www.margaridohouse.com.
Photo: Don Kinkead
by Annette R. Floystrup,
RCPC board member
Two men with visions of a greener, more
sustainable future have made their mark
right here in Rockridge. At the September
RCPC Town Hall meeting titled “Battle of the
Greens,” Michael McDonald, of McDonald
Construction, and David Gottfried, founder
of the U.S. Green Building Council, spoke
with passion about their success and obses-
sion with creating LEED Platinum certified
homes for their families.
While their green vision is the same, the
path to LEED Platinum led McDonald to
design and construct a 4,700 sq. ft. home in
the Oakland Hills burn zone, and Gottlieb
to renovate a 1917 Craftsman bungalow just
off College Avenue. The two homes achieved
LEED point ratings within 0.5 of each other,
with Gottlieb’s having the overall edge due
to its walkable location and small size.
Gottlieb was quick to point out that he had
done all possible retrofits – and then some
– in part due to a personal desire to test the
various products and systems, and in part due
to a self-admitted “green geekiness” factor.
Among other things, he incorporated new
windows, special insulation blown into the
walls, under floor and attic insulation, grey
water and rain water reclamation systems, a
solar water heating system, solar photovolta-
Arm wrestling green builders spoke at the
Sept Town Hall meeting. On left, builder Mike
McDonald (Margarido House), right is Green
Building Council founder David Gottfried, center
is NPR reporter and moderator Lonny Shavelson.
(McDonald and Gottfried are both Rockridge
residents, Shavelson lives in Berkeley.)
EBMUD. When possible, replacing a 5-7
gallon flush toilet with a dual flush water
saving toilet saves thousands of gallons of
water a year. The new State law regulating
grey water systems puts simple systems
within financial reach, reducing the costs
from thousands to as little as $200.
Questions from the floor centered around
practical applications of green to both new
construction and retrofits. McDonald empha-
sized that proper design is green and takes
into account solar orientation and natural
light – considerations that cost nothing when
done at the design stage. Both men agreed
that green was not an architectural style, and
that any house style can be made greener.
Certainly – the contrast between their two
homes, a Craftsman bungalow and a newly
built contemporary – could not be greater,
and yet both are exceptionally green.
Gottfried closed by stating that the green-
est thing about his house is its location in a
walkable neighborhood. Rockridge is rated
one of the most pedestrian-friendly areas in
America as rated by Walkscore.com. Plug
in your address and see how you rate.
Easy green: low hanging fruit
Both McDonald and Gottfried spoke to
the real importance of the “low hanging
fruit” of the green building movement. They
agreed that the single greenest thing you can
do in your home is replace your incandes-
cent lightbulbs with compact fluorescents
or LEDs. Most LED lighting is completely
nontoxic as opposed to compact fluorescents
which must be properly recycled due to the
presence of small amounts of mercury. Addi-
tional inexpensive green upgrades include
using Lo-Voc or No-Voc paints and the
installation of water flow restrictors from
Aaaaaah.
Restorative Yoga
Sundays @ 6pm
with Vickie Russell Bell
Live Music Every First Sunday
Also visit our store for the largest selection of
women’s yoga wear and yoga props in the East Bay

join the annual Halloween Parade!

www.namasterockridge.com
5416 college avenue  510.547.YOGA
(near Rockridge library)

Continuing our neighborhood’s great, ghoulish tradition, the
Rockridge District Association (RDA) and the Rockridge Com-
munity Planning Council (RCPC) invite you to celebrate Halloween
on College Avenue! From noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 31,
participating merchants will host trick-or-treating along both sides
of College Avenue, from Alcatraz to Broadway.
Meet in front of the College Avenue Presbyterian Church, 5951
College Avenue, at 11:45 a.m. At precisely noon, we’ll kick off trick-
or-treating, leading the first group along the Avenue. Then, at 1 p.m.,
we’ll return for spooky storytelling and silly, scary sing-alongs.


7.
October 3, 2009

Update
from page 1
schools, communications, transporta-
tion, parks, or public safety) and attend
the monthly RCPC Town Hall meetings.
Interested? Send an e-mail to chair@rock-
ridge.org. You can also leave a voicemail
message at 869-4200 or send a letter to the
RCPC mail address (listed on page 2). The
board expects to fill the remaining seat at
its November meeting.
When hiring
a service
company,
make sure
they are the
best at what
they do.
My neighborhood gym!
“After working out here for years,
I bought the place!
Check out our new
equipment & classes.
Bring in this ad &
get a *FREE
WORKOUT*”

Emergency Numbers
If you live in Oakland or Berkeley, and
you are calling from your landline,
call 911 if you have a life-threatening
emergency, such as a medical
emergency or a fire.
However, if you live in Oakland or
Berkeley, and you are calling from your
cellphone, use the following numbers:.
n The emergency number, when call-
ing from a cellphone in Oakland, is
777-3211.
n The emergency number, when call-
ing from a cellphone in Berkeley, is
981-5911.
Program your cellphone to call the cor-
rect emergency number.
Important Note: If you pay property
taxes in Oakland, you live in Oakland,
even if your Zip code is Berkeley 94705.
If you live in Oakland, make sure it is
clear to the dispatcher that you live
in Oakland, even though you have a
Berkeley Zip code.
Residential &
Commercial
Armed Patrol,
365 x 24 x 7
547-SAFE
(547-7233)
Rockridge Sales Still Hot in September

Closing Date
 BR/Bth
 Address
Original Price
DOM
LP
SP
 9/16/2009
2/2
411 Avon Street
$625,000
13
$625,000
$675,000
 9/4/2009
2/1.5
424 Cavour Street
$650,000
36
$650,000
$575,000
 9/3/2009
2/2
5260 James Avenue
$689,000
12
$689,000
$725,000
 9/22/2009
2/1
5834 Birch Court
$699,000
18
$699,000
$761,500
 8/28/2009
3/1
5470 Manila Avenue
$779,000
45
$729,000
$729,000
 9/18/2009
3/2
5308 Bryant Avenue
$799,000
29
$749,000
$739,000
 9/8/2009
4/1.5
353 Alcatraz Avenue
$799,000
17
$799,000
$812,025
• Over half the properties Listed in Rockridge, Sold for OVER the asking price this September, compared to only
33% last year.  • The average List to Sell price was 99% in September of last year as well as September of this year.
• September of ’08 yielded less closings in Rockridge than September of ’09.  • Virtually the same market time in
Rockridge now as in 2008.  • There is currently a 1.3 month supply of inventory in Rockridge.

-Lisa
Gartland,
gym owner
Inside
Outside
Fitness
* New members only *
(510) 655-8308
4444 Piedmont Ave
Oakland, CA 94611
www.InsideOutsideFitness.com
There is a lot of world to explore.
new discoveries - new friends - renewed life
Contact Us Today
Call Thomas Talboy
(866) 984-8687
or visit us online at:
www.UbiquityInternational.com
Family and Student Travel
School Travel • Pilgrimages • Special Interest
ISIC, IYTC, ITIC • European Rail
Ubiquity International, LLC
PO Box 21265
 Piedmont, CA 94620-1265
CST: 2070359-40  WA SOT: 602-549-382

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.
Authentic Japanese Cuisine
ADDRESS 5335 College Avenue,

 Oakland, CA  94618
Rikyu
TEL 510 595 7388
JAPANESE RESTAURANT


8.

October 3, 2009

eats it with a bit of rice. The firepot is the
perfect winter entertaining meal. It proceeds
at a leisurely pace in a festive atmosphere
and can last from two to three hours. And
of course, in those communal years, who
could forget the great potluck dinners?
Moving to the Bay Area in the early ’80s,
we were swept up into the California food
revolution. Entertaining became a more
formal affair with an emphasis on the foods
of the Mediterranean, Mexico, and Southeast
Asia. We also tended to serve dishes from
countries where we had recently traveled.
We went through our Vietnamese and Thai
phase, Moroccan tagines with preserved
lemons, and recently, Turkish cuisine.
We also still enjoy traditional Ameri-
can food. For Labor Day, I slow-smoked a
Southern-style brisket for over five hours.
Our guests enjoyed the barbeque with cole
slaw, potato salad and corn bread – pretty
basic but so good.
This month’s recipe is from the Vincent
Price cookbook. It is a constant standby in
our entertaining menu. It is easy to prepare
and will delight your guests.
Rock  ridge
Cornucopia
Cornucopia
Barry A. Kaufman
The Times They Are A-Changin’
Recently, the New York Times ran an
article by Kim Severson titled “The
Fickle Palate.” In the piece, Kim traces recent
dinner party fads and trends. She equates
dinner party trends with hemlines; a way
to measure who we were back then.
Each year, I attend the Fancy Food
Show in San Francisco. At the trade show,
gourmet food vendors show off their latest
wares to attract new consumers. Last year
it was salami and dry-cured Italian meats.
The year before, it was row upon row of
tea, and before that, visitors were inundated
with salts of all kinds. My prediction for
this year’s event will be organ meats, par-
ticularly pig parts.
When I married some 44 years ago, a
gift we received was a copy of Mary and
Vincent Price’s A Treasury of Great Recipes.
The cookbook was a beautiful leather-
bound collection of famous specialties of
the world’s foremost restaurants. The book
contained actual copies of the restaurants’
menus and lavish photographs. Check
these prices at New York’s Sardi’s in 1966:
shrimp cocktail, $1.50; escarole salad, $.75;
roast prime rib, $4.85. As newlyweds, we
started our culinary adventures with Mary
and Vincent Price as our guide. We served
Quiche Lorraine, fondue, clams marinara,
and a standby still in our repertoire, French
chocolate ice cream.
We left New York in 1969 to attend
graduate school and lived a hippie life-
style in rural Western Massachusetts. Out
with Vincent and Mary and in with Mollie
Katzen’s Moosewood Cookbook and The
Enchanted Broccoli Forest. The recipes
and drawings were hand-done by Mollie.
Our shopping list now included tamari soy
sauce, tahini, tofu, bean sprouts, grains and
legumes, and a wide range of herbs and
spices. We made our own yogurt, breads
and granola from Mollie’s books. One year
we brought our bread and granola with
homemade sand candles as holiday gifts
to New York families. I will never forget
the looks on their faces when they opened
their gift packages!
When we left New York, we also left
our prime-time culinary delight – Chinese
food. I was determined to learn how to
cook and serve Chinese food. I purchased
Gloria Bly Miller’s The Thousand Recipe
Chinese Cookbook. In those years, you
couldn’t find ginger, let alone some of the
most basic Asian ingredients, in the local
Amherst supermarket. I didn’t even have a
wok. So, I made a trip to New York City’s
Chinatown to stock up on the staples and
buy my first wok and cleaver.
Over the years, we cooked our way
through Gloria’s cookbook. I will never
forget when we tried to make moo shoo
pork pancake wrappers. The pancakes are
always cooked in pairs because they are too
fragile to be cooked alone. Have you ever
tried to separate hot paper-thin moo shoo
pork pancakes? You need to have asbestos
fingers and you’re lucky to get 4-6 whole
pancakes.
Our most famous meal for entertaining
during these years was the Chinese Mon-
golian hot pot. In one of my Chinatown
runs, I bought a firepot and other neces-
sary accoutrements. The basic technique
is simple: a large pot of simmering stock,
a variety of thinly sliced meat, seafood,
chicken and vegetables with an assortment
of dipping sauces. Diners pick up one piece
of food at a time and dip it in the stock just
long enough to cook it through. Your guest
then dips into the sauce of their choice and
Barry Kaufman is a graduate of the California
Culinary Academy. Barry is available for private
cooking classes. Email: kaufman42@earthlink.net.
French Chocolate Ice Cream
(1 quart)
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
6 oz, semisweet chocolate chips
3 egg yolks
1-1/2 cups heavy cream,
whipped to stiff peaks
1. 	In a small saucepan combine
sugar and water. Bring to boil,
boil rapidly for 3 minutes.
2. 	Into a blender put in chocolate.
Add the hot syrup and blend on
high speed for 20 seconds, or
until chocolate is smooth.
Peace of Mind
Bodywork
3. 	Add egg yolks. Blend for 10
seconds.
A touch therapy to relax
the fabric of your being.
4. 	Fold chocolate mixture into
the whipped cream until fully
blended. Spoon mixture into a
bowl, cover with waxed paper,
and freeze for 2-3 hours. This
needs no stirring and will not
form ice crystals.
Sharon Smith, CMT
6097 Claremont Ave., Oakland
www.peaceofmindbodywork.com
510-461-6431


9.
October 3, 2009

Chabot Elementary
Fall Carnival—
Sunday, October 25,
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Claremont Middle School Needs
Volunteers:
Barcoding and Distributing Text Books
If you have some time during the school
day, CMS urgently needs help bar-coding and
distributing text books to the students. Even
an hour would be most helpful. Please report
to the office and ask for Mr. Taylor.
Claremont Middle School Needs
Office Supplies
Claremont Middle School urgently
needs white copy paper and manila fold-
ers (9x12 standard size). If you are able
to make a donation, please drop it off at
Assistant Principal Taylor’s office. If after
hours, you can drop it off at Julia Marquez’s
house at 5433 Shafter Avenue (leave on the
front porch).
Petting Zoo, Kids’ Costume Contest,
Games, Food, Music, and More
The Chabot Elementary School Parent-
Teacher Association (PTA) will host the
school’s annual Fall Carnival on Sunday,
October 25, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Because
the Chabot campus is under renovation, this
year’s Carnival will be held at Claremont
Middle School, 5750 College Avenue,
across the street from the Rockridge BART
station.
Entrance to the Chabot Fall Carnival is
free, with modest prices for delicious food,
games and activities for all ages. The Car-
nival includes booths sponsored by every
classroom at Chabot. There will be activities
and contests, a jumbo jumpie, basketball
hoops contest, wonderful homemade food
and cold beverages. We’ll even have a
Petting Zoo, Kids’ Halloween Costume
Contest, Dog Costume Contest, and a visit
from our fire department!
The Chabot fall carnival is a major
community event each year. The day’s fun
provides important financial support for
Chabot’s music, art, garden, and computer
programs; maintains the school’s library; and
contributes to new playground equipment
and improvements for Chabot. We invite
everyone to bring their family and enjoy
this beloved Rockridge tradition!
More details about the Fall Carnival are
available at www.chabotelementary.org.
Distributing Sports Equipment at
Lunchtime
The school has basketballs, hoola hoops,
tennis rackets, jump ropes and more but
needs volunteers to help check out the
equipment and ensure its return at the end
of the lunch period. Lunch is from 11:45 to
12:30, Monday through Thursday. Please
contact Julia Marquez, 6th grade parent
and PTA Sports Equipment Coordinator, at
marquezjds@sbcglobal.net if you’re inter-
ested in volunteering, once a week, once a
month, or even occasionally.
Learn more:
Claremont Middle School:
www.claremontms.org/
Claremontms/index.html
Chabot School:
www.chabotelementary.org/
Claremont Auction—October 24
Rockridge’s local Oakland public middle school and Rockridge
neighbor, is holding its third annual auction.
Date: October 24 at 6 p.m.
Location: Thelma Harris Gallery, 5940 College Avenue
Tickets: $10; $15 at the door (This is an adults-only event.)
We predict a frightfully good evening as we make every effort to “Scare up
Some Change.” Sip, socialize, and SPEND! We will have delicious fare donated
from Oakland’s Champa Garden, and a no-host bar whose proceeds support
our programs and the 7th grade YMCA trip!
Are you a butcher? A Baker? Do you have a get-away? Consider hosting a dinner
for eight at your house. We will take that vintage bottle of wine off your hands!

Gift certificates from your favorite restaurants are always popular, and you help
our local businesses, too.

Chabot Hosts Board of
Education Meeting
The Rockridge community is
invited to attend the Board
of Education meeting at
Chabot School, 6686 Chabot
Road, in the new multi-purpose
room on Wednesday,
October 28, starting at 5 pm.

Last year, the hope was to bump up Claremont’s API scores by 9 points. We
bashed it out of the park and scores went up an amazing 91 points!
Could it be because of our dedicated teachers and staff, our state of the art
media lab, library, and music programs?
All of which are supported by the Claremont PTA. And YOU!
Want to help? Please join Claremont’s insanely fun auction team.
Contact Fundraising Co-Chairs:
Bonnie Trinclisti Brekke, 547-2313
Amy Vaughan Brekke, 658-4056
Please send your donations and checks to:
The Claremont PTA Auction
5750 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618
879-2010


10.

October 3, 2009

Photo: Don Kinkead

The Neighborhood Merchant
by Theresa Nelson

New on College
Marzano on College
Cuisine from Naples
5356 College Avenue
595-4000
www.garibaldisrestaurant.com/oakland
Synergy
6019 College Avenue
Massage, phototherapy, candles, gifts
547-2290
www.Synergybodyshop.com

Neighborhood History: Rockridge Merchants
—the Last 10 Years

The late 1990s and early part of this decade saw an explosion of new stores and
businesses in Rockridge. This is the second in a series of three articles about the
extraordinary diversity of merchants in the Rockridge neighborhood. All of the stores
listed in this article have opened on College Avenue since 1989, and many are celebrat-
ing their five-year anniversaries.
Next month, the final article in this series will showcase the most long-term Rockridge
businesses (pre-1984), and reveal the name of the Rockridge business open the longest
on College Avenue.
If you see some unfamiliar names on this list, take a stroll during the warm fall
weather and stop in to say hello. And for the stores you already patronize, if they have
an anniversary, take a moment to congratulate them.

Since 1989:
My Own Montessori
Since 1994:
DecoArt Faux Finishes by Caroline Stern
Since 1998:
High Strung
Since 2000–2003:
À Côté (2001)
Abby Photo (2001)
California Municipal Statistics (2001)
CHIC Clothing (2003)
Child’s Play (2001)
Christopher’s Burgers (2002)
Conga Lounge (2003)
Cool Tops Cuts for Kids (2002)
FIT Clothing (2002)
Heartware (2002)
New Style Motherlode Studio (2001)
Market Hall Bakery (2001)
Namaste Yoga in Rockridge (2003)
redhound (2002)
Rockridge Two Wheels (2002)
See Jane Run (2000)
Serrahna (2002)
UPS Store (2003)
Vero (2002)

Bittersweet Chocolate Café (2005)
The Brow Lounge (2008)
Cartridge World (2005)
Crush on College (2007)
Elizabeth H Hair Design (2008)
FedEx Kinko’s (2008)
Flavors of India 9 (2007)
Hipline Dance (2008)
I2 Iranian & Italian Cuisine (2008)
i-elle (2006, but is closing now)
Inamorata (2007)
Iniam (2005)
Lucero Salon (2005)
Marilyn Jaeger Skincare Studio (2008)
The Nail Spa (2007)
Noodle Theory (2007)
Pharmaca (2007)
Phoenix Optical (2005)
Pretty Penny (2007)
Recapture Vintage Bridal (2006)
Rikyu Japanese Cuisine (2008)
Shuz of Rockridge (2006)
Somerset (2007)

Closed
August
5412 College Avenue
Bellies ‘n’ Babies
5501 College Avenue
Dapper for Men
5332 College Avenue
Galvin’s Workspace Furniture
5933 College Avenue
Habit
5467 College Avenue
Milk
5833 College Avenue
Vie Vie Boutique
5831 College Avenue
Synergy (2008)
Tara’s Organic Ice Cream (2008)
Takara Sushi (2008)
Tootsies 9 (2005)
Trader Joe’s (2006)
Viva Diva (2005)
Water Lounge and Raw Bar (2008)
Who’s Your Betty? (2006)
Wood Tavern (2007)
And new in 2009:
Claremont Hair Salon
Fiddlesticks
Currilicious
Restaurant Chu

Please note: if your store or business is not listed in this article or last month’s article
(for stores which opened in the last 25 years), please email merchant@rockridge.org with
your year of opening on College Avenue, and we’ll include you in the next article. Here
are the businesses for which I’m still seeking the opening date:

Since 2004:
Berkeley Kids’ Room (2004)
Blick Art Materials (2004)
Hapuku Fish Market (2004)
Khana Peena Indian Cuisine (2004)
Lulu Rae Confections (2004)
Mitama Japanese Restaurant (2004)
SaHaira (2004)
Siamese Dream (2004)

76 Service Station at Broadway & Broadway Terrace; 77 Salon; Ag Photo; Alta Bates Showcase; Ascribe;
Bambino Thrift Shop; Bank of America at College and Claremont; Bay Functional Fitness; Becky’s Chinese;
Bellissimo Salon; Better Homes Realty; Bing’s Salon; Body Options; Caldecott Properties; Center for Holistic
Health; Claremont Day Nursery; Claremont Veterinary Hospital; Cloud Nine; College Point Café; Cotton
Basics; Crossroads Trading Company; Dryclean Club of America; Elegant Nail; Extreme Pizza; First Fed-
eral Savings; Galaxy Nails; Germany’s Best Auto Service; The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Antiques; Hello
Gorgeous; The Hut; J. Salon; Kingfish Pub; Mail Box Rentals; Marica Seafood; Massage Therapy Center;
McGuire Real Estate; Mr. John’s Dog Grooming; Milagro Salon; Moda Arellano Salon; Next Eyewear; Omni
Painting; Pearl of Siam; Ponzo Salon; Powerform Personal Training; Red Hanger Kleaners; Right Angle Salon;
Rockridge Cleaners; Rockridge Clinic East-West Healing Center; Sabuy Sabuy Thai Cuisine; Shell Station
at College and Claremont; Shine Laundromat; Skincare Salon; Soi 4 Bangkok Eatery; Sports & Orthopedic
Leaders SOL; Supercuts; Tarot Card Reading; Uzen Japanese Cuisine; White Rose Skincare

Since 2005–2008:
Atomic Garden (2007)
Bisou Nail Lounge (2007)


11.
October 3, 2009

Correction
Athena Fischer was the photographer for the September issue of
The Rockridge News item “Where in the World?”
We regret the omission.
Welcoming boys & girls ages 5 and up
(510) 547-4441 www.piedmontchoirs.org
PIEDMONT EAST BAY CHILDREN’S CHOIR
G
R   E   A   L   T   O   R   S
The GRUBB Co.
A New Year
and a
NEW DAY
 to help
those in need.
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
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.
Together, we can truly impact some
very worthy causes.
Julie Gardner
510.339.0400/245
jgardner@grubbco.com
JulieGardner.com
G









Postal Service is cutting back
on neighborhood mail boxes.
Still, there are some around. How
to find them?
Here’s a useful Web site that will list
and map the locations of all USPS
blue mailboxes within a given zip
code (e.g., 94618):
www.payphone-project.com/
mailboxes
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
a
cross-cultural congregation
striving to partner with
         the Rockridge community
   in lifestyle and service.
College Avenue Presbyterian Church
5951 College Avenue, Oakland  510 658-3665
Sunday worShip 10:30 aM • ViSit: capcchurch.org
our wonderful coMMunity Meal, fridayS, 6-7pM
a great opportunity to SerVe


12.

12

October 3, 2009

Rockridge Neighborhood Wins
Ice Cream for Block Party
Block Captain Needed
for The Rockridge News
D
There’s a lot of truth to the stereotype of
the starving poet. But poetry recently
fed a whole Rockridge neighborhood – by
winning more than 15 quarts of free Dreyer’s
ice cream for a block party.
Nearly 100 neighbors on Thomas Avenue
enjoyed free ice cream at their annual
block party on Sunday, September 13 after
resident Ilana DeBare submitted a winning
poem in a nationwide contest sponsored by
Oakland-based Dreyer’s.
People from around the country submit-
ted essays to the Dreyer’s contest, explaining
why their neighborhood deserved an ice
cream block party. DeBare made her case
through verse, noting that “Toddlers and
seniors could share the treat of an ice cream
social on our street.”
In a happy coincidence, the block party
coincided with the 97th birthday of Thomas
Avenue resident Ernest “Bick” Bicknell,
o you have 20 minutes to spare
each month to dedicate to your
community? Here’s a delivery route
that just became available:
#22B Block Captain: Delivers
newsletters to odd numbers along
Claremont Avenue between Forest
Avenue and the freeway ramp to
Highway 24
Please call 547-3855 or e-mail
Susan at smontauk@gmail.com to
volunteer.
a longtime Quaker activist for peace and
social justice.
So the 15 quarts of Dreyer’s Slow-
Churned ice cream were accompanied by
a homemade birth-
day cake by resident
Cheryl Aguilar, and a
streetwide chorus of
another set of verses:
“Happy birthday,
dear Bick.”
Why Our Neighborhood Deserves an Ice Cream Party
(Poem by Ilana DeBare that won the Dreyer’s Ice Cream contest)
Our neighborhood used to be quite sedate,
Retirees and young professionals who stayed at work late.
But five years ago, it changed its tune
Thomas Avenue had a baby boom!
Now our street has dozens of kids
With strollers, trikes and Play-doh lids.
Parents chat, a beer in hand;
Teens babysit or lend a hand.
Rockridge
    Optometry
Old and young, we all remember
To come out for a block party each September.
We’ve got an email list and Neighborhood Watch,
A Halloween party with games and such.
Your neighborhood
family eyecare providers
since 1947
Dr. Donald Sarver
Dr. Larry Sarver
Dr. Scott Yokoi
Dr. Cindy Sakai
But something still seemed to be lacked –
Something sweet, and cold, and snacked.
Toddlers and seniors could share the treat
Of an ice cream social on our street.
All Sunglass Frames — 30% off
AND, Save the Date: Fall Trunk
Show, November 14, 10 – 2
➨
We’re barely a stone’s throw away.
We pass your offices every day.
We visit Dreyer’s on foot, bike or bus –
But wouldn’t it be great if Dreyer’s came to us?
5321 College Avenue, Oakland
510-655-3797
www.rockridgeoptometry.com
Rick Prime    Financial Planning
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!
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
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
SecuritieS and inveStment adviSory ServiceS offered through
financial network inveStment corporation, member Sipc
www.staugustineoakland.com


13.
October 3, 2009

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!
510-658-2599

Hourly consultation
to fit the size
of your interior or exterior
home projects.
www.angelissekarolcolor.com
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

Norman H. Burg, DDS
General Dentistry
(510) 652-1517
5700 Broadway, Oakland
LOOKING FOR DIRECTION IN THIS
VOLATILE MARKET? LET'S TALK.
A Prevention Oriented Practice
Lan J Shaw
Financial Advisor
.
2161 Allston Way Suite A
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-704-8854
www.edwardjones.com
Member CIPF
Member SIPC
G
GRUBBCO.COM
510.652.2133
3070 Claremont Avenue • Berkeley
510.339.0400
1960 Mountain Boulevard • Oakland


14.

October 3, 2009

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.
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.
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 per-
forming. Reasonable rates, patient, dedicated.
All ages welcome. Janet 510/653-6783.
Skin Care Salon
Penelope’s Aesthetics, a serene garden setting
in Rockridge 12 years, specializes in professional
beauty needs. Facials, waxing, lash/brow tints,
skin tag/capillary removal, permanent make-up,
reflexology and more! 30  percent off w/ad.
www.penelopecalef.com 510/594-1552.
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
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#913-727.
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.
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
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.
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.
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. November deadline is October 22.
For information: smontauk@gmail.com
Rockridge Bungalow
Vacation Rental
Fully outfitted with style! Best location.
Steps to College Avenue shopping, res-
taurants & cafes. Home away from home.
www.rockridgebungalow.com
Home Repair Expert
Carpentry, remodeling. Doors and windows,
glass and locks, small electrical, plumbing jobs,
drywall, painting, fences, decks and other odd
jobs. Good rates. Rick 510/761-7168.
Whole Home Comfort &
Energy Savings
Let us make your home energy efficient with
solutions for the health, comfort and effi-
ciency of your home. Insulate to save money,
regulate temperature, improve indoor air
quality. Advanced Home Energy 510/540-4860
www.advancedhomeenergy.com
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.
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 Email harmony-
taiji@yahoo.com or phone 415/786-2469.
Watercolor Lessons with
Wendy Yoshimura
Sunday mornings 10am-1pm. All levels are
welcome. Instruction is tailored to the indi-
vidual. Each session is $30. 510/595-6806.
www.wendyyoshimura.com
Non-Toxic House Cleaning
Lotus Cleaning Services provides excellent
service while protecting your health and
the planet. Licensed, bonded and insured.
Experienced, reliable cleaners. Great for
households with allergies, asthma, small
children. Reasonable rates. 510/452-0755,
lotusclean@comcast.net
Color & Design Consultation
Painting? Remodeling? New Home? Get
expert help with your interior or exterior
project. Color and design integrating your
personal aesthetics into beautiful, successful
plans. Materials selections, creative solutions.
www.livingenvironmentsincolor.com Sharon
Lutz. 510/655-4815.
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.
Design, Construction, Fine
Carpentry, Full Service
Contractor
Victorian, Edwardian, and Craftsman upgrades
to gates, trellises, built-ins and simple repairs.
Interior, exterior, new, old, large, small. Insured.
Many local references. See catconstruction.biz.
Lic. #813074. Craig 510/232-5978.
Volkswagen of Oakland
There’s something different about us!
Call: Timothy at 510/843-7711, Ext 107.
SIMPLIFY!
Clutter Control
Paper/Filing Systems
Kitchens/Closets
INTERIOR-EXTERIOR LEAD
CERTIFIED PAINTERS
Professional preparation. Many local
references. All work Guaranteed
(510) 654-3339
Space Planning
Packing/Unpacking
Solutions for the critical mess
Non-Judgmental & Confidential
www.SummersOrganizing.com
Barbara ✔ 415-381-0707


15.
October 3, 2009

Wisteria Ways Concert Series
Bill Evans and Megan Lynch:
■
■
 Acoustic, bluegrass,
grime: sing and play old-timey and original fiddle
and banjo music. Sun., 11/11, 3pm. Wheelchair
accessible. Hear them at www.myspace.com/
billevansandmeganlynch.
Boulder Acoustic Society:
■
■
 New Wave American
Roots: blues, folk gospel and world music. Sat.,
10/31, 3pm. Outdoor concert: 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. For reservations (recom-
mended), RSVP to info@WisteriaWays.org or 655-2771.
See upcoming events at www.WisteriaWays.org.
Women’s Antique Vocal Ensemble
(WAVE) 10th Anniversary Concert
Includes medieval works from Spain England and
France. Joined by players of early-music instruments.
Sat., 10/10, 8pm. St. Albert’s Priory Chapel, 6172 Chabot
Road. $10 – 20. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
Info: 233-1479, www.wavewomen.org or wavewomen@
netzero.net.
Community Women’s Orchestra
25th Anniversary Family Concert
Featuring Hayden, Bonacich and world premier of com-
missioned work by local composer Martha Stoddard.
Special “Instrument Zoo” for children: talk to the musi-
cians and experience the instruments of the orchestra first
hand. Sun., 11/8, 4:30pm; reception following concert.
$10 donation at door; children free. Lake Merritt United
Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave. Free parking.
Info: www.communitywomensorchestra.org.
Christensen Heller Gallery
Robert Rickard: metal wall art. Work is carved into
aluminum and coated with other metals like copper
and bronze to achieve extraordinary colors. Show
runs thru Nov.1st. Hrs: Wed – Sat, 11am to 6pm; Sun.,
noon to 5pm. 5829 College Ave. 655-5952; www.
christensenheller.com.
North Oakland Senior Center
Flu shot clinic: Tues., 10/27, 9am to noon.
■
■
 Bring
Medicare card. $3.00 suggested donation.
Rummage Sale: Sat., 11/7, 9am to 3pm.
■
■
 Clean out
your clutter (no furniture) for Indoor fundraiser. $10
per table for members; $15 non-members.
Hrs: Mon. – Fri., 8:45am to 4:45pm. 5714 Martin Luther
King, Jr. Way. Closed Fri, 10/23 for mandatory shutdown.
More info; 597-5085

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

Community Calendar

Council President Brunner’s
Community Advisory Meeting
Diesel Book Readings and Events
All events are FREE and open to the public.
Tues., 10/6, 7pm.
■
■
Daniel Silberberg: Wonderland:
The Zen of Alice.
Thurs., 10/08, 7pm. Local author and Mills College
■
■
Saturday, Oct.10, 10am to noon. Meet Oakland’s new
Police Chief Anthony Batts.
Peralta Elementary School: 460 63rd St. (parking on
Alcatraz Ave., just east of Telegraph).
For more information, see The Brunner Report at www.
oaklandnet.com or call 238-7001.
Rockridge Branch Library
Professor Cornelia Nixon’s publication party for
Jarrettsville.
Sun., 10/11, 3pm.
■
■
Poetry Flash with Alison Hawthorne
and Ann Fisher-Wirth.
Mon., 10/12, 7pm.
■
■
Amnesty International Meeting:
All invited to exchange ideas on action.
Sun., 10/18, 3pm. Local author
■
■
Taije Silverman:
poetry collection, Houses are Fields.
Fri., 10/23, 7pm. Publication Party for former Diesel
■
■
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.
Pajama Story Time and Crafts:
■
■
 2nd and 4th
Tuesdays, 7pm.
Special Events:
MoChA Workshop:
■
■
 Sat., 10/10, 2:30 to 4pm. Make
fabulous art out of recycled materials—perhaps to
contribute to the annual Trash to Treasures Competi-
tion and Art Show? All ages: children under 8 bring
a grown-up.
Halloween Story Time:
■
■
 Tues., 10/27, 7pm. For all
ages. Not-too-scary. Come in your costume.
Halloween Crafts:
■
■
 Sat., 10/31, 2 to 4pm. Make
spooky items: a hairy spider, worms-in-dirt and
trick-or-treat bags.
FOR TEENS:
Rockridge Ninjas (Anime Club):
■
■
Teens watch and
talk about anime. Second Tues. each month (10/13),
5 to 6:30pm, upstairs. Info: Susy, 597-5017.
FOR ADULTS – Library sponsored events:
Writers’ Support/Critique Group:
■
■
 All writers welcome.
Bring 15 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.
OTHER MEETINGS in the Library:
Greater Rockridge N’hood Crime Prevention
■
■
bookseller and local HS Eng. teacher Nina LaCour:
Hold Still.
Sun., 10/25, 3pm. Book Launch party for local author
■
■
of books for younger readers Marissa Moss: The
Pharoah’s Secret.
Tues., 10/27, 7pm. Pulitzer Prize-winner,
■
■
Michael
Chabon: Manhood for Amateurs: The Pleasures and
Regrets of a Husband, Father, and Son (essays).
Thurs., 10/29, 7pm. Local author
■
■
Alan Briskin:
The Power of Collective Wisdom: And the Trap of
Collective Folly.
Sun., 11/1, 3pm. Poetry readings:
■
■
C.S.Giscombe: Prai-
rie Style and Charity Ketz: The Narcoleptic Yard.
Thurs., 11/5, 7pm. Local author/illustrator
■
■
Chris Lane:
Zombies: A Record of the Year of Infection. Original
illustrations will be on display.
Sun., 11/8, 3pm.
■
■
Poetry Flash with Marilyn Kallet
and Susan Cohen.
Wed., 11/11, 7pm. Book Launch Party for local author
■
■
Anne I. Barrows: Our Charlotte (poems).
DIESEL, A Bookstore, 5433 College Ave. 653-9965 or
www.dieselbookstore.com.
Cookbook Signing at the Pasta Shop
Meet Jacqueline Mallorca author of Gluten-Free Ital-
ian. Sample recipes and ingredients. Sat., 10/17, 1pm
to 3pm. The Pasta Shop Rockridge Market Hall, 5655
College Ave., 250-6001.
Halloween Parade on College Ave.
Sat., 10/31, from noon to 2pm. For kids of all ages. Put
on your costumes and meet at 11:45am in front of the
College Ave. Presb. Church, 5951 College Ave to join
the parade. Merchants will host trick-or-treating from
Alcatraz Ave. to B’way. See details in article p. 11.
Council (NCPC): Residents and business members
can voice their concerns about crime and public safety.
4th Thursday each month, 7- 8:30pm, upstairs meeting
room. Info@rockridgencpc.com or infofordenise@
yahoo.com.
ART EXHIBITS: (Call to confirm dates)
Gallery:
Oct.:
■
■
Chris Jennings: digital photography.
Nov.:
■
■
Oak. Public Library Staff: group art exhibit.
Lobby Display Case:
Oct.:
■
■
John Baldwin: finger puppets.
Nov.:
■
■
Oak. Public Library Staff: group art exhibit.
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
(Library branches are no longer open on Mondays).
Also closed Fri., 10/23 and Wed. 11/11.
Chabot Elementary Fall Carnival
Petting Zoo, carnival booths, kid’s costume contests,
bring your dog for a dog’s costume contest, games,
food music and more. Sunday, 10/25, 11am to 3pm.
Proceeds benefit school programs & improvements.
NOTE: Because Chabot campus is under renovation,
Carnival will be held at Claremont Middle School,
5750 College Ave. See details in article p.12. www.
chabotelementary.org.
Claremont Middle School Auction
Bid on interesting items, eat and drink and help the
PTA support media, library, music programs and more.
Saturday, 11/24, 6pm. Tickets: $10 advance, $15 at
the door, (adults-only event). Thelma Harris Gallery,
5940 College Ave. See details and contact info in
article p.12.

5418 College Ave. (510) 420-1928


16.

October 3, 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

Coming Soon—6015 Hillegass
Unbelievably charming 3++ bedroom 2 bath
craftsman with original wood details, built-in
cabinets, updated kitchen & bath, large enclosed
sun porch and deep backyard. Sharp!
Price Upon Request
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
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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!”
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

JUst Listed – rockridge
5270 Locksley Avenue
$799,000
2 Beds & 2 Baths
Amazing Brand New Condo
On Tree-lined St. Level in!
www.5270Locksley.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
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
Price reduced $795,000
4 Beds & 2 baths
on a 4,000sqft +/- Lot
www.5558claremont.com
FoLLow Us on twitter
Now you can get daily news, market
activities, and views about Rockridge real estate
from veteran real estate broker Ron Kriss
on Twitter @ www.Twitter.com/LawtonAssoc
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