Extracted text · highlighting “Andrew Charman”

www.rockridge.org

VOL. 25    NO. 9    ISSUE NO. 271    October 2, 2010                          CIRCULATION: 5,100 Residences; 200 BusInesses

Sponsored by the Rockridge Community Planning Council • 4123 Broadway, PMB 311 • Oakland, CA 94611 • 869-4200

Just In: Community Meeting
to Review Caldecott Tunnel
Settlement Projects–
November 8, 7 p.m.  Page 5

College Avenue Celebrates “Out & About”

Halloween Parade is On!
Co n t i n u i n g
o u r
neighborhood’s great,
ghoulish tradition, the
Rockridge Business
Improvement District
(BID) and the Rockridge
Community Planning Council (RCPC)
invite you to celebrate a spoooky Halloween
A young
Hula
Hooper
studies
technique
Festival-goers enjoy the
shade, a meal and music
on College
RCPC’s booth
attracts visitors
➧➧Halloween, page 10
Photos: D. Kinkead
Councilmember Q&A at
September Town Hall
How much trouble is Oakland
actually in? Meeting report, page 8
Keeping Rockridge Healthy
What does it take to maintain Rockridge?
Time and Money? Yes, and you have choices...
A
wonderful characteristic of Rockridge
residents is that they readily step up
when the community needs help and support.
This characteristic is responsible for building
a branch library on a vacant lot and creating
a community park on a moribund creek bed,
two community amenities enjoyed today.
Other needs are now pressing: the
community must respond effectively to
development pressures and must maintain
its library, its park and its schools.
Everyone can help in one, or more ways:
proposal must be thoroughly studied, a
costly process. See page 2 for details and
how you can contribute.
■
■FROG Park play structures are show-
ing their age, needing labor and time to
remedy. Page 9 reports on work done and
describes coming projects.
■
■The Rockridge library has an opportu-
nity to double its DVD collection, and needs
funding for shelving costs. See page 2 to
learn how you can help bring a vast and free
video resource to the Rockridge community.
Jane Brunner answers residents’
questions at the RCPC September
Town Hall meeting.      Photo: D. Kinkead
■
■Safeway is proposing a controversial
redesign of its College Avenue store. This
■
■Underfunded public schools are hold-
ing fundraisers. Pages 6 and 7 have details.
October RCPC Town Hall Meeting
AGENDA: Mayoral Candidates
Co-Sponsor: League of Women Voters
14
October 21, 2010  |  7:30-9 p.m.
Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Avenue
at Manila, Community Room (Upstairs)
21
RCPC and the League of
Women Voters Present:
November Ballot Preview
INFO: Voting
Note
Location
October 14, 2010  |  7-9 p.m.
College Preparatory School Auditorium
6100 Broadway (past Brookside Avenue)
The November ballot is crowded with propositions and
measures deserving our attention. The League of Women
Voters and RCPC present a program to review and familiarize
ourselves with what we will find on our ballots on November 2.
Mayoral Forum Previews November Candidates
The Rockridge Community Planning Council is sponsoring a mayoral
candidate forum Thursday, October 14, at 7:00 p.m. at the College
Preparatory School. Representatives of
the League of Women Voters (LWV)
➧➧Mayoral Forum, page 8

 New Address for Newsletter:  The Rockridge News, 4123 Broadway, PMB 311, Oakland, CA, 94611


2.

October 2, 2010

Helping Hands for Rockridge

ROCKRIDGE BRANCH LIBRARY
5366 College Avenue
597-5017
HOURS:
Mon, Tues:
Weds, Thurs, Sat:
Friday:
Sunday:
Library program details: See Calendar, page 15.

Your Help Needed With College Safeway EIR Review
Funds sought to meet
EIR matching grant

12:30 – 8 p.m.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
12 – 5:30 p.m.
CLOSED
CLOSED: Sunday and Monday; also Saturday, 10/9.

by Stuart Flashman, RCPC chair
Contributions to RCPC’s drive to match
a grant for the cost of the Safeway
on College EIR (Environmental Impact
Review) have begun coming in. The pend-
ing Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) on Safeway’s proposed 62,000 sq. ft.
College Avenue shopping center project will look at the ways the City believes
the proposal, almost tripling the size of the current 22,500 sq. ft. store, will
affect the surrounding community. Traffic, bicycle and pedestrian safety, air
and water quality, noise, aesthetics, are all being studied. Following a comment
and response period, a final EIR will be issued, which the Planning Commission, and
potentially the City Council, will use in deciding whether to approve Safeway’s project.
An EIR is a technical document, usually requiring special expertise to determine
whether its analysis is accurate. RCPC received a $10,000 matching grant from the Rose
Foundation (Rockridge News, January 2010) to pay the needed experts. RCPC can only
use this money if it is matched by community donations. Your donations will help fund
the experts who will assure that the project’s impacts on Rockridge are fully and fairly
disclosed, discussed, and, where possible, mitigated.
Matching the grant will require additional donations. Make your contribution by
credit card or by PayPal at the RCPC website: http://rockridge.org/Safewayfunds.html.
Donations can also be made by mail, using the coupon on page 10.

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, 2010-2011
Stuart Flashman	�����������������Chair
Andrew Charman	���������������Vice-Chair
Michael Kan	������������������������Secretary
Cesar Angobaldo	���������������Treasurer
Annette Floystrup, Matthew Edling, Ashley Etling,
Jonathan Gabel, William Kaufner, Don Kinkead,
Alex Naughton, Robert Orenstein,
Ronnie Spitzer, Ann Winterman
Contact the Board: chair@rockridge.org
For information: info@rockridge.org
College on Safeway Website

Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Federal Tax ID no.: 94-3011284.

Library DVD Project Garners Community Support
An article in the September
issue of The Rockridge News
announced the beginning of a fund
drive to meet the costs of shelving
an expanded DVD collection at
the Rockridge Branch library. Donations
have begun, and the community’s continued
support will help DVD Project discs reach
Rockridge Branch Library shelves. Each
DVD costs about $11 to put on a library
shelf, including purchase, library cases and
cataloging. Because the cataloging company
can most efficiently process all the DVDs at
once, funds need to be collected in advance
for all the DVDs before any can be made
available to the library.

Newsletter Subscriptions
Visit the DVD Project Web Site
Make your tax-deduct-
ible donation and see the
list of DVDs that you will be
supporting by visiting www.
RockridgeDVDProject.org
and clicking on the “Donate”
button. Browse the lists of adult, teen and
children’s titles that your donation will help
add to the library.
Thank you for your help expanding the
Rockridge Branch’s DVD collection.
To subscribe to The Rockridge News, send
your check for $20, payable to Rockridge News
Subscriptions, to: Rockridge News Subscriptions at
the address below.
Contacting The Rockridge News
	 Are there community issues you’d like to see
covered in The Rockridge News?
	 Do you have questions about newsletter
distribution?
	 Want to volunteer to be a Rockridge News
block captain?
	 Would you like to write a letter to the Editor?
Contact us at one of the following:
Editor: editor@rockridge.org
www.rockridge.org
The Rockridge News, 4123 Broadway, PMB 311,
Oakland, CA 94611
RCPC Voicemail: 510/869-4200
Donations are tax-deductible to the extent
allowed by law. Federal Tax ID no.: 94-3011284.
Donations will be handled through RCPC, which
is lending the use of its tax ID to the project.
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.

Portions of the above articles are reprinted from the September issue of The Rockridge News. — 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 Trader Joe’s and Zachary’s Pizza
EXPERT
SHIRT
LAUNDERING!

Newsletter Advertising/Deadlines
Publication date of the next issue is
 November 6, 2010
 November deadline is October 21, 2010.
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 2, 2010

understands this large project’s impacts.
The RCPC Land Use Committee meets on
the fourth Wednesday of the month.
Next meeting: October 27. Rockridge Branch
Library, Upstairs Meeting Room: 7:30 p.m.
■
■Kumon Math & Reading
Learning Center (6019 College,
former location of Synergy)
At its September meeting, the RCPC
board accepted the recommendation of
the Land Use Committee and voted to
oppose the application to locate a Kumon
Math and Reading Learning Center at
the former site of Synergy along College
Avenue just south of Claremont Avenue.
While the board appreciated the potential
value of the center to local students, it felt
the removal of a street-level retail storefront
space on College Avenue, and the precedent
that would be set, necessitated RCPC’s
opposition. The applicant was encouraged
to look at other less prominent locations
in the area.
Property Development Center CEO David
Zylstra, AC is still considering its feasibility.
An EIR is in preparation.
Land Use Update
by Stuart Flashman, RCPC Land Use
Committee chair
■
■College Avenue Safeway
Shopping Center (Corner of
College & Claremont Avenues)
The City is still working on the Draft
Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for
this 62,000 sq.ft. project that would replace
the current 22,500 sq.ft. Safeway store.
RCPC, in collaboration with FANS (Friends
and Neighbors of College Avenue) is hiring
professional consultants to review the
DEIR’s analysis and to assure the City fully
■
■Rockridge Shopping Center
(Corner of Broadway and
Pleasant Valley)
Some of the plans for this very large
project have been released and are avail-
able on RCPC’s website at http://rockridge.
org/safewayRockCent.html. Safeway’s
complete slide presentation of the project is
available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
walkingsf/sets/72157620291939311/
with/4973406664/
Safeway is continuing to modify the
plans in response to public comments. One
proposal has been to improve the project’s
transit connections by placing an AC
Transit bus station within the project site.
AC Transit staff’s initial reaction was less
than receptive, but according to Safeway

City Announces Public Meeting: Zoning Update Committee (ZUC)

Land Use Meeting Agendas
Contact Stuart Flashman at 652-5373 or chair@
rockridge.org for a copy of the current Land Use
Committee meeting agenda.

Wednesday, October 13  |  4:00 p.m.
Hearing Room 1, City Hall
The public is invited to discuss the
City’s proposed changes to the zoning
text and maps in Oakland’s commercial
and residential areas at a meeting set for
October 13 by city planning staff.
On the agenda are changes to the text
and zoning maps made since the previous
four public meetings, and to address any
outstanding issues, before the Planning
Commission begins its public hearings on
the Citywide Zoning Update in November.
Visit the zoning update webpage
www.oaklandnet.com/zoningupdate to
➧➧Meeting: Zoning Update, page 5

Rockridge Center Safeway Development Views: Present and Proposed

These images, selected
from a PowerPoint
presentation created
by Property Develop-
ment Centers, Safeway’s
Rockridge Center devel-
opment arm, show the
existing shopping center
site (top views) and
changes proposed for
the center (bottom views).
Additional views and
m o r e  i n fo r m a t i o n
are available at the
RCPC website (http://
www.rockridge.org/
safewayRockCent.html).

Existing view from Broadway
looking east.
Existing view from Pleasant
Valley looking north.

CVS Pharmacy
Safeway store
Proposed view from
Broadway looking east.
Proposed view from Pleasant
Valley looking north.
Safeway store/
Rooftop parking
(CVS Pharmacy gone)
Broadway
Shops/Commercial/
Rooftop Parking
Shops/Commercial
Parking
Identifying captions added by
The Rockridge News, based
on developer information.
Representational only. Images
dated July 9, 2010.
Autos
Pleasant Valley
Broadway
Pleasant Valley
Autos
New pedestrian entry
Meandering pedestrian path by quarry pond


4.

October 2, 2010
Mayoral Candidate Statements

to keep our schools up, our crime down
and our neighborhoods vibrant. Volunteers
are replacing the vicious circle of blame
with circles of community. I will lead an
administration that supports and trusts our
grassroots and reforms our council districts
and elections. I will convene a review of
our budget structure and bring a reformed
progressive tax and budget system to the
voters. I am for whole community support
for our schools, community policing,
restorative justice, and job growth that
chooses the path of mutual assistance.
http://macleay4mayor.org/
Don Perata
City Hall is a mess. The mayor and
council have failed Oakland. The budget
teeters on insolvency, core services
diminish and massive police layoffs make
residents less safe.
I believe in Oakland and that the next
four years can be better than the last four.
We need decisive leadership and hands-on
management. I’ve served Oakland for three
decades. I got results.
City Hall must:
•	 Bring OPD to full strength;
•	 Reorganize public services;
•	 Require strict fiscal controls and
mandate long-term budget plans;
•	 Promote local business and hiring
Oakland residents;
•	 Embrace our children and schools.

R
CPC’s October Town Hall meeting, sponsored jointly with the League of Women
Voters of Oakland, features moderated discussion by Oakland’s Mayoral candidates
of the steps each would take to redirect Oakland’s future, if elected in the November
balloting. Each was asked to submit a 100-word platform statement to be printed in The
Rockridge News for residents to review prior to the meeting. — Editor

Terence Candell
My people of the Rockridge area,
I have the oratory skills to be Mayor of
Oakland. My competitors do not. I have
successfully run multiple businesses with
multi-million-dollar budgets and know to
think outside the box. I can walk, speak and
demand action in every part of Oakland. No
other candidate can. My actions at KMEL,
after the Oscar Grant verdict, proved
that I can deliver peace on our streets.
Can anyone else? Please, look beyond skin
color and see the mayor with the best
ideas, the ability to implement them and
the best track record of accomplishments.
I am Terence Candell.
[Terence Candell is not participating in
the forum, but submitted a statement.]
Arnie Fields
[No statement submitted]
Greg Harland
This November the city will face some
significant challenges. The consensus even
among current Councilmembers is that
the November tax proposals will fail.
As Mayor, I plan to balance the budget
by cutting city employee compensation,
while setting up a second tier of new
employees at a lower pay scale to restore
normal basic services, including increasing
the police force to 1,050. Then, I intend
to raise employment by using Oakland’s
status as an Enterprise Zone. Finally, I
want to improve the business environment
in Oakland by reducing parking fees and
business tax rates. For more information,
go to www.harland4mayor.com
Marcie Hodge
As a two-term Peralta Community
College Trustee and a PhD candidate in
Organizational Psychology, I understand
how to implement system-wide change.
The quality of jobs, safety, and education
in our city simply must be improved. I
promise to put an emphasis on ‘quality
of life crimes,’ crimes that inhibit the
revitalization of communities. I will also
fight for an innovative tax structure that
will invite new businesses that support
economic growth.
As your Mayor, I will take my experience
as a Peralta Community College Trustee
and bring innovative thinking, deep
community involvement and strong
accountability to Oakland Schools.
Rebecca Kaplan
I am running for Mayor to create a new
direction for Oakland, with fresh ideas and
the energy to lead effectively. I will build a
City that creates jobs, strengthens public
safety, provides education and opportunity,
and delivers services well. I will tackle our
toughest challenges while balancing the
budget for the long-term without raising
taxes on residents.
I bring my experience representing all
Oaklanders at AC Transit and now on the
Council, and my education and training
from MIT, Tufts, and Stanford Law School.
Please see www.KaplanForMayor.org for
my vision and plan to build Oakland’s
Renaissance.
Don Macleay
The Oakland I promote is growing
around us in the community groups working










 
­

➧➧Candidates, page 5
yoga + wellness
COMING TO
GRAND LAKE
FALL 2010

www.NAMASTEOAKLAND.com


 
	


5.
October 2, 2010

Candidates

New Members for
RCPC Board, Land
Use Committee, and
Kitchen Tour
There has been some membership turn-
over on the RCPC board of directors
and on the Land Use Committee.
On the board, Melinda Frey, elected
last April, has resigned. Her position and
remaining vacancies were filled when the
board appointed Ashley Etling, Matthew
Edling and Robert Orenstein.
On the Land Use Committee, Arden
Hearing has decided to step down and the
board appointed Alex Sinunu, a builder spe-
cializing in green projects, to fill that seat.
Kitchen Tour 2011
We are pleased to announce that we
have two co-chairs to head up preparations
for the 2011 Rockridge Kitchen Tour. They
are Natalie Mehta, who also serves on the
Land Use Committee, and Rachel Gardunio.
You can expect to hear more from them
in the coming months as the kitchen tour
begins to gear up for next fall.
— Stuart Flashman, RCPC chair
read the staff report (posting on October
6, 2010), including highlights of the pro-
posal, click on “Schedule and Upcoming
Meetings http://www2.oaklandnet.com/
Government/o/CEDA/o/PlanningZoning/s/
LUC/DOWD009036.” To view the pro-
posed zoning maps and text, click on
“Proposals http://www2.oaklandnet.com/
Government/o/CEDA/o/PlanningZoning/s/
GeneralPlan/DOWD009051.”
— Planning/Zoning Dept. Press Release

crisis will now resolve it. This is why I am
running for Mayor. — Joe Tuman
Larry Lionel Young, Jr.
I won a National planning project award
for the city of Emeryville in 2007 while
serving as a Toastmasters International
Governor. I plan to use my leadership ability
as I did as a star quarterback, entrepreneur,
youth leader and as a teacher for five
years to accomplish my vision which is to
promote oakland’s image as being one of
the best cities in the World to live, work
and vacation. I will provide solutions by
improving relationships with residents of
Oakland and the business community. I will
provide solutions to our budget deficit,
public safety and increase our educational
rankings expeditiously. As a man with a
personal belief in the power of faith, and
truth, I will fertilize Oakland’s good roots
to harvest. Vote LL and Oakland will be
well. Success Only Option!
from page 4
Jean Quan
We need an ethical mayor with a record
of getting things done in Oakland. On the
School Board, I led efforts to: retrofit,
build schools; reduce class and school
size; restore arts and music; and raise
graduation standards. As Councilmember,
I organized block by block to: co-author
Measure Y, funding 63 new beat officers
and violence prevention programs; stop
library closures; reform budget/pension
policies; establish the Wildfire District;
expand recycling; preserve open space;
and close the crime-ridden Hillcrest Motel,
revitalizing the Dimond and Laurel districts.
As the first woman mayor, I will fight for
honest accessible government, community
policing, school and youth programs, jobs,
affordable housing, retail, and a greener
city. www.jeanquanforoakland.org
Joe Tuman
As your Mayor, I will:
*Return neighborhood policing by
hiring, not firing, more officers without
raising taxes;
*Increase retail opportunities, ensuring
Oakland dollars are spent in Oakland; and
*Attract private-sector employers with
hiring preference for Oaklanders, while
utilizing our community colleges to train
those workers.
The ill-conceived, neglectful policies of
our elected officials have so devastated
Oakland that, without immediate action,
the damage will burden us for decades. It
is simply not realistic to believe that the
same career politicians who created this
Meeting: Zoning
Updtate
from page 4
G
Public Meeting:
City’s Caldecott
Settlement Agreement
Councilmember Jane Brunner is host-
ing a community meeting Monday,
November 8 at 7 p.m. at Kaiser Elementary
School, 25 South Hill Court (Hiller High-
lands) to review and discuss projects proposed
for the City of Oakland Caldecott Settlement
Agreement. Please attend! This might be
your only public opportunity to make your
voice heard on these crucial projects.
In November 2008, the City of Oak-
land concluded a settlement agreement
with Caltrans that included $8 million of
“enhancement” projects located in the North
Oakland Hills, Rockridge, and Temescal.
A complete list can be found at www.
rockridge.org.
The intent was to ameliorate the
operational impacts of adding a fourth
bore to the Caldecott Tunnel. Two major
proposed projects in Rockridge are improved
pedestrian crossings at the Broadway/Keith
extended intersection and at the Broadway/
Rockridge
Optometry
Your neighborhood 
family eyecare providers
since 1947
Dr. Donald Sarver
Dr. Larry Sarver
Dr. Scott Yokoi
Dr. Cindy Sakai
5321 College Avenue, Oakland
510-655-3797
www.rockridgeoptometry.com
GRUBBCO.COM
510.652.2133
3070 Claremont Avenue • Berkeley
510.339.0400
1960 Mountain Boulevard • Oakland
➧➧Caldecott Settlement, page 8


6.

October 2, 2010

Memories Continue to be Created at the
Chabot Elementary Annual Fall Carnival
The Chabot Elementary Fall
Carnival has been a Rockridge
tradition for years, and this year the
tradition continues Sunday, October
24, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Excitement is
building ahead of the event, which
will be held on the NEW Chabot
campus this year, after being held
offsite for the past few years due
to construction. Chabot has brand
new school buildings, a new multi-
purpose building, and two remodeled
school yards for the community
to enjoy, complete with new play
structures. Chabot is at 6686 Chabot
Road at Patton Street.
Traditionally this carnival is
looked upon as the community event
kicking off the 2010-2011 school year. Each
year, new families with school-age children
enter the school and are greeted by this fun-
filled day. Little brothers and sisters enjoy
participating; there are games for all ages.
The carnival is enhanced this year with
the addition of a rock climbing wall and
dunking booth – come dunk Principal
Mayer or your favorite (or not so favorite)
teacher!
Back by popular demand is the petting
zoo, with live animals! Critters include
goats, rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, pot
belly pig, sheep and turkeys. They are put in
child-sized pens to be pet, loved and adored.
As always, entrance is free, with games
for children of all ages, and PRIZES!

Tech Talk
News from Oakland
Technical High School
Compiled by Ronnie Spitzer, RCPC
boardmember
Tech is a-bustling. Tech’s student popula-
tion continues to grow, with a larger than
projected enrollment. Additional teachers
are being hired and classes have been added
to accommodate students who selected Tech
as their “school of choice.”
Lawrence Evans: OUSD Teacher
of the Year
Chemistry teacher Lawrence Evans has
been selected as one of two OUSD teachers
of the year. Mr. Evans works tirelessly with
Tech students and colleagues to ensure that
he is preparing students to succeed in his
classes. He now moves on as a candidate
for Alameda County Teacher of the Year.
Tech’s 2009-10 Academic
Performance Index (API)
Tech’s 2010 API score is 686, a growth of
41 points over 2009! API is a point-in-time
state metric and is one indicator of student
achievement. Teachers and students are to be
commended for exceeding Tech’s statewide
goal of 8 points, and continuing to focus on
standards and academic proficiency.
Booster Club Paints the Bleachers:
Fall sport season’s begun so the bleachers
just got a new coat of paint, courtesy of the
Booster Club. More than 25 enthusiastic,
hard-working Bulldogs turned out Sept. 12th
and 25th to scrape, sweep, sand, prime, and
paint  the beautiful purple and gold luxury
bleachers. Stop by Tech to cheer on one of
its teams or just admire the bleachers.
OakTechRep a Hit at the Fringe
Tech’s students performed in Scotland
this summer at the Fringe Festival, a by-
invitation event showcasing outstanding high
➧➧Tech Talk, page 10
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.
Reconciliation
 Saturday, 4 p.m.
www.staugustineoakland.com

Prize winners gather around the prize booth
to claim their winnings in this photo from the
2009 Chabot Fall Carnival.
Photo: Chabot PTA
There will again be a live DJ all day and
a cake walk hourly.
Bring out your best Halloween costume:
also back by popular demand, the kid’s
costume contest at 1 p.m.
All proceeds benefit the Chabot Elemen-
tary PTA to fund enrichment programs like
music, art, computers, the library and the
garden; coordinate numerous after-school
programs; help in the classrooms; and
much more.
Help our schools
with gifts of
time and/or
money


7.
October 2, 2010

Claremont Middle School Auction: Monster Cash
Your Rockridge neighborhood middle school holds its annual auction October 30 at
Uptown Body and Fender in Oakland.
Last year, we were “Scaring Up Some Change” but this year, due to
budget cuts, we’re looking for MONSTER CASH. Get out your costumes
and join us for an evening of FUNdraising. We guarantee delicious
food, fabulous items to bid on and a selection of tempting drinks
at our no-host bar.
All event proceeds benefit the enrichment programs at
Claremont. We invite the community to join in. Buy early and
save by sending your payment directly to the school at 5750
College Avenue, Oakland, 94618. Make checks payable to
Claremont PTA. You’ll be on our preferred customer list and
your tickets will be waiting for you at the door.
Our solicitation team is out there pounding the pavement
and we can always use more offerings. If you can donate an item
or service, contact fundraising chair Amy Vaughan at avaughan@
stmaryscenter.org. Gift certificates from local businesses are a great
way to support the neighborhood and our school! It really does take a
village and Claremont is happy to be a part of such a wonderful community.

Claremont Auction:
October 30, 2010
6 - 10pm
Location:
Uptown Body
and Fender,
401 26th Street, Oakland
Tickets: $15; $20 at the door.
(Early purchase discount.)
(This is an adults-only event.)
Halloween costumes are
optional but recommended....
Be a Claremont Middle School Partner
stmaryscenter.org.)
by Julie Parker
Budget cuts have limited the ability
of Oakland schools to provide the
enrichment programs and support our
students and teachers need. The Claremont
PTA has gone into high gear with fundraising
activities to support all students and teachers
through our mini-grant program. We also
sponsor enrichment activities including
art, music, technology, library and garden,
as well as educational field trips to the
Marin headlands, Yosemite Valley, and
Washington D.C.
Here are ways the Rockridge community
can partner with us to make sure Claremont’s
enrichment programs are successful:
■
■Purchase the Chinook Book ($20)
from the school. It is filled with 300 valuable
coupons for savings up to $3,000 at local
businesses. To order, contact Julie Parker
at juliepar@gmail.com.
■
■Tell friends and family attending CAL
home football games to park in the Claremont
School yard ($15 all-day parking), then bus
from College and Miles right to the game.
Design, Installation and Maintenance
Native Plant Gardens & Stonework
■
■Check out the Claremont website
often at www.claremontms.org, and keep
up-to-date on our future events: Music
Play-a-thon; Pancake Breakfast; Ride for a
Reason; Spring Fling; and Outdoor Movie
Nights, just to name a few.
Be our Partner in Education. Bring your
family to our future events and have
fun while you support our efforts to provide
enrichment opportunities for all the children
at Claremont Middle School.
Andrea Hurd, Horticulturist and Stonemason
License #883905 h tel. 510.558.8429
www.mariposagardening.com
■
■Come to our Annual Claremont
Middle School Auction, announced in
the article above. (For more information,
or to donate an item or service, contact
auction chair Amy Vaughan at avaughan@


8.

October 2, 2010

south along Telegraph for height limits more
sensitive to the existing structural styles.
Asked about updating the now 12-year-old
General Plan, Brunner just laughed.
Council President
Brunner Outlines City’s
Hopes, Risks
City Council President
and District 1
Councilmember
Jane Brunner
              D. Kinkead
80 officers, inasmuch
as Oakland really needs
another 100 police officers beyond the 800
or so that it had prior to layoffs.
Brunner emphasized the importance of
two November ballot measures. Measure
BB would modify voter-approved Measure
Y to temporarily remove the minimum
officer baseline for the City. Unless Measure
BB passes, she said, the City will lose its
Measure Y revenue for police and crime
prevention services, leading to another 120
police layoffs. Measure X, a $360 per home-
owner parcel tax for the next four-and-a-half
years would allow the City to hire back the
80 officers and the police would begin paying
nine per cent of their salary into the pension
fund. The City would promise there would
be no future police layoffs until at least 2013.
Brunner was optimistic that Oakland
could keep the A’s with a new waterfront
stadium proposal that would have a syner-
gistic effect with the adjoining Oak to Ninth
and Jack London Square areas, resulting
in a more successful commercial area. She
doubted that AC Transit’s bus rapid transit
proposal would be built as proposed, sug-
gesting the more modest “rapid bus plus”
option would improve service without the
damaging removal of on-street parking in
the Temescal area.
Considering the pending rezoning pro-
posal, Brunner noted that the increase in
density along major commercial corridors
was mandated by the City’s 1998 General
Plan, and is affected by the unwillingness of
more suburban Bay Area cities to increase
their densities. Residents in the area east of
Telegraph and north of Alcatraz told Brun-
ner they feared being overshadowed by tall
buildings along those two streets. Brunner
suggested they lobby with residents further
Caldecott
Settlement
by Stuart Flashman, RCPC chair
At September’s RCPC Town Hall
Meeting, City Council President and
Rockridge resident Jane Brunner decided
that, rather than give a prepared talk, she’d
just ask for questions from the audience.
She got plenty. Public safety and Oakland’s
budget deficit dominated the discussion, but
bus rapid transit, rezoning, and the future
of the Oakland A’s also came up.
Brunner noted that within the billion-
dollar Oakland budget, almost $600 million
of revenue comes from state and federal
grants and programs and the City’s redevel-
opment program. The City is limited in how
that money can be used. Of the remaining
$400 million in the general fund, roughly
80 per cent (not counting debt payments)
goes for police and fire services, leaving
only $28 million for all other programs. The
recession has hit Oakland hard, costing $90
million in annual revenue since 2006. Major
budget cuts in the last fiscal year and earlier
this fiscal year left little that could easily
be cut. Even if all discretionary programs,
including parks, libraries, and senior centers,
were ended, Brunner said, it still wouldn’t
be enough to avoid police layoffs without
concessions that the Police Officers Asso-
ciation was unwilling to make.
Brunner noted that Oakland annual police
salaries and benefits average about $180,000
per officer, higher than in surrounding cities
because Oakland is a tough city to police.
Also, it has been common for officers to be
hired and trained in Oakland, then leave
for other less stressful cities. She praised
Police Chief Anthony Batts, saying he was
the first chief who fully understood how to
implement community policing. Brunner
said she deeply regretted having to lay off
from page 5
Lawton intersection, with additional projects
identified during June’s Walking Tours.
When finalized, fact sheets will be posted
online at www.rockridge.org prior to the
meeting. Carpools to Kaiser will depart
from the Rockridge BART station starting
at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact
info@rockridge.org. Check www.rockridge.
org for updates.
Mayoral Forum
from page 1
will lead and moderate the discussion. All may-
oral candidates slated for the November ballot
have been invited to the forum.
Join your friends and neighbors for the
informed and lively presentation. This is an
opportunity to meet the candidates in a
non-partisan environment and to learn their
platforms. You may also read candidates’ state-
ments beginning on page 4. Looking forward to
seeing you October 14.
• Stuck?  Depressed?  Anxious?  Overwhelmed?
• People driving you to distraction?
• Doubting yourself?
• Difficulty coping?
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.
It's time to engage the help of
a good Therapist . . .
510-658-2599
Authentic Japanese Cuisine
ADDRESS 5335 College Avenue,

 Oakland, CA  94618

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

JAPANESE RESTAURANT

TEL 510 595 7388

Sharon Testa-Harker, MFT
CA License No. MFC29310
Berkeley Office near the Claremont Hotel
      Office hours by appt.
      510-655-3289


9.
October 2, 2010
a
rk Corner
P
Rot was found
in parts of the
FROG Park play
structures and
will be repaired.
The structures
are closed
during the repair
period.
Closed
For Repairs
G
Help FROG
Park with
a gift of
your time
A monthly update on
what’s happening at the
best community-built
and maintained
park in Oakland
FRO
Update: FROG Park Fix Up
Maintenance Days
We had successful Fall Maintenance
Days on September 11 and 18, complet-
ing many important tasks: The fibar was
completely removed from Hardy Park, and
partially removed at Redondo; wood play
structures at Redondo and Hardy Parks
were cleaned and sealed to protect against
the elements.
Thanks to all community members who
devoted time and energy to preparing the
park for its City inspection. We especially
acknowledge the freshman, juniors and
seniors of College Preparatory School,
who have supported the Greenbelt since its
inception in 2001, and tirelessly removed the
fibar. Rockridge has benefitted from their
hard work and dedication. Thanks also to
Jim Ryugo of Oakland Public Works and
his staff, who supplied the wheelbarrows,
tools and labor.
Play structures CLOSED
for renovation
Both Redondo and Hardy Parks’ play
structures will be closed until November or
December for renovation. Decisions on work
to be performed at the park, including its
Community
and College
Preparatory
S c h o o l
volunteers
j o i n e d
f o rc e s  t o
spruce up
t h e  P a r k
and remove
the fibar.
Community volunteer maintenance
coordinator Howard Ferrier aloft to
seal the towers on the FROG play
structures.                Photo: Theresa Nelson
scope and time frame, are the responsibility
of City staff. Some non-critical below-grade
play structure pieces need replacement due
to dry rot. The community will not perform
the repairs, although the FROG Steering
Committee has agreed to purchase a new
tot slide (to be installed near the train) and
special wood needed for repairs.
Volunteers needed
Volunteers are still needed to finish
removing Redondo’s fibar. Any landscapers
or landscape architects able to donate a few
hours would be extremely helpful.
Photos: Ronnie Spitzer
Another work day will be organized in
October. Check the FROG Steering Com-
mittee website at www.frogpark.org for time
and date or contact hwferrier@sbcglobal.
net to help.
Third Generation
Rockridge Resident
FROG is a group of community members who care
about the park. We welcome anyone interested in
being a part of our efforts to steward this community
resource. Visit our website, www.frogpark.org
and see “Contact Us,” or send an email to info@
frogpark.org. FROG also distributes a Constant
Contact e-newsletter, which provides up-to-date
information on the Park status and workdays. Send
an email to parknews@frogpark.org to signup.
Ann Lovi
510.339.0400/351
alovi@grubbco.com
D.R.E. Lic. #01716499
GRUBBCO.COM


10.

October 2, 2010
Tech Talk

and an auditorium that doesn’t come close to
being worthy of the performances it houses.
Built in the early 1960s, the 927-seat space
remains virtually unchanged. While the
space itself is excellent, it has inadequate
sound systems, mismatched and partially
damaged seating, and terrible acoustics.
The Oakland Tech Performing Arts Com-
mittee has embarked on a capital campaign
to raise $1.2 million in three phases. Please
contact Pat Williams at prwillia@pacbell.
net, or phone 510/444-1640, to learn about
our plans and find out how you can help!
Get involved!
The Parent Teacher Student Association
(PTSA) welcomes community members
to its meetings, the second Monday of the
month at 7 p.m. in the Oakland Tech Library.
Want to join the PTSA and/or donate to
Tech? There are many ways to give during
the Tech Fund Drive. For more information:
http://tinyurl.com/2flb3a3
from page 6
school drama arts departments. The students
performed for sold-out audiences, attended
workshops at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre,
were interviewed on NPR’s Fresh Air, and
blogged about their adventures. Check it
out at calshakes.org or oaklandtech.com
(Performing Arts tab).
Auditorium Renovation Project:
Oakland Tech has Music! Drama! Dance!

Use the coupon below for donations to help meet the matching
grant made to RCPCfrom the Rose Foundation for the Safeway on
College EIR review. See story, page 2, and in the September issue of
The Rockridge News. Donations may also be made online via PayPal
at RCPC’s website, www.rockridge.org

Halloween
from page 1
on College Avenue on Sunday, October 31,
from noon to 2 p.m.
To join the costumed procession for kids
of all ages, meet at Halloween Central at
the grassy area’s sidewalk in front of the
College Avenue Presbyterian Church, 5951
College Avenue, at 11:45 a.m.
At precisely noon, we’ll kick off the
parade, leading the first group of costumed
kids along College Avenue where partici-
pating merchants wll host trick-or-treating
along both sides of the street from Alcatraz
to Broadway. Then, at 1 p.m., we’ll return to
Halloween Central for spooky storytelling
and silly, scary sing-alongs.

YES! I want to help RCPC protect Rockridge by making sure the EIR
for the College Avenue Safeway Project is complete and accurate. Here is my
contribution of $
.

Name
Address
 City
 ZIP
Phone #
 e-mail
Thank you!
Mail to: RCPC, 4123 Broadway PMB 311, Oakland, CA 94611.
Checks should be made payable to: RCPC/Safeway EIR fund.
Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Federal tax ID no.: 94-3011284
WINSTON’S PLUMBING
HEATING & ELECTRICAL
Norman H. Burg, DDS
lic.# 537739/554406
Since 1979
• Trenchless Sewers
General Dentistry
(510) 652-1517
5700 Broadway, Oakland
• Earthquake Protection
• Tankless Water Heaters
• Remodel & Repair
510-652-8014
www.winstonsplumbing.com
A Prevention Oriented Practice
“”May your toilet never runneth over!”


11.
October 2, 2010

Peralta Board Appoints Interim Chancellor to Clean House

by Cy Gulassa, Peralta boardmember
A
new chapter in the sometimes turbu-
lent leadership of Peralta Community
College’s district office has begun. Gone is
Chancellor Elihu Harris. The district’s board
last June declined to renew his contract because
of gross mismanagement during his tenure
and his failure to inform the board that the
recipient of a million dollar no-bid contract
was his business partner.
To end conflicts of interest like this, the
board rewrote its code of ethics and key poli-
cies and mandated that all managers and staff
take a biennial course in ethics. The board
also formed a committee to conduct a national
search for a new chancellor.
Gone also is chief financial officer Tom
Smith, fired not for fraud but for accounting
so bungled that the board refused to adopt his
budget last fall, even at the risk of violating
law and jeopardizing bond ratings. “I cannot
vote for a budget that I know is grossly inac-
curate,” said Trustee Withrow, the chair of
the board’s finance committee.
The board invited in a top fiscal team,
which is now validating data, streamlining
procedures and producing accurate budgets
that pass audits. The errors occurred when
Peralta attempted to migrate from its unre-
liable legacy accounting system in 2004 to
PeopleSoft, an enterprise system so complex
it still challenges programmers. “It’s the dif-
ference between driving a Ford and a Boeing
747,” said Board President Abel Guillen. Of
significance: After thorough scrubbing, there
is no evidence of fraud.
It’s one thing to fire a leader, another to find
a trustworthy interim manager who can help
the board clean house and provide a smooth
transition for a permanent replacement. The
board has persuaded Dr. Wise Allen, a former
Berkeley city manager, president of Merritt
College and vice chancellor of student ser-
vices, to postpone retirement for a year and
serve as interim chancellor until next June.
With strong board support, Dr. Allen
has taken full responsibility for restoring
confidence in district management, meeting
all accreditation standards, putting to rest
grand jury inquiries and steering the colleges
through California’s worst financial storm in
decades. He has reorganized staff, imposed
strict accountability, and begun cost-saving
measures, among them a 12-day annual fur-
lough for all managers. His overriding goal
is to ensure Peralta students continue to have
affordable access to basic skills and workforce
and transfer programs that rival those of the
state’s best colleges and universities.
Despite the problems at the district office
and cutbacks forced by a shrinking state
budget, the presidents and faculty of Peralta’s
four colleges – Berkeley City, Laney, Alameda
and Merritt – maintain their commitment to
academic integrity and student learning, not
just through teaching excellence, but through
support services like tutoring, financial aid
and grants, a bus pass that cuts student trans-
portation costs almost to pennies, and health
care at Laney and child care at Alameda.
Thanks to community approval of a $390
million bond measure in 2006, College facili-
ties have been upgraded and are in superb
shape. One of the best examples is Berkeley
City College, a new six-story downtown
learning center outfitted with state-of-the-
art equipment, innovative programs and an
ambassador program run by students that
helps newcomers register and navigate the
college system. Since the facility’s opening
in 2006, enrollment has skyrocketed. This
is no surprise considering that annual com-
munity college tuition for a resident enrolled
fulltime is $700 compared with $12,460 at UC
Berkeley or $5,091 at East Bay University in
Hayward. Furthermore, tuition waivers are
available for low-income students.
The recession has forced reductions in the
number of class sections but early enrollees
are most likely to get all the classes they need.
For enrollment details and class schedules,
visit www.peralta.cc.ca.us/.
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.
Rockridge resident Cy Gulassa represents Area 6
(North Oakland and Berkeley hills) on the Peralta
board and was recently elected to the state board
of trustees.
Susan Bernosky, LUTCF
(510) 450 9050
5940 College Ave, #A
Oakland
susanbernosky@allstate.com
We’re excited and proud to announce that McGuire Real Estate
has acquired Elmwood Realty & Investment Co.
ERI, located at 2991 College Avenue in Berkeley’s Elmwood neighborhood, will serve as
McGuire’s 9th Bay Area office.  This acquisition allows McGuire to reinforce its presence
in the East Bay and extend its services to Berkeley, Albany and other surrounding
communities.  This is McGuire’s 4th acquisition in 2 years. As a result, the company has
increased its ranking in the Bay Area from 8th to 5th, all while delivering a high level of
service to our clients and providing a luxury experience at all price points.
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
Please look for more innovations and growth from McGuire soon.


12.

October 2, 2010

Margarido Path Rehab Nears Completion

Help Rockridge
with a gift of
your time
The Rockridge
News Needs
Your Help
Two blocks of Claremont Avenue are
losing their block captain. Michele
Beaudoin has been delivering the Rockridge
News to the 5900 and 6000 blocks of Cla-
remont for several years. And, Marge Pryle
is resigning her Auburn route. Many thanks
to both community volunteers.
The Rockridge News strives to cover
every block in Rockridge within the RCPC
boundaries so that no one is deprived of the
valuable local news we provide. We hope
that volunteers will step forward to take
over the routes listed below.
Call 510/547-3855 or e-mail smontauk@
gmail.com and refer to the route number.
by Bill Kaufner, RCPC boardmember
Rehabilitative construction on the stairs
of Margarido Path has been underway
since August and is expected to end some
time in October, according to a notice from
Oakland’s Public Works Agency.
The path’s stairs begin near the end
of Rockridge Boulevard and connect to
Margarido Drive. It is possible to continue
climbing the next two sets of steps and
emerge on upper Ocean View Avenue with
a fabulous view of the Bay and bridges.
Most of Oakland’s paths and steps are
located in older neighborhoods and were
built between 1906 and 1940 to allow people
easier access to the Key Route Trolley
System. With the post-war spread of the
automobile, many of these paths began to
fall in disuse and disrepair.
Throughout 2009, more than 50 volun-
teers recruited by the Oakland Urban Paths
and Walk Oakland Bike Oakland (WOBO)
organizations teamed with the city to walk
the more than 300 pathways throughout
Oakland and record their physical condition.
In January 2010, the inventory of stairs
and paths was submitted to the city for
analysis. A five-year prioritized improve-
ment plan has been drawn up. Stairs must
be brought up to 2007 building standards,
which could dramatically increase costs. The
major source of funds is (rapidly depleting)
Measure B monies. Thus, projections are that
only one or two paths can be rehabilitated
each year over the near term. Costs can
range from $200,000-$300,000 per path.
One additional path, Eucalyptus Path off
Alvarado Road, will also be rehabilitated
this year.
For questions concerning this project, call
Building Inspector Kathy Tran at 238-3544.
For more information on Oakland’s
paths: www.OaklandUrbanPaths.org and
www.WalkOaklandBikeOakland.org.
a
Route # and Area
04G
Both sides of 6000 Auburn and odd
numbers of Florio from Auburn to Ross
20A
On Claremont from 5900 even numbers
up Claremont to Shell station
21G
Along the odd numbers of 6000
Claremont
cross-cultural congregation
striving to partner with
         the Rockridge community
   in lifestyle and service.

5431 College Ave
        Oakland Ca 94618
510. 652. 5431
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

www.elizabethh.net

SALES STILL FLOWING THIS FALL!
Closing Date
BR BATH Address
Original Price
LP
DOM
SP
8/17/2010
2
2
5343 Broadway
$525,000
$525,000
64
$505,000
8/20/2010
1
1
5301 Broadway Terr
$535,000
$505,000
46
$460,000
9/8/2010
2
1
5528 Kales Ave
$737,000
$737,000
11
$750,000
9/17/2010
1
1
5362 Manila Ave
$399,000
$399,000
18
$397,600
9/17/2010
3
2
12 Buena Vista Pl
$825,000
$785,000
43
$775,000
9/17/2010
1
1
5364 Manila Ave
$399,000
$399,000
17
$397,600
9/17/2010
4
3.5
5550 Maxwelton Rd
$1,595,000
$1,295,000  168
$1,295,000
• Rockridge currently has a 1.2 month supply of inventory • Only 14% of listings sold in Rockridge in the last 30 days
sold for over the original asking price • Average market time in Rockridge has increased by a mere 6% compared to a
year ago • Between last year at this time and this year, there has been a 2% decrease in the list to sell price •


13.
October 2, 2010

The
Rockridge
Muse

October
Leaves
I
Tuesday, November 2, during gallery
hours. Auctioneer will be Tom Vacar of
KTVU Channel 2. Come join the fun,
become a sponsor. Call 510/763-4361
for more information . Note: a Juried
Annual Call for Entries is happening right
now. Deadline is October 22. Go to www.
prartsgallery.org for information and
registration.
t may not be much, but there is
something to be said, in a silver lining
sort of way, for a ho-hum summer
and a recession that keeps dragging on.
Given a boring summer, by the time
fall rolls around we are all going stir-
crazy looking for something uplifting to
engage us. And recessions? Well, they
can sharpen the focus on creative activity
closer to home, both qualitatively and
quantitatively.
As I checked around, I found that all
kinds of arts classes and programs are
suddenly oversubscribed this fall. I am
hoping, too, that our local performers
will find lots of new faces in the audience
this season. Tickets for local events are
inexpensive and often even free. So, go
and enjoy a concert or two, try a new
venue, experience something different,
meet new people. It’s good for our local
economy. It’s good for the soul.
Wisteria Ways
Here’s another venue that has become
an icon in the Rockridge community. Anne
Emmerick hosts wonderful folk, blues
and Americana music performances right
in our neighborhood on 61st Street. She
has been doing this since 2006. The next
concert takes place November 6 at 8 p.m.
and features Stephanie Bettman and Luke
Halpin. Performers slated for the coming
months include Caconier, Jamie Lavel, Hat
Check Girl and California Honeydrops.
E-mail Anne at info@wisteriaways.org.
by Ortrun Niesar
Florio Street Concerts
Florio Street Concerts would like
you to know that after 15 years of
continuous performances, there will
be no formal program sent in the mail
this year. Please e-mail Kathy Westine
at kwestine@earthlink.net if you would
like to be on her e- list for upcoming
programs.
Young People’s
Symphony Orchestra
Margaret Elson writes that the Bay
Area Young People’s Symphony Orchestra,
YPSO, has been invited to play at Carnegie
Hall, and in China, Australia and Alaska!
Four young players hail from Rockridge:
Akiro Duey, 13, cello; Jonathan Mei, 17,
violin; Caleb O’Reilly, cello; and Sean
Woodruff, 14, cello. Congratulations to all.
The YPSO gala concert season begins
November 6 and 7 with performances
at the Castro Valley Center for the
Performing Arts. For further information
and to get a glimpse at how your child
can have the opportunity to participate,
go to www.ypsomusic.net. You’ll love
what you see.
Rockridge Community
Photography Show
The annual exhibit will be at the
Rockridge Library October 1-30, with
a reception for the artists planned for
Tuesday, October 12, 5-8 p.m. Participants
are Chuck Fisher, Robert Hofmann,
Charles Lucke, Jamie Pillers, Martha
Snider, Irving Wiltshire. Would you
believe, this annual event is now in its
15th year!
Avonova
Like the wonderful raspberries that
Jimmy Pedersen grows in his backyard,
Jimmy’s musical soirees have really matured
into an excellent crop of performances
this fall. He has an exhaustive schedule
of instrumental and vocal jazz performers
lined up every weekend between October
16 and December 18. Go to www.
AvonovaMusic.com. Or contact Jimmy@
jazzberries.LMI.net.
Pro Arts Annual
ARTBOX Benefit
Auction 2010
This event takes place Saturday,
November 6, 6-9 p.m. Bid on artworks
created by 100 local artists specifically
for this fundraiser, the proceeds of which
go to support Pro Arts youth initiatives.
All artworks will be on display beginning
Berkeley Community
Chorus and Orchestra
(BCCO)
Rehearsals have begun, but the group
is still looking for a few good basses.
Rehearsals are Monday nights, 7-10 p.m.
For more information, go to www.bcco.org
or call 510/301-2247. Concerts featuring
choral music by Haydn, Bach and Handel
will be performed Dec 4-5 and Dec 19.
Ortrun Niesar can be reached at
oniesar@sbcglobal.net or 510/326-2161
COLLINS ROOFING
Family Owned & Operated
482-2227  Seamus
www.collinsroofing.com
Quality Work  •  Free Estimates
Lic # 695711
Rockridge Café
Irving Wiltshire


14.

October 2, 2010

Spectacular Service
Housekeeping
We provide quality housecleaning. We use
eco-friendly products because the planet is
important to us. Let us create free time for
you... call today! 510/228-5704. excellent rec-
ommendations, Licensed, bonded & insured.
Organic Janitorial Services
Houses, apartments, offices, move in/out.
Weekly bi weekly, bi monthly, one time.
Excellent prices and references. Our cleaning
products leave your premises smelling good
and sparkling. Call for Natalia 510/395-4461.
Creative, Supportive,
Women’s Writers’ Groups
Always wanted to write? Ready to get pub-
lished? Author Elizabeth Fishel (Sisters, Reunion)
leads weekly or biweekly morning groups in
Rockridge. Inspiring exercises, publishing guid-
ance, a simpatico literary community. www.
wednesdaywriters.com or erfishel@gmail.com
Lovely Rockridge Home
for Sale by Owner
Gorgeous 2/1 Craftsman home featuring
period details, generous living spaces, fire-
place, bar/playroom, LOTS of bonus space.
Chabot School district. Near children’s FROG-
Park. Contact 646/662-5065, 510/658-5434.
http://480cliftonstreet.mlsmyhome.com/
Your Message Could Be Here
Your 36-word message is $22. (Phone number
counts as one word). Mail to: RN Classifieds,
4123 Broadway, PMB 311, Oakland, CA
94611. November deadline is October 21.
For information: smontauk@gmail.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.
Fall Special! Penelope’s
Aesthetics Skin Care Salon
25% off waxing and facial services. Come visit
my salon in a serene garden setting and receive
excellent, relaxing services with a gentle and
personalized treatment. www.penelopecalef.
com By appointment. 510/594-1552.
Apartment for Rent
$1199 first/ $1199 last. 3BDRM/2B1500sq ft. On-
site washer/dryer. Water and garbage paid by
owner. 3242 Linden Street, Emeryville, 94608.
Call Moretha: 916/613-1560 or 510/692-3916.
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.
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
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, www.sutorikandco.com, lic#397149.
510/655-3677.
j
5278 College Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618
510.654.6755
www.jarvisarchitects.com
Alcatraz and Benvenue
Townhomes to be
completed this fall!
call for a free consultation


15.
October 2, 2010

E-mail Rockridge News Community Calendar items to: joellis1@hotmail.com, phone 653-3210 (after noon), or mail to:
Rockridge News Community Calendar, 4123 Broadway, PMB 311, Oakland, CA 94611. Deadline is the next to the last
Tuesday of the month.

Compiled by Jo Ellis

■
■Thurs., 11/4, 7pm. Jeff Greenwald: Snake Lake.
■
■Sun., 11/7, 3pm. Daniel Pinchbeck: Notes From the
Edge Times.
■
■Mon., 11/8, 7pm. Amnesty International Meeting
(2nd Monday each month): All invited to exchange
ideas on action.
DIESEL, A Bookstore, 5433 College Ave. More info about
these authors/ books (and other events and discussion
groups): 653-9965 or events@dieselbookstore.com.
Book Signing
Rosetta Costantino, author of My Calabria: Rustic Family
Cooking from Italy’s Undiscovered South. Discussion
and recipe and ingredient tastings. Sat., 11/6, 1 to 3pm.
The Pasta Shop, Rockridge Market Hall, 5655 College
Ave. 250-6001.
Wisteria Ways House Concert Series
Stephanie Bettman and Luke Halpin: Original/folk/
bluegrass/Americana music. Saturday, Nov. 6, 8pm.
$15-20 donation for musicians (cash only at the door).
383 61st Street. inside venue (not wheelchair accessible).
Reservations (highly recommended): RSVP to info@
WisteriaWays.org or 655-2771. More info: www.
WisteriaWays.org.
Spooky Tales in the Redwoods
Join the Witches Four at UC Botanical Garden,
Berkeley, on Halloween from 1 to 2:30 pm. Enjoy a
parade, songs, riddles and stories with storytellers
Bobbie Kinkead, Jean Ellisen, Karin Werner and Carol
Nyhoff. Info: 510/643-2755.
Chabot Elem. School Fall Carnival
Sunday, Oct 24, 11am to 3pm. Activities for all ages;
games and prizes; live band for dancing; petting zoo;
rock climbing wall; dunking booth; delicious food and
more. Proceeds benefit music, computer, art and garden
programs and other school improvements. Chabot
School, 6686 Chabot Road. (at Patton St.). More info at
www.chabotelementary.org. See article on page 6.
Park Day School Benefit
Sunday, Oct 24, 10am to 5pm. A family day of do-it-yourself
creativity, learning and fun at the East Bay Mini Maker
Faire. Features rockets and robots, DIY science and
technology; unique hand-made crafts; music, local food,
educational workshops and more. Create comic books
with Michael Chabon and artists from Marvel Comics; sew
your Halloween costume; make jam. Sponsored by the
parents of Park Day School, 360 42nd Street (at Opal).
Tickets available now at ebmakerfaire.eventbrite.com/.
More info at ebmakerfaire.wordpress.com/.t
Rockridge Holloween Parade
Join the costume procession for kids of all ages along
College Avenue. Trick-or-treating; songs and stories
from 11:45 a.m.to 2 p.m., Sunday, October 31. Details
in story on page 1.

Community Calendar

Councilmember Brunner’s
Community Advisory Meeting
Tues. each month (10/12, 11/9), 5 to 6:30pm, upstairs
meeting room.
Info about teen programs: Susy, 597- 5017.
FOR ADULTS
Peralta Elementary School: 460 63rd St. (parking on
Alcatraz Ave, just east of Telegraph). Sat., Oct 9, 10am
to noon. Topic: The November Elections. More info
at the Brunner Report online or 238-7001.
Rockridge Neighborhood Crime
Prevention Council (NCPC)
The residential and business community meets with
OPD to discuss concerns about crime and public
safety, 2nd Thurs. each month, 7pm. Rockridge Library,
upstairs meeting room, 5366 College Ave. chair@
rockridgencpc.com or www.rockridgencpc.com.
Public Forum on Violence
Learn about innovative programs to combat crime and
violence in Oakland. The panel consists of OPD Chief
Anthony Batts, the mayoral candidates, and participants
from the program Lifelines (aka Ceasfire) that has
successfully diverted high-risk youth from crime and
incarceration. Also, learn more about Measure BB, (the
“Measure Y Fix”) which could restore funding for PSOs
and Neighborhood Crime Prevention Councils (NCPC).
Friday, Oct 8, 7pm. Refreshments and discussion follow
the panel presentation. Montclair Presb. Church 5701
Thornhill Drive. More info at 339-1131 or mpc-family@
mpcfamily.org.
Rockridge Branch Library
5366 College Avenue, 597-5017
FOR CHILDREN
■
■Writers Support/Critique Group: All writers welcome.
Bring 15 copies of up to 5 pgs. (double-spaced,
manuscript margins) of any prose for on-site reading/
discussion (you’re also welcome to come empty-
handed). Third Saturday each month (10/16), 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 and
referrals. First Tues. each month, 6 to 8pm. Advance
sign-up starts 5pm. NOTE: Cancelled Nov. due to
Election Day.
Art Exhibits (call to confirm)
Gallery:
■
■Oct: Rockridge Community Photography Group:
Annual exhibit. Reception for the artists; Tues.,
10/12, 5 to 8pm. Info: Irving Wiltshire, iswirving@
earthlink.net.
■
■Works by Adele Crawford.
Lobby Display Case:
■
■Oct.: Exhibit by Martha Snyder.
■
■Nov., Exhibit by Adele Crawford.
LIBRARY HOURS
Tues, 12:30 to 8pm.
Wed., Thurs. and Sat. 10am to 5:30pm.
Fri., 12 to 5:30pm.
Closed: Sundays and Mondays;
also Sat., 10/9 (city mandated furlough).
Diesel Book/Readings and Events
■
■Toddler Story Time: Every Saturday, 10:30am.
(Note: closed 10/9)
■
■Pre-School Story Time: 1st and 3rd Wed., 10:30am.
■
■Baby and Toddler Story Time: 1st and 3rd Wed.,
10:30am, upstairs.
Special Events:
All events are FREE and open to the public.
■
■Wed., 10/6, 7pm. Mark Christensen: Acid Christ: a
biography of Ken Kesey
■
■Dia de los Muertos Simple Crafts: Make masks and
skeletons. Thurs., 10/14, 4pm.
■
■Sun., 10/10, 3pm. Michael Krasny: Spiritual Envy:
An Agnostic’s Quest.
■
■MoChA Workshop: Make art for the Annual Re-Create
Art Contest. Fri., 10/22, 3:30pm.
■
■Mon., 10/11, 7pm. Amnesty International Meeting
(2nd Monday each month): All invited to exchange
ideas on action.
■
■Spooky & Not-So-Spooky Halloween Stories: For
kids of all ages. Come in costume. Tues., 10/26, 7pm.
FOR TEENS
Rockridge Ninjas Anime Club: Ages 13 and up, watch
and talk about anime (Japanese animation). Second
■
■Thurs., 10/14, 7pm. Randy Shaw: Beyond the Fields:
Cesar Chavez, the UFW, and the Struggle for Justice
in the 21st Century.
■
■Thurs., 10/21, 7pm. Gemma Whelan: Fiona: Stolen
Child.
Wonderful, ongoing,
weekday classes for
babies or toddlers
■
■Sun., 10/24, 3pm. Poetry Flash with Matthew
Zapruder, Steve Healey and Michael Earl Craig.
A
Mov
e
m
e
nt
Ortrun Niesar
Prog
ram f
or
Drop-ins or sign ups
for ALL families: songs,
slides, tunnels, parachute play,
bubbles, a fab ball pit, rocking
horses & more!
A
L
L

Senior Marketing Consultant
Prudential California Realty
2 Tunnel Road
Berkeley, CA  94705
510-326-2161
oniesar@sbcglobal.net
Thank you for your referrals!
.

Fa
mi
lie
s
For 9 months up to 3 years with an adult
Dawn Margolin  |  510.547.7726
Temple Beth Abraham
327 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland
(near the Grand Lake Theatre)
w w w . t b a o a k l a n d . o r g / k i n d e r g y m


16.

October 2, 2010

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29
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5131 desmond Street    2bed/1bath    $719,000
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