Extracted text · highlighting “Jonathan Gabel”

www.rockridge.org

VOL. 26      NO. 1      ISSUE NO. 274      January 8, 2011                    CIRCULATION: 5,100 Residences; 200 BusInesses

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

Rockridge News to Notch 25th Anniversary in March

thus took on a
mission of
information
begun by
a n x i o u s ,
concerned
neighbors
p o s t i n g
development
plans and meeting notices on
neighborhood telephone poles.
Suddenly, it is 25 years later. The
newsletter has published an unbroken
line of issues which have continued
and enlarged upon the original vision.
What has not changed across the
decades is the spectre of inappropri-
ate developoment projects that seek
to capitalize on the attractions of
Rockridge as a place to live or to visit.
The newsletter will continue to call for
process, procedure and coherent design
in planning decisions.
k
c
r
Vol. 1, No. 1; March 13, 1986
Spawned from the union of an early
Macintosh computer and PageMaker
software, Vol. 1, No. 1 of The Rockridge
News hit the streets March 13, 1986,
amidst a surge of growth
and change proposed
for Rockridge.
Published under
sponsorship of the
Rockridge Community
Planning Council, the
newsletter’s purpose, as
stated in the issue, was
to “...update residents
on development and
planning activities that
affect our neighborhood,”
as well as “present
information on community
events and issues affecting
residents and merchants
alike.” The newsletter
o
i
d
R
25
Years
g
e
e
h
N
Te
•
w
s
e
g
•
d
i
r
k
Nc
o
e
w
Rs
r
o
Af
b
e
o
g
u
d
t
i
r
Rk
o
c
20
AGENDA: RCPC Town Hall Meeting
1. 	Community-proposed alternatives for
the Rockridge/Safeway Shopping Center
2. 	RCPC Committees Annual Community Report
1. Safeway Shopping Center
(Broadway & Pleasant Valley)
2. RCPC’s “Reports
from the Committees”
Presentation and discussion of four
community-proposed alternatives
to Safeway’s proposal to rebuild
and expand (by over 100,000 sq.ft)
the Rockridge Shopping Center.
Two come from Urbanists for a
Livable Temescal Rockridge Area
(ULTRA): one primarily residential;
the other mixed residential and
commercial. Two were developed by
RCPC members: One that repositions
Safeway’s proposed development in
a more integrated way; another that
intensifies Safeway’s proposal. Come
hear and respond to these suggestions.
R
CPC’s traditional annual
“reports from the committees”
and community feedback. Check
out what RCPC has been up to in
2010, and let us know what you
think we should (or shouldn’t) be
doing in 2011:
In the January 2009 Rockridge News, District 3 BART
board member Bob Franklin wrote of the early stages of
the transit agency’s system-wide seismic retrofit. In this issue,
two years later, Franklin, now board president, reports on the
progress of the construction in Rockridge, and discusses other
BART projects in the neighborhood. See page 4.
y
y Land Use
y
y Communications
y
y Transportation
y
y Parks and Open Space
y
y Schools
y
y The Rockridge News
y
y Fundraising
y
y Public Safety
In April: RCPC Board Elections;
Six Seats. Serve Rockridge – Page 12
Thursday, January 20  |  7:30-9 p.m.
Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Avenue
at Manila, Community Room (Upstairs)


January 8, 2011
2.

During its enduring publication life, The Rockridge News has been guided by different
editors. Beginning with this issue and over the coming months of the newsletter’s
anniversary year, we will present statements from these editors reflecting upon their
service and experiences as they shepherded the newsletter from issue to issue.
We begin the series with Immediate Past Editor Cyril Gulassa. — Editor

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
CLOSED: Sunday and Monday; also Tues, Jan. 18
Cyril Gulassa: 1997 to January, 2008
For nearly a quar-
ter century, The
Rockridge News has
helped preserve and
enhance the quality of
life in Rockrdge. From
opposing high-rise
towers along BART to
building the Rockridge library, from oppos-
ing factories on College Avenue to building
two fine parks, and biennially showing
off Rockridge’s splendid kitchens. The
Rockridge News has been a dependable,
celebratory and persuasive voice. When
Kathy Walsh announced in 1997 that she
was stepping down as editor, I volunteered.
Reading The Rockridge News is a great
way to keep up with events, but if you really
want to get a 3-D take on Rockridge, there is
no better way than to serve as editor/writer
of the Rockridge News. You get to sit in on
meetings of RCPC, master the pros and cons
of zoning, attend architectural briefings,
interview City Council and school board
dignitaries, cruise the streets for stories
and hang out with homegrown movers and
shakers who care deeply about Rockridge
and its quality of life. Best of all, you get
to write about fascinating locals, like the
woman who refurbished an entire house by
herself; a student who canoed down 30-foot
waterfalls; a troop of middle-agers who met
every Sunday for three vigorous hours of
ultimate Frisbee; having a glass of Guin-
ness at McNalley’s with a husband and wife
recovering from a near-fatal accident while
crossing Claremont Avenue. And, if you see
15 police motorcycles parked outside the
Claremont Diner, your press status qualifies
you to barge in and ask what’s going on.
When the issues heat up, like the 2007
conflict over land use that resulted in a
sweeping change in RCPC leadership, as
editor you preside over the debate and
assure a fair hearing for all sides, includ-
ing your own.
However, a word of warning: Editing The
Rockridge News seeps into your bones. Last
week I had to resist the urge to pull over and
snap a photo of that big machine gnawing on
the 4th Bore, or interview that gentleman in
the Santa hat tinkling the Salvation Army
bell at Safeway. — Cy Gulassa
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, 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
Photo: B. Gulassa
Rockridge DVD Project Seeks Volunteers
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.
corporate fundraising, we
want to talk to you! This is
an opportunity to participate
in making a significant contribution to the
Rockridge Branch Library by adding more
than 2,800 DVD titles to its collection.
Fundraising experience is not necessary;
but you will need to write grant applications
and communicate with potential donors.
We will be contacting members of the film
industry in the Bay Area and beyond, as
well as locally represented corporations.
If this sounds interesting to you, e-mail
Jon Gabel at JGabel@RockridgeDvdPro-
ject.org (no hyphen in link address).
by Jon Gabel, project co-chair
The Rockridge DVD Project continues
to receive donations which, as of this
writing, total over $6,000 - thank you all!
The running total of the donations and
donors’ names can be found at www.Rock-
ridgeDvdProject.org (click on ‘Donors’ for
the list of names).
To date, most donations have been from
individuals. With a good beginning from
the Oakland community, we are in a strong
position to solicit corporate contributions,
and we invite additional volunteer help to
do this. If you are interested in joining
the Rockridge DVD Project to work on
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 Voice-mail: 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.
$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
Newsletter Advertising/Deadlines
Publication date of the next issue is
 February 5, 2011
 February deadline is January 20, 2011.
Advertising rates are $26/column inch. Six-
month pre-pay rate available. For display ads,
call Jo Ellis at 653-3210 (after noon), or e-mail
joellis1@hotmail.com. RCPC reserves the right to
refuse any display or classified ad that it deems
inappropriate. (Classified ad contact, page 14.)
EXPERT
SHIRT
LAUNDERING!


January 8, 2011

3.

Apologies to Cool Hand Luke, but what we don’t want here is a “failure to communicate.” Neither do we want one-sided communication.
When March rolls around, The Rockridge News will have published an issue every month, except August, of each year since 1986, a
total of 276 issues. Throughout, newsletter editors and writers have sought to provide information to the Rockridge community about local
events and concerns in an even-handed, honest and straightforward manner.
We would like now to hear from you, reader, your thoughts about the newsletter’s topical content, its features, and your receipt of finished
copies. Please take a moment to complete the survey below, adding comments as you like. Survey may also be completed online at http://
www.rockridge.org or via http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/92NP3T8. Questions or comments? E-mail editor@rockridge.org. Thank you.

Reader Survey: The Rockridge News
Are you a Rockridge resident?

o Yes
o No
Yes? Your street/block? (Ex: 56xx Taft)

Begin survey. Multiple answers are
acceptable. (Should take about 90 seconds.)
1.  Are you a regular reader of
The Rockridge News?
 o Yes
 o No. How frequently?__________
2.  How do you get the newsletter?
 o Delivered to my home
 o College Avenue merchant
 o College Avenue coffee shop
 o Read it online at www.rockridge.org
 o Subscription delivered by mail
 o Read it at the Rockridge library
 o Other

3.  Which features do you read most
often?

o Land Use Committee report

o Letters to the editor

o Rockridge Cornucopia

o FROG Park reports

o The Rockridge Muse

o Classified ads

o Community Calendar

o The Neighborhood Merchant
4.  What local news topics do you look
for in each issue?
 o Planning and Zoning
 o Local building projects
 o City Council decisions
 o City budget
 o Local schools
 o Education issues
 o Parks
 o Transportation
 o  Traffic issues
 o Pedestrian safety
 o Mixture of local businesses
 o Merchant/Business affairs
 o Rockridge Branch library
 o Food
 o Local restaurants

o Local arts, entertainment, activities
 o Other
 o Other
5.  What do you think of the proportion
of display advertising to print content?

o Too many ads

o Not enough ads

o About right

o Other

6.  What would you like to see MORE of
in the newsletter?

o

o

o

7.  What would you like to see LESS of?

o

o

o
Comments:
Attach any additional comments.

Thank you for participating in The Rockridge News Reader survey. Your answers will help assure the newsletter is providing
readers with meaningful news and information. Please copy or clip and mail your survey answers to: RN Reader Survey, 4123
Broadway, PMB 311, Oakland, CA  94611.  Add additional comments on a separate sheet. The survey may also be completed
online at http://www.rockridge.org or via http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/92NP3T8.

The Rockridge News is sponsored by
the Rockridge Community Planning
Council to help keep residents up to date
on issues affecting Rockridge. RCPC has
begun publishing an E-News bulletin to
better inform residents about fast-moving
events when the newsletter is between
publication dates. RCPC wants to reach the
most community members possible with
this bulletin. Please take a moment to sign
up for your copy. All personal information
is kept confidential.
RCPC E-News Enrollment Request
I am interested in:

o Planning and Zoning

o Local building projects

o City Council decisions

o City budget

o Local schools

o Education issues

o Parks

o Transportation/traffic

o Pedestrian safety

o Mixture of local businesses

o Merchant/Business affairs

o Rockridge Branch Library

o Food

o Local restaurants

o Local arts and activities

o Other
Yes! I want to receive e-mailed updates about Rockridge events and
issues.  Add me to the RCPC E-News mail list.

E-Mail Address:

                            Legibility Counts: Please Print

Please provide the following for E-News records, and select your interests at right to help guide future topic
choices.  All personal information is kept confidential and will not be released, circulated or sold.

First Name:
 Last Name:

Home Address:
 (Apt.
) City:
 Zip:

Phone: (Cell o or Landline o )  (
 )

Copy or cut out your completed enrollment request and return by mail to: RCPC E-News Enrollment,
4123 Broadway, PMB 311, Oakland, CA  94611. Or, e-mail your information to: info@rockridge.org.
Thank you for joining the E-News mailing list. E-mail additional comments to: editor@rockridge.org.


January 8, 2011
4.

BART and Rockridge in 2011
BART Board President Bob Franklin Reports on Current Projects
to service as quickly as possible following
a major earthquake. Work to strengthen
the Rockridge Station was completed in
late 2009.
Construction on the last two remaining
columns in the west Rockridge parking lot
was scheduled to wrap up during the last
week of December 2010, with site restoration
to follow.
This Year at BART
The coming year will bring new things
for BART:
■
■The first infill station is scheduled
to open between the Castro Valley and the
Dublin/Pleasanton BART stations near the
Stoneridge Mall on February 19.
Work in progress. Excavating and
reconfiguring the bases of BART’s overhead
track supports for improved seismic safety
involved several pillars at a time as the project
moved through the Rockridge BART parking lots.
■
■BART is accepting applications at
BART.gov for the first citizen review board
of its Police Department. Also this year, all
BART police officers will receive training
in community policing and problem solving.
■
■Patton Street/Chabot School: East
of the Rockridge Station, major construction
continues on and around Patton Street.
BART coordinates ongoing street and
sidewalk closures and detours with the city.
BART also continues to work with Chabot
Elementary School to provide information
about construction in the area for students
and parents. Work in this area will continue
through spring 2011.
Photo courtesy of Bob Franklin
■
■The Clipper card (the smart card
that is used to pay fares on eventually all
Bay Area transit operators) now can be
used to conveniently pay BART fares and
to pay for parking at BART lots.
caused by retrofit work. Construction on a
remaining column situated near the inter-
section of Claremont Avenue and Hudson
Street was scheduled to be completed in
late December, with site restoration of the
area to follow.
Please feel free to contact me with any
BART concerns or questions that you may
have. E-mail: BobFranklinBART@aol.com
Cell: 510/684-0026.
■
■The Ed Roberts Campus will open
up this spring at the Ashby Station. It
will be a fully accessible office building,
focused on creating independent lifestyles
for persons with disabilities.
■
■Hardy Park: Work at the Hardy Park
basketball court and dog park concluded
in late fall 2010, with completion of final
paving, fence installation and restoration of
landscaping. BART worked with the city
to restore the recreational sites to the city’s
specifications.
■
■BART will award its largest
contract ever for the $3.4 billion new car
procurement, to replace BART’s 669 cars,
most of which have been in service since
BART opened in 1972.
BART and Rockridge
Bob Franklin is a resident of Rockridge and
member of the BART board of directors. In
December, the board unanimously elected Franklin
as its new president. He is the first former BART
employee to serve as board president.
Franklin said that BART has many exciting initia-
tives that will be launched or continue in 2011. His
top three include raising awareness about the need
to replace and expand the fleet of 669 train cars.
(Visit www.bart.gov/cars for more information.)
Second, he wants to improve community relations
with the public and passengers.
Lastly, Franklin wants to create a more positive
relationship with BART employees.
(Adapted from BART’s website at http://www.bart.
gov/news/articles/2010/news20101217.aspx)
■
■Mural Repair/Hudson Street: Res-
toration to the mural located on Claremont
Avenue is being negotiated. Oakland is
identifying a conservator that will work with
BART to repair the damages unfortunately
■
■BART Plaza: BART will soon be
releasing the bid documents for the redesign
of the plaza at the base of the escalator
leading to the Rockridge station platform.
BART is working in cooperation with the
Rockridge District Association (RDA), the
RCPC, and the city of Oakland to make this
space a much more welcoming gathering
area for the community.
Rockridge
■
■Seismic Safety Construction:
BART’s Earthquake Safety Program con-
tinues to spread throughout the District in
order to ensure safety and to return BART
Rockridge:  5400 College Avenue
 Elmwood:  2930 College Avenue
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January 8, 2011

5.

The RCPC Land Use Committee meets on
the fourth Wednesday of the month at the
Rockridge Branch Library, Upstairs Meeting
Room, 7:30 p.m. Next meeting: January 26.
Subject to change. Check Rockridge.org for meeting updates
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.
Using a combination of a grant from the
Rose Foundation and matching community
donations, RCPC has retained consultants
to review the adequacy of the EIR’s analysis
of air and water quality, traffic, and toxic
materials impacts. RCPC is also concerned
about the potential economic impact of the
project on College Avenue’s currently highly
successful retail district. Donations for the
matching grant are still being accepted.
The planner assigned to the project is
Peterson Vollman, pvollman@oaklandnet.
com, 238-6167.
the design review committee public hearing
will be important in getting the Planning
Commission to take the community
alternative plans seriously.
An Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
now in preparation may be released this
spring. The planner assigned to the project
is Darin Ranelletti, 238-3663, DRanelletti@
oaklandnet.com.
■
■Rockridge Shopping Center
Reconstruction Project —
Corner of Broadway/Pleasant Valley
This project proposes to reconstruct and
expand North Oakland’s most important
shopping center. The Planning Commission
design review committee hearing on the
project scheduled for December 8 was
cancelled by Safeway at the last minute. It
will likely be rescheduled to the committee’s
January 26 meeting, probably 5 p.m. in City
Hall hearing room #1. Watch the e-newsletter
or check RCPC’s website at http://www.
rockridge.org for further details.
Four community alternatives to Safeway’s
proposal have been sketched out and posted
on RCPC’s website. As noted on the front
page, the January RCPC Town Hall Meeting
will include a presentation of the community
design alternatives. Community support at
■
■College Avenue Safeway
Shopping Center — Corner of
College and Claremont Avenues
This project, planned to replace the
existing Safeway store with a store more
than double its size, plus an extra 12,000 sq.
ft. of “small shops” along College Avenue
and on a short pedestrian mall, is under
planning department review. The draft EIR
could be released in late February, with a
design review hearing shortly thereafter.
■
■Citywide Zoning Update
The Planning Commission approved
citywide revisions to Oakland’s zoning at
its December 15 meeting and sent them
forward for City Council consideration and
approval. For the most part, Rockridge’s
zoning has been left unchanged. However,
Telegraph Avenue through Temescal and
north to the Berkeley border is proposed for
heights of up to 60 feet, which would tower
over the adjoining historic and small-scale
residential areas. RCPC hopes to convince
the City Council, and specifically District
One Councilmember and Council President
Jane Brunner, to modify these height limits
to protect Rockridge residents. Watch for
notices of the City Council meetings when
this important change will be considered.

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
$
. Contributions may also be made at www.rockridge.org

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

Support Library Friends: Donations Invited; Board Opening

by Kathy O’Neal, FORL co-chair
FORL Fund Drive Continues
The Friends of
the Rockridge
Library (FORL)
annual appeal for
continuing a nd
new donors is well
underway.
FORL funds a
variety of children’s and teens programs
and books and periodicals as part of
Rockridge’s tradition of supporting our
library community. Your support is especially
important during the challenging budget
constraints of the Oakland Public Library.
If you missed the notice in last month’s
Rockridge News, please go to our Friends
of the Rockridge Library website at www.
friendsoftherockridgelibrary.org where
you can learn about FORL as well as
donate online. News about our Rockridge
branch, library volunteer opportunities and
a calendar of events will be rolled out on
our website in 2011.
In November, FORL completed the
planting of donated “fortnight lilies” along
the entire east side of the library parking
lot, thanks to Luciano Cortes of Oakland
Public Works and his crew, and District 1
public works Supervisor Herman Miller. The
lilies will bloom in the spring and make our
library grounds that much more beautiful.
Opening on FORL Board
The Friends of the Rockridge Library
(FORL), a subsidiary of RCPC, has
an opening on its board. The term is for 15
months, beginning January 2011. We are
looking for someone who loves the library
and has some website design experience.
The 11-person board meets four times a
year on Tuesday evenings and other times
during the calendar year as needed. If you
are interested in being an active participant
on this nonprofit board, please e-mail either
of the board’s co-chairs: Kathy O’Neal,
onealkathryn@gmail.com or Carol Bieri,
cbieri@pacbell.net.
For more information about FORL,
please visit friendsoftherockridgelibrary.org.
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January 8, 2011
6.

Claremont School: Fundraising Rides and Student Supports

Ride for a Reason
2011: Signup Starts
Jan 24 for May Ride
Participants in the 2010
cycle ride to Sacramento
are greeted in front of the
Capitol by Assemblyman
Andre Swanson, a strong
supporter of schools and
education.
Photo: Sarah Mages
by Mike Napolitano and Mike Mages,
Claremont Middle School parents
Ride for a Reason is a group bicycle ride
to the state Capitol to draw attention
to the funding crisis in California’s public
schools and to raise funds for class enrich-
ment programs in Oakland.
Last year, 40 riders – parents and friends
of parents –  participated in the ride and
raised $8,500 for Claremont Middle School
and the same for Oakland Tech. This year,
our goals are to have 100 riders and to raise
$15,000 for each school.
The ride is on Saturday, May 7; we are
now recruiting riders who may choose
their ride from 10-mile, 60-mile, and 100-
mile options. The event is fully supported,
including “sag wagons,” rest stops and
water along the route and a
lunch stop; arrangements for
transportation home from
Sacramento; group leaders to
guide and assist all riders (riders are grouped
by ability level); two planned practice rides
to help participants get ready; and a t-shirt
and water bottle for all participants.
Riders are encouraged to raise $300
or more in pledges to help achieve our
fundraising goal. Registration and launching
of the website for the event are scheduled to
start January 24.
Go to the Claremont Middle School
website, http://www.claremontms.org, and
follow the registration and donation page link.
For more information, contact Mike
Napolitano at 655-4725, or by e-Wmail at
mikenapolitano5@gmail.com.
Thanks for your consideration and
support. Together we will make a difference.
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www.winstonsplumbing.com
“”May your toilet never runneth over!”


January 8, 2011

7.

Oakland Tech: Drama, Music and Dance Stage Comeback

Fund Drive Underway to Restore Classic Steinway Piano for Performing Arts Program

Piano Restoration Fund Contribution Form
Yes! I would like to make a tax deductible contribution towards the restoration
of the 1917 Steinway Model B piano at Oakland Technical High School
sponsored by the Class of 1961.
Name
Address
City
 State
Zip
Email
 Telephone
Levels of Giving
Enclosed is my check in the amount of:
¨	$1000
Angel
¨	 $100	 The Sonata Society
¨	 $500
The Virtuoso Society
¨
$50	 The Full Score Club
¨	 $250
The Concerto Club
¨	 Other
Matching Funds
¨	 Yes, I am (or my spouse is) part of a matching gift program. I have enclosed
or will mail separately the signed form from
 Company
to match my gift.
Please make check payable to: Oakland Tech HS PTSA
Please send your check to:	 Piano Restoration Fund, c/o Camille Chupp Reed
Oakland Technical High
School Class of 1961
Spearheads Steinway
Piano Restoration
by Camille Reed, Class of ̓61, and Pat
Williams, auditorium committee chair
In 1917, Oakland Technical High School
ordered a Steinway Model B Piano from
Steinway & Sons in New York City. The
school had opened in 1912, and needed
the instrument for the many student per-
formances at the high school. They had an
orchestra, band, chorus, glee club, staged
musicals and a variety of other events that
enriched the students, and made good use
of this wonderful instrument.
The piano, seven feet long and described
as a “presentation piano,” continued to
be a centerpiece of the performing arts
6243 Rockwell Street, Oakland, CA 94618
department, but fell into disuse, most
dramatically in 1989 when the music
program was eliminated by the district.
However, the Steinway quietly and thankfully
remained in its place at stage left. There it
sits protected in a crate recently built by
involved parents, but in need of significant
restoration to return it to its former glory.
We believe that the time for restoration of
this marvelous instrument has come: Things
are changing at Oakland Technical High
School. Six years ago, parents, teachers and
administrators came together to revive the
performing arts department. Today, there
is a cadre of dedicated full-time teachers
doing amazing work in the drama, music and
dance departments.
There are more
➧➧Tech Piano 11
and flawed acoustics, lighting, and sound in
the auditorium. These big-ticket items are
necessary for the auditorium to serve the
students’ and community’s needs. In the last
quarter of 2010, the Auditorium Committee
raised over $30,000, which will fund a large
portion of the sorely needed acoustic work.
Another exciting development is the
recent decision by the Tech class of ’61
to take on the restoration of Tech’s 1917
Steinway grand piano, as discussed above.
The auditorium upgrades will support Tech’s
revitalized performing arts program, as well
as serve the other schools and community
groups that perform, meet and host events
in the auditorium. To make a tax-deductible
donation or to find out more about the Tech
Auditorium Project, contact Pat Williams
at 510/444-1640 or prwillia@pacbell.net.

More News About Oakland Technical High

Oakland Tech’s Paideia program
featured in Oakland Tribune
Katy Murphy’s December 8 article in the
Tribune titled “Oakland’s new ‘it’ high
school bucks declining enrollment trend”
highlights Tech’s successful programs and
increasing enrollment. The Paideia program,
a popular humanities program based on the
Socratic method, is featured throughout the
article. Almost one-third of Tech’s 10th,
11th, and 12th grade students participate in
the rigorous program, many recommended
by their 9th grade teachers. To read the full
article, including interviews and comments
from multiple Oakland Tech teachers and
students, visit http://www.insidebayarea.
com/top-stories/ci_16800211
Enrollment information 2011
The Oakland Unified School District’s
(OUSD) options window for incoming stu-
dents closes January 14 at 3 p.m. Applications
submitted after this time are considered late,
and will not participate in the first round
of lottery placements. For help filling out
the forms and completing the process, read
“The Guide to Enrolling at Oakland Tech” at
http://oaklandtech.com/staff/admissions/
enrollment/enrolling-at-tech-faq
Auditorium Project Gathers
Supporters
Phase Two of the Tech Auditorium
Project, now underway, addresses outdated


January 8, 2011
8.

We need to get back to that model. Maybe
Cowan, in the new administration, can wear
another hat and craft a less punitive solution
to “blight” complaints.
— Robert Brokl
Letters to the Editor
The Rockridge News welcomes letters to the editor. Your name,
address, phone number, e-mail address and city/neighborhood
must be included for verification. Only your name will appear
with your letter. Letters may be edited for clarity and brevity.
Blight Abatement Notice Sent
to Deceased Parents
Editor:
Thank you for the article in the December
issue about the bizarre Oakland city laws
about plants growing in our yards.
Back in 2006, my Rockridge property
was subjected to an unannounced three-day
raid by a contractor and his garden butchers.
My bartlett pear tree was reduced to a
stump (years later it regrew as a quince tree,
evidently from the pear’s rootstock). Other
fruit trees in the backyard were also severely
pruned. Several blue gum eucalyptus trees in
my backyard were killed. The front yard was
also butchered and pruned without mercy.
It seems that the city sent a letter of notice
of problems to my deceased parents, who
had lived out of town, but did not bother to
notify me, the resident.
When you enter Oakland, you surrender
many of your Constitutional rights,
guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. The
4th Amendment, which guarantees due
process, has been obliterated by the Oakland
system of neighbors ratting out neighbors
anonymously to the Blight Police and the
Parking Police. This is quite similar to the
system used in the Communist East German
tyranny for many years. It enables bigotry,
bullying and neighborhood busybodying.
Selectively enforced laws always lead
to trouble and
➧➧Letters, page 9
environs, of high-profile, truly blighted
commercial and residential properties.)
There is no threshold for separating trivial
or spiteful complaints from serious ones, nor
any matching of ZIP codes to complaints
that might reveal where the City’s resources
are spent fighting “blight.”
It doesn’t have to be this way. The
outrageous fines, fees, and the property
liens that result if fines and fees go unpaid,
shouldn’t be used to generate funds the way
street sweeping violations are. According
to AuditOaklandCEDA.com, a site created
by another blight program victim, cities
like Baltimore and Detroit have transparent
appeal processes and work with citizens to
fix blight, with the goal of keeping them in
their houses, not pursuing stringent policies
that could lead to financial hardship.
Mayor Quan’s slogan is “changing Oak-
land block by block.” To correct the blight
ordinance, she need look no further than
to Richard Cowan, her chief of staff. For
years, Cowan headed Conciliation Forums
of Oakland, a group composed mostly of
volunteers who mediated disputes between
neighbors and groups. The idea was to bring
about peaceful resolutions and compromises,
not to exploit vendettas for city budgets.
“Plant Blight” Update:
Mediation Model Can Help
Resolve Enforcement Approach
Editor:
The December, 2010 issue of The
Rockridge News included my op-ed piece
about how the verdant garden Alfred
Crofts and I have tended for a decade at a
nearby rental property aroused the ire of
a neighbor who reported us for “blight,”
resulting in steep fines. We have continued
our research, talking to other victims of the
blight ordinance and pursuing an as-yet
incomplete Public Records Act search of
our Community and Economic Develop-
ment Agency (CEDA) file.
We believe the blight ordinance, enacted
to rid the city of seemingly intractable and
serious blight, has morphed into a funding
mechanism for city coffers, aiding and
abetting neighbors’ feuds. Do the math:
40 inspectors, 22,000 blight complaints
per year, $1,239 for a second strike – quite
a revenue stream.
From some City Hall staffers with
access to raw data from blight complaint
files we have learned that more than half
of the complaints allege untidiness and
housekeeping issues, like trash. A small
percentage involve unregistered second-
ary units or unpermitted building. (This
lack of emphasis on structures may explain
the continuing existence, even in upscale
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January 8, 2011

9.

generally to respect the fact that the Conga
Lounge is a bar within a neighborhood of
residences, and to respect that neighborhood.
The Conga Lounge has kept those promises.
The story with George & Walt’s has
been altogether different.
At 1 a.m. on many nights, their loud
music blares through the open bar door,
and their patrons hanging out in front of the
bar, loudly arguing, keep us all awake. (Ear
plugs are not a solution for those of us with
young children.) The situation with George
& Walt’s did not change after Mr. Sanchez’s
letter any more than it has changed after
our repeated requests to close their door,
turn down their music and discourage their
patrons from creating loud disturbances
outside the bar.
On December 9, we received a letter from
the city that George & Walt’s is applying
for a pool hall permit. This permit is to be
retroactive to take care of the fact that they
do not have a permit for their three existing
pool tables.
We asked that this permit be granted
with the condition that they reduce the noise
level to that specified in the city code, and
that respects the neighborhood.
We met with the Land Use Committee of
the RCPC to see if they can help us in this.
Boardmember Ronnie Spitzer was appointed
to determine the facts in the situation.
We urge any Rockridge residents affected
by the noise of George & Walt’s to let Mr.
Sanchez know, in writing (asanchez@
oaklandnet.com). If you receive this news-
letter before the January 6 hearing, please
also let Nancy Marcus know (nmarcus@
oaklandnet.com).
Thank you,
— Paula Hawthorn, Armen
Sedrakian, Ruth Alahydoian,
Ellen Gobler
➧➧Letters, from page 8
discrimination. If the city government wants
front yard shrubs limited to a 15 foot height,
they should start with fancy houses at the
top of Montclair and see how far they get...
The City Council should scale back its
high-handed blight laws and bring them
in line with our Constitutional protections
of rights.
— James K. Sayre
Ed. Note: Ms. Nancy Marcus handles
Special Activity Permits for the city administra-
tor’s office. Such permits relate to “Activities
[that] include carnivals, bingo games, bingo
hall, alley, ... pool room, secondhand/pawn
shop, ...” according to the city’s website.
A fuller version of the following letter was
recently sent to Ms. Marcus by a neighbor
of George & Walt’s establishment.
Problematic Bar Now Wants Pool
Hall Permit; Neighbors Challenge
Editor:
In the June 2010, Rockridge News there
was an article on the city’s nuisance abate-
ment program. The residents of Kales Avenue
closest to College Avenue were relieved to
see that there is a city employee (Arturo
Sanchez) responsible for helping citizens
with nuisance abatement. We contacted
Mr. Sanchez about two bars that were very
noisy late at night: the Conga Lounge and
George & Walt’s. Mr. Sanchez subsequently
sent letters to both bars.
The Conga Lounge was very cooperative,
promising to make the level of the music such
that it could not be heard on the sidewalk
outside the bar; to ask patrons not to linger
outside the door after leaving the bar; and
Office of Special Permits
City of Oakland
Dear Ms. Marcus:
I request that the Pool Hall permit
be issued only if conditions are met to
minimize the public nuisance and excessive
noise caused by George & Walt’s patrons
after 11 p.m. most nights. Those of us who
reside on the College Avenue end of Kales
Avenue routinely suffer sleepless nights
and littered lawns as a result of the lack of
respect displayed by G&W’s patrons on any
given night of the week.
While I don’t generally mind being
awakened by rowdy partiers on weekends,
and accept this is the price one must pay
by living within shouting distance of a
“beloved” local bar, I do mind, and increas-
ingly resent, the fact that George & Walt’s
management deny any responsibility for
their patrons who are permitted to drink,
smoke and carry on loudly on the wide
public sidewalk outside the bar. And to
add insult to injury: the staff are generally
rude whenever I have called to report loud
or unruly patrons.
In 2006 we neighbors convened a meet-
ing with the owners of George & Walt’s
to share our concerns about the noise and
litter, and were given assurances that things
would change, but if anything during this
past year the noise has gotten worse, and
G&W’s has thus far only thumbed their
noses at their neighbors’ myriad requests
for after-hours relief.
Thank you for considering this matter.
— L. Augusta
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January 8, 2011
10.
Rockridge Real Estate 2010 Review

Before putting your house on the market,
check with the city building department
to make sure you are compliant with the
latest local regulations. Keep an eye out for
the new sewer lateral inspection and repair
requirements which are expected to go
into effect shortly in Oakland, Emeryville
and Piedmont. Repairs of sewer laterals
normally are a cost to the seller of about
$4,000 to $7,000.
by Ortrun Niesar, Rockridge News
contributor
Rockridge real estate sales in 2010
were essentially a repeat of 2009.
Inventory was low, all good homes sold
within a reasonable period of time and
prices largely held their own, the variance
being hardly more than 5 percent in either
direction. Patience, thorough preparation
for the market and a generally conservative
approach to buying or selling seem to have
been the key indicators for success in a
difficult year. These same attributes will
certainly apply in 2011 as well.
The Good News
The statistics we have been keeping for
you since 2002 show that the Rockridge
micro-market continues to defy regional
market statistics for Alameda County.
We continue to do better than most areas,
holding our own with other top residential
neighborhoods, such as North Berkeley and
the Elmwood. Rockridge has the unique
advantage of offering an excellent com-
mute to San Francisco, good climate, great
walk scores*, lovely craftsman homes, level
streets, availability of necessary services,
good public and private schools and last, but
not least, engaged neighbors and an active
and effective neighborhood organization
in RCPC. All of these factors contribute
greatly to the stability of home prices here.
What Your Home Is Worth
Given the limited inventory and slow
sales of 2010, the recorded statistics tell
only part of the story. The average sold
price of $680,617 for a 2-bedroom home,
for example, would indicate a drop in value
of about 5 percent from 2009. Should that
worry you? Not really. In truth, the high-
est sale price recorded for a Rockridge
2-bedroom home in 2010 was $870,000,
with most of the other well-prepared homes
falling between $700,000 and $775,000.
These prices are similar to those during
the past four years, indicating continued
strong buyer demand and a stable market
for your bungalow.
The scenario holds true for homes of
three or more bedrooms. A good 3-bedroom
home will sell from $875,000 to $1,050,000,
or more. Homes of four bedrooms or more
tend to be newer homes or historic homes
that fetch prices well above the $1,000,000
mark.
For more information on what you
might expect if you plan to buy or
sell this year, talk with the soldiers
on the ground: your local realtors,
appraisers and mortgage brokers. The
key word here is “local.” A group of
local professionals working together
with you will surely give you the best
results in this market.
Outlook for 2011
My advice for 2010 holds for 2011.
Buying, selling or refinancing your
Rockridge home may be done with
confidence and caution. Mortgage
rates are still hovering around 5
percent. If you plan to sell, prepare
your home properly for sale. Don’t
skimp here. If you are looking to
buy, be aware that banks continue to
move cautiously. Lenders have taken
to double checking your credit card
balance just before funding. For best
results, consider offering a large down
payment, low debt/income ratio and
solid employment documentation.
This analysis covers Rockridge homes sales
from the Berkeley border in the north, south to
Broadway Terrace and 51 Street, west to Telegraph
Avenue and east to Hwy 13. Information supplied
by EBRD 2010 is deemed to be reliable but not
guaranteed. Ortrun Niesar is a Realtor with East Bay
Sotheby’s International Realty. ortrun.niesar@
sothebysrealty.com.
Average Sale Prices by No. of Bedrooms
No. of
Homes
Year
2BR
3BR
4+BR
Sold
2005
$ 802,513
$ 956,722
$ 1,466,920
124
2006
760,782
962,488
1,498,687
112
2007
780,268
986,895
1,330,031
127
2008
757,011
921,476
1,329,080
98
2009
711,967
840,074
1,388,314
79
2010
$ 680, 617
$ 876,609
$ 1,330,676
90
Rockridge Home Sale Prices 2002-2010
Year
Avg. Price
%
Chge
Median
%
Chge
Price
2002
$ 770,604
$ 691,500
2003
847,637
9.9
750,000
8.5
2004
902,000
6.4
805,000
7.3
2005
1,032,139
14.4
930,500
15.6
2006
1,111,317
7.6
903,500
3.0
2007
1,106,186
-1.0
1,000,000
10.3
* Walk scores are a measure of the presence and
quality of sidewalks, pedestrian access, traffic and
road conditions; overall, the general accessibility
and safety of a neighborhood. See http://www.
walkscore.com/how-it-works.shtml. — Ed.
2008
1,029,153
-7.0
905,000
-9.5
2009
904,954
-12.0
850,000
-6.0
2010
$ 962,757
6.4
$ 838,000
-.02
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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


January 8, 2011

11.

systems in the theater.
The Steinway, sitting at that school for
93 years, is part of the auditorium restora-
tion project. Piano experts deem it worthy
of restoration, a restoration that will cost
close to $40,000. The piano would serve as
an anchor piece for the auditorium itself and
the performing arts programming. It would
be used by all the performing arts for their
performances and by the advanced piano
students for their practice and their recitals.
The Oakland Tech Class of 1961 has
joined forces with the auditorium committee
and is spearheading the restoration of the
Steinway. We are asking that members of
our community help us in the restoration of
this instrument. Gifts will be tax-deductible
as permitted by law and will serve as a
strong message of our commitment to our
public high school and encouragement for
the community to help with the other ele-
ments of the auditorium restoration project.
To make a contribution to the Steinway
restoration, send a check payable to Oak-
land Technical HS PTSA (Parent Teacher
Student Association), c/o Camille Reed,
6243 Rockwell Street, Oakland, CA 94618.
For additional information, please e-mail
Camille at Camille888@sbcglobal.net.
Tech Piano
Parents:
Note
Oakland Unified School District’s Options
Enrollment Window for the 2011-12 School
Year runs from Dec 6, 2010 to Jan 14, 2011.
http://publicportal.ousd.k12.ca.us/ousd/site/default.asp
from page 7
There’s a
new broker
in town.
than 450 students participating in the
performing arts courses offered as part
of their high school education – and that
number is growing every year. There are
ambitious plans for a Performing Arts
Academy at the school. Parents, teachers
and administrators have formed an active
Auditorium Committee, working on the
full restoration of the auditorium, including
improving the acoustics, lighting and sound
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Strahan
Insurance
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Closing Date
BR BATH
Address
Original Price
List Price
DOM
Selling Price
12/3/10
2
1
5850 Lawton Avenue
$749,000
$749,000
16
$755,000
12/3/10
4
3
5848 Oceanview Drive $949,000
$949,000
42
$920,580
12/3/10
4
2
524 Forest Street
$739,000
$699,000
44
$685,000
12/9/10
3
1
6225 Auburn Avenue
$695,000
$695,000
14
$739,000
• Rockridge currently has about a 2.5 month supply of inventory.
• Average market time is currently 29 days in Rockridge – a decrease from 43 days at this time last year.
• Median sales price has increased from $745,000  at this time in 2009 to $747,000 presently.


January 8, 2011
12.

RDA Celebrates 2010 Achievements;
Looks Forward to 2011 Successes
The Rockridge District Associa-
tion’s (RDA) annual member
appreciation breakfast was held
December 9 at Somerset Restau-
rant on College Avenue. This was
a time for our members to meet,
share information and get to know
one another.
Guest speaker City Council
President Jane Brunner gave an
update on the state of the city.
Susan Bernosky, RDA president,
welcomed new members, includ-
ing Monte McClain, new pastor
of the College Avenue Presby-
terian Church. We spoke on the
RDA’s accomplishments for 2010.
We acknowledged our successful
partnerships with Bob Franklin of
BART and with the RCPC.
We were pleased to report that
the RDA has facilitated the trim-
ming and maintenance of our 140 or so trees
on College Avenue, a responsibility we took
on due to the city’s budgetary constraints.
This project is funded with our member
assessments and promotes the health, safety
and beauty of our neighborhood.
On a final note, the RDA website at www.
rockridgedistrict.com has two new features:
business specials and upcoming events.
We look forward to continued successes
in 2011.
— Reported by Susan Bernosky
Opportunity:
RCPC Board
Applicants
The Rockridge Community Planning
Council (RCPC) holds its annual
election for seats on the board of direc-
tors in April. Six board seats (out of a
total of 13) will be up for election. One
of them could be yours.
What do RCPC boardmembers
do? Among current projects facing
Rockridge are: two major Safeway
building proposals; stimulating College
Avenue retail; supporting Rockridge
public schools; and confronting Rock-
ridge’s continuing problems with traffic
and crime. RCPC is involved in all these
issues and more.
Watch for further announcements in
The Rockridge News. For more infor-
mation or to tell of your interest in the
meantime, e-mail chair@rockridge.org.
RDA celebrates the holidays. Front, from left: Louise
Rothman-Riemer, Secretary RDA – DHR Investments; Jane
Brunner; Joyce Gardner, board member – FIT; Thelma
Harris, board member – Thelma Harris Art Gallery. Middle:
Sara Wilson, Immediate Past President, RDA – Market
Hall; Susan Bernosky, President, RDA – Strahan Ins Svcs
Inc; Veronica Bhonsle, board member – VERO; Liz Taylor,
board member – Tootsies Rockridge. Back: Chris Jackson,
Operations Manager, RDA; Henry Levy, Treasurer, RDA
– Henry C. Levy & Company.              Photo: Don Kinkead
Start the New
Year Right:
Join the Rockridge
News Team
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o you like to walk? Do you like to
meet your neighbors? Then we have
the perfect volunteer job for you and it only
requires about 20 minutes of your time each
month: The Rockridge News need a block
captain for the following route. If you live
close by and would like to volunteer, drop
us an e-mail or give us a call and we’ll set
you up.
Route
Description
All of us at McGuire Real Estate would like to
wish you and your family a Happy New Year.
Since 1919 we have provided the Bay Area
with premier Real Estate services and look
forward to being there for you in 2011.
From Ada down Broadway, odd
numbers to the real estate office
on Broadway at the Broadway/
College intersection.
Call The Rockridge
News business
manager at 510/547-
3855 or e-ma i l
smontauk@gmail.
com to volunteer.
12C


January 8, 2011

13.

Emerson Elem. School Fund Brings Art Program to Classrooms

ing service; contributions to the fund and to
the PTO are tax-deductible. Checks payable
to Faith Network for Emerson PTO may
be sent to: Emerson Elementary School
attn: PTO/Enrichment Fund, 4803 Lawton
Avenue, Oakland 94609. Cash contributions
are accepted at the school office. The tax
ID# is 94-3403801
Contributions to the fund may also
be made through Barefoot Books, online
publishers of children’s books, with many
titles not available in large bookstores. If
you are looking for books for your kids,
consider purchasing them through Barefoot
Books. Community member Dana Hull, a
Barefoot Books representative, has directed
all commissions on her sales to the fund.
For more information on purchasing books
through Barefoot Books, contact Dana Hull
at danahull@gmail.com or go to www.dana-
hull.barefootbooks.com
to bring art instruction to each Emerson
classroom beginning in mid-January.
Studio One staff will visit each classroom
once a week, bringing a high level of instruc-
tion to the children. School board member
Jody London referred to the arrangement as
an ideal match, since Studio One is located
just a block from Emerson Elementary.
The Emerson Enrichment Fund had
raised slightly more than $10,000 as of
mid-December. With pledges for additional
contributions on the books, the way was
cleared to bring in the Studio One pro-
gram. With additional funds, the plan is to
continue the program through the end of
the school year.
The Emerson Enrichment Fund strives
to establish permanent weekly art and music
instruction in each classroom. The fund
and the school PTO accounts are handled
through Faith Network non-profit account-
by Bruce Williams, Emerson School
Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)
A
fundraising blitz on behalf of the
Emerson Enrichment Fund has led to
a partnership with Studio One Arts Center
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
Norman H. Burg, DDS
In and Around Rockridge, There’s Only One #1
Find Out Why!
Homes SOLD in 2010 by Ron Kriss
General Dentistry
(510) 652-1517
5700 Broadway, Oakland
Sales Price $745,000
www.331-63rdStreet.com
SOLD
Sales Price $816,000
www.5415Manila.com
SOLD
Sales Price $951,000
 www.5370Miles.com
SOLD
Sales Price $975,000
 www.5377Locksley.com
SOLD
A Prevention Oriented Practice
Sales Price $1,200,000
www.5809Ross.com
SOLD
Sales Price $760,000
www.6511Dana.com
SOLD
Sales Price $891,000
www.5238Miles.com
SOLD
Sales Price $1,320,000
www.6067RockridgeBlvd.com
SOLD
Sales Price $751,000
www.5326James.com
SOLD
Sales Price $755,000
www.427-61st.com
SOLD
Sales Price $716,000
www.463Cavour.com
SOLD
Sales Price $839,000
www.5524Lawton.com
SOLD
Sales Price $642,000
www.5131Desmond.com
SOLD
Sales Price $441,000
www.460-58thSt.com
SOLD
Ron Kriss
Broker/Owner
L A W T O N
Sales Price $474,000
www.468-58thSt.com
SOLD
Lawton Associates
510-547-5970 Ext. 55     ronkriss@jps.net
www.LawtonAssociates.com
A S S O C I A T E S
R E A L   E S T A T E
B R O K E R A G E


January 8, 2011
14.

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.
Nedworks Custom
Remodeling
Bathroom, kitchen, retrofit, driveway pavers,
shingle siding, decks, tile, dry rot specialist,
painting. 510/301-5448. www.nedworks.us
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.
February deadline is January 20, 2011.
For information: smontauk@gmail.com
Tutoring by Credentialed
Teacher
18-years experience. Primary grade expertise
in language arts and math. Homework help
and writing coach for upper primary. Tutoring
plan coordinated with your child’s teacher.
References. 420-1898. E-mail Jean at jean-
rains@sbcglobal.net
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.
General Contractor
Craftsman Rehabs, remodels, seismic upgrades,
kitchens, built-ins, gates, windows, doors,
repairs, small jobs. Many local references fully
insured. See www.catconstruction.biz Craig.
510/232-5978.
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.
Find Out What Your Home
is Worth
With no cost or obligation. Even if you owe
more than it’s worth, we may be able to help
you. Call 510/504-1522. Leave message. Barbara
Levy, BHG/Mason McDuffie, #1228537.
Holiday Special! Penelope’s
Aesthetics Skin Care Salon
25% Off waxing and facial services. Gift
certificates available. Receive excellent,
relaxing services with a gentle and personalized
treatment. www.penelopecalef.com By
appointment. 510/594-1552.
Save Money
Market Smarter
SmarterYellowPages
SFbay.SmarterYellowPages.com
Private and Cozy Rental Unit
Between Manila and Lawton. Good for
one or two people. Close to shopping and
transportation. $1,000 per month & deposit.
510/652-8803.
TAI CHI and QIGONG
Improve your health through breathing and
awareness with practitioners of this ancient
gentle exercise. Rockridge Methodist Church,
303 Hudson at College. Thursday, 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. Visit www.harmonytaiji.com
or e-mail gail@harmonytaiji.com
Bank Foreclosures &
Distress Sales
Receive a Free list of foreclosure properties
and Best Buys with pictures and addresses. Call
510/504-1522. Leave message. Barbara Levy,
BHG/Mason McDuffie, #1228537.

5431 College Ave
        Oakland Ca 94618
510. 652. 5431

www.elizabethh.net

j
5278 College Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618
510.654.6755
www.jarvisarchitects.com
Restoration and new upper
floor at the corner of Napa
Street and Thomas Avenue
call for a free consultation
E  xperience the Unique Difference...
Ortrun Niesar
510.326.2161
ortrun.niesar@sothebysrealty.com
sothebysrealty.com
DRE #01161032
I look forward to serving you!


January 8, 2011

15.

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

and perform from her poetry and music CD, Awaken.
DIESEL, A Bookstore, 5433 College Ave. More info about
these authors/ books (and other events and discussion
groups): 653-9965 or events@dieselbookstore.com.
Rockridge Rock Band: Dear Indugu

Community Calendar

The band members, who grew up in Rockridge, play
music that is “raw and lyrically driven”. Intimate acoustic
performance on Sunday, 1/23, 5pm. Free for all ages.
Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. More info: Facebook.
com/DearIndugu.
Wisteria Ways House Concert Series
Neighborhood Crime Prevention
Council (NCPC)
re-scheduled to 1/8 because of New Year’s Day.
■
■Video Gaming Tournaments: Naruto III and Super
Smash Bros. on the Wii. Sign-ups begin at 3:45 on
1/25. Great prizes. Hosted by the Teen Advisory Board.
For questions: Susy, 597-5017.
FOR ADULTS
Residents and business members of NCPC’s 12Y and
13X areas can voice their concerns about crime and
public safety. Note: this month only, meeting on
Saturday, 1/22, 3:00 PM. Rockridge Library, upstairs
meeting room, 5366 College Ave. (at Manila). Info:
chair@rockridgencpc.com.
Rockridge Branch Library
Canconier: Diverse collection of voices and instru-
ments features a mix of 15th century music from the
time of Vlad Dracula. Sound clips at www.canconier.
com/. Saturday, 1/22, 8pm (door opens 7:30pm). $15-20
donation for musicians (cash only at the door). 383 61st
Street (inside venue, not wheelchair accessible). For
reservations (highly recommended), RSVP to info@
WisteriaWays.org or 655-2771.
Women Singers Wanted
■
■Writers Support/Critique Group: All writers welcome.
Bring 15 copies of up to 5 pgs. (double-spaced, MS
margins) of any prose for on-site reading/discussion
(you’re also welcome to come empty-handed). Third
Saturday each month, 1 to 5pm. Sponsored by the
California Writers Club, Berkeley branch (www.
berkeleywritersclub.org.) Info: 420-8775 or Writefox@
aol.com.
5366 College Avenue, 597-5017
FOR CHILDREN
■
■Toddler Story Time: Every Saturday, 10:30am.
■
■Pre-School Story Time: 1st and 3rd Wed., 10:30am.
■
■Lawyers in the Library: Free legal advice and refer-
rals. First Tues. each month. New times: 5 to 7pm
(advance sign-up starts 4:45pm). Note: Volunteer
lawyer leaves before 7pm if no more people are present.
ART EXHIBITS (call to confirm)
Gallery:
■
■Baby and Toddler Story Time: 1st and 3rd Wed.,
10:30am, upstairs.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
The Distaff Singers, the Bay Area’s longest-running
women’s choral group, is seeking new members. No
auditions necessary, just ability to match pitch. Practice
Tuesdays, 7:15 to 9pm at Bishop O’Dowd HS, 9500
Stearns Ave. A benefit concert in the fall supports local
K-12 music programs. Info: Carola Ingram, 547-1191 or
carolaingram@mac.com.
North Oakland Senior Center
■
■Season of Non-Violence Friendship Bracelets:
Learn to make friendship bracelet (or practice new
designs). Materials provided. Thurs, 1/20 and Sat, 1/22,
3:30 to 5pm. All ages welcome; best for kids 8 and up.
FOR TEENS
■
■Jan: Nancy Duscenteau: color prints from her
photo-essays.
■
■Feb: Oakland Art Assn. Rick Nelson: small paintings.
LOBBY DISPLAY CASE:
■
■Rockridge Ninjas Anime Club: Ages 13 and up, watch
and talk about anime (Japanese animation). Second
Tues. each month, 5 to 6:30pm, upstairs meeting rm.
Programs include: Arts/crafts; health Insurance counsel-
ing; dancing and exercise; trips, tours and theater outings;
Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Groups and more.
■
■Jan: Non-Violence Movement: Commemorating
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi.
■
■Teen Advisory Board (ages 14-18): Help advise the
library how to better serve teens. Get community
service credit for school. Snacks provided. 1st
Saturday each month, 4 to 5pm. NOTE: Jan. meeting
■
■Feb: Re-Create: Art by Kids; sponsored by MoCha
and the Rockridge Library.
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 all Oakland
Public Libraries closed Tues, 1/18.
Diesel Book/Poetry Readings/Events
All events are FREE and open to the public.
■
■Sign-up now for 3 day/2 night trip to Yosemite
(May 3-5). More info: 597-5085.
■
■Free AARP Tax Help begins Wed., 2/2.
Mon. – Fri., 8:30am to 4pm. 5714 Martin Luther King,
Jr. Way. Subscribe to “The North Oakland Senior Times”
for full schedule of classes/events, lunch menus, mem-
bership, and volunteer opportunities. Info: 597- 5085.
Volunteers Wanted
Wonderful, ongoing,
weekday classes for
babies or toddlers
A
Mov
e
m
e
nt
Prog
■
■Chabot Space and Science Center. Assist visitors
and share the wonder of the Universe with others.
No science or astronomy background needed;
extensive training opportunities offered. Next
Volunteer Orientation: Saturday, 1/29 from 10:00am
to 2:00pm, Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000
Skyline Blvd. Info and sign up for orientation: http://
www.chabotspace.org/adult-volunteers.htm or e-mail
volunteers@chabotspace.org.
ram f
or
■
■Mon., 1/10, 7pm. Amnesty International Meeting
(2nd Monday each month): All invited to exchange
ideas on action.
Drop-ins or sign ups
for ALL families: songs,
slides, tunnels, parachute play,
bubbles, a fab ball pit, rocking
horses & more!
A
L
L
Fa
mi
lie
s
■
■Sun., 1/16, 3pm. M.L. Liebler, joined by Diane di
Prima, Geri Digornio, Sue Doro, Maria Mazziotti
Gillan, Michael McClure, and Al Young: new anthol-
ogy, Working Words: Punching the Clock and Kicking
Out the Jams.
For 9 months up to 3 years with an adult
Dawn Margolin  |  510.547.7726
■
■Wed., 1/19, 7pm. Bryan Charles: new memoir, There’s
a Road to Everywhere Except Where You Came From.
■
■Pro Arts: provides critical access to contemporary
art in Oakland and the East Bay. Volunteers needed
as Curatorial interns, Publicity interns, Publicity/
Communications Manager, East Bay Open Studios
Committee Members, and Strategic Planning Partners.
Artists interested in fee waivers based on volunteer
hours for East Bay Open Studios must sign up before
February 2. Details: info@proartsgallery.org or  www.
proartsgallery.org/proarts/intern.php
Temple Beth Abraham
327 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland
(near the Grand Lake Theatre)
■
■Thurs., 1/27, 7pm. Release Party for Issue 2 of
California Northern Magazine.
.
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
■
■Sun., 1/30, 3pm. Poetry Flash: Risa Kaparo will read
■
■American Red Cross:
y
y Mobile Blood Drives: In Jan., all presenting donors
can enter a drawing for a 50” Samsung 3D Plasma
HDTV (not available at high school or college blood
drives). Call 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767) or visit
www.redcrossblood.org to find a location near you.
y
y Volunteer Orientations: Tour the Oakland Blood
Center. Learn to assist blood donors, deliver blood,
help with special projects. Tuesdays, 1/11 and 1/18
from 6pm – 8pm. 6230 Claremont Avenue (across
from College Ave. Safeway). Learn more or sign up:
Anne at 594-5165 or BlackstoneA@usa.redcross.org.


January 8, 2011
16.

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