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www.rockridge.org

VOL. 26      NO. 3      ISSUE NO. 276      March 5, 2011                      CIRCULATION: 5,500 Residences; 200 BusInesses

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

Pg 1: Rockridge Kitchens

Pg 4: Schools Funds Ride
Pg 5: Marathon in Rockridge
Pg 4: Chabot Auction & Gala
Pg 12: FROG Park Notes

Read All About It...
Perspectives on
Kitchen Renovation
O F  R O C K R I D G E  K I T C H E N S
A  T A S T E F U L  T O U R
Council to Act on Zoning Recommendations
Final approval of citywide zoning changes previously recommended
by the Council’s Community and Economic Development
Committee will be considered by the City Council at its meeting
March 15. See Land Use Committee Update, page 3.
Rockridge
Kitchens
Sunday,
October 2,
P L A N N I N G  C O U N C I L
ROCKRIDGE COMMUNIT Y
2011
by Natalie Mehta, Chair, Rockridge Kitchen Tour
Do you love your kitchen? Does it serve your every
need? Is there nothing
you would change about it?
Is it your favorite space in
the house? If so, we would
love to hear about it and
consider it for inclusion in
the 2011 Rockridge Kitchen
Tour, planned for Sunday,
October 2.
However, if you are one of
the many who dream about
a kitchen renovation, we are here for you. We are planning
another incredible tour showcasing recently renovated or
remodeled Rockridge kitchens that promises to give you
plenty of ideas and resources for your own project.
In addition, we are developing a series of articles that discuss
Rockridge kitchen renovations from a variety of perspectives.
Architects and designers will share their insights about the
importance of design details and maximizing the value and
impact of a renovation budget. Contractors will share their
experiences about the
Update: Rockridge News Reader Survey
Responses to the newsletter
reader survey are coming in
from every corner of the neighbor-
hood, from Avon to Woolsey and
Mendocino to Ayala. Responses
are being tabulated, and there is
still time to get your observations
recorded.
Go to RCPC’s website at rock-
ridge.org and complete the online
survey. Watch for a report on the
results in the April issue.
A redesigned Rockridge
kitchen featured on a
previous tour.            Ken Rice
AGENDA: March RCPC Town Hall Meeting
17
■
■Primer on General Plan and Zoning
■
■Forum: RCPC Board Candidates for
April 2011 Election
■
■A Brief Primer on the General Plan and Zoning
y
y Land use has always been an important subject for
RCPC and the Rockridge neighborhood. Unfortunately, it’s
usually thought of as too complicated and technical to understand.
RCPC Chair and land use attorney Stuart Flashman will give the first
of a series of talks on basic land use for the just-plain citizen. By its
end, terms like setback and FAR won’t feel like a foreign language.
➧➧2011 Kitchen Tour, page 6
■
■Forum: RCPC Board Candidates
Oakland Tech
Auction: “This is It!”
Wy
y A public forum with the candidates for RCPC’s April election
to the board of directors will provide residents the opportunity
to hear candidates’ thoughts about Rockridge and Oakland issues.
Bring your questions. Candidates are:
y
y Cesar Angobaldo
y
y Michael Kan
y
y Ronnie Spitzer
y
y Andy Charman
y
y Bill Kaufner
y
y Ann Winterman
onderful food and entertainment and the chance to
bid on an alluring array of auction items await you at
“This is It!,” Oakland Technical High School’s 2011 Auction,
the school’s main fundraising event.
Thursday, March 17  |  7:30-9 p.m.
Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Avenue
at Manila, Community Room (Upstairs)
➧➧Tech Auction, page 13
Sponsored by the school’s


March 5, 2011
2.

During its enduring publication life, The Rockridge News has been guided by
different editors and contributors. Former contributor Trish West developed
the Neighborhood Merchant column and filled it, issue after issue, with tantalizing
descriptions of the rich variety of College Avenue merchants and their wares. Trish and
her husband moved away from Rockridge a number of years ago, but as the following
reminiscence shows, she holds enduring ties to the neighborhood.    — 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: Sundays and Mondays; also Mar 31 & Apr 1
Hello, College Avenue!
by Trish West
When my husband Charlie and I moved
away from Rockridge in 2000, we
left behind some wonderful neighbors (Hi,
Margaret and Chris, Patte and Steve), fellow
workers for the new library (Hi, Nancy), and
the staff of The Rockridge News (Hi, Don!)
In the late ’80s, I had fun originating
the “Neighborhood Merchant” column
in The Rockridge News (now so ably
written by Theresa
Nelson). Other, more
tangible reminders of
our former community
accompanied us to
Mendocino and later
to Ashland, Oregon.
Those mementoes
came from several
College Avenue shops.
Just a brief glance around our home reveals
many of those items.
For example, in the garage rests my
mountain bike from Hank & Frank, ready
for a spin along Ashland’s Bear Creek bike
trail. Our library shelves contain hundreds
of volumes purchased from two great Col-
lege Avenue bookstores, Pendragon and
Diesel Books. Several pictures gracing our
walls were framed at Bosko’s. In my closet
hang fashions from Agatha Rainford, Zip
Mama’s (now, sadly, departed) and, of course,
Rockridge Rags, my favorite clothes-budget
stretcher. The purple ring on my finger at
the moment came from the late, lamented
Bizarre Bazaar (Biz Baz to aficionados).
And some of the avoirdupois indicated
by the bathroom scale is undoubtedly the
result of frequent visits to wonderful Col-
lege Avenue restaurants, especially Oliveto,
“I had a great time
getting to know the
proprietors of College
Avenue shops. They
affirmed my belief that
shopping local was the
way to go.”
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,
Ronnie Spitzer, Ann Winterman
Contact the Board: chair@rockridge.org
For information: info@rockridge.org
Café Rustica, various incarnations of frozen
yogurt shops, and Barclay’s Pub, where
Charlie’s name is inscribed as a member
of the House of Parliament.
As I researched my columns, I had a
great time getting to know the proprietors
of College Avenue shops. They affirmed
my belief that shopping local was the way
to go. First of all, it’s just plain fun to shop
where you live. The merchants know their
immediate market and can cater to the
taste of the locals. They also know their
merchandise and are happy to give advice.
And they have a stake in making custom-
ers happy, since they’ll be seeing the same
faces around the neighborhood and they
thrive on repeat business.
Attractive storefronts are a boon even
to non-shoppers. Window-shopping is a
great pastime and enlivens a stroll enroute
to errands. Bright, colorful windows lend
cheer to a street scene.
There are also solid economic reasons for
patronizing your local merchants. Statistics
garnered via Google indicate that spending
$100 at a locally-owned business keeps $73
in the local economy versus $43 for non-
locally-owned
➧➧Trish West, page 11
Trish West
Chris Wahlberg
Newsletter Subscriptions
To subscribe to The Rockridge News, send
your check for $20, payable to Rockridge News
Subscriptions, to: Rockridge News Subscriptions at
the address below.
Contacting The Rockridge News
	 Are there community issues you’d like to see
covered in The Rockridge News?
	 Do you have questions about newsletter
distribution?
	 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
 April 2, 2011
 April deadline is March 17, 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!


March 5, 2011

3.

Rockridge Community
Planning Council
2010 Financial Statement
Fiscal Year January 1 – December 31, 2010
RCPC P&L
All as of 12/31/10
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
Contributions
22,356
Rockridge News
38,726
Total Income
61,082
Expense
Rockridge News
34,557
Office Expenses
1,248
Contractors
5,874
Misc Expenses
1,444
Taxes, Licenses, Fees
150
Utilities
946
Total Expense
44,219
Net Income
16,863
FORL (Friends of the Rockridge Library) P&L
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
Contributions
14,311
Earned
0
Total Income
14,311
Expense
Subscriptions
3,020
Bank Charges
-15
Office Expenses
467
Grants\Scholarships
2,444
Misc Expenses
694
Utilities
83
Taxes, Licenses, Fees & Fines
134
Total Expense
6,827
Net Ordinary Income
7,484
Net Income
7,484
FROG (Friends of the Rockridge Greenbelt) P&L
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
Contributions
672
Earned
113
Total Income
784
Expense
Bank Charges
-258
Maintenance\Cleaning
6,350
Misc expenses
3,674
Program Expense
109
Utilities
613
Total Expense
9,875
Net Ordinary Income
-9,091
Net Income
-9,091

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: March 23.
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.
Land Use Committee Update
by Stuart Flashman, RCPC Land Use
Committee chair
■
■Citywide Zoning Update
The City Council’s Community and
Economic Development Committee held a
hearing February 22 on the proposed citywide
revisions to Oakland’s zoning. Several
committee members proposed “tweaks”
to the Planning Commission-approved
plans. In particular, Councilmember Jane
Brunner, responding to community concerns,
proposed lowering heights along upper
Telegraph Avenue (north of SR 24) and the
5200 block of Broadway from 60 feet back
to 45 feet. She also asked that the eastern
portions of Birch Court and neighboring
areas on Chabot Road, which had been
proposed for upzoning, be dropped back
down to RM-1 zoning. The rezoning,
including all the proposed changes, was
approved by the committee and forwarded
on to the full Council for adoption. The first
reading was held March 1, the second reading
and final adoption will be on March 15.
Council meetings begin at 6 p.m. The
rezoning item will likely not be heard
earlier then 6:30 p.m., but check the
city’s website (http://www2.oaklandnet.
com/Government /o/CityCouncil/s/
councilmeetings/index.htm) for updated
time information. To speak at the hearing,
you may fill out a speaker card in advance
on-line at http://www2.oaklandnet.
com/Government/o/CityCouncil/s/
SpeakCouncilMeeting/index.htm, or at
the meeting.
Note: To receive the RCPC E-news
Bulletin with periodic updates on city
meetings, planning activities and Rockridge
information, e-mail info@rockridge.org
stating your interest to subscribe.
■
■Rockridge Shopping Center
Reconstruction Project (Corner
of Broadway and Pleasant Valley)
Following up on the Planning Commis-
sion design review committee’s 2-1 vote
approving Safeway’s plans for rebuilding
and expanding this 50-year-old shopping
center (The Rockridge News, February
2011), RCPC’s Land Use Committee and
➧➧Land Use Update, page 11

Save the Date: North Oakland Town Hall
with Mayor Jean Quan, April 2
Just two months into her term, Mayor Jean Quan has arguably had more direct contact
with the public than any of her recent predecessors, and she intends to keep it up.
Mayor Quan, who formerly represented District 4 on City Council, has requested to meet
with constituents in every council district so that she can learn of the issues particular
to their neighborhoods.
The District 1 Town Hall will be held on Saturday, April 2, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30
p.m. at the North Oakland Senior Center, 5714 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way (enter
parking lot through the automatic gate on 58th Street). It will be held in partnership with
Councilmember Jane Brunner and will be in lieu of Brunner’s bimonthly Community
Advisory Meeting. All District 1 (North Oakland) residents are invited. Morning bagels
and rolls, juices and coffee will be served, and childcare will be available on-site.
The mayor and Brunner will open the program, followed by breakout groups led by
city staff and local experts. Each group will draw up a list of priorities around its issue
area and report back to the whole group and the mayor. There will also be an open mic
for those whose concerns are not addressed in their group sessions.
If you would like to help with planning for the town hall, attend a planning meeting
Wednesday, March 9, 7:30 p.m. at the Rockridge Library. To volunteer to help on the day
of the event, contact Chris Waters at christopher@gypsyspiritmission.com.

RCPC, FROG, FORL Balance Sheet
ASSETS
CDs
FORL
30,000
FROG
10,353
RCPC
36,816
TOTAL CDs
77,168
Checking/Savings
FORL
21,287
FROG
34,479
RCPC
45,563
Whistlestop
442
Locksley Gardens
499
Total Checking/Savings
102,270
Other Current Assets
FROG: Bal of Paygo-de la Fuent
26,607
Inventory Asset - FORL
4,346
Inventory Asset - RCPC DVDs
12,850
Total Current Assets
43,803
TOTAL ASSETS
223,241
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Sales Tax
388
Total Liabilities
388
Equity
Opening Bal Equity
193,172
Unrestrict (retained earnings)
14,014
Net Income
15,668
Total Equity
222,853
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY
223,241
RCPC tax records are on file at the
Rockridge Branch Library for public review.

Visit http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/Mayor/index.htm for a list of the Mayor’s meetings


March 5, 2011
4.
Ride for a Reason 2011, Saturday, May 7
Cyclers Ride for Claremont and Tech Funds: Sign Up Now

Chabot School
Auction Returns:
‘Black & White Ball…
Oakland Style’
by Mike Napolitano, vice-
president, Claremont PTA
Ride for a Reason is a bike
ride to the state Capi-
tol to draw attention to the
crisis in funding for public
schools in California, and
to raise badly needed funds
for enrichment programs
in Oakland. This year, our
goals are to have 100 riders
who will raise a total of
$30,000 to provide $15,000
each for Claremont Middle
School and Oakland Tech.
The ride takes place Sat-
urday, May 7. We are now
recruiting riders, soliciting
donations, and recruiting
volunteers to support the
event. There are 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.
A rider in the
2010 Ride for a
Reason in front
o f  t h e  s t a t e
Capitol. The ride
to Sacramento
ended with a rally
of riders, friends,
family and school
supporters who
met with California
L e g i s l a t o rs  t o
discuss the need
f o r  i n c re a s e d
schools funding.
by Jennifer James Alper, Chabot parent
The Chabot Elementary School com-
munity is gearing up for the annual
Chabot auction, the school’s biggest and
most exciting fundraiser of the year.
“Black & White Ball… Oakland Style,”
this year’s soiree, will dazzle guests with an
amazing array of items available for bidding,
delicious food, scintillating cocktails, enter-
tainment and dancing. Let San Francisco
have its formal, staid Black & White Ball
with symphony, taffeta gowns and long white
gloves. Ours, set at the beautiful Scottish
Rite Center at the shores of Lake Merritt,
will be done our way: a more casual, more
laid back affair. And, a whole lot more fun.
Money raised through the auction and
gala allows the PTA to fund a variety of
enrichment programs at Chabot, including
library, music, media, art, Spanish, and
garden. Through the collective generosity
of parents and local businesses, the PTA
raised $120,000 at the auction in 2010. Our
goal this year is $130,000 and we hope you
can help us reach it.
As in past years, the event happens in
two phases:
First, the online auction of teacher
donations/gifts, gift certificates, travel
experiences and other wonderful items takes
place Sunday, March 20 through Thursday,
March 31. Find the link to our event on
Chabot’s website at www.chabotelemen-
tary.org to view the auction catalog as it’s
being built: see sponsorship and advertising
opportunities; donate funds; and buy tickets
to the event.
Second, the gala, live auction and silent
auction (including parent-hosted parties and
classroom art projects) takes place Saturday,
April 2 at the Scottish Rite Center in Oak-
land. The event kicks off at 6 p.m.; festivities
will continue well into the evening hours.
There are many ways to contribute: time
and effort; donations; and, of course, enthu-
siastic bidding. Join us April 2 to celebrate
our amazing school community.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Photo: Sarah Mages
tion, lunch, and the rally at
the Capitol, all on May 7. For
more information about vol-
unteer needs, please contact
Mike Napolitano at 510/655-
4725 or Mike Mages at
510/703-1239 or go to the
ride’s website at http://ride-
forareason.dojiggy.com,
where volunteer tasks are
described in detail on the
“volunteers needed” page.
We are off to a great
start so far, with 35 riders
registered three weeks after
opening registration. Your
support will help make the
event a success.
All riders are encouraged
to raise $200 or more in
pledges to help us achieve
our fundraising goal.
To register, donate, or
volunteer, go to: http://
rideforareason.dojiggy.
com. The next scheduled
g roup pract ice r ide
is Sunday, March 20 at
8:30 a.m., departing from
Claremont Middle School,
5750 College Avenue.
Overall, volunteers are
needed to help with registra-


March 5, 2011

5.
Claremont Middle
School Mathletes
Shine at Regionals

C l a r e m o n t  M a t h l e t e s
before Mathcounts Regional
Competition (left to right):
C a m e ro n  C ow l e s,  Ke v i n
Garcia, Devondre Spears,
Gary Fredericks, Nicolas
Zak-Lee, Connor Prime, Karl
Keck, Dagmawai Fasil, Adrian
Napolitano and Coach Rick
Prime.
by Claremont Middle School staff
It’s all adding up for Claremont Middle
School. The Claremont Math Team placed
first among Alameda County public middle
schools at the recent East Bay Regional
Mathcounts Competition.
The annual competition included
public and private schools from around the
region. Claremont mathletes tied with The
Academy, a private school in Berkeley, for
fifth overall. Claremont’s Cameron Cowles
finished in the top eight and will advance to
Photo courtesy of Rick Prime
the state competition March 19 at Stanford.
Mathcounts is a national enrichment
club and competition program, somewhat
like the national spelling bee. Each year
eight national finalists go to Washington,
D.C. to meet the president.
The Claremont Math Club was restarted
by Claremont and Chabot School parent
volunteer Rick Prime in 2009, seeded with
just a handful of students. The club now
has 20 mathletes representing the school.
Students meet after school once a week to
work on advanced math problems, train
for competitions and have fun. The club
is open to all Claremont students, sixth
through eighth grade, who are interested
in advancing their math skills.
According to Coach Prime, “In just a
short time, these kids have become fierce
mathletes with bright futures. You need
algebra in middle school to be on the col-
lege track. Claremont has a strong math
program, and is one of the few schools
offering geometry at the middle school level.
The math teachers and administration are
incredibly supportive.”
Claremont and math achievements go
way back. In 1980, Claremont student E.
Frey placed second at the California state
competition and went on to the Nationals.
“I would love some day for one of our
students to shake President Obama’s hand
at the Oval Office,” says Prime.

April Yard Sale to Benefit Peralta
Elementary and Claremont Middle Schools

by Nicole Aruda
This year marks the 10th anniversary of
the Lower Rockridge Parents Group
(LRPG) fundraising and community-
building yard sale. Over the last ten years,
LRPG has raised close to $30,000 dollars
for Peralta; last year, the Yard Sale raised a
record breaking $6,000. Organizers expect
this year’s sale will be no less of a success,
attracting volunteers and bargain hunters
from all over the East Bay.
First held on the front lawn of a neigh-
bor’s home, it is now one of the East Bay’s
largest yard sales, attended by hundreds of
buyers and staffed by a team of dedicated
volunteers who sort and price thousands
of donated treasures. If you are looking
for something in particular, the odds are
that you will find it at the LRPG Yard Sale.
The sale will be held April 9, 9-1 p.m., on
➧➧Yard Sale Funds Schools, page 9

Oakland Marathon to Beat Feet Through Rockridge

The Oakland Running Festival returns for year two Sunday,
March 27. First held in 2010, the event is an opportunity
to publicize Oakland, but it will also affect homes and
businesses along the course. Race organizers supplied the
following link to a map of the race at www.oaklandmarathon.
com/Assets/Oakland+Marathon/MarathonCourse.pdf.
Below is the timeline from that map for when runners
will pass through the Rockridge area. See the map excerpt
at right for mileage indicators described below:

Mile
First Runner
Last Runner

Mile 4
7:50 a.m.
8:30 a.m.

Mile 5
7:55 a.m.
8:45 a.m.

Mile 6
8:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
Race organizers have also provided a detailed list of neigh-
borhood detours on their website at www.oaklandmarathon.
com to assist residents who may need to get in or out of a
neighborhood affected by the race.

ROCKRIDGE
o
a
r
Bd
w
ay
6
Telegraph
24
Claremont
Keith
Lake
Temescal
5
Broadway
Rockridge
BART
e
c
a
rr
College
Ter
ay
w
Mile
Markers
d
a
ro
B
4
51st St
OA K L A N D  M A R AT H O N
R O C K R I D G E  A R E A
M a r c h  27,  2 011
    Adapted from the map provided by race organizers
TEMESCAL


March 5, 2011
6.

Rock  ridge
Cornucopia
Cornucopia
Barry A. Kaufman
Creating a Community Cookbook

Kinkead will design the publication. The
cookbooks will be sold at local businesses
at a price to cover production expenses.
The cookbook may also be included as a
bonus for those who join in the Rockridge
Kitchen Tour to be held this fall.
I’m excited about this project and look
forward to receiving your family’s culinary
treasures. Please e-mail your contributions
to kaufman42@earthlink.net or mail Barry
Kaufman, 5699 Oak Grove Avenue, 94618.
I’m looking toward a spring/summer publi-
cation and need your recipes submitted by
mid-April. Also, let me know your thoughts
on how to make this project a success.

Last month, I wrote about how wonderful I thought it would be to create a
Rockridge Community Cookbook. Many of you share this vision to showcase
the unique character of the Rockridge community through your treasured family
recipes and have already started sending me your recipes and stories, but I still
need a lot more in every category. Because I hope to have the book ready for
publication by summer, I am reprinting the article again this month to encourage
everyone who is considering a contribution to send me your recipe as soon as you
can. It’s possible that some of you may have recycled the newsletter or perhaps
were too busy to read it all last month, so here is the format again to use as a
guide. I can’t wait to hear your stories about the dinner you made using recipes
from our own Rockridge cookbook.

Barry Kaufman is a graduate of the California
Culinary Academy. Barry is available for cooking
classes and tours of Bay Area ethnic markets. His
e-mail is kaufman42@earthlink.net
Throughout the 12 years I’ve been writ-
ing Rockridge Cornucopia, I’ve had
street conversations with neighbors and
received numerous phone calls and e-mails
commenting on the recipes. Neighbors have
shared memories of how their parents and
grandparents prepared these dishes. Now, I
invite you to share a family favorite recipe
to be compiled with others in “Rockridge
Cornucopia: A Community Cookbook.”
Our treasured culinary memories will add
to the ever-evolving Rockridge community.
Think about a family recipe you would
like to contribute to the cookbook; it should
hold a special place in your family culinary
history. Use the following as a format for
your contribution:
1. Title: A pithy and inviting title,
something like: Aunt Jenny’s Thanksgiving
Leftover Turkey Hash
2. Dining category: appetizer, soups,
salads, vegetables, side dishes, seafood,
poultry, meat, desserts and beverages
3. Number of servings
4. A recipe header: Headers are short
introductions to a recipe. For our cookbook,
give some historical and cultural/ethnic
background and why the dish is important
to your family. Or tell something about the
special character of the ingredients that
gives meaning to the recipe
5. The recipe: Recipes generally have
two parts:
2011 Kitchen
Tour
Ingredients with measurements
and preparation instructions: Be specific
with measurements and preparation. Include
where to get hard-to-find or specialty
ingredients.
from page 1
most common issues and unique consid-
erations that arise in Rockridge kitchen
renovations. Realtors will shed light on
what kitchen features improve resale value
and how project budgets should consider
local market values. And homeowners will
share the stories behind their projects, their
favorite resources, and lessons learned after
living through a renovation.
We look forward to working with local
experienced talent to gather this informa-
tion and share it with you. So, if you have a
fabulous kitchen, a burning question, or an
insight to share, please contact Natalie at
415/279-5148 or natalie.mehta@yahoo.com.
Cooking instructions: Include pre-
heated oven temperature, type of cookware
used, and timing (or signal that the cooking
is done). For example, you can say “sauté
chopped onions for 5 minutes” or “sauté
onions until soft.” You might also want to
include some special tips or substitutions. It
also adds a nice touch to mention the type
of plate or bowl suggested for presentation
of the meal.
I will edit the recipes to conform to pub-
lication style. Rockridge News editor Don
Just
Sold!
6019 Hillegass, Rockridge
since 1997


March 5, 2011

7.

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.

DMV Neighbors Set
Date for Temescal
Creek Cleaning

City: Custom Work, Staffing Challenges Slowed FROG Park Repairs
Editor:

structure was disassembled.
Third, the amount of Fibar that needed
to be removed exceeded everyone’s labor
estimates. Hundreds of volunteer hours were
required to remove the Fibar by individual
wheelbarrow loads. At Redondo, nobody
anticipated the extensive redwood trees’ root
invasion into the Fibar. Volunteers and city
staff spent countless hours chopping away at
the roots. Gardeners were reassigned from
other city parks to help remove the remaining
Fibar and install the ground level geotechnical
fabric. Completing this job cut into service
levels at those other parks.
This project would not have been pos-
sible without the strong community support
and the organizational skills to mobilize
volunteers to haul away the Fibar. The city’s
delays were due to limited staffing; everyone
must recognize the budget challenges and the
resulting impacts on public services.
— Jim Ryugo
Building Services Manager,
City of Oakland
In response to Bethany’s letter to the
editor [The Rockridge News, February,
2011], I want to offer the city’s explanation
for delays in repairing FROG Park.
First, the wooden play structure is one-
of-a-kind and was assembled like a large,
intricate puzzle. To repair the dry rot-damaged
lumber, the entire section was carefully disas-
sembled. Replacement pieces were custom cut
to fit, then reassembled. This required three
city carpenters working five days to complete.
Five carpenters are budgeted throughout the
city; this repair job significantly impacted
the work schedule of “high priority” jobs like
roofing repairs. Weather also played a factor:
the carpenters could only work on the play
structure between rain showers, and after
higher priority work orders were completed.
Second, the Southern Pine and synthetic
lumber were specialty orders requiring longer
than normal delivery lead times. Two orders
of Southern Pine lumber were required due
to additional dry rot discovered when the
Merchant Alert: Parking Ticket Kills Shopping Desire
Editor:
bumper projected two inches into a red
zone! Note that I was absolutely not block-
ing either the driveways in front of my car
or behind my car. I tried to fight the ticket
but it was upheld summarily.
So, from now on, my shopping dollars
will be spent in Berkeley or elsewhere, and
when my friends say where shall we meet,
it’s not going to be in Rockridge any more.
Talk about a city shooting itself in the
foot! In disgust,
— Christopher Dworin
I lived in Rockridge for six years and
loved it. I now live in Marin, but come
back to the East Bay frequently. I love(d)
coming over to Rockridge for breakfast
at the Rockridge Café or other fine estab-
lishments or to peruse the books at Diesel
Books or shop at the many fine stores. But,
that’s all done now.
I just got an $83 parking ticket while
parked in a legal parking space on Forest
Street. Why the ticket? Because my front










 
­


 
	

Join Your Neighbors at the
Temescal Creek Clean-up!
Sunday March 20, 9 a.m. ’til noon
NOTE: we’ll be meeting on Sunday during
the Farmers Market for this clean-up
Meet at the DMV parking lot at the
corner of Cavour and Redondo.
We will focus on the block along Redondo,
between Cavour and Clarke, mostly removing
litter, pulling weeds, pruning and clearing ivy. We can
also start removing eucalyptus debris from the creek bed.
The DMV Neighbors Association will provide
coffee and morning snacks at 9 a.m.
 Come anytime between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
 City of Oakland Public Works Environmental
Services Division loans us the necessary tools. This
includes garbage bags, loppers, rakes, hoes,
brooms, litter pickup sticks, gloves, etc.
 OK to bring your own favorite tools, well-identified
as yours.
 We can always use wheelbarrows.
 Wear boots or shoes that you don’t mind getting
wet or muddy.
Rain cancels but heavy fog does not — some of our best
winter clean ups have been on gray days.
Sponsored by the DMV Neighbors Association and
the City of Oakland Environmental Services Division.
Please call Margaret if you have any questions: 510/655-1767.
a
cross-cultural congregation
striving to partner with
         the Rockridge community
   in lifestyle and service.
College Avenue Presbyterian Church
5951 College Avenue, Oakland  510 658-3665
Sunday worShip 10:30 aM • ViSit: capcchurch.org
our wonderful coMMunity Meal, fridayS, 6-7pM
a great opportunity to SerVe
WINSTON’S PLUMBING
HEATING & ELECTRICAL
lic.# 537739/554406
Since 1979
• Trenchless Sewers
• Earthquake Protection
• Tankless Water Heaters
• Remodel & Repair
510-652-8014
www.winstonsplumbing.com
“”May your toilet never runneth over!”


March 5, 2011
8.

Rockridge Library Friends Group:
Raising Funds, Spreading Cheer!
Trader Joe’s manager
helped FORL assemble
holiday gift bags for
the library staff.
     Photo: Jane McDermott
by Jennifer James Alper, Friends of
Rockridge Library board member
Annual fundraising efforts launched
during the holidays by the Friends of
the Rockridge Library (FORL) have brought
strong community support. We appreciate
and thank the “friends” – both new names
and our long-standing supporters – who
donated to FORL. As state and city budgets
continue to be tight, our Rockridge branch,
like all the libraries in the Oakland system,
must do more with less. FORL provides
funding for many key programs and ser-
vices at the library, including periodicals
(The New York Times, among others) and
the “hot picks” popular selections near the
reference librarian’s desk.
Rockridge Friends’ dollars also fund
the Summer Intern program, ensuring that
we have an engaging children’s summer
reading program for our kids, while also
giving an Oakland Tech student a paid
internship and valuable work experience.
Patron donations sponsor several popular
teen programs at the library, and recently
endorsed the formation of the Teen Advisory
Board. FORL matched another donation to
provide teens a forum for participating in
the library and coordinating community
service projects, and also funds after-school
snacks and pizza parties to reward good
behavior in the library. Finally, FORL
dollars often fill in the budget gaps when
funds are needed to repair or improve the
facilities in our beautiful branch.
The Friends have much
to be thankful for this
year – including many
local businesses that have
supported our efforts
and the library. Jennifer
Kaplan, owner of the nearby
Rockridge Home boutique
on College Avenue, has
organized impromptu
gatherings to help tend and tidy up the
library plantings and street front areas.
Sara Wilson, of Rockridge Market Hall,
graciously donated the proceeds from a used
cookbook sale to the Rockridge Friends.
And in what has become a holiday tradition,
Trader Joe’s Captain George Yamashita
helped make the FORL holiday gifts to
our hardworking library staff extra sweet
this season by adding special goodies
to go along with our gift cards and then
packaging them all up so festively (photo
above).
Through the generosity of our donors,
we are able to accomplish all that we do
to support the Rockridge Branch – and
you can see each and every name right
on the donor roll in the library lobby. To
add your name to the list, visit our new
(and still in progress) website at www.
friendsoftherockridgelibrary.org. We would
love to have you among our “friends.”
See you at the library!
Design, Installation and Maintenance
Native Plant Gardens & Stonework
Andrea Hurd, Horticulturist and Stonemason
License #883905 h tel. 510.558.8429
www.mariposagardening.com
Benvenue Court
Four New Homes For Sale in Rockridge
3 Beds/2.5 Baths plus bonus space
from $995,000-$1,195,000
Exquisite craftsman designs by Jarvis Architects
Located on Benvenue @ Alcatraz just
steps from College Ave
www.BenvenueCourt.com
Perry Riani, Senior Associate
Lawton Associates
510.813.3799  •  priani@earthlink.net
100% Chemical Free Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
Third Generation
Rockridge Resident
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Ann Lovi
510.339.0400/351
alovi@grubbco.com
D.R.E. Lic. #01716499
GRUBBCO.COM
Services Include Deep Steam Cleaning, Deodorizer & Sanitizer
No Bait n’ Switch
No Up Charges
www.MotherNaturesCarpetCleaning.com
(510) 776-8115
No Hidden Costs Guaranteed!


March 5, 2011

9.

Interview: Mayor Jean Quan, Part 2
Yard Sale
Funds Schools
by Don Kinkead, editor,
The Rockridge News
commercial centers should have interest-
ing shops within walking distances and be
well-served by public transportation.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
Turning to a proposal by AC Transit to
create dedicated bus lanes in the city, she
said, “I like the overall concept, although it
doesn’t seem the plan left enough parking in
some [commercial] neighborhoods. Also, it
takes out too many bus stops in East Oakland,
leaving seniors feeling vulnerable as they
walk the extra distance to a remaining stop.”
Replacing the parking would be “really hard”
without redevelopment dollars, she said. “It
obviously needs more work.”
Citizen Support
In closing, Mayor Quan was asked
how neighborhood groups and individual
residents could help in the current fiscal
crisis.
“It’s the thing I have been asking people
to do: Volunteer to work with the city.”
She reports that at a recent open house, for
example, 60 people signed up to work with
Public Works on medians, parks and “adopt
a spot” projects, while others out of 1,000
attendees signed up with other departments.
“This was pretty nice,” she said.
The mayor then reiterated the call she
had issued during her inauguration:
“Dream about the city; imagine some-
thing a little different;
“Give one hour a week back to the city;
“Shop more in Oakland (the 25 percent
solution);
“Discover Oakland again. Take a fresh
look at Oakland’s neighborhoods. So much
is going on: Art Murmur, Sundays in the
Redwoods, Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
“It’s just an amazing city!”
from page 5
Shortly after her inauguration,
Mayor Jean Quan met with RCPC Chair
Stuart Flashman and Rockridge News
editor Don Kinkead to discuss her plans
and concerns for Oakland and its future.
In the first part of the interview, reported
in the February issue of the newsletter,
Mayor Quan discussed Oakland schools,
public safety, improving retail, city budget
problems, redevelopment and public
facilities. In the following conclusion to
the interview, she considers planning and
zoning, AC Transit’s Bus Rapid Transit
(BRT) proposal, and how citizens can help
Oakland in this period of need.
Noting that recent public hearings have
presented proposed zoning changes that
would increase permitted building heights
to a 60-foot limit along major transporta-
tion corridors, including Telegraph Avenue,
Stuart Flashman asked the mayor for her
reaction.
Mayor Quan replied, “I think it has to
be neighborhood by neighborhood. I would
like to see form-based zoning* used a little
more.” Such an approach, she feels, would
lead to a better mix of tall and short build-
ings in a given area, and avoid a “canyon
look” that could result when the majority
of street-front buildings are constructed to
the maximum permitted height. The goal,
she said, should be an “…agreement on
‘how does it look, how does it feel?’” in
the neighborhood.
Quan is also supportive of recognizing
the historical background and design of
an area, and encouraging construction to
make “a bow to the history [of an area]”
with design features that carry that historic
sense into present-day appearances.
Overall, she believes, neighborhood
the Peralta playground on Alcatraz Avenue,
a half-block east of Telegraph Avenue. Come
see the dazzling array of furniture, kid stuff,
music, art, kitchen goods, tools, garden and
sports equipment.
LRPG is a 400 member community group
established in 2001 by three neighborhood
moms seeking to build support for Peralta
Elementary School by building commu-
nity in and around the Lower Rockridge
neighborhood.
Today the Peralta community is able to
raise the funds required to provide its stu-
dents with art, music, Spanish, P.E., mental
health services and social skills curriculum,
all housed in a stimulating art-filled, garden
environment.
Peralta has won numerous awards includ-
ing multiple Title I Achievement Awards,
California Distinguished School Status
and has most recently been nominated as
a National Blue Ribbon School.
Claremont, Rockridge’s neighborhood
middle school, is deserving of the same
energy and attention that helps support Per-
alta’s success. Test scores and enrollment at
Claremont are up, testament to hard work by
Claremont students and staff. Like Peralta,
Claremont is committed to providing its
students with access to art and music and
stimulating and fun after school activities.
Yard Sale proceeds will be shared 50-50
with Claremont Middle School.
Please come join us: Shop, have a snack,
meet neighbors, make new friends and sup-
port your wonderful neighborhood public
schools.
For more information on the LRPG or
the Yard Sale, e-mail or call Nicole Aruda
at 510/547-7976; nicaruda@earthlink.net.
* “Form-based Code,” from Wikipedia. (For
clarification only.) “Form-based codes address
the relationship between building façades
and the public realm, the form and mass of
buildings in relation to one another, and the
scale and types of streets and blocks. The
regulations and standards in form-based
codes... are keyed to a regulating plan that
designates the appropriate form and scale (and
therefore, character) of development rather
than only distinctions in land-use types. This
is in contrast to conventional zoning’s focus
on the micromanagement and segregation of
land uses, and the control of development
intensity through abstract and uncoordinated
parameters (e.g., floor area ratios, dwelling
units per acre, setbacks, parking ratios) to the
neglect of an integrated built form.”
Preston Grant
REALTOR
LIC R01375357
Direct 510.220.7908
preston_grant@sbcglobal.net


March 5, 2011
10.

SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATE: OUSD Seeks Community Input for New Strategic Vision Proposal

Budget, Receivership Challenge District

North Oakland Community Meeting
■
■Saturday, March 12
9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
by Jody London, Vice President, Board
of Education and Director, District 1
The Oakland Unified School District
(OUSD) has been California’s most
improved large urban district for six years
running. North Oakland schools continue to
improve every year, providing quality educa-
tion and opportunity for Oakland’s youth.
OUSD has adopted a Strategic Vision –
“Community Schools, Thriving Students”
– and wants input from the community.
Simultaneously, California schools face
unprecedented challenges if the June special
election fails.
Provide Input for Strategic
Vision on March 12
North Oakland residents will have an
opportunity in March to provide input to
the district as it develops a strategic vision
to become a full-service community school
district. This means schools throughout
Oakland will provide for the needs of the
whole child: academic, social, emotional,
physical. Some Oakland schools already do
this, but the school board seeks to provide
this for every child, starting in early child-
hood education programs.
The board is pursuing this vision in the
face of the most devastating budget cuts to
public education in decades because it is
convinced this model provides the greatest
educational opportunities for Oakland’s
children, and for the city as a whole. Four-
teen task forces are meeting regularly to
plan implementation of this strategic vision.
Learn more about the task forces and their
meetings at www.ousd.k12.ca.us.
On Saturday, March 12, the community
is invited to a youth and family conference
focused on Region 1, which includes North
and West Oakland. The conference will give
students, parents, caregivers, and community
members an overview of the “Community
Schools, Thriving Students” vision, and the
opportunity to provide the school district
with ideas and suggestions.
I will be facilitating portions of the
conference and hope to see North Oakland
participate. See box, top right, for details.
Schools Will See Huge Cuts if
Special Election Fails
It is crucial that the community pay atten-
tion to the state budget. California school
districts receive 80 percent of unrestricted
funds from the state. Some districts can
supplement this with funds from parcel
taxes, bonds, and donations, but the basic
budget for schools relies heavily on the state.
Since the budget crisis that began several
years ago, school funding has been cut in
greater proportion than schools represent
in the state budget. If the June special
election Governor Brown has called for
does not succeed, schools will see even
less. Some analysts believe the actual cuts
would result in as much as $900 less per
student. I encourage you: stay informed on
this matter, and share this information with
your friends across the state.
Legacy of State Administration
From 2003 through 2009, OUSD was
run by a state-appointed administrator;
during those six years, the district had three
different state administrators. Some good
things happened: academic performance
district-wide continued to improve; better
systems and processes were developed in
administrative areas; and as the district
returned to local control, it hired a dynamic
superintendent and a thorough and trans-
parent deputy superintendent of business,
who oversees our budget and finances. But
the district now faces challenges that are
a direct legacy of state control, including:
■
■McClymonds High School
2607 Myrtle Street
■
■RSVP: Raquel Jimenez
Community Engagement
Coordinator, 510/703-4825
■
■E-mail: Raquel.Jimenez@ousd.
k12.ca.us
is the last year OUSD will be able to use
the state loan to pay back the state. The
district has investigated the possibility of
loan forgiveness, but that seems unlikely,
given the state’s own financial troubles and
the fact that the loan has been sold.
■
■When a school district is in receiver-
ship, the state controller’s office conducts
the annual audits. The controller is years
behind in doing this, so OUSD has faced
audits that ding the district with findings
of which it was not aware. This, in turn,
can result in fines. The district has success-
fully contested some of these charges and
is working with its legislators on potential
solutions.
■
■The main reason the district entered
receivership was a structural deficit of about
$40 million: expenses were greater than
revenue. When a district’s budget does not
balance, the state steps in. However, state
administration did not address this structural
deficit. New Superintendent Tony Smith
has been working under direction from
the school board to reduce the structural
deficit. If the June ballot measure passes,
the district will be able to adopt a budget
that eliminates the structural deficit.
■
■OUSD entered receivership because
it faced a shortfall of about $35 million.
The district comes out of receivership
owing the state $100 million. Apparently
the state administrators viewed loans from
the state – an initial loan of $65 million
and a subsequent loan of $35 million – as
a tab against which to spend. The district
now must pay back the state, with inter-
est, several million dollars per year. This
If you have any questions about the Oakland
Unified School District, please feel free to contact
me at: jody.london@ousd.k12.ca.us.


March 5, 2011

11.

Trish West
Shopping? Shop Oakland, First

Land Use Update

from page 3
There’s a
new broker
in town.

from page 2
businesses. Business owners purchase
from other local businesses and service
providers. In addition, they often donate
more to local non-profits, such as school
and community events.
An easy-walking street like College
Avenue also yields environmental
benefits, cutting down on air pollution and
saving travel time. (For example, a recently
sold home on Manila has, according to
Zillow.com, a walk score of 95, which it
terms “walkers’ paradise.”)
When Charlie and I chose our new
hometown, we insisted that it possess many
of the same attributes of Rockridge: public
library, educational facilities, and convenient
access to goods and services. In my view,
communities like Rockridge represent our
best future.
So, hello, College Avenue! Here I am,
seven hours away, waving to you. I’ll be
visiting soon and look forward to cruising
the avenue once again.
board discussed next steps. While the com-
mittee’s approval is disappointing, we are
hopeful we can convince the full commission
to improve on the current plans, especially
for the project’s crucial second phase. An
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is in
preparation and due to be released this spring.
The Oakland planner assigned to the
project is Darin Ranelletti, 238-3663,
DRanelletti@oaklandnet.com.
Susan Bernosky
Strahan
Insurance
Services, Inc.
510-450-9051
■
■College Avenue Safeway
Shopping Center (Corner of
College and Claremont Avenues)
Oakland planning staff continues to
review and revise an administrative draft of
the EIR for this 62,000 square-foot project,
which would replace Safeway’s current
22,500 square-foot store. According to proj-
ect planner Peterson Vollman, (pvollman@
oaklandnet.com, 238-6167), public release
is a couple of months away. RCPC, work-
ing with Friends and Neighbors of College
Avenue (FANS: http://fansco.org), is gearing
up to review and critique the EIR’s analysis
of project impacts once it is released for the
45-day public review period.
Rockridge:  5400 College Avenue
 Elmwood:  2930 College Avenue
Weekend Brunch in Elmwood
CA Insurance License 0D34069
NV Insurance License 16154
Prediction Holds For A Great Spring!
Closing Date
BR BATH
Address
Original Price
List Price
DOM        Selling Price
 1/27/2011
2
1
5370 Bryant Avenue
$ 649,000
$ 629,000
57
$ 629,000
 1/31/2011
2
1
6273 Brookside
$ 309,900
$309,900
144
$ 300,000
 2/4/2011
2
1
5314 Shafter Avenue
$ 659,000
$ 659,000
4
$ 720,000
• Rockridge currently has a 3.27 month supply of inventory.
• Average list to sell is currently 102% – down from an average of 107% at this time last year.
• Average market time is currently 68 days in Rockridge – compared to a year ago when the
average market time was 33days.
• 7 properties went pending in the last month and these properties were on the market an
average of 18 days. The Median List Price was for these pending sales was $825,000


March 5, 2011
12.

Celebrate Earth                    Day at FROG Park
R
DA Board Elections will be held
April 7, 8-10 a.m. at the Rockridge Library,
5366 College Avenue. All RDA business members
are invited and encouraged to attend. Informa-
tion: e-mail info@rockridgedistrict.com

Saturday, April 16,
9 a.m. to noon
You can give back to the community by
taking care of Frog Park, our neighbor-
hood park and an important community
asset. Meet at “Big Frog” (the play structure
near Hardy Circle and Hudson/Claremont),
from 9 a.m. to noon.
FROG (Friends of the Rockridge-
Temescal Greenbelt) is organizing a fun,
family-friendly Earth Day clean-up and
planting event to honor Earth Day. Bring
work gloves and gardening tools, or a broom
or rake. Bring your children, and kids’ tools
if you have them. Projects include playground
cleaning, weeding, planting, some sealing
of the new wood, sweeping, and clearing
the pond and creek bed in preparation for
the turning-on of the creek.
Afterwards, stay for a potluck picnic and
family activities. Visit www.oaklandearth-
day.com for more information. Contact
Carol Behr, earthday2011@frogpark.org.
Frog Park
Restroom Update
Construction began on the new Frog Park
restroom February 28, and will continue
for about three months. The Porta-Potty will
be moved to a nearby location, and will be
open during construction. Parking at Hardy
Circle will be limited during construction.
Please keep children and dogs away from
the construction area.
Questions about the restroom con-
struction project? Contact Denise Louie
in Facilities Planning at Public Works,
phone 510/238-3682 or e-mail: DLouie@
oaklandnet.com
Next FROG Meeting
Rockridge Library,
Thursday, March 24, 7:30 p.m.
Join with neighbors who care about Frog
Park, to plan the Earth Day clean-up and
family activities. Everyone is welcome.
The Rockridge District Association has
hired a tree maintenance company to
manage College Avenue foliage.
Photo: Courtesy of RDA
‘Just a Little Trim,’
Says RDA to Trees
by RDA staff
For the first time in many years, the trees
along our beloved College Avenue are
being cared for by professional arborist
Valley Crest Tree Care Services.
Due to the city’s budget deficit, many
municipal services have been reduced or
eliminated. Tree maintenance is an example
of a service that fell prey to the budget
axe. Thanks to the assessments paid by its
members, the Rockridge District Associa-
tion (RDA) was able to provide the required
maintenance.
Not only is Valley Crest pruning College
Avenue trees, the company will plant eight
new ones, replacing those lost in past years.
Now, shop windows are more visible
from the street, the view down the street
is more open and consistent, and sick or
damaged limbs are less likely to pose a
danger to the public. Costs for the care of
over 140 RDA-area trees exceeds $24,000.
The RDA is very proud and pleased to
be able to provide this kind of basic care
for College Avenue. It is important in these
challenging economic times to keep our
shopping district looking attractive. We want
people to say and to think, “Rockridge is
the place to be; the shops, the restaurants,
the businesses are really terrific and the
street is so lovely to be on.”
For more information on RDA’s tree
trimming and care, visit us at www.
rockridgedistrict.com.
Praying - Serving - Growing
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
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
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.


March 5, 2011

13.

Oakland Tech Steinway Piano Restoration Drive Hits High Note

by Camille Reed, Oakland Tech PTSA
In an article in January’s issue of The
Rockridge News, the Oakland Technical
High School Class of 1961 announced that
it would spearhead a drive to restore the
Steinway Model B piano that has been at
Tech since 1917.
Thanks to gifts from the class, former
classes, in-memory gifts, and the community
at large, we are happy to announce that we
have raised $17,000 so far.
The restoration of this instrument, so
of this effort, you have our deepest thanks.
Plans continue to raise a few thousand
dollars more to begin the restoration, which
will take several months. We wish to have
the restored piano presented in a public
performance at the school auditorium on
September 17. Of course you are all invited.
The fund drive continues. To contribute
towards the restoration, please send your tax-
deductible check made payable to: Oakland
Technical High School Parent Teacher
Student Association, c/o Camille Reed,
6243 Rockwell Street, Oakland, 94618.
important to the high school on so many
levels, is closer to becoming a reality. For
all of you that have been and are supportive
Tech Auction
from page 1
Rockridge
Parent Teacher Student Association
(PTSA), the Auction supplements other
support for the school, recently hailed in
a front page Oakland Tribune article as
“Oakland’s new ‘it’ school.”
Optometry
Funds raised by the Auction will touch
all areas of the school and its students:
from classroom support to improving the
grounds; from athletics to music; from lab
supplies to technology.
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
Plan now to attend this exciting event,
which will include both silent and live
auctions, to be held Saturday, March 19,
between 6:30-10:30 p.m. at the T. Gary
Rogers Rowing Center, 2999 Glascock
Street, Oakland (adjacent to the Oakland
Estuary, between the Park Street and
Fruitvale Avenue bridges).

A Prevention Oriented Practice
G

GRUBBCO.COM
510.652.2133
3070 Claremont Avenue • Berkeley
510.339.0400
1960 Mountain Boulevard • Oakland
Shopping? Shop Oakland, First

Tickets are $35 per person, available
at the door or online at http://www.
oaklandtech.com/staff/otptsa/auction/
To donate items, contact auction@
oaklandtech.com.
Norman H. Burg, DDS
General Dentistry
(510) 652-1517
5700 Broadway, Oakland


March 5, 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.
Spectacular Service
Housekeeping
We provide excellent housecleaning service
with greatest attention to detail. Local rec-
ommendations. *Let us create free time for
you.* www.spectacularhousekleening.com.
510/228-5704. Free estimate.
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.
April deadline is March 17, 2011.
For information: smontauk@gmail.com
Private and Cozy Rental
Unit
Between Manila and Lawton. Good for one or
two people. Close to shopping and transporta-
tion. $1,000 per month & deposit. 510/652-8803.
Professional In-Home
Healthcare
Recovering from surgery? Need long-term help
in your home? Medications, bathing, prepar-
ing meals, laundry, driving to appointments.
Coordinate exercises with rehab and medi-
cal staff. Excellent references. Steven Dizon
415/533-5548. Stevenjo804@sbcglobal.net
Lic. CNA 697998.
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.
Tutor
Complimentary first meeting. Credentialed
teacher. 18 years experience. Primary grade
expertise in language arts and math. 4-12 writ-
ing expertise, homework help. Will coordinate
tutoring plan with your child’s teacher. Refer-
ences. Reasonable rates. 420-1898. jean-rains@
sbcglobal.net
Quality Gardening
Skilled Maintenance, clean-ups, aesthetic
pruning, real estate prep, irrigation, design
and installation. Local refs. Ecological-minded
since 1995, personal attention, free estimates.
Green’s Gardens: 510/593-3490.
Penelope’s Aesthetics;
Certified Organic Treatments
Paraben, Silicone, and artificial coloring-free
facial treatments. On special now for $49. Expe-
rience a complete European facial with massage
using eco-cert products. www.penelopecalef.
com. Call for an appointment. 510/594-1552.
Feather River Art Camp
For adults (and kids)
June 19 to 26. “A perfect joyful blend of
art, nature, creativity, comradery” Painting,
Watercolor, Writing, Papermaking, Guitar,
Mosaics, Bookmaking, Beadmaking, Gourdcraft,
Wearable Art, Fused Glass.www.featherriver-
artcamp.com
Aesthetic Pruning
I specialize in pruning trees & shrubs under 20
feet tall. I work with trees to enhance their
natural beauty. Specialties: maples, camellias,
fruit trees, & focal points. Pruning instructor
Merritt College. Bruce Thompson 510/428-
4964.
COLLINS ROOFING
Family Owned & Operated
Home Repairs &
Improvements
Kitchen & bath remodel, tile, decks, dry rot,
drainage, walls, termite damage, foundation
(new/repair). Lic #458473. Don 510/812-0310.
482-2227  Seamus
www.collinsroofing.com
Quality Work  •  Free Estimates
Lic # 695711
Hello Gorgeous!
Celeste for Hair. 5336 College Avenue.
510/658-3658.
j
5278 College Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618
510.654.6755
www.jarvisarchitects.com
Kitchen Remodel in 1920’s
Rockridge Shingle Craftsman
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!


March 5, 2011

15.

Diesel Book/Poetry Readings/Events

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

All events are FREE and open to the public.
■
■Thurs., 3/10, 7pm. Release Party for Cathleen Daly:
Flirt Club.

Community Calendar

North Oakland Town Hall
In lieu of Councilmember Jane Brunner’s Community
Advisory Meeting: District 1 Town Hall Meeting with
Mayor Jean Quan. Saturday, April 2, 10am to 12:30pm.
North Oakland Senior Center, 5714 MLK Jr. Way (at 58th
St.). See details: story page 3.
Rockridge Branch Library
5366 College Avenue, 597-5017
FOR CHILDREN
■
■Toddler Story Time: Every Saturday, 10:30am.
■
■Pre-School Story Time: 1st and 3rd Wed., 10:30am.
■
■Baby and Toddler Story Time: 1st and 3rd Wed.,
10:30am, upstairs.
FOR TEENS
■
■Rockridge Ninjas Anime Club: Ages 13 and up,
watch and talk about anime (Japanese animation).
Second Tues. each month (3/8 and 4/12), 5 to 6:30pm,
upstairs meeting rm.
■
■Teen Advisory Board (ages 14-18): Help advise the
library how to better serve teens. Get community ser-
vice credit for school. Snacks provided. 1st Saturday
each month, 4 to 5pm.
■
■Jewelry Making Workshop: Free, hands-on workshop
to create your own jewelry with local designer and
entrepreneur Chelsee Robinson.
Lic. #0670129

■
■Mon., 3/14, 7:30pm. Amnesty International Meeting
(2nd Monday each month): All invited to exchange
ideas on action.
More info: Susy, 597-5017 or smoorhead@
oaklandlibrary.org.
FOR ADULTS
■
■Sun., 3/20, 3pm. Poetry Flash: Dan Bellm, Tiffany
Higgins and Fred Marchant.
■
■Wed., 3/23, 7pm. Release Party for Oakland illustra-
tor Michael Wertz: A Dazzling Display of Dogs (a
collaboration with poet Betsy Franco).
■
■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.
■
■Sun., 3/27, 3pm. Local author and Marriage and Family
Therapist Ruth Cohn: Coming Home to Passion.
DIESEL, A Bookstore, 5433 College Ave. More info about
these authors/ books (and other events and discussion
groups): 653-9965 or events@dieselbookstore.com.
Wisteria Ways House Concert Series
■
■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:
■
■Keith Greeninger and Dayan Kai: Singers and
songwriters of folk. jazz, blues and more (Califor-
nia acoustic soul). Sample sound clips at http://
keithdayan.downloadsnow.net/. Saturday, 3/12,
8pm (door opens 7:30pm).
■
■Mar: Oakland Public Library Staff Art Show.
■
■Hat Check Girl: iconic and eclectic singers and
songwriters Annie Gallup and Peter Galway. Sunday,
4/3, 3pm (door opens 2:30).
Both concerts are inside venues and not wheelchair
accessible. $15-20 donation for musicians (cash
only at the door).383 61st St. For reservations (highly
recommended), RSVP to info@WisteriaWays.org
or 655-2771.
“Memoirs of Jesus”
Award winning play by local playwright Harry Cronin,
based on the following premise: If Jesus Christ had kept
a diary, what would he have written. Solo performance by
Andrew Dits. Friday, 3/18, 7pm. Tickets: $15 (Srs. $10;
kids free). St. Augustine Catholic Church, 400 Alcatraz
Ave. Info: Jim Gilman, Director of Music; 220-8453.
■
■Apr., Anya Behn: ceramic sculptures wall hangings.
Lobby Display Case:
■
■Mar: Oakland Public Library Staff Art Show
■
■Apr., TBA.
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 Thurs, 3/31 and Fri., 4/1
for city furlough days.
Wonderful, ongoing,
weekday classes for
babies or toddlers
Henry C. Levy & Co.
A
Mov
e
m
e
nt
Prog
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Certified Public Accountants
and Consultants
A Professional Corporation
■
• tax preparation • estate planning
• tax planning
• business valuation
5940 College Avenue, Suite C
Oakland, California 94618
510.652-1000   FAX 510.654-2363
.
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
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

5431 College Ave
        Oakland Ca 94618
510. 652. 5431

www.elizabethh.net



March 5, 2011
16.

INTERIOR-EXTERIOR LEAD
CERTIFIED PAINTERS
Professional preparation. Many local
references. All work Guaranteed
(510) 654-3339
aboutface&body
dayspa      oaklandberkeley
serving you since 1981
Specialists in waxing
Now offering men’s waxing
3190 college avenue
at alcatraz
berkeley, ca 94705
p 510.428.2600
www.aboutfaceandbody.net
sun-tues 10:30-5:30
wed-sat 10:30-8:00
KEVIN BROWN
Broker
654-8707 or 593-4780
PROVIDING

Professional,

Full Service

Real Estate Brokerage

To Rockridge Clients
 For Over 26 Years.
SPECIALIZING IN

OResidential Sales

OIncome Property

OCommercial

OProperty Management
30
Better Homes
Realty
5353 College Avenue
Oakland

6072 Chabot Road
Coming Soon
This spacious and stately traditional home truly has it all. Formal dining room,
living room with a striking fireplace, 3 bedrooms, 1-½ baths, home office, a
beautifully updated kitchen and a deck leading out to the exceptionally deep
yard. All of this located just a stone’s throw from College Avenue.
Price Upon Request
TERRY KULKA  510.682.5917
terrykulka@att.net
www.terrykulka.com
With over 300 homes sold -
Experience Counts
DRE# 00875454
Mon – Fri  9:30 – 6:00
Sat  9:30 – 5:00
CHIMES
PHARMACY
Serving Rockridge Since 1909
3210 College Avenue
Near Alcatraz
652-1990
Rockridge
Located on Market Hall’s Lower Level
Entry on Shafter Avenue
510-655-8808
www.curvesrockridge.com
Free Parking!
Across from BART
Open 7 Days
Mon- Fri  6:00 -7:30
Sat & Sun 8:00 - Noon
For Sale – rockridge
6403-09 Benvenue ave. $995,000 - $1,195,000
   all 3Beds/2+baths
6 Brand New Arts and Crafts Single Family Homes.
1st New Homes in the Heart of Rockridge/Elmwood
in maybe 50+ Years. Amazing Location/Architecture/
Construction – “Nothing Else Compares”
award Winning Peralta School
www.Bevenuecourt.com
Sustainable Living
Starts at Home
442 60th Street (lower rockridge) $785,000
   3Beds/2Full Baths.
Single Level Bungalow on an amazing double lot. 2
car garage, Hrdwd flrs, Remodeled Kitchen & Baths.
award Winning Peralta School
www.442-60thSt.com
Sustainable Building
Starts at Ashby Lumber
Pending – rockridge
Looking for a Contractor?
379 61st Street

 $849,000
2+ Beds/1 Bath with a legal 1 Bed/1 Bath in-law Below
Quiet Charming Street, Great Craftsman Home
Recently Remodeled, South Facing Park-like Yard,
and a Legal 1bed/1bath Apartment Below, Plus
Basement
award Winning Peralta elementary School
www.379-61st.com
Visit our Contractor Directory
at ashbylumber.com
.
824 Ashby Avenue    Berkeley
Ph: 510.843.4832  Fax: 510.843.3840
coming Soon – rockridge
canning Street (lower rockridge)
   2 Beds & 1 Bath
Amazing Cottage Style Home as one of two Condos
on one lot. Great Location, Sunny South Facing Yard,
Deck, Lovingly Remodeled by Architect Owner.
award Winning Peralta elementary School
Help!
We have Many, Many Buyers for the Rockridge
Area and not enough current listings to Supply the
Demand. Interest Rates have ticked up and Buyers
are ready to buy. Call me to arrange for a private
consultation on your Rockridge, Elmwood, North
Oakland Property to see what your home might be
worth in Today’s market.
L A W T O N
ron kriss, Broker
lawton associates
510-547-5970 Ext. 55
ronkriss@jps.net
A S S O C I A T E S
“#1 in Rockridge Real Estate”
www.lawtonassoc.com
R E A L   E S T A T E
B R O K E R A G E