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www.rockridge.org

VOL. 26    NO. 8     ISSUE NO. 281    September 3, 2011                       CIRCULATION: 5, 500 Residences; 200 BusInesses

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

The Rockridge Kitchen Tour is October 2: Tickets are on Sale Now

by: Natalie Mehta, Rockridge Kitchen Tour chair
The 2011 Rockridge Kitchen Tour, set for Sunday, October 2, is
nearly here. This year marks the 9th biennial of this popular
fundraising event, first held in 1995, which again offers guests a
rare look inside nine beautifully remodeled residential kitchens
in our historic Rockridge neighborhood.
Architects, designers, and contractors will be available in many
of the kitchens, along with tour docents, to answer questions and
elaborate on those special details that make these projects unique
and successful. Come see how the professionals weave together the
latest appliances and technology with classic design features, and
learn what value-conscious

Design-build by www.integrityremodeling.com

Be a Tour Docent: Have Fun and Visit Kitchens. See page 3
➧➧Kitchen Tour Tickets, page 3

15

City’s Consideration of Safeway College Avenue
Shopping Center Continues to Roll Forward

AGENDA
September RCPC
Town Hall Meeting
by the RCPC Land Use Committee
Dsion. The public hearing to accept oral
comments on the DEIR, scheduled for July
20, drew such a huge crowd that the hearing
had to be moved from the usual hearing
room to City Council chambers. With well
over a hundred people submitting speaker
cards, it was clear the commission could not
hear everyone’s comments that night. The
commission opted to hear some speakers,
but also to continue the hearing to its August
3 meeting.
The August meeting was also packed.
By the time the commission plowed through
all the speaker cards submitted at both
■
■ PANEL Presentation:
Maximizing Value in
Your Kitchen Remodel
Join your friends and neighbors
at RCPC’s Town Hall meeting
presenting a real estate broker, a
home remodeler and a homeowner
who recently completed a kitchen
remodel and whose home is on the
RCPC Kitchen Tour. Hear their ideas
about remodeling solutions in a time
of economic challenges.
Article & details, top of page 3.
espite summer vacations, Oakland’s
approval process for the Safeway
College Avenue Shopping Center Project
has continued to move forward. The draft
environmental impact report (DEIR) for the
project was released the Friday before the
July 4 weekend, and the comment period
closed August 16, 46 days later. Despite the
pleas of RCPC and many others (including
the city of Berkeley, whose city council is in
recess until September), Oakland planning
staff and the Planning Commission refused
to extend the comment period.
The commission did make one conces-
☞
☞
Thursday, September 15 | 7:30-9 p.m.
Rockridge Branch Library,
5366 College at Manila
➧➧College Safeway DEIR, page 3
Rockridge Out and About
Sunday October 9
College Avenue will be closed between Manila
and Alcatraz avenues from noon to 6 p.m., and
transform into a street festival. Highlights include
Market Hall’s “Picnic in the Street” with food and
wine tasting; a Main Stage with dance bands; dem-
onstrations from top local chefs; Gourmet Street
Food from local restaurant booths; Kids Court;
Fashion Show; live music and more. Get more
details at www.rockridgemarkethall.com and
How Are Kitchen Tour Proceeds Used?
When the original entry
gate to Claremont
Middle School was discovered
in storage a few years ago,
a past RCPC boardmember
suggested utilizing it in a
display in front of the school.
As the project progressed,
fund-raising began, and RCPC
pledged 10 percent of the 2009
RCPC Kitchen Tour proceeds,
$1,753, to help with costs.
See story, page 3, for more Kitchen Tour details.
www.rockridgedistrict.com/out-about.html.


September 3, 2011
2.

Chimes Name Gone After 101 Years
ROCKRIDGE BRANCH LIBRARY
5366 College Avenue
597-5017
HOURS:
Mon, Tues:
Weds, Thurs, Sat:
Friday:
Sunday:
Library program details: See Calendar, page 15.
by Annette Floystrup, RCPC boardmember
The oldest name of a College Avenue shop disap-
peared into the history books on July 21 when
Chimes Pharmacy was bought from independent phar-
macist John Gelinas and taken over by Safeway, Inc. of
Pleasanton. Chimes Pharmacy opened in 1909 and was
the last surviving business with the Chimes name in the
Rockridge-College Avenue area.
John Gelinas is only the third owner in the store’s
history, and still has the first tattered and yellowed pre-
scription book from 1909. He grew up in Rockridge in the
1950s and ’60s and began working at the store in 1967 at
age 15 as a delivery boy for pharmacist Cy Cardiff. John
worked there through high school and college, received his
doctorate in Clinical Pharmacy in 1976, and became the
owner in 1986. He is staying on as the pharmacy manager.
12:30 – 8 p.m.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
12 – 5:30 p.m.
CLOSED
CLOSED: Sundays and Mondays, also 9/6,9/9, 9/10.
The Rockridge News, founded in 1986 by Don Kinkead,
is published monthly in Oakland and is sponsored by
the Rockridge Community Planning Council (RCPC),
a nonprofit public benefit organization founded to:
preserve and enhance the unique character of the
Rockridge neighborhood; promote the health, safety
and quality of life of its residents; furnish a forum for
community involvement, and provide leadership and
representation of neighborhood interests.
Rockridge News Production
Don Kinkead	�����������������������Editor
Ortrun Niesar.....................The Muse
Barry Kaufman	�������������������Food
Jo Ellis	�����������������������������������Advertising &
Community Calendar
Theresa Nelson	��������������������Neighborhood Merchant
Susan Montauk	�������������������Business Manager
Don Kinkead	�����������������������Graphics & Layout
RCPC Board of Directors, 2011-2012
Stuart Flashman	�����������������Chair
Ashley Etling	�����������������������Vice-Chair
Michael Kan	������������������������Secretary
Cesar Angobaldo	���������������Treasurer
Andrew Charman	��������������At-Large Exec Comm.
Annette Floystrup, Jonathan Gabel,
William Kaufner, Don Kinkead, Alex Naughton,
Ronnie Spitzer, Ann Winterman
Contact the Board: chair@rockridge.org
For information: info@rockridge.org
Pharmacist John Gelinas
/D. Kinkead
Rockridge – Chimes – Rockridge: What’s in a Name?
Many of us who lived here in the ’60s
recall the surprise we felt when BART
named its newly built station on College
Avenue “Rockridge.” We thought we lived
in the Chimes district, and that the name
came from hearing the Campanile at UC
Berkeley chime the hours, a pleasure the
entire neighborhood enjoyed until the open-
ing of the Grove-Shafter freeway and the
resulting traffic noise pollution. Actually,
the two names have gone back and forth
over time, and had little to do with UC’s
Sather Tower carillon bells.
The area above College Avenue got the
name Rockridge from a land development
begun in 1910 and named Rockridge Place
for a nearby large rock outcropping, now
almost obliterated.
It is believed that the Chimes name was
popularized by the opening of a very fancy
movie theater in 1917, which stood about
where Market Hall is today. It featured an
open projecting bay 40 feet above the street
housing a full set of chimes. The Chimes
Theater was an immediate hit, and soon
many other businesses adopted the name.
By the 1920s, College Avenue was known
as the Chimes district.
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.

Rockridge DVD Project Enters the Home Stretch
Close to completion, project seeks donors to fill the collection

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
by Jon Gabel, co-chair, Rockridge DVD
Project
Fundraising for the
Rockridge DVD
Project has achieved
$9,370 of its $13,000
goal. Thanks to every-
one who has made a
donation!
Two-thirds of the DVDs, rescued last
year from the former Videot’s video rental
store in Berkeley’s Elmwood district, have
been delivered to the Oakland Public Library
(OPL) for cataloging. These DVDs are sched-
uled to be on the shelves of the Rockridge
Branch Library by October 31. Thanks again
to the OPL for funding the cataloging and
security cases for the donated DVDs.
That leaves just under $4,000 to be
raised by October 31 to complete the DVD
Project. Donations can be made online via
PayPal at www.RockridgeDvdProject.org.
No donation is too small – we have received
amounts ranging from $1 to $1,000.
Please help double the DVD collection at
the Rockridge Branch Library with a great
selection of titles, which can be reviewed
by a search on our website.
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.
a
cross-cultural congregation
striving to partner with
         the Rockridge community
   in lifestyle and service.
Newsletter Advertising/Deadlines
Publication date of the next issue is
  October 8, 2011
  October deadline is September 22, 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.)
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


September 3, 2011

3.

Sept 15 Town Hall Panel: Maximizing Kitchen Renovation Value

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
by Natalie Mehta, chair, RCPC Kitchen Tour
Given the economic and financial woes of the past
few years, the Kitchen Tour planning committee
had concerns about the supply of recently renovated
kitchens necessary to support the biennial tour. How-
ever, after speaking with homeowners, contractors, and
architects, it became apparent that Rockridge neighborhood
renovations have continued, though at a slower pace and with
more focus on maximizing the “value” of a project.
But how is value defined in this context? Is it a tangible number
teased out of home sales data? Is there an algorithm involving a
Wolf range, inset cabinetry, and marble countertops? Or, is it an
intangible value that, while real, is more difficult to quantify?
While value is defined individually, understanding a variety of
perspectives may provide guidelines for project decision making.
Please join us Thursday, September 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the Rockridge
Library for a panel discussion sharing these different perspectives
on maximizing value in a kitchen renovation project. Hear from a
number of local professionals and a home owner about the issues
they face and trade-offs they make when maximizing value in
renovation projects.
redeveloped more than 150 properties in Alameda and
Contra Costa counties, and has accumulated a wealth of
experience through the process. Hear his perspective
about what features maximize resale value.
Rockridge
P L A N N I N G  C O U N C I L
ROCKRIDGE COMMUNIT Y
Kitchens
■
■Eli Israel is the owner of Integrity Remodeling,
a local design/build firm. Originally from the East Coast,
Eli has a degree in Landscape Architecture, a background
in construction, and a passion for building. He has completed
many renovation projects for clients in Rockridge, and recently
completed the design/build of the fabulous home featured on our
tour posters and postcards. Hear his perspective on what design
decisions and material selections maximize renovation dollars.
2011
■
■Albert and Sharon Flor recently completed a kitchen
remodel for their growing family. The Flors worked closely with
a talented designer and builder who helped them develop creative
options for building their dream kitchen, while also sticking to a
budget and keeping resale value in mind. Clearly they managed to
strike a beautiful balance, as the Flor’s kitchen project is featured
on the 9th Biennial Rockridge Kitchen Tour Sunday, October 2.
Remember that our value-priced advance tickets for the
Rockridge Kitchen Tour (reflecting a $5 discount) can be purchased
through September 30 at www.rockridge.org or at Rockridge Home,
5418 College Avenue, 420-1928.
■
■Ron Kriss is a broker with more than 30 years of real estate
experience. Since he opened Lawton Associates in 1989, he has
Here’s how you can get your tickets now!
§ Online: Advance Tickets ($35) may be
purchased through September 30 online at
www.rockridge.org
§ On the Avenue: Advance Tickets ($35)
are also available at Rockridge Home, 5418
College Avenue, open daily 11 a.m to 8 p.m.
Tickets are available here through September
30, and may be purchased via cash or check.
§ On site: For those who wait, $40 Day
of Tour Tickets will be sold at the registra-
tion desk in front of the College Avenue
Presbyterian Church, 5951 College Avenue,
beginning at 11 a.m., Sunday, October 2.
Kitchen Tour
Tickets
Docents Needed!
We are still in need of volunteer
docents who will guide our guests
through the nine stunning Rockridge
kitchens. Docents, who are assigned a
short shift at one particular home, will
receive a pre-tour the weekend before the
event, as well as a complimentary ticket
to visit the rest of the homes before or
after their shift. If you would like to be
a docent, call Nancy Sale at 655-4625.
from page 1
options are available in today’s market.
Whether your taste is modern or traditional,
contemporary or transitional, the event prom-
ises to provide information and inspiration,
particularly on the theme of maximizing
value from renovations.
The 2011 Rockridge Kitchen Tour takes
place Sunday, October 2, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
job mobilizing its supporters, so there were speakers who
extolled Safeway’s expansion plans and urged the project’s
approval, despite Chair Vien Truong’s initial plea that
speakers restrict themselves to comments on the DEIR,
not on the merits of the project. At the second hearing,
Commissioner Michael Colbruno interrupted the stream
of speakers to complain that almost all the topics raised
by speakers had been addressed in the DEIR. He said he
wished speakers would restrict themselves to pointing out
additional topics not already discussed in the DEIR. This
prompted a rejoinder from RCPC Chair Stuart Flashman,
who noted that the question was not whether the DEIR had
a subject heading, or even some commentary on a topic,
but whether there was substantial evidence in the DEIR to
support its conclusions. He noted that many of the critical
comments were about the DEIR’s lack of factual evidence
and the shortcomings in
College Safeway
DEIR Hearing
from page 1
meetings, some audience members had given
up and gone home.
The majority of the speakers were there
to criticize the DEIR and point out errors and
omissions in its analysis. Many complained
the report underestimated traffic impacts
and failed to address effects on surrounding
neighborhood streets. Speakers also found
fault with the DEIR’s analyses of air quality,
land use, and visual impacts.
To be fair, Safeway had done an extensive
RCPC boardmember
Ronnie Spitzer presents
her views of the Safeway
EIR at the second hearing.
➧➧DEIR Hearing, page 6
/D. Kinkead


September 3, 2011
4.

Letters to the Editor
of the surrounding neighborhoods because
of its size, bulk, harmony in scale, and
traffic on the neighborhood’s streets. The
DEIR’s lack of traffic impact analysis on
63rd Street, and on Hillegass, and Colby
and their intersections with Claremont
and Alcatraz will make it difficult, if not
impossible, for the Planning Commission
to make reasoned and thoughtful findings
as required.
The CUP criteria also include manda-
tory findings that the proposed project
complies with the General Plan (Maintain
& Enhance), and Zoning (C-31) in all sig-
nificant respects. Again, the DEIR does
not assess the project’s non-compliance
with these policies and ordinances of the
city’s. It provides no assistance to the city
in making these mandatory CUP findings.
Moreover, the DEIR provides no assessment
of the approval of this project in terms of the
PRECEDENT its approval would have on
the future development of College Avenue.
Approval of this project, which is
10 times the allowable area under cur-
rent zoning, is equivalent to approving a
350-foot-high (35 story) office building
somewhere in the CN-1 zone that controls
development along College Avenue. The
previous C-31 zoning had a project floor-
area limit of 7,000 sq. ft. The City replaced
it with the CN-1 zone with a limit of 5,000
sq. ft. This zone revision by the city was a
carefully considered replacement for the
C-31 zone. The city’s intention is clear:
any considered project should have less
area than 7,000 square feet. The DEIR
does not assess the impact of the PREC-
EDENT this massive
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 at the editor’s discretion. Views expressed in any letter are the
writer’s own, and may not necessarily be shared by the editor, or by RCPC.
a high-backed bench that prevents anyone
from seeing the boulders and anything
behind them except the trees.
The BART station is a transportation
hub, not a garden or park. I think the large
sign is especially in poor taste and a total
waste of money. I have degrees in fine arts,
museum studies and garden design so I feel
qualified to comment on the very impracti-
cal and un-aesthetic design for the Plaza.
Spend money for more bike parking, get
rid of the ivy and put in drip irrigation, and
plant appropriate California native grasses!
— Julie Franklin
Irony and Ageism in Rockridge
Editor:
In response to “Name Withheld” [Letters,
The Rockridge News, June 4, 2011], we would
like to comment on the irony (not to men-
tion the ageism) in asking for fewer “cranky
stories by old people complaining about
change.” It is precisely these “old” people,
and long-time residents, who have worked
so hard to make Rockridge the attractive
place that it is today: a Rockridge that does
not contain a Jack-in-the-Box, Cigarettes for
Less, a huge Dreyer’s complex and other
inappropriate ventures that brought residents
together over the years. Perhaps “Name
Withheld” doesn’t remember the Rockridge
Library when it was housed in a trailer on
College Avenue and how the cranky residents
(old and young) came together to build the
new one we have today?  A little historical
memory would perhaps help “Name With-
held” to put things in perspective.
— Christine O’Connor
— Margaret Wahlberg
Safeway DEIR No Help to City
in Required Findings
Editor:
Following is a portion of the letter and
a presentation I made at the Planning Com-
mission public hearing August 3 regarding
the Draft Environmental Impact Report
(DEIR) for the proposed Safeway project:
The project includes a new Safeway of
51,150 sq. ft. which requires four major
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) applications.
To approve these permits, the Planning
Commission must make mandatory find-
ings for each that includes a finding that
the proposed project will be compatible
with, and not adversely affect the livability
BART Station is Not a Garden
Editor and [BART Board President]
Bob Franklin:
I am writing concerning the design
for Rockridge Plaza by the BART station
(Rockridge News, July 2, 2011). My husband
and I live on Shafter, use BART several
times a week and frequent Market Hall on
a daily basis. I am not in favor of a huge
ROCKRIDGE sign that blocks the view
of the trees and greenery. Incidentally, the
serpentine bench would not be a good place
for anyone to sit. However, it would make
a great place to sleep if you are homeless.
Also, as a woman, I would not sit where I
could not see behind me. The plans indicate
➧➧Letters, page 5
COLLINS ROOFING
Family Owned & Operated
482-2227  Seamus
www.collinsroofing.com
Quality Work  •  Free Estimates
Lic # 695711


September 3, 2011

5.

is complete, the shades will disappear and
the display windows and interior space will
be used for retail sales. The room will also
be able to house the store’s classes. RCPC
will check with the Planning Department,
but it appears that, as a non-commercial
ancillary activity, the classes wouldn’t need
a use permit.
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: September 28.
Subject to change. Check Rockridge.org for meeting updates.
Land Use Update
■
■College Avenue Safeway
Shopping Center
(College and Claremont Avenues)
See article, page 1.
■
■Rockridge Kids, 5511 College Ave.
As some of you may have noticed,
Rockridge Kids has put up blinds on their
corner storefront and is advertising classes.
At first glance, this would appear contrary
to the requirements of C-31 [now CN-1]
zoning, which requires a use permit for
most non-retail uses on the ground floor of
College Avenue frontage. After talking with
owner Nishan Shepard, it appears Rockridge
Kids won’t be in violation. Shepard says
Rockridge Kids has always conducted
classes as an ancillary activity to their retail
business. They make no money from the
classes, hoping that attendees will follow
up with retail purchases (e.g., of nursery
furniture, toys, etc.). Once the remodeling
by Stuart Flashman, RCPC Land Use
Committee chair
■
■Zoning Update – Phase II; Citywide
Now that the citywide general zoning
update has been completed, the city will
proceed with phase II. This involves updat-
ing some of the city’s more detailed and
specific zoning provisions – notably the
city’s parking regulations (see notice, page
9, about city parking workshops) and sign
ordinance — and developing area-specific
overlays to the general zoning. RCPC has
not heard a specific timetable for this second
phase, nor whether the planning depart-
ment will convene one or more technical
advisory groups to assist in the process. To
serve on an advisory group, either parking
or signage, e-mail chair@rockridge.org, or
leave a message on the RCPC voice mail
number: 510/869-4200.
■
■Rockridge Shopping Center
Reconstruction Project
(Broadway and Pleasant Valley)
According to the latest word from Daren
Ranelletti, the Oakland planner assigned to
the case, the Draft Environmental Impact
Report (DEIR) for this project, which would
rebuild the entire shopping center in three
phases, adding about 120,000 sq. ft. of
developed space, is due for release in late
September or October. RCPC, along with
other North Oakland community organiza-
tions, has developed a series of alternative
proposal for development of the site. The
proposals, along with a critique of Safeway’s
plans, are available at RCPC’s website,
www.rockridge.org.
the city’s CUP findings, and the city’s
approval or denial of the project’s CUP
permit applications.
— Richard W. Smith, Ph.D,
Architect
that are more accessible. Granting Safeway
approval to expand will only increase that
congestion and drive small businesses away
from the College Avenue Area.
There is a large Safeway in the Rockridge
Shopping Center, where street congestion
and parking are less of an issue. I don’t
think we need another large Safeway store
in the Rockridge area; this area is more
conducive to smaller businesses. I would
support Safeway remodeling and updating
their store as they did on Grand Avenue in
Oakland.
In short, I believe the Rockridge Business
District should take a stand and oppose the
Safeway expansion project.
— Dori Dubin
Letters
from page 4
exception will have on the future develop-
ment in the area if the CUPs are approved.
Again, the DEIR provides no assistance in
the mandatory findings.
The DEIR public review period ended
August 16. The Final EIR will include the
city’s and Safeway’s response to the com-
ments and criticisms of the DEIR made by
the public and public entities such as AC
Transit and the city of Berkeley. The Final
EIR should be available for public review
in the next two or three months. Then, at
a public hearing, the public will have an
opportunity to comment on the Final EIR,
Safeway expansion: Increased
Congestion Will Drive out Small
Businesses
Editor:
Because College Avenue between Clare-
mont and 63rd is already a very congested
area, I am opposed to the Safeway expan-
sion project. Traffic backs up all the time,
making it difficult to drive through that
area. Due to the congestion, I believe the
small businesses in that area are suffering as
many people avoid this area to shop in areas
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September 3, 2011
6.

Restored Tech High Steinway to Debut
in Free Concert; Public Invited
by Camille Reed, Oakland Technical
High School Class of 1961
Restoration of the 1917 Steinway grand
piano, owned by Oakland Technical
High School, is complete and the like-new
instrument will be presented in a small
concert performed by students of Tech’s
Performing Arts Division at 11 a.m. Saturday,
September 17, in the school’s auditorium.
The Oakland Technical High School
Class of 1961 spearheaded the successful
funding drive that raised over $25,000
for the project’s costs. Scores of alumni
from this class and other classes, friends
of alumni and school supporters from the
wider community made this restoration
possible. Members of the Class of 1961 were
touched by the support and, in many cases,
the beautiful letters that accompanied the

DEIR Hearing
from page 3
its analyses. These, he said, were legitimate
concerns that should be taken seriously.
In his remarks on behalf of RCPC, Flash-
man (who noted that he practices land use
and environmental law) laid into the DEIR
as a “shoddy” piece of work with multiple
deficiencies. He, along with many other
speakers, urged the commission to withdraw
the document for extensive revision. That
plea went unheeded.
Nevertheless, at the hearing’s close,
several commissioners expressed concerns
about the DEIR. Newly-appointed commis-
sioners Chris Pattillo and Jonelyn Whales
promised to submit written comment letters.
By the end of the comment period, more
than 75 letters had been submitted, including
a five-page letter from RCPC with attached
documentation and separate comment letters
from professionals retained through com-
munity contributions and a matching grant
from the Rose Foundation for Community
and the Environment, addressing the DEIR’s
analysis of toxics, air and water quality, and
traffic and parking impacts. The RCPC com-
ment letter is posted on the RCPC website
at http://rockridge.org. Letters from the city
of Berkeley and neighbor’s letters on traffic,
toxics and additional hot topics are posted
on Friends and Neighbors of College Avenue
(FANS) site at www.fansco.org.
The next step is for city staff and the EIR
consultants (hired by Safeway) to review
and respond to all comments. The Planning
Commission then decides whether to certify
the EIR as complete and final or to require
its revision and recirculation for additional
public review and comment.
Once the EIR has been certified, the
project itself will be considered by the com-
mission. If there is an appeal, the decisions
on both the EIR and the project could go
to the City Council. All this will likely
take at least another three to six months.

contributions. It was heartwarming to see
how many people cared about our public
high school, its music program and the
importance of restoring this exceptional
instrument for students and teachers. Many
of these letters will be displayed in the lobby
at the performance.
Everyone is cordially invited to this free
event, scheduled to last for about an hour.
An added benefit is the opportunity to see
the wonderful auditorium restoration work,
well along, a project of Tech’s PTSA (Parent
Teacher Student Association).
The auditorium is directly behind the
school at the 44th Street end of the school.
Proceed from Broadway down 42nd Street.
Enter the gate between the back of the high
school and the front of the auditorium.
We look forward to seeing you!
Tech PTSA Seeks Auditorium Improvements
The performing arts are alive and thriving
at Oakland Tech, and the community
looks forward to hearing Oakland Tech
students playing the school’s renovated 1917
Steinway grand piano in concert September
17. (See article above.)
Many thanks to the Class of 1961 for
restoring the piano to its original glory.
Excellent programs are part of Oakland
Tech’s reputation. The school is also known
for its roll-up-the-sleeves approach to school
projects.
Now, Oakland Tech is focused on restor-

LUCY ARMENTROUT
G
Please review my blog at
FineEastBayHomes.com
510.339.0400/349
The GRUBB Company

ing the school’s 50-year old auditorium to
give students a 21st century auditorium that
will benefit the community for decades.
Oakland Tech has raised $653,325 toward
Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the auditorium
project. We now need to raise $65,000 to
complete Phase 2, which includes improved
sound, acoustics and lighting, and we are
turning to the community for support. Your
tax-deductible contribution today will help
us meet a $100,000 challenge grant.
You may contribute online at www.
oaklandtech.com, or send a check pay-
able to “Oakland Tech PTSA” to Oakland
Tech PTSA, c/o 3708 Lake Shore Avenue,
Oakland, CA 94610, with “Auditorium” in
the subject line.
Thank you for your continuing support
of Oakland Technical High School.










 
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September 3, 2011

7.
What is Going on at Claremont Middle School?

by Shona Armstrong, Claremont Middle
School PTSA member
Construction
With all the construction going on just
off College Avenue, our local middle
school has attracted extra attention this
summer. Just what is actually going on?
As a part of the settlement to alleviate
construction effects, exhaust fumes and
an expected increase in traffic noise on
Highway 24 resulting from construction
of the new fourth bore in the Caldecott
Tunnel, the Rockridge Community Plan-
ning Council (RCPC), the Fourth Bore
Coalition (FBC), and other groups ensured
that Chabot Elementary and Claremont
Middle School, both abutting the highway,
would receive funds from CalTrans Urban
Forestry and the Air Resources Board to
pay for mitigating projects at the schools.
Improvements now underway at Claremont
include the following:
side of the campus near the fire station.
The trees will help screen the school yard
from traffic noise on Highway 24 and will
enhance the “green” feel of the yard.
■
■Construction plans originally antici-
pated adding a teacher parking area to the
yard, but, because the city arranged for
Claremont’s teachers to receive Area C
parking permits, this is no longer necessary.
■
■Claremont has been blessed with a
wonderful, inspiring, and effective garden
teacher, Ms. Joy Moore. Although the
tremendous garden she and the students
nurtured and loved over the last few years
was deconstructed during the construction
project, the garden space will be recon-
structed in a modified form. There is an
effort underway to ensure an additional
garden education and staging area will be
reserved in the upper yard to help students
understand how food comes from farm to
table. Once school starts at the end of this
month, Ms. Moore will help to lead her
students (in cooperation with art students,
parents, and community volunteers) in
creating a new garden oasis.
In other news, the spring semester at
Claremont last year wrapped up success-
fully. Some of the highlights of the spring
semester included the following:
Major Field Trips
The Claremont tradition of educa-
tional field trips was sustained in style
by energetic and dedicated teachers, stu-
dents, parents, and administrators. Over 40
sixth graders enjoyed a three-day outdoor
education adventure at Point Bonita where
they studied plants, animals, geology and
history. Thirty-six seventh graders spent
five days camping at Yosemite. Most of the
students had never seen this amazing natural
wonder. Then, in a grand finale, a group of
twenty-one eighth graders participated in
a three-day trip to Washington D.C. with
their history teachers.
Math and Science
■
■First and most visibly, after years of
effort by a number of community members,
an intricate, historic, wrought iron gate has
been installed at College Avenue and Birch
Court, across from Trader Joe’s. RCPC also
donated ten percent of the proceeds from
its 2009 RCPC Kitchen Tour – a total of
$1,753 – to help meet gate project costs.
This project will resurrect the actual gate
depicted on the “This school has been here
since 1913” mural near the school entry.
The gate was discovered languishing in
storage. With its re-installation, the school
regains a touch of historic stylishness lost
when the school was partially rebuilt in
the late 1970s.
Shrouded in its construction-in-
progress wrapping, the gate to the
original Claremont Middle School
entry is beginning a new life as a
stunning local landmark.        /D. Kinkead
student went on to compete at the state
level. In a series of four Oakland-wide all-
star Mathlete competitions, the Claremont
MathCounts club consistently placed first
among public middle schools (and second
overall, behind just one private school). The
math club, coached by parent Rick Prime,
inspires students to have positive feelings
about their future and potential.
■
■NASA’s Traveling Space Museum
chose Claremont to host a fun and infor-
mative “in-house field trip” day in March.
Claremont was one of only a handful of
schools in the Bay Area selected to host
NASA scientists, who brought with them
15 exhibits, including a space toilet, a flight
simulator, a lunar rover, and other space
attractions. NASA Ames Research Center
in Mountain View, an event co-sponsor,
selected Claremont as a reward to the stu-
dents for their dramatic improvements in
math and science over the past two years. The
school’s science scores on state standardized
tests have shot up 37 percent. Math scores
are up 21 percent. For more information,
see: http://articles.sfgate.com/2011-03-23/
bay-area/29176753_1_claremont-students-
space-toilet-science-scores.
■
■A less glamorous but equally important
project is to revamp the school’s HVAC
(heating and cooling) system. New and more
effective HVAC units are being installed
in the sixth and eighth grade wings of the
school. As part of that work, sections of the
school roof are being replaced.
■
■Improvements to water drainage and
water conservation efficiency are being
installed: A 10,000 gallon holding tank will
be buried underground to collect naturally
filtered runoff water from a new bioswale
and possibly also from the interior courtyard
area, where permeable pavers will replace
existing concrete.
■
■The Claremont MathCounts Club
continued to challenge students and
exceed expectations. The team, in its
second year of existence, reflects both
the diversity and academic excellence of
Claremont Middle School. The club tied
for 5th place in the MathCounts Regional
Competition, mixing it up with over one
hundred Alameda County public and pri-
vate middle school teams. One Claremont
■
■Beautiful redwood trees will be
planted along the side of the school yard
parallel to Miles Avenue and on the east


September 3, 2011
8.

ments work together for the art of plate
presentation. However, make sure that the
food tastes good. Modern presentation is a
union between taste and aesthetics. Feast
your eyes and your palate for that wonderful
dinner experience.
Rock  ridge
Cornucopia
Cornucopia
Barry A. Kaufman
Here’s a great crowd-pleaser dessert.
Grilled Fruit Kebabs (8 kebabs)
1 ripe cantaloupe, rind removed, cut into
1-inch cubes
1 ripe honeydew melon, rind removed,
cut into 1-inch cubes
1 ripe pineapple, rind removed, cut into
1-inch cubes
8 strawberries, leave whole
2 tablespoons brown sugar
4 tablespoons lime juice
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
FOOD AS ART
What’s a home chef to do? At the
Culinary Academy, we were constantly
admonished by our chef instructors that
presentation was as important as preparation.
Recently, it appears that presentation has
trumped the actual dish being served; the
serving plate has become a canvas for a
chef’s artistic presentation.
Some high-end chefs use tiny tweezers
and small paintbrushes to arrange a single
ingredient. Whereas a few years ago the
architectural tower presentation was all
the rage, today it’s all about color and
composition. Chefs and food stylists work
hand-in-hand to create original food art.
It is no longer enough for a home chef to
prepare and serve an elegant meal. Each dish
requires an eye-pleasing visual experience.
Food styling is something you develop
over time. Professional chefs are trained
in the art of the garde manger. The garde
manger is the chef in charge of salads, hors
d’oeurves, canapés, and, most important,
garnishes. Modern garde manger and
food styling is all about minimalism and
composition.
The first place to begin is with the plate
itself. A bone-white china plate with a simple
rim design is the accepted canvas. The plate
should be large enough to hold all elements
of the food and have a fairly large outer rim
for sauce designs.
As in all visual art, composition is
everything. As you think about your dishes,
keep in mind size, color, shape, and most
important – eye appeal. Before the food is
placed, lightly spread finely chopped herbs,
nuts, or spices on the rim of the plate. For
dessert plates you can sprinkle cocoa or
powdered sugar. Combine hard and soft
textures, smooth and rough types of food.
When arranging the food, don’t leave
too much space between the items; by the
same token, do not overcrowd it.
You need not arrange all the items in the
center. Place the main part of your dish at
the front of the plate. If you have different
sizes of food items, place the tallest at the
back and follow it in a descending way.
While serving vegetables like asparagus,
arrange the stalks in a criss- cross pattern
on the plate, then add the meat on the top.
For garnishing, use a plastic squeeze
bottle such as those used for ketchup or
mustard. Garnishing is all about contrasting
colors. Paint or drizzle or stripe across the
plate using the squeeze bottle. Use chocolate
for desserts and barbecue sauce for meats.
Color, texture, shapes, and arrange-
If using wooden skewers, soak for 30
minutes.
Combine sugar, lime juice, and cinnamon;
stir to combine until sugar dissolves.
Heat grill and clean grate thoroughly.
Thread fruits onto skewers, alternating
colors for attractive appearance.
Brush fruit with sugar glaze. Grill, rotating
the skewers frequently, to develop an
even light brown surface.
Plate immediately with a scoop of vanilla
ice cream on the side.
Barry Kaufman is a graduate of the California
Culinary Academy. Barry is available for cook-
ing classes and conducts tours of East-bay ethnic
markets. His email is kaufman42@earthlink.net.
WINSTON’S PLUMBING
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• Tankless Water Heaters
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 Sunday: 8 a.m.
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 Saturday, 4 p.m.
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123Sheridan.com
NEW Jarvis designed homes
4BD+ w/Bay view
@ $1,425,000
SOLD
www.staugustineoakland.com


September 3, 2011

9.

New FROG Park Restroom
Dedicated; Officially Open
Fall Maintenance
Day at FROG Park.
September 10 is our annual mainte-
nance day at FROG Park and the
park play areas will be closed all day.
We will be cleaning and sealing
the structures’ wood, replacing plants,
sifting sand, clearing the creek and
other general cleaning. The College
Preparatory School freshman class
and their advisors and teachers are
helping again this year. Adults in the
community are also welcome to help
out. As usual, we will be using a sealer
so children are not being asked to
help with this work.
We will begin at 8 a.m. and finish
at 4:30 p.m. Bring gloves, smoothing
rakes, and pruners if you can.
Contact Howard Ferrier, volunteer
coordinator, for details: hwferrier@
sbcglobal.net, or leave a message at
510/220-4249. See you there!
/D. Kinkead
With construction of the FROG Park restroom
completed late in July, FROG Chair Theresa
Nelson presided over a dedication ceremony
attended by other FROG members and Zac Wald
(right foreground, back to camera), chief of staff
to District 1 Councilmember Jane Brunner.
FROG is grateful to the community volunteers who
worked for seven years to get this bathroom built: Mike
McDonald, Ronnie Spitzer, Jimmy Pedersen, Jennifer
Cooper, Theresa Nelson, Barney Smits and Carol Behr.
We also deeply appreciate the assistance of
Councilmember Jane Brunner and staff members Zac
Wald, Justin Horner, Kate Whitlow and Nila Kim, as well
as Public Works staff Jim Ryugo, Denise Louie and Lily
Soo Hoo. The new restroom replaces the long-used
Porta-Potty, pictured at right. – FROG Park Committee
Community Workshop on
Off-Street Parking
Thursday, September 15, 6–8 p.m.
Oakland Main Library,
West Auditorium, 125 14th Street
The City of Oakland is updating its
off-street parking regulations. This
introductory workshop is the first step in
the process of updating the City’s off-street
parking regulations.
Come and learn about off-street park-
ing and provide feedback on what should
be considered during the parking update
process. The City will not be presenting
any new regulations at this community
workshop. Proposed new regulations will
be presented at future public meetings.
What will be discussed?
• Overview of off-street parking update project
• Parking in Oakland
• Break out stations to discuss and get feedback
on specific issues
• Open question and comment period at the
end of the meeting

5431 College Ave
        Oakland Ca 94618
510. 652. 5431

www.elizabethh.net



September 3, 2011
10.

THE ONLY DIFFERENCE
IS THE PRICE!
Landscaping
Volunteers Now
Aim for On-Ramp
Improvements
“Cartridge World earned scores identical
to those awarded to HP’s own ink”
PC World Magazine
by Peter Lund, Scenic Streets volunteer
The Highway 24 off-ramp at Claremont
Avenue got a much-needed facelift last
month as Scenic Streets, the local volunteer
group dedicated to landscaping Claremont
Avenue near Highway 24, completed its
renovation of the perpetually blighted area.
Over 100 drought tolerant shrubs, a com-
plex irrigation system and three truckloads
of recycled wood chips were installed in
just two weekends. However, project leaders
are not taking a break. Plans for their next
phase in October, the highway on-ramp just
a block north at Hudson Street, have been
submitted to CalTrans, who has final say
on what can be accomplished.
“Improving the on-ramp will be a bit
trickier,” says Holly Dabral, the group’s
landscape designer. “It’s three times larger
and has some steep slopes, but we think
we’ve developed a plan that will make the
area look fantastic for years to come.”
Funding for this next phase must be
raised among local residents, since the city
and state are strapped for cash. Over 200
supporters have donated so far to insure the
work continues.
The group’s web site, www.scenic-
streets.org, requests donations starting at
just $10, which pays for a small shrub.
Beyond renovating public lands, Scenic
Streets is also negotiating with DaVita Cor-
poration, who operates one of its 300 dialysis
clinics in the former supermarket directly
Neighborhood volunteers, landscapers
and project organizers take a breather
during a full day’s mulching and
planting formerly neglected open
space next to the freeway off-ramp at
Claremont Avenue and Clifton Street.
Wendy Lea, CalTrans crew chief, left; Peter
Lund, Scenic Streets; Chris Jackson, Rockridge
Business District; Marvin Alvarez, landscaper;
Holly Dabral, Scenic Streets landscape designer;
Sergio Arita, landscaper.                        /D. Kinkead
“Based on evaluations of output from the HP Photosmart C5180 printer, inks from third-party challenger Cartridge World earned
scores identical to those awarded to HP's own ink, including an overall rating of Good.” PC World Magazine Article, 2008.
Start Saving Now!
$2
$10
OFF ONE
INK
REFILL
OFF ONE
TONER
REFILL
One per customer. Not valid with other offers.
510.428-9500
5940 College Avenue
510.428-9500
5940 College Avenue
www.cartridgeworldusa.com/Store197
There’s a
new broker
in town.
across Claremont from the renovated off-
ramp. Neighbors complain that the facility’s
prominent chain-link fenced parking lot is
an eyesore that could be minimized with
modest landscaping upgrades. To date, the
Denver-based company has not committed
to matching the community’s efforts to
improve the area.
Susan Bernosky
Strahan
Insurance
Services, Inc.
510-450-9051
More to Come...
Improving the off- and on-ramps helps
to improve our neighborhood and
to establish the area as a gateway to
Rockridge, College Avenue shopping, and
Temescal’s shopping and neighborhoods.
Future plans include the coming on-
ramp work, signage to define the gateway,
and landscaping the area’s center median.
Corporate neighbors, commercial
districts and real estate professionals will
be invited to contribute to the modest
costs projected for the proposals.
— Chris Jackson, RDA
Just
Listed!
CA Insurance License 0D34069
NV Insurance License 16154
5222 Shafter, Rockridge
Shopping? Shop Oakland, First
since 1997


September 3, 2011

11.

Joining a record number of Oakland
neighborhood National Night Out parties
— 560, according to the city’s count — this
group of neighbors on Oak Grove Avenue
got an early start at 6 p.m. and carried on
until well after dark, getting acquainted
and chatting with new and long-time
friends and neighbors.                         /D. Kinkead
Rockridge Supply and Demand Holds Steady!

Join the Rockridge
News Team
Become a Block Captain
for the Rockridge News
After summer break, the Rockridge News
is back but a few blocks will not be
getting their September issue; their block
captains have moved or retired. Thanks to
Margaret Pinter, Rachel Rusting and Gary
Binger for their service as block captains.
Now we need volunteers to replace them.
It usually takes about 15 minutes to walk a
route once a month — good exercise and a
way to get to know your neighbors better.
Let us know if you can pitch in.
Call Susan Montauk at 547-3855, or
e-mail smontauk@gmail.com.
Both sides of 5100
Miles from Cavour to
51st Street.
16B
Both sides 5200
Claremont, including
apartment at 5248.
16D
Even numbers along
Chabot from and
including St. Albert’s to
all the shops to 5830
College, Claremont
Nursery.
05K

Closing Date BR BATH
Address
 Original Price
List Price
DOM Selling Price

8/02/11
3
2
6201 Brookside Avenue
$629,000
$629,000
12
$680,000

8/03/11
3
2
5506 Carlton Street
$1,020,000
$1,020,000
6
$675,000

8/09/11
2
1
429 Hudson Street
$689,000
$689,000
12
$675,000

8/16/11
4
2
5909 Ocean View Drive
$1,250,000
1,175,000
6
$1,155,000

8/16/11
2
2
5207 Desmond Street
$769,000
$769,000
7
$811,000

8/17/11
3
2
6236 Rockwell Street
$1,150,000
$1,150,000
8
$1,100,000

• Rockridge currently has just over a 2-month supply of inventory • Average list-to-sell to date August of this year was 99% vs.
102% last year • Average market time for August closings was 19 days in Rockridge – compared to an average of 21 days a year
ago • Median sales price  for August was $924,000 vs $690,000 last year • Sales are down from 11 last year to just 6 this year

Shopping? Find it in Oakland!


September 3, 2011
12.

Stormwater: Plan Now for the Rainy Season
Oakland Art Association
Fosters Visual Arts
and Juried Venues

Control Board.
Rain barrels can offer many benefits
to Oakland homeowners and renters. By
installing a rain barrel, or barrels, you can
reduce flooding, runoff and erosion; con-
serve water; improve landscape aesthetics;
and protect infrastructure.
Systems must be planned so they do not
cause erosion or allow water to concentrate
near structures or another person’s property.
For design assistance, contact an appropri-
ate professional. Also, for planning help
with your rain barrel system, see www.
oaklandpw.com/creeks.
Visit the city of Oakland’s website to
purchase barrels and tanks and for more
information: www.oaklandpw.com/rain-
barrel.
by Yin Marsh, interim membership chair
O
AA is a non-profit group of about 60
members, several of whom have been
active over most of its 50 years. The asso-
ciation is primarily involved in arranging
about 10 juried shows each year in Alameda
and Contra Costa counties for its members.
Members are invited to show original work
which is competitively judged, and cash
prizes are awarded.
Presently, OAA has a juried show open
to public viewing at the Oakland Chamber
of Commerce, 475 14th Street, downtown.
The Association also sponsors a number
of “Satellite” shows, usually featuring a
single artist. Four Satellite shows are being
displayed in Oakland at:
•	 Jack London Square in various
store fronts
•	 First Federal Savings Bank,
	 6058 College Avenue
•	 Piedmont Gardens, 110 41st Street
•	 Salem Lutheran Retirement Home,
2361 East 29th Street
Art work in all OAA shows must be
offered for sale, and OAA withholds 30
percent of the sale price as a commission.
Membership in OAA costs $50 per year,
and is open to artists who would like to have
their work shown in local venues.
For more information, visit our website
at www.oaklandart.org or directly contact
interim membership chairman Yin Marsh
at yinmarsh@gmail.com.
The Oakland Watershed and Stormwater
Management Rain Barrel Program is
a three-year initiative to build healthier
urban communities by providing reduced
cost rain barrels to Oakland residents in an
effort to reduce urban stormwater impacts.
(As per city grant requirements, purchasers
of rain barrels must be Oakland residents).
Funding for this project has been
provided in full or in part through an
agreement with the State Water Resources
Rockridge
Optometry
Your neighborhood 
family eyecare providers
since 1947
Dr. Donald Sarver
Dr. Larry Sarver
Dr. Scott Yokoi
Dr. Cindy Sakai
5321 College Avenue, Oakland
510-655-3797
www.rockridgeoptometry.com
Lic. #0670129


September 3, 2011

13.

Events Planned to Remember, Honor and Prepare
Commemorating the ’91 Firestorm
On October 20, 1991, Diablo winds fanned a wildfire
through the Oakland/Berkeley Hills, killing 25
people, injuring 150 and destroying more than 3,000
homes. Oakland had faced what was then the worst urban
fire disaster in the nation’s history.
Residents rebuilt homes and lives and launched a move-
ment to support disaster survivors through the insurance
claim and recovery process that is now a national model
known as United Policyholders. Oakland, Berkeley and
surrounding communities formed the Hills Emergency
Forum and strengthened their mutual aid, disaster manage-
ment and standards for fighting urban wildfires.
In recognition of the perseverance and community spirit
that grew out of that frightening event, the city of Oakland
and local groups and agencies will hold workshops, events
and ceremonies between October 12 and 22. Among other
events, on October 22, 9 a.m., there will be a Reflection at
the Rockridge BART Firestorm Tile Wall, for individual
expression of those affected by the Firestorm.
Then, at noon, during a Preparedness Fair at
Lake Temescal, Rockridge resident Annalee
Allen will provide tile-making materials —
tiles, brushes, paints — for those who wish
to make a keepsake tile.

Pictured at the
Firestorm Memo-
rial Tile Wall
located under
the BART sta-
tion overpass are
Annalee Allen,
left, and Brooke
Levin. Annalee
coordinated the
p a i n t i n g  a n d
installation of
completed tiles.
Brooke conceived
o f  a n d  f o u n d
funding for the
tiles and their
installation.
/B. Levin
Norman H. Burg, DDS
Adapted from a press release issued by the office
of Mayor Jean Quan.
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Elmwood: 2930 College Avenue
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September 3, 2011
14.

Chabot Science Center
Seeks Volunteers
Home Repairs &
Improvements
Kitchen & bath remodel, tile, decks, dry rot,
drainage, walls, termite damage, foundation
(new/repair). Lic#458473. Don 510/812-0310.
‘S
haring the excitement with kids about
viewing a crescent phase planet Venus
through our telescopes in broad daylight,
or watching sun spots larger than the earth
using our sunspotter, are some of the most
rewarding parts of the job,” says Rockridge
resident Steve Matthews. He is referring to
his volunteer work as a Telescope Operator
and School Guide for the Chabot Space and
Science Center. Steve is one of approximately
140 adult volunteers at the center who are
trained to serve in roles from special event
ambassadors, to exhibit guides, to classroom
teacher aides.
Volunteer at Chabot Space and Science
Center in the beautiful Oakland hills. The
next volunteer orientation is Saturday,
October 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Visit our website for a description of
volunteer opportunities. You are invited to
attend our next orientation meeting to learn
more about being a volunteer. Visit http://
www.chabotspace.org/adult-volunteers.
htm or e-mail volunteers@chabotspace.org.
Volunteer opportunities are also available
for middle and high school students (grades
6-12). Visit http://www.Galaxyexplorers@
chabotspace.org.
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.
October deadline is September 22, 2011.
For information: smontauk@gmail.com
End of Summer Delight
Cut and color $100 only!
Hello Gorgeous/Celeste for Hair
Call 510/658-3658 please.
All Things Maternal/
Psychotherapy for
Mothers and Others
Compassionate help for women and couples
facing the challenges associated with infertility,
pregnancy, post-partum, and parenting. On
College Ave/Chabot. Deena Solwren, LCSW
510/364-2864.
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.
Summer Special! Penelope’s
Aesthetics Skin Care Salon
25% off waxing and facial services. Come visit
my salon in a serene garden setting and receive
excellent, relaxing services with a gentle and
personalized treatment. www.penelopecalef.
com By appointment: 510/594-1552.
Experience Jewish High
Holy Day Services at
Chochmat Halev
We offer “stomp-your-feet and dance-the-
Horah” innovative, musical, trend-setting
services. Our spiritual community is focused
on renewing Judaism as a joyful and relevant
path. www.chochmat.org
Aesthetic Pruning
I specialize in pruning trees & shrubs under
20 feet tall. I work with trees to enhance
their natural beauty. Specialties: maples,
camellias, fruit trees, & focal points. Pruning
instructor Merritt College. Bruce Thompson
510/428-4964.
Rockridge LBGT Realtor7
Both “on the ground” traditional and internet
savvy marketing. Excellent detailed service. Buy
or sell transactions to “fit your life’s schedule”
not mine. Lic#01885305. www.Medairy.net
Medairy 510/517-9969.
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.
Henry C. Levy & Co.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
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
Design, Installation and Maintenance
Native Plant Gardens & Stonework
HELP Me Update Dentist List
ADD Listing using link at bottom of this page:
SFbay.SmarterYellowPages.com/Dentists
EDIT Listing & add Links to Reviews Photos
Facebook LinkedIn Twitter YouTube in form
at Listing bottom. Thx! psmithsr@gmail.com
Andrea Hurd, Horticulturist and Stonemason
License #883905 h tel. 510.558.8429
www.mariposagardening.com
SFbay.SmarterYellowPages.com
No charge for Bay Area Biz/Org Listings: Which
include 500 word Profile & links to Reviews
Photos Facebook LinkedIn. Plus Ads for fee
like Google›s: But focused on demographics
of YOUR Yellow Page Category. psmithsr@
gmail.com
Fitness class for people
50 and over
Tuesdays, 8-9 AM, Lake Temescal Park. Certi-
fied personal trainers. Start your day off right.
Look better, feel better. 6 weeks $84. 4 weeks
$60. First class free. E-mail mary.mcqueen@
babybootcamp.com


September 3, 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

prepared foods, fresh locally caught fish, handcrafts and
more. Sample the goods; develop a relationship with the
grower; learn about unusual food varieties and cooking
tips; greet your neighbors and listen to live music. Open
Sundays, 9am to 1pm (all year). Bring your own reus-
able bags. 5300 Claremont Ave. (off Telegraph) at DMV
parking lot. More info about Certified Farmers’ Markets
at www.urbanvillageonline.com.
3rd Annual Taste of Temescal

Community Calendar

Neighborhood Crime Prevention
Council (NCPC)
ART EXHIBITS (call to confirm)
Gallery:
Sept: Marsha Bolian: mixed media figurative paintings.
Oct: Karen Legault: watercolor and Chinese brush art.
Lobby Display Case:
Sept: TBA.
Oct: Malonga Casquelourd.
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 9/6, 9/9 and 9/10.
Note: due to possible shut-downs, confirm all dates.
Diesel Book/Poetry Readings/Events
Residents and business members of NCPC’s 12Y and
13X areas can voice their concerns about crime and
public safety. 2nd Thursday each month, 7pm. Rockridge
Library, upstairs meeting room, 5366 College Ave. At this
printing, library hrs. are uncertain. Confirm mtgs. at www.
rockridgencpc.com or chair@rockridgencpc.com.
Rockridge Branch Library
Enjoy an evening of food, drink, live music and fabu-
lous prizes. Tues, Sept 20, 6 to 8:30pm on Telegraph
Ave between 42nd and 51st Streets. Dine out for our
students: Cost is $30 per ticket for 29 restaurants.
Proceeds will benefit Claremont Middle School, Oakland
Tech, Emerson Elementary, Lion’s Center for the Blind,
and Women’s Cancer Resource Center. More info and
purchase tickets at www.temescaldistrict.org.
North Oakland Senior Center
5366 College Avenue, 597-5017
NOTE: Library will remain open during construction
of the new TEEN ZONE during Sept. and early Nov.
FOR CHILDREN
Programs include: Arts/crafts; health insurance counsel-
ing; dancing and exercise; trips, tours and theater outings;
Alzheimer’s Caregivers support groups, computer classes
and more. Annual $12 membership entitles seniors 55
and older to get discounts on activities and trips.
Note new hours: Mon. – Fri., 9am to 3pm. 5714 Martin
Luther King, Jr. Way. Subscribe to “The North Oakland
Senior Times” for full schedule of classes/events, lunch
menus, membership, and volunteer opportunities. Info:
597-5085.
3rd Annual Volunteer Fair
for Oakland Schools
y
y Family Story Time: Stories, songs and rhymes (kids
to age 5). Every Saturday, 10:30am.
All events are FREE and open to the public.
y
y Pre-School Story Time: (ages 2 to 5) 1st and 3rd
Wed., 10:30am.
y
y Thurs, 9/8, 7pm. Granta #116: Ten Years Later hosts
a panel discussion with Daniel Alarcon, Adam
Johnson and Tom Barbash
y
y Baby and Toddler Story Time: (kids to age 2) 1st
and 3rd Wed., 10:30am, upstairs.
FOR TEENS
y
y Sun., 9/11, 3pm. Poetry Flash with Maxine Hong
Kingston and James Ragan
y
y Rockridge Ninjas Anime Club: Ages 13 and up,
watch and talk about anime (Japanese animation).
Second Tues. each month 5 to 6:30pm.
y
y Mon., 9/12, 7:30pm. Amnesty International Meet-
ing (2nd Mon. each month): All invited to exchange
ideas on action.
y
y Teen Advisory Board (ages 14-18): Advise the library
how to better serve teens. Get community service
credit for school. Snacks provided. 1st Saturday
each month, 4 to 5pm. More info: Susy, 597- 5017 or
smoorhead@oaklandlibrary.org.
FOR ADULTS
y
y Thurs, 9/15, 7pm. Keith Scribner: The Oregon
Experiment.
Free event links community members to school programs
that match their interests, abilities and schedules: read-
ing and writing tutors, classroom aids and homework
helpers, science enrichment and much more. Volunteers
are fully trained before starting programs. Mayor Jean
Quan and OUSD Superintendent Tony Smith will
meet with prospective volunteers. Sat., 9/10, 1 to 4pm,
Westlake Middle School Auditorium, 2629 Harrison St.
(at 27th Street). Free parking lot on 27th St. just off Har-
rison or exit BART at 19th St. station. More info: www.
VolunteeringForOakland.org, volunteerfaire@
montclairaction.com or contact@volunteering-
foroakland.org.
Chabot Space and Science Center
Volunteer Orientation
y
y Sun., 9/18, 3pm. Local author Randy Kasten: Just
Trust Me: Finding the Truth in a World of Spin.
y
y Mon, 9/19, 7pm. Jane Hirshfield: Come, Thief: Poems.
y
y Sun., 9/25, 3pm. Publication Party for Joan Lester:
Black, White, Other: In Search of Nina Armstrong.
y
y Writers Support/Critique Group: All writers welcome.
Bring 16 copies of up to 5 pgs. (double-spaced, MS
margins) of any prose for on-site reading/discus-
sion (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.
y
y Wed, 9/28, 7pm. Tony D’Souza: Mule: A Novel of
Moving Weight.
DIESEL, A Bookstore, 5433 College Ave. More info
(and other events and discussion groups): 653-9965
or events@dieselbookstore.com.
Wisteria Ways House Concert Series
y
y Lawyers in the Library: Free legal advice and
referrals. For Sept. only (because of Labor Day
holiday) mtg. on 2nd Tues. (9/13), 5 to 7pm (advance
sign-up starts 4:45pm). Future mtgs. on 1st Tues. each
month. Note: lawyer leaves before 7pm if no more
people are present.
Taarka: a blend of Western and Eastern folk traditions;
jazz, gypsy; Celtic and more. Saturday, 9/10, 3pm (door
opens 2pm). Sample sound clips at www.taarka.com.
$15-20 donation for musicians (cash only at the door).383
61st Street (outside concert, wheelchair accessible).
Bring something to sit on, a hat, sunscreen and picnic.
For reservations (highly recommended), RSVP to info@
WisteriaWays.org or 655-2771.
Temescal Farmers’ Market
Learn about the volunteer program structure, training
and perks. Sat., Oct 1 from 10am to 2pm. Our volunteers
learn how to make earth and space science come alive
for visitors through interactive and hands-on experi-
ences. 10000 Skyline Blvd., 336-7300. Get more info
about the program and RSVP for orientation at www.
chabotspace.org/adult-volunteers.htm or e-mail the
Volunteer Department at volunteers@chabotspace.
org. See article p.14.
American Red Cross
Wonderful, ongoing,
weekday classes for
babies or toddlers
Locally grown fruits and vegetables; fresh ranch eggs;
sumptuous bakery items; fresh cut flowers; unique
A
Mov
e
m
e
nt
y
y Volunteer Orientations: Tour the Oakland Blood
Center. Learn to assist blood donors; deliver blood;
help with special projects. Wed, 9/7, 10am; Wed,
9/14, 3:30pm. 6230 Claremont Avenue (across from
College Ave. Safeway). To learn more or sign up: Anne
at 594-5165 or BlackstoneA@usa.redcross.org.
Prog
ram f
or
Drop-ins or sign ups
for ALL families: songs,
slides, tunnels, parachute play,
bubbles, a fab ball pit, rocking
horses & more!
A
L
L
Fa
mi
lie
s
y
y Mobile Blood Drives: Call 1-800-Red Cross
(1-800/733-2767) or visit www.redcrossblood.org
to find a location near you.
Coastal Cleanup Day:
Saturday 9/17
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)
.
Volunteer to participate at www.coastal.ca.gov/
publiced/ccd/ccd.html.
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


September 3, 2011
16.

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
COming SOOn in ROCkRiDge
Bryant Street
2 Beds/ 1 Bath in Rockridge
Sunny & Charming Craftsman Bungalow.
Remodeled Kitchen that opens to the
backyard.
Award Winning Chabot elementary School
PenDing in ROCkRiDge
458 Hudson St.    $824,000
2+ Beds & 2 Baths
Amazing Restoration of an Arts & Crafts
Bungalow. Stunning “Period” Inspired Kitchen
& Bath. Stroll to BART, Casual Carpooling, &
Market Hall
Award Winning Chabot elementary School
www.458Hudson.com
6409 Benvenue Ave.   $995,000
3 Beds/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 elementary School
www.BevenueCourt.com
SOLD!
Needed- Nice Homes with good Rockridge
Locations continue to sell quickly. We need
more homes to sell. Well qualified buyers
are taking advantage of the extremely low
interest rates available now. Call or email
me for more information. 510-612-2547 or
ronkriss@jps.net
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

INTERIOR-EXTERIOR LEAD
CERTIFIED PAINTERS
Professional preparation. Many local
references. All work Guaranteed
(510) 654-3339
Mon – Fri  9:30 – 6:00
Sat  9:30 – 5:00
CHIMES
PHARMACY
Serving Rockridge Since 1909
3210 College Avenue
Near Alcatraz
652-1990
Sustainable Living
Starts at Home
aboutface&body
dayspa      oaklandberkeley
Sustainable Building
Starts at Ashby Lumber
serving you since 1981
Looking for a Contractor?
Specialists in waxing
Now offering men’s waxing
Visit our Contractor Directory
at ashbylumber.com
3190 college avenue
at alcatraz
berkeley, ca 94705
.
824 Ashby Avenue    Berkeley
Ph: 510.843.4832  Fax: 510.843.3840
p 510.428.2600
www.aboutfaceandbody.net
KEVIN BROWN
Broker
654-8707 or 593-4780
sun-tues 10:30-5:30
wed-sat 10:30-8:00
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