Extracted text · highlighting “David W. Brown”

www.rockridge.org

VOL. 27       NO. 6       ISSUE NO. 290       June 2, 2012                        CIRCULATION: 5, 800 Residences; 200 BusInesses

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

May Town Hall: Enhanced Cycling Routes
Picturing Rockridge
by Ronnie Spitzer, RCPC boardmember
Audience members at the May RCPC Town Hall meeting heard the
latest news on bicycling in Oakland. Jason Patton, Oakland’s Bicy-
cle and Pedestrian program
manager, described new
bicycling improvements in
Oakland and Rockridge.
Dave Campbell, East Bay
Bicycle Coalition’s (EBBC)
program director, discussed
EBBC’s riding and safety
programs and requested
input on possible Rockridge
bicycle route improvements
(http://www.ebbc.org/).
Richard Oelerich, co-owner of Tip Top Bike Shop on Telegraph at
48th Street, spoke about bike maintenance and good riding habits.
According to Patton, the city adopted an updated Oakland Bicycle
Master Plan in 2007, and has been working to upgrade existing routes
and install new ones since then. As of December 2011, 109.6 miles of
the proposed 218 miles had been marked.
Take advantage of upgraded routes while running errands, and stay
tuned for a fuller description of planned Rockridge routes. Look on
College Avenue and other commercial districts this summer for new
on-street bike parking. Exciting times are here for bicycling advocates.
© 2012 Christopher Chin
 - info@innerspace-media.com
Construction begins at
redesigned BART Plaza.
/Chris Jackson
Richard Oelerich, l., Jason Patton,
and Dave Campbell spoke at the
well-attended Town Hall meeting.
Earth Day
cleanup at
Frog Park
Ride for a
Reason takes
its message to
Sacramento
/Ken Rice
/Sarah Mages
21
Town Hall AGENDA
June 2012 RCPC Meeting
Preparing for the Big One
No one knows when the next widely destructive earthquake will
hit the Bay Area, but emergency preparation is always important.
At the June Town Hall meeting, RCPC will present a discussion
and review focused on resources for earthquake preparedness and
that are applicable to other emergencies.
Enjoying Peralta
School’s SpringFest
/Ian Martin
■
■Resource topics will include:
y
y Oakland’s Citizens of Oakland Respond to Emergencies
(CORE)
y
y Earthquake retrofits for homes.
y
y Earthquake insurance.
y
y Other earthquake and disaster safety issues.
We look forward to seeing you on June 21.
RCPC Town Hall Meeting:
Thursday, June 21 | 7:30-9 p.m.
Tuning up for
summer cycling
Masons support
Claremont MS
Rockridge Branch Library
5366 College at Manila
/Chris Jackson
© 2012 Christopher Chin
 - info@innerspace-media.com


June 2, 2012
2.

RCPC Board Transitions: Election and Retirements

ROCKRIDGE BRANCH LIBRARY
5366 College Avenue
597-5017
HOURS:
Mon, Tues:
Weds, Thurs, Sat:
Friday:
Sunday:
Library program details: See Calendar, page 15.
by Stuart Flashman, RCPC chair
emeritus, and Don Kinkead, editor
R
CPC’s April elections for members
of its board of directors resulted in a
new board line-up, and marked the end of
an era as two boardmembers completed
their service.
Joining the board as elected members
are Christopher Chin, James Kachelmeyer,
Alex Naughton, Laura Schlichtmann, and
Bernie Baltaxe. (The first four had been
previously apppointed to fill board vacan-
cies.) After the election, the board appointed
Doug Oliver as the 13th voting member.
(Rockridge News editor Don Kinkead is
a non-voting board member.)
The new board elected the following
officers: Chair, Andrew Charman; Vice-
Chair, Christopher Chin; Treasurer, Cesar
Angobaldo; Secretary, Laura Schlichtmann;
Chair Emeritus, Stuart Flashman. The board
also chose John Gussman, the board’s legal
advisor, as RCPC historian.
Two long-serving members left the
board as their terms ended. Jon Gabel
finished his second term and opted not to
run for re-election. Annette Floystrup, after
three terms on the board, was termed out.
(RCPC’s bylaws limit board members to
three successive elected terms.)
Each departing board member served
long and notable terms with RCPC on behalf
of the Rockridge community.
teous way to be selfish,” she said, “because
doing good makes you feel so good.”
Annette, whose involvement with RCPC
stretches back more than 30 years, retired
from the board in May with the completion
of her latest stint of service of six years.
Overall, she says, her involvement
was a way to keep alive the promise of
the pedestrian-friendly, people-centric
neighborhood first envisioned by RCPC
planners in the late 1970s. “Along the way,
some of the nicest people I have known I
met through our common work on RCPC
projects.”
One of the authors whose writing for the
biennial RCPC Kitchen Tour booklet helped
bring tour kitchens alive for tour guests
over the years, Annette shouldered other
duties as well. Most recently she worked
with retiring boardmember Jon Gabel in
the purchase and preparation of more than
3,000 DVDs to stock the Rockridge Branch
Library in a project sponsored by RCPC. It
was a fitting coda for a career of community
service: Annette had played pivotal roles
in the 11-year community process of fund-
ing, designing and building the Rockridge
Branch Library.
“The neighborhood is better because
RCPC exists,” Annette said.
Tue: 12:30 – 8 p.m.

Wed, Thu, Sat: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Friday: 12 – 5:30 p.m.
12:30 – 8 p.m.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
12 – 5:30 p.m.
CLOSED
CLOSED: Sundays and Mondays.
and Wednesday July 4th.
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, 2012-2013
Andrew Charman	��������������Chair
Christopher Chin	�������������Vice-Chair
Laura Schlichtmann	�����������Secretary
Cesar Angobaldo	���������������Treasurer
Stuart Flashman	�����������������Chair Emeritus
Bernard Baltaxe, James Kachelmeyer, Michael Kan,
William Kaufner, Don Kinkead, Alex Naughton,
Douglas Oliver, Ronnie Spitzer, Ann Winterman
Contact the board: chair@rockridge.org
For information: info@rockridge.org
■
■First elected to the RCPC board of
directors in April 2008, retiring member
Jon Gabel was reelected in 2010, completing
four years of service. Declaring at the time
of his election, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix
it,” Jon’s goal in board membership was to
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.
■
■Longest serving was Annette Floys-
trup, recently interviewed about her time
on the board.
“Community service provides a righ-
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
➧➧Members Retire, page 12
Articles submitted for publication may be e-mailed
to the above address. Submissions are limited to
600 words; must include the author’s name, phone
number, e-mail address, and city or neighborhood
of residence; and are subject to editing. To reprint
a Rockridge News article, please contact the editor.
Newsletter Advertising/Deadlines
Publication date of the next issue is
  July 7, 2012
  July deadline is June 21, 2012.
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.)


June 2, 2012

3.

The Zoning Counter
The RCPC Land Use Committee generally meets on
the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Rockridge
Branch Library, Upstairs Meeting Room, 7:30 p.m.
This month’s meeting: Wednesday, June 27. Subject
to change. Check rockridge.org the preceding week for the full
meeting agenda.
Committee Notes: June meeting agenda topics include updates on the Rockridge
Shopping Center and College Avenue Safeway projects. Contact Stu Flashman, 652-5373 or
stuflash2@gmail.com, for a copy of the agenda. Land use committee meetings are generally
open to the public.

5409 Belgrave Place
Proposal: To construct a 488 square foot
Secondary Unit in the basement of a 2,710
square foot single-family residence. The project
includes removal of the rear detached garage
in order to provide a total of three uncovered
parking spaces at the rear of the property.
Applicant: Cindy Chan / Jarvis Architects
Phone Number: 510/654-6755
Owners: Richard Knight & Joshua Gamson
Planning Permits Required: Regular Design
Review for a Secondary Unit; Minor Variance
to allow a portion of the Secondary Unit to
maintain a 3'-8" side yard setback where 4' is
required
Historic Status: Potential Designated Historic
Property; Survey Rating: C2+
Case Planner: Mike Rivera at 510/238-6417 or
mrivera@oaklandnet.com
City Planners Now Moving Fast on Safeway EIR Review Dates
far, Mr. Vollman has shown no inclination
to delay the Planning Commission hearing
until the fall.
Likely Late Summer for
Rockridge Center Draft EIR
July Date Likely for College
Avenue Safeway EIR Release;
Planning Review Date Could
Crimp Community Response
■
■College Avenue Safeway
Shopping Center Project
College & Claremont Avenues
This project would replace the current
22,500 sq.ft. Safeway store with a 62,000
sq.ft. shopping center, including a 50,000
sq. ft. Safeway “Lifestyle” store. The latest
update from Oakland planner Peterson Voll-
man (pvollman@oaklandnet.com; phone
238-6167) is that he expects to release the
final Environmental Impact Report (EIR),
including the responses to comments, at the
beginning of July. The Planning Commission
would then consider certification and project
approval later that month. (Just in time to
conflict with people’s vacation plans!) Thus
■
■Rockridge Shopping Center
Rebuild Project
Broadway & Pleasant Valley
Daren Ranelletti (DRanelletti@
oaklandnet.com; phone 238-3663), the
Oakland planner handling this project,
says that Safeway’s revised plans for the
major expansion of this retail center will be
submitted shortly. RCPC has, as yet, received
no response from Safeway to the list of 10
issues that North Oakland community groups
asked it to consider in its revised plans. The
draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
for this project will likely be published some
time later this summer. Watch for details.
6309 College Avenue
Project Name: Rockridge Bottle
Shop [RCPC Remarks Follow Below]
Proposal: Allow Alcoholic Beverage Sales (bar
and retail sales of bottled beer and wine)
Contact Person/Phone Number: Aaron Porter,
510/409-3427
Owner: John Chalik Trust
Case File Number: CMV12-047
Planning Permits Required: Major Conditional
Use Permit to allow an Alcoholic Beverage Sales
Activity (bar and retail sales of bottled beer and
wine), 800 square feet in existing multitenant
market; open 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., 7 days a week,
approximately 27 seats
General Plan: Neighborhood Commercial
Zoning: CN-1 Neighborhood Commercial
Zoning District
Environmental Determination: Categorically
Exempt under California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15303
Historic Status: Potential Designated Historic
Property, C3 rating, secondary importance
Case Planner: David Valeska, 510/238-2075 or
dvaleska@oaklandnet.com

RCPC Launches Legal Defense Fund
Are you worried that the proposed
Safeway project is just too big for
the beleaguered two-lane College Avenue?
Are you afraid it will overwhelm the neigh-
borhood, threaten nearby small businesses,
or worsen already congested traffic flows?
The RCPC board shares your concerns,
and suspects the issue may ultimately play
out in the courts. This could be expensive.
To plan for this possibility, RCPC is
establishing the Rockridge Legal Defense
Fund. If Safeway’s plans and power concern
you, consider sending a check, or using
the donate button on the RCPC website.
Donations are tax deductible, and all dona-
tions are welcome.
The board anticipates that donations
will be used to help support the fight for a
Safeway store of appropriate size and scale
for Rockridge. Funds not fully used for legal

fees connected with this project will be
retained for future cases in which RCPC
may need legal help to uphold meaningful
zoning regulations and to maintain and
enhance the livability of our mixed-use
neighborhood and the pedestrian-oriented
shopping options along College Avenue.
In the past, RCPC used legal means to
push for a better design for the Dreyer’s
building, and to help win funds for the
community and public schools to mitigate
impacts from the Caldecott Tunnel
Fourth Bore project. Similar steps may be
necessary to encourage Safeway to listen
to community concerns; your help will be
critical.
Checks may be sent to RCPC, 4123
Broadway, PMB 311, Oakland, CA 94611.
Online donations may be made at www.
rockridge.org.  (Tax ID no. 94-3011284)
■
■RCPC Comments on Proposed
Rockridge Bottle Shop
6309 College Avenue (former
site of The Meadows Flowers)
A proposal has been submitted for a
second on-site/off-site beer and wine sales
store, this one at the other end of College
Avenue from the beer emporium that the
committee considered last month. This pro-
posal differs in three significant respects:
1) it would sell both beer and wine; 2)
it would have a
➧➧Bottle Shop, page 12


June 2, 2012
4.

Supermoon and Super Neighbors
by Christopher Chin, RCPC
boardmember
On May 6, clear skies over Oakland
allowed us to witness a spectacular
celestial event right here in Rockridge.
As many of you probably know, the
moon’s orbit around the earth is elliptical.
As a result, at one end of the orbit, the moon
is further from the earth (apogee), and at
the other end, it is quite close (perigee). In
addition, the orbit varies slightly (about three
percent), so sometimes that perigee moon
is even closer than during other orbits. This
past month was one such occasion, and the
moon’s perigee was closer than it would be
at any other point in the year.
What made this event so amazing was that
it coincided closely with the full moon cycle.
While we have a full moon approximately
once per month, the full moon coincides
with the perigee only once per year or so,
dazzling us with perigee-syzygy, or what’s
commonly referred to as a “supermoon.” The
fact that this year’s supermoon occurred at
the year’s closest perigee provided a full
moon that seemed up to 16 percent larger and
30 percent brighter than other full moons.
This was an event worth noting, and even
those who don’t watch the news or read a
newspaper couldn’t help but notice. Shortly
after the moonrise (which appeared just
behind the Rockridge Library), people could
big tripod and camera, it seemed that even
more vehicles and pedestrians were stopping
to enjoy the view down Hudson. One driver
stopped and said, “What a great idea. I’ve
tried that handheld, and usually only end
up with a blurry little dot.” I replied, “Well,
my dot will be sharp, but it will still be tiny.
I’m kicking myself because I forgot to rent
a long lens for this.”
Then, as if a genie were granting wishes,
the gentleman standing behind me chimed
in. “Oh, you need a long lens? Is that a
Nikon?,” he asked as he peered quickly at
the front of my camera. “I’ve got a long lens
you can use. I’ll be right back.” He returned
with a lovely Nikkor 80-400/4.5-5.6 lens. It
was almost too good to be true, but I gladly
accepted the offer. We swapped lenses, and
it made a world of difference! I snapped
away, capturing some lovely shots of the
moon within minutes of its perigee.
Afterwards, I thanked him profusely
and introduced myself. His name was
David, and while he looked familiar, we
had never actually met. Yet this man was
perfectly willing to hand over a precious
and fragile piece of equipment to someone
he didn’t even know. It’s a rare thing when
camaraderie, trust, and community all come
together. This is Rockridge.
© 2012 Christopher Chin - info@innerspace-media.com
be seen standing around on the sidewalk
gazing skywards. Cars stopped or slowed
as the view opened up and they witnessed
the giant orb, which, even to the naked eye,
beckoned for attention.
I set up my tripod and camera on Hudson
Street and pointed it east and skyward. It
had been a busy weekend, and I’d forgotten
to go to my favorite camera shop to rent a
telephoto lens to capture the event. I figured
I would still take a high resolution photo, and
then just crop down to emphasize the tiny
bright spot that appeared in my 50mm lens.
A few people gathered around to take
in the sight, and perhaps curious about the

Remembering the Frog Park Earth Day and Anniversary Celebration

The photos at right highlight FROG’s
celebration of Earth Day and the park’s
10th Anniversary.
Many community volunteers, public
elected officials and big build captains
participated in the festivities alongside
family-friendly entertainers and activities.
The May 2012 Rockridge News lists
extensive thank you’s and acknowledgments.
(Find it online at rockridge.org.)
— Carol Behr, FROG chair
Next FROG
Meeting: June 14
Rockridge Library,
Thursday, June 14, 7:30 p.m.
Join with neighbors
who care about FROG.

/D.Kinkead
Photography: www.kenricephotopeople.com, except as noted
/D.Kinkead


June 2, 2012

5.

Join DMV Neighbors Ass’n for Temescal
Creek Work Party, June 16
by Leonora Sea, DMV Neighbors
Ever notice the Adopt-a-Creek signs by
Temescal Creek? There’s one at Clifton
and one at Cavour.
The “DMV Neighbors Association”
(DNA) on the signs names a group of
Rockridge and Temescal neighbors who
live in the vicinity of the Claremont Avenue
DMV office. We deal with local neighbor-
hood issues and, since 2000, organize creek
cleanups between Clarke and Clifton streets
in conjunction with the city of Oakland’s
Adopt-a-Creek program. The DNA had a
great turnout for our cleanup on Earth Day
and got lots of work done on our adopted
stretch of Temescal Creek. Thank you to
everyone who volunteered, and to neighbor-
hood businesses: Alem’s Coffee for morning
coffee, Café Mariposa for pastries, and
MailMax for printing services.
Let’s keep that Earth Day momentum
going! The DNA tends the creek year round,

and all are wel-
come to join us
from 9 to 11
a.m. Saturday,
June 16.
We’ll meet
at the corner
of Redondo and
Cavour to fan out along the creek
between Clifton and Clarke to
pull weeds, pick up litter, clear more of the
creek channel, and maybe do some plant-
ing. Tools and gloves will be provided by
the city of Oakland (or bring your own,
well-marked). We’ll have water, coffee, and
snacks for volunteers.
For more information, contact Leonora
Sea, leonorasea@yahoo.com. To hear about
more Temescal creek volunteer opportunities
and the DNA annual National Night Out
block party in August, let us know; you will
receive an invitation to join our email list. Ashby Avenue Repaving
Begins This Summer
In a $1.4 million repaving project, Ashby
Avenue from Hiller Drive to San Pablo
Avenue will be dug out and re-paved
beginning in mid-June and ending sometime
in the fall, according to a Caltrans bulletin.
Work will begin on the Tunnel Road
section of the highway, and procede west
down Ashby. One lane in each direction will
be open to traffic at all times. Day work
will be done Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.
to 3 p.m. Night time work may consist of
repairs at the intersections of Ashby Avenue
at Telegraph and Ashby Avenue at Shattuck.
Permanent striping for the project may also
be done at night, Caltrans said.
Find more details at: http://www.dot.
ca.gov/dist4/13ashbyresurface/

Coming in June
Rockridge
Optometry’s Summer
Trunk Show
Featuring Men’s and
Women’s EyeWear

Call (510)655-3797 or “Like” us
on Facebook for more
information









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 
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24


 
	

DMV Neighbors invites friends and
neighbors in Rockridge and Temescal
to join in the Earth Day momentum to
help keep the section of Temescal Creek
between Clifton and Cavour clean and
attractive. Join Lee Patterson, left, Iris
Odonata, Linda Carroll and young Lila,
and Leonora Sea Saturday, June 16,
starting 9 a.m.                    /Don Kinkead
Highway Commuter Advisory


June 2, 2012
6.

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 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.

COLLINS ROOFING
Family Owned & Operated

482-2227  Seamus
www.collinsroofing.com
Quality Work  •  Free Estimates
Lic # 695711
Uphill, Freeway Noise is a
Constant Presence
Editor:

a
RCPC Chair Replies
Ms. Lamprech’s letter highlights impor-
tant issues about soundwalls that will be
explored during the continuing public
process, particularly at an official informa-
tional meeting on soundwalls to be held in
late September.
If residents, the city, and ACTC decide
to move forward with a noise barrier scope
summary report (NBSSR), acoustical effects
both behind and opposite any proposed
soundwall will be modeled by Caltrans.
With elevated roadways, on-ramps and off-
ramps, historic residential blocks on both
sides of the freeway, and multiple walls in
play, Caltrans knows it would confront a
delicate design task to balance carefully
the structural, reflective, absorptive, and
aesthetic properties of any noise barrier.
RCPC emphasizes that all interested
residents should attend the meeting in
September to hear from Caltrans directly
about these questions. Watch for date, time,
and location to be announced.
— Andrew Charman, RCPC chair
cross-cultural congregation
striving to partner with
         the Rockridge community
   in lifestyle and service.
In response to the article “On Sound-
walls” in the May 5 Rockridge News, I
want to say that I’ve lived in Rockridge for
a couple of decades. For some years, I lived
a half block from Hwy 24. But the freeway,
approaching and crossing College Avenue,
was above ground for some tens of blocks,
and above my home as well, though but a
half block away. Freeway loud noise was
occasional, yet the constant freeway noise
was a distant purr, easy to ignore.
Then I moved uphill, below the Clare-
mont Hotel and above College Avenue. I am
now ABOVE the freeway. And the freeway
noise is a constant presence. Rolling, rolling,
rolling up and on through double window
panes, not at all the distant purr I’d heard
in my home a few houses from the freeway.
Now, nothing stands in the way of freeway
noise, as if the hill’s rise draws that noise
upwards.
The Rockridge News article notes:
“Most freeway noise starts near the road-
way surface. When it hits the sound wall,
it’s going up.
“When it bounces off the soundwall, it
keeps going up. By the time it gets to the
other side of the freeway, it’s many feet
above the freeway. That reflected sound
generally dissipates harmlessly.”
NO, gol durn it, that freeway noise does
NOT dissipate harmlessly off a soundwall,
unless perhaps in Florida where the land is
ironing-board flat. Annoying freeway noise
gets worse the higher you are, because higher
indeed is where the freeway noise heads
in a hilly area. Up. And if the soundwalls
make the noise rise, perhaps they make
the residential area close to the freeway a
bit less noisy, but they are also making the
extended areas ABOVE the freeway much
more noisy.
Soundwalls, alas, are not a simple
removal of noise. They merely redirect
the noise.
— Mary Lamprech
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
free review
Do you have the right
investments in place
to help you meet your
financial goals?
At Edward Jones, our
business is to help people
find solutions for their
long-term financial goals.
Rockridge Citizens Deserve Quiet;
US Soundwalls Lag Europe’s
Editor:
If you would like a free review of
your IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k) or
any of your other investments to
see if they are appropriate for
your long-term goals, please
call or stop by today.
Thanks to The Rockridge News for a
great series of articles on soundwalls. It is a
shame the general poor quality of soundwall
construction in the U.S. has led to so much
public misperception.
I travel to Europe and Asia for busi-
ness and see high-function soundwalls
that separate highways from residential
and retail areas (required by law). Citizens
in the Rockridge area absolutely deserve
the same level of protection from Highway
24. They absolutely deserve a quiet cup of
coffee at a College Avenue café and the
quiet enjoyment of their homes.
Yes, retrofitting the elevated sections of
Highway 24 with soundwalls will involve
some extra challenges, but they are not
insurmountable. And as for glass sound-
walls, the Europeans already have solved
Tyler Schenk-Wasson
Financial Advisor
.
490 Grand Avenue Suite 100
Oakland, CA 94610
510-663-0196
www.edwardjones.com  Member SIPC
➧➧Soundwalls Lag, page 12


June 2, 2012

7.

Ride for a Reason Does... Hello, Sacto!
affirms our belief that when the community
comes together we can do great things. Their
education is our future. We must provide
adequate resources for our schools; there
really is no alternative.
by Mike Napolitano, Mike Mages, and
Becki Couch Alvarado, co-organizers,
Ride for a Reason
One hundred seventy-five cyclists, ages
9 to 75, pedaled to Sacramento in
mid-May with a message for legislators:
Schools need better funding.
Supported by a crew of over 50 volun-
teers ready to provide outstanding support
throughout the day, the riders left Oakland
in weather that was foggy and about 50
degrees. They found clear weather at 95
degrees when they arrived in Sacramento
to deliver their message.
The weather presented an extra challenge
to this year’s riders, causing a few related
medical incidents that Ride for a Reason
volunteers and riders resolved effectively.
To date, the group has raised approxi-
mately $56,000 that will be split evenly
among Claremont Middle School, Emerson
Elementary, Oakland International High,
and Oakland Technical High.
Our cyclists, volunteers and community
sponsors are wonderful people. The event
Ride for a Reason cyclists cheer their arrival
in Sacramento. At left: Noah and Steve.
Below: Jennifer, Grace, Sonia, Lucy, Sophie.
All Ride Photos/ Sarah Mages

In Full Bloom: Peralta Elementary’s SpringFest Celebration

by Daniel Brownstein, Peralta parent
On a breezy May Saturday, the com-
munity came together for the 10th
annual spring festival at Peralta Elementary
School. More than 600 people attended the
four-hour carnival of games, barbecue, fresh
foods and live music.
This year’s theme, “Cultivating the
Local,” showcased the school’s arts-based
teaching and cooking programs and involved
the generous participation of local busi-
nesses. Teens who had graduated from the
school ran 12 hand-painted carnival games.
Parents manned many craft stations, includ-
ing bookmark making, jewelry making,
silk-screening and henna arts, as well as a
karaoke sing-along, all examples of Peralta’s

/Ian Martin, Peralta parent

broad range of arts teaching.
Parents baked and decorated over 45
cakes for the festival’s hours-long cake
walk contest where participants danced
around folding chairs to music by Prince
and Earth Wind and Fire for the chance to
win a prized homemade cake.
The edible riches at SpringFest demon-
strated the school’s care for its gardens by
promoting local foods and healthy eating:
■
■A Smoothie Station, run by inde-
pendent vendor Purple Plant Smoothies,
used organic oranges from Visalia and
strawberries from Watsonville.
➧➧SpringFest, page 12

Market Hall to Host Chef-Author Events
In
a series of free “Conversations, Tastings
and Book Signings” beginning June 9,
The Pasta Shop at Market Hall presents three
chefs discussing their recipes, techniques and
new books. Come for the conversation, have
a taste, get a book signed. There is no charge
except for purchases.
Saturday, June 9, 12-2: Chef Erik Cosselmon,
“Kokkari, Contemporary Greek Flavors.”
Meet Erik, talk about, and taste recipes from
Kokkari, the popular San Francisco restaurant.
This book, like the restaurant, is committed to
using local and seasonal ingredients and inspires
the home cook to recreate the delicious flavors
of Kokkari and Greece.
Saturday, June 30, 1-3: Ice Cream Social with
Anne Walker, “Sweet Cream and Sugar Cones:
90 Recipes for Making Your Own Ice Cream
and Frozen Treats from Bi-Rite Creamery.”

Join The Pasta Shop and Anne in celebrating
this new book from the founders of Bi-Rite
Creamery. Anne and co-author Kris Hoogerhyde
opened the creamery in 2006, and it quickly
became a San Francisco favorite, known for its
full-flavored ice cream, made from responsibly
sourced ingredients.
Friday, July 20, 4-6:30: Ruta Kahate, “Quick
Fix Indian: Easy, Exotic Dishes in 30 Minutes
or Less.”
Welcome Ruta, chef, cooking teacher, author,
and culinary travel guide, as she returns to the
Bay Area with her latest cookbook. In “Quick Fix
Indian,” Ruta shows how easy it is, with a well-
stocked Indian pantry, to make flavorful meals
in 30 minutes or less. Ingredients and recipes
will be available for sampling and purchase.
The Pasta Shop 5655 College Avenue, Oakland.
510/250-6005  www.pastashop.net.


June 2, 2012
8.

Loyal Neighbors Love Living on Lawton

Michael Tompkins, a psychologist in private
practice, bought “one of the traditional little
bungalows” on Lawton in 1993, “we had
no concept what a fantastic neighborhood
we were moving to,” DeVoss said.
They soon learned to relish their leafy
street of architecturally interesting homes,
the friendly front-porch atmosphere and
their proximity to College Avenue and
BART.
As the two contemplated buying a bigger
home for their expanding family, Marianne
Wood was thinking about downsizing. Both
wanted to stay on Lawton.
It depends whether you ask DeVoss or
Wood as to what happened next.
According to DeVoss, “I’m down on
College getting my hair cut and this woman,
who looks vaguely familiar, walks in.” As
they started to talk, she discovered that they
both lived on Lawton.
by Judith Doner Berne
Ithe same thing.
Kriss and Lovotti ended up opening a real
estate firm together which they named for
their street. Yes, that’s Lawton Associates,
atop Noah’s Bagels on College in Berkeley,
which Kriss took over when Lovotti retired.
As their family expanded to include
Reed, now 18, and Jack, now 16, Kriss
and Peck needed more space than the
two-bedroom, single bath house allowed.
But, “I didn’t want to move off Lawton,”
Kriss said. “I love my neighbors. We had
child care on the street. We had Chabot
Elementary School. Why would we move
away?
“My whole market place was 40 homes.
So I was pestering my neighbors, but no
one wanted to move.”
When a duplex came on the market,
just 10 houses away on the other side of
the street, “I started thinking about it as a
single-family home,” Kriss said.
Soon Kriss, Peck, their small sons, plus
two cats moved into the upstairs space. “And
we spent the next nine years remodeling.”
Nearly every summer Friday night,
someone sets up a folding table in a driveway
and neighbors gather for a potluck-style
cocktail party, Kriss said. “These are the
kinds of things that happen on a regular
basis.”
Story 2: When Luann DeVoss, a psy-
chologist with Children’s Hospital, and
t’s nearly a year since we moved to
Rockridge where we’ve probably expe-
rienced more “neighborliness” than
in nearly 40 years living in the suburbs
of Detroit.
Various neighbors have invited us for
cocktails, dinner and even a Christmas
party. They’ve brought us home-made jam,
just-picked peaches, and asked us to cart
our wheelbarrow over to share in a load of
woodchips. The Cal Berkeley law students
(now graduates) next door delivered a tray
of tantalizing desserts after one of their (not
loud) parties. And we’ve been both directed
and/or accompanied to a number of local
restaurants to be sure we fully understand
that Rockridge is the real Gourmet Ghetto.
Even though we find our street special,
it doesn’t appear unique. After nearly a
year of interviews for this column, every-
one has spoken of his or her attachment
to both Rockridge and their immediate
neighborhood.
For example, there’s a stretch of Lawton
Avenue where families play musical chairs,
moving in and out of houses within the
confines of College Avenue and Broadway.
Here are some stories…
Story 1: Ron Kriss and Susan Peck
bought a tiny Craftsman bungalow on
Lawton in 1987, and set about restoring it.
Next door neighbor Lou Lovotti was doing
DeVoss explained she wanted to find
a bigger house in the same neighborhood.
Wood mentioned she wanted to downsize
now that her children – Nate, Sarah and
Ruth – were off to college, but also stay
on the street. “We laughed and said we
should just trade.”
Wood remembers it differently. “I knew
her from our street parties. I saw LuAnn
and Michael walking their child on the
street, so I approached them. “Were they
➧➧Living on Lawton, page 9
Real Estate in Rockridge
Personally represented over $10,000,000 in home sales in Rockridge
alone last year. Let me use my local expert experience to guide you.

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Taft @ Broadway, 4+BD, 2+BA home, prkg, 1 block to College.  $3,900/mo for 1 year lease.

Pending:
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Sold:
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Coming:
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Call for a real local expert opinion.
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510.813.3799      priani@earthlink.net
R  E A  L    E  S T A T  E
B  R  O  K  E  R A  G  E


June 2, 2012

9.

It ’ s  a  L a w t o n
Avenue tradition
to snap a “kids
generation” photo
a t  t h e  a n n u a l
Labor Day block
party. This is the
2011 version taken
on David Meckel’s
front porch and
provided by his
next door neigh-
bor David Bond.
It includes “the
Lawton Avenue
kids” and a few of
their friends rang-
ing in age from
1-year-old to over
21.          /David Bond
Living on Lawton
from page 8
willing to buy a bigger house?”
No matter. Whichever way it went
down, the two families – aided and abetted
by Kriss – worked out a deal to buy each
other’s houses. They moved in and out on
the same day, their moving vans passing
on the street.
“We love our house and have done a ton
of renovation,” said DeVoss, whose children
Madeleine and Olivia are now 16 and 12,
respectively. “Because of the neighborhood
structure, you make best friends.”
“It was one of the best decisions I ever
made,” said Wood, a labor and delivery
nurse at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley.
“I really just love this little house.”
STORY 3: David Meckel also has strong
feelings about “the little house.” He and
his late wife, attorney Lonnie Browning,
rented it from the owner, a friend who
lived next door.
That was back in 1987. “It needed to be
improved and so part of the deal included
sweat equity,” said Meckel, who is director
of campus planning at California College
of the Arts.”
But, once again, as their family grew to
include Matthew, now 24, and Adam, now
21, the 900-square foot house became too
of house sizes.
And who knows, if he ever decides to
downsize, “I might become victim to reverse
engineering,” swapping for another house
on that stretch of Lawton.
It adds up to “a nice community of folks.”
small. So, five years later, they moved across
the street, paving the way for LuAnn and
Michael to buy the renovated little house.
“We didn’t even have movers,” Meckel
recounted. “We bought ramps and hired
a couple of college kids and just pushed
everything out of one house and into the
other.”
What helps to make Lawton special,
Meckel said, are the canopy of sycamore
trees planted as a community project – not
by the city – 30 years ago and the mixture
Judy Berne is a journalist recently moved to
Rockridge from the metro Detroit area. If your
neighborhood or a person in your neighborhood
is special, her e-mail is judyberne@att.net.
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June 2, 2012
10.

Chicago friends argue for having the better
pizza than New York’s. It all boils down to
individual preference.
In recent years, cities like Chicago and
Los Angeles have also developed unique
styles of BBQ sauces.
Regardless of your preference, making
your own sauce is the way to go. Commercial
BBQ sauces tend to lack a distinct flavor
and don’t quite hit the mark when it comes
to a balance of hot and sweet. Although the
ingredient list for homemade BBQ sauce
tends to be long, most just require a mixing
together with very little, if any, cooking time.
I hope to have a lot to report and recipes
to share when we get back from our trip. The
following recipe has become my go-to sauce.
All Around Great BBQ Sauce
Mix together:
1 teaspoon: sea salt, chili powder, ground
cumin, sweet paprika
½ teaspoon: ground allspice, cinnamon,
nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne pepper,
Tabasco sauce
2 cups ketchup
¾ cup molasses
½ cup vinegar
Rock  ridge
Cornucopia
Cornucopia
Barry A. Kaufman
’ll soon be traveling to the Outer Banks
of the Carolina coasts. In South Carolina,
I’m looking forward to the region’s famous
low country cooking. Low country food is a
simply prepared local seafood boil known
as Frogmore stew. For North Carolina, it’s
all about the barbecue and the iconic sauce.
As with barbecue itself, BBQ sauce is
highly regionalized throughout the South.
“Q” pit-masters often keep their prized
sauce recipes as a family secret.
The origin of BBQ sauce is unclear.
Early colonial cookbooks usually did
not include recipes for BBQ sauce; it was
assumed families had their own concoction.
The recipes might vary, but most included
tomato ketchup, vinegar, spices, and sweet-
eners. Different geographical regions have
allegiances to their particular styles and
variations for BBQ sauce.
Most American BBQ sauces can trace
their roots to sauces common in North
Carolina. Food historians agree that early
BBQ sauces were made by African slaves.
The sauce is made with vinegar, ground
pepper, and hot chili peppers. In North
Carolina, the sauce is used as a “mop”
to baste the slow cooking meat and as a
dipping condiment when served. North
Carolina sauce is characterized as thin and
hot. There is little or no sugar in this sauce.
For North Carolinians the saying goes: “Mo
hotta, da betah.”
Kansas City sauce is thick, brick-red
ketchup based with sugars, vinegar, and
spices. Different from its North Carolina
cousin, it is thick and sweet and does not
penetrate the meat. Kansas City BBQ is the
most common and popular sauce in the U.S.
Hunt’s BBQ sauce is a nationally distributed
Kansas City style sauce. Americans tend to
like the sweet smoky flavor.
Texas BBQ sauces are heavily seasoned
with traditional Tex-Mex flavors such as
ancho chili powder, lots of black pepper,
fresh onion, a touch of tomato, smoke
flavor, and little or no sugar. Texas BBQ
sauce is medium thick and best used as a
mop because the chili easily penetrates the
meat. In Texas BBQ restaurants, bottles
of sauce often contain meat drippings to
provide the deep smoke flavor.
Oklahoma, St. Louis, and Memphis also
claim to have the best BBQ sauces.
I never get into an argument over regional
differences when it comes to food. I let my
Barry Kaufman is a graduate of the California
Culinary Academy. He is available for cooking
classes and tours of East Bay ethnic markets.
Barry’s e-mail is kaufman42@comcast.net
CALIFORNIA COLLEGE OF THE ARTS
CCA EXTENSION / SUMMER 2012
CERAMICS
DRAWING
Offerings range from one-session workshops
to more comprehensive courses. Register early
to ensure your place in class.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
ILLUSTRATION
INTERIOR DESIGN
San Francisco campus / 1111 Eighth Street
(at 16th and Wisconsin)
JEWELRY / METAL ARTS
Oakland campus / 5212 Broadway
PAINTING
(at College Avenue, near Rockridge BART)
PHOTOGRAPHY
cca.edu/extension
SOFTWARE COURSES


June 2, 2012

11.

Caldecott Settlement Projects Begin to Move into Construction

by Ronnie Spitzer, Fourth Bore Coalition
D
1 through 4 lie completely in the North Hills
area. Projects 5 and 6 lie partially in Rockridge.
The city is reviewing public comments, and is
hopeful these projects will be under construc-
tion by summer 2013.
Project Number and Description
Est. Cost
1
Tunnel Road/SR 13/Hiller Drive Intersection
Improvements
$ 950,000
uring 2010 and 2011, the city of
Oakland developed, through public
meetings, a ranked list of projects to fund
with the $8 million Caltrans paid Oakland
in a settlement reached over the adequacy
of environmental reports which studied
effects on the neighborhood of the Caldecott
Tunnel’s fourth bore construction.
The ranking process included meetings
with the Fourth Bore Coalition; a series of
walking tours of the North Oakland Hills,
Rockridge and Temescal areas; and more
than 250 comments from a community
meeting held in November 2010. The final
list of 37 projects is available online at http://
tinyurl.com/7na7jhj.
The following report discusses the status
of projects 1 through 21 which are above a
funding cut-off line based on the $8 mil-
lion available. The line could move up or
down as project details evolve. Projects are
sometimes referred to as “above-the-line”
or “below-the-line.”
2
Pedestrian Facilities, Caldecott Lane/Tunnel Road
$ 850,000
3
Bicycle Facilities, Caldecott Lane/Tunnel Road
$ 290,000
4
Caldecott Lane/Kay overcrossing Intersection
Improvements
$ 100,000
■
■Developing remaining projects
Projects 7 and 8 are Highway 24 sound-
wall studies. The city has hired consultant
Victoria Eisen of Eisen|Letunic, who managed
the public process to develop the ranked list, to
coordinate an informational public meeting at
which the soundwall study process prescribed
by ACTC will be presented, along with other
relevant information. The meeting is tentatively
planned for late September. Watch for more
information in The Rockridge News.
Projects 9 and 14 involve Caltrans
right-of-way and will be managed under a
consultant contract expected to begin in fall
2012. Above-the-line projects entirely on the
city’s right-of-way (projects 12 and 13) will
be designed by the city. Designs of all projects
relating to each other will be coordinated,
regardless of who handles the design work.
Oakland staff will begin refining the con-
ceptual designs of the other above-the-line
projects in early 2013, once final designs of
the first six projects are complete.
Construction of projects on city streets is
expected in late 2013 or early 2014. Construc-
tion of those that modify a Highway 24 ramp
will likely take place later in 2014.
5
Bike facilities on Broadway from Brookside Avenue
to Kay OC
$ 410,000
6
Jogging/walking path on Broadway from Golden
Gate to Lake Temescal
$ 275,000
7
Soundwall study: Eastbound between Vicente Way
and Broadway
$ 554,000
8
Soundwall study: Westbound between Ross Street
and Telegraph Avenue
$ 628,000
9
Broadway/Keith Intersection Improvements
$ 840,000
10	 College/Keith Intersection Improvements
$ 235,000
11	 Bike Route Signage at Rockridge BART
$ 20,000
12	 Broadway/Lawton Intersection Improvements
$ 400,000
13	 Broadway/Ocean View intersection improvements
$ 400,000
14	 Broadway/Brookside/SR 24 On-ramp Intersection
Improvements
$ 295,000
15	 Rockridge BART Bicycle Parking
$ 100,000
16	 On-street Bicycle Parking in Commercial Areas
$ 30,000
17	 52nd/51st/SR 24 ramps/Shattuck Intersection
Improvements
$ 635,000
18	 Soundwall study: Westbound between Patton Street
and Ross Street
$ 179,000
19	 Alternatives Analysis of Lake Temescal - Tunnel Rd
Bike/ped connections
$ 200,000
20	 College/Miles Intersection Improvements
$ 160,000
21	 Claremont/Hudson/SR 24 On-ramp Intersection
Improvements
$ 180,000
The $8 Million Funding Line
22	 College/Manila intersection improvements
$ 200,000
23	 Pedestrian Scale Lighting on Telegraph from 42nd
Street to Berkeley border
$ 240,000
■
■Projects 1 through 6
City staff and Caltrans staff and consultants
developed designs of the first six projects
which were presented at a community meet-
ing at Kaiser Elementary School March 26,
2012 (Rockridge News, April 2012). Projects
24	 Soundwall study: Eastbound between 40th and
52nd Streets
$ 425,000
25	 Soundwall study: Westbound between Telegraph
Ave. and M.L.K. Jr Way
$ 306,000
■
■The Movable Funding Line
Below-the-line projects are worthy projects
on the city’s Fourth Bore Caldecott Tunnel
Settlement Agreement Project List which
are not currently funded from the $8 million
settlement fund. Essentially, projects 22-37
are the “wait list” which evolved out of the
public process. These projects include: 22-25,
as shown, and additional soundwall studies
and intersection improvements in Rockridge
and Temescal.
Note: The complete list of 37 projects
was also published in the May 2011 Rockridge
News. The first 25 projects are included in
the accompanying table.
June 24th
Faith for the iPod generation!
Announcing a NEW Mass time,
Sunday at 6:00p.m.
Also join us on:  July 22 and August 19
followed by social time and food.
More information:

Wlad Wlassowsky, Oakland Transportation Services
Division Manager, wwlassowsky@oaklandnet.com;
	Victoria Eisen, consultant managing public process
for the Caldecott projects, victoria@eisenletunic.
com.
Saint Augustine Catholic Church
400 Alcatraz Ave • Oakland, CA 94609
Powerful & relevant liturgy
Contemporary music • A new time for busy schedules
Watch us live via webcam every Sunday (8:00a.m. and 10:30a.m.)
Referenced Rockridge News articles can be
found on the RCPC Web site: rockridge.org
At http://www.staugustineoakland.com


June 2, 2012
12.
SpringFest

Members Retire
The Bottle Shop
from page 7
from page 2
from page 3
■
■The centerpiece of a barbeque featured
only sustainably farmed and locally raised
pork from Stone Valley Farm in Alamo;
pulled pork sandwiches flew from the
BBQ pit.
seating capacity of 27, as opposed to the
“small tasting area” at the beer emporium,
and 3) it would be open 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.,
later than the emporium. More so than
with the emporium, the committee felt
neighbors’ concerns would be of great
importance here since, by its seating and
hours, the proposal seems to be more like
a traditional bar.
Neighbors can address any concerns to
the planner handling the case, Dave Valeska
(238-2075, dvaleska@oaklandnet.com) or
to RCPC at info@rockridge.org.
A major use permit is required for the
sale of alcoholic beverages, so the proposal
will be heard by the Planning Commis-
sion, probably in June. (See permit filing
abstract, page 3.)
maintain the essence of Rockridge. To that
end, he encouraged RCPC to ensure that
the principle stipulating use of ground floor,
street-front commercial space only for retail
business was applied to Red Oak Realty,
which wanted to put a street level office in
the Dreyer’s Building. This restriction is now
included in the new zoning regulations for
Rockridge, he said in a recent interview.
Jon also served as chair of the Web site
committee, led the successful effort to limit
increases in Residential Permit Parking
program fees, and founded the Rockridge
DVD project that brought the collection of
DVDs into circulation through the Rockridge
Branch Library.
“I enjoyed my time on the board, and am
pleased I could help to maintain the char-
acter of Rockridge for all to enjoy,” he said.
■
■Peralta students had studied local
fruits and made marmalades for sale at
the fair. “We were jammin’!” said Ellen
Oppenheimer, who sold 50 jars of preserves.
■
■Sixty tomato and sunflower plants
were sold to folks who toured Peralta’s
gardens.
■
■Hodo Soy’s Minh Tsai contributed
v-EGG-an salad for non meat eaters.
Compostable plates, silverware and cups
were recycled, leaving only one bag of trash
at the end of the day.
Donations by local merchants helped
fuel the fun. Stone Valley Farm provided
two hogs, partly butchered by Peralta
parent Scott Gottesman. The generosity of
Star Meats on upper Claremont Avenue,
owned by Peralta alum Sarah Ryan and
Joe Cates, was complemented by donations
from Marin Sun Farms and Berkeley’s The
Local Butcher, as well as chicken from Ver
Brugge Meats on College Avenue. Donors
supporting the fair believe in ensuring the
availability of a quality education for all.
Thanks to all our neighborhood and
wonderful community sponsors.
Revenues from advertisements in the
festival’s pre-printed program and atten-
dance at this year’s event grossed $15,000,
no small feat for a public school of 300 at
a time of cuts to public spending.
See you again next year!
Shopping? Shop Oakland, First
    
Your lovely home
deserves a lovely
landscape
Kathleen Carson-Asher
Designer,
Landscape Contractor
www.LANDesignBuild.us
510/531-4905
lic 960326

Demand is High in Rockridge

Closing date BR BA
Address
Original price
List price
DOM
Selling price

         5/1/12 2
1
5340 Broadway Terrace #403 $475,000
$449,000
117
$435,500
            5/3/12 3 1.5
5678 Ocean View Drive
$950,000
$925,000
42
$905,000

5/7/12 3 2.5
5866 Birch Court
$1,275,000
$1,275,000 19
$1,512,000

5/9/12 3
2
5532 Lawton Avenue
$475,000
$475,000
7
$550,000

5/10/12 2
1
5371 Shafter Avenue
$789,000
$789,000
9
$805,000

5/11/12 4 2.5
5581 Lawton Avenue
$1,450,000
$1,450,000 14
$1,580,000

5/16/12 3 2.5
6411 Benvenue
$1,200,000
$1,200,000 0
$1,187,500

5/18/12 3
1
6091 Rockridge Boulevard
$795,000
$795,000
10
$800,000

5/22/12 4 2.5
6167 Ocean View Drive
$1,195,000
$1,195,000 13
$1,250,000

Soundwalls Lag
from page 6
the problem with glass panes that block,
absorb, and disperse.
The current noise exposure in Rockridge
from Highway 24 is simply third-world.
Time for this long-standing wrong to end.
I encourage all to press Caltrans for full
soundwalls.
— Ray Perman


June 2, 2012

13.

Third Pancake Breakfast Draws 400 Supportive Appetites

Notching another pancake feast, as well
as several belts, Rockridge Masonic
Lodge members hosted the Third Annual
Pancake Breakfast to support Claremont
Middle School. Working closely with the
Masons were the Claremont Middle School
Dad’s Club and the Rockridge District
Association (RDA).
The $5,100 raised by this event will be
dedicated to the support of school programs
focusing on music, fine arts and the state-
of-the-art computer lab. The breakfast also
serves as an important community builder,
as people from the school, residential and
business communities eat together.
This year the Claremont School String
Ensemble performed in the second floor
lounge of the lodge building under the
direction of music teacher Renae Briggs.
The Lee family (Nathan, Caitlin,
Jenny and Kenton) digs in to
pancakes and OJ. .
Trader Joe’s staff enjoy the
feed: Melvin, Naja, Chanel, Lalita
and Lavel.
The Dad’s Club worked with
Claremont Middle School
faculty to distribute 80 tickets
to deserving Claremont
Middle School students who
otherwise might not have been
able to attend.
The Masons put on a great
feed again this year, serving
more than 400 hungry people and graciously
opening up their beautiful facility to the
community.
This event would not have been such a
success without the efforts of so many who
volunteered their time and energy. Special
thanks go to the following: Chris Ellis
and the other Rockridge Masonic Lodge
members who made this possible. Thanks
also to Captain Jeff Jones of Trader Joe’s
and their generous donation. Many thanks
to Chris Jackson and the participating mer-
chants of the Rockridge District Association
(RDA): Agatha Rainford; Bosko’s Picture
Framing; DHR Investment Counsel;
Fit; Market Hall; Rockridge Cleaners;
Rockridge Rags; Strahan Insurance;
and Tip Top Bike Shop of Temescal.
We appreciate those merchants
who showed their support by display-
ing the striking poster designed by
Claremont parent Paul Kagiwada.
The Masons have opened a street-
level storefront in the lodge, providing
a display area for a student art exhibi-
tion. Stop by for a look as you walk
along College Avenue.
Masonic Hall, College Avenue.
/Chris Jackson
Coming
Just
Sold!
Call
Me!
10
Offers!
Soon!
Shafter
Woolsey
Boyd
Ross
Daniel Stea
Rockridge
Broker/Owner/
Attorney
and beyond
since 1997
510.867.4094
2907 Claremont Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705  N  DRE #01452156


June 2, 2012
14.

Quality Gardening
Skilled Maintenance, Clean-ups, Aesthetic
Pruning, Real Estate Prep, Irrigation, Design
and Installation. Local refs. Ecologically minded
since 1995. Personal Attention, Small Local
Business. Free Estimates. Green’s Gardens
510/593-3490.
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.
July deadline is June 21, 2012.
For information: smontauk@gmail.com
Rx Appliance Repair
Washers, dryers, refrigerators, ovens, stoves,
dishwashers, etc. Over 20 years experience.
Thousands of appliances. Repaired right in one
visit. Call today for fast service. 510/689-7188.
rxappliancerepair@gmail.com
Legal Concerns? Legal
Shield is the Solution
Legalshield gives you the ability to talk to an
attorney regarding real estate, family law,
estate planning, finance, traffic court etc.
Please contact Melissa Parker at 415/706-7888
or melissabparker@yahoo.com.
Home Repair Expert
Carpentry, remodeling. Doors and windows,
glass and locks, small electrical, plumbing jobs,
drywall, painting, fences, decks and other odd
jobs. Good rates. Rick 510/761-7168.
Penelope’s Aesthetics
Certified Organic
Treatments
Paraben, Silicone and artificial coloring-free
facial treatments. On special now for $49.
Experience a complete European facial with
massage using eco-cert products. www.
penelopecalef.com Call for an appointment.
510/594-1552.
Employment Opportunity
Boutique commercial real estate firm seeks
to expand its team. A great opportunity in
business development for someone desiring
a flexible schedule and compensation tied to
performance. Part-time and full-time candidates.
jsmith@citrineadvisors.com or 510/836-9000.
G
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.spectacularhousekeeping.com
510/228-5704. Free estimate.
GRUBBCO.COM
Annie Black Cleaning
In business 17 years. Great references in
Rockridge and Berkeley. Call Annie for your
free estimate. 510/635-1539.
510.652.2133
3070 Claremont Avenue • Berkeley
510.339.0400
1960 Mountain Boulevard • Oakland
Licensed General Contractor
Craftsman rehabs, remodels, seismic upgrades,
restorations, kitchens, baths, interior/exterior,
large, small—we do it all. Professional and
courteous. Fully insured. Many local refer-
ences. See www.catconstruction.biz Craig
510/232-5978.
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.

Norman H. Burg, DDS
General Dentistry
(510) 652-1517
5700 Broadway, Oakland
A Prevention Oriented Practice
Design, Installation and Maintenance
Native Plant Gardens & Stonework
Andrea Hurd, Horticulturist and Stonemason
License #883905 h tel. 510.558.8429
www.mariposagardening.com
Lic. #0670129


June 2, 2012

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

Colleen Morton Busch: Fire Monks: Zen Mind
Meets Wildfire.
■
■Thurs, 6/27, 7pm. Natalie Serber: Shout Her Lovely

Community Calendar

Name.
■
■Fri, 6/28, 6:30 – 8:30pm. Live Music by Smooth
Toad (local acoustic band). Hear the sweet sounds
of these grizzled veterans of three art-forms: music,
poetry, and theater.
DIESEL, A Bookstore, 5433 College Ave. More info
(and other events and discussion groups): 653-9965
or events@dieselbookstore.com.
Square Dance in North Oakland
Neighborhood Crime Prevention
Council (NCPC)
FOR ADULTS
■
■Writers Support/Critique Group: All writers welcome.
Bring 17 copies of up to 5 pgs. (double-spaced, MS
margins) of any prose for on-site reading/discussion
(also welcome to come empty-handed). Third Saturday
each month; 1 to 5pm. Sponsored by the California
Writers Club, Berkeley branch. Info: 420-8775 Or
writefox@aol.com.
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.
Confirm mtg. info at www.rockridgencpc.com
or chair@rockridgencpc.com.
Rockridge Branch Library
Music by The Squirrelly String Band. Calling by Jordan
Ruyle (with occasional guest performers). 1st Fridays
each month, 8-10pm. All levels welcome; all dances
taught on the spot. $5-10 sliding scale donation. The
Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. Info: http://
squirrellystringband.com.
Wisteria Ways House Concert
■
■Lawyers in the Library: Free legal advice and
referrals. First Tues. each month, 5 to 7pm (advance
sign-up starts 4:45pm at adult reference desk). Vol-
unteer lawyer leaves before 7pm if no more people
present. Note: Because of the Wed. July 4 holiday,
call in advance to make appt. for Tues, 7/3.
5366 College Avenue, 597-5017
*FREE LUNCH* this summer from noon to 1pm
for kids to age 17. Dates will coincide with Summer
Reading Game dates.
FOR CHILDREN
■
■East Bay Chronic Pain Group: 1st and 3rd Tues.
each month from 3pm to 5 pm. Free. Susan Malley:
655-3278 or susanmalley@yahoo.com.
■
■Red Hot Chachkas: Klezmer fusion and dance music.
Sat, June 9. Info: www.redhotchachkas.com.
■
■Pre-School Story Time: (ages 2 to 5) Every Thurs,
10:30am.
■
■Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands: Quintessential
Bluegrass. Sat, June 24. Info: www.laurielewis.
com.
Both concerts are at 3pm; doors open 2:15pm (outside
venue; wheelchair accessible). Bring a hat, sunscreen
and a picnic. $15-20 donation for musicians (cash only
at the door). 383 61st Street. For reservations (highly
recommended), RSVP to info@WisteriaWays.org
or 655-2771.
Pro Arts East Bay Open Studios
■
■Social Security and Retirement Planning: Tues,
6/12, 7 to 8pm. Presented by West Coast Financial
and Insurance Services. Info: Joseph Karni, 869-9990.
ART EXHIBITS (call to confirm)
Gallery:
June: Oakland Art Assn.; paintings.
July: Martha Snider; digital prints on canvas.
Lobby Display Case:
June: Rob Anderson Atelier; student work.
July: 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 Wed, July 4th.
Diesel Book/Poetry Readings/Events
■
■Toddler Story Time: (up to age 2) Every Thurs,
10:30am, upstairs (followed by Playtime).
■
■Family Story Time: Stories/songs/rhymes (to age
5). Every Saturday, 10:30am.
SPECIAL EVENTS: all ages invited.
■
■Unique Derique performs hambone, body drumming
and circus comedy to celebrate Juneteenth and the
start of Summer Reading Events. Tues, 6/19, 7pm.
■
■Lawrence Hall of Science – Festival of Science:
explore various experiments. Sat, 6/23, 2pm.
Over 400 artists participating (including many Rockridge
artists). June 2-3 and June 9-10; 11am to 6pm. Directories
at the Rockridge Library or go to info@proartsgal-
lery.org. for artists’ info and maps.
Temescal Farmers’ Market
■
■Jean Paul Valjean – Magician Extraordinaire:
wondrous tricks and amazing feats! Tues, 6/26, 7pm.
■
■The Bubble Lady: Thurs, 6/28, 11am.
■
■Zoomobile: visit by the animals from the Oakland
Zoo. Thurs, 7/12, 11am.
FOR TEENS
SUMMER VOLUNTEERS WANTED — ages 11–17.
Call Erica for details: 597-5017.
Open Sundays, 9am to 1pm (all year). Locally grown
fruits and vegetables; fresh ranch eggs; home-made
bakery items; fresh cut flowers; unique prepared foods,
fresh locally caught fish, handcrafts and more. Sample
the goods; meet the grower; learn about unique food
varieties and cooking tips; and listen to live music. Bring
your own reusable bags. 5300 Claremont Ave. (off
Telegraph) at DMV parking lot. More info about Certified
Farmers’ Markets at www.urbanvillageonline.com.
All events FREE and open to the public.
■
■Mon, 6/11, 7:30pm. Amnesty International Meeting
(2nd Mon. each month): All invited to exchange
ideas on action.
■
■Teen Advisory Board: (ages 14-18) Advise the library
how to better serve teens. Get community service
credit for school. Snacks provided. First Saturday
each month, 1 to 2pm.
■
■Tues, 6/12, 7pm. Publication party for Amy Reed: Crazy.
■
■Fri, 6/15, 7pm. New Bay Area Voices. Seven gradu-
ating MFA students, representing California College
of the Arts, St. Mary’s College, San Francisco State,
and University of San Francisco will each read from
a recently published book. Channing Allen, Peter
Burghardt, Liz Demi Green, Gillian Hamel, Robert
Andrew Perez, Mary Paynter Sherwin, and Jeff
Von Ward.
■
■Rockridge Ninjas Anime Club: Watch and talk
about anime (Japanese animation). Second Tues.
each month, 5 to 6:30pm.
Studio One Art Center
Wanted: community members to participate
in an Advisory Council open to the public at
large. Meetings 4th Wednesday each month
(June 27, this month), 7-8pm, 365 45th St. For
more info: Director Karis Griffin, 597-5096.
■
■Sun, 6/17, 3pm. Poetry Flash with Michelle Bitting,
Brendan Constantine, and Joseph Lease.
Rockridge design
firm providing
creative, livable
design solutions
■
■Wed, 6/26, 7pm. Publication party for local author
•  Residential Remodels
•  Kitchens + Baths
•  Green Building Design
•  Color Consulting
W e ’ re  In  The   
neIghborhood
Jennifer Cooper, owner
5275 James Avenue
Oakland, CA  94618
5 1 0 . 6 5 2 . 5 0 3 6
pumpkinhousestudio.com


June 2, 2012
16.

Coming Soon
in the Heart of Rockridge 64 Ross Circle
Located on one of the most coveted streets in Rockridge,
this light and bright 3+ bedroom 2 ½ bath home features
hardwood floors, a beautifully updated kitchen and a
stunning atrium addition off of the living room.
Call us for additional details!
Call Today! (510) 682-5917
RockridgeHomeSales@Gmail.com
www.Rockridge-RealEstate.com
Over 400 homes sold -
Experience Counts
KEVIN BROWN
Broker
654-8707 or 593-4780
Rockridge
Located on Market Hall’s Lower Level
Entry on Shafter Avenue
510-655-8808
PROVIDING

Professional,

Full Service

Real Estate Brokerage

To Rockridge Clients
 For Over 26 Years.
SPECIALIZING IN

OResidential Sales

OIncome Property

OCommercial

OProperty Management
www.curvesrockridge.com
Free Parking!
Across from BART
Open 7 Days
Mon- Fri  6:00 -7:30
Sat & Sun 8:00 - Noon
31
Better Homes
Realty
5353 College Avenue
Oakland
Living? Love it in Oakland!
ROCKRIDGE
5327 College Ave
510.622.8300
ELMWOOD
2991 College Ave
510.883.7000
www.mcguire.com

aboutface&body
dayspa      oaklandberkeley
serving you since 1981
AVEDA PRODUCTS
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
FOR SALE – ROCKRIDGE
5256 Miles Ave        $849,000
3 Beds/ 2 Baths
Almost a New Home. An Extensive
Renovation just Completed.
All the Charm we Love but w/ the New
Systems we Crave.
www.5256Miles.com
PENDING – ROCKRIDGE
PENDING - 7 OFFERS
5925 Keith Ave    $575,000
3 Beds / 2 Baths
Charming Craftsman w/Unique Detailing,
Big Sunny Deck w/Hot Tub
Award Winning Chabot Elementary School
www.5925Keith.com
COMING IN JUNE
5124 Cochrane Ave       (not priced)
4 Beds/ 3+ Baths
Grand Home that has just been Updated.
2 Suites, Huge Kitchen/Family Room.
Award Winning Hillcrest Elementary School
www.5124Cochrane.com
MULTIPLE OFFERS ARE BACK!
Call or email for more market info.
Ron Kriss, Broker
Lawton Associates
L A W T O N
510-547-5970 Ext. 55
ronkriss@jps.net
“#1 in Rockridge Real Estate”
A S S O C I A T E S
Over 100 Homes Sold in Rockridge
www.LawtonAssoc.com
R E A L   E S T A T E
B R O K E R A G E
Playing? Start in Oakland!