Extracted text · highlighting “Susan Strahan”

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VOL. 28       NO. 6        ISSUE NO. 301        June 8, 2013                     CIRCULATION: 5,800 Residences; 200 BusInesses

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

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Joint RCPC-NCPC Town Hall Meeting, June 20
Mayor Jean Quan and Interim Police Chief Sean Whent
20

How are you faring during Oakland’s crisis
of crime? Do you find news of more
police academies encouraging? Are you seeing
more police on the street?
What other steps are city administrators
and police managers considering to improve
public safety and peace of mind?
Get first-hand information when Mayor
Jean Quan and Chief of Police Sean Whent
speak to these issues and respond to audience
questions at the annual joint RCPC-NCPC
meeting Thursday, June 20, 7:30 p.m.
RCPC and the Greater Rockridge Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council (GRNCPC) hold an annual joint
meeting. The Rockridge GRNCPC is part of Oakland’s Community Policing Program with the Oakland Police
Department, combining Police beats 12Y and 13X in North Oakland. See http://www.rockridgencpc.com/.

To Speak at June Town Hall
Mayor Jean Quan
Interim Police
Chief Sean Whent

Thursday, June 20 | 7:30-9 p.m. Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College at Manila

seat open to any Rockridge merchant or
resident, and has a limited term ending in
April 2014.
The board will continue to solicit interest
in membership over the next few months,
with the expectation of interviewing
candidates and making final appointments
during the September - October time-frame.
To discuss your interest in board service,

RCPC Election Puts Board Near Full Complement
In the RCPC election held in April, the
following persons were elected to two-
year terms on the board: Andrew Charman,
Michael Kan, William Kaufner, Lisa
McNally, and Greg Pasquali.
At the next meeting of the board, these
members were selected as officers: Zabrae
Valentine, Chair; Christopher Chin, Vice-

Chair; Laura Schlichtmann, Secretary; and
Bernard Baltaxe, Treasurer. A complete list
of board members is on page 2.
Two board seats are currently open.
The first seat, not having been filled in
the election, may now be filled by board
appointment for a term ending in April
2015. The remaining spot is an appointive
➧➧Board Positions, page 10
Has
This School              Been Here Since 1913!
Make it a Date:
Celebrating Claremont Middle School’s Centennial
Rockridge
Kitchen Tour 2013
by Tess Falkner-Kenny, Seventh Grade,
Claremont Middle School
For one hundred years, the dark gray,
cast-iron gate now
at the corner of College
Av e n u e  a n d  B i r c h
Court has had historical
significance, proclaiming
the neighborhood school
to be “Claremont Junior
High, 1913.” The weathered-
looking gate has remained a
sentinel, watching over years and students
gone by, showing veritable proof of the
school’s age.
In August of 1913, the school opened as an
elementary school, beginning a rich history
in the heart of Rockridge. I feel privileged to
have learned so much about this history as
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
Rockridge
Kitchens
2013
P L A N N I N G  C O U N C I L
ROCKRIDGE COMMUNIT Y
Claremont Junior High School, 1913
part of the 2012-2013 Yearbook Committee.
I had access to the archives, which contained
lots of photos and mementos including the

➧➧Claremont Centennial, page 2
Rockridge Kitchen
Tour: September 29


2.

June 8, 2013
2.

community was when Prince Andrew, the
Duke of York, visited Claremont in 1997,
accompanied by School Board President
Jean Quan, now our mayor. Also in 1997, the
Student Council petitioned the BART system
to develop a youth fare for students, which
was successful and is still in effect today.
This year,
Reginald and
Ronald Rich-
ardson joined
the Claremont
leadership team,
making a new
kind of history
as the school’s
first-ever co-
principals. As
twin brothers
already creating
positive results at our school, they have
been featured on NPR’s “This American
Life” and the CBS Evening News.
On June 1, the school hosted a centennial
celebration which included visits from
Claremont alumni, a festive party open to
all, and a preview of the commemorative
yearbook that includes a special story
devoted to the occasion.
The venerable gate, a highlight of
the event, will continue its affirmative
declaration that the school has been open
for a full century.
Happy 100th Birthday, Claremont.
Claremont
Centennial
ROCKRIDGE BRANCH LIBRARY
5366 College Avenue
597-5017
HOURS:
Mon, Tues:
Weds, Thurs, Sat:
Friday:
Sunday:
Library program details: See Calendar, page 15.
from page 1
12:30 – 8 p.m.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
12 – 5:30 p.m.
CLOSED
Tue: 12:30 – 8 p.m.

Wed, Thu, Sat: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Friday: 12 – 5:30 p.m.
	Sunday and Monday: CLOSED; Also, 6/18
photograph of the class of 1917, below.
While look-
ing through the
archives, I found
intriguing items
like a program
titled “Graduat-
ing Exercises,
C l a r e m o n t
School,” dated
December 17,
1915. The pro-
gram lists many
musical perfor-
mances, ranging from solo to class pieces,
followed by literary readings, speeches, and
a farewell song. The same file includes a
document with historical facts about the
school and a list of the principals begin-
ning in 1913. It tells how junior high school
grades were added in 1925, and elementary
grades were transferred out in 1927 when
a new building was constructed northeast
of the school on Chabot Road and called
the Annex, which later became Anthony
Chabot Elementary School.
This April, the Yearbook Committee was
honored with a visit from two Claremont
alumni, who described the school as it was
in the 1940s. They told us about lunchtime
Jitterbug dances, after-school jobs, and the
importance of patriotism inspired by World
War II. One of my favorite stories was that
in keeping with the trend of the time, most
girls wore white buck shoes, which left
white powder marks on carpets and floors.
In 1950, 28 classrooms were added to
the Claremont campus, plus a cafeteria and
gymnasium. In 1954, the Supreme Court’s
Brown vs. Board of Education decision led to
racial diversity at Claremont that continues
today. An exciting moment for the entire
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, 2013-2014
Zabrae Valentine	����������������Chair
Christopher Chin	�������������Vice-Chair
Laura Schlichtmann	�����������Secretary
Bernard Baltaxe	�����������������Treasurer
Stuart Flashman	�����������������Chair Emeritus
Andrew Charman, Virginia Hamilton,
Michael Kan, William Kaufner, Don Kinkead,
Lisa McNally, Greg Pasquali
Contact the board: chair@rockridge.org
For information: info@rockridge.org
Claremont School, Class of 1917
/Courtesy Claremont Middle School
Newsletter Subscriptions
To subscribe to The Rockridge News, send
your check for $20, payable to Rockridge News
Subscriptions, to: Rockridge News Subscriptions at
the address below.
Contacting The Rockridge News
	 Are there community issues you’d like to see
covered in The Rockridge News?
	 Do you have questions about newsletter
distribution?
	 Want to volunteer to be a Rockridge News
block captain?
	 Would you like to write a letter to the Editor?
Contact us at one of the following:
Editor: editor@rockridge.org
www.rockridge.org
The Rockridge News, 4123 Broadway, PMB 311,
Oakland, CA 94611
RCPC Voice-mail: 510/869-4200
Design, Installation and Maintenance
Native Plant Gardens & Stonework
Andrea Hurd, Horticulturist and Stonemason
License #883905 h tel. 510.558.8429
www.mariposagardening.com
Articles submitted for publication may be e-mailed
to the above address. Submissions are limited to
600 words; must include the author’s name, phone
number, e-mail address, and city or neighborhood
of residence; and are subject to editing. To reprint
a Rockridge News article, please contact the editor.
$5 FREE DRYCLEANING with garment orders over $28
or $3 OFF orders over $15
Dry Cleaning only  Present with incoming order
Garden Cleaners
5808 College Avenue, Oakland
601-1188
Mon – Fri  7 – 7 • Sat  8 – 6
Across from Trader Joe’s and Zachary’s Pizza
Newsletter Advertising/Deadline
Publication date of the next issue is:
  July 6, 2013
  July deadline is June 20, 2013
Advertising rates are $26/column inch. Six-
month pre-pay rate available. For display ads,
call Jo Ellis at 653-3210 (after noon), or e-mail
joellis1@hotmail.com. RCPC reserves the right
to refuse any display or classified ad that it deems
inappropriate. (Classified ad contact, page 14.)
EXPERT
SHIRT
LAUNDERING!


3.
June 8, 2013

3.

Topics will include an update on
the College Avenue Safeway and
Rockridge Shopping Center Proj-
ects, as well as possible discussion
of the zoning ordinance’s off-street
parking requirements. Check www.
rockridge.org for updates.
The RCPC Land Use Com-
mittee meets the fourth
Wednesday of the month
at the Rockridge Branch
Library, upstairs meeting
room, 7:30 p.m. Next meet-
ing: Wednesday, June 26.
➧ Agendas: Check
with committee chair
Stu Flashman, 652-5373,
or stuflash@aol.com the
week before the meeting
for an updated agenda.
College and Claremont avenues to serve as
an equipment staging area during project
demolition and construction phases.
Land Use Update
OurServices/Application/DOWD009157
(see QR Code below), and the draft EIR is
available at the Rockridge Branch Library.
by Stuart Flashman, RCPC Land Use
Committee chair
■
■Rockridge Shopping Center
Rebuild and Expansion
Project, Broadway and
Pleasant Valley Avenue
Safeway’s second Rockridge area project
is to rebuild and enlarge this major shopping
area, adding about 120,000 sq. ft. and
including a larger (65,000 sq.ft.) Safeway.
City planner Darin Ranelletti (238-3663;
DRanelletti@oaklandnet.com) reports that
additional traffic measurements and analysis
are being done to address community
concerns about cut-through traffic on
residential streets, including Coronado
and John streets. He expects the final
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to be
released in July, after which the Planning
Commission will hold a hearing to consider
project approval.
Project documents
are available on the
Planning Department’s
website: http://www2.
o a k l a n d n e t . c o m /
Government/o/PBN/
■
■Offstreet Parking
Requirements, Citywide
Rezoning, Phase 2
Based on many comments received
(especially from the owners of commercial
buildings) during phase 1 of the citywide
rezoning two years ago, the Planning
Department is considering modifying
offstreet parking requirements for
commercial and residential projects. This
fits with the General Plan’s emphasis on
encouraging transit use at transit hubs and
along major transit corridors. This may
reduce the minimum parking requirements
for new development in such areas, including
Rockridge. This is a matter of concern
if it would lead to more severe parking
“crunches” in the bordering residential
areas, especially when many older homes
and apartment buildings have neither garages
nor driveways. According to planner Darin
Ranelletti, the department expects to release
a report and perhaps an accompanying
proposal by July. RCPC will be following
this issue closely.
■
■College Avenue Safeway
Project, College and
Claremont Avenues
This project, modified extensively by
a settlement agreement between Safeway
and community groups in Rockridge and
Elmwood, is moving toward closing and
demolition of the current store this summer.
(If you see people in white “hazmat” suits
on the site, they’re exploring to ensure that
hazardous or toxic materials such as asbestos
or PCBs are identified for safe disposal.)
Construction of the new store and shopping
building should begin late this year, and
is expected to take approximately a year.
The 60 percent construction drawings
have been released and will be reviewed by
the three community groups to ensure that
“value engineering” – i.e., reducing project
costs – doesn’t cheapen the store or eliminate
any hard-fought concessions extracted from
Safeway during the settlement negotiations.
Safeway has leased the former Shell
station site on the southwest corner of

Rockridge DVD Project Is a Wrap: Check it Out

by Jon Gabel & Annette Floystrup,
Co-Chairs, Rockridge DVD Project
The Rockridge DVD Project has been
completed. All of the DVDs rescued
when the former Videots video rental store
in Berkeley’s Elmwood District closed
have been catalogued and delivered to the
Rockridge Branch Library.
Many thanks are due to the community
for supporting the project with cash
donations; to the staff and volunteers of
the Oakland Public Library for their work,
particularly in cataloging the DVDs; and
to RCPC, for lending the project $13,000
and providing fiscal sponsorship, which
allowed donations to be tax-exempt.
By purchasing used DVDs which were
in excellent condition, the project was able
to obtain four to five times as many titles
as would have been possible if new DVDs
had been bought. The purchase included a
state-of-the-art machine to help maintain
them in great shape.
The DVDs donated by the Rockridge
DVD Project include foreign films, Pre-
Code Hollywood movies, film noir, silent
classics, Hollywood films, television
series (including many British PBS
favorites), documentaries, and musical
performances. For a complete list, see www.
RockridgeDvdProject.org.
The expansion of the Rockridge Branch
Library DVD section was coordinated with
the construction of the Teen Zone and the
new computer area. DVDs now occupy both
sides of a full aisle in the stacks, and the
enlarged DVD collection has proven very
popular with patrons. The success of the
Rockridge DVD Project has inspired other
Oakland branch libraries to expand their
Jon Gabel and Annette Floystrup in
the well-stocked DVD aisle at the
Rockridge Branch Library.    /Don Kinkead
DVD collections, and librarians report that
the DVDs are bringing in new patrons who
come for the DVDs, but stay for the books.
If you have not yet taken a look, you
may be surprised at the size and quality of
the collection. And you can check out up to
four DVDs at a time for free. All you need
is an Oakland Public Library Card. Enjoy.


4.

June 8, 2013
4.

Join Oakland Neighbors in National Night Out Celebrations

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National Night Out (NNO) is
the nation’s night out against
crime. In this event, sponsored by the
National Association of Town Watch
(http://www.natw.org/), Oakland residents
are encouraged to join with their neighbors
to have a neighborhood block party, ice
cream social or other outdoor event to
build neighborhood spirit and unity – the
6,
,
ay
7
first defense against crime. Research shows
that when neighbors know each other and
look out for each other, crime goes down.
It’s time to organize your block party.
Register for National Night Out 2013.
Registration deadline: 6 p.m. Monday,
July 29.
Register early to receive a visit from
city staff.
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Keeping Crime at Bay: Steps to Take While the Police Department Rebuilds

End Victimhood: Be Proactively Defensive
Following a brazen assault in March on a pedestrian near Chabot Road and Claremont
Avenue, nearby residents mobilized to “make our neighborhood less easy of a
target.” (The Rockridge News, March 2013, page 4.) Steps taken included revitalizing
their Neighborhood Watch program and signing up with nextdoor.com for closer
communication. Neighbors also noted what they had learned and added their lessons to
existing Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and police department lists
of protective steps, developing the following tips for safety and crime avoidance actions.

Install exterior security gates,
especially over older doors. Burglars com-
monly kick in old or historic doors whose
weak frames can make deadbolts vulnerable.
Metal security gates are nearly impossible
to kick in and also make it safer to speak to
unfamiliar visitors.
Never open your door to some-
one you don’t know. Talk through the
door and ask service people to show an ID
through the window. Safety matters more
than politeness. Report suspicious visitors
immediately – it may be a criminal casing
your home.
Avoid having packages left at
your front door. Post a sign advising UPS
to return another day or arrange to have
parcels left with a neighbor.
Post a ‘No Solicitors’ sign at your
front door. Suspicious visitors will have
no excuses for loitering outside your home.
If you see something … Say some-
thing. Report suspicious persons or activi-
ties to the OPD non-emergency number at
510/777-3333 from home or 510/777-3211 from
your cell (add this number to your call list now).
with a finger on the button. Keep your keys
next to your bed at night and activate your car
alarm if you hear trouble around your home.
Never leave anything visible in
your car. Thieves can’t tell what’s valuable
until after they’ve broken in to find out.
Light up dark streets, driveways and
yards. Swap out existing exterior lights with
automatic dawn-to-dusk or motion fixtures.
See amazon.com
Keep doors and windows visible
to neighbors. Regularly trim overgrown
shrubs and trees that could provide cover.
Install a simple home alarm with
a loud siren. New wireless models are
affordable, easy to install and do not require
a monthly contact. Exterior sirens alert
neighbors who may see the intruder. See
simplisafe.com.
Install video recording cameras.
Most criminals are repeat offenders. Video
footage can help OPD identify known crimi-
nals These systems are increasingly afford-
able. See costco.com or rockridgencpc.com
Keep your shades drawn on lower
level rooms. Burglars like to know what’s
inside before they break in. Is there good
stuff? A guard dog? Keep them guessing.
Stash your stuff. Many home burglar-
ies happen in a flash. Small valuables such as
laptops, ipods, jewelry, cash and credit cards
are easy to grab for a thief in a hurry. Hide
them before you leave home.
Reinforce glass panes in vulner-
able windows and doors. Add clear
Remlor film or Lexan inserts which resist
multiple blows.
Get to know your neighbors. Form
a Neighborhood Watch group at http://www2.
oaklandnet.com/Government/PSP/index.htm;
see “Get Involved.” Join nextdoor.com to
stay connected.
Report every crime! Filing a report
online at oaklandpolice.com is quick, easy
and alerts OPD to trends and problem areas.
Record the serial numbers of
your electronics. Store them at reportit.
leadsonline.com which may enable law
enforcement to locate stolen goods at pawn
shops and on eBay. At a minimum, write the
serial numbers down or snap pix and save
the document as a draft in your e-mail box
(where you will be able to retrieve it even if
your computer is stolen).
Avoid using your cell phone on
the street. Expensive electronics are tar-
geted in most street robberies. Activating
your phone’s tracking device can help OPD
locate the thief.
Cross the street if you feel
uncomfortable. Be aware of your sur-
roundings and listen to that voice in your
head. Walk in the empty street if the sidewalk
or nearby yard is poorly lit.
Avoid walking alone at night. Walk
close to others. When leaving BART at night,
ask the station agent to call a BART Police
officer to accompany you to your car.
Consider a personal keychain
siren or pepper spray. Using pepper
spray for self-defense is legal in CA. See
amazon.com
Make use of your car alarm’s
panic button. Walk to and from your car


5.
June 8, 2013

5.

Readying Trees and Creeks, Stones and Parks for Adventures to Come

trees last year. The trees continue to do well,
largely due to local community volunteers
who watered the trees during last summer.
We may need additional help this summer:
please e-mail Leonora Sea at leonorasea@
yahoo.com if you can help.
The next time you walk along the
greenbelt, shop at the Farmers market, or visit
the DMV, take a look at the new boulders,
where you may envision the final restoration
phases, which include planting about 13
new trees along the DMV Creekside and
installing one new picnic table. To review
the plan as we await DMV’s timing for the
final phases of the restoration, see www.
frogpark.org. To request information or to
volunteer, e-mail: info@frogpark.org.
FROG Park, DMV Creekside:
Restoration Update
We are pleased to announce the DMV
Creekside Restoration continues
with the second phase of the plan nearing
completion: the delivery and installation of
10 creekside boulders.
The city’s Public Works Agency selected
and purchased specified boulders and,
along with landscaper MIG and community
representatives, marked the location where
the boulders were to be placed. The second
part of the restoration plan, now nearing
completion, is installation of the boulders.
The first phase of the DMV restoration
was the planting of the DMV parking lot
FROG-DMV June Work Party
Join us at a special June community
workday held jointly with the DMV
Neighbors on June 15, 9 a.m.-noon.
See details in story below.
Frog Monthly ‘First Saturday’
Cleanups:
Upcoming “First Saturday” workdays:
Saturday, July 6; Saturday, August 3, 10
a.m.- 1 p.m., park remains open.
Next FROG Meeting:
Next Frog meeting: June 11, 7:30 p.m.
Please e-mail info@frogpark.org for meeting
location and details.
Frog park, and pick up tools and gloves, on
loan from the city of Oakland. Or bring your
own tools, well marked. The creek will not
be turned off, so wear boots or closed-toe
shoes that can get wet and muddy if you
want to work in the creek.
As with all volunteer activities in the
park, minors must have signed parental
waivers to participate. The DMV Neighbors
Association will provide morning pastries
and coffee at our sign-in table at Redondo,
and light snacks afterwards.
Everyone is welcome: Come for the
morning or come for an hour; you’ll be
welcomed.
Contact Leonora Sea, DMV Neighbors
Association, leonorasea@yahoo.com, or
Ronnie Spitzer, FROG Park, rcspitzer@
yahoo.com.
Come Play in the Creek: Temescal Creek and
FROG Parks Interim Work Party, Mid-June
by Leonora Sea, DMV Neighbors
The DMV Neighbors Association and
FROG had spirited and enthusiastic
volunteers turn out for Earth Day, and they
accomplished a lot of good work along
Temescal Creek and at Big and Little Frog
parks. Thank you to everyone who came
and worked so hard, and to neighborhood
businesses: Alem’s Coffee for morning
coffee, Café Mariposa for pastries, and
MailMax for printing services.
June Interim Work Party
Nature doesn’t stand still, though,
and there’s a lot to be done throughout
the Greenbelt to get ready for summer.
Our annual June Interim Work Party will
be sponsored by the DMV Neighbors
Association and FROG this year on Saturday
morning, June 15, 9 a.m. to noon.
Priority projects are pruning, weeding the
creek bed (especially the stretch between the
Redondo lawn and Little Frog), spreading
mulch in the rose garden, replanting and
mulching the butterfly garden, spreading
wood chips by the play structure, moving
sand into the sandbox, and, of course, the
Sisyphean tasks of cutting back ivy and
grubbing out blackberries.
Come sign in by the big eucalyptus at
the corner of Redondo and Cavour or at Big


6.

June 8, 2013
6.

Rock  ridge
Cornucopia
Cornucopia

politics and sip mate tea. The typical parrilla
menu includes a variety of steaks, short ribs,
and various sausages. Parrillas can be small
neighborhood places with a few tables out
on the sidewalk or very elaborate high-end
restaurants catering to large crowds. Small
or large, it’s all about the beef.
While in Buenos Aires, we spent a
morning with a guide to tour a Dirty War
detention center in the middle of the city. It is
estimated that over 30,000 people disappeared
during the period of the war. Today the outer
walls of the detention center are covered with
political graffiti and murals that tell the story
of the people who disappeared. Although
democracy has returned to Argentina, every
Thursday women still gather at the Plaza de
Mayo in memory of those that never returned.
This month’s recipe is for chimichurri found
at every parrilla. This famous Argentinean
sauce is ideal for any grilled food.
Chimichurri
Ingredients
1 cup Italian flat-leaf parsley
1 teaspoon salt
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Hot pepper sauce to taste
Preparation
Place all the ingredients into a blender.
Blend on medium speed until ingredi-
ents form a smooth paste. Chimichurri
can also be used as a marinade for
chicken or fish.

Barry A. Kaufman
POLITICS and FOOD
We arrived in Buenos Aires on the
anniversary of the return to democracy
in Argentina. We dropped our bags at the
hotel and immediately headed for Plaza de
Mayo in the center of the city.
The Plaza was the gathering place every
Thursday of mothers, grandmothers, sisters
and wives of persons who disappeared during
the dark days of Argentina’s Dirty War. On
that day, the Plaza was alive with young
people celebrating with political art, street
theater, music and a huge parrilla grilling
traditional Argentine sausages. The joy of
celebrating democracy and the wafting
aroma of the sausages said it all.
Throughout our travels, I’m always struck
by how the dual passions of politics and
food animate a culture. I find this missing
in American in society. Yes, we have the
traditional July 4th backyard barbeques, but
it’s not quite the same as the large community
celebrations found in other cultures.
Argentines use the term asado for both
a range of barbeque techniques and a social
event.
We immediately purchased celebratory
T-shirts and joined the festivities. What a
wonderful way to start our trip.

In more formal events and restaurants,
food is prepared by an assigned asador
(barbequer) or parrillero (griller). In
informal settings, this is customarily done in
a collective manner by volunteers. Perhaps
this collective process contributes to the
political passion.
The meat for an asado is not marinated,
the only preparation being the application of
salt before and/or during the cooking period.
Also, the heat and the distance from the coals
are controlled to provide for slow cooking;
it usually takes around two hours to cook
asado. Furthermore, the cook should try not
to let fat from the meat fall on the coals and
create smoke that would adversely flavor
the meat. The asado is usually placed in a
tray to be immediately served. Chimichurri,
a sauce of some combinations of chopped
parsley, dried oregano, garlic, salt, pepper,
onion, paprika and olive oil – or salsa criolla,
a sauce of tomato and onion in vinegar – are
common accompaniments to an asado.
Buenos Aires is a city of neighborhoods,
each with its own unique architecture and
history. Binding each neighborhood together
are the ubiquitous parrillas where neighbors
gather to enjoy freshly grilled meats, talk
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
Specializing in Rockridge Real Estate
with the most real estate transactions in Rockridge from 2011 to 2013

Our analysis of Rockridge sales indicates market prices peaked in 2007 even though activity may have started to subside by then.
We experienced the financial meltdown in late 2008 with prices hitting bottom by 2011.  Increases became apparent by February
2012 and now, after a 30% increase in prices and 40% decrease in inventory over the last 18 months, we are hitting price levels of
2007 again. A two bedroom we sold in 2010 for $710k just sold last month for $940k. Bernanke just announced that the Feds may
not act to protect rates going forward. Market responded negatively and rates went up about 1/4 %.  Rates do fluctuate on a daily
basis but we may see a slow to medium upward pace in rates continue throughout the year as they were historically low with only
one way to go. This is speculation as no one has the ‘crystal ball’!

SOLD:
• 3BD++/2BA historic and charming Tudor in Chabot District @ 5809 Ross St, Sold at $1,375,000

AVAILABLE:
• 2BD, 2BA Farmhouse cottage, Peralta Dist. Detached barn/office, sweet brick patio/garden, parking. 434 North St, asking $749,000

COMING:
* 3BD, 2BA updated period home for sale with formal liv rm, din rm, family room, yard, close to Farmer’s market. 3rd week of June.
* 4BD 2.5BA for sale, stately home w/ studio in-law cottage on double lot, gorgeous Chef’s kitchen, Chabot District
* 4BD 2.5BA for lease, over 2,500 sqft, beautifully remodeled.
* other rentals of varying sizes coming available July 1.

Lic. #0670129

Welcome Summer!
Call for a real local expert opinion.
Perry Riani, Senior Real Estate Specialist
Lawton Associates DRE# 01402540
510.813.3799
priani@earthlink.net
LAWTON ASSOCIATES REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE

L A W T   O   N
A  S  S  O  C  I A T  E  S
R  E A  L    E  S T A T  E
B  R  O  K  E  R A  G  E


7.
June 8, 2013

7.

DaVita Dialysis Breaks Ground
on Long-Promised Landscaping
by Nancy Schaaf, Local Resident
Local residents are pleased to see
landscaping improvements underway
at last at the corner of Claremont Avenue
and Clifton Street.
The site of a former supermarket
occupied by DaVita Dialysis for the past
several years, the corner has been widely
regarded as a prominent eyesore near
the Rockridge-Temescal Gateway. The
renovations were negotiated by local
volunteer landscaping group Scenic Streets.
These improvements, estimated to cost
over $20,000, are being funded mostly by
DaVita. A new ornamental perimeter fence
has replaced the nondescript chain link that
was beginning to sag. Damaged fencing
along the Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt
path has also been mended. And the barren
parking lot’s most prominent corner will
soon feature greenery where remnant
signposts and concrete footings once stood.
Scenic Streets added nine sidewalk trees
at its own expense last month.
Apparently, it was Scenic Streets’
landscaping of the adjacent Highway
24 off-ramp spurred DaVita into action.
The company had pledged to match the
community’s efforts at a neighborhood
meeting last summer. A company
spokesperson then assured a near-capacity
crowd of local residents that renovations
would follow shortly, but neighbors began
to have doubts when months passed without
any visible progress.
Monitoring the proposed project, Scenic
Streets founder Peter Lund says DaVita
needed extra time to provide appropriate
documentation to the property’s owner, Jim
Falaschi of Transbay Holding Company.
“DaVita was clear about what neighbors
The long-overdue
m a k e o v e r  o f
t h e  c o r n e r  o f
Clifton Street and
Claremont Avenue
is underway as a
more decorative
fence is installed,
and sidewalk trees
are planted. Next:
new landscaping to
soften the view of
the parking lot.
/Scenic Streets
a good neighbor and keep its property up
to community standards.”
In fact, public ordinances require most
commercial properties to keep their exteriors
tidy, and mandate regular removal of litter
from adjoining sidewalks and gutters. These
obligations typically fall to lease holders
such as DaVita, and a company spokesperson
assured Lund that, going forward, weekly
perimeter sweeps will be conducted by a
wanted to see improved, but needed to
make sure it had approval since it doesn’t
own the property,” Lund explained.
Judy Belcher owns a home adjacent
to the facility and says she is encouraged
that property is finally on the right path.
“I am hopeful they have a plan in place to
keep it looking nice,” Belcher says, noting
that weeds and trash have routinely built
up along the parking lot’s perimeter for
months on end. “We expect DaVita to be
➧➧DaVita Renovates, page 12

Donations Support Scenic Streets Projects

by Tony Bolton, local resident
Scenic Streets, the local volunteer group
that has been landscaping Claremont
Avenue near the Highway 24 off-ramp
at Clifton Street, received three sizable
donations this spring. The timing couldn’t
be better, as the group prepares for its next
phase of work, which includes improving
the safety and functionality of dilapidated
Hardy Park Dog Run.
An anonymous donor sent a check for
$5,000 in February. Oakland real estate
developer Jim Falaschi sent a check for
$2,500 in April. And in May, Dreyer’s Grand
Ice Cream pledged $6,000 to upgrade the
watering stations at the dog park.
Dreyer’s product line includes Frosty
Paws frozen dog treats. Many employees
and visitors approach its College Avenue
headquarters via southern Claremont
Avenue, so the company was an early
supporter of Scenic Streets’ vision. The
company hopes more local businesses will
➧➧Donations Support Projects, page 12
Norman H. Burg, DDS
General Dentistry
(510) 652-1517
5700 Broadway, Oakland
A Prevention Oriented Practice


8.

June 8, 2013
8.

meld into your existing décor.”
Gifts for the home range from tiny
succulent gardens in vintage tins and cans, to
sets of tasting spoons and tiny bowls. There
are rugs, lamps and other home décor items
with a sense of whimsy, and that integrate
easily into today’s often eclectic style. A
selection of cards lines part of one wall,
many from local artists, including two staff
members who have their own line of cards.
The jewelry department along the back wall
and counter features items for every price
point, in sterling silver, gold and various
stones, and styles ranging from elegantly
simple to exuberantly bohemian. Here again,
the store features local designers who make
their own jewelry, for a distinctive look.
Nathan, who lives in Oakland, had worked
for years on the product development side
of retail, designing for firms like FOSSIL,
and his childhood dream was to open his
own store. The first NATHAN&CO opened
on Piedmont Avenue in 2006. Nathan hoped
to grow the company, and searched for the
right new location. When he crossed the
bridge and travelled through the tunnel,
nothing seemed right; he kept coming back
to Oakland. Realizing that people in Oakland
want to patronize local merchants, and since
he’s always loved Rockridge, when this space
came available, Nathan was ready.
He notes: “What I like best about Rockridge
is that it is such a great neighborhood, with
people who appreciate the idea of shopping
locally and supporting the community. People
here are very connected to each other and
to the community, and it is so wonderful
to see how proud they are of the variety of
retail stores here … that means a lot to us.”
For a last-minute gift, NATHAN&CO
offers beautiful giftwrap, sheets of unique,
locally-designed wrap pretty enough to
frame on their own.
Stop by, enjoy the fun yet practical
designs; you’ll surely find something for
almost anyone on your list, including yourself.
The Neighborhood Merchant
by Theresa Nelson
NATHAN&CO
NATHAN&CO
Owner: Nathan Waldon
5636 College Avenue, Oakland
510/601-1677
www.nathanandco.com
10:30 - 7:30 M-F  |  S/S 10:30 - 6:30
The store NATHAN&CO bursts with
color, beautiful design, and charming
items – for yourself or others – at every
turn. It’s a perfect place to find something
to brighten your home, or a creative birthday
or hosting gift.
What’s new and exciting at NATHAN&CO
right now? Quite a diverse collection of
items. Visit the kitchen department first, in
the front of the store, where they offer the
Mason Cash mixing bowls from England, a
design that goes back a few hundred years,
and used by Alice Waters, among many
others. A huge variety of tea towels beckons,
unusual patterns designed in Australia and
made in India, with matching aprons and
mitts nearby. The clever white ceramic
“Brooklyn” dishes are labeled “cawfee,”
“creamuh” and “buttah.” Nearby, the cork
coasters in the shape of whole-wheat toast
are both fun and functional. An array of
cookbooks, many by local authors, fits
almost every food interest.
The men’s section has some interesting
items for upcoming Father’s Day, such as the
boxer briefs made from bamboo with clever
graphics. Nearby are unique wallets made
from recycled flannel shirts and old ties, and
shaving items of all sorts. For children, they
offer gifts for newborns and unique children’s
toys and accessories. Many parents are seek-
ing alternatives to plastics, and the colorful
children’s bamboo dinnerware is made from
renewable resources, and is safe, as well. In
personal care, the Italian Borotalco talcum
powder is popular for its fine texture, with
the nearby Botot French toothpaste and
mouthwash, and the Italian laundry soap
Marsiglia,
apparently
a favorite of
everyone who
has used it
in Italy, now
available in
the U.S.
The party
and enter-
t a i n m e n t
department
really shines:
gleaming bar
accessories,
books and
bottle open-
ers in the shape of imaginary animals, and
a wooden board with 6 slim glasses for
beer-tasting flights, made in Sausalito. A
beautiful, old-fashioned picnic hamper is
ready for any adventure, with place settings
and utensils for two, condiments, storage
containers, wine opener and glasses, and a
matching picnic blanket.
Owner Nathan Waldron explains his
store philosophy this way: “I love good
design and products that are fun, practical
and attractive or clever in some way. If
you have to open a can, you might as well
use something that is fun to look at. We’re
always searching for those everyday items
that will add a little fun to your life, and can
Nathan Waldon,
among his wares.
           /Don Kinkead


9.
June 8, 2013

9.

Scene at the Claremont Middle
School Centennial Celebration
Claremont Middle School
Library News
Claremont Wins
School District Library
Program Award
At the year-end school district meeting,
Claremont School Library was
presented with the Oakland Unified School
District’s (OUSD) award for “Best Innovative
Practice in School Libraries” for 2013.
The 7th grade “Blind Date With A Book”
project was judged to be the most inventive
program in the district this year.
Thanks again to Dorice Velez, Jen Vetter
and Beth Johnke for helping pull it together,
and to Ms. Solomon – and her students – for
being wiling to try something new.
— from a report in the Claremont
Middle School Knightline newsletter. The
Knightline offers up to date information
about Claremont School’s activities and
achievements. Sign up at http://www.
claremontms.org/
Above: Claremont
Middle School parent
Kristofer Brekke is
pictured with the iconic
Claremont School gate at
the corner of Birch Court
and College Avenue. Brekke
heads a fundraising campaign
to complete a full restoration
of the gate. Donate online
at http://www.claremontms.
org/claremont-pta/online-
contributions, or mail checks
(note: “Gate”) to Claremont
Middle School, 5750 College
Avenue, Oakland, CA 94618.
Centennial celebrants dine
and talk on the playground.
/Don Kinkead
Jody London, OUSD board,
2nd left, and Councilmember
Dan Kalb, right , with
Claremont Class of ’60
Alumni John Toopeeroff,
left, and Jim Abbey.
Roasted pig donated
by Oliveto. Another
was donated by Devil’s
Gate.
3rd Floor
Market Hall
TM
Ste. 312
rockdent.com
510.653.6677
INTERIOR-EXTERIOR LEAD
CERTIFIED PAINTERS
Professional preparation. Many local
references. All work Guaranteed
(510) 654-3339
Bruce D. Fong, D.D.S.
Filippo Cangini, D.D.S, M.S.
Advanced Preventive,  Restorative,  Periodontal  Gum Care,  and Dental Implants.
Lic. 691894
Martin Coyle       510-655-8717     Mike Tracy
     5221 James Ave. Oakland Ca. 94618
w w w . c o y l e h o m e r e m o d e l . c o m
See you at the RCPC
Town Hall meeting June 20;
Rockridge Library, 7:30 p.m.
2nd floor meeting room.


10.

June 8, 2013
10.

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.
Editor:
Recently, I was driving down Broadway,
about to turn left on Lawton, when I saw a
bicyclist crashed on the road, still laying in
the street on Lawton. I did not stop as there
were many people already there and I did not
want to add to the chaos. However, I am still
disturbed, hoping that the bicyclist is okay.
I’ve been hoping for years that we will
get a traffic light at Broadway and Lawton
because it is so dangerous there – especially
for pedestrians – and now this accident,
which looked pretty bad.
— Sharon Taylor

issue, e-mail info@rockridge.org.
Address handwritten correspondence
to RCPC, 4123 Broadway, PMB 311,
Oakland, CA  94611.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Board Positions
from page 1
e-mail chair@rockridge.org. To contact
the board with questions or to discuss an
Join us Saturdays, 5:00 p.m. Mass
and
Sundays, 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses
Watch us live via webcam every Sunday
(8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. )
Saint Augustine Catholic Church
400 Alcatraz Ave • Oakland, CA 94609
Located between Telegraph Ave. and College Ave.
Fr. William Rosario, presider
Please visit our website: www.staugustineoakland.com
Rockridge Demand Continues to Rise

Closing date BR BA
Address
Original price
List price
DOM
Selling price
5/14/13
3
2
5809 Ross Street
$1,375,000
$1,375,000
0
$1,375,000
5/14/13  2
1
5486 Kales Avenue
$749,000
$749,000
16
$920,000
5/14/13  2
1
4965 Desmond Street
$649,000
$649,000
15
$722,000
5/15/13  2
1
5268 Shafter Avenue
$678,000
$678,000
12
$790,000
5/16/13
1
1
5343 Broadway Terrace
$325,000
$325,000
21
$312,000
5/17/13  2
1
5527 Broadway
$599,000
$599,000
14
$780,000
5/22/13  3
1
6667 Chabot
$895,000
$895,000
21
$910,000
5/23/13  2
1.5
5344 Shafter Avenue
$699,000
$699,000
13
$925,000

and
Lost           Found
One of the first things Mary did after
her husband of 60 years passed
away was to have a memorial locket made
honoring their years together. It was a small,
hexagonal pill box that opened on two sides.
One side had their initials engraved on the
face, inside was a lock of Bob’s hair and a
photo of them on their wedding day. The
other side had a photo of each of them in
Hawaii, one of their favorite vacation spots.
Bob and Mary were avid College Avenue
shoppers, supporting many small businesses
in the neighborhood. Last week Mary was
shopping at Tootsies and Trader Joe’s. She
was wearing the pill box affixed to a bow
style pin. She lost it and she is heartbroken.
She says it is almost like losing Bob again. If
anyone has any information regarding the
memorial piece, please call 510/484-8866.

Rockridge Optometry’s
Summer Sale
 Featuring frames from
Marc Jacobs, Hugo Boss, OGA, and Koali
 Enjoy 30% off frames, snacks and raffle prizes!
Saturday, June 15th, 9am – 2pm!
Call us to RSVP today!
(510) 655-3797
5321 College Ave • Oakland • CA


11.
June 8, 2013

11.

sighted.
Meantime, of course, we experienced
three Oakland police chiefs within three
days, giving at least the impression of further
disarray. And when was the last time you saw
an OPD car actually patrolling Rockridge
streets and not here to investigate an incident
after the fact?
It’s no wonder that the listservs are
bursting with suggestions for attacking crime
including passing a special assessment to
procure policing of this area, hiring private
security guards, mounting surveillance
cameras, knocking down trees that are
blocking light sources and improving street
lighting.
“We’re getting more business from the
Rockridge area,” says Randy Reed, of Reed
Brothers Security. For example, “instead
of just re-keying newly-purchased homes,
we’re doing major door hardening.” He’s also
selling more alarm systems, surveillance
cameras and stocking commercial quality
dead bolts for home use for the first time.
“Ten years ago, no one thought to kick
down a front door,” Reed says. He cites
decreased police presence, criminals’ ability
to stake out an area and communicate by
cell phone, and the street value of smart
phones and tablets (known as itheft), as
reasons why Oakland is the robbery capital
of the country.
More muggings are occurring in
Rockridge, Montclair and the Oakland
Hills than in Temescal where his business
is located, says Reed, who keeps close track.
“The police call them ‘target rich’ areas.
You’re likely to get more for your mugging.
And there’s easy access to the freeways.”
“I want people to put the police on the
hook,” says Councilman Kalb who says
he will arrange a meeting with police
for Council District 1 (which includes
Rockridge) later in the summer. The increase
in crime “is very serious,” he says. “When
I walk home, I avoid neighborhood streets.
The need is to do something to reduce crime
and get back to a sense of safety. The police
need to hear from the people.”
He backs both a budget that will increase
the police force to more than 800 over
the next two years and the recent Bratton
Report that focuses on reducing violent
crime immediately.
It calls for dividing the city into five
geographic areas, each headed by a captain
accountable for crime, and building
police, she says: “They were young and this
wasn’t their first rodeo.”
My neighbor, Beth Johnke, last month
alerted the community through the Nextdoor
Shafter listserv that, while walking home
from Kaiser in broad daylight, she witnessed
‘Ten years ago, no one thought
to kick down a front door…’
by Judith Doner Berne
It’s two years this month since my husband
and I moved to Rockridge.
In my first Rockridge News column, I
spoke of the walkability, neighborliness,
land/seascapes and amazing weather that
definitely differentiate Rockridge from the
metro-Detroit suburb we had lived in for
nearly 40 years.
I still love it here – and am very glad we
made the move. But the current Oakland
crime statistics, which certainly include
Rockridge, put a damper on the joy of
living here.
Before I moved, I never knew anyone
personally who was burglarized or robbed
(much less shot or murdered) in my safe
suburb where I often left doors unlocked
and windows open if I were going out for
a run or walk. There was a slight chance
that if you left something valuable in an
unlocked car in your driveway overnight,
it might not be there in the morning. But
the car certainly would.
But here City Councilman Dan Kalb,
who lives around the corner from me, was
robbed during his campaign for office last
fall. A young man I met when I was reporting
on Boyd Avenue’s monthly soup parties had
recently been mugged on his way home from
California College of the Arts. Another
Rockridge woman who I wrote about, and
has become a friend, was the victim of a
home invasion on a recent weekday.
“The scary part,” she details, “is that they
managed to break open our front door using
crow bars, breaking through the panels and
popping out the mortise lock and dead-bolt.
This all in a neighborhood where everyone
is generally watchful.” According to the
Yard signs planted firmly in many
Rockridge gardens advertise the
protective measures some homeowners
have taken in response to diminished
police services and reports of increasing
crime.                                   /Don Kinkead
the robbery of an older woman walking up
the steps to her house pulling her shopping
cart. It happened just south of the Rockridge
border at John and Howe streets.
“An African American man ran up the
steps, grabbed her groceries and purse,”
Johnke reported. “He jumped in a waiting
car with a driver yelling, ‘Thank you very
much’ as they sped off in a black sedan.”
And that’s just the people I know. It
doesn’t include the attempted mugging
two blocks away of a couple who had just
moved here, as they were walking home
from College Avenue after dinner. He was
shot in the shoulder, somewhat inadvertently.
But inadvertently happens when guns are
present.
And it doesn’t count the numerous
strangers who appear to be casing homes
and run off down the street when they are










 
­
24


 
	
➧➧Impact of Crime, page 12


12.

June 8, 2013
12.

the group’s funding to date. He reports that
many enthusiastic supporters have made two
or three contributions via the group’s web
site – www.scenicstreets.org – which also
features detailed plans of coming projects.
Donations
Support Projects
Impact of Crime
from page 11
community collaborations in his or her
area. It also moves investigators down to
the district level to work with beat and
problem solving officers.
Importantly, it also makes solving
property crimes a priority. Reportedly, only
one part-time investigator was assigned
to the 10,000 burglaries committed in
Oakland last year, according to the San
Francisco Chronicle. Bratton calls for a
burglary unit in each of the five districts.
Meantime, we must band together.
Rather than barricading ourselves in our
homes and abandoning our streets, we
must use our communication tools and
sensible precautions to outsmart would-be
criminals, many of whom are reportedly
in their teens.
Attending the Greater Rockridge
Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council
meetings, forming and being active in
Neighborhood Watch groups, joining
the numerous listservs and heeding the
generally good advice that your neighbors
give are some of the basics.
As eight-year Rockridge resident Monica
DiPerna passionately reminded on a recent
listserv: “Please remember to leave your
lights on in your house… Also, look out
your windows, walk out onto your porch,
look around... If we all did this a little bit
more…in the evenings especially, that
could really help. Please turn on your porch
lights at 8 pm... NO MORE CRIME IN
OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. We are done.
Thank you!”
from page 7
DaVita Renovates
join the campaign.
Falaschi is the owner of 5354 Claremont
Avenue, the former supermarket site now
occupied by DaVita Dialysis Corporation of
Denver. He recently permitted Scenic Streets
and its partner, Urban Releaf, to plant nine
sidewalk trees around the property and has
been working with tenant DaVita to approve
its own proposed landscaping renovations
which are now underway.
“We are deeply grateful to all of our
donors,” says Scenic Streets founder
Peter Lund. “And these very generous
contributions put us even closer to beginning
our most ambitious improvements yet to the
Rockridge-Temescal Gateway.”
Scenic Streets still has some fund-
raising to do before its next phase of work
can begin, but Lund says he is optimistic
that funds will be donated, noting that the
community has provided the vast majority of
from page 7
hired team. Scenic Streets is also petitioning
the Public Works Department to add a
sidewalk trash can near the corner to help
control litter from pedestrians.
DaVita is expected to wrap up its
renovations by the end of June. Scenic Streets
will then plant additional shrubs and trees
in the surrounding area in the fall.
The volunteer group will then shift its
focus to renovating Hardy Park Dog Run if a
fundraising goal for that project is achieved.
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13.
June 8, 2013

13.

4th Pancake Breakfast Sets Record;
Claremont Middle School to Benefit
by Kevin Keck, Claremont Dads Club
On April 6, the Rockridge Masonic
Lodge hosted the Fourth Annual
Pancake Breakfast to support Claremont
Middle School. Working
closely with the Masons
were the Claremont Middle
School Dads Club and
the Rockridge District
Association (RDA).
The record $5,200
raised by the event will be
dedicated to help support
school programs focusing
on fine arts, music, and
the school’s state-of-the-art
computer lab. The breakfast
continues to serve as an important community
builder as people from the school, residential
and business communities come together for
a delicious meal.
The Dads Club worked with Claremont
Middle School faculty to distribute tickets
to deserving Claremont students who might
not have been able to attend.
G
Once again the Masons put on a great
spread and graciously opened up their
beautiful facility to the community. This
event would not have been possible if not
New
The Trappist Provisions
Specialty Beer Café and Bottle Shop
6309 College Avenue, Oakland
510/597-2339
www.thetrappist.com
Monday – Sunday | 10 a.m. – Midnight
Lesley Evers
Women’s clothing and accessories
5501 College Avenue, Oakland
510/595-7600
www.lesleyevers.com
Monday – Saturday | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.,
Sunday | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Breakfast in the
Masonic Lodge.
/Kevin Keck
Spruce Salon and Spa
5327 College Avenue, Oakland
510/450-0542
www.sprucesalonandspa.com
Monday – Friday | 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
for the efforts of so many who volunteered
their time and energy to make it happen.
Special thanks must go to David Forsyth
and all the Rockridge Masonic Lodge
members who continue to host this annual
event, and to Chris Jackson and the RDA for
their generous support. Thanks as well to
our local merchants, including Market Hall,
Trader Joe’s, Bosko’s Picture Framing, Fit,
Nathan & Co., Cutting Up on College, DHR
Investment Council, Rockridge Cleaners, Tip
Top Bike Shop, and all the teachers, students,
families and members of our Claremont
community who attended.
We’ll see you again next year.
Lavender Nails Spa
5856 College Avenue, Oakland
510/654-4509
Monday – Saturday | 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.,
Sunday | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Ramen Shop
Artistic, organic, and sustainable ramen
5812 College Ave, Oakland
510/788-6370 | Info@Ramenshop.com
Monday – Wednesday – Thursday | 5-10:30
Friday | 5 – Midnight
Saturday | 4 p.m. – Midnight
Sunday | 4 – 10:30
Closed Tuesdays, No Reservations
a
cross-cultural congregation
striving to partner with
         the Rockridge community
   in lifestyle and service.
Jules Thin Crust Pizza
5804 College Avenue, Oakland
510/597-1859 www.julesthincrust.com/
Sunday – Thursday | 11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Friday – Saturday | 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
A16 Rockridge
5356 College Avenue, Oakland
510/768-8003 | info@a16rockridge.com
Monday – Wednesday
bar 5-10 | dining room 5:30-10
Thursday – Friday,  – Saturday
bar 5-1 | dining room 5:30-10
late night: 10-1
Sunday
bar 5-10 | dining room 5-10
 
  Expanded
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
GRUBBCO.COM
TOAST
Restaurant and wine bar
with terrace dining
5900 College Avenue
510/658-5900
www.toastoakland.com
Monday – Saturday | Noon – 11 p.m.
Sunday | Noon – 10 p.m.
510.652.2133
3070 Claremont Avenue • Berkeley
510.339.0400
1960 Mountain Boulevard • Oakland


14.

June 8, 2013
14.

HOUSE REPAIRS &
REHABS, INTERIOR &
EXTERIOR
Kitchen & bath remodel, tile, decks, dry
rot, drainage, walls, termite damage, doors,
windows. Professional work at affordable
prices. Lic#458473. Don 510/812-0310.
Personal Assistant
Wish you had a Personal Assistant? I can
help with your project and household or
personal needs. Highly experienced, versa-
tile, and efficient. Allow me to make your
life simpler. Contact Cynthia 510/326-9985.
Cd.warren@comcast.net.
Helping Seniors
Any kind of help you need, we are there for
you. We live in Rockridge and are a husband/
wife team, compassionate and committed to
providing all types of services. Competitive
rates. (h) 510/654-2267 (c)510/207-3711.
Rockridge Stress Reduction
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction class
in Rockridge Tuesday mornings, 9-11:30.
8-week series validated by research includes
meditation, gentle yoga, education, and
communication exercises. Register: www.
centerforstressreduction.com, 510/594-8224.
Music Therapy/Lessons for
Special Needs, Rockridge
Bay Area Music Therapy helps children/
adults with special needs reach their full-
est potential through music, and we have
fun while we’re at it! Call 707/595-0995 for
information www.bayareamusictherapy.org
Lower Rockridge, Large
One Bedroom
$950 first, $950 security and cleaning. Living
room, kitchen and bedroom. Water and
Garbage paid by owner. Call Melissa at 415/706-
7888, melissabparker@gmail.com Available
June 15. 663 Alcatraz Ave #1, Oakland.
RESUMÉ WRITING
A marketing pro will advocate for you with
imaginative layouts and high-energy writ-
ing to get you more interviews. Specialize
in executives, professionals, and people in
career transition who must present their best.
510/590-0110, marilyn@deltastrategies.com.
TAI CHI and QIGONG
CLASS in Rockridge
Improve your health through breathing and
gentle whole body exercise. Thursday 9:30
am and Saturday 9:00 am. BKU Methodist
Church, 303 Hudson (College at Manila).
Visit our website www.harmonytaiji.com
E-mail gail@harmonytaiji.com
Your Message Could Be Here
Your 36-word message is $22. (Phone number
counts as one word.) Mail to: RN Classifieds,
4123 Broadway, PMB 311, Oakland, CA 94611.
July deadline is June 20.

For information: smontauk@gmail.com
Home Repair Expert
Carpentry, remodeling. Doors and windows,
glass and locks, small electrical, plumbing jobs,
drywall, painting, fences, decks and other
odd jobs. Good rates. Rick 510/761-7168.
Grad Special at Penelope’s
Aesthetics!
Offering a custom facial with eyebrow wax
for only $49! Relax and refresh with a custom
facial for only $49. Includes free eyebrow wax!
Call for an appointment today! 510/594-1552
penelopecalef.com
Electrical Repairs &
Remodels
From doorbell repair to whole-house
rewiring, we’ve been doing electrical work
in Oakland and Berkeley for over 30 years.
Sutorik & Company, www.sutorikandco.
com, lic#397149. 510/655-3677.
Property Management and
Leasing Services
Need someone reliable, efficient and avail-
able 24/7 to manage your rental property?
Bringing landlords and good tenants together
is my job! Contact George Vassiliades at
510/710-6826. GvRealtor@gmail.com.
There’s a
new broker
in town.
Susan Bernosky
Strahan
Insurance
Services, Inc.
510-450-9051
What’s in your
home videos?
“Grandpa Maurice insisted we children
refer to him as the auteur.”
c i n e m a  a r t
from home videos
EricPomert.com
510 •409 •5515
Life Stor y Video Editing



15.
June 8, 2013

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

Fri., 12 to 5:30pm
Closed: Sundays and Mondays; also Tues, 6/18.
Diesel Book/Poetry Readings/Events
All FREE and open to the public.

Community Calendar

Rockridge Branch Library
5366 College Avenue, 597-5017
***Free computer tutoring for all ages: Download
e-books. Help with e-mail and basic computer skills.
Tuesdays from 3:30-7pm. Make appt. at 587-5017.***
FOR CHILDREN
y
y Family Story Time: Stories/songs/rhymes (to age
5); Saturdays, 10:30am.
y
y Pre-School Story Time: (ages 2 to 5); Thursdays,
10:30am.
y
y Toddler Story Time: (up to age 2); Thursdays,
10:30am, upstairs.
All story times followed by Play Time; parents and
caregivers invited.
**SUMMER READING PROGRAM – sign-up starts
Saturday, June 15. Get your reading log; choose what
you want to read and start reading. Count time whenever
you read or someone reads aloud to you. GET PRIZES
at 4 and 8 hours.
Special Events:
y
y City-wide Bubble Party: Sat., 6/15, 11:30 - 12:30.
Celebrate the start of summer by blowing and pop-
ping bubbles. Will be happening at other locations
the same day.
y
y National Paper Airplane Day: Fri., 6/ 21, 4:30-5:15
pm. Make awesome paper airplanes & launch them
from our balcony.
y
y Xtreme Science Magic: Sat., 6/ 22, 2:30pm. Com-
bination of science & magic for all ages.
y
y Magical Moonshine Theater: Tues, 6/25, 7pm.
Bilingual musical performance with puppets & masks.
FOR TEENS
**Volunteers needed (ages 11 to 16) to help with the
Summer Reading Program: register kids and explain
the game; show them how to record their time on their
reading log & on the computer; give out prizes; assist
with special activities.
Rockridge:  5400 College Avenue
 Elmwood:  2930 College Avenue
Weekend Brunch in Elmwood

y
y Sun., 6/9, 3pm. Poetry Flash with Natalie Diaz,
Tomás Q. Morin, and James Arthur.
y
y Mon, 6/10, 7:30pm. Amnesty International Meeting
(2nd Mon. each month): All invited to exchange
ideas on action.
**Also: help with regular library tasks like sorting
and shelving books & movies. Call Erica (597-5017) with
questions or to attend a brief orientation.
**Teen Summer Passport Program: explore Bay
Area hot spots or write book reviews to earn prizes and
raffle tickets. Runs June 15; ends Aug 10. Info: Teen
Librarian Vicky Chen.
y
y Wed, 6/19, 7pm. local poets Jennifer Foerster;
Leaving Tulsa and Shane Book; Ceiling of Sticks.
y
y Thurs, 6/20, 7pm. editors Marc Weingarten and Tyson
Cornell; Yes is the Answer: and Other Prog- Rock Tales.
y
y Sun., 6/23, 3pm. Local author Amy Lynn Reed;
Over You.
DIESEL, A Bookstore, 5433 College Ave. More info
(and other events and discussion groups): 653-9965
or events@dieselbookstore.com.
Wisteria Ways House Concert
Molly’s Revenge: Celtic trio summer CD Release Party.
Scottish and Irish music on traditional instruments with
David Brewer, John Weed and Stuart Mason. Hear
them at www.mollysrevenge.com. Sunday, 6/23, 3pm.
(Doors open 2 p.m.) Outside venue; wheelchair acces-
sible. Bring a blanket, lawn chair and 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.
Square Dance in North Oakland
Music by The Squirrelly String Band. Calling by Jordan
Ruyle (with occasional guest performers). 1st and 3rd
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.
Volunteers Wanted at Chabot
Space and Science Center
Learn about volunteer program, training and perks.
Register now for next Volunteer Orientation on Saturday,
June 29, 10am to 2pm. Welcome visitors, share exhibits
and historical telescopes, and learn how to make earth
and space science come alive for visitors through
interactive experiences. A variety of volunteer shifts and
times are available. 10000 Skyline Blvd., 336-7300. More
information and to register for orientation, visit www.
chabotspace.org or email volunteers@chabotspace.org
y
y Go Game Workshop: taught by Steve Bloom of It’s
Your Move Games and Hobbies. 6/11, 5pm.
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 Sat. each
month, 1-2 pm. Confirm: 597-5017.
y
y Rockridge Ninjas: watch Anime, 2nd Tues each
month from 5-6:30 pm.
y
y Teen ‘Scape: Play video and board games; make
crafts; light snacks provided. Every Wed., 2 to 3:30pm.
FOR ADULTS
y
y East Bay Chronic Pain Group: First and Third Tues.
each month, 3-5pm. (NOTE: no mtg Tues, 6/18). Info:
Susan Malley, 655-3278 or susanmalley@yahoo.com.
y
y 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.
y
y 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).
Volunteer lawyer leaves before 7pm if no more
people present.
ART EXHIBITS (subject to change; call to confirm)
Gallery:
June: To Be Assigned.
July: Benny Alba; “Road Series” Prints
Lobby Display Case
June: Lori Fischer; Dolls 4 Artsake.
July: Kim Anderson; “Adornment” Jewelry Display.
LIBRARY HOURS
Tues, 12:30 to 8pm
Wed., Thurs. and Sat. 10am to 5:30pm


16.

June 8, 2013
16.

COMING SOON
Rockridge Craftsman
Classic Brown Shingle close to BART
Three bedrooms, two full baths, light filled living room
eat-in kitchen, lovely garden & patio

Abundant storage & full basement/workshop
Open House Saturday & Sunday June 15 & 16.
For Details & Price Call 510-414-5842
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.
www.curvesrockridge.com
Free Parking!
Across from BART
Open 7 Days
Mon- Fri  6:00 -7:30
Sat & Sun 8:00 - Noon
We Need More Rockridge Homes to Sell
As of press time, there were only 16 Homes for
Sale in Rockridge. Normally there would be approx.
30-34 Homes actively on the market right now
in Rockridge. Sellers are seeing multiple offers
and over asking offers  because of the continued
tight supply of homes for sale.  If you had thought
about selling in the past, but thought prices were
too low, you might be surprised as prices have
increased significantly. Call me for an evaluation of
your home and its value in today’s seller’s market
32
SPECIALIZING IN

OResidential Sales

OIncome Property

OCommercial

OProperty Management
COMING SOON TO
ROCKRIDGE
Better Homes
Realty
5353 College Avenue
Oakland
Lawton Avenue Bungalow & Cottage
* Call for Price
Beautiful Craftsman 2+/2 Bungalow w/Family/
Rumpus on lower level w/bath
Charming Craftsman 2/1 Cottage. Sunny
Courtyard, parking, & storage.
SOLD IN ROCKRIDGE
SOLD
         $$655,000
5373 Shafter Ave.
$599,000
2 Beds/ 1 Bath + a Studio in Back
On the cozy side, but very well located.
Bring your ideas and make it yours.
Award Winning Chabot Elementary School
www.5373Shafter.com
Playing? Start in Oakland!
SOLD CLAREMONT
SOLD
         $1,188,000
14 Eucalyptus Rd.
$949,000
Dramatic Spanish Mediterranean.
Remodeled Eat-in Kitchen, Mstr. Suite
Plus Room & Magical Garden Spot.
Berkeley Schools.
www.14Eucalyptus.com
*NOTE:  Because of Rockridge Newsletter lead time,
all the prices are not available at print deadline.
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 130 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

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p 510.428.2600
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ELMWOOD
2991 College Ave
510.883.7000
www.mcguire.com