Extracted text · highlighting “Theresa Nelson”

www.rockridge.org

VOL. 29      NO. 1      ISSUE NO. 307      January 4, 2014                     CIRCULATION: 5,800 Residences; 200 BusInesses

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

New Swings and Play Features at
Frog Park? You Can Help Make It So
Improvements for Oakland’s First Community-Built Park
by FROG (Friends of the Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt)
Happy New Year
from the RCPC Board
of Directors
F
R
G
O
Pk
ar
The Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt
was created in 2001 after years of
community effort. Under the auspices of
Friends of the Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt
(FROG), more than 1,300 volunteers from
the Rockridge-Temescal neighborhood
planned and physically built the structures.
What was once fenced-off undeveloped
land covered by wild vegetation has
become our beloved Frog Park.
Frog Park is now a central community
by Zabrae Valentine, chair, RCPC
Until I joined the Rockridge Community
Planning Council (RCPC) board last
February, I had not realized how unusual it
is for a neighborhood
to have an organization
like the RCPC, or how
much RCPC does on
behalf of Rockridge
and its residents
every day of the year.
Here are just a few of
the services RCPC
provides:

➧➧New Park Features, page 12
City Responds to Public Comments on Newest
Caldecott Project List; Project Funding Expands
City of Oakland staff and their consultants
are finished sifting through over 100
written comments received during the
six-week-long public comment period and
dozens more received at public meetings in
October and November. Staff and consultants
will present a summary of these comments
and how they will influence the Caldecott-
funded projects at the RCPC Town Hall
meeting on Thursday, January 16, 2014.
(See agenda box, below.)
In the following cases, estimated costs
may come down from those reported in
October.
Project #1 (Tunnel Road/Hiller Drive/
SR-13 Intersection Improvements)
Staff is recommending a redesign
that improves safety for bicyclists and
accommodates pedestrians, at a lower cost

■
■Represents the
interests of Rockridge
residents at City Hall with regard to local
land use, development, and public transit
issues. Also, the board is consulted fre-
quently on behalf of the community, and
members spend several hours a month in
city meetings representing local interests,
submitting comment letters, and meeting
with city representatives and their staffs.
RCPC Chair
Zabrae
Valentine.
■
■Publishes The Rockridge News and
coordinates its delivery with the help of
150 extraordinary volunteers. Without
their invaluable commitment to this special
➧➧RCPC and the Community, page 9
In Memoriam
Former RCPC Chair Kathy Walsh
passed away December 10, 2013.
Fuller coverage of
her history and
c o n t r i b u t i o n s
will appear in
t h e  F e b r u a r y
Rockridge News.
S h a r e
y o u r
memories and
thoughts about
Kathy via rockridge.org by Jan. 20
for publication in the issue.

“...six more projects are
expected to be funded than
was reported in the December
issue of The Rockridge News.”
than was most recently reported.
Project #3 (Bicycle Facilities on
Caldecott Lane/Tunnel Road)
By reducing the bike lanes from six-
feet-wide to five in limited locations, staff
has reduced the amount of retaining wall
needed to construct this project. A Caltrans
design exception is needed and is expected
to be granted.
Project #6 (Jogging/walking path on
Broadway from Golden Gate to Lake
Temescal)
➧➧Caldecott Comments, page 8
16
AGENDA: January 2014 RCPC Town Hall Meeting
Thursday, January 16 | 7:30-9 p.m. Rockridge Library
Discussion and Q&A: The Caldecott Settlement project
list evolves and funding expands for some projects as
public comments are heeded.

Victoria Eisen of Eisen | Letunic consultants presents the city’s
responses to public comments gathered during the recent comment
periods on the updated Caldecott Settlement project list. Eisen will
discuss how some project designs have changed in response to the
public input, and the resultant effect on costs and the ability to fund
more projects on the list.

Thursday, January 16 | 7:30-9 p.m. Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College at Manila


2.

January 4, 2014
2.

The Neighborhood Merchant
by Theresa Nelson

ROCKRIDGE BRANCH LIBRARY
5366 College Avenue
597-5017
HOURS:
Mon, Tues:
Weds, Thurs, Sat:
Friday:
Sunday:
Library program details: See Calendar, page 15.
12:30 – 8 p.m.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
12 – 5:30 p.m.
CLOSED

Tue: 12:30 – 8 p.m.

Wed, Thu, Sat: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Friday: 12 – 5:30 p.m.

Sun and Mon: CLOSED & 1/21 & 2/12
The end of December saw the closure
of one of the local businesses I’ve
most treasured over the years, Rockridge
Kids. The store and the wonderful owner,
Nishan Shepherd, will be greatly missed.
I remember being at Rockridge Kids for
the grand opening in 1993 with my then
3-year-old daughter, supporting Nishan
and the importance of locally owned retail
stores on College Avenue. Nishan was the
manager of the College Avenue branch
of Such A Business for about 10 years
before that business closed, and he opened
Rockridge Kids shortly after.
Any parent who ever shopped there
learned quickly that Nishan really knew the
business, valued safety and creative play
above all, and made his store a welcoming
place for families with children. I and many
other young parents could walk there with
our children, who played with the Brio
train set or read books in the corner while
we shopped. We knew there would be
the perfect present for a birthday or baby
shower, and that the very knowledgeable
staff could help select the right stroller,
car seat or baby carrier, giving the kind
of service that few stores offer, and that
is not available online.
Rockridge Kids to me exemplified the
community spirit of the neighborhood.
They supported the drive for Frog Park
and the Rockridge Library, and helped
the many local schools and nonprofits
with significant cash donations as well as
in-kind support for events and auctions.
When I started the Rockridge Halloween
Parade 20 years ago, Nishan opened the
store early on a Sunday to blow up dozens
of black and orange helium balloons to
mark the participating stores, and gave
out stickers and small items to all the
children. He continued to give generously
to neighborhood causes over the years. His
store was one of the things that people
liked so much about Rockridge.
What happens to a community when
these small stores close? We all say
we love the vibrancy of College Avenue and
of the community. And those stores that

Farewell Rockridge Kids
are owned by an individual person who
had the dream of serving customers with
interesting products and good services, also
make decisions locally, give locally, and
hire local people. So when these owner-
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, Jennifer Daskal, Kevin Faughnan,
Virginia Hamilton, Michael Kan, William Kaufner,
Don Kinkead, Lisa McNally, Greg Pasquali
Contact the board: chair@rockridge.org
For information: info@rockridge.org
“It's pretty sad. I have a lot
of fond memories of bringing
my boys to that place when
they were younger, playing
with the Brio trains on the
train table, changing their
diapers in the tiny but well-
stocked bathroom (a rarity
along College Avenue!), pick-
ing out birthday presents
and new-baby gifts... It’s a
real loss to the neighbor-
hood.” — Jennifer Vetter,
Rockridge parent
operated stores close, the loss is much
more than simply a store – it’s a loss of
part of the fabric of the community, part
of what makes College Avenue a special
place, rather than a series of chain stores
and strip malls.
That connection to the community is
something no online sales entity can ever
replace. Online sources may offer great
deals, but they won’t donate merchandise
or gift certificates to your child’s school
auction or the community Halloween
parade, and they won’t be available to
help you figure out how exactly to fit the
car seat to your car and your child. Those
are things that only come from businesses
that are locally owned and a part of the
community.
As the last weeks of the store neared,
Nishan said to me, “I’ve accomplished
everything I wanted to do with this
business… it’s time for the third act of
my life.” I wish Nishan the best in his
third act, and am grateful for everything
he has done and given to this community
over the years.
Newsletter Subscriptions
To subscribe to The Rockridge News, send
your check for $20, payable to Rockridge News
Subscriptions, to: Rockridge News Subscriptions at
the address below.
Contacting The Rockridge News
	 Are there community issues you’d like to see
covered in The Rockridge News?
	 Do you have questions about newsletter
distribution?
	 Want to volunteer to be a Rockridge News
block captain?
	 Would you like to write a letter to the Editor?
Contact us at one of the following:
Editor: editor@rockridge.org
www.rockridge.org
The Rockridge News, 4123 Broadway, PMB 311,
Oakland, CA 94611
RCPC Voice-mail: 510/869-4200
Articles submitted for publication may be e-mailed
to the above address. Submissions are limited to
600 words; must include the author’s name, phone
number, e-mail address, and city or neighborhood
of residence; and are subject to editing. To reprint
a Rockridge News article, please contact the editor.
Newsletter Advertising/Deadline
Publication date of the next issue is:
  February 8, 2014
  February deadline is January 23, 2014
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.)


3.
January 4, 2014

3.

Planning Begins for
Telegraph Avenue
Improvements
The city of Oakland is working to improve
transportation safety and comfort on
Telegraph Avenue between 20th and 57th
streets for all modes of travel.
Building on past studies, the current effort
will result in detailed concept drawings that
will allow the city to seek grant funding for
some of the improvements.
Public meetings to solicit your ideas and
input are tentatively planned for March and
July 2014. The city is also taking initial
input via an online survey until January
31 at http://ow.ly/rnTzr.
mixed use projects on the west
side of the Broadway/51st Street
intersection. Agendas: Please
check with committee chair Stu
Flashman, 652-5373, or e-mail
stuflash@aol.com the week before
the meeting for an updated agenda.
The RCPC Land Use Com-
mittee meets Wednesday,
January 22 , 7:30 p.m,
Rockridge Library meet-
ing room. Topics will include
updates on the two Safeway proj-
ects and on the two residential/
rate senior rental housing over parking
and ground-floor retail. Plans call for the
project to step down towards its residential
neighbors to the west. They also call for
Coronado to be made two-way for a short
stretch between Broadway and the project’s
residential parking entrance, with a barrier
blocking traffic from continuing west. The
project has been well received by neighbors
and is being formally submitted to the city
for consideration and approval.
Land Use Update
by Stuart Flashman, RCPC Land Use
Committee chair
■
■College Avenue Safeway
Project, College and
Claremont Avenues
Negotiations between Safeway and
the three community groups – Rockridge
Community Planning Council (RCPC),
Friends and Neighbors of College Avenue
(FANS), and Berkeleyans for Pedestrian
Oriented Development (BPOD) – have
continued over Safeway’s College Avenue
Shopping Center after Safeway made major
changes to the project as approved by the
city in 2012 and then submitted a building
permit application to the city based on the
revised drawings in violation of its settlement
agreement with the three groups.
Safeway has a construction contract
calling for work on the foundation of the
supermarket building to begin in early
January, and RCPC is hopeful agreement
is reached so that construction can begin as
scheduled. Construction of the retail shops
building is slated to begin in early spring.
■
■Rockridge Apartments,
West side of Broadway South
of 51st Street
This project would be 130 units of
market-rate residential rental over ground
floor retail along Broadway, as in the
Merrill Gardens proposal.
This project has had a rockier road,
partly because its initial design would
have violated the city’s recently established
height limits for zoning on Broadway.
Project proponents have had two meetings
with local neighbors. Concerns about its
impacts were raised at both meetngs.
While the project is not within RCPC’s
boundaries, it is close enough to raise
concerns about cumulative impacts, as well
as concern over the precedent a variance
to zoning height limits might set for future
Rockridge projects.
Another community meeting has been
set for Monday, January 13, 7 p.m., at
the Temescal Creek Cohousing Community
Room, 322 - 45th Street.
Please contact Ryan Leong (ryan@
srmdevelopment.com) if you plan to
attend.
Detailed information is available at http://
www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/
PWA/o/EC/s/TelegraphAvenue/index.htm.
The Zoning Counter
The Zoning Counter is a compilation of
recent applications filed with the Oakland
Planning Department. Individuals may contact
the case planner or the Planning Department
for additional information by phone or online
at http://tinyurl.com/7zh94o7.
■
■Merrill Gardens at Rockridge,
West side of Broadway North
of 51st Street
SRM development, a Washington-State-
based developer, in cooperation with a
senior assisted-living project operator, has
proposed a mixed-use residential project
for this central higher-density site which
includes the Broadway frontage of the block
from 51st Street to Coronado Street.
The project would be 120 units of market-
5932 Manchester Drive
Proposal: To construct approximately 1,749
sq. ft. addition including a full upper floor and
rooftop deck to existing single family dwelling.
Owner: Jay Malan
Contact Phone Number: 510/290-2028
Planning Permits Required: Regular Design
Review for a residential addition.
Case Planner: Maurice Brenyah-Addow at
510/238-6342 or mbrenyah@oaklandnet.com
5500 Thomas Avenue
Proposal: Construct a 1,025 square foot second
level addition and remodel to an existing 1,429
square foot single family dwelling on a 4,994
square foot lot.
Applicant: Rick Haier
Contact Person: Rick Haier 510/5583-8280 [sic]
Owner: Brook and Andrea Dooley
Planning Permits Required: Regular Design
Review for additions/alterations of 1,000 square
feet or more
Case Planner: Caesar Quitevis at 510/238-6343
or clquitevis@oaklandnet.com


4.

January 4, 2014
4.

Science Night at Claremont Middle
School – Thursday, January 23
Come learn from the young
scientists demonstrating
nature’s laws at Claremont Middle
School on College Avenue (across
from Trader Joe’s).
✸ See and experience a fire
tornado and a Faraday cage
✸ Ten scientific and interactive
learning stations to visit
✸ Guest scientists
✸ Special “Earth Sciences
Dinner” starts at 5:30 p.m., includes
“Atomic Physics Dessert” (liquid
nitrogen ice cream!) at 7 p.m.
This event is especially well
suited for families with 3rd, 4th
and 5th graders with curious minds.
Free to the public. Free
parking on Claremont’s field;
enter from Miles Avenue.

7th Grade Science students Tzion Mcelroy and Jamion Hood
Harbin demonstrate making GAK.                 /Courtesy, Kenton Lee

The Lorax Project: More Trees Near Chabot School
Children living or going to school near
freeways face increased health risks.
A tree wall can significantly reduce the
transmission of air pollution. The Lorax
project is working to plant redwood trees
adjacent to the highway at Chabot Recreation
Center Area and Chabot Elementary School
as well as offering trees to residents on
Miles Avenue between Patton Street and
Presley Way.

Rockridge
Currently there is funding to plant 23
trees, but it would be great to plant more.
$125 covers the cost of one redwood
tree including site preparation, planting,
irrigatwion, and maintenance of the tree
for two years as the roots get established.
All donations are tax deductible and can
be made at www.lyceuminstitute.org. For
more information, contact Rich (richproulx@
Optometry
Your neighborhood 
family eyecare providers
since 1947
Dr. Donald Sarver
Dr. Larry Sarver
Dr. Scott Yokoi
Dr. Cindy Sakai
5321 College Avenue, Oakland
510-655-3797
www.rockridgeoptometry.com
lyceuminstitute.org) at 415/637-5890.
$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
EXPERT
SHIRT
LAUNDERING!
Visit the RCPC Website
for News and Events: rockridge.org
Still here for you!
While we await the return to normal parking conditions,
your support means more than ever.
Yasai Market
655-4880
Southie
654-0100
Ver Brugge Foods
658-6854
La Farine
654-0338
Trappist Provisions
594-2339
Vino!
652-6317
The Meadows
653-3322
Wood Tavern
654-6607


5.
January 4, 2014

5.

RDA Corrects Avenue Tree Well Trip Hazard

Letter
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.
 Far left: a College
Avenue tree well showing
existing grade differential
and caution tape before
re-grading.
 College Avenue tree well
re-graded to sidewalk
level with decomposed
granite (DG). DG forms
a stable path or walkway
when compressed, and
remains permeable to
irrigation water.
Editor:
It took over a year, but a big thanks is
due John Chin and his city of Oakland
Traffic Engineering team for organizing
new crosswalk markings at the intersection
of Chabot Road and College Avenue.
With Chabot Elementary and Claremont
Middle schools being just a stone’s throw
away, crossing unscathed during rush hour
traffic would often become a pedestrian’s
game of Frogger, to the extent that my
children nicknamed it “the crossing of
death”!
Let’s hope this small addition will help
keep College Avenue traffic in check and
restore the pedestrian right-of-way balance.
— M. Read
/Chris Jackson
by Chris Jackson, RDA operations
manager
After working four years with the city
of Oakland, the Rockridge District
Association (RDA) gained permission to
bring College Avenue tree wells to grade.
These wells have been a safety issue for
years, largely due to the tree well enlargement
program on College and in other areas of
Oakland. The contractor performing the
work failed to backfill the wells to sidewalk
height, creating sharp drop-offs at the well
edge, leading to many turned ankles and
broken bones. The problem also exists on
Piedmont Avenue.
Although decomposed granite was
chosen as the most cost-effective solution,
RDA spent well over $14,000 fixing 130
tree wells. RDA expects the filled wells will
create a more pedestrian-friendly and easier-
to-navigate sidewalk for College Avenue and
help prevent injuries. As a bonus, the filled
wells provide more sidewalk space. The
decomposed granite is a suitable walking
surface which also allows irrigation.
Another RDA project to look forward
to is the replacement of several trees blown
down in that unusual November windstorm.
Norman H. Burg, DDS
Learn more about RDA at: http://rockridgedis-
trict.com/Home.
General Dentistry
(510) 652-1517
5700 Broadway, Oakland
A Prevention Oriented Practice
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


6.

January 4, 2014
6.

I have sampled are Bourbon and Beef,
featuring Latin American small plates;
A16 Rockridge, echoing its San Francisco
namesake; Homespun Fare, headlining
the kind of meals you make in your own
kitchen; and Pucquio, dishing up Peruvian
street food.
Rockridge’s restaurant row already
includes three winners of the East Bay 2014
Michelin Bib Award – Chu, Ramen Shop
and Wood Tavern - which honors the best
restaurants offering two courses and a glass
of wine or dessert for $40 or less.
Although open less than a year, Ramen
Shop was named to the prestigious list.
And I bet that at least one more among the
newbies might be in next year’s batch of
winners. My personal prime candidates are
Box and Bells and A16.
I can still taste Box and Bells’ chicken
liver toast with grilled shallot jam and
chicory appetizer; and my husband loved
the box burger, perfectly sized – as in not
overwhelmingly big – with caramelized
onion and gruyere on a sesame pretzel bun.
We have been to A16 twice, and although
I know there are lots of amazing dishes on
their menu, it’s hard for me to resist their
Montanara Rockridge pizza with its lightly
fried dough, smoky tomato sauce (and it
is delightfully smoky), burrata and basil.
A lovely surprise is Pucquio, which was
one of the many restaurants which had two-
week stints during the year-and-a-half life
of Guest Chef, and has now taken over the
space. Sit at the bar and watch owner-chef
Carlos create magical Peruvian dishes which
he says pay “homage to my homeland.” His
wife Lisette manages the front of the house.
I
found out that not everyone is excited about
the restaurant surge. Floystrup worries
about the effect on retail, particularly when
restaurants aren’t open for lunch, creating
“side by side holes in the retail fabric.”
“We’re going through what the Mission
is going through,” Jackson says, when
residents can’t afford to eat at the restaurants
in their own neighborhood. But he also
sees that “retail is a real tough row to hoe
these days. You can’t buy the restaurant
experience online.”
So this is my story. My husband and I
left after waiting a half-hour for a table on
a cold Tuesday night in early December
at Barclay’s Restaurant and Pub, our last
untried eatery north of BART. The beer list,
as you may know, is extensive and the food

New College Avenue Restaurants Opening
at Record Pace Challenge Columnist’s Goal

by Judith Doner Berne
Last year, after eating my way up College
Avenue from Broadway to the BART
station, my 2013 New Year’s resolution was
to do the same from BART to the Berkeley
border – thereby conquering Rockridge’s
Restaurant Row.
And last year, I also suggested that it
would be easier since “fewer restaurants
await us and, yes, we have already been
to several.”
But, who knew that what is said to be
a record number of new restaurants – 10,
count them, 10 – would open along College
in 2013, according to Chris Jackson,
Rockridge District Association (RDA)
operations manager.
Still another, the vegetarian Chinese
restaurant, Great Wall, has a new owner,
while retaining its name and chef; and Toast,
the wine bistro with the popular front patio,
more than doubled its indoor space when it
expanded into the space formerly occupied
by Somerset Restaurant.
“It’s the most restaurants that have ever
been on the Avenue,” says Annette Floystrup,
a long-time Rockridge resident and a former
RCPC board member. That totals 40 – count
them, 40 – and that doesn’t take into account
any of the coffee shops and bars where food
may be served.
Although the newbies opened throughout
the year, a couple debuted in November and
December, making my goal of trying them
all quite challenging.
As I start to write this, in early December,
I have one established restaurant to go that
is north of BART and two new ones to its
south. So you will have to read to the end
of the column to see if I can get to them all
before my Rockridge News deadline. Bets
can be laid at this time.
New to town, north of the BART, we have
Osmanthus with its pan-Asian specialties;
Box and Bells, a down-home spin-off of
Michelin-starred Commis; Jules Thin Crust
with its surf board-shaped pizzas; and the
Ramen Shop, created by three former Chez
Panisse employees.
They add variety to restaurants that have
stood the test of time: the very popular Wood
Tavern; lines at all hours, Zachary’s Chicago
Pizza; Asian fusion in noodle form, Noodle
Theory; be sure to sit at the sushi bar, Takara
Sushi; best fried chicken salad in town,
Southie; and the casual, but satisfying fare
offered at Barney’s on College, Claremont
Diner and Old Brooklyn Bagels and Deli.
South of BART, new restaurants that
Rockridge’s restaurant row includes
three winners of the East Bay 2014
Michelin Bib Award: Chu, Ramen Shop
and Wood Tavern. The Bib award
honors the best restaurants offering
two courses and a glass of wine or
dessert for $40 or less.
Wood Tavern
/Don Kinkead
Chu
Ramen Shop

➧➧Columnist’s Goal, page 7


7.
January 4, 2014

7.

DaVita Invests
Again in Gateway
Renovation Project
by Nancy Schaaf, Rockridge resident
When volunteers from Scenic Streets
convinced the city to place three
sidewalk trash receptacles along the southern
part of Claremont Avenue last fall, it was
a mixed blessing; littering along the busy
roadway would be significantly reduced,
but the concrete boxes often attract graffiti.
The solution lay in a good idea borrowed
from the Temescal district: Scenic Streets
sought out local artist Juan Lopez who covers
receptacles with paint-resistant mosaic tile.
The only problem then was funding.
“The majority of our donations are
earmarked for the upcoming renovation
of Hardy Dog Park,” says Peter Lund, the
group’s founder. “That budget is tight and
we really couldn’t spare a dime to pay for
the mosaics.”
Lund called Ricardo Sanchez de Tagle
Aduna at DaVita Dialysis Corporation which
operates one of its 25 East Bay treatment
centers at the corner of Claremont and Clifton;
the company agreed to provide $2,000 which
will pay for mosaics on four cans.
In the past two years the company has
gone from a little-known occupant to a
key supporter of the Rockridge-Temescal
Gateway renovation.
lighting improves safety at night, and fresh
asphalt makes for a more enjoyable farmer’s
market, which DaVita hosts when the DMV
next door is unavailable. Nine new sidewalk
trees add some green around the once barren
property.
DaVita recently completed a major
landscaping overhaul of the former
supermarket that greets visitors at a main
entrance – Claremont Avenue at Clifton Street
– to our neighborhood. The final $65,000
cost is more than twice the project’s original
budget. It’s an impressive move considering
DaVita only leases the property and would
recoup nothing if it vacates.
“We wanted to make some upgrades to the
property from the time we moved in,” says
Sanchez de Tagle Aduna. “The community
helped us determine what should be done,
and we’re pleased everyone seems to love
the result.” Scenic Streets partnered with
DaVita to guide the project.
A welded fence has replaced chain link,
and lush shrubs are growing where debris
had sat for decades. Exterior ornamental
which moved into the space vacated by Pearl
of Siam. And the long-awaited Barrel Room,
another San Francisco transplant, opened
the second week in December – too late for
my deadline (out of town company over the
holidays) for this column.
So, alas, as with many resolutions, this
one will slip over to another year. Meantime,
Happy 2014 to you and yours.
Columnist’s Goal
Graffiti-resistant tiles for new
Claremont Avenue trash cans.
from page 6
looked great. The staff couldn’t have been
nicer, but our hunger got the best of us. (We
ended up in the new dining space at Toast.)
So, no, I didn’t fulfill my resolution. We
are starting 2014 with a trio of restaurants
at which to dine, headed by Barclay’s. South
of BART, we didn’t make it to Suko Thai,
The new mosaics for the sidewalk trash
cans will add a splash of color to the area.
The unifying theme will be California flora
and fauna. Final designs and locations will be
posted on scenicstreets.org in late January.
Judy Berne welcomes your comments and column
ideas at judyberne@att.net.
Photos: Trash can/Juan Lopez
All others/Davita Corp










 
­
24


 
	


8.

January 4, 2014
8.
Caldecott
Comments

Caldecott	
  Tunnel	
  Settlement	
  Agreement
Final	
  Project	
  List

Original	
  
Revised	
  
Newest	
  
	
  
	
   	
  
cost	
  
cost	
  
	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  cost	
   	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  Cumulative	
  
	
  
No.	
   Name	
  
estimate	
  
estimate	
   	
  	
  	
  	
  estimate	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  Total	
  

1 Tunnel Road/SR 13/Hiller Drive Intersection Improvements
$950,000
$1,573,000
$1,333,000

from page 1
After reviewing comments and meeting
with neighbors, staff has re-envisioned this
project to accomplish its goal of improving
walking conditions to Lake Temescal in a
way that is considerably less expensive than
the original design.
In addition, staff has pledged to look
for outside funding opportunities to fill
gaps in the existing continuous sidewalk on
Broadway between the Kay Overcrossing
and Lake Temescal.
Projects #10, 11, 15 and 20 (College/
Keith and College/Miles Intersection
Improvements, Bike Route Signage at
Rockridge BART and Rockridge BART
Bicycle Parking)
A Safe Routes to Transit grant has been
recommended for these projects, which
significantly reduces the amount of Caldecott
funds needed to fund the four projects.
Projects #12 and 13 (Intersection
Improvements at Broadway/Ocean View
and Broadway/Lawton, respectively)
A preliminary design concept for
these projects was presented to a group
of over 50 residents at a public meeting in
November. Feedback was generally quite
favorable for the projects, which are being
designed in conjunction with intersection
improvements at Broadway/Taft, Broadway/
Kales and Broadway/Ada, and a proposed
lane reconfiguration on Broadway between
Broadway Terrace and Keith, all of which
will be funded from other sources.
Beyond these changes, the result of the
soundwall study petition process will
determine if the combined $1.5 million
studies will move forward or if this funding
will instead be used for capital projects
further down the list. Not including this
potential change, the net effect of the changes
listed above is that six more projects are
expected to be funded than was reported
in the December issue of The Rockridge
News. As always, the exact projects that
will be funded with Settlement Agreement
funds will not be known for certain until
projects are fully designed and the city has
obtained construction bids.
For more information, please contact
the city’s Caldecott projects consultant,
Victoria Eisen, at victoria@eisenletunic.
com or 510/525-0220.

2 Pedestrian Facilities on Caldecott Lane/Tunnel Road
$850,000
3 Bicycle Facilities on Caldecott Lane/Tunnel Road
$290,000
2&3 Pedestrian & Bicycle Facilities on Caldecott Lane/Tunnel Road

$1,250,000
$1,075,000
4 Caldecott Lane/Kay overcrossing Intersection Improvements
$100,000
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
4-6 Pathway & Bicycle facilities on upper Broadway1

$1,100,000
$   639,000
7 Soundwall study: Eastbound between Vicente Way and Broadway
$554,000
$   704,000 2
$   704,000 2
8 Soundwall study: Westbound between Ross Street and Telegraph Avenue
$628,000
$   778,000 2
$   778,000 2
9 Broadway/Keith Intersection Improvements
$840,000
9&14 Broadway bike & ped improvements, Keith Avenue to Brookside Lane

$2,100,000
$2,100,000
10 College/Keith Intersection Improvements
$235,000
$   235,000
10,11,15,20  Rockridge BART Station Area Bicycle & Pedestrian Improvements3

$   635,000
Safe Routes to Transit Recommended Grant Award and contributions4

- $   485,000
11 Bike Route Signage at Rockridge BART
$  20,000
$      20,000
12 Broadway/Lawton Intersection Improvements
$400,000
$   400,000
$   335,000
13 Broadway/Ocean View intersection improvements
$400,000
$   400,000
$     30,000
14 Broadway/Brookside/SR 24 On-ramp Intersection Improvements
$295,000
15 Rockridge BART Bicycle Parking
$100,000
$   100,000
16 On-street Bicycle Parking in Commercial Areas
$  30,000
$     30,000
$    30,000

17 52nd/51st/SR 24 ramps/Shattuck Intersection Improvements
$635,000
$   635,000
$  635,000
$8,059,000 5

18 Soundwall study: Westbound between Patton Street and Ross Street 6
$179,000
$0
19 Alternatives' Analysis of Lake Temescal - Tunnel Rd Bike/ped connections $200,000
$   200,000
20 College/Miles Intersection Improvements
$160,000
$   160,000

21 Claremont/Hudson/SR 24 On-ramp Intersection Improvements
$180,000
$   180,000
 Orig. funding line 7

22 College/Manila intersection improvements
$200,000
$   200,000
23 Pedestrian Scale Lighting on Telegraph from 42nd Street to Berkeley border $240,000
$   240,000
Notes
Bold project costs indicates cost has changed since first revised estimates.
1. Project includes improvements to the Kay Overcrossing, bike facilities on Broadway from the Kay Overcrossing to Keith
Avenue, and pedestrian improvements from Golden Gate Avenue to Lake Temescal.
2. Includes $150,000/yr/study Caltrans oversight.  Studies cannot be separated; both locations must be studied, or neither.
Subject of petition process that will conclude 3/12/14.
3.   Current estimates are lower for projects #s 11 and 15 and higher for #s 10 and 20.
4.   Includes $417,000 grant (finalized 1/2014), $18,000 BART contribution and $50,000 contribution from Fourth Bore
Coalition.
5. Includes $250,000 for consultant fees to develop the project list and companion fact sheets, coordinate the
public/community process and plan and facilitate community meetings to determine ultimate design of specific projects.
6. Found to be infeasible.
7. Projects #24-37 hidden to allow notes to be seen.  Please see earlier list versions for projects farther down list.
Coming
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5600 Oak Grove
391 60th St
Daniel Stea
Advocacy & Integrity
Since 1997
Broker / Owner /
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510.867.4094
BRE #01452156


9.
January 4, 2014

9.

RCPC and the
Community
Join The Rockridge
News Family of
Volunteers
Over 150 volunteers are responsible
for delivering The Rockridge News
to your doorstep each of the 11 months
of the publishing year. Some volunteers
have provided this community service for
over 25 years.
Occasionally, volunteers move or need
a break from their jobs and that’s when
we extend an invitation to our readers to
step in to replace those stalwarts.
Eileen Marrinan, Lynn Crosby and
Tony Velebil retired from their delivery
positions a couple of months ago and we
have not yet heard from the public. We don’t
like to deprive anyone in the Rockridge
area of our community newsletter, so please
think about volunteering to deliver on the
blocks listed below:
from page 1
Route #
Description
03C
Along Eucalyptus in
Oakland boundaries
06D
Both sides of Rockridge
Boulevard South from
6101 to 6184
01B&D
Chabot Road beginning
across from public
tennis courts at 6885
extending to just past
Marie Way.
service, the newsletter would not have the
wide readership it enjoys.
■
■Provides public town hall forums on
issues of local interest including candidate
and issue panels at election time; presenta-
tions on controverial events affecting our
neighborhood such as the College Avenue
Safeway and Caldecott Fourth Bore Settle-
ment; other concerns from earthquake and
disaster preparedness trainings to lectures
on local architecture.
Currently, we are collaborating with the
Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council
(NCPC), the Rockridge District Association
(RDA) and others to provide targeted
information related to public safety, and
we’ll continue doing so in 2014. (What other
issues would you like to learn about? E-mail
www.rockridge.org, or write RCPC, 4123
Broadway, PMB 311, Oakland, CA  94611).
Contact Susan at 510/547-3855 or
smontauk@gmail.com. Be sure to name
the route you are interested in.
Thank you.
your contributions are tax-deductible. You
can contribute via PayPal, or send a check
made out to RCPC to: Rockridge Community
Planning Council; 4123 Broadway, PMB
311, Oakland, CA  94611. If you already
made a gift in 2013, we thank you for your
generous support.
A gift of time is always welcome.
Consider running for the RCPC board of
directors. Elections are held every April, with
occasional interim appointments. There are
also volunteer opportunities to deliver the
newsletter, volunteer to be a Kitchen Tour
docent, and more. Watch for announcements
in The Rockridge News.
Best wishes to you in 2014.
Rmore – possible. But even with a shoestring
budget it costs money to operate. We also try
to keep funds on hand to enable timely legal
action related to land use decisions, as well as
to support neighborhood improvements such
as the upkeep and ongoing improvements
to FROG Park, and the new Rockridge
BART plaza.
Please consider us for a New Year’s
contribution; we will
use it wisely on projects
that keep Rockridge a
great place to live.
RCPC is a 501(c)
(3) tax-exempt
organization, so
■
■Offers the benefit of non-profit status
to important local projects like FROG Park
and Scenic Streets.
■
■Supports our local schools and the
Rockridge Branch library.
■
■Organizes the annual Halloween
Parade with RDA.
■
■Orchestrates the biennial Rockridge
Kitchen Tour (RCPC’s only formal fund-
raising activity).
RCPC is an all-volunteer organization,
supported by hundreds of additional
volunteers who make all of the above – and
C
P
C
Specializing in Rockridge Real Estate
$20 million+ in Oakland/Berkeley transactions in 2013

As the new year begins, we are already seeing signs that our local market remains very
stable and desirable to homebuyers. Inventory of homes is at a typical low for this time of
year with demand still strong.  If you would like an approximate value of your home, feel
free to contact me. New Year’s Resolution: More laughs, kindness & balance.

Pending Lease: 3BD 2BA home, gourmet kitchen, period built-ins, bay/city views, Chabot
Dist, 3 blks fr College Ave, $4,300/mo inc util
Coming For Sale End Jan: 3BD 2BA home, updated, large yard, close to College Ave/
BART, award winning Peralta school
Coming For Sale End February:  4+BD 2.5BA home, plus bonus spc, close to College
Ave/BART, award winning Chabot school

Lawton Associates is a proud long time supporter
of our Rockridge community and schools
Happy 2014!!
Call for a real local expert opinion.
Perry Riani, Senior Real Estate Specialist
Lawton Associates BRE# 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


10.

January 4, 2014
10.

November Winds Uproot Huge Eucalyptus
Tree on Keith; Caltrans Action Pending...

by Michael Kan, Keith Avenue resident
It was a dark and stormy night the
evening of Thursday, November 21, when
Oakland and the Bay Area experienced
a number of damaging events caused by
unusually high winds gusting up to 35
mph locally.
Two people died and thousands
throughout the Bay Area lost power. [http://
sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/11/21/
much-of-bay-area-under-wind-advisory-
with-strong-gusts-expected/].
Rockridge had its share of wind damage
in several areas. Perhaps most noticeable
were the fallen street trees at College
Avenue at Ocean View Drive, and on Keith
Avenue near McMillan Street.
At about 7:15 p.m. that evening, a tall
and venerable eucalyptus tree growing
next to the freeway on apparent Caltrans
right-of-way, fell across Keith Avenue,
severing power lines, hitting at least one
parked car and trapping another in the
debris. The trapped car, a silver Toyota
Prius, was occupied by a couple and their
infant baby. No one in the Prius was harmed
but the family was trapped in the vehicle.
Keith Avenue neighbors and residents
worked to help free the family until OPD
and Oakland Fire arrived to take over. Due
to the downed power lines, OPD required
residents to return to their homes and other
folks to vacate the area.
PG&E arrived later
and worked through the
night to repair power
lines and clear part of
the fallen tree so repair
crews could reconnect
power lines safely.
The next morning,
the tree still blocked
one lane of the two lane
street, barely allowing
for a single lane of traffic
to pass.
City crews, busy
clearing debris from
other areas of town,
arrived later in the
afternoon, only to determine it was too
dangerous to clear the debris with no
traffic control in place.
A family trapped in this Prius when the tree fell was
freed later, uninjured. Top: Splintered remains of the
fallen eucalyptus. Plans for its removal are unknown to
nearby residents.                        Michael Kan | Top: Don Kinkead
Caltrans personnel were not personally
seen to inspect the damage and debris, so
➧➧Tree Stump Awaits Removal, page 11
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11.
January 4, 2014

11.
Parent of Tech Graduate Finds Much to Like in the Tech of Today

by Ronnie Spitzer
As my son prepares for college, we mull
over the changes in Oakland Technical
High School since he started in 2010.
Academically, Tech cemented its position
as the premier Oakland comprehensive
public high school. Academic Performance
Index (API) scores rose dramatically,
climbing to a score of 737 in 2013, from
685 in 2010. Other Oakland comprehensive
high schools lag behind; Skyline High’s
2013 API of 638 and Oakland High’s 634
remain virtually unchanged over the same
time interval.
Student enrollment soared from roughly
1,700 to over 2,000 in 2013, reflecting
Tech’s increased popularity. Prospective
student tours were at capacity this year,
unlike prior years. Demographically, the
Tech student body ethnic/racial composition
is now 36 percent Black, 17 percent Asian,
19 percent Hispanic, 23 percent Caucasian,
and 4 percent other, a truly diverse urban
school reflecting the Bay Area’s vast range
of racial, ethnic, educational, and socio-
economic backgrounds.
Advanced Placement (AP) classes
constitute another measure of a school’s
academic rigor and college preparation.
In 2013, over 350 Tech students took over
600 AP exams with a pass rate above 69
percent, higher than the California average.
And the number of students continues to
grow, up 45 percent in four years.
Oakland’s AP program began at Oakland
Tech. In the mid-1980s, only one Honors
English class and no AP classes were offered
at Tech. Tech’s Paideia program, established
in 1986, changed everything. Students who
enrolled in these integrated history and
English classes were first encouraged to
take the AP History test, and then the AP
Government exam. The high pass rates
demonstrated that the Paideia curriculum
was robust, and the upper level classes soon
obtained an AP designation. Thus began
the district’s AP program.
Many Advanced Placement offerings
have been added since then. Students can
now choose from Physics C, Chemistry,
Biology, Environmental Science, Spanish
Language, Chinese Language, Calculus AB
& BC, Statistics, Computer Science, and
English Literature, as well as U.S. History
and U.S. Government. The latter two classes
are offered now both through the Paideia
program and as non-Paideia classes, making
the subject material available to all students.
As offerings increased, more teachers
have signed up to lead these classes. I asked
Maryann Wolfe, the Tech AP teacher lead,
what motivates these teachers, since the
district provides no extra compensation for
additional preparation time or the increased
work load. She believes teachers offer AP
classes because they love their subject
areas and enjoy the intellectual challenge
inherent in teaching higher-level material.
Students eagerly enroll in these classes in
increasing numbers, enjoying the ever-
expanding courses.
Many more changes, as chronicled in
The Rockridge News, have occurred at Tech
over the past four years. Whether winning
robotics competitions, playing on one of the
athletic teams, attending the new Fashion
Arts and Design Academy or receiving over
$1.8 million in scholarships, Tech students
continue to display the drive to excel.
We are proud to have been members of
this diverse and exciting school community.
a
Tree Stump
Awaits Removal
cross-cultural congregation
striving to partner with
         the Rockridge community
   in lifestyle and service.
from page 10
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
it could not be determined if they were
even aware of the situation. However, at
about 7:30 p.m. on November 22, private
tree contractor Davey Tree arrived to cut
and clear the fallen tree enough to open
the traffic lanes.
Since that time – almost a month-and-
a-half ago – the huge stump and its root
structure remain on the side of Keith Avenue
next to the freeway.
You’ve cleaned up
your act, now clean up
your record
• Expungements
• Misdemeanors  • Felonies
• Infractions
Drivers and pedestrians no longer stop
to observe or photograph, but the tree has
served as an infrequent facility for vagrants
and homeless persons, some of whom
have been observed napping, urinating
or defecating behind the towering root
structure.
How much longer this fallen tree will
remain is unknown. Neighbors continue
to phone Caltrans and to log reports, but
feel there is no schedule planned for the
tree’s removal.

Aggressive & Compassionate
Criminal Defense.
www.elizabethgrossmanlaw.com
510.548.5106
FREE CONSULTATION
Happy? Glad to be in Rockridge!


12.

January 4, 2014
12.

settlement with Caltrans. With money in
hand, FROG surveyed the community to
learn top planning priorities. The clear
answer: more swings.
We visited other playgrounds to evaluate
play equipment as well. FROG worked
with MIG on designs and incorporated
features most appealing to kiddie testers.
Once the options were drafted, park users
were asked to rate preferences via a Swings
and Play Features survey available online
and in person. The 160 responses showed
overwhelming support for the proposed
new park features and options.
After swings, the most desirable play
feature was a triangular merry-go-round
with climbing web, followed by the see-saw,
a group swinging disc, and spinning poles.
Layout option C (see graphic, page
13), with the most play features, received
the highest average desirability ratings,
followed closely by option D (group swing
substituted for a see-saw). Both options
include the climbing web merry-go-round,
regular and toddler swings and spinning
volunteer recruitment, extensive fundraising,
marketing, public relations, tools and more
to make the park a reality.
Phase II was built in 2006 and required
additional community input, planning
and fundraising. Much-needed swings, a
drinking fountain, picnic table, Lily Pad
plaza, and play elements accessible to
disabled children were built. Then, in 2011,
a permanent bathroom was built to replace
the Porta-Potty.
FROG continues to work on improvements
the community wants to see and on much-
needed maintenance. Partnerships with
community volunteers and groups have been
vital to keeping up with custom repairs,
clearing weeds and fallen debris.
More Swings, Please
Often there are lines of children waiting
for a turn on the existing swings, one of
our most popular features.
Past funding constraints kept us from
adding more swings and play features, a
situation that continued until the Fourth
Bore Coalition (FBC) provided $100,000
toward Frog Park improvements from its
New Park
Features
from page 1
attraction. Families hold picnics, birthday
parties and “run-off-some-steam” excursions
throughout the year; children play happily
on the unique play structures; visitors and
friends stroll the pathway, discovering the
public art or the creek.
How It Came to Be
Frog Park and the Greenbelt were
developed in phases based on the master
plan created by two community members
with overall design by landscape architecture
firm Moore, Iacofano, Goltsman (MIG).
City personnel oversaw construction of
the park and FROG orchestrated a 10-day
“Big Build” in October 2001 – Phase I
–  when numerous volunteers helped build
the custom-designed play structures. Not
only did it take a community’s vision,
determination and hands-on action, it
took nuts and bolts, excellent planning,
➧➧New Park Features, page 13
Rockridge Sales Stay Hot in December

Closing date BR BA Address
Original price List price DOM
Selling price
           11/27/13
1
1
5271 Broadway Terrace
$449,000
$449,000 8
$500,000
12/6/13
2
2
5340 Broadway Terrace
$445,000
$445,000 29
$445,000
12/9/13
3
2
5522 Broadway
$669,000
$599,000 27
$623,150
12/17/13
2
1
5328 Shafter Avenue
$795,000
$795,000 58
$970,000
12/18/13
1
2
5405 Carlton Street
$550,000
$550,000 38
$546,000
12/18/13
2
2
424 Avon Street
$499,000
$499,000 32
$515,000
12/19/13
2
1
465 Hudson Street
$785,000
$865,000 32
$850,000
12/22/13
2
1
5218 Lawton Avenue
$679,000
$679,000 16
$790,000
12/23/13
2
2
494 Clifton Street
$629,000
$629,000 17
$700,000


13.
January 4, 2014

13.

New Park
Features
Can You Help Us Make It So?
We need your support to raise an
additional $20,000 to secure all
play elements. Make your dollars count!
A mystery donor has generously offered
a $5,000 match to help us kick off our
campaign.
Please donate now to help make this
vision a reality.
from page 12
pole, with initial costs around $95,000.
Complete survey options can be viewed
at www.frogpark.org.
We’re Getting the Ball Rolling
To make the community’s vision a
reality, FROG has begun working with
the city’s Public Works and Parks and
Recreation departments, and planning with
our city project manager.
Oakland Parks and Recreation will fund
much of the project management costs. We
hope to start construction within a year, but
need funding to secure all desired features.
Refining estimates and tasks, we
realized the FBC’s $100,000 will not cover
costs for building contingencies nor the
required bid and construction documents,
among others.
Yes, I want to help complete the FROG Park swing area
Gifts of any amount are welcome. For donations of $250
or more, your company or family name will appear on the
main park plaque.
o My check is enclosed
o I’m sending my gift through PayPal at www.frogpark.org
Support Your
Park
o $25
o $50
o $100
o $250
Name
o $500
Street
o $1,000
City/State/ZIP
o
Other
Amount
Phone
 	 E-mail
o	 Employer

Match
Family/Company Name (for acknowledgement, if different from above)
Contact 510/501-
0913 for play
feature donation/
s p o n s o r s h i p
opportunities
Please make your check payable to FROG Park and send to:
FROG, 4123 Broadway, PMB #311, Oakland, CA 94611
All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Federal tax ID #94-3011284. For more information, call 510/501-0913.

Park Improvement Plan C
Layout option C (graphic at right), with
the most play features, received the
highest average desirability ratings,
followed closely by option D (group
swing substituted for a see-saw).
Both options include the climbing web
merry-go-round, regular and toddler
swings and spinning pole.
LAW OFFICES OF
KYLE M. JOHNSTON
5315 COLLEGE AVE.
OAKLAND, CALIF.
510.527.1880
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14.

January 4, 2014
14.

TAI CHI and QIGONG in
Rockridge
THURSDAY, 9:30am and SATURDAY, 9am.
Start the New Year focusing on health through
this ancient gentle exercise. Beginners and
returning students welcome. Visit our website
www.harmonytaiji.com, or e-mail harmonytai-
jio45@gmail.com. Phone 415/786-2469.
Old Time Sound
Reinvigorated
Sundays at 10 a.m. hear new organ at St.
Peter’s Parish, 6013 Lawton at Broadway,
Oakland. Child care available during service
and fellowship follows. New Bible Study
begins Thursday 1/9, 7 p.m.
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.
Tutor Accepting Students
Middle school, high school, college prep
students for essay and creative writing,
grammar & syntax, world literature com-
prehension, SAT/ College Boards. Thirty
years experience as teacher/tutor. Further
information/resume: George Davis (510-306-
0082), georgewdavisii@gmail.com.
Aesthetic Pruning
I specialize in pruning trees & shrubs under
20 feet tall. I work with trees to enhance
their natural beauty. Maple specialist, but I
prune all garden trees. Certified Aesthetic
Pruner. Bruce Thompson 510/428-4964.
Homemade Desserts
Made in Rockridge from Oaklandically local
ingredients. Seasonal fruit pies include apple,
pear & pumpkin. Pumpkin and persimmon
bread. Ice cream a new specialty. E-mail
jazzberries@LMI.NET or visit 417 Avon on
Farmers Market Sunday.
Artfully Designed Gardens
With emphasis on use of organic soil amend-
ments, bird-attractive plants and trees, subtly
luscious colors and textures. Consultation,
Design, Installation. References on request:
Rockridge and beyond. Cecily Hunter,
510/292-1214.
iCan Help-Arik Rosentahal
Mac Tutoring
iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Peripherals. Check
e-mail, surf the web, video chat, download
apps and ebooks. An abundance of patience
at a reasonable rate. Schedule a session
today! 510/206-2914. arikoved@gmail.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
February issue deadline is January 23.
For information: smontauk@gmail.com
New Year’s Special!
Purchase a series of 3 select facial treatments
and receive the corresponding facial beauty
package FREE! Gift certificates available!
Peaceful, cottage setting, located 2 blocks
from BART. Penelope’s Aesthetics
penelopecalef@yahoo.com. By appointment.
510/594-1552
House Repairs & Rehabs,
Interior & Exterior
Kitchen & bath remodel, tile, decks, dry
rot, drainage, walls, termite damage, doors,
windows. Professional work for affordable
prices. Lic#458473. Don 510/812-0310.
Gardener: Over 20 Years
Serving the Rockridge
Area
Highly trained in both materials and design.
Excellent references. Please call Chris at
510/655-0157.
Love Your Surroundings?
Need help getting organized? Want to de-
clutter your home or office? Let me redesign
your environment in your style & create space
and harmony. Free, no-obligation consulta-
tion. Laura Panica, Organizational Consultant.
510/407-2679. www.liferestyled.com
There’s a
new broker
in town.
Susan Bernosky
Strahan
Insurance
Services, Inc.
510-450-9051
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15.
January 4, 2014

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

on acoustic bass and Larry Vann on drums. Sunday,
1/19, at 2 pm, followed by artists’ reception and refresh-
ments. Tickets at the door (cash only) beginning 12:30;
doors open 1:30pm: $15 general; $10 seniors (60+) and
students. Hear selections at http://www.unity-music.net/.
The concert series features Bay Area jazz musicians in a
landmarked Julia Morgan venue: Chapel of the Chimes,
4499 Piedmont Ave. Wheelchair accessible. Free
parking. Info: www.jazzatthechimes.com, chimesjazz@
gmail.com or 654-0123.
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/.
Volunteer Opportunities at Chabot
Space & Science Center
Orientation: January 11, 10am - 2pm. RSVP now to
Register. Chabot Space & Science Center volunteers
make earth and space science come alive for visitors
through interactive and hands-on experiences. Extend
your sense of wonder and increase your knowledge
through our dynamic volunteer program. You don’t have
to be a scientist or a physicist; we’ll teach you. Learn
to operate our historic telescopes; educate and inspire
over 50,000 school children that visit each year; assist
with special events. Shifts available Tuesday through
Sunday daytime and Friday and Saturday evenings.
Volunteers contribute 8 hours per month for at least
one year. More information on our volunteer program
and to RSVP for orientation: http://www.chabotspace.
org/adult-volunteers.htm or volunteers@chabotspace.
org or 336-7304.
North Oakland Senior Center
Programs include: Arts/crafts; health counseling;
dancing and exercise; trips, tours and theater outings;
Alzheimer’s Caregivers support groups, computer
classes/more.

Community Calendar

Neighborhood Crime Prevention
Council (NCPC)
Residents and business members engage in discussions
about crime and public safety with representatives of
OPD. 2nd Thurs. each month, 7 to 8:30pm. Rockridge
Library, upstairs meeting room, 5366 College Ave. Info at
www.rockridgencpc.com or chair@rockridgencpc.com.
Rockridge Branch Library
5366 College Avenue, 597-5017
** Free computer help & tutoring (for all ages).
Internet, e-mail, Microsoft office, EBook download, and
more. Tuesday’s 4--6pm and
Saturday’s 1-3pm. See Vicky Chen.
**NOTE: All ages are invited to make & contribute
a 90-second film to the 90-second Newbery Film
Festival that will show at Rockridge in February.
The deadline to submit a film you made yourself is
January 20th (online). For details, please see: http://
www.oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services.
FOR CHILDREN
names to make a valentine for everyone.
y
y 90-second Newbery Film Festival: Sat., 2/8,
noon– 1:15pm. Each very short film tells the story of a
Newbery-award-winning book. Hosted by authors Jen-
nifer Holm & James Kennedy. Best for ages 7 to 15.
FOR TEENS
y
y Teen Advisory Board (ages 14-18): Advise the library
how to better serve teens. Get community service
credit for school. Snacks provided. 1st Saturday
each month, 1 to 2pm.
y
y Rockridge Ninjas: watch Anime, 5-6:30 pm; 2nd
Tues. each month.
y
y Teen ‘Scape: Join other teens each Wed. after school,
2- 3:30pm. Video & board games; crafts; light snacks.
FOR ADULTS
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. Sponsor: Cal 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).
Note: Volunteer lawyer leaves before 7pm if no more
people present.
ART EXHIBITS (subject to change; call to confirm)
Gallery:
Jan: David Platford: Silk-screened images
Feb: Jeff Lichtman: Urban photography.
Lobby Display Case:
Jan & Feb: Cynthia Jacobs: Handmade puppets
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, 1/21 and 2/12.
Diesel Book/Poetry Readings/ Events
All FREE and open to the public.
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.
Special Events for Kids: all ages welcome.
y
y Friendship Bracelets: Thurs., & Sat., 1/16 & 1/18
from 4– 5pm. Celebrate the Season of Peace &
Nonviolence by making a bracelet for a new or old
friend. All materials & instruction provided. Best for
kids ages 8 and up. Attend one or both sessions.
y
y Traveling Planetarium from Chabot Space & Sci-
ence Center: 1/23, 4– 5pm. See the stars as they
were seen by the ancient Greeks and Chinese. Hear
the stories they told to explain the movements in the
heavens, and learn how astronomers are discovering
answers to age-old mysteries.
y
y Wed., 1/8, 7pm. Kevin Fisher-Paulson: A Song for
y
y Make Valentines: Thurs., 2/6, 4 – 5pm. Invite a friend.
All materials provided, but bring any colorful scraps of
paper that please you. Bring your list of classmates’
Lost Angels.
y
y Sun., 1/12, 3pm. Chang-Rae Lee: On Such a Full Sea.
y
y Mon., 1/13, 7:30pm. Amnesty International Meet-
ing (2nd Mon. each month): All invited to exchange
ideas on action.

y
y Yosemite by Amtrak: April 29, 30, and May 1st (3
days, 2 nights), $375 per person double occupancy.
Deposit deadline: Feb. 1. Select a roommate and
reserve your space now.
y
y UC CalFresh: Staying Healthy & Active. 6 FREE
nutrition classes to help seniors live well and reduce
the symptoms of chronic conditions. Free giveaways,
recipes and samples. First Tuesdays: January 7
through June 3. 10:30am-12 noon. Pre-register
now at 597-5085.

y
y BART Tickets on sale for $9 (a $24 value) for
seniors 65 and over.
Annual $12 membership entitles seniors 55 + to discounts
on activities and trips. Mon. – Fri., 9am to 4:30pm. 5714
Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Subscribe to “The North
Oakland Senior Times” for full schedule of classes/
events, lunch menus, and volunteer opportunities.
Info: 597- 5085.
Temescal Farmers’ Market
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 growers; 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 about Certified
Farmers’ Markets at urbanvillageonline.com.
Craft
Fine
Handyman
Specializing in custom
fine electrical work
www.craftoakland.com
Happy New Year

MAXI
LILLEY
THE ROCKRIDGE REALTOR® WITH A
designer’s
eye
REALTOR® – DRE# 01919653
510.919.8997
maxi@redoakrealty.com

y
y Sun., 1/19, 3pm. Vicki Robin: Blessing the Hands that
Feed Us: What Eating Closer to Home Can Teach Us
About Food, Community, and Our Place on Earth.
y
y Thurs., 1/23, 7pm. Ian Rankin: Saints of the Shadow
Bible.
DIESEL, A Bookstore, 5433 College Ave. More info (other
events and discussion groups): 653-9965 or events@
dieselbookstore.com.
Jazz at the Chimes
Featuring vocalist Jamie Davis with Roger Glenn on
sax and vibes, John Groves on piano, Andrew Emer


16.

January 4, 2014
16.

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increased by 13% in 2013
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p 510.428.2600
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L A W T O N
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A S S O C I A T E S
R E A L   E S T A T E
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“I know Rockridge”