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www.rockridge.org

CIRCULATION: 5,800 RESIDENCES; 200 BUSINESSES

>PoOnsored by the Rockridge Community Planning Council * 4123 Broadway, PMB 311 « Oakland, CA 94611

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas —

NoRCPC Town Hall in December

Towering Plan Presented at CCA Public Meeting

he December Town Hall has been can-

celed: Developers formulating the plan

for reuse of the California College of the

Arts’ (CCA) former site on Broadw ay could
not make the meeting and will reschedule.

The cancellation came the day following

a presentation by the school and its devel-

Opers al a meeting at Oakland Technical

High School, where about 75 attendees

volving plans for the site. Most of the
‘cepts presented — preserving existing

including Rockridge residents, heard of

old-growth trees; providing housing for artists
and students; and enhancing and repairing
architecturally significant buildings — met
with evident approval by attendees. The
mood changed, however, when discussion
turned to the proposed 19-story tower to
be located toward the rear of the property.
Slides presented by developers show a leafy
open space, below left. At the left edge of the
slide is a tall, nondescript wall rising above
the frame of the slide. It was identified as a
19-story tower to be built at the rear of the

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property. The audience grew restless.
When a woman in the audience identified
herself as a graphic artist and distributed pho-
tomontages she had created of different likely
views of the property, the tower (its image
borrowed from a Kaiser building) clearly
visible in several views of the site, audience
questions became more pointed. Though
not to scale, the artist’s depictions drew
concerned murmurs from the audience. The
unfolding audience reaction indicated that

> Towering Plan, continued below

Historic school structures set in a plaza environment.

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this part of the plan could develop
into a serious sticking point for the

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neighborhood's residents.

The RCPC Land Use Com-
mittee will review and discuss the
plans at the January Town Hall.

— Don Kinkead

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Left: Various potential
views of tower proposed for
construction on the former CCA

campus. See page 3 for another
view from the montage.

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R&dckridge News

December 8, 2018

2.

Rockridge Bids Adieu to Duck Soup Family
Playschool and Its Owner/Director Beccarae Calato

by Jamie Longbine, Daughter, Teacher
and Co-Director of the Duck Soup
Family Playschool

t is with great sorrow that Rockridge bids

farewell to Beccarae Calato, an unsung
local hero, and the Duck Soup Family
Playschool legacy which was born in this
neighborhood. Our family ts certain the
values instilled in hundreds of children,
and her good deeds spanning more than
half a century, will ripple through the lives
of those she touched and be renewed gen-
eration after generation.

Founded in 1980
with a love for children,
the pre-school provided
a safe, family-oriented
environment for nearly
40 years where kids
could learn and grow. The
school’s guiding prin-
ciples were to socialize
children and teach them
effective communica-
tion and self-sufficiency,
essential elements of a
solid foundation for a
lifetime of living success-
fully in society.

In 1986, Duck Soup
hired a teacher named
Beccarae Calato. She, like
her Irish and Sicilian ancestors, had left all
she’d ever known to venture to an unknown,
faraway place in search of a better life
and new opportunities for herself and her
children, Jodi, Jamie and Jason Longbine.
It was here that her passion for working
with children flowered into a vocation, and
would become the path she walked until her
final days.

Beccarae was an adventurer, a risk-taker
with drive and determination, fortunate to
be afforded many opportunities. In 1990,
she bought the business and, a few years

- ‘

Remembering Beccarae Calato,
late owner and leader at Duck over when Beccarae
Soup Play School.

/COURTESY JAMIE LONGBINE

GARDEN $5 FREE DRYCLEANING with garment orders over $28
or $3 OFF orders over $15

Dry Cleaning only & Present with incoming order

5808 College Avenue, Oakland

Across from Trader Joe’s and Zachary’s Pizza

later, purchased the house from which Duck
Soup operated, a structure that has stood in
Rockridge for 104 years.

Her childhood dream of having 12
children had come to fruition through her
work.

The teachers, her daughters amongst them,
guided children to think outside of themselves
bringing their awareness to others, plants and
animals, to be stewards of Mother Earth by
conserving water, composting, recycling
and tending to the garden. They also helped
keep the neighborhood
clean by going on litter
walks and conveying
thanks to the trees with
big hugs for giving us
fresh air to breathe.
Beccarae believed that
“children were meant to
explore, create and learn
through play, and there
would be plenty of time
for academia later.” She
followed that model until
the last little Duckie left

earlier this year.
I was slated to take

retired. Sadly, she would

never retire: Diagnosed
with Stage IV cancer, she
died September 23, 2017, at age 68, and the
business would have to close.

Beccarae spent decades volunteering for
local organizations like Western Service
Workers Association (WSWA) in West
Oakland and groups that helped feed and
clothe the needy. She made seasonal bags that
she kept in her car to give out to the homeless
as she encountered them. She said she gave
back because it was people and places like
WSWA that helped her through tough times

as a single mother on welfare.
b Duck Soup, page 14

Garden Cleaners

601-1188
Mon-Fri 7-—7°?Sat 8-6

ROCKRIDGE BRANCH LIBRARY

5366 College Ave
at Manila | 597-s0T7

Library program details/hours: Calendar, page 15__

RoéckridgeNews

The Rockridge News, founded March | 986 by Don
Kinkead, is published monthly (except in August)
and is sponsored by the Rockridge Community
Planning Council (RCPC), a nonprofir 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 Kimkead........-ce-ceeresees Editor

Jo Ellis oo ccessasteeaseereenAsst. Editor

Judith Doner Berne............ Eyes on Rockridge

JO Ellis ......sssssccsesserseenneneesennnn Advertising &

Community Calendar

Susan Montauk.......c--ce0-e-0s Business Manager
Don Kinkead.......-.--+- sere Graphics & Layout
RCPC Board of Directors, 2018-19

b MOTIOTD SOB <ccsscccccnecsesyesesers Chair

Alden Connor... Vice-Chair

Ronnie Spitzer ......-.------.---. Treasurer

Ashley Cruz, Stuart Flashman, M C Haug,
Don Kinkead, Andrew Masalin,
Courtney Welch
Contact the board: chair@rockridge.o
For information: info@rockridge org
NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS
To subscribe to The Rockridge News,
send your check for $20, payable to RCPC with

“Rockridge News Subscription” on the memo
line. Mail to 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,4/ 23 Broadway, PMB

311, Oakland, CA 9461 |

Articles submitted for publication may be
emailed to the editor or sent to the address above.
Submissions are limited to 600 words, must include
the author’s name, phone number, email address, and
city or neighborhood of residence, and are subject
to editing. Views expressed in articles accepted for
publication do not necessarily reflect those of The
Rockridge News, its editor, or the board of directors
of the Rockridge Community Planning Council. To
reprint a Rockridge News article, contact the editor.

Newsletter Advertising/Deadline
Publication date of the January issue is:
@ january 5, 2019.
= Submission deadline: December 13.
Advertising rates are $26/column inch

rE

month pre-pay rate available. For display ads,
call Jo Ellis at 653-3210 (after noon), or email
joellisi@hotmail.com. RCPC reserves the right
to refuse any display or classified ad that it deems
inappropriate. (Classified ad contact, page 14.)

RAE RSS BIT Th Ph at PT ENT OE EO a LE AOS PB BS PE ES STI Wh BIE OT DE ad SLT MOLE SIRT is ROR SE PO ts Te UL aes ig f (SEE SOR

December 8, 2018

Réckridge News

Be Oa 2 OE

——_ =. <--

te project (or two);

all are tax-deductible:

exits Make check payable to RCPC, c/o 4123
roadway, PMB 311, Oakland, 94611. OR, online

at RCPC’s web site: www.rockridge.org

FROG Park

I. Go to https://www.frogpark.org/and click on
the “donate” tab at the top of the page

“ rad by check. Make the check out to Oakland
arks and Recreation Foundation, write (FROG
Park) in the memo field. Mail to Oakland Parks

and Recreation Foundation, PO Box 13267,
Oakland, CA 9466]

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Scenic Streets: Checks payable to the Oakland Parks and

Recreation Foundation(OPRF). Scenic Streets of Oakland,
c/o Lee Patterson, 5339 Miles Avenue, Oakland, CA 94618
The OPRF Tax ID number 1s 94-2751052.

®.. Rockridge Groups and Projects Count on Your Support

Friends of the Rockridge Library,
www.friendsofrockridgelibrary.org, or
mail check to PO Box 3723, Oakland,

94609

RCPC Land Use Committee
Update - December 2018

he December Land Use Committee

meeting will tentatively be on
Wednesday, December 26, 7:30 p.m. at
the Rockridge Branch Library. The agenda
includes an update on the housing study.
Please check at rockridge.org the previous
week to confirm meeting date, time, and
place.

The Land Use Committee met on

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November 28. A quorum was not present, so
no recommendations were made. However,
committee members and interested residents
heard a discussion of the following items:

Update on Rockridge Housing Study
The Committee reached out to faculty
at the Terner Center at UC Berkeley about
providing assistance to the housing study.
The Center’s Director, Ms. Elizabeth
Kneebone, responded that the Center’s
faculty were already engaged in other

.

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lege & Broadway=

by Alona Rivord, FORL
018 was an important year for the
Oakland Public Library (OPL) system.
Faced with a budget crisis that would have
d branches and eliminated jobs, library
cates mobilized the public to save this

vital community resource.

In June, Oakland voters stood up for
the libraries by passing Measure D with a
supermajority. With the budget crisis averted,

Changes Coming to
Rockridge Branch Library

OPL administrators are determining how
to roll out improvements in 2019. The main
library and branches like Rockridge are
readying for what next year will bring for
employees and patrons.

“Staff are excited about the passage
of Measure D and the expanded hours,
days of service, and new staff that it will
provide,” said Rockridge Branch Manager
Paul Schiesser. “The library is in the hiring

—s

projects and would be unable to assist. The
committee is continuing to reach out to
other UCB faculty and has received offers of
assistance from several Rockridge residents,
including a UCB graduate student. There
will be a follow-up meeting in December
to consider next steps.
Redevelopment of the California College
of Art (CCA) Oakland Campus, 5212
Broadway

Committee meeting attendees discussed
CCA's more detailed plans for redevelopment
of its Oakland campus, on the east side of
Broadway just north of Shops at the Ridge,
and a number of issues and questions were
raised about the CCA proposal:

1) The height of the 19-story tower and
its visual, aesthetic, and shadowing impacts;

2) The traffic impacts of adding close to
600 primarily market-rate residential units
on a section of Broadway already impacted
by recent development projects and which
can expect further impacts from Phase II
of the Shops at the Ridge project. How can
the project be modified to reduce its traffic
generation?

3) The parking impacts on the surrounding

community from adding close to 600
Land Use Committee, page I4
Friends of the
Rockridge Library
Sapam ag tNe Re. trige drach
of the Cuitland Pubic rary

process to support these expanded hours
and looks forward to releasing details soon.”

In the meantime, current Rockridge
Branch staff continue to innovate with new
programs and services. For example, an adult
book club now meets the second Saturday of
each month. The month’s book selection is
available on the holds shelf, making it easy
to participate.

b Library Changes, page 15

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December 8. 2018

4.

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CITY &O}

OAKLAND

December NCPC

Meeting: Scooters
Company Reps to Speak

he December Greater Rockridge

Neighborhood Crime Prevention
Council (GRNCPC) meeting takes place
at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, December
13, in the Rockridge Library, upstairs
meeting room. Topic: Scooters.
Cae Represen-
j tatives from all
three e-scooter
companies cur-
rently operating in
Oakland — Lime,
Bird, and Skip —
have been invited by
the NCPC board to
make short presentations
about scooters and public safety. An audi-
ence Q and A session follows.

Community Resource Officer David
Mac will close out the meeting with a report
on current area crime issues and on progress
on previously identified problem areas.

Karen Ivy, NCPC Secretary
karenivy@mindspring.com

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The Rockridge Patrols at
Five Years and Counting

by Paul Liu, Safer Rockridge |
elieve it or not, lower Rockridge has
been patrolled by private security
professionals for more than five years.

Way back in September 2013, a mass-
mugging at the casual carpool line at Hudson
and Claremont triggered a local effort to
provide a more regular security presence In
lower Rockridge, since OPD typically has
only one beat officer to patrol both lower
Rockridge and Temescal. An initial phase of
online crowdfunding by over 650 residents
led to the creation of a nonprofit group, Safer
Rockridge, which collects donations from the
community to fund patrols.

The intent of the patrols is to create a
visible security presence that deters crime
in the neighborhood during peak crime
hours. Patrol officers are unarmed and do not
racially profile. While the patrols primarily
serve as “eyes and ears,” they have been
responsible for a few arrests and have helped
residents in disrupting crimes in progress.
A statistical analysis supported the finding
that the introduction of the patrols decreased
robberies and burglaries by 30 percent.

The big news for 2018 is that in March,
Safer Rockridge retained a new patrol
provider, Intervention Group, Inc. (IGI), a
locally owned and operated business already
serving many other Oakland neighborhoods.
IGI uses highly visible, Intervention Group-
detailed black patrol vehicles staffed
by unarmed officers with experience in

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tile scountertops «flooring

4336 Broadway
Oakland
510.547.8288

www.arttiig@oakland.com

neighborhood patrolling (photo, page 5) In
addition, IGI offers a number of Significant
service enhancements, most notably that
[GI patrol response can be reached 24/7 Vin
their dispatch service at (877) 272/8765, re
before, this service is available to anyone
(contributor or not) within the patro]
area (map, page 5). Safer Rockridge also
offers scheduled patrol hours as wel] a.
additional hours at random throughout the
week. (Please subscribe to our newslettey
at SaferRockridge.org/subscribe to get the
latest scheduled patrol hours.) Finally, for
contributors, we now offer home-alarm
response. After filling out a form, IGI can
be listed as the first point of contact.

> Rockridge Patrols, page 5

o

In Rockridge since 1997

Can you stay in your home

when you need long term care?
Yes we do offer:

Long Term
Care Insurance

Susan Bernosky
510-450-9050

INSURANCE SERVICES, INC
CA License 0D34069

www.strahaninsurance.com

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Decemb ne
er 8, 2018 Réckridge News 5,

‘Twas Ever Thus:

Look Both Ways Before Crossing...

Broadway/Lawton Traffic [ response to a few questions, this

brief article reiterates the instructions

Signal Instructions the City distributed in August regarding

walking, driving and bicycling through
intersections controlled with “HAWK”

‘drivers | traffic signals, such as the one installed
seo da seo do

at the Broadway/Lawton intersection.

thence Ul, “bucon This signal was designed to make it
= reipacions, safer to cross Broadway on foot while
| ss minimizing delay for motor vehicles.
sos a HAWKs are typically installed at locations,
Apedestilon ne like this one, where traffic volumes are
Oe too low to qualify for a full traffic signal.
system. | The graphic that was distributed (and
| Pee Be TR is posted at the intersection) explains what
| raibeliee NI eninge motorists and pedestrians should do during
3 paces SA own. —_ each signal phase. Overall, red still means
Ae | Gan ee es | . “stop” and yellow still means “slow
? ee , > Baa é : as Zane Start down’. Instead of green, the signal goes dark
{Bie es - ethane until a pedestrian activates it and after the
6... a ein , : ashe ree pedestrian has finished crossing the street.
ila Sherman and Robert Taylor, sie Monee Victoria Eisen,
1G! Patrol Officers. /Photo IGI | ki | Caldecott Project Coordinator
‘ Continue
Safer Rockridge Security Patrol Area ‘ “Proceed with PEt ea
f caution if the on ceed Ed. Note: According to Wikipedia, “HAWK
| 2 camel | 25, COW beacon” stands for “High-Intensity Activated
| crossWalK beacon.” Its purpose is to stop
ee | Push the traffic while pedestrians cross. It 1s officially
G the cross Papal known as a “Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon
ere thesystem. (PHB). For more information, search
Wikipedia Hawk Signals. Also search: Hawk
as signals, Oakland.

LAW OFFICE OF

DAVE KARLINSKY

725 WASHINGTON ST., SUITE 313 OAKLAND, CA 94607
(S10) 788-S7O0O0 WWW.DAVEKARLINSKYLAW.COM

 , Questions About Practicing exclusively in the area of trusts and estates:
fe, Wills, Trusts, |
and Probate? ¢ Estate planning
(7 ¢ Probate / trust administration
Kyle M. Johnston ¢ Dispute resolution

Estate Attorney

5315 College Ave.
Oakland, CA 94618
510.527.1880

¢ Special needs trusts

Please contact me during regular business hours to
schedule an appointment.

December 8 201
. ’ 8
Tu = ~ S ad
Rdckridge New ae

6. — = 5 rr ie also donate “shopping nights.” The Way

j (is You t works is that the Oakland Tech ayc
akland Tech Auction & Gala Nee promotes these nights to the schol
don.” said Elizabeth =. mmunity and sells tickets to attend. The
uctiON, chop in turn donates a portion of sales to

by Michelle Quinn compelling items to bid ¢ oA
akland Technical High School’s Parent Falkner, co-chair of this bagel ‘storically, the school. Tootste’s Boutique/Crysp on
Teacher Student Association(PTSA) is put on by the school’s PTSA. “Histo

|

|

|

|

| | | r “ollege and Nathan and Co. — ang mor
| gearing up for its 2019 Auction & Gala by _ businesses in Rockridge have been very — a Leslie Evers — have hosted th .
| . ortive and that has recently, ese
| reaching out to businesses SUPP
}

|

Re aA wes, M4, wi nd A ag I Puelt

‘ties to great SUCCESS.
in Rockridge and the been important for Re cecie aut
ieee business can be a part of beneficial event,” Falkner said.
a
| of Tech's Auction “ vice providers can donate by purchasing gift cards from their favorite
aoe Se a take ; items or services to be _ pusinesses and donating them to the auction,
a Familia de Oaklan

egal Reis ; “It’s such a nice way to connect Wit
Surrounding area and 2019 OAKLAND TECH AUCTION ANDGALA | success of the event. h
for its continued support. rting the auction: Of course, anyone can support Oakland
suppo
eck: Ligeal bes: SATURDAY sooTi. | bidonwithall proceeds The donation 1S tax-deductible.
ech. Local businesses 10:00 PM | ooing to the school. Other For more information, please see https://

There are several ways the community whue we have a mutually
FAMILIA ssc
| This year, the theme LA DE Stores and ser- Tech — as well as Rockridge businesgeg __
MARCH 9
and community members

rtof Oakland Tech’ CALIFORNIA BALLROOM . 1796 FRANKLINssT. oaxLaup | businesses provide direct oaklandtech.com/staff/ptsa-2/auction/
are part of Oakland Tech’s

family and have played a the auction in turn gives College Avenue retailers is a great Way to
key role in making Tech’s them premium advertis-

supporters,” F
auctions a success by donating goods, gift ing through various promotional channels, ae a Prag ie ahaitias eae
certificates and shopping parties. such as its website and the auction program. Asa “a tt ee cae jc ing

“An auction only raises money if there are @ Inacreative way to partner with Oak- a part of something eryone.
land Tech, some College Avenue retailers

Claremont Middle School Seeks Community Help With Annual Fun

by Michelle Quinn ways to enrich their education.” Claremont Fund thermometer. Click
§ tsar: Middle School PTA is asking The Claremont Fund campaign comes as __ for how to give via a credit card or PayPal.
| its Rockridge neighbors to donate to the © Oakland Unified School District continues | Donors are also welcome to send a check
school’s annual fund,whichhelpsfinanceteach- to tighten its belt as it faces massive budget _to the school. Contributions are tax-deduct-

| ing staff in the classroom, the library, field trips __ shortfalls this year and next. The Claremont ible. See the website for more information:
| and other important programs at the school. PTA is committed to providing the school nttp://www.c:aremontms.org/Claremont-pta/
| The Claremont PTA has set a goal for this _ with the funds it needs to continue to offer a sl arianrae arkcne ip |

| year’s Claremont Fund of $100,000, itshighest quality education. From our great library 0 the mae PCO
| ever. As Claremont’s enrollment continues The money raised by the Claremont Fund 8am, from additional teaching staff in the
: to rise, the PTA strives to provide the funds _ touches almost every aspect of the school. ¢lassroom to after school sports, the Claremont
| needed for more enriching programs at the Some of the main recipients include the Fundreally makes our school a special place,”
school. school’s music program, which includesajazz Said Deehan.

“Claremont is a dynamic and growing _ band, an orchestra and a required music class
school that serves a wide range of kids in for every 6th grader. Aides in the classroom,
Oakland,” said Laura Deehan, vice president funded by the PTA, allow teachers to break
of fundraising forClaremont’s PTA.““Withthe students into groups for targeted learning.
Claremont Fund, we can make a difference for Giving is simple. Go to the Claremont

students in the classroom and help fund many website at claremontms.org and look for the

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December 8, 2018

RéckridgeNews

Chabot School Sets the Stage for Its Annual Auction;
ax Deductible Fundraising Supports School Programs Unmet by State, Local Budgets

Many Donation Opportunities Available

Dear Valued Donor,

I is that time of year to ask you again to

donate generously to Chabot’s Annual
Auction. Our fundraising supports Art,

Library, Music, Science, Spanish, and
Media/Technology programs, as well as
intervention programs focused on closing
the achievement gap.

As State and local budgets continue to
restrict funding for our nearly 600 kinder-
garten through fifth-grade students. reaching
our fundraising goal of over $500,000 is

critical to supporting the continuity of these
programs. Thank you for your support.

Our event this school year will be held
March 16, 2019. We look to the generosity

of our community, people like you, to donate
goods and services for the auction.

We are happy to pick up your donation,
you can drop it in the school office, or you
can simply mail the item and attached Donor
Information Form to:

Chabot Elementary; Attn: Fundraising;
6686 Chabot Road, Oakland, 94618

We are also offering sponsorships for
this important event. Sponsorship levels
range from $600-$3,500 and provide a
great opportunity to raise exposure for your
business, with various means of outreach to
the local community, including acknowledg-
ment in The Rockridge News, the weekly
Chabot Broadcast, the auction catalog and

a —_—_—_ _— ST TS eS — 4

| Thank You For Your Contribution!

s.... Name
| ntact Person

Address

| Phone #

| Fax #
Email

: Description of Donation:
Estimated Value:

: **Please Include Your Business Card, Brochure, Etc If Possible.

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{2} Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC | NMLS #478471 | PR-0976-0218

Bay Area built, Bay Area focused.

Visit us at College & Claremont Avenues.
6300 College Avenue, Suite 160
(510) 851-7741

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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our event website, as well as posters and
banners at the school campus and the event
itself. For more information, email chabot-

sponsorships@gmail.com.

W: value your consideration, gener-
osity and support. On behalf of the

children at Chabot Elementary, we extend

our heartfelt gratitude. Any questions, reply
to this email address: chabotsponsorships@

gmail.com.

Sincerely,
Amy Hood & Mona Barra-Gibson,

Chabot Auction Procurement Co-Chairs
Chabot Elementary School
Tax ID#94-6171779

—

**Please Send
Gift Certificates To:

Chabot Elementary /
Attn: Fundraising

6686 Chabot Rd.,
Oakland CA 94618

** AI] Donations Are
Tax-Deductible.

Tax I1d#94-6171779.

Be sure to make a copy of this form
for your records.

LAG Xd PARTNERS

BUYING ?
SELLING ?
LET ME HELP YOU

ANNE D. BRANDON, REALTOR

35+ YEAR ROCKRIDGE RESIDENT AND HOMEOWNER
DRE# 01877719 | 510.682.6644
ANNE@THEHIGHLANDPARTNERS.COM

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nning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Thanks to Bambino Donors and Volunteers

by Judith Doner Berne

[ could be Christmas every day at Bambino,
the Rockridge-based nonprofit thrift

shop which has benefitted UCSF Benioff

Children’s Hospital, Oakland, since it began

in 1928 and is currently bedecked not just

with boughs of holly but all things Christmas.

“We get Christmas items donated every
week of the year,” said Rockridge resident
Carol Maes, who began volunteering in the
late 90s and helped manage the store at 5290
College Avenue for 18 years. She gave it up
at the end of last year in anticipation of the
birth of twin granddaughters.

“T only do Christmas now,” Maes told
me. But that includes housing a hoard of
holiday merchandise that Homesteader
owner Brian Westendorf donated when he
recently closed up his College Avenue home
goods store and retired to the Midwest. “It’s
in the bedroom, the dining room, the living
room,’ she detailed, before it was carted to
Bambino in early November along with a
basement-load of items, gathered throughout
the year and housed by another volunteer.

Maes is one of the 50 to 60 volunteers
who staff Bambino under the leadership of
Lani Rumbada, a paid professional, who
co-manages the shop along with volunteer
Carol Miller, a Piedmont resident. “It took
me 12 years to figure out how to do this
and it’s still evolving,” said Rumbada who
is famous for the hats she dons to carry out

Rockridge
Optometry

Larry Sarver, OD

Scott Yokoi, OD

Cindy Sakai, OD
Jasmine Junge, OD

2321 College Ave., Oakland

(510)655-3797

rockridgeoptometry.com

the shop’s ever-changing themes.
Bambino, which early on was housed
within Children’s Hospital, has had locations
on Shattuck and Telegraph avenues. But it
has been at its College Avenue site since
1994. They do no paid advertising, but
have a long list of people who signed up to

Rockridge resident Gail Taylor displays
the sign she created to usher shoppers

into Bambino’s array of holiday
offerings.

ALL PHOTOS: JUDITH DoNER BERNE

1331 GRAND AVENUE

_ * $10 652 2911

) Piedmont dental

: Dr. Ji) A Martenson. ODS

December 8. 2018
a ORE re wal

receive regular emails announcing Special

merchandise and events. And they
seem to lack for donors, as evidence

the quantity and quality of what's on Sale.
Profits go up every year, Rumbada said. In
2016, they donated $145,000 and last year
$147,000. “We gear up for the fourth quarter.
| think we're on target,’ she said.

“We do all the holidays,” Miller toig me,
interviewed in her pumpkin suit suitable
for both the Halloween and Thanksgiving
shop themes. Donated articles “have to bein
very good condition . Indeed, every holiday
prompts a change In the shop’s décor, and
volunteers often dress accordingly. But the
ambiance also changes when a particular
collection has been donated.

“We do vignettes,’ Rumbada explaineg
For instance, when a group of African
masks and wood and soapstone animals
was assembled, it led to a safari motif. And,
quite often, an array of Asian items — from
standing screens to objets dart — will take
center stage. “If we can pick up the themes,
we'll do it,” Maes said. “We're really more of
a boutique than a thrift shop,” Miller added.

But it’s only for Christmas that Bambi
closes for two days (Friday and Satu
in early November) to completely revamp.
Everyday items switch storage places with
the holiday paraphernalia that has been
amassed during the year. For the past two
years, the Christmas collection was buoyed
by a huge donation from a local doctor
selling his home. “He had decorated each
room of his 5,000-square-foot house for
Christmas,’ Rumbada said. “He gave us a
storage unit. This is the last of it.”

» A Bambino Christmas, page 9

BY DESIGN

EW PATIENT EXAM
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December 8, 2018

Bambino
ristmas

—_

from page 8

When I visited on the first day of
closing, at least a dozen volunteers were bus
pulling tree skirts out of boxes. ssectnbling
ornaments to go on artificial trees, culling
related items such as candles and Christmas
plates and stuffed Santas, plus pricing and

sometimes re-pricing the hundreds, maybe
even thousands, of donations.

Returning the next day, I watched Bill
Molmen, a former Rockridge resident who

Ss sort far F

Montclair resident Sandy Turnbull
relies on the Internet, knowledgeable
fellow volunteers and common sense

when pricing items.

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now lives near Lake Merritt, and Roger
Eliassen, his friend from Piedmont, create
a montage of Christmas candles. tossing
Gut any that weren’t saleable in their eyes.
We're trying to get the best candles out.”
Molmen said. “But we are squabbling over
the prices” which they saw as too high. They
called Rumbada over for a decision. “Let’s
half-price everything,” she suggested.

“We were shopping and we liked the
store,’ Molmen said, recounting how the two
became volunteers. “They were having so
much fun.” Others, such as Sandy Turnbull,
said: “I’m paying forward. My daughter had
to spend a lot of time at Children’s Hospital
When she was small. She’s a med student
now, inspired by everything she saw when
she was a patient. Ironically, she’s loving

Oakland volunteer Lori Framsted
unpacks a box of tree skirts.

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9.

pediatrics.” Similarly, “Forty years ago, I had
a wonderful pediatrician and he was on the
board at Children’s,” said Fredora (Freddie)
Darmstadt, who lives on the Rockridge/
Berkeley border. She and many others are
part of the Children’s Hospital’s auxiliary
known as Branches.

Once most of the boxes were unpacked,
the volunteers with decorating expertise
arrived to put on the finishing touches.
Susan Sperry and Colleen Lund, both of
Moraga, spent the three weeks prior making
Christmas centerpieces using handpicked
donated items. They placed them in selected
spots throughout the store, as well as
adjusting other displays. And sometime,
throughout the process, 25 assorted wreaths
were hung on high, encircling the room.

“Great job everybody,’ Rumbada,
standing in the midst of what used to be
chaos, called out. “She does that all the time,”
Miller said. “It’s such a team effort.” “How
many man (and woman) hours have gone
into this?” Rockridge resident Gail Taylor
wondered aloud. No one had added them up.
But as Rumbada said: “The magic happens.”

Shop hours at 5290 College are 10 a.m.
to 3 p.m., Tuesday-Friday, and noon to 4 p.m.
on Saturdays. More details at 510/658-7473
or: http://bambinothriftshop.org.

Colleen Lund of Moraga and Chris
Caporicci of Rockridge stretch to add
an evergreen garland to the shop’s
holiday atmosphere.

For comments on this column or suggestions for
future columns, email judyberne@att.net.

~ —_ —_—_— ¢ oo... = =~. = = -_ - ~— —

are Oats Bre eer a ses! Oeste, oa Oe

Rdckridge News

BROADWAY TRAFFIC CHANGES BRING
UNPLANNED PROBLEMS

EpiTor:
Burpens vs. BENEFITS, CONTEM-~
PLATED WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC:

Jon Gabel’s letter in the November 3,
2018, issue, raises good points regarding
the reconfiguration of traffic on our neigh-
borhood’s stretch of Broadway. As Gabel
notes, the City clearly “did not assess the
impact of the change on travel times, fuel
consumption, or air pollution.”

There is now a significantly increased
backup of cars on Broadway during
commute hours, generating exhaust gases
as they sit idling in the congestion City
staff has imposed on us. We breathe more
exhaust fumes, consume more fossil fuels,
contribute more to global warming, while
those who commute to and from work
lose additional time in traffic. Has anyone
weighed these burdens against perceived
benefits?

And, yes, what of those empty bicycle
lanes that are mostly the cause of this
congestion? Great if they were being used.
Encouraging the use of bicycles is a good
thing. But has anyone on City staff studied
bicycle use patterns to determine on which
streets to place bicycle lanes such that

editor. Your name, address, phone
number, email address and city/neigh-
borhood must be included in either
for verification. Only your name will

appear with your letter. Letters may
be edited for clarity and brevity at ty
editor’s discretion. Views express

in any letter are the writer's Own, and

may not necessarily be shared by the

editor or by RCPC.

they would actually be used? Certainly,
someone seems to have actually studied
bicycle use: count the many rental bike
racks on and near College and Telegraph
avenues, and how many there arent on
our neighborhood’s stretch of Broadway.
And what’s the position of the Rockridge
Community Planning Council’s Land Use
Committee on these new traffic patterns?
Traffic and congestion are part of land use
decision making, are they not?

— Donatas Januta

Stuart Flashman, chair of the RCPC
Land Use Committee, and Alden
Connor, co-chair of the Transportation
committee, reply:

Actually, while consideration of the
traffic implications of new development is
part of the environmental review of land
use proposals (although the Legislature
decided several years back that increased
congestion would no longer be considered an
environmental impact), studying roadway
configurations and their effects is not
within the Land Use Committee’s purview.
That responsibility properly belongs
with RCPC’s Transportation Committee.
Those community members interested in
assisting that committee in studying the
City’s proposals for transportation changes

SE Oe —eeeee—E—E—E—eEE

10. 2

%e Letters to the Editor
he Rockridge News welcomes
posted letters and emails to the

December 8, 2018
tances

—_-

A

chould contact the chairs of the committee

at: transportation@rockridge.org to

involved.

More GENETICS INFORMATION, PLease

—

—_—_—_

EpiTor: 3
Thank you for the recent article by Judith

Doner Berne about our neighbor who has so
many half-siblings. As Judith pointed out,
fertilization technology has enabled one
sperm donor to father possibly hundreds
of children. While this has brought joy to
many families, it also brings up the need
for genetic counseling when young people
from this generation find partners and plan

families of their own. |
If many children are conceived with

sperm from the same sperm donor am
especially in the same geographic area
__ the likelihood increases for half-siblings
to come in contact with each other. If they
aren’t aware of their shared parentage, this
could result in tragic outcomes if they have

children together.
We have many knowledgeable and

learned professionals in Rockridge, and [|
would love to see a follow-up article ab

genetics, if someone is Willing to share €@

cape Gee
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OF OUR NEW
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Stop by and say hello!

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December 8, 2018

3

py Carol Behr, Chair,
FROG Park Committee

M any of you recall Our Swings and More+.
project at Big Frog (Hardy Park) and

the successful community fundraisin
effort lor new toddler SWINgS, exciting a
accessible play equipment extending pla
opportunities for our Children, while Lossless
Big Frog one of the most accessible parks ‘
Oakland. Our Swings and More+ project will
also be adding a bench, rocks and improved
poured-in-place rubber surfacing in the
expansion area. The latest design and play
equipment can be viewed at Www. frogpark.org
Great News to Share :
Oakland Public Works has allocated
$88,000 from Measure HH for construction

and matching the money raised by the
community.

NEW ROCKRIDGE LISTING!

fe a

“Golden Triangle”

59505 TAFT AVENUE

Delightful Craftsman bungalow just off of
College Avenue featuring many original details
plus a renovated kitchen in a vintage style!
Level lot and roomy detached garage for
studio/ADU perhaps?

- 2+ bedrooms - 1 bath

- house: 1,363 sq.ft.” - lot: 4,240 sq.ft.”

- Detached garage

- Walkscore™ = 93 “Walker's Paradise!”

Not on the MLS! Contact me for pricing
and showing information.

"per tax records

MAXI LIL

The Rockridge Realtor
with A Designers Eye

Qo”
. axi@redoakrealty.com

RED

= REALTY

A>

_Rockridge News

Li.

0G Park Swings and More+ Playground Update

. The FROG Park Committee thanks the
ublic Works Departmenet for its continued
hands-on collaboration with us and on-going

support for our project and our commun ity’s
efforts.

Next Steps: Construction Planning

7 The City of Oakland is working to iden-
tify a contractor to implement the design
and install the new play equipment. They
will also facilitate construction. Though this
project has moved slower than we hoped, all
our raised funds ($50K from you, our com-
munity and foundation grants; ADA grant;
and Caltrans 4th Bore allocation), and the
Measure HH funds, our designer and City
partners will further ensure our project’s
successful implementation. More dates and
updates to come.
Volunteer: To volunteer for our FROG
PARK Committee, contact Chair@frogpark.
org. The following roles are available:

# Communications coordinator and writer

(e.g., writing articles, social media and
assisting with marketing)

COMPLETE TREE CARE
Proudly serving Rockridge since 1965!

(510) 562-4000

www.treesculpture.com
Fully Insured | Certified Arborists | Lic #655977

@ Event planner (e.g., park events and cel-
ebrations to bring our community together)
@ Events coordinator (e.g., help organize
our Earth Day and other cleanup events
with our Committee)

® Volunteer Coordinator (help build our
volunteer outreach database and activities)
® Maintenance and gardening support:
partner with our maintenance coordinator
and help plan planting activities — butterfly
plants, etc.; help coordinate with City on
repairs,

PTL TAL
College Avenue
Presbyterian Church

5951 College Avenue | 94618
(510) 658-3665 | www.capcoakland.org

Biffy safe| open | real ant

Thanks for helping to make 2018

another great year in real estate!

s 18+ Years of Real Estate Expenence

» TOD producer & member of TAN
(Top Agent Network)

« East Bay Native, Cal Alum
s Longtime Rockndge Resident

s Proud Parent of Chabot Bobcat,
Gabe & Claremont Knight, Gus

Call Ruth if you're thinking of
selling or buying in 2019!

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510.418.7191 ~-MARVIN
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December 8, 2018

12.

Shades of Yesteryear in Rockrid

by Ben Friedman
| hee spring, | was inspired to write about
the empty lot at the College-Claremont
intersection when I saw it come alive
following the winter rains (as it has again).
As anew California resident after spending
my first 30 years on the East Coast, it was
a thrill to observe the results of the rainy
season. I felt like an explorer, watching a
natural phenomenon for the first time as
the Earth burst forth in grasses and flowers.
| recently learned something remarkable
about another local wild oasis, Claremont
Canyon Regional Preserve, a protected
area in the Oakland-Berkeley hills behind
the Claremont Hotel. In 1858, with the
Gold Rush booming and the need to get
news to the growing California population,
information reached the Bay Area via
Claremont Canyon. It traced a path that
would become Claremont Avenue and
Telegraph Avenue as the transcontinental
telegraph wire reached the Pacific Ocean

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Réckridge News

via Rockridge (or what would later become
Rockridge.) Even before the beginning ol
transcontinental telegraphy service, Pony
Express riders carried their mail pouches
along this route, if they had missed the
steam boat at Sacramento. Decades before
the car and before our neighborhood s
grid was established, the geography of our
community was largely defined by the path
of this information lifeline.

This factoid has renewed that feeling
of being an explorer as I complete my first
year living in our neighborhood. Rock ridge
is a part of America’s westward expansion,
a neighborhood defined by Western history
itself.

How cool is that? I imagine the telegraph

- ae
. ; ; .
= .
-

BROADWAY PET HOSPITAL

Terrain ‘
carrying the days news through the

rise ‘sempty desolation, aiming for the Bay
Area. The cable climbs the last crest of the
Berkeley Hills, then winds down Claremont
Canyon and erupts out of the hills into
Rockridge. racing down Claremont Avenue
past our empty lot and onto Telegraph Avenue
and beyond.

ext time you find yourself at the
TN icperssctioe of College and Claremont.

meditating On the need to turn our little
wedge of urban blight into a park, look up
Claremont Avenue al the majestic hill and
transport yourself back 150 years, when
California’s growing relevance necessitated
a telegraph wire th rough our neighborhood.

ee

i) Yesteryear, Page 14

Morning wake-up calls
Social network modeling
Curling up with a good book
Gardening together

Making lots of biscuits

Local caregivers who want

to help make great memories.

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Holiday wishes: As we give one, let’s also be “present” and wrap it and someone in a hug.
send our gifts of love and joy. As we prepare a festive meal, let’s consider donating one.
As we make things, let’s also make memories. Let us feel abundance and gratitude.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Perry Riani, Senior Associate

“2016 Realtor of the Year”

COMPASS

1900 Mountain Bivd Oakland, CA 94611
1625 Shattuck Ave Berkeley, CA 94709
C: 510.813.3799 Perry.Riani@Compass.com
License # 01402540

December 8, 2018

Réckridge News

tNo Block be
eft Behind

et s close out 2018 with 100 percent
distribution coverage of The Rockridge
News. All we need is for a volunteer to step

forward to become a block Captain for the
following route:

Route 04A: Block Captain to deliver
to Harwood, both sides from College
Avenue to 6049/51 and across the street
from 6052, then back to College Avenue.

Call 510/547-3855 or email Susan at
smontauk@gmail.com to volunteer. The
newsletter is published the first weekend of
each month except August. Your bundle to

distribute will be delivered to your doorstep.
Susan Montauk

The Rockridge News

Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation
h. 510/547-3855

c, 510/229-2584

Hardy Dog Park

He Dog Park Group wishes you
Happy Holidays. While fundraising
for our dog park renovations is on hold,
please remember the pets impacted by the
fires and consider donating to the SPCA
or another rescue group this December.

We will be back in 2019 with updates on
renovation designs and plans.

As always, we need clean, empty
newspaper bags. Drop them at either entrance
to Hardy Dog Park. Please: no bags that had
food inside, as that attracts rodents.

Monthly clean-ups are the first Saturday
of each month from 9-10:30 a.m. With winter
rains finally upon us, we will continue our
flood mitigation to prevent the lakes that
used to plague our park. If you can’t make
our monthly cleanup, please lend a hand
while visiting our park by re-stocking the
bag dispensers, picking up trash, or corralling
the wayward tennis balls.

Happy Paw-lidays

@

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Cole Coffee survived a lengthy
closure to finally open its new
street-front coffee shop and cafe’
on College and 63rd street. Now
the bean shop seems stuck in
construction limbo, but the word
is out: Open by the end of the year.
Patience is a virtue.

Martin Coyle
5221 James Ave. Oakland Ca. 94618

www.coylehomeremodel.com

510-655-8717 Mike Tracy

college-prep.org

De eee ee ee ee a =

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14.
Duck Soup

from page 2

on

Her heart was full of love and her
willingness to give seemed endless. She
fostered her niece’s three boys for several
years and acted as an unofficial ambassador to
Oakland, hosting foreign exchange students.
She welcomed them into our city and her
home, providing meals, companionship,
mentoring and guidance as needed.

She was always certain to take time
for herself. Naps especially. She treasured
family and friends and her vacations. She
loved being out in nature and took time to
do the things she loved, like travel, camping
and dance, her favorite activity of all time.

So, when you pass by 5304 Bryant at
the corner of College, pause and look at the
sidewalk in front of the house. There you
will see Beccarae’s handprints and her name
inscribed in the sidewalk cement. Think
about her and all of her good deeds. I hope
they stay there forever as a reminder of all

that she built here in this community, with
her own two hands.

Beccarae Calato’s children will host a West Coast
Celebration of Life at a later date. They look forward
to celebrating with the hundreds of Duck Soup
families, friends, neighbors and those who knew
her. Contact Jamie Longbine at 510/390-4334 or

jrlongbine@gmail.com for information.

RéckridgeNews

Land Use
Committee

from page 3

primarily market-rate residential units
while providing on-site parking at a rate of
only about 0.6-0.7 parking spaces per unit.
Would dedication of some of the units as
senior housing, or increasing the amount
of below-market-rate units, decrease the
parking demand?

4) Will there be adequate connections
between the project and nearby shopping
areas, including Shops at the Ridge and
College & Piedmont Avenue shopping
areas, to provide a positive stimulus to
area retail?

5) Is the location, not within easy
walking distance of any transit hub, an
appropriate place to put the type of high-
density housing project being proposed?

6) Does providing some publicly
accessible private open space; preserving
three historically significant buildings;
and providing approximately 5 percent
below-market-rate residential units for
artists; constitute sufficient community
benefit to justify the impacts the project
seems likely to cause?

RCPC plans to devote its January Town
Hall meeting, in part, to a presentation of
the project for the Rockridge community,
followed by analysis and discussion. The
input should help inform the RCPC Board in
deciding what position to take on the project.

=———
Ri fa
eee =——— —————

Your Message Could Be Here
Your 36-word message is $22. (Phone number
counts as one word.) Make check payable
to RCPC and write Rockridge News
Classified Ad on the memo line. Mail to:
RN Classifieds, 4123 Broadway, PMB 311,
Oakland, CA 946I!. The classified ad
January issue deadline is December 13.
The January issue will be out on January
5. For information: Email Susan Montauk via
smontauk@gmail.com

————

a

Celebrate the Holidays!
Penelope’s Aesthetics: Out with the old
and in with the new! Bring in the New Year
with a stress reducing facial. Hand, neck
and shoulder massage included with the

treatment! $64. Gift Certificates available!
510/594-1552 penelopecalef.com

Your Rockridge Specialists
- JUDITH GLASS & SHEILA SABINE -
The Grubb Company
Now may be the right time for a move.
Your home says a lot about you and we are

here to listen. Call 510/326-5055 or email
SSabine@Grubbco.com

Gardening Cleanups and

Maintenance
Experienced team of 2, dedicated to the
care and maintenance of plants and trees.
Garden design and restoration, pruning and
vegetable garden installation, affordable rates.
Yelp: Chris Rausch Gardening. Gardening.
Chris @ 510/655-0157.

December 8, 2018

Yesteryear
6

from page 1/2
I can almost remove the buildings and roads
from the view. There I stand, one foot in the

present and one in the past, gawking at the
massive Claremont Ridge extending into
the redwood-strewn lowlands below, For
me, it’s easy to imagine the telegraph line
snaking out of the wilderness and penetrating
an undeveloped home-less Rockridge,
portending the growth of California.

[ enjoy thinking of myself here in this
historical context, a pioneer who has left
the East in favor of the wilds of California.
I moved to Rockridge from Washington
D.C, last year in part because I wanted to
feel closer to nature, and specifically closer
to the massive scale that defines western
landscapes. Though Mount Diablo, the
Sierra Nevada, and the coast are all within
reach, I feel the most gratitude for the
connection to nature that we have right here
in Rockridge. Even in the routine of daily
life in our neighborhood, scurrying across
that big intersection, one need only look up
to find nature.

nf ‘ 7
iA)

7

HOUSE REPAIRS &
REMODELING,
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

Plumbing, tile work , decks, dry rot, drain-
age, walls, termite damage, doors, windows,
kitchen & bath remodel. Professional work for

affordable prices. Local references available.
Juan 510/692-6399 or Jbahena.info@gmail.com

Want to Build an ADU or

Remodel your home?

College Avenue firm works with you to
create a second unit or new kitchen/bath to
complement the character of your existing

home. Kirk E. Peterson Architects. www.
kpaarch.com. 510/547-0275.

December 8, 2018

RéckridgeNews

15.

Email Rockridge News Communi

Rockridge Branch Library
9366 College Avenue, 597-5017
* FOR CHILDREN

* Family Story Time: Stories/songs/rhymes (for all
ages); Saturdays, 10:30am.

« Toddler Story Time: Songs, active rhymes and
stories (for 9 months to 2 years), Thursdays,
10:30am, upstairs.

* Pre-School Story Time: Read-alouds, songs,

and rhymes (ages 2 to 5); Thursdays, 10:30am.
All story times followed by Play Time; parents
and caregivers invited.

+ SPECIAL EVENTS: all ages welcome.

* Stretching for Caregivers: bring your children to

free basic stretching session for adults. Wednes-
days 12/12, & 12/19, 10:10am.

* Chess Club: learn the basics: play against a
worthy opponent. Instruction and chess sets
provided. Best for ages 8 to 12. Wed., 12/12,
3:30-4:30pm.

* Mix It Up Family Game Night: Bring your favorite

game or try one of ours. Every Tues 6:30-7:45pm.
, >: Craft Night: Every 2nd Tues, 6:30-7:45pm.

11: Textile Stamps.

en Pal Card Exchange: Write to kids at librar-
les across the United States. Info at Children’s
Reference Desk.

* Winter BINGO: For kids up to 12. Pick up BINGO
card in December; fill a row to win book of your
choice. Collect prize at the library between Dec

26 and Jan 19.
FOR TEENS

* Rockridge Teen Advisory Board (ages 14-18):
Help advise the library how to better serve teens;
get community service credit for school. 2nd

611. Deadline is the next to the last Tuesday of the month.

Cal
ee OF mall te: Rockridge Ni alendar items to: joellis1 @hotmail.com, phone 653-3210

Compiled by Jo Ellis

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Sat. each month, 1 to 2pm.

* Teen ‘Scape Program: Play video games and
make craft; every Tues, Thurs, and Fri, 3:30 -
Spm; Wed, 1:30 - 5pm (during school days).

* Study Room Hours: High school tutor available
for homework help. Tues, and Thurs 4 - 5pm;
Wed, 2:45 - 4pm (during school days)

* Lip Balm Making Workshop presented by Rock
Paper Scissor: Mix favorite oils and fragrances
12/12, 2pm.

* Make Felt Banners: with your message. 1/9, 2pm
FOR ADULTS

*** eBook Help: Work one-on-one with a librarian to
download eBooks. Fridays, 2 -3:30pm. Make appt.
online or call 597-5017.

* Second Saturday Book Club: 2nd Sat each

month, 3 -4pm. Phone for details and book selec-
tion: 597-5017.

* Writers Support/Critique Group: Bring 15 copies
of up to 5 pgs. of any prose for on-site reading/
discussion (OK to come empty-handed). 3rd Sat.
each month,1 to 5pm; wheelchair-accessible. Info:

420-8775 or Writefox@aol.com.

* Lawyer in the Library: Free legal info and referral.
ist Tues each month; 6pm-8pm. Sign-up for lottery
starting Spm; lottery at 5:45 pm. NOTE: not in Jan.
( New Year’s Day).

* Knitting Meet-Up: Third Sat. each month, 3pm
Bring your knit and crochet project; all levels

* Practicing Mindfulness: to relax, renew, and set
positive goals for the new year. Sat, 1/5, 10:30am
— 12pm.

Upstairs Gallery

Dec: Judy Shelton, paintings; Tina Nelson,
sketches. People and Places.

Library Changes

from page 3

Additionally, Stretching for Caregivers
has become a regular event for adults with
children. This popular program is taught
by a professional yoga instructor, and is
made possible by financial support from the
Friends of the Rockridge Library (FORL).

“The Friends of the Rockridge Library

rd of directors is really excited about the
& year. Over the course of 2018, we worked
closely with the branch librarians to support
the ideas they had for new programs,’ said
FORL President Elizabeth Falkner.
“With the expanded hours and days of

service coming in 2019, FORL is looking
forward to our continued partnership with
library staff to explore more ways we can get
creative and provide materials and programs
that are meaningful to our community,”
she said.

Even with Measure D funds, not all
aspirations for the branch can be met under
the City budget. Tax-deductible donations
to the Friends of the Rockridge Library
help branch staff deliver quality services
to patrons of all ages. Readers may make
a gift in support of the library by using
the green form included in this edition of
The Rockridge News, or by visiting Www.
rockridgefriends.org to make a secure
online donation.

Library Hours
Tues, 12:30 to 8pm
Wed, Thurs & Sat: 10am to 5:30pm.
Fri, 12 to 5:30pm
Closed: Sun and Mon.
Also, Tuesdays, 12/25 and 1/1,2019.

Art Exhibition

“Generations”: Art show by Marsha Balian, Jacquie
Cole, Nicole Laby and Alise Anderson. From now
through end of year.

SOBU, 5451 College Ave., 817-4787 Info: www.mar-

shabalian.com or www.sobusobu.com.

North Oakland Senior Center

5714 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way

Mon. —Fri., 9am to 4:30pm. Programs include: Arts/

crafts; health counseling, dancing and exercise; trips,

tours and theater outings; Alzheimer's support groups,
computer classes/more.

* Mini-Craft Faire: Handcrafted gifts and Sr. Center
T-shirts. Dec 13, 10am - 1pm.

* Annual Very Merry Holiday Party: DJ and
dancing; Hoover School carolers; buffet; door
prizes and performances. Advance Tickets: $10/
members; $15/non-members. Dec 13, 1 -3pm.

Seniors age 55+ join for $12 annual dues to get

discount and other benefits. Receive “The North

Oakland Senior Times” for full schedule of classes/

events, lunch menus, and volunteer opportunities.
More info at 597-5085.

Temescal Farmers’ Market

Open Sundays, 9am to 1pm (all year). Sample the
goods; meet the growers. Live music. Bring reus-
able bags. 5300 Claremont Ave. (off Telegraph) at
DMV parking lot.

Ancient Mysteries of Andalusian Spain
Our Revels story begins in 1600 in Spain's
Andalusia. Three individuals a young
Moorish woman, a Sephardic Jew, and a
Castilian scullery maid - happen to meet,
each armed with a mysterious clue guiding
them on a quest.

December 8 through 16,
Oakland’s Scottish Rite Theater

1547 Lakeside Dr, Oakland
Box Office 510/452-9334
Open Mondays - Thursdays
office@californiarevels.org

16. Rédckridge News eee E3814
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