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CIRCULATION: 5,800 RESIDENCES; 200 BUSINESSES
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VOL. 34 m NO.1 # ISSUENO.360 go January 5, 2019
Sponsored by the Rockridge Community Planning Council * 4123 Broadway, PMB 311 * Oakland, CA 94611
RCPC Town Hall Meeting: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, January 17,
Rockridge Branch Library, Upstairs Meeting Room
!. Public presentation and discussion 2. Vote by Rockridge Neighbors on bylaw
of development plans for the changes proposed by the RCPC board
California College of the Arts (CCA) wy A rf a of directors to clarify the criteria for
Oakland campus. College management gen a eligibility for membership in RCPC.
and its development associates will discuss Bring your ID showing your Rockridge
current planning status and answer audience address. See further details below and in the November
questions and concerns. 2018 Rockridge News, or at rockridge.org.
Veotine: At the Town Hall meeting of the Rockridge Ballots will be cast between 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., in the
Community Planning Council (RCPC), to upstairs meeting room of the Rockridge Branch Library,
be held Thursday, January 17, 2019, members will 5366 College Avenue, Oakland. To cast a ballot, a person
be able to vote on a proposed amendment to must be at least I8 years of age and be able to document
Section 5.1 of the RCPC Bylaws (“Eligibility for Membership”). residency within the RCPC boundaries.
@CPC Kitchen Tour on Tap for 2019 | |
Ty" 2019 Rockridge Kitchen Tour is potential kitchens from homeowners and , ;
coming in early autumn; watch this professionals, and volunteers to serve on the
space for news. The Kitchen Tour is the committee and act as docents on the day of
Rockridge Community Planning Council's the tour.Also needed are underwriters for
main fundraiser. But, more than that, it’s the tour brochure and other materials, and
a community-wide party; a chance for sponsors for the overall tour.
homeowners, architects, contractors, and If you're excited about your new kitchen, if
craftspeople to show off the amazing kitchens you'd like to be part of a lively group of tour
they've created; and a source of inspiration —_ organizers, or if you'd enjoy being a docent
for tour guests. and helping tour-goers learn all about the
In order to make this happen, the Kitchen _ kitchens, please get in touch at kitchentour@
Tour Committee needs submissions of rockridge.org.
RCPC Fite Puoto
Don’t Be Left Behind... Get on Board
Your Tickets to Ride Are Here...
RCPC Committees
- Communications _- Public Safety
- Fundraising - Schools
- Land Use - The Rockridge
- Parks and News
Open Space - Transportation
ou've seen the ubiquitous construction cranes looming over much of Oakland and marveled at the hulking citadels
left in their wakes. You've heard the voices of change calling for greater urban density. Change is coming: your
Rockridge voice should be heard. Join the debate: RCPC and Rockridge need your support: rockridge.org.
EE ROI YY a OY A AT PD eX TCT WPS SG PSS OPFOR, TY A ae TLE ORCS OS LES a ASLO Pe Bal PALF PEE ORT FPO 2g PRN 6 TE IT LP EE EB RT OP PRR RR ree
i ML CC NI, a. I LE ET Ee, ae arg 4 BP gn ne ae oe. Pp eee
2 Rockridge News January 5, 2019
ren ott NCPC E-Scooter Meeting ROCKRIDGE BRANCH LIBRARY
Spe ie oe from three electric scooter companies — two of 5366 College Aven
SNS which are currently active in Oakland — attended the Greater at Manila | 597-50
NCPC Rockridge NCPC’s December meeting to discuss their businesses. rage 15
Present were Marty Fatooh (mfatooh@bird.co), Community Relations =e 5
Moca = Manager for Bird; Andrew Meyersieck (andrewm@calstrat.com), Rockridge News
Program Director for California Strategies & Advocacy, representing
2 BS 1 SE ee ee eee > oo
Bs
Library program details/hours: Calendar,
Skip; and Tariq Fleming b Scooters and Scofflaws, page 11 = The Rockridge News, founded March 1986 by Don
- Kinkead, is published monthly (except in August)
and is sponsored by the Rockridge Community
E-Scoote rs are here! Planning Council (RCPC), a nonprofit public
Shared electric scooters are a great way to get around Oakland. saan ees tae alata pritosoese of the Rockridge
Follow these simple steps for a safe and convenient ride. 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
Donn Kinkead........ecnceseeeees Editor
JO Ellis ....sesscsseeseesversessersneeneen Asst. Editor
Judith Doner Berne............ Eyes on Rockridge
JO Ellis .....sessecssecsvtssessnscnnsescees Advertising &
Community Calendar
Susan Montauk.........0css0e Business Manager
Don Kinkead........:ssseseseseees Graphics & Layout
RCPC Board of Directors, 2018-19
Check brakes and wheels Wearahelmetand follow Park with care onthe LEOMOKA SOA... sseererserenseneenes Chair
before riding. Report traffic rules, Stay to the sidewalk. Park near bike Alden Connor rccsescsecsssees Vice-Chair
damaged scooters to the right of traffic, and use bike — racks or by the curbside. Sally Sryth ....ccsscssssesesesseeeee Secretary
SpPropriate company: lanes where availapie. Ronnie SpitZer.........-rsreces Treasurer
Ashley Cruz, Stuart Flashman, M C Haug,
Don Kinkead, Andrew Masalin,
Courtney Welch
Contact the board: chair@rockridge.ory
For information: info@rockridge.org —
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send your check for $20, payable to RCPC with
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Contacting The Rockridge News
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ep
om a+
Peas Raed ey Aen
at S sed ’ x
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a
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S M A N publication do not necessarily reflect those of The
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- . of the Rockridge Community Planning Council. To
F ] a nh C 1 al Gr sua M O r tg a g es reprint a Rockridge News article, contact the editor.
orate
nC 0. Fp g Newsletter Advertising/Deadline
Re- — Publication date of the February issue is:
mw February |, 2019.
David Herrenbruck Feb
, : ; ; w= Submission deadline: Janu 17, 20
david@fishmanfinancial.net Pre-Approval Advertising rates are aatvectents incr)
month pre-pay rate available. For display cus,
Cell 5 10-435-8572 call Jo Ellis at 653-3210 (after noon), or email
5] O a 5 I, 8- ? 2 5 5 N M LS +t 13 g Al] 7 joellisi@hotmail.com. RCPC reserves the right
f
|
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inappropriate. (Classified ad contact, page 14.) |
Cn EE TS eee Ae ae ee Ee
January 5, 2019 Réckridge News
Re tee A RSS oa Ee ree a
The January Land Use Committee meeting will be held
Wednesday, January 23, 7:30 p.m. at the Rockridge Branch Library.
The agenda includes an update on the housing study. Check at https://
rockridge.org — the RCPC website — the previous week for updates.
RCPC Land Use Committee Update - December 2018
S ee January Land Use Committee meeting
details and topic in the box above.
The Land Use Committee met on
December 26, with a quorum present. Com-
mittee members and interested residents
heard the items summarized below.
= Proposed move of Curves Fitness
Center from Market Hall to former
site of Rockridge Rags (5709-5711 Col-
lege Avenue, just south of Trader Joe’s
parking lot)
Curves, a fitness center, has operated in
the basement of Market Hall for many years.
It has a client base of approximately 350
members, most of whom use the facility 3-4
times per week. Because of the expansion of
other Market Hall businesses, it needs a new
home. It is looking at moving into half of the
storefront formerly occupied by Rockridge
. (The other half may be occupied by a
clothing store.)
Under College Avenue’s CN-I zoning, it
is considered a commercial assembly busi-
ness and would require a conditional use
permit. In granting such permits, the City
usually requires that 20 percent of the usable
space (preferably at the front of the store) be
devoted to retail sales. This maintains the
continuity of retail uses on College Avenue,
and RCPC has supported this.
Curves may have trouble fitting all their
exercise equipment into a 1200 sq. ft. space
and also having roughly 240 sq. ft. of retail
space. Its owner points out that its clientele,
primarily older women, needs a suitable
exercise space to stay mobile and fit, and
there are no other similar programs near
Rockridge. The Committee considered that,
even if it had to stretch to meet the 20 percent
retail requirement, the business met a need
for Rockridge residents and would continue
to bring its many clients to College Avenue
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uilt, Bay Area focused.
Visit us at College & Claremont Avenues.
6300 College Avenue, Suite 160
(510) 851-7741
Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC | NMLS #478471 | PR-0976-0218
ms
where they would hopefully stick around to
shop and eat. The committee voted unan-
imously to recommend to the Board that
RCPC not oppose the move.
If it turns out that the Rockridge Rags
space doesn’t work for Curves, it is also
looking at the space opposite the Rockridge
Library formerly occupied by Loot.
= Update on Rockridge Housing Study
While faculty at the Terner Center at
UC Berkeley were unable to assist in the
housing study, a call for volunteers through
The Rockridge News was answered by two
UCB graduate students and three Rockridge
area professionals.
The Committee heard an update on the
status of the study and was walked through a
demonstration of a housing feasibility model
developed by the Terner Center. The model is
available at http://ternercenter2. berkeley.
edu/proforma/. The housing study working
group will meet in January to begin working
on the analysis.
AC Transit Service and Rate
Changes: 2019
| Bo in 2018, service changes went into
effect on a number of AC Transit local
and Transbay lines, including lines that
serve Rockridge residents.
Transbay service includes new double
decker buses; streamlined routes; and new
trips. Effective January 1, Transbay fares
will increase to $5.50 for adults and $2.75
for youth, seniors, and the disabled.
Information on all changes and new
schedules and route maps are available at
actransit.org., or call 510/891-4777.
Thanks for helping to make 2018
another great year in real estate!
« 18+ Years of Real Estate Experience
» » Op producer & member of TAN
(Top Agent Network)
» East Bay Native, Cal Alum
» Longtime Rockndge Resident
» Proud Parent of Chabot Bobcat,
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selling or buying in 2019!
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910.418.7191 MARVIN
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DRE# 01300164 REAL ESTAT
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————— —_——e eee | er
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————— a Pa ae, ee os ee ek Oe ar
January 5, 2019
4.
DECEMBER IssUE MONTAGES PRESENT
HIGHLY INACCURATE IMAGES OF
Proposeo CCA DEVELOPMENT
Epitor:
t is regrettable that The Rockridge
News chose to print the photo montages
appearing in the December issue of the
newsletter on development plans for the
CCA site. Whether unintentionally or
intentionally, the four montages present
highly inaccurate images of a 19-story
residential building. This distortion ts
further compounded by the caption for the
images that reads: “potential views of tower
proposed for construction on the former
CCA campus.” Only when one reads the
article is it revealed the tower image used 1s
a Kaiser office building and not a proposed
19-story residential building.
The building shown is a 24-story
commercial structure and not a 19-story
residential building. Selecting an office
building further biases the analyses since
office building floor heights are normally
1.5 to 2 feet or more greater than those of
residential buildings. Taking both of these
factors into account, the building height
shown in the montages exaggerates the
height of a 19- story residential tower by LOO
feet or more. Additionally the width of the
building shown in all likelihood is far greater
than that of a residential tower, Depending
on siting and orientation the width of a
Eves on RockridGeE BAMBINO ARTICLE
Draws New CusTomers
EpiTor:
hanks so much for the wonderful article
Judy Berne wrote about the Bambino.
(December 2018 issue of The Rockridge
News, “Eyes on Rockridge,” page 8.) We
have already had new customers as a result
of the article! They mentioned they had
not known about the Bambino until they
read the article in the newsletter.
So from our perspective, the article has
been a success.
— Carol Miller
he Rockridge News welcomes
posted letters and emails to the
editor. Your name, address, phone
number, email address and city/neigh-
borhood must be included in either
for verification. Only your name will
Rickridge News
Letters to the Editor
appear with your letter. Letters may
be edited for clarity and brevity at ar
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.
residential structure could appear to be
50 percent or less than of that shown. The
accuracy of height shown from the various
viewpoints is also questionable.
In fairness to both residents and
the project proponents, review of the
project should be based on facts and avoid
misinformation and possible inflammatory
descriptions. I have yet to decide on the
merits of the proposed plan and will await
further accurate information. Hopefully
future editions of The Rockridge News will
more carefully review future submittals and
provide the community with an accurate
and well-informed basis for responses to
the CCA project and other future projects.
— Tom Cooke
RCPC Land Use Committee Chair
Stuart Flashman Replies:
Dear Mr. Cooke:
Thank you for your letter. The Rockridge
News would have far preferred to show some
of the perspective views of the CCA campus
project that had been presented at the
September Land Use Committee meeting
by the CCA developers. I inquired about
their availability, Knowing a Rockridge
News article was in preparation, but was told
those slides would not be made available.
The photo montages created and presented
JASON KALDIS
ARCHITECT
INCORPORATED
910.549.3584
WWW.JKALDISARCHITECT.COM
by an audience member at the Oakland
Tech meeting were the only representation.
we could get. The accompanying afar
included disclosures that the phofos.
1) were unofficial; 2) were actually of a
Kaiser building; and 3) were not to Scale
Accuracy was not claimed. The Montages
do (as they were designed to do) arouse the
readers’ concern in the absence of available
first-hand, illustrative design materia].
Regardless, 19 stories iS pretty high. We
are still hoping to present some of the CCA
slides in the January Rockridge News, but as
of today (12/24) none have been provided.
— Stuart Flashman
Ed. Note: CCA renderings were
not available at press time. CCA’s
publicist has promised multiple
views of the project at the January
Town Hall.
» Letters, page §
te
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+ 2+ bedrooms, 1 bath
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* Sold $1,765,000
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Planning for a final design of the former Oakland campus of California
College of the Arts (CCA) continues. The school’s development team will discuss
current progress at the January Town Hall meeting detailed on page |.A project feature that
has been broadly discussed with few details available, is a |9-story residential housing tower.
How might it actually look should it be built? Rockridge resident and business owner Nicole
Lazzaro prepared the above rendering as a possibility. The view includes the Broadway campus
frontage from Broadway Terrace to the southern edge of the campus overlooking The Ridge
shopping center. In the following letter to the editor, Lazzaro offers her thoughts on the project
and its potential effects on the neighborhood.
owners, retired professors, artists, cultur-
os THE Ripce” PLAN? al creatives forced out because of higher
EpiTor: rents). Our cafés are not the same without
hank you for running the piece on them.
the planned development of the CCA I was deeply concerned about what the
campus in the December 2018 issue of The CCA developers didn’t show at the Oak-
Rockridge News. The development plans land Tech High School presentation. It’s
present an important decision for residents. | unfortunate they decided not to bring the
I feel redevelopment should address the additional “street view” drawings prom-
concerns of our community such as the _ ised us in the first community meeting. The
loss of about 600 daytime residents (CCA only views of the 19-story tower in both
students and self-employed, small business | community meetings were from half a mile
oo Ao ee we
pie Fs $250)
4 =
MOTLEY TEAM
REALTORS”
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=~ - on a eee i -_-_--_--—
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Fall Market Competition Drives Price
Closing date BR BA Address Original price List price DOM Selling price
12/07/2018 4 2 5304 Bryant Ave $875,000 $875,000 17 $1,150,000
12/13/2018 3 2 5567 Thomas Avenue $1,795,000 $1,795,000 27 $2,075,000
12/17/2018 1 2 5405 Carlton St $795,000 $499,000 14 $810,000
2/20/2018 3 2 470 61st Street $945,000 $945,000 89 $1,050,000
P 2/24/2018 2 1 5505 Taft Ave $1,400,000 $1,765,000 0 $1,765,000
12/27/2018 2 1 5496 Kales Ave $998,000 $998,000 13 $1,250,000
Homes sold in December closed 19% over the asking price on average.
Specializing in Rockridge | 510.459.4338 | Motley Team.com
Want the highest possible price? Call us and we will show you how we will get it!
Photo Rendering by Nicole Lazzaro
Or more away.
Hopefully, postponing the December
2018 Land Use Committee meeting gave
the developers time to clarify their vision
for the development and to address the nu-
merous concerns your article so aptly sum-
marizes.
I include an additional rendering |
made (image at left), showing the scale of
a 19-story tower next to the 4-story Macky
Hall Mansion.
A digital artist, I’ve based my business
here for 26 years and lived in Rockridge
for most of them. Rockridge is zoned as
a neighborhood center community zone
to cultivate a vibrant pedestrian-oriented
mixed-use commercial district. This is
why my business is here. Rockridge’s
design let me get rid of my car 5 years ago
and either walk or bike to work. I value
Rockridge’s walkable small scale, the front
yard gardens, and being able to shop local
for just about everything.
In addition to height concerns, the cur-
rent 19-story tower plan focuses primarily
on “market rate” units affordable only to
tech workers. My concern is that they will
most days hop on a Google Bus to com-
mute to work, eating their three meals a
day on campus, not on College Avenue.
Moreover, such a large change in densi-
ty (600 units x 4 residents each) needs to
be mitigated with adequate transportation
(CCA had free mass transit to/from SF),
a plan to attract high-paying local jobs
to ease parking and traffic, and a path for
Letters, page 15
Darin J. Worm
BROKER
510.504.4960
djworm@)centurioninsurance.net
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January 5, 2019
Rockridge News
4 enic Streets
scenic Streets Scenic Streets ar scen eet
of Oakland Wa of Oakland
Scenic Streets: Taming Rockridge
easons Greetings to you all. Scenic Streets of Oakland,
Sect neighborhood volunteer organization that main-
tains the Claremont/Hwy 24 on- and off- ramps, as well as
various street plantings in that area, has had a transitional]
and active year. The transition has been both organizational
and functional:
Our administrative support and affiliation moved from
the Rockridge Community Planning Council to the Oakland
Parks and Recreation Foundation;
The extended drought encouraged a major ramp land-
scape re-evaluation and we're now refocusing on planting and |
maintaining more drought tolerant vegetation. We are letting |
our inactive drip irrigation system continue to lie fallow. |
Your help is needed. Want a sense of community involve-
ment? The satisfaction of physical exercise and interacting )
with a dedicated team? The mysticism of aesthetic expres-
sion? Join us! We also need someone interested in developing
a very simple and basic, or complicated and résumé-building,
website. For more information, contact Lee Patterson at
510-923/1084 or lee.scenicstreetsoakland@gmail.com.
The Scenic Streets gang, from left: Lee Patterson, ff
Robert Firehock, Carol Kasparek, Judy Weiss, &
Patrick Cullinane. (Photographer unnamed.)
7h i ee G4 Se
~ . ~~ - ‘~
wn wo a ee - ‘ ad
* ° a Po A
Happy New Year from the Hardy Dog Park Group
019 promises to be a big year for Hardy and Claremont, or along Claremont next
Dog Park. We hope to draw up renovation to FROG park).
plans, finish our fundraising, and continue Want to learn more? ila rdy Dog Park
our monthly cleanups. We also have plans HardyDogPark@yahoo.com
to build more benches like the lovely one.
: donated in 2018.
Are you interested in helping to keep
your neighborhood dog park clean and safe?
Join us for our monthly cleanups the first
Saturday of each month from 9-10:30am,
rain or shine.
Remember: we always need your old,
clean newspaper bags; please drop them
off at either entrance (corner of Hudson
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Each Office ls Independently Owned And Operated
January 5, 2019
lona Rivord, Friends of the
ockridge Library (FORL)
D2 serving Teen Librarian Vicky
Chen left her role at the Rockridge
Branch Library in late December, following
her promotion to branch manager at the
Montclair Library.
Chen, Rockridge teen librarian for seven
years, has been with the Oakland Public
Library system for 16 years. She previously
held teen librarian roles at the Asian and
Eastmont Branches.
Rockridge’s teen patrons threw a
spirited farewell party for Chen at the
branch just before school break. Parents
and teens said they are sad to see her go.
“She’s been an advocate for them,” one
mom said. “She’s always sided with the
kids who come in here.”
ockridge Library Bids Farewell to Teen Librarian
In Rockridge since 1997
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Yes we do offer:
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Susan Bernosky
510-450-9050
INSURANCE SERVICES, INC
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R6ckridge News Ls
Nature stepped in with
whipping New Years’
Eve winds to finally
topple this long-dead
_ tree in the redwood
wi, grove at Shafter and
Oo < Forest avenues, OPD
and PG & E kept
peste: by safe.
Chen estimates that about 3,000 teen
patrons are served at the Rockridge Branch
each year. She has strived to offer them
a comfortable place where they can be
themselves.
“T feel so honored to be a part of their
lives and to watch them grow up,” Chen
said,
The library’s teen program offers a safe
place for students to socialize, study, learn
something new, or just have fun after school.
Chen says she has also enjoyed offering
teens book suggestions. “It’s amazing; they
like books!”
No announcement has yet been made
regarding Chen’s replacement. She offers
Rockridge’s next teen librarian the following
advice: “Enjoy yourself. They’ll give you a
lot of inspiration.”
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Rdckridge News
‘Committed’ Claremont Music Teacher
Exits Suburbs to Teach in Oakland
by Judith Doner Berne
‘ma student of them. | like the challenge.”
That’s Ari Brown's take on the diverse
student body he teaches as the music
teacher at Claremont Middle School in the
heart of downtown Rockridge.
Brown, a trumpeter who grew up in
the affluent Chicago suburbs and earned a
bachelor’s and two master’s degrees (trumpet
performance, jazz studies, music education)
from the University of Illinois, deliberately
chose to teach middle school.
Although he claims “this middle school
experience resonates because I haven’t
matured beyond that age,’ it’s clear that his
instincts, training and what he has learned
from his students have given him the skills
to know who, what, why and how to teach.
His decision to both teach and live in
Oakland — with his wife and three young
sons — came after stints in Campbell and
Burlingame. Then, he said, “I taught where
it was easy to teach.” Now, in his third year
at Claremont, “The complexity of teaching
in an urban setting gives me an opportunity
to address the injustices I see in our society.”
When] sat in on an early December music
class that every sixth grader takes, I could
see that Brown’s jokes and easy banter belied
his persistence in making sure that even the
most challenging of his students can learn
to play an instrument.
“Don’t be tardy to the party,” he urged a
few who took their time getting to their seats.
“Being present means not just your body,
but your mind,” he added as they sat down.
And when one student answered a question
asked to another, his reaction was: “Stop
Questions About
Wills, Trusts,
and Probate?
i Kyle M. Johnston
Estate Attorney
5315 College Ave.
Oakland, CA 94618
510.527.1880
answering for him. That’s a form of theft.”
As a few lingered in his classroom after the
ail
January 5, 2019
ALL PHOTOS: JUDITH DONER —_
~_—
to school, guys.”
Brown picked this day to make his pitch
for continuing on in music. These sixth
graders will switch to a computer class for
the second semester, but will have a chance
to elect concert band as seventh and eighth
graders. “The kids get their own
instruments and can take them home
to practice. If you are not loving your
instrument, you can change. We learn
how to play seven songs. We give
concerts. And we go on afield trip toa
weekend music camp in the redwoods.
That’s probably the most fun thing
I’ve done as a teacher.”
When I later asked if he can
figure out which of his students
will choose band as their elective,
he acknowledged, “I never know
who will sign up, but I do a little
recruiting.” And that includes offering
the opportunity to also play and
perform in jazz band, which meets
three days a week in the hour bef;
school begins.
That Brown has inherited past
excellence in the 105-year-old
school’s music program was recently
evidenced. Last spring, internationally
Brown in action.
Claremont Middle School music teacher Ari
known trumpeter John Faddis, who
attended Claremont as a seventh
bell sounded, one playing the piano and two
others hip-hopping to her music, Brown
enjoyed the scene, then reminded them that
they are due in their next class with a: “Go
grader, made a surprise appearance
at the school’s May concert, playing along
and taking solos with the school’s jazz band.
» Committed to Claremont, page 9
DANIEL STEA
510.843.6400
WISHING YOU A PEACEFUL HOLIDAY SEASON
January 5, 2019
10 Claremont
from page 8
While visiting Oakland, Faddis
apparently saw the upcoming concert posted
on the school’s outdoor bulletin board. “He
just walked into the office and asked if he
could sit in,” Brown said. “I couldn’t believe
it. He’s a trumpet player I’ve been listening to
since | was a kid. This is what musicians do
for one another. He was given to as a young
person, and now he’s the elder statesman and
he’s giving back.”
And this past fall, the Claremont music
program received an anonymous $20,000
gift from a former student in honor of his
Claremont Middle School
Hosts Band Concert
ou can check out Claremont Middle
School’s music program at its 6:30 p.m.
rsday, January 17, band concert in the
‘~ auditorium, 5750 College Avenue at
Birch Court.
The seventh and eighth grade bands will
each perform followed by the school’s jazz
band, all conducted by music teacher Ari
Brown.
Featured guest artists are Bay Area
musicians Dillon Vado on vibraphone,
Tammy Hall on piano and Ruth Davies on
bass.
The concert honors former Claremont
music teacher, James Eeds.
me bp see
it
&
we
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_—_
—
www.buttrickprojects.com
<aus =a
RéckridgeNews
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a
music teacher George Eeds, who taught at the
school in the Sixties. The school’s upcoming
6:30 p.m. Thursday, January 17, band concert
(see related story) will honor Eeds. “One of
his surviving sons will attend, so hopefully
we will learn a little more about this teacher,”
Brown said.
“T had just been saying that we needed
a Once-in-a-generation infusion of funds,”
Brown said. To purchase the instruments, he
relied on Anna Orias, the mother of seventh
grade flutist Aidan, who just happens to
be executive director of Musically Minded
Academy, a non-profit music education
organization which she founded in 1993.
“Ari said what he wanted,” Orias told
me. “And Anna helped me shop it,’ Brown
details at left).
From a report in the Claremont Knightline <news@claremontms.org>
———
$20,000 for Music Pro ram
Anonymous Donor Gives to
laremont Middle School music teacher Ari Brown was at the Ss Out
and About street fair with his students last September when an older gentleman
approached him at the errd of the jazz ensemble performance. Brown said he was
too busy to talk, “but something told me to say hello.”
The man shared that he had been a student in the music program at CMS in
the early 1960’s. He told Brown he couldn’t remember his former teacher’s name,
| but that he had received a great experience in orchestra there. He said he had been
hoping to make a donation in the memory of his teacher. The next day, the man
| contacted Brown to say he remembered his teacher’s name: James Eeds.
The man said he wished to make an anonymous and unrestricted $20,000
donation to the CMS music program. “I was shocked to be sure,”
only condition was that the purchases stay at Claremont in perpetuity.
Eeds died in 2004 at age 83. Brown found his obituary, and then tracked down
his family. His son is expected to be at the upcoming January 17 CMS concert (see
said. The day I visited, they were assembling
the vibraphone, one of what Brown terms
the students’ “new toys.” The money also
bought a marimba, tuba, tubular bells set,
glockenspiel and timpani.
Her seventh grade son, Orias said,
extremely inspired by Mr. Brown. : That
was echoed by Quincy Schreiber, an eighth
grader who plays flute and trombone: “Mr.
Brown really understands his students and
wants what’s best for them. He's a great
teacher because he is goofy and serious at
the same time.”
“My son has been participating in jazz
band and in concert band with Mr. Brown for
three years, and I credit him for developing
> Committed to Claremont, page 13
Brown said. The
Experience * Knowledge * Performance
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Claremont MS Girls Volleyball Undefeated! Takes
OUSD District Middle School Volleyball Championship
mong the students pictured at | eft
* Ag following were recognized for
: their commitment to excellence within
our program:
Bayla Polston:
MVP - Overall Leader
|
’
Holland Rouguette:
Team Captain
Andrea Torres:
Offensive MVP
Fiona McGilly:
Defensive MVP
Jorjia Polston:
Team Spirit MVP
I’Lyasia Vital:
Hees SIGE Pe peomeeen : Best Power Server
We Are the Champions, My Friends PLyiah Vital 6
ow! Girls Volleyball takes Oakland Unified School District Middle School Volleyball Best Power Hitter
Championship, enjoying an UNDEFEATED SEASON. They never lost a game within
any match this entire season. The team was led by a talented group of 8th grade players. On
Thursday, December 13, we had our own individual awards gathering. Thank you to Coach Most Improved
Syl and Coach Issac for an amazing season. See right column for details about awards.
Senascia Crower:
(Reprinted from the Claremont Middle School newsletter The Knightline, 12/20/18.)
ee ee ee
California College of the Arts Exhibition Explores Parenthood
MAKING (IT) WORK deeper understanding of self or artistic © Sangram Majumdar, Aspen Mays,
Making (It) Work is an exhibition of | Practice. Rather, it celebrates the Leeza Meksin, Althea Murphy-Price,
artworks made by artists during their resilience and dedication of artists. Elizabeth Russell, Karen Seapker,
first few years of parenthood. Many Becoming a parent is a profound Allison Smith, Elisa Soliven, Witts,
artists are surprised to find that the identity shift, and this show highlights Karla Wozniak, and Ezra Wube.
joys, hardships, and consuming nature the work made during this transition. Curated by Karla Wozniak and
of child care can produce unexpected Making (It) Work celebrates makers Georgia Elrod.
layers of inspiration and an urgent who have embraced parenthood
sense of motivation. Areevaluation of in its many forms and recognize its Tue, Jan 22 - Thu, Feb 7 2019
priorities and time spent changes the generative force. Panel discussion and closing reception:
Wed., Feb. 6, 6:pm -7:30 p.m.
way artists approach the studio; new Featuring work by Lisha Bai, Karen
questions are revealed, new modes of Dana, Leigh Davis, Ariel Dill, Madeline 9212 Broadway, Oakland )
working are hashed out. Donahue, Georgia Elrod, Jackie
The exhibition doesn’t assume Gendel, David Huffman, McKendree
: ORGANIZED BY
parenthood to be a necessity for Key, Shaun Leonardo, JJ Manford, CCA Exhibitions
a ne
oo GRAND AVE, SUITE 108
January 5, 2019
Scooters and
offlaws
from page 2
——
(tariq.fleming@limebike.c
Manager for Lime.
Each representative gave a brief presen-
tation on the company’s approach to safety,
and actions they are taking to address certain
open issues, followed by an active question
and answer session. The Skip representative
said the company is not currently renting
scooters in Oakland, having withdrawn
after a brief period.
Resident complaints about the e-scooters
included:
* People riding scooters on the sidewalk,
or in other inconvenient places like
school grounds during sports events
¢ People riding scooters without helmets
¢ Juveniles riding scooters
* People carrying passengers on scooters
* Scooters discarded where they obstruct
private property or pedestrian traffic
and might inconvenience people using
walkers or wheelchairs
The difficulty of reporting rider mis-
conduct, or inconveniently placed
scooters
¢ The city’s failure to get money from the
profiting companies that would cover
om), Operations
(|The GRUBB Co.
OF OUR NEW
RESOURCE CENTER
— oes
— -egherees “ — i
Stop by and say hello!
UPTOWN | DOWNTOWN
11.
the cost of enforcement
The first four issues are against the
law (California Vehicle Code sec. 21235).
Following the recent passage of AB2989
(sponsored by Bird), helmets on motorized
scooters will be optional for riders over 18
years old after January |, 2019.
The biggest issue of all was enforce-
ment. OPD, overloaded and understaffed,
is not trying to ticket illegal scooter riders,
although David Mac, our Community
Resource Officer, has tried to do educa-
tional outreach. But now, if a 14-year-old
kid decides to ride a scooter on the College
Avenue sidewalk, no one will stop him and
there will be no punishment, although the
state fine for riding on the sidewalk is $197.
All use of e-scooters by persons under
18 years old is a violation of the companies’
published terms of service. The companies
admitted they didn’t begin to require a
photo of a driver’s license, for proof that
the rider was 18 years old and licensed
after making the app available. They now
require a scan of a valid driver’s license
before making the scooters available, but
they don’t validate the rider against the
license on file when a scooter is rented.
It is not clear how younger teenagers on
scooters got the app. Bird and Lime are both
considering requiring a validation selfie (for
facial recognition) to be presented through
the app when logging in, as Uber requires
for their drivers. They’re also considering
using fingerprints.
All three firms require new riders to
go through their tutorial on the rules of
the road, or watch a video, before they can
rent a scooter. The tutorials and videos are
NI
AMATO
ARCHITECTURE
WWW AMATOARCHITECTURE.COM
claimed to be accurate, but they’re short
and not specific, and clearly not all riders
pay attention to them.
Only one of the companies described
any means of penalizing riders who break
the rules in the tutorial. Lime’s app contains
a geofencing function — they can define a
no-go area, and a no-parking area. It isn't
clear how many no-go areas they have
defined. Skip is testing sensors that can
tell if the scooter is on a sidewalk.
Bird has people who go around every
night to collect discarded scooters, recharge
them, and put them back out in supposedly
convenient places. Lime solicits chargers
to sign up and recharge vehicles at night
for a fee. Lime also has staff members
who operate 24/7 retrieving, rebalancing or
deploying scooters. Firms have no control
over where riders choose to leave scooters.
They rely on GPS in the app to find them.
Reporting Misplaced Scooters
In Oakland you can report misplaced
scooters to OAK 311, either by phone or
using the SeeClickFix app. It is not clear
what kind of response Public Works pro-
vides. If you have the Bird app, you can
use it to report misplaced scooters to the
company. Bird riders must now use the
app to photograph the place where they
leave the vehicle. All three companies said
residents can call them with complaints;
they all have “contact us” phone numbers
on their websites. Bird accepts complaints
at hello@bird.co. Lime accepts complaints
at support@limebike.com. The general
absence of clear identifying numbers on
badly placed scooters doesn’t help.
As for charges paid to the City, Oakland
Department of Transportion (OQakDOT)
finalized the rules governing scooter
sharing companies, including fees to the
City, in December, 2018. You can see the
actual document setting out the condi-
tions and fees on the OakDOT page on
the City website under E-Scooters. We'll
have to see how this works out over time.
— Karen Ivy, Secretary
Greater Rockridge NCPC
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| Joa in 2018, Ford GoBike was casting about for suitable locations for City and Ford GoBikes called the location temporary and agreed to consider
its new bike rental stations. Several placements, especially inresidential alternatives based on a survey of the community. In the end, no clearly
neighborhoods, were objected to by nearby residents. Would a College —_ acceptable alternative emerged. However, the bike racks and rental kiosk
Avenue location fare any better? Perhaps,excepta location underthe BART were moved farther away from the memorial wall. While some residents
Overpass put the bikes and their rental paraphernalia close enough to the are still concerned that the bikes obstruct the view of the commemorative
Firestorm Memorial Wall that many Rockridge residents feared damage tiles, the bike renter pictured above said he was unaware of any concerns.
8 BODE Oe LE =
to the Memorial’s tiles from falling bikes or otherwise careless riders. The “Overall, it’s convenient,” he said.
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RéckridgeNews
13.
Martin Coyle 510-655-8717 Mike Tracy
9221 James Ave. Oakland Ca. 9461 8
www.coylehomeremodel.com
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Music teacher Ari Brown with some of
his students.
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a
Committed to
Claremont
from page 9
his talent.” said Quincy’s dad, Christian
Schreiber, who was Claremont PTA president
for two years and now serves on its board.
“But more importantly,’ Schreiber said, “Mr.
Brown has fostered a love and appreciation
of music. It’s a lifetime gift.”
“Mr. Brown loves music like a kid loves
ice cream,” said Jamie Eder, father of eighth
grader and three-year jazz band member
Gus Goldstone. “He’s so committed and
the kids can smell that.” “Mr. Brown has a
knack for always broadening his students’
musical horizons,” said Gus’s mom, Ruth
Goldstone. “Gus has enjoyed learning not
just trombone, but also trumpet and cornet
from Mr. Brown.”
To Claremont Principal Jonathan Mayer,
“the momentum is just starting.’ He foresees
Brown’s leadership generating continued
growth for the school’s music program. “He
comes in the period before school starts
(for jazz band)...He gives up his lunches...
He has musicians from SF Jazz, he has Cal
students coming in to play with and mentor
students,” Mayer said. “He’s building those
relationships. I just see his commitment.”
“I have been getting the support of
SFJazz this year and it’s great,’ Brown
confirmed. “They send a teaching artist
into my classroom two days a week to work
alongside me in the jazz rehearsals. I have
also had members of the Music Connection,
a volunteer organization from UC Berkeley,
coming in. There have been four or five of
them coming once a week to two classes.”
Asked to name a breakthrough moment
as a teacher, Brown didn’t hesitate: “Working
with the kind of need we see here in Oakland
caused me to reflect on what a victory 1s.
It’s getting a kid with the most challenged
circumstance to take on an instrument.”
lf you have questions or comments on
this column or if you have an idea for a
Rockridge story, please email judyberne@
att.net.
e--— - — =< -— ae
—— = ——- _—
el eee es eee SD ee ee ase = — —_ = - a
14.
In Loving Memory of Dorothy Eng
August 25, 1923 - June 29, 2018
Dorothy was “made in China, delivered
in San Francisco” in 1923. She grew up the
eldest of eleven brothers and sisters in
Emeryville and Oakland, California. She
married Koney Eng in 1946 and was wid-
owed in 1952 after having two children.
She lived in Philadelphia, Jersey City, New
Jersey, and Fresno, as well as in Oakland.
She got an AA in Management and
Supervision from Laney College in 1979
and returned to college after her retire-
ment to earn a BA in English Literature
from San Francisco State University in
1998.
Her working career began with the
federal government, after which she
worked as a medical assistant, then for Ala-
meda County. She retired as a Customer
Service representative for Equitable Life
Assurance.
She was always engaged in her com-
munity, serving in leadership roles in the
Chinese Young Women’s Association, the
Chinese Presbyterian Church of Oakland,
East Bay Medical Assistants Association,
Toastmasters International, and the North
Oakland Senior Center. She loved to travel
and had photos with friends all over the
world.
She lived her final years at Piedmont
Gardens Assisted Living in Oakland,
and died at Summit Medical Center. She
would have celebrated her 95th birthday
in August, 2018.
She is survived by her son, Koney Eng
Jr. and wife Ute; daughter Karen Eng; and
her granddaughters, Sierra Hampton-Eng
and husband Justin Kollar and their son
Owen; and Kelly Eng and her fiance Evan
Conyers. Her surviving siblings are Loris
Louie, Henry Chinn, Helen Bundock,
Nellie Fung, Edward Chinn, and Thomas
Chinn.
Editor’s Note: The Rockridge News
learned of Dorothy Eng’s passing away from
a letter sent by an anonymous neighbor-
hood acquaintance from her time living on
Broadway. The neighbor noted that, “She
left behind many friends and neighbors
from Rockridge and, later, Piedmont Gar-
. 7
January 5, 2019
dens. She hosted National Night Out for
her Broadway neighbors for many years,
bringing unity to the neighbor hood.
“She gave up her Broadway Rockridge
News delivery route in 2004, but never
gave up her love of the newsletter. Upon
request, | once delivered a copy of ®
newsletter to her at Piedmont Garden®
She was so happy to get news from the
old neighborhood.”
— —ii
RMeiassifieds
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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 94611. The classified ad
February issue deadline is January
17. The February issue will be out on
Februasry !. For information: Email Susan
Montauk via smontauk@gmail.com
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Your Rockridge Specialists-
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& 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
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 |bahena.
info@gmail.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. Chris
@ 510/655-0157.
Handyman for Hire
Multifaceted and well experienced. Hauling :
and towing available. No job too small.
Reasonably priced. Lee Self. 707/223-1298-
call and text.
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. }
Plug and Play Office Space
Second floor, approx. 1,350sqft. | Private
(room for 2), Conference room, Copy center,
Kitchenette, 9 cubicles (low partitions), very
roomy, Very Light Bright windows on 3 sides.
2 Parking places 510/612-2547.
Square Dance in North Oakland
Music by The Squirrelly String Band. Calling
Jordan Ruyle. Ist Fridays each month, 8 — |
All levels welcome; all dances taught on the spot
Come alone or bring friends. $5-10 sliding scale
donation. The Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library,
6501 Telegraph Ave. Info: squirrellystringband.com.
~~ eo EE ee eee err
January 5, 2019
Email Rockridge News Communit
(after noon), or mail to: Rockrid
to the last Tuesday of the month.
-—2..-—-2 @ —n On Ee a ee Se 206 eee SS Sea ee a ee Ce” = OF
Rdckridge News
: y Calendar items to: joellist@hotmail.com, phone 653-3210
eo” 1: Deadline is the aes ews Community Calendar, 4123 Broadway, PMB 311, Oakland,
Compiled by Jo Ellis
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Rockridge Branch Library
5366 College Avenue, 597-5017
FOR CHILDREN
« Family Story Time: Stories/son
gs/rhymes (for all
ages), Saturdays, 10:30am. ses
, 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.
Wednesdays, 10:10am.
* Chess Club: learn the basics; Instruction and
chess sets provided. Best for ages 8 to 12.
Wednesdays, 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 (except for Family Craft Night). Meets Jan
15 & 29, and Feb 5.
* Family Craft Night: Every 2nd Tues, 6:30-7:45pm.
@: 8th: Make a Bamboo Whirling Spinning
Fentrifuge Toy. Feb 12th: Valentines.
¢ Winter BINGO: For kids up to 12. Pick up BINGO
card; fill a row to win book of your choice. Collect
prize at the library now thru Jan 19.
¢ Drop-in Activity: Meet the Verb Monster & Adverb
Monster at the Children’s Desk, and take their
challenge! Mwah ha ha!
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 Sat.
each month, 1 to 2pm.
* Teen ‘Scape Program: Play video games and make
craft; every Tues, Thurs, and Fri, 3:30 - 5pm; Wed,
1:30 - 5pm (during school days).
¢ Study Room Hours: High school tutor available
for homework help. Tues, and Thurs 4 - Spm; Wed,
2:45 - 4pm (during school days).
* Make Felt Banners: with your message. 1/9, 2pm.
* Pulled String Art: abstract art with strings and
paint. 1/16, 2pm.
* Book Page Roses: make paper roses using old
book pages: 2/13, 2pm.
Decorate Stress Balls: with different faces, 2/6,
2pm.
Peer Circle, A Healing Space for Youth: series
f youth-led Restorative Justice (RJ) circles about
g ‘jationships, racism, social justice, and more. Safe
space provides young people an opportunity to
engage in community building and to learn skills to
become Ru leaders in their community. Age 11 and
up. (Gift cards available for participation). Second
Wednesdays, 4 - 5 pm.
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 selection:
997-5017.
¢ 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.
1st Tues each month; 6pm-8pm. Sign-up for lottery
starting 5pm; lottery at 5:45 pm.
* Knitting Meet-Up: Third Sat. each month, 3pm.
Bring your knit and crochet project; all levels.
* Digital Outreach for Writers: free workshop by
The Mystery Writers of America NorCal Chapter.
Includes social media, newsletters, websites, and
more. Sat, 1/26, 10:30am-1pm.
UPSTAIRS ART GALLERY
+ Jan: Kathy Goss: watercolor on fabric (by extracting
color from plant materials).
Library Hours
Tues, 12:30 to 8pm.
Wed, Thurs & Sat: 10am to 5:30pm.
Fri, 12 to 5:30pm.
Closed: Sun and Mon; also, Tues, 1/22.
East Bay Booksellers Book/Poetry
Readings
FREE and open to the public.
+ Thurs, 1/10, 7pm. Thomas Kohnstamm: Lake
City. In conversation with Broke-Ass Stuart
Schuffman.
+ Fri, 9/14, 7pm. Friday Night Poetry with Austin
Smith: Flyover Country & Dora Malech: Stet.
* Sun, 1/27, 3pm. Poetry Flash. Contact store for
more info,
* Tues,1/29, 7pm. Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore:
Sketchtasy.
East Bay Booksellers, 5433 College Ave. More info
abt. the authors, books and other events: 653-9965
or info@ebbooksellers.com.
Book Signing, Tastings, and
Conversations
Meet Nik Sharma, writer, photographer, recipe
developer and weekly SF Chronicle columnist. With
100 intriguing recipes and 270 stunning photographs,
his new cookbook, SEASON, offers the home cook
new ways to explore flavors and incorporate spices.
Taste recipes and ingredients, and get your books
signed. Sat, Feb 2, 1 to 3pm.
Market Hall Foods, 5655 College Ave. More info:
rockridgemarkethall.com or 250-6001.
= 15.
Volunteer at Chabot Space & Science
Center
Help families learn science through interactive and
hands-on science demonstrations. RSVP for Volunteer
Orientation: Sat, Feb 9, 10am to 12:30pm. Volunteers
work 8 hours per month (two shifts) to greet visitors,
share the activity schedules, work registration, and
usher people to theater seats, exhibits and telescopes.
For more information and to RSVP for orientation:
www.chabotspace.org/adult-volunteers.htm or
volunteers@chabotspace.org.
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.
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 reusable
bags. 5300 Claremont Ave. (off Telegraph) at DMV
parking lot.
Letters
from page 5
graduates of Oakland Tech and other local
high schools to get them. Affordable units
need to be available to local shop workers
so they don’t have to drive.
As someone who worked on The Sims
computer game, I know city development
is a system; it’s not merely building big-
ger buildings. If housing were a supply
problem, Baxter Apartments would be
fully rented (only about 4-6 units look oc-
cupied). I’m cautious about the new CCA
developer’s promises. We still don’t know
fully how or why The Ridge development
next to CCA failed. Instead of a vibrant
pedestrian center, we have a gravel waste-
land, four new fast food chains, and two
Starbucks all within two blocks of the
High School. Change may be inevitable,
but zoning exists to improve the quality of
life and to amplify the sustainable pedes-
trian-oriented values this community was
founded on.
I encourage people to reflect on what
makes living and working in Rockridge
special to them and to participate in the
conversation. It’s our community. This is
not SF or Walnut Creek. Let’s help CCA do
the right thing.
— Nicole Lazzaro, 26-year
Rockridge Small Business Owner
iE
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