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RockridgeNews
www.rockridge.org
THE
VOL 36 • NO. 4 • ISSUE NO. 374 • APRIL 6, 2020 CIRCULATION: 5,800 Residences; 200 Businesses
Sponsored by the Rockridge Community Planning Council (RCPC) • 4123 Broadway, PMB 311 • Oakland, CA 94611
Announcement:
Rockridge Community Planning Council
Postponement of Annual Meeting & Election of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Rockridge Community Planning Council
(RCPC), responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and consistent with
the Governor’s Declaration of a State of Emergency and the issuance of a
“Shelter in Place” order prohibiting large public meetings, has voted
unanimously to postpone RCPC’s Annual Meeting and Election of Directors,
previously scheduled to be held on April 16, 2020.
The new date for the Annual Meeting & Elections has been tentatively set for
Thursday, May 21, 2020, starting at 7pm
The meeting will be held, as usual, in the 2nd floor meeting room of
the Rockridge Branch Library, located at 5366 College Avenue.
Assuming that a quorum (25 members) is present at the May 21st meeting,
an additional opportunity for residents to vote will be provided on
Saturday, May 23rd, from 10am to 2pm
in the lobby of the Rockridge Branch Library.
please note:
Because the fluidity of the current emergency situation, it is possible that the RCPC
Annual Meeting and Election may need to be postponed further. If so, an additional
posting and/or other notification will be provided to Rockridge residents.
Please check the RCPC website: https://rockridge.org for further information
about the elections and the effects of the current emergency on the
Rockridge community. You may sign up on the website to receive electronic
notification of any further scheduling changes for the Annual Meeting, as well as
other notices important to the Rockridge community.
SPECIAL COVID-19 ISSUE
RockridgeNews
www.rockridge.org
THE
VOL 36 • NO. 4 • ISSUE NO. 374 • APRIL 4, 2020 CIRCULATION: 5,800 Residences; 200 Businesses
Sponsored by the Rockridge Community Planning Council (RCPC) • 4123 Broadway, PMB 311 • Oakland, CA 94611
Rockridge Community planning council
ANNUAL MEETING POSTPONED
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic,
the Board of Directors of the Rockridge Community
Planning Council has voted unanimously that
RCPC’s Annual Meeting and Election of Directors,
scheduled to be held on April 16, 2020, be POSTPONED.
A new date, once set, will be announced in
the next printed issue of The Rockridge News.
Please check the RCPC website: rockridge.org
for further information about the elections and the effects of the
current emergency on the Rockridge community.
You may also sign up online to receive electronic notification of
any further scheduling changes and announcements.
Inside this issue:
• Rockridge Business District Responds to covid-19
... see page 3
• Resources & Volunteer Opportunities: COVID-19
... see pages 4 & 5
SIGN POSTED AT
ATOMIC GARDEN
Be sure to click on the blue and underlined hotlinks, and display ads!
THE
page 2
APRIL 2020
Aurora School: A Learning Community
—by Robert Movradinov
Nestled in Upper Rockridge,
Aurora is a K-5 school that spe-
cializes in progressive education,
delivered in multi-graded classrooms —
kindergartners and first graders share
classrooms, as do second and third
graders; and fourth and fifth graders.
Like other schools in the area, on
Monday, March 16, with most Bay
Area families sheltering in place,
teachers began delivering lessons
remotely. They rose to the occasion
swiftly, recording their lessons,
checking in regularly via Zoom, and
providing schedules and resources to
support their students and families.
Tune in to the next edition of The
Rockridge News to find out how the
Aurora community has managed in
these unprecedented times. n
Teacher Annalyse Sheppard
delivers a reading lesson to her
Kindergarten and first graders
remotely. To make her lessons
more accessible, Annalyse often
begins with a personal story and
closes by telling her students,
“I believe in you.”
The Rockridge News was founded March 1986
by Don Kinkead, and is published monthly (except
August). It is sponsored by the Rockridge
Community Planning Council (RCPC), a nonprofit
public benefit organization founded to: preserve
and enhance the unique character of the Rockridge
neighborhood; promote the health, safety and
quality of life of its residents; furnish a forum for
community involvement; and provide leadership
and representation of neighborhood interests.
Rockridge News Production
Anna L. Marks ........................ Editor & Layout Artist
Jo Ellis...................................................Assistant Editor
& Community Calendar
Judith Doner Berne.......................Eyes on Rockridge
Susan Montauk................................Business Manager
RCPC Board of Directors, 2019-20
Leonora Sea..........................................................Chair
Vacant......................................................... Vice-Chair
Casey Farmer......................................... Co-Secretary
Andrew Masalin.................................... Co-Secretary
Ronnie Spitzer...............................................Treasurer
Stuart Flashman...........................Assistant Treasurer
Michelle Boyd, David Garcia, Mary Catherine
Haug, Matt Levy, Eric Lombardo, Robin Zimpfer
McDonnell
Contact the board: chair@rockridge.org
For information: info@rockridge.org
Contacting The Rockridge News
Are there community issues you’d like to see
covered in The Rockridge News? Have questions
about newsletter distribution? Want to volunteer
to be a Rockridge News block captain? Want to
write a letter to the Editor?
Articles submitted for publication should be
emailed to the editor. Submissions are limited
to 600 words, and must include the author’s
name, phone number, email address, and city or
neighborhood of residence.
All submissions are subject to editing for clarity
and brevity. To submit content, or for reprints of
an article, contact: editor@rockridge.org
Newsletter Subscriptions
To subscribe to The Rockridge News, send your
check for $20, payable to RCPC with “Rockridge
News” noted on the memo line.
Mail payment to:
The Rockridge News,
4123 Broadway, PMB 311, Oakland, CA 94611
Display Advertising
Deadline for May issue: April 16, 2020
Advertising rates are $28/column inch. Six-month
pre-pay rate available. For display ads, call Jo Ellis
at 510-653-3210 (after noon), or email joellis1@
hotmail.com. RCPC reserves the right to refuse any
display or classified ad that it deems inappropriate.
Email smontauk at smountauk@gmail.com for
information on classified ads.
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.
THE
page 3
APRIL 2020
ROCKRIDGE BUSINESS DISTRICT RESPONDS TO COVID-19
— Compiled by Chris Jackson
uring this time of Shelter-In-Place, local restaurants have altered their hours and services to meet the needs of our
community. Athough the Rockridge Business District is endeavoring to keep this information current,
please click on the names below to find the websites, or call ahead to confirm the services provided. Information
remains fluid and some business may be open that are not included here. Please help keep this list updated at https://
www.rockridgedistrict.com/home. Thank you for supporting Rockridge merchants during these unprecedented times.
D
Becky’s Chinese Restaurant
5620 College Avenue
Open for take-out orders only. You can
order online via Grubhub.com. Chinese
staples, including dim sum, hot and sour
soup, and Sichuan chicken served in a
comfy setting.
Crepevine
5600 College Avenue
Crepevine is open for phone orders and
take-out only. Built and created by our
family to be a gathering place for families,
friends, professionals, and students.
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
6300 College Avenue
Ike’s is open from 10am to 7pm daily for
take-out orders. Casual, bustling chain
serving a menu of creative sandwiches,
including vegan options.
The Golden Squirrel
5940 College Avenue
The Golden Squirrel is open for pick up
and delivery from 3pm-9pm daily. To
order pick up, visit our website or call
(510) 735-9220. They offer beer or wine
to go. You can also order delivery via
Grubhub, Caviar, and UberEats. A family
friendly pub featuring 24 rotating beer
tap handles, a full liquor license, and
creative twists on classic pub fare.
Jules Thin Crust
5804 College Avenue
Jules Thin Crust is open for take-out and
delivery orders via Doordash, Postmates,
and UberEats. Gluten Intolerant? Vegan?
Vegetarian? They have your back, and
offer 3 types of organic crusts (including
a special gluten-free crust).
Belotti Ristorante
5403 College Avenue
Open for full menu take out from
12pm-8pm, Mon-Sat. Traditional Italian
cooking with a modern touch. A relaxed
and casual space to escape from any
hectic day.
Ben ‘N Nick’s
5612 College Avenue
Open for take-out Sat-Thurs,
11:30am-10pm and Fri 11:30am-11pm.
Great pub food, local and hard to find
beers, and well-crafted cocktails with an
easy-going atmosphere.
Khana Peena
5316 College Avenue
Khana Peena is open for lunch and
dinner, take out or delivery. All of the
Indian spices are fresh and of artisan
quality, handpicked by family members
in India.
Great Wall Chinese
6247 College Avenue
Great Wall Chinese is open regular hours,
11am-9:30pm, and offers online ordering.
This Chinese restaurant is known for its
modern interpretation of classic dishes
and its insistence on only using high
quality fresh ingredients.
Boichick Bagels
3170 College Avenue
Visit https://app.upserve.com/s/boi-
chik-bagels-berkeley to place your online
order, starting at 5am on the same day of
parking-lot pickup. They tend to sell out
by late morning. Stay in your car, and call
(510) 858-5189 for them to bring it out
to you. Bagels, lox and all the fixins’ that
you love.
Mitama
3201 College Avenue
Mitama is open from 12pm-8pm for take-
out orders. Delivery options are coming
soon. Serving authentic Japanese cuisine
with an array of options such as sushi,
sashimi, ramen, udon, bento boxes, and
other delicious appetizers and entrees.
High Peaks Kitchen
5299 College Avenue
High Peaks is open for take-out orders
or delivery via Doordash. Having been
exiled from Tibet, all of their team mem-
bers have experience in diverse culinary
backgrounds from our upbringing in
India.
Pucquio
5337 College Avenue
Pucquio is open for curbside pick up
during our regular business hours. Or, get
your order with free delivery from them
directly, or through Grubhub, UberEats,
and Postmates. Pucquio humbly pays
homage to the ancient traditions of the
Peruvian cuisine.
Cactus Taqueria
5642 College Avenue
Cactus Taqueria is open for take-out
service only from 11am-7pm. Cactus is
all about freshness, sustainability and
the traditional, mouthwatering flavors of
Mexico.
Holy Basil Pho
5362 College Avenue
Holy Basil Pho is open for take-out only.
You can order delivery via Doordash and
Caviar. Vietnamese specializing in the
hot rice-noodle soup originally sold on
the streets of Hanoi a century ago.
Cole Coffee
6255 College Avenue
Cole Coffee is open from 7am-5pm for
coffee beans, tea, espresso drinks and
pastries. The cafe is closed for food ser-
vice. The same fresh roasted beans and
expert service that has made their coffee a
daily staple for many in the community.
SHOP
ROCKRIDGE
Hudson Bay Cafe
5401 College Avenue
Open 11am-8:30pm for takeout only.
(Hours may vary; call for info.) They offer
a variety of premium coffees and teas, as
well as a pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
See Rockridge Businesses, page 6
THE
page 4
APRIL 2020
COVID19 RESOURCES AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
his list was compiled from various sources, and The Rockridge News would
like to thank all those who have posted resources online over the last few
weeks. Many of the following links are being updated on a continual basis, so
check back to make sure you have the most current information.
T
Yasai Market
6301 College Avenue, will deliver fresh pro-
duce and grocery items. They will also bring
it to your car. Place your order by calling (510)
655-4880, or send a text to (510) 499-9898,
hours: 10am-5pm.
City Resources:
Donate Blood:
Free Meals for Students
Due to a severe blood shortage as a result of
cancelled drives, now is a good time to donate
blood. Make an appointment at the Red Cross
Blood Bank, 6230 Claremont Avenue.
City of Oakland COVID-19 Resources,
Updates and News:
Given the rapidly changing nature of this
emergency, the City of Oakland has created a
webpage where you sign up for email updates:
Oakland Unified is offering 12 pick-up
locations with “Grab and Go” breakfasts and
lunches: https://www.ousd.org/covid-19stu-
dentmeals
Food – Home Delivery:
City of Berkeley COVID-19 Info
Good local info and stats.
FooD STORES – Curbside
Pickup/Delivery:
Oakland Chamber’s “Oakland’s Open” is an
updated list of take-out and delivery services.
Meals on Wheels distributes nutritious meals
to homebound seniors: https://www.feed-
ingseniors.org/
County Resources:
Market Hall Foods
Offering parking lot pickup, and senior shop-
ping from 9-9:30am. Order online for pickup,
call by 2pm the day prior (510) 250-6001.
Find out about preparedness for the commu-
nity at large at: http://www.acphd.org/
2019-ncov/resources/community.aspx
Revolution Foods
Serving those in need during school closures,
see their Emergency Feeding Relief Plans
online at: https://www.revolutionfoods.com/
Star Meats
At Star Market, 3068 Claremont, has curbside
pickup, call (510) 652-7712.
Disability Insurance Benefits (SDI):
This program provides insurance for those
unable to work for more than 8 days due to
illness (such as COVID) or injury unrelated to
your job. See Legal Aid at Work.
Edible East Bay
Hosts an online guide to programs that offer
farm-direct produce for local pickup: https://
edibleeastbay.com/supportlocal-resources/
csa-guide/
Posted in Berkeleyside:
https://www.berkeleyside.com/2020/03/18/
east-bay-restaurants-offering-curbside-no-
contact-pick-up-or-in-house-delivery
A Community-Updated Spreadsheet
Posted to Nextdoor: https://docs.google.com/
spreadsheets/d/1wioqnD7aU9jQ6g4vJiYtIqh-
fLthjOeLmhr7ejwzAQIM/edit#gid=0
The Fruit Guys
Partnering with hospitals and food banks to
supply fresh fruit. They are also accepting
donations. Enter “House25” at checkout for
25% discount.
A Live Map of Open Restaurants
Posted to Nextdoor by Ethan Teng): https://
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wioqnD7aU-
9jQ6g4vJiYtIqhfLthjOeLmhr7ejwzAQIM/
edit#gid=0
Whole Foods
Offering free 2-hour delivery for those with
Amazon Prime Now
https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/amazon/
grocery-delivery-and-pickup. Open 9am-8pm
daily.
more resources next page
THE
page 5
APRIL 2020
Financial Assistance:
and Lyft drivers, are eligible for unemploy-
ment insurance because many of them have
been reclassified . Legal Aid at Work provides
details on this and more.
The Rockridge District Association (RDA)
An online list of local restaurants offering
take out food (see page 3 of this issue).
Pacific Gas & Electric
In addition to suspending shutoffs during this
time, PG&E is offering finacial assistance for
residents (click here for link).
Temescal/Telegraph Business
Improvement District
Hosts a site to support local businesses:
https://temescaldistrict.org/covid-19/
Relief Funds:
City of Oakland COVID-19 Business &
Nonprofit Impact Data Survey:
This survey serves as the intake method for
those impacted by COVID-19.
Oakland and Berkeley have established relief
funds for those impacted by the crisis. To find
out what the funds support, and how you can
contribute, go to https://www.oaklandfund.
org/ and https://berkeleyrelieffund.org/
Transportation:
East Bay MUD
Will not disconnect service due to nonpay-
ment. Customer assistance is available.
AC Transit
As of March 31, AC transit will be modifying
its schedule. Bus fares have been waived until
further notice. Please board from rear doors.
Oakland Food Service Workers COVID-
19 Relief Fund
has been created on gofundme. Donate and
support local food service workers here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/relief-fund-for-
oakland-restaurant-workers
Oakland Small Biz Emergency Grants
Provides working capital up to $5000
BART Updates
Closes at 9pm. Saturday, Sunday 8am-9pm.
Emergency Fund for Freelancers:
KQED resource list for those losing income
but not eligible for unemployment insurance.
Parking Meters & Parking Restrictions
Street cleaning will continue, but Oakland is
suspending parking enforcement and ticketing
until further notice (except yellow, white and
red curbs).
The Oakland Chamber of Commerce
has created a list of resources for individuals
and businesses seeking support and informa-
tion, click here for more information.
Labor & Workforce Development Agency
Offering employer and worker guidance
during the epidemic.
Oakland Fund for Public Innovation
Offering a COVID-19 Relief fund with imme-
diate grants to nonprofits working on the
frontlines: https://www.oaklandfund.org/
Mental Health Services:
Volunteer Opportunities:
Mental Health Association of San
Francisco
A peer-led social justice community dedicated
to progressive mental health issues. Get
immediate support through the Warm Line:
https://www.mentalhealthsf.org/peer-run-
warmline/
Nextdoor
Volunteers for neighbors at high risk:
https://nextdoor.com/help_map
Paid Family Leave:
Paid Family Leave provides benefits to Cal-
ifornians who care for ill family members,
including registered domestic partners.
East Bay Mutual Aid
Collecting data for those seeking financial
assistance, as well as volunteers, to help fill the
gap in federally available services.
Request aid: http://bit.ly/east-bay-mutual-aid
Volunteer: http://bit.ly/east-bay-volunteer
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
A forgivable loan for those with economic
hardships due to the shutdowns.
Parent Support:
Safe & Sound is offering a parent support line:
https://safeandsound.org/for-parents/.
Scholly
Personalized scholarship platform is offering
$200 cash to students and families.
Alameda County Community Food Bank
Needs volunteers. If you are able, and have no
virus symptoms, please call (510) 635-3663 or
visit: https://www.accfb.org.
Small Business Support
Services:
Unemployment Insurance:
Apply online at EDD.ca.gov, check here for
eligibility. The federal bill provides an extra
$600 per week, up to four months, for those
receiving unemployment benefits. Under
California law, contract workers, like Uber
Gift Cards:
Add your business and website information to
take part in gift card promotions:
https://givelocal.co/city/Oakland
Meals on Wheels
Provides homebound seniors with nutritious
meals and wellness checks. Seeking volunteers
and donations: www.feedingseniors.org. n
How much more might
you make by
listing with Daniel?
$1,036
per SF
Your Home’s SF
$110 x _________ = $__________???
$926
per SF
510.843.6400
Rockridge
Average
2019 sales price per SF in Rockridge per MLS
Daniel’s Average
5315 COLLEGE AVENUE ◆ OAKLAND, CA 94618
THE
page 6
APRIL 2020
Welcome New Block
Captain Jen Miller
Rockridge Businesses
from page 3
Uzen
5415 College Avenue
Uzen is open for take-out orders only.
Authentic and cozy neighborhood sushi
spot, perfect for hanging out with family
and friends.
RareTea
5817 College Avenue
RareTea is open for take-out between
2pm-6pm. RareTea is a well-known and
popular boba tea brand in Northern CA.
Wendy’s
5211 Broadway
Wendy’s is available for drive-thru,
mobile, and delivery orders. Meals made
using fresh ingredients are just one of the
many things that make them deliciously
different.
Rikyu Japanese Restaurant
5335 College Avenue
Rikyu Japanese is open for take-out from
11:30pm-2pm and 5pm-8pm. After 25
years of preparing authentic Japanese
cuisine for exceptional restaurants, Chef
Tatsuya Koyake opened his own space to
share his passion for cooking.
Wood Tavern
6317 College Avenue
Wood Tavern is open for take-out orders
only. A contemporary, rustic neighbor-
hood restaurant serving an American
brasserie experience.
Soi 4
5421 College Avenue
SOI 4 will be open for take-outs and
deliveries only. Curb-side pickup is avail-
able. The menu is a modern take on the
traditional through the use of fresh local
ingredients, sustainable practice, and cre-
ative approach to authentic Thai dishes.
Yimm
6048 College Avenue
Yimm is open for take-out and delivery
from 5pm-9pm. For take-out, call directly
at (510) 250-9678 and pay by credit card
at the time of order. Curbside pick up is
available. For delivery, please order online
via UberEats and Grubhub. Homespun
Thai food, rice plates and salads in cozy,
minimalist surrounds.
Jen Milley and her daughter
Cassidy will be delivering to the
500 blocks of Forest and Martin.
Jen says her daughter loves the
job and is a natural. Thank you
Jen and Cassidy, and all the other
Rockridge News volunteers who
deliver in rain or shine.
Southie
6311 College Avenue
Open for take-out orders, call (510) 654-
6607. They are a small, lively restaurant
serving terrific sandwiches by day and
a delicious dinner by night, thanks to
Executive Chef Esteban Escobar.
Zachary’s Pizza
5801 College Avenue
Zachary’s Pizza is open for take-out only
and has limited hours. Place orders over
the phone or online for pickup. Delivery
is available via DoorDash, Uber Eats, and
Caviar. Over 175 “best pizza” awards. The
Zachary’s Stuffed Chicago Style pizza is
the stuff of legends. n
Sukho Thai
5498 College Avenue
Sukho Thai is open for take-out or deliv-
ery via Doordash and Postmates. The
menu reflects traditional dishes, vegetar-
ian, and an additional organic menu as it
is their expertise.
Experience * Knowledge * Performance
Be healthy, Be safe, We are all in this together!
Pending: 5340 Broadway Terrace #208 Rare 3BD 2BA condo with wraparound terrace $695k list
Coming on after SIP over: 7133Norfolk.com, 2000 build, 3,800 sqft, 4BD 4.5BA, $1,849,000 list
Coming on after SIP over: 637 55th St 2+ bed 2 bath craftsman, huge south facing yard, $795k list
April is month to Celebrate Diversity & Hope, Appreciate Lawns/Gardens, Jazz, Dog Fitness
Feeling grateful for family, friends, neighbors, healthcare providers, essential service workers!
Perry Riani, Senior Associate
2016 Realtor of the Year
1900 Mountain Blvd Oakland, CA 94611
1625 Shattuck Ave Berkeley, CA 94709
C: 510.813.3799 Perry.Riani@Compass.com
License # 01402540
THE
page 7
APRIL 2020
Oakland Unified
School District
Announces Winners of
Census Poster Contest
Hundreds of Oakland students
competed in the Census 2020
Poster Contest where they were
invited to design a poster to encour-
age Census participation. The winners
were selected based on creativity,
composition and effective messaging.
The Oakland Unified School Dis-
trict announced the winners, and they
include local students from Oakland
Tech: Kai B (poster on right), an 11th
grader, won first place and a $500
prize; 11th grader Clementine H,
won second place, and a $250 prize;
and Gitanjali S (poster bottom right),
a 10th grader, won 3rd place along
with Peralta 5th grader Dashiell R
(poster below), who each received
$100. The prize money is provided by
the Alameda County Office of Educa-
tion’s 2020 Census outreach program.
As a result of the current school clo-
sures, the announcement was delayed,
and the printing and posting won’t
be possible to the extent that was
planned. Therefore, all winning post-
ers will be used to spread the word
virtually throughout the country. n
Complete the CENSUS now online at my2020census.gov
THE
page 8
APRIL 2020
Bear Hunt for Kids: Good Fun for
Trying Times
— by Theresa Nelson
About a week ago, I read a post on
Nextdoor from a mother in the
Bushrod area asking neighbors to put
a stuffed bear in their windows, for a
“teddy bear hunt” she could do as a
treasure hunt while out walking with
her children. With sheltering-in-place
and limited time outdoors, this seemed
like a sweet way to entertain kids with-
out them getting too close to others.
The idea came from the well-loved
children’s book from 1989 called We’re
Going on a Bear Hunt, by Michael
Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, which
also inspired a popular children’s song.
Remembering this book from my own
daughter’s childhood, I realized that
although we no longer had a teddy
bear, we did have a stuffed snowy owl,
so up it went in our window.
Neighbor Eliza Bee had put together
a Google map showing the locations
of all the bears she had read about on
Nextdoor, so I sent her my address.
Then the original posting became
lengthy, so I reposted the idea a few
days later, with instructions to contact
Eliza Bee via Nextdoor to get an
address on the map.
Dozens of Nextdoor messages later,
more than 150 bears and other stuffed
animals are marked on the map,
sprinkled throughout North Oakland,
down to highway 580 and the Grand
Lake area. More maps have sprung up
in other areas, and now, even across
the globe.
Thank you Eliza Bee, who has been
updating the map. Contact Eliza and
add your stuffed animal by sending
her a message via Nextdoor. n
Sewer Problems?
Pipe Spy Can Help!
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Camera Pipe Inspection
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Sewer Service & Repair
$15 off camera inspections
$
510-465-3000
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Lic #: 754966
THE
page 9
APRIL 2020
Neighbors Extend A Safety Net of Support To The Local Community
— by Jorja Siemons
Amid the chaos and fear, the Bay
Area is gathering. Using the
Internet, neighborhood organizations,
and a spirit of camaraderie, people are
serving the needs of the elderly, the
immune-compromised, and the young.
Among these citizens are Krista
Luchessi and Paige Wheeler Fleury,
founders of the new local initiative,
Oakland at Risk (https://www.oak-
landatrisk.com/) that matches healthy
adults under the age of 60, with the
vulnerable — forging connections that
can lead to grocery and prescription
deliveries, phone check-ins, and other
necessary services.
Luchessi and Fleury launched
the initiative in early March as an
extension of their passion for service.
Luchessi, the director of a program
that provides groceries to low-income
seniors, had witnessed eleven program
sites close for health precautions, leav-
ing many in food deserts.
Fleury, with a similar background,
joined forces with Luchessi to fix this
problem. Fleury now heads the day-
to-day operation, a big job considering
that currently 1,000 volunteers and 120
high risk individuals have signed up.
“I really think it’s helping people
find a way to make a positive impact,”
says Fleury, who considers the com-
munity response to be “overwhelming
and positive,” making the process
extremely gratifying.
Nevertheless, challenges remain with
how to reach people, especially seniors,
who don’t access social media or the
Internet. To help identify the needy,
Fleury continually advocates commu-
nity involvement. “My biggest ask is to
get the word out to anyone who is an
elder or otherwise immune-compro-
mised,” Fleury says.
To volunteer, or request help from
Oakland at Risk, individuals only
have to fill out a Google Form on their
website. By providing home addresses,
matches can be made between people
and Zuparko, Mills feels her work has
not just benefited others, but has also
kept her optimistic. “I love working
with kids,” she says. “This is helping
my day go by faster.” n
who live near each other, making the
experience extremely efficient. There’s
also another reason to prioritize geo-
graphical closeness. “We are building
connections that last beyond the
pandemic,” Fleury says. By getting to
know one another, these safety net-
works can be long lasting.
To become a changemaker, fill out an
Oakland at Risk application, or apply
to volunteer with East Bay Mutual
Aid. If you need help, you can request
a match at www.oaklandatrisk.com.
Volunteers Step Up
Like Fleury and Luchessi, Bay Area
resident Robert Zuparko has also
been reaching out to seniors. As a
volunteer at North Oakland Village,
Zuparko helps seniors live inde-
pendently in their homes, which has
given him community organization
experience. Using a neighborhood
email list, Zuparko created a system
where seniors can send their shopping
lists to a clearinghouse person, who
then directs volunteers to buy and
deliver groceries and supplies.
Zuparko has corralled 30 or so
neighbors ready to act as drivers. “We
are all set to implement this system,
although (knock on wood) we haven’t
had the need to yet,” Zuparko says.
“But I for one feel much better know-
ing this system is now in place.”
Young children are also suffering
from shelter-in-place policies. Needing
a social, active learning environment,
many children cannot fully immerse
themselves in online school. This is
the problem that Rockridge resident
Maddie Mills is trying to mitigate. A
Piedmont preschool teacher forced out
of work after school closures, Mills
decided to post on Nextdoor to offer
daycare and teaching services. Several
families responded and now Mills
works in a nanny share with kinder-
garten-age boys. Working with her new
students every weekday, Mills leads
schoolwork and directs free time — all
from the home of one of the families.
This new childcare method has
allowed families to still receive nec-
essary services. Like Fleury, Luchessi,
THE
page 10
APRIL 2020
Don’t Let The Breaking News Break Your Spirit
— by Cathy Berman, NP, LMFT
Yes, I was one of those in Trader
Joe’s on a recent Friday night,
(pre-lockdown), teetering on the
tightrope between “panic/load up your
cart,” “breathe,” and “will I ever use
all of these packets of dal?!” Emotional
contagion is powerful, and we are
extremely susceptible with the 24/7
news cycle and this unchartered terri-
tory of the coronavirus pandemic.
I’m grateful to live in Rockridge
which I’ve called home for half of my
life. Neighbors are outside visiting
from porch to porch; distance-walk-
ing dogs; kids with smiles; neighborly
greetings; and nightly quarantine
sing-a-longs. Facetime with family
and friends has been a meaningful
connection and I’m sure my dog is
blissed out with the extra walks and
company. I am fortunate to be able
to continue my therapy practice via
phone and video.
I’ve been learning new coping skills
to lift my spirit and increase my
capacity to deal with uncertainty from
my community. I hope that these
suggestions will reinforce what you
already know or expand your toolbox.
• To manage information overload,
try to find your favorite fact-based
news source (not fear-mongering) and
limit the time you spend reviewing
updates each day. Look for news that
focuses on daily progress vs. gloom
and doom.
• The same goes for worries — try
to schedule ten minutes/day to write
down your worries, plan how to
address them and put aside what is
out of your control. Respect yours and
others’ limits for input and end over-
whelming conversations. All of this
helps to manage anxiety, and to allow
for your range of emotional responses
to this unprecedented series of events.
• Furthermore, we can feel some
sense of control by doing our best
with social distancing, proper hand
washing, staying in when symptomatic
Continued on page 11
Z ϬϭϮϲϱϴϳϯͮϬϭϳϵϴϲϱϴ
Thoughts & Prayers To All While We Shelter In Place
Closing date
BR
BA
Address Original price List price
DOM
Selling price
3/04/2020
2
1
5340 Broadway Terrace $675,000
$675,000
13
$725,000
3/12/2020
3
2
5645 Broadway $1,150,000
$1,150,000
7
$1,530,000
3/20/2020
2
2
5416 Broadway $779,000
$779,000
12
$890,000
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some creative & safe ideas. Call us... There are lots of buyers still looking for a home.
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ƉƵƌƉŽƐĞƐŽŶůLJĂŶĚŝƐĐŽŵƉŝůĞĚĨƌŽŵƐŽƵƌĐĞƐĚĞĞŵĞĚƌĞůŝĂďůĞďƵƚŚĂƐŶŽƚďĞĞŶǀĞƌŝĨŝĞĚ͘ŚĂŶŐĞƐŝŶƉƌŝĐĞ͕ĐŽŶĚŝƚŝŽŶ͕ƐĂůĞŽƌǁŝƚŚĚƌĂǁĂůŵĂLJďĞŵĂĚĞǁŝƚŚŽƵƚŶŽƚŝĐĞ͘EŽƐƚĂƚĞŵĞŶƚŝƐŵĂĚĞĂƐƚŽĂĐĐƵƌĂĐLJŽĨ
ĂŶLJĚĞƐĐƌŝƉƚŝŽŶ͘ůůŵĞĂƐƵƌĞŵĞŶƚƐĂŶĚƐƋƵĂƌĞĨŽŽƚĂŐĞĂƌĞĂƉƉƌŽdžŝŵĂƚĞ͘
THE
page 11
APRIL 2020
Continued from page 10
Google to visit with her buddies.
Kids of all ages are taking time to
video chat with parents and grandpar-
ents. Staying connected is especially
important to decrease the sense of iso-
lation for everyone, most importantly
those living alone. The best phrase I’ve
heard all week is “social distancing
does not mean emotional distancing.”
So, when you are out walking, make
eye contact, smile, greet people — it’s
uplifting.
• Helping others is a known mood-
booster, and it gives us a sense of
agency and purpose. There are many
people across the country offering to
deliver groceries, check in on elderly
and disabled neighbors and feed the
homeless. We can all benefit from
listening to generous musicians of all
genres who are performing free online
concerts. There is endless potential
for us to help each other, even at a
distance.
• This is a unique moment in history.
Journaling can help us to document
our experiences for future generations
as well as providing an outlet for dif-
ficult emotions. Remember that fear,
sadness, and anxiety are contagious
emotions (hoarding of massive rolls
of toilet paper), whereas calm and
compassion are contagious too.
From kids to the elderly, we all
need to allow for this natural range of
responses in each other to the rapid
change and uncertainty and to find
solace in knowing we are all in this
together. Whenever possible, offer and
seek out support and connection. n
Cathy Berman is a licensed Marriage
& Family Therapist specializing in
women’s mental health at the Rock-
ridge Wellness Center. Contact (510)
798-6570; www.cathybermanmft.com.
and then engaging in our daily respon-
sibilities, as well as all of those things
for which we never have time. When
you feel anxious, scared or sad about
our current status, allow yourself com-
passion, let the feelings through, talk to
someone you trust.
• Find your comfort zone through
relaxation, breathing exercises,
meditation, yoga, dancing, singing,
reading, napping, walking, biking,
jogging, petting your pets, taking
a bath, cooking, crafting, playing
an instrument, binge-watching and
learning new skills online. These
activities will help shift your focus
from the worries while engaged. Your
brain can literally change channels.
• We all have different strengths
and challenges. Young adults are espe-
cially skilled at connecting through
Facetime lunch groups, video chats,
etc. Even my 90 year-old mom was
able to learn how to use Hang-Out on
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THE
page 12
APRIL 2020
COME VISIT US AT
THE CORNER OF
LIFE & CHANGE
Take Time for Yourself to Keep Healthy
— By Dr. Ratka Mira Popovic, DACM, CMT, RYT
If you find yourself idled then its
time to take stock of your health.
By the time the Shelter-In-Place order
is lifted, will you want to resume
business as usual? Personally speak-
ing, I hope not.
Our American culture is not about
resting but about producing. Our
indoctrination is so strong that we
are hard-pressed to recognize this
trait within others or ourselves. Rest
is the primary way to support your
immunity even if you have pre-exist-
ing health concerns. This time-out
can be a chance to address personal
challenges that we have been avoid-
ing and possibly losing sleep over.
According to the Center for Dis-
ease Control an average of thirty-five
percent of Americans get less than
the recommended 7 hours of sleep
per night with negative impacts to
their health across all demographics
(sex, race and age). Lack of sleep
leads to poor cognition, inflamma-
tory responses, suppressed immunity
and a plethora of increased health
risks. It isn’t just the amount of sleep
that you get but the quality of sleep
that can put you at risk for health
issues (https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/
data_statistics.html).
We are all working together to
reduce the spread of COVID-19 and
quelling our own fears by instilling
healthier habits. So go ahead, enjoy
your rest while you stay flexible in
mind, body and spirit, and keep a
healthier perspective. n
Dr. Popovic has had a complementary
medicine practice, Nectar Health, since
1991, and is located at the Rockridge
Wellness Center. Visit www.nectar-
health.net; (510) 967-7563.
THE
page 13
APRIL 2020
Statement from District 1 Councilmember Dan Kalb
B
y now, virtually all of us in Oak-
land are aware of the challenges
and impacts of the COVID-19 public
health emergency and the necessary
Alameda County Shelter-at-Home
Order, now extended to May 3, 2020.
pause on collection of mortgages for
property owners who can show that
they have been financially impacted
by the COVID-19 crisis.
While property taxes are still due by
April 10 (per State law), I’m happy to
report that all interest, penalties and
late fees for those who can attest to
having a financial hardship due to the
crisis will be waived. See details here.
I also authored (w/Council Presi-
dent Kaplan) a Resolution allocating
additional funding to collect trash
at homeless encampments more fre-
quently. Additionally, with assistance
from the State, County officials are
using two hotels in Oakland to house
homeless residents. We are working
on identifying more for this purpose.
While anyone can contract the
virus, I’ve been particularly concerned
about densely-populated senior com-
munities and assisted living facilities.
I have urged these residential facilities
to fully adhere to all requirements and
suggested protocols including serving
meals in each resident’s living unit
and closing shared dining rooms.
We have been hearing from resi-
dents concerned about paying their
rent, mortgage and other bills, as well
as managing work and children all
at home. My hard-working staff are
working full days from their homes
and we are doing our best to respond
to the many questions we are receiv-
ing in my office. I will be hosting
a virtual town hall in mid-April to
present info and answer questions
regarding all pressing issues.
Thanks to generous donations,
mostly from Bay Area foundations,
the City of Oakland has created the
Oakland Relief Fund. I successfully
urged East Bay Community Energy
to make a sizeable donation.
I have been working with my Coun-
cil colleagues, Mayor Schaaf and our
City Administrator, as well as county
and State officials, to do what we can
to manage the impacts of this public
health crisis. If you are looking for
answers relating to small business
financial assistance and info on fed-
eral assistance, go to this link.
I co-authored our Emergency
Eviction Moratorium, passed by the
Council on March 27. This temporary
law prohibits evictions of residents,
small businesses and nonprofits
through the end of May. It also pro-
hibits rent increases (above the CPI)
and late fees on residential tenants.
Unfortunately, state law and the
Governor’s executive orders do not
allow cities to pause rent increases on
small business tenants. I am encour-
aging commercial property owners to
work with their small business and
nonprofit tenants and consider low-
ering their rent in the short term to
keep our small businesses intact.
The Governor did come to a pos-
itive agreement with 200 banks and
mortgage lenders to institute a 90-day
If you have a question about the City’s
response to this crisis, please contact
me and my staff at dkalb@oaklandca.
gov. Please stay safe.
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THE
page 14
APRIL 2020
Oakland Earth Day 2020
Claremont Middle
School PTA Still
Needs You
Tperson, people can still organize and
take actions for the Earth from home.
The City of Oakland will be sharing
resources for digital and home-based
Earth stewardship and inviting the
public’s input throughout April
online (https://www.oaklandca.gov/
topics/oakland-earth-day-2020) and
through City of Oakland social media
platforms. Please check for more
information. n
his April marks the 26th annual
Oakland Earth Day, as well as the
50th anniversary of the first Earth
Day, which was held on April 22, 1970.
Fifty years ago it was estimated that
20 million people organized across the
United States and around the world
and helped catalyze the modern envi-
ronmental movement.
Though for the time being, due
to COVID-19, we can’t show up in
—by Shona Armstrong
If you have a student at Claremont
Middle School and you want the
school to get back up and running
as smoothly as possible next year,
support the activities of the PTA.
No experience necessary. A positive,
can-do attitude is a must. We are
looking to fill the following key
positions open for the 2020-2021
Executive Board.
• President: runs board and gen-
eral meetings, prepares agendas,
works closely with the principal to
identify best ways to support students
and staff.
• VP of Fundraising: leads the Cla-
remont fund campaign, assists the
auction leads, and recruits leaders for
the pancake breakfast.
• VP of Events: helps find leads for
events like Rockridge Out & About
and Pi / STEAM Night. Two people
can share this role and attending the
events is not necessary.
All positions provide great opportu-
nities to get to know other parents at
Claremont, help build our Claremont
community, and build your resume
while you are at it. Please contact Amy
Golden at amgolden@yahoo.com. n
Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council Meeting
—by Karen Ivy
The Greater Rockridge Neighbor-
hood Crime Prevention Council
(NCPC) will hold a virtual meeting
on Thursday, April 9, via Zoom,
thanks to the cooperation of Vivek
Bhatia, of the Bhatia Group.
The meeting begins at 7pm. Click
on the link here; and wait a few
minutes before 7pm to join in. Email
chair@rockridgencpc.com if you have
any problem connecting with the
service.
You can also subscribe to one of
the email groups: RockridgeNeigh-
borhoodWatchNetwork@groups.io;
RockridgeNCPC@groups.io. n
law office of
dave karlinsky
725 washington st., suite 313 oakland, ca 94607
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