Extracted text · highlighting “Muhammad Alameldin”

www.rockridge.org
R ckridgeNews

THE

VOL 39   •   NO. 9   •   ISSUE  NO. 423   •   OCTOBER 5, 2024                 CIRCULATION: 6,400 RESIDENCES; 200 BUSINESSES

Sponsored by the Rockridge Community Planning Council (RCPC)  •  4900 Shattuck Ave., PO Box 22504, Oakland, 94609

RCPC/NCPC Joint Town Hall
Thursday, October 10, 7pm
Rockridge Library
Upstairs Conference Room
(Sweets and snacks provided)
Join the Rockridge Community Planning
Council and the Greater Rockridge
Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council at
a meeting regarding Measure NN, a public
safety funding bill, which is on the ballot in
November (replacing Measure Z).
This joint meeting will discuss the issues
around renewing the police, fire, and
violence prevention funding provided
by Measure Z, which expires at the
end of 2024.

Photo: Anna L Marks

The 15th Biannual Rockridge Kitchen Tour
is Almost Here: Get Your Tickets Now!
From Craftsman to Modern… See How Rockridge Cooks

A Zoom link is available to those who wish
to attend remotely. For more details,
visit www.rockridgencpc.com
The Greater Rockridge NCPC meets every
2nd Thursday of even-numbered months.
by Star Lightner, Rockridge Kitchen Tour Chair
M
Don’t Miss the
Rockridge Halloween
Parade: October 27
aybe you’ve seen the posters and
banners around Rockridge; the
Rockridge Kitchen Tour is almost
here. If you love design and want an
inside look at how Rockridge kitchens
are being updated, don’t miss this
amazing tour — now in its 30th year!
— Sunday, October 13 from 12:30
to 5:30pm.
This self-paced, mostly walking tour
allows you to see an impressive array
of eight newly renovated kitchens and
two brand new ADUs, ranging from
classic Craftsman to sleek modern,
and many styles in between, as well
as a diversity of sizes and budgets.
See the very latest in kitchen design
and chat with architects, designers,
and contractors. The homes this year
are located all over the neighborhood
— from Broadway to near Frog Park
and just off College near Clifton and
Hudson.
Don’t forget that the Rockridge
Kitchen Tour is also the major fund-
raiser for Rockridge Community
Halloween Parade, see next page
Tickets are Now Available
Advance tickets are $50 (plus fees)
and on the day of the event for $55
(plus fees.) Purchase tickets at https://
rockridgekitchentour.com or by using
the QR code below.
by Jody Colley, Rockridge District Assoc.
Ticket holders can pick up their wristbands
as of 11am on Sunday,
October 13, at the
Kitchen Tour table in
front of Market Hall
where same-day tickets
may also be purchased.
Planning Council, which benefits the
Rockridge neighborhood — including
funding of the Halloween Parade,
neighborhood beautification projects,
and numerous community grants.
Kitchen Tour guests receive a copy
of the comprehensive tour brochure,
describing each kitchen and listing
resources for those contemplating a
remodel of their own. The brochure is
a treasure trove for both design enthu-
siasts and future renovators. n
Photo: Anna L Marks
The annual Halloween Parade is
the most thrilling day of the
year to be on Rockridge’s College
Avenue. On Sunday, October 27
between 11am and 2pm, free family-
friendly festivities will stretch along
College Avenue — from Alcatraz to
Broadway — for all ages to enjoy.


THE
page 2
OCTOBER 2024

Halloween Parade, from front page
to the festivities
with Halloween-
themed sales,
giveaways, tast-
ings, popups, and
more.
The Rockridge
District Asso-
ciation will be
offering special
prizes for best
costumes to
children and pets
who post on social media and tag
@rockridgeoakland that day.

The Rockridge Library (5366 Col-
lege) will serve as the main gathering
place for families, hosting engaging
activities like crafts with MOCHA,
Storytime, book giveaways, and
entertainment. A special thank you to
Kelly S. Wright from State Farm for
sponsoring the commemorative Trick-
or-Treat bags.
A family-friendly dance party will be
hosted outside of the College Avenue
Presbyterian Church (5951 College)
with DJ Danny Santos spinning Hal-
loween classics for dancers of all ages,
as well as crafts for kids. Rockridge
merchants will be passing out candy as
Trick-and-Treaters walk by in costume.
Look for the “Trick-or-Treat Here”
signs posted outside participating
businesses. In addition, look for Rock-
ridge merchants who will be adding
The Rockridge News was founded in March
1986 by Don Kinkead and is published
monthly (except August). It‘s 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.
Photo: Anna L Marks
Rockridge News Production
Anna L. Marks .........................Editor & Layout Artist
Jo Ellis........................ Assistant Editor & Ad Manager
Susan Montauk......Business & Distribution Manager
Judith Doner Berne......... Senior Contributing Writer
The annual Rockridge Halloween
Parade is co-produced by the Rockridge
Community Planning Council,
Rockridge Library, and Rockridge
District Association. A full schedule
and list of business activations can be
found at www.RockridgeDistrict.com
closer to the event date.
RCPC Board of Directors, 2024-25
Casey Farmer.......................................................Chair
Ken Rich..................................................... Vice-Chair
Kim Suczynski-Smith................................... Secretary
Louisa Bukiet.................................................Treasurer
Mark Aaronson, Muhammad Alameldin, Kristen
Belt, Eli Kaplan, Star Lightner, Tom Lollini, Zac
Unger, Zack Walton
infrastructure bonds with a 55 percent
vote. This measure removes a systemic
barrier that has for too long blocked
communities’ ability to meet their
affordable housing and infrastruc-
ture needs. Prop 5 empowers local
communities to fund projects that
will directly benefit their residents,
ensuring that decisions about building
affordable housing and improving
infrastructure are made at the local
level by the people who know their
communities best.
By supporting this measure, we
can help local governments address
critical needs — from creating more
housing for working families and
seniors, to repairing our roads and
enhancing emergency response
systems. Prop 5 also requires strict
accountability and transparency pro-
visions that help ensure all funds are
spent effectively so local voters and
taxpayers can be confident that proj-
ects will deliver impactful results.
Passing Prop 5 is a crucial step
toward making housing more acces-
sible and affordable in Rockridge and
communities across California.
RCPC has endorsed this measure,
and we hope you’ll join us in voting
YES on Prop 5 this fall. n
RCPC  Op-Ed
Contact the board: chair@rockridge.org
For information: info@rockridge.org
Yes, on Prop 5 —
Empowering Local
Communities to Build
Affordable Housing and
Essential Infrastructure
by Casey Farmer, RCPC Chair
Contacting the Rockidge News
Are there topics you’d like to see covered in the
Rockridge News? Have questions about newsletter
distribution? Want to volunteer to be a Rockridge
News distributor? We’d love to hear from you.
Want to write a Letter to the Editor? Letters
are limited to 450 words and are published at
the editor's discretion. Send letters to: editor@
rockridge.org. Please include your name, email,
and street of residence. Deadline is the 11th of
each month for the upcoming newsletter.
Although housing development can
be a divisive issue, many
in our community share a desire to see
more affordable housing in our neigh-
borhood and throughout Oakland.
Our city, region, and the entire state
face an unprecedented housing crisis
with countless families struggling to
find affordable homes. The Rockridge
Community Planning Council (RCPC)
is committed to advancing solutions
that expand affordable housing oppor-
tunities. In this spirit, our board voted
unanimously to endorse Proposition
5, a transformational measure that
will unlock local communities’ ability
to address some of our most vexing
problems.
Prop 5 will make it easier to create
more affordable housing by allowing
local voters to approve housing and
All submissions accepted for publication are
subject to editing for clarity and brevity. The
Rockridge News reserves the right to refuse any
articles, letters, or advertisements.
Newsletter Subscriptions
To subscribe to The Rockridge News, send your
check for $22, payable to RCPC with “Rockridge
News” noted on the memo line.
Mail payment to: RCPC, 4900 Shattuck Avenue,
PO Box 22504, Oakland, CA, 94609
Display Ad Deadline for NOVEMBER 2024:
OCTOBER 15, 2024
Advertising rates are $28/column inch ($32 for
color). Six-month pre-pay discounts available.
For display ads, call Jo Ellis at 510-653-3210
(after noon), or email joellis1@hotmail.com.
Classifieds: Email Susan at smontauk@gmail.com.
Views expressed in published articles 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
OCTOBER 2024

Historic First: 16- and
17-Year-Olds to Vote in
School Board Election

Rockridge to Vote
for OUSD District 1
by Judith Doner Berne
O
I

n November 5, Rockridge voters
will have a choice of two candi-
dates to represent Rockridge on the
board of the Oakland Unified School
District (OUSD) — a nurse midwife
and mom with two children in
Oakland Schools, and a UC Berkeley
junior and 2022 graduate of Oakland
Technical High School.
Rachel Latta and Benjamin Salop
are running to replace Sam Davis in
District 1. Davis is retiring after four
years, most recently as board presi-
dent. “People want to see equity and
excellence for every student in every
school, and they want a parent of
current OUSD students on the board,”
said Latta, 41, a daughter of Filipino
immigrants. She grew up in San Fran-
cisco and now lives in Rockridge.
“Retaining and recruiting teachers
are my priority,” Latta said. She
wants to increase pay and stream-
line the hiring process for teachers
because “getting into a teaching
position at OUSD is very difficult.”
State money, she said, is available to
provide transitional kindergarten
(TK) and after-school programs to
every elementary school, which could
boost enrollment and add hours for
Photo provided by
Benjamin Salof
“I understand the issues of middle and
high school students,” says Salop,
a 2022 graduate of Oakland Tech.
part-time teachers. “Almost 1,000
four-year-olds couldn’t get into
OUSD’s TK programs [this year].”
Salop, 20, lives in the Piedmont
Avenue neighborhood and said he will
work for more student, parent, and
faculty access to the board, budget
accountability, and better college and
career preparation for students. A
product of both private and OUSD
schools, he feels that he understands
the issues of middle and high school
students. His twin brother is an
Oakland School for the Arts graduate,
his mom is a retired architect, and his
dad is an environmental scientist.
“Families don’t have a say in how
things are run,” Salop said. As a
student body president and a student
liaison to the board while at Tech,
“trying to interact with its members
impressed upon me the lack of acess
OUSD Vote, see next page
4 Beds | 4.5 Baths | 3,662 total living sq ft | 12,196 square foot lot
429
61ST ST, Rockridge
2816
DERBY ST,
Berkeley
4 Beds | 3.5 Baths |2,555 living square feet
3 Beds | 2.5 Baths |2,228 living square feet
$2,090,000
Price upon request
5 1 0 . 3 5 0 . 6 4 1 9  |  C l a u d i a @ c m r e t . c o m  |  w w w . C l a u d i a M i l l s R e a l E s t a t e T e a m . c o m
DRE 01881682

n an historic first for California
— the County of Alameda,
the City of Oakland, the City of
Berkeley, Oakland Unified School
District, and Berkeley Unified
School District have announced
that 16- and 17-year-olds in Oak-
land and Berkeley will be able
to vote in their respective school
board elections this month.
Key Information/Dates for the
November 5th election:
Voter Information Guides will be
mailed to all voters (including youth
voters) as of Thurs, Sept. 26, 2024.
All voters, including youth voters,
will be mailed a mail-in ballot starting
the week of Oct. 7, 2024.
The last day for all voters, including
youth voters, to register online
at https://registertovote.ca.gov/ is
Monday, Oct. 21 (all voters, including
youth voters, may also register to vote
in person at the Registrar of Voters’
office at 1225 Fallon St. through
Election Day).
The last day for all voters, including
youth voters, to request a mail-in ballot
replacement is Tues, Oct. 29, 2024. n


THE
page 4
OCTOBER 2024

completely unacceptable, and the
results of the ongoing internal
investigation should be publicly
communicated and made available
online. I expect that the current school
board will exercise its oversight role to
ensure the superintendent holds who-
ever is responsible accountable and to
ensure this never happens again.”
OUSD Vote, from previous page
Photo provided by Rachel Latta
from students. I saw that our par-
ents and our faculty had the same
problems.” The result, he said, is a
dysfunction that affects the education
of OUSD students.
Current board members do not have
offspring attending OUSD schools.
Latta is focused on remedying that.
Daughter Lucinda, 12, attended
Prescott Elementary and now is in
seventh grade at West Oakland Middle
School. Her son Desmond, 9, attends
Prescott. Both schools are located in
West Oakland. Preschooler Marcus, 4,
will attend Prescott next year.
Latta has been active in Equity Allies
for OUSD which helped to feed stu-
dents during Covid’s school closures;
created an Equity Fund for under-
served schools; and worked to expand
restorative justice programs. She is the
school liaison for the Prop 15 Schools
and Communities First Campaign to
further fund California public schools,
and serves as a member of OUSD
Superintendent’s Equitable Enrollment
Committee.
Salop has a dual major at Cal (civil
engineering and intellectual history)
where he works part-time as a research
assistant in the civil engineering
department. As co-chair of the Oak-
land Youth Commission, he helped
champion the ballot measure that
allows 16 and 17-year-old Oakland
Schools’ students to vote for the school
board for the first time, a plan that
School Closings
Latta: “I don’t support the way we
have closed schools in the past. We
haven’t given those families what we
promised them. We haven’t saved any
money from any of those closures.
My children go to a school they say is
failing, and they are thriving.”
Salop: “Small schools with low atten-
dance are unfair to those students and
unfair to other students as well. The
district spends way more per pupil at
the smaller schools.” At the same time,
Salop envisions closed schools being
turned into neighborhood centers that
feature educational facilities such as
child development centers. “If I have to
close a school to keep ten schools open,
then that’s what I would do.”
Rachel Latta with her husband
Chase and their children, Desmond,
Lucinda, and Marcus.
Latta also favors.
His experience has impacted how he
views an OUSD education — inequi-
table and uneven. “As a student at an
underfunded school, we didn’t have
access to basic things.” Salop touts the
Paideia program (a 10th to 12th grade
college-level discussion on the great
works of literature, history, and polit-
ical thought), but laments that “not
every student has the opportunity to
take these classes.”
The two candidates offer differing
opinions on several important topics:
Lead Contamination
Board-Union Relations
Salop: “Since these lead tests were
conducted in April and May 2024,
students and staff have been drinking
from potentially contaminated water
supplies without any notice from
OUSD or EBMUD, even when OUSD’s
board policy requires that ‘the Super-
intendent or designee shall, within one
business day, notify teachers, other
school personnel, and parents directly,
through written notice, or electronic
mail’ if lead levels exceed 5ppb at
any test site. This is the third time in
seven years that OUSD has identified
elevated levels of pollutants in drink-
ing water. The question shouldn’t
be why Oaklanders had to wait five
months to get test results, but why
we’ve had to wait five years for our
district to get rid of lead.”
Latta: “Lead exposure is a major
public health crisis, not only in
schools but also in our homes and
places of work, and we need to pro-
tect our children and school staff.
The lapse in communication from
the district to the community is
Salop: He was a member of the
shadow student negotiating team that
led student campaigns to support the
2019 strike, but as a student advisor
to the board, he noted, “I faced
retaliation from OEA members and
allies. It’s critical that the school board
and OEA leadership establish and
maintain strong and cordial levels of
communication that supersede any
policy disputes.” He favors including
union members and leaders on district
committees and seeking their input on
policy issues.
Latta: “I do think there needs to
be some repair” of relations between
the board and the OEA (which has
endorsed her). “I want to do what I
can to be a bridge between the board
and the union. I was raised in a union
household. I know what unions do for
workers. But the current dynamics
and acrimony will only lead to another
strike. I would not be a person who
would add to the fervor.”
For more, see BenForOakland.com;
RachelForOakland.com. n


THE

page 5
OCTOBER 2024

specific aspects of the proposed
development. The City will make no
determination on the project until
the developer submits an application
for development. The Bureau of
Planning must determine whether
a project is eligible for streamlining
under SB 35 within 60 days of appli-
cation submittal for projects of 150
or fewer units.”
In a separate communication to
local architects in the community,
City Planner Neil Gray noted: “a
review of Building Code compliance
is not performed during Planning
review, and the City does not evaluate
the financial feasibility of a project.”
RCPC will continue to monitor and
engage the City on this project and
keep the neighborhood informed. n
would be evaluated, the building’s
placement on its site and the associ-
ated planning and building standards
waivers it would require, the amount
of proposed parking, and technical
questions about how the density of the
project was being calculated for state
density bonus purposes.
On September 11, RCPC received
a response from Planning Director
William Gilchrist informing us: “At
this time, Tribal Consultation is
underway as required by State law.
There is no time limit on this process,
and the developer cannot apply for
project approval until the consultation
is complete.
The applicant will then need to
submit a development application
before the City can address the
RCPC  Land Use Committee
5295 College Avenue
Update
by Tom Lollini, RCPC Land Use
Committee Chair
Since its initial pre-application
submittal in June, Rockridge
Community Planning Council
(RCPC) has been tracking this pro-
posed project closely. In late July, the
RCPC sent an inquiry to the Oakland
City Planning Department seeking
information on the process, timeline,
and eligibility of this project for
state-mandated ministerial review,
density bonuses, and various zoning
waivers asserted in the owner’s appli-
cation, (see September 2024 Rockridge
News or visit https://rockridge.org/
how-new-state-housing-laws-could-
reshape-rockridges-future/).
On September 9, having not heard
back, RCPC sent a follow-up inquiry
to the City of Oakland’s political
leadership seeking a response, and
articulating more specific questions
about certain project elements, their
relevance to state program eligi-
bility claims, and the City’s review
process to make its determinations
(https://rockridge.org/wp-content/
uploads/2024/09/2024-9-9-5295-
College-Ave-RCPC-to-City-of-
Oakland-Officials.pdf).
These elements included the scope
and scale of the commercial podium
and how its financial justification
ROCKRIDGE LIVING AWAITS!
Land Use Committee Meeting
RCPC
Next Meeting:
Wed., October 16, on Zoom
5 2 2 7  M A N I L A  A V E
5 5 3 9  B R O A D W A Y
Coming Soon
Just Listed
The Rockridge community
is encouraged to participate in LUC
meetings where elements of the
General Plan is a primary topic of
conversation.
Meetings are held at 7:30pm
on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
Call Daniel
for details
510.843.6400
DRE # 01221457
To participate, or to request links to
this or any previous meeting,
email landuse@rockridge.org.
DANIEL STEA
O V E R  1 0 0  H O M E S  S O L D  I N  R O C K R I D G E


THE
page 6
OCTOBER 2024

Yes In My Back Yard
Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor: My family and I live
two blocks from the proposed 5295
College Ave. development and are
thrilled to see this proposal to sig-
nificantly upgrade the architecture
and streetscape at the south end of
College Avenue and bring 88 sorely
needed residential units (20 percent
affordable) to the neighborhood.
We appreciate that the taller part
of the building is set back from
the street so as not to radically
change the feel of the streetscape.
We are disappointed to see NIMBY
flyers in our neighborhood further
discouraging such investment,
upgrades, and expansion of housing.
We want to see our neighborhood
grow, improve, and welcome more
families.
A Montrosity in the Hood
Code requires a ten-foot setback in
the rear, I believe, but under what
these guys propose, there is ZERO
setback at the rear and on the south
portion of the property line. I do not
see any buffering, “wedding cake
setbacks” in this zoning area where it
abuts R zones.
This proposal shows no buffering,
instead, it looks like a fortress wall,
and no fenestration to speak of…
and keep in mind that safety codes
and fire codes prohibit any windows/
ventilation openings in the wall along
the back-property line.
The floor area ratio proposal is
more than 1.5 times, this estimated
max includes the Density Bonus regs.
There is a REQUIRED Open Space
calculation…the website info from
this group shows less than half of the
required open space, I do not yet see
if they corrected this.
This building will stand out like
a sore thumb in our neighborhood.
It needs to be substantially scaled
way back. Please DO NOT ALLOW
APPROVAL of this building; it
proposes so much that is contrary
to existing Oakland planning and
zoning codes!
The builders of this monstrosity do
not care about our neighborhood, not
one little bit.
Dear Editor: I am writing because of
my concern regarding the proposed
“monster” building at 5295 College
Avenue. I feel somewhat confused
regarding the building proposal for
5295 College Avenue. Under the CN-1
zone, a hotel is NOT PERMITTED
there. The height proposal for this
monstrosity is 170 feet tall! But the
height limit here is 55 feet.
Currently, the Oakland Planning
Colin Hughes
Broadway n
On the Ballot: Measure MM
Measure MM, the Wildfire
Prevention Zone, will be
included on the November ballots of
the residents of the Very High Fire
Hazard Zone as defined by Oakland.
They will be asked to pay $100 per
year to fund the Oakland Vegetation
Management Plan, providing dedi-
cated funds to the Fire Department
for such service.
Roadside clearance of brush and
dead and dying trees would increase
to 100 feet on evacuation routes. More
goats would be grazing, inspections
strengthened, and resident oversight
and accountability stronger than most
similar ballot measures.
Recent fires on Grizzly Peak were
put out fast due to the quick response
from fire departments from several
jurisdictions as well as vegetation
management on UC property — this
is what Measure MM will support.
Let’s put out fires before they get out
of control and spread.
To learn more, visit https://www.
makeoaklandwildfiresafe.com.
Ellen Gierson
Opal St. n
Elizabeth K. Stage
Chair, Make Oakland Wildfire Safe


THE

page 7
OCTOBER 2024

Building Design is Dangerous
Letters, cont'd
Dear Editor: My brother and I have
lived on Clifton Street for forty years.
We moved to Rockridge when it was
solidly working class, mainly Italian,
and now enjoy the most charming
walkable neighborhood, close to free-
ways, BART, public transport, places
of worship, restaurants, independent
bookstores, and a village of stores,
doctors, and other professionals. We
are not opposed to modernization,
nor have we been opposed to change.
We are in favor of affordable hous-
ing, however, the proposal for 5295
College Avenue lacks several sensible
and legal requisites — setbacks exist
for the sake of safety and accessibility;
the proposed height for the develop-
ment is not sensible; the impact on
traffic, the surrounding businesses,
and our homes, which we cherish,
shall by far militate toward the
negative impact on the community,
rather than the positive. Please oppose
this project on our behalf and on the
behalf of our community.

Appeal for Sensible Housing
Dear Editor: Thanks so much for your
coverage of the proposed building
project at 5295 College Ave. My family
and I live on the backside of the site
on Clifton Street, and what they are
proposing would be five times the
height that currently exists sitting
directly on top of the property line.
As it is now, their water pipes hang
directly over our property and when
they burst a few years back they
flooded our backyard and bottom
floor. There is also no safe access for
the fire department to get to the back-
side if there is an emergency.
I have invested a lot in my commu-
nity and building a home my family
and friends can enjoy. This build with
no setbacks would not only cut off
any access we have to the sky in our
backyard, but it would put my family
in danger. I am totally supportive of
more housing density in Rockridge
and with this site specifically but it
needs to be safe for its neighbors and
residents.
This project as is would make my
backyard unusable for the rest of my
lifetime. Something like this can’t
move forward without the engage-
ment of our community. If RCPC
truly represents our community
they must make a statement that a
high rise doesn’t make sense in this
location.
Three Cheers for Preemption
Dear Editor: Thank you to the letter
column in the Rockridge News for
demonstrating how wise State law-
makers have been to largely preempt
neighborhood groups from blocking
housing. In all too many recent letters
on the apartment tower proposed for
College Ave, we saw the usual effort
to freeze the neighborhood’s profile
in amber.
There is always a reason new hous-
ing isn’t quite right — maybe it shades
a solar panel or maybe construction
will be disruptive, or maybe the archi-
tecture is novel. The result of these
gripes, before recent legal reforms, was
a death of a thousand cuts for each
project through endless processes and
adjustments, giving existing residents
unwarranted veto power over new
development.
Whatever marginal value these ideas
may have, the cumulative result is
clear: The hollowing out of Rockridge
as a middle-class family neighborhood
as building stalls out, rents spike,
and the asking price for ordinary
mid-century houses balloons to well
over a million dollars. Even the news
column was at pains to note that the
tower is “unusually tall and dense
for its location.” Well, yes: The fact
that such buildings are unusual here
demonstrates decades of policy failure.
It’s a reason to call for height and den-
sity, not to oppose it. Buildings in this
transit-rich neighborhood in a conge-
nial climate should be tall, dense, and
affordable. Because they are not, Rock-
ridge is reserved for the wealthy, who,
as the letter page demonstrates, are
often eager to maintain that situation,
and ordinary people are increasingly
displaced to car-dependent sprawl
development in triple-degree heat in
the Central Valley. We should applaud
our State leaders for recognizing the
problem and edging the inevitable
concerned neighbors firmly out of the
picture as they work to restore an East
Bay, and California, for everyone.
David and Anthony Vela
Clifton St. n
Vennessa Hasten
Clifton St. n
CollegePrep
A private high school in Oakland
Tucked into a glen in the Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland, College Prep’s
informal and welcoming campus provides an educational home for a lively and
talented community of students in grades 9-12. Guided by inspiring teachers
and mentors, they create a vibrant community that is rooted in shared values of
kindness, respect, and a willingness to learn from the perspectives of others.
We invite you to visit us and experience College Prep first-hand.
Craig Segall
Alcatraz Ave. n
6100 Broadway    Oakland CA 94618   510.652.4364   college-prep.org


THE
page 8
OCTOBER 2024

Kitchen Remodeling:
What the Experts Say
by Susie Wyshak
Tproposal will not take Building Code
compliance or financial feasibility into
consideration. I would like to point
out that it would not be responsible
to approve a project that has given
no consideration to public safety.
Surely the dramatic Rockridge News
photo of flames rising behind homes
on Clifton Street during the fire that
destroyed East Bay Booksellers should
give us reason to challenge this high-
rise project – built to neighboring
property lines with no setbacks and
limited emergency vehicle access.
Our new height limit on College
Avenue is 55 feet. This will permit the
construction of a five-story structure
for housing, and complementary com-
mercial uses more in keeping with
the neighborhood. I would submit
that no building that is classified as a
Highrise — 75 ft. to the highest floor
of occupancy — should be proposed
without basic Building and Fire Code
compliance review. Any design must
be held to these standards.
To propose a project without
accurate representation of basic code
considerations like proximity to
adjoining structures; realistic emer-
gency vehicle access; utility capacity;
and space for fire sprinkler and smoke
management systems, is not respon-
sible. It distorts projections of the
project’s cost and fails to identify any
upgrades to streets and critical utili-
ties that the City may have to bear.
Let’s have an informed discussion
about these concerns — now —
to shape a project that provides
affordable housing and respects our
community’s safety into the future.
Letters, cont'd
5295 College: A Viable Proposal?
Dear Editor: Many thanks to all who
wrote about the proposed Highrise
building at 5295 College Avenue; and
thank you to the Rockridge News for
publishing these letters. It is very
important for the RCPC to gather
information and take a strong posi-
tion on this project. The applicant
claims to be eligible for “ministerial
review,” which eliminates neighbor-
hood participation in shaping the
project. It is truly shocking to learn
that a project of this size and impact
could receive Planning Department
approval without consideration of the
effects on the Rockridge neighbor-
hood, or its business community.
The Oakland Planning Department
has responded to initial queries and
has confirmed that its review of this
he Rockridge Kitchen Tour
reflects a goldmine of knowledge
from designers, builders, and real
estate agents, such as:
Cabinets vs. Shelving
Those Instagram-worthy floating
shelves, “They look good online but
aren’t a must-have,” says Kitchen Tour
lead sponsor and real estate agent
Remy Weinstein. “Lack of good cab-
inet space is often a real issue. When
home buyers move in, they prefer
ample space for food and dishes over a
cute set of floating shelves.”
A clean look inspired the “appli-
ance garage” trend, which some tour
kitchens have featured. However, real
estate agent Andrew Pitarre notes
that sometimes there just isn’t space
for them. “An alternative is to add
plugs to pantry cabinets and pull-out
drawers for small appliances, such as
microwaves and toasters.”
Architect Jason Kaldis echoes that
idea, suggesting cabinets with rollout
trays on deeper and harder-to-reach
cabinets and swing-up or swing-
down shelves. Still pining for floating
shelves? Architect Tamar Nachshon
of HDR Remodeling advocates for less
wall storage and more open storage.
Kitchens, see next page
Merideth Marschak
Virmar Ave. n


THE

page 9
OCTOBER 2024

envelope, HVAC, windows, doors, and
electrical.
To define scope. Kathryn Rogers,
Principal Architect at Sogno Design
Group, asks clients what is and isn’t
working in their space. “I encourage
people to make a list of “must-haves”
and “nice-to-haves.” Kitchens are
one of the most expensive rooms to
remodel, so before deciding to under-
take a large-scale renovation, have a
good understanding of your goals.”
To manage your remodel, Kaldis
encourages clients to be involved,
communicate frequently, and trust the
experience of the architect or designer
you are working with. “They see the
ripple effects of decisions often before
you do. Trust them, but verify that
they “get you.”
“Make sure your contractor pro-
vides a detailed budget, advises you
on potential cost changes, and has
contingencies or other tools for trans-
parency regarding possible expenses,”
says Proyecto’s Workman, who used
tools to create accurate scope take-offs
and identify discrepancies between
plans and reality.
Get your sizzling questions answered
at the Rockridge Kitchen Tour. For
more information, see article on page
one, and visit rockridgekitchentour.
com for a full list of available
resources.
mounted strip lighting to showcase
backsplash tile.
Pendants, recessed lighting, and
skylights are all good. Where to stop?
Pitarre feels in-drawer and toe-kick
lighting (under cabinets) may be a
trend to skip.
Kitchens, from previous page
“It costs less and it’s less stress on
the homeowner having all this stuff
hidden away. It forces you to mini-
mize.” Just be sure you’re committed
to minimizing.
For the Island-Obsessed
For many, the kitchen island is the
new dinner table. “People love to have
casual seating at a counter within the
kitchen for entertaining functionality
and additional counter/prep space,”
says Pitarre. “If it’s an island, it’s hard
to make it big enough. Bigger is better
in almost all instances.”
Easy Wins
Everyone agrees: Make spaces just a
little bigger and more open than you
initially think possible. If you have the
budget, go for lux appliance brands,
such as Sub-Zero® and Thermador®,
which check the boxes for Weinstein’s
high-end buyers. When a range is
36 inches or larger, Pitarre marvels,
“You’d be surprised how much you can
fit in them. It’s almost like having a
double oven.”
Remember everyday conveniences
such as the touchless faucet, handy
when hands are ultra-dirty or greasy.
For those living without dishwashers,
even an 18" dishwasher tucked into
a cabinet space can be life-changing
(you’ll thank the author later). You
may want to skip the pot filler faucet
mounted behind a range, which Wein-
stein says may have a “wow factor” but
not much benefit to resale value.
“If it’s an island, it’s hard to make
it big enough. Bigger is better in
almost all instances.”
Large sinks on islands are the
exception to the bigger rule, says
Architect Kaldis. “Keep an island sink
small and located where you would
not lament the loss of that piece of
counter, and where a faucet would not
be visually or physically obstructive or
a nuisance.”
First Steps to Kitchen Bliss
Open your mind. “Some people don’t
realize how much they alter their lives
to their existing kitchen,” says HDR
architect Milton Tong. Abe Wortman,
Proyecto CEO, advises clients to
prioritize systems and upgrades that
ensure client comfort, such as building
Shedding Light on Lighting
Lovers of open shelves rejoice:
When located near windows, they
keep the view itself from feeling clut-
tered or sightlines getting obstructed
by more solid wall cabinetry, says
Kaldis. He also suggests under-cabinet
Susie Wyshak is a Rockridge
resident, Realtor® with Compass,
and an aspiring kitchen re-designer;
susiewyshak.com (DRE 02144226). n


THE
page 10
OCTOBER 2024

Fermenting A
Passion for Cheese
by Carol Kasparek
earn an Interior Architecture
degree from the San Francisco
Academy of Arts, and used those
skills to design and manage
a specialty food shop in Jack
London Square. When housing
development in the area stalled
and the shop closed, Uruburu
returned to Market Hall where
she quickly became manager
of the cheese department —
realizing cheese was her calling.
“Cheese chose me,” she confesses.
This began her teaching
career… connecting with makers,
judging in competitions, and
building professional standards
and resources for the industry.
While conducting classes at
Market Hall, Uruburu also
began teaching at the San Fran-
cisco Cheese School, using her
approach to instruct over 800 people
(by her count) at conferences, local
cooking schools, and private gather-
ings… and even led trips to farms and
dairies to show customers the source
of their food.
Uruburu recently made a special
trip to Paris to be one of the first
Americans to receive the “Chevalier
du Taste Fromage de France.” The
award ceremony had her donning a
heavy green robe and being tapped on
each shoulder with a massive sword.
Back in America, she worked with the
American Cheese Society to craft the
Certified Cheese Professional Stan-
dards, now the premier professional
certification in the country. “Being
in their company brings me so much
joy,” she says.
Now, as Retail Operations Manager,
she oversees operations, focusing on
the future. Every year, managers at
Market Hall are encouraged to deter-
mine “three ways they want to grow,”
explains Uruburu. For the coming
year, she looks forward to completing
the food hall remodel and conducting
classes in Rockridge while promoting
agritourism in Northern California.
She intends to inspire others to realize
what she has, that working in this
industry enhances life. “I want every-
body to know everything” she says of
her goals. n
This year, the American Cheese
Society chose to give their Mer-
itorious Service Award to one of their
most active and dynamic members.
Juliana Uruburu of Market Hall
received this high honor (one of
many) after a 30-year career in the
cheese industry.
“Her life’s mission has been to nur-
ture and guide thousands of people
entering the field,” noted one of the
members announcing her award,
“inspiring and mentoring managers
all over the world.” Another tribute
declared, “You deserve to be recog-
nized for the impact you have had
Photo:
Anna L Marks
Cheesemonger Juliana Uruburu of Market
Hall slices into the biggest wheel of cheese
this side of the Rocky Mountains.
on me and everyone in this room….
Market Hall sets the standard for
what a cheese shop can be.”
Uruburu went to work at Market
Hall as her first job out of high
school — the foodie destination Sara
Wilson and her family had been
creating for a growing community of
gastronomic devotees. Many of those
pioneers went on to create their own
businesses, joining other culinary
visionaries in the Bay Area. After
learning much from these future
luminaries, Uruburu developed her
dedication to the craft.
After a few years stint, she left to
RECENTLY SOLD
7916 Greenly Drive
Oakland
Represented the buyer
Sweet 2BR/1BA bungalow on an expansive lot
with raised beds and mature trees. Sold over
asking with 5 offers.
Anne D. Brandon, Realtor
510.682.6644 | 510.339.9290
Anne.Brandon@corcoranicon.com
AnneDBrandon.com
Lic# 01877719
© 2024 Corcoran Icon Properties. All rights reserved. Each franchise is independently
owned and operated.


THE

page 11
OCTOBER 2024

Trees for Rockridge
Photo: Anna L Marks
Piedmont High Sophomores Madeline
Booth and Miles Lee plant a tree on
Shafter with advice from Stephen
Stirplin from Trees for Oakland.
With the support of Trees for
Oakland and the Rockridge
Community Planning Council, more
than a dozen volunteers turned out
on Saturday, September 20, to plant 14
trees in the neighborhood. To find out
how easy it is to plant a tree at your
home, email treesforoakland.org. n
Shoes on Solano is Now
Sole Terra Shoes
Shoes on Solano, which opened its
store at 5933 College Avenue
in 1990, has now consolidated its
stores under a name that represents
all locations and its online presence —
Sole Terra Shoes. Founder and
Creative Director Carol Fabretti plans
to continue offering a top selection of
comfortable, fashionable footwear.
Visit www.soleterrashoes.com. n

Dogs of Rockridge
This is Dash, a five-year-old red mini poodle
who lives on Hermann Street with her
humans Aparna and Damo and their feline
kitties Toby and Zooey. Dash loves going
to Peet’s coffee, long walks, and rolling on
big clumps of clover. His aspiration is to
someday catch a squirrel (fat chance!).
Meet Finley. While his DNA test
deemed him a “mega mutt,” we
know he’s 100 percent goofball. From
staring out his Presley Way window
to visiting his favorite College Avenue
small businesses for treats, Finley is a
Rockridge boy through and through.
Should you see him barreling down the
street, come up and give him a pet.
Does your furry friend live in Rockridge? If so, send a photo of your four-legged companion
with a short commentary to: editor@rockridge.org.


THE
page 12
OCTOBER 2024

Cult Favorites
Come to Rockridge
by Chris Ayan
Butter, and Reese’s Pieces —
flavors your parents would
have denied you growing
up. But now that you’re an
adult, they can’t say no, and
neither can you. 
While keeping the freezers
stocked has been a challenge,
Sydney and her team are
working around the clock to
meet demand.
In the heart of Rockridge, two cult
favorites are making their debut,
promising to leave locals hungry for
more. Bad Walter’s Ice Cream and
Monk’s Kettle have both made waves
in their respective corners of the food
scene and now they’re bringing their
unique brands of flavor and commu-
nity to one of Oakland’s most vibrant
neighborhoods.
Monk’s Kettle
Just down the street
at 5484 College Avenue,
Monk’s Kettle is bringing its
beloved gastropub experi-
ence from San Francisco to
the space formerly held by
Citron, right next to À Côté.
After opening its original
Mission District location
in 2007 as a neighborhood
tavern, Monk’s Kettle evolved, follow-
ing its clientele to Marin in 2020, and
now the East Bay. The new Rockridge
location is set to open this month.
No matter what’s on the menu,
co-founder Christian Albertson
admits, “The burger will always be
our top seller by far — always has
been, always will be.” But don’t over-
look the other dishes. Chef Raiden
Brenner has a knack for pickling, and
you’ll find his creations sprinkled
throughout the menu, adding sharp,
vibrant flavors to complement the
pub classics.
Fans of the original SF spot will
also be relieved to know that the
award-winning beer program remains
intact. Expect 28 draft beers, 70+
bottles, and an expanded menu of
non-alcoholic options, including beers
from Barrel Brothers, wines from
Sovi, and mocktails. With the Mission
District facing challenges, the team
wasn’t willing to risk another ten-year
lease. “Being on College Avenue in
Rockridge today feels like Valencia in
2012,” said Albertson.
With both Bad Walter’s Ice Cream
and Monk’s Kettle now calling
Rockridge home, this neighborhood,
already known for its culinary reputa-
tion, is set to become an even stronger
destination for those seeking creative,
memorable culinary experiences. n
Bad Walter’s Ice Cream
It all started as a pandemic pop-up
for Bad Walter’s Ice Cream, but
founder Sydney Arkin had bigger
plans. After selling out day after day,
she knew it was time for a brick-and-
mortar location. Though she was
focused on finding the right space,
landing in Rockridge felt like kismet.
“All my original followers are in this
neighborhood,” Sydney said. The shop
opened early last month in the space
formerly occupied by Smitten Ice
Cream at 5800 College Avenue, and
Photo: Anna L Marks
Monk’s Kettle co-owners Nat Cutler
and Christian Albertson plan to create a
welcoming neighborhood tavern.
Rockridge Market Hall Wins
Big at “Best of the East Bay”
The results are in for East Bay
Magazine/East Bay Express’
2024 “Best of the East Bay.”
Congratulations to Market Hall
Foods and Highwire Coffee
Roasters for being recognized in
four categories; and our neigh-
bors at ACRE Kitchen & Bar
garnered four awards this year.
Thanks to all who voted.
Photo:
Anna L Marks
Sydney Arkin serves up an original
brand of ice cream at Bad Walter’s.
Market Hall Caterers: Best
Caterer
now, lines wrap around the block.
But it’s not just the hype that keeps
people coming back — it’s the ice
cream itself. Bad Walter’s serves
up nostalgia in a cone, but not the
kind made for kids. “It’s weird, it’s
fun,” Sydney explained, and that’s
exactly the point. The flavors are
unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere
because no one else could imagine
them. Think Ritz Crackers, Nutter
Market Hall Foods: Best Salads
Market Hall Bakery: Best Desserts
Highwire Coffee Roasters: Best
Local Coffee Roaster
ACRE Kitchen & Bar:
Best New Restaurant
Best Bartender, Best Restaurant
Best American Restaurant


THE

page 13
OCTOBER 2024

Piedmont Play School
Has Openings
Highwire Coffee Storefront Showcases Local Artist

T
Artist Rachel Perls is
an architectural color
consultant and oil painter.
You can view her works at
Wisteria, Vita, and Baker in
Commons in Elmwood. Perls
recently displayed her mural
in the storefront window of
the new home of Highwire
Coffee, which has moved
next door to 5615 College
Avenue (photo on left).
he Piedmont Play school offers a
cooperative model with an
integrated curriculum focused on
building self-esteem and confidence
while honoring individuality. Located
in Hampton Park, this developmental
preschool uses various play activities
to foster learning for children 3-5
years old. Morning program runs
from 9am to noon, Monday to Friday;
extended care options are available.
Although preference is given to Pied-
mont residents, Rockridge residents
are encouraged to apply as spots
are still available. Visit www.pied-
montplayschool.org or email info@
piedmontplayschool.org. n
Perls has called Rockridge
home since 2008, and lives
here with her husband,
daughter, and two dogs.
Robert Myers, owner of Highwire Coffee
says, “We are excited to move into this new
lovely space and expand the footprint of
Rockridge Market Hall.”
Update on East Bay
Jewish Community
Center Project
have agreed to make several safety
improvements at the College and
Chabot intersection. These include
relocating College Avenue bus stops
to after the intersection; constructing
a bulb-out at the northwest corner;
and placing Rectangular Rapid Flash
Beacons (RRFBs) across both College
crosswalks.
Discussions with the JCC are ongo-
ing. The RCPC Board will consider
taking position on the JCC project at
its October meeting. A more in-depth
article about the project and its status
will appear in the November issue of
the Rockridge News. n
COMING SOON
IN ROCKRIDGE!
by Mark Aaronson, RCPC Board
Member
East Bay Jewish Community Center
(JCC) representatives have been
meeting with RCPC board members
and immediate neighbors on Chabot
Road for the past two+ years to dis-
cuss the JCC’s plans for modifying
and using the Dreyer’s site, which the
JCC will not fully occupy until Janu-
ary 2025. The discussions have been
constructive.
The site’s main uses will be as
business and administrative offices
for nonprofit organizations — pre-
school, after-school, and summer
camp programs for mainly younger
children; and for community and
religious events and programs. There
will not be any noteworthy sports or
recreational activities.
City of Oakland approvals for the
project are likely to be reviewed at
a Planning Commission meeting
in November, although nothing is
officially scheduled as of mid-Sep-
tember. At the urging of the RCPC
and Chabot neighbors task force, the
JCC and Oakland planning officials
348 GLENDALE AVENUE
Delightful, bright and spacious
Craftsman bungalow with
detached office and garage and
all-new landscaping!
Coming after Labor Day...
Contact me for more details!
MAXI LILLEY
510.919.8997
maxi@redoakrealty.com
The Rockridge Realtor®
with a Designer’s Eye
DRE #1919653
*per tax records


THE
page 14
OCTOBER 2024

OCTOBER Events at
Rockridge Library
5366 College Avenue at Manila
510-597-5017
Hours: Mon, Thurs, Sat 10am to 5:30pm
Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 8pm
Closed on Sundays.
For Children  
Storytime: Thursdays & Saturdays; 10:30am.  
Chess Club: Wednesdays at4 pm. All ages and
skill-levels welcome.  
Read to a Dog: Thursdays at 4pm every week.   
Origami for All: Every third Tuesday at 4pm;
10/15. All ages welcome.  
Crafts:  Bendable Mummies for Halloween:
Thursday, 10/24 at 4pm.
Decorated Skulls for Dia de los Muertos: Tues-
day, 10/29 at 4pm. All ages welcome, children
under 8 must bring a grown-up.  
Halloween Parade Events: Sunday, 10/27, 11am
– 2pm. Join us in the Library Parking Lot for
music, stories, crafts, and more fun for kids!
For Teens ages 12 – 18 
Teen Advisory Board: Wednesday, 10/9; 4-5
pm. Join the Rockridge Branch Library Teen
Advisory Board (TAB) and take an active role in
creating, planning, and implementing programs
and services you want to see at your local
library.
For Adults
Ask Your Area Home Experts: Every 2nd Friday,
noon-2pm. Get answers, tips, and connections
from a Senior Loan Advisor and a Realtor, both
Rockridge locals. Have questions answered
about home ownership, maintenance, finance,
investing, ADUs, downsizing, moving, and
more.
Needlework Circle: every Thursday, 2-4pm.
Bring your yarn and fiber arts projects to
Rockridge Library to work in good company.
This group is facilitated by neighbor and long-
time maker Vicki Breton who has expertise in
knitting, crocheting, embroidery, applique and
felting.

Making Sense of Medicare: Thursday,
10/19; 2-3pm. Get the expert advice you need
about upcoming changes to Medicare and
their impact on you.
Author Talk with Lenore Weiss:
Wednesday, 10/2, 6:30-7:30pm. Lenore
Weiss will be conversation with Tarshel
Beards about her novel, Pullp into Paper,
“an engaging, disturbing and sometimes
humorous novel exposing a calcified network
of corruption between a company (Rand-At-
lantic) and the government (EPA) in a small
Southern town where ‘the stink [is] the smell
of money.’”
Author Talk with Betty Tucker: Tuesday,
10/15; 3-4pm. Follow Betty Tucker’s personal
journey from an impoverished childhood in
racist rural Florida to successfully completing
college, building a career and raising a family
in California. Betty’s path is both emblematic
of the Black experience in America and
highly unique.
Fall Meet the Author Series: Wednesday,
10/23, 6:30-7:30. New York Times Bestselling
author, memoirist, and award-winning pod-
caster Carvell Wallace will be in conversation
with Tarshel Beards about his book, Another
Word for Love: A Memoir. Mr. Wallace will
be signing copies of the book, available for
purchase from A Great Good Place for Books.
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the
Rockridge Library.
Hands-on Mushroom Program: Saturday,
10/26, 1-3pm. Yolanda Burrell of Pollenate
Farm will provide information about
mushrooms and how to grow them at home.
Supplies, including a mushroom growing kit
are included. Space is limited, please call 510-
597-5017 to reserve a spot.
ROCKRIDGE BOOK CLUB
Meets every 2nd Saturday,
3:30pm to 4:30pm at Rockridge Library
October’s book is The Wager by David
Grann. Please call (510) 597-5017 for info
and to get a copy of the book.

Walk This Way:
Peralta Elementary’s
2024 Walkathon
by Dulcey Rieter
Did you know that one of your
neighborhood schools, Peralta
Elementary, serves approximately
350 children each year? It takes an
additional $400k in fundraising
from our community to help kids in
the neighborhood get an education
that includes teachers for PE, art,
and music, as well as math tutors,
teachers’ aides, and even basic class-
room supplies. 
Help make a difference for our stu-
dents. This child-powered fundraiser
for Peralta Elementary is looking
for individuals and businesses to
sponsor our 2024 Walkathon to
raise essential funding for our kids.
Join us in supporting this year’s
walkathon on Sunday, October 20.
Peralta students (and parents) will
walk around and around the big
block that Peralta sits on (from 63rd
Street, to Telegraph Avenue, to Alca-
traz Avenue, to Dana Street).
All donations are fully tax-
deductible (Peralta Parent Teacher
Group is a 501(c)(3); Tax ID
94-2831259). Email walkathon@
peraltaschool.org for more details,
including sponsor incentives,
or visit https://givebutter.com/
peraltawalkathon2024 to donate. n


THE

page 15
OCTOBER 2024

RN
Classifieds
List your 36-word message here for only
$22 (phone number counts as one word).
Make check payable to RCPC, and write
“Rockridge News Classifieds” in the memo
line. Mail to: RCPC, 4900 Shattuck Ave.,
P.O. Box 22504, Oakland, 94609-20131.
For more information, email Susan at
smontauk@gmail.com.
Deadline for November's issue is:
October 17, 2024 (available Nov 2).
Reward Based Dog Training
Does your adolescent pup need help with
basic obedience, leash manners or impulse
control? We offer private training customized
to help your dog succeed! Please call 510/646-
9657 or visit dogsquaddogtraining.com for
more information and to get started.
Handyman Service –
House Repairs & Remodeling
Dry rot, kitchen and bath tile refurbishing
or installation, window installation, plumbing,
fencing, deck & handrail repair, electrical wir-
ing- fixtures, outlets, and much more. Call Juan
341/221-9200 or email 5826.jbv@gmail.com.

7:1 Faculty-Student Ratio | Max Class Size of 13
DARE to be DIFFERENT
DARE to be DIFFERENT
GRADES 8-12  OrindaAcademy.org

Market talk: Expect market activity to increase this fall with more inventory and lowering rates! Contact me for a specific
valuation on your property.
NEW:
Heart of Rockridge: 309 63rd St @ College Ave (Adjacent Cole Coffee). FULLY VACANT 4-plex, roughly $120k/year gross
income. Expansion potential. Listed @ 1.695M
COMING:
Glen Highlands: 4+ Bd 3+ Ba 3,300+ SqFt 1990s beauty across Hwy 13 from Upper Rockridge - Listed @ $2.1M
September is Awareness Month for:  Hispanic Heritage, Blood Cancers, Library Card Sign-up, Suicide Prevention,
Alzheimer's, Forgiveness, Food Bank, Grandparents, Encouragement, Positive Thinking, Self-Care
HAPPY AUTUMN!

Penelope’s Aesthetics
Now offering a Halloween special
Tired of the masks? I’ve got the mask for you!
Rejuvenate and refresh with a custom facial
designed for your unique facial needs. Call for
an appointment; 510/594-1552; penelopecalef.
com.
Electrical Remodels and Repairs
Want to light your new artwork? I can help
with that.  I’ve been doing electrical work in
Oakland and Berkeley for over 35 years.
Sutorik & Company; www.sutorikandco.com;
Lic #397149. 510/655-3677.
Shop ROCKRIDGE
law office of
dave karlinsky
Garden Maintenance,
Cleanups & Design
Experienced team of two dedicated to the art
of gardening. We specialize in garden mainte-
nance, cleanups and custom garden designs. To
contact us, please email yourgreengardeners@
gmail.com. Check us out at www.yourgreen-
gardeners.com.
725 washington st., suite 313  oakland, ca 94607
(510) 788-5700    www.davekarlinskylaw.com
Practicing exclusively in the area of trusts and estates:
• Estate planning

• Probate / trust administration

• Dispute resolution
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.
• Special needs trusts
Melissa Parker, Notary Public /
2347156
On-Call-Notary Services: Wills and Trusts,
Refinance, Passports and more. Please
call 408/685-3550 or 415/527-7647;
melissabparker@gmail.com.  n
Please contact me during regular business hours to
      schedule an appointment.


est.               1967

THE
REFRESHED TEMESCAL CONDOS
STILL
AVAILABLE
SOLD
4811 Telegraph Ave #502
Penthouse Style Unit
3 Bed, 2.5 Bath in 1,726 SF
3 Decks, Bonus Loft
Abundant Storage
2 Car Parking
Fantastic Walkable Location
$1,074,000
414 40th St #202
Sweet Flat w/ New Tile Floor
2 Bed, 2 Bath Flat in 1,002 SF
Balcony, In unit laundry
1 Car Parking
Fantastic Walkable Location
Listed at $599,000
SOLD for $675,000
ANDREW PITARRE
“I know Rockridge”
We look forward to seeing you at the Rockridge Kitchen Tour