Extracted text · highlighting “Carol Kasparek”

www.rockridge.org
R ckridgeNews

THE

VOL 39   •   NO. 10   •   ISSUE  NO. 424   •   NOVEMBER 2, 2024                 CIRCULATION: 6,400 RESIDENCES; 200 BUSINESSES

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

From Curbside
Junk to Global
Reuse Revolution
by Chris Ayan
W
F

Thanksgiving Day Meals
To-Go at College Ave.
Presbyterian Church
by Rev. Monte McClain
or nearly 50 years, the College
Avenue Presbyterian Church
Oakland community has partnered
with the greater Rockridge community
to host a neighborhood-empowered
annual Thanksgiving Day community
meal. Since the appearance of Covid
in 2020, we’ve adapted to a take-out
format for our meals — for those who
come to eat and those who come to
serve. This year, with your help, we
are aiming to provide 250 to-go meals
on Thanksgiving Day, November 28,
from 11am-12pm, at our campus at
5951 College Avenue.
We want to invite you, our Rock-
ridge neighbors, to come help. This
has always been a joint project with
diverse members of our Rockridge
Community — involving congre-
gational members, local merchants,
and residents. We can’t solve all of
the housing and food insecurity
problems around us, but together we
can respond to the needs of those
illiam Chui didn’t set out to
create a global, student-run
recommerce chain. It all started
with a simple dog walk in Oakland
when he came across something
unexpected: a pile of household items
— dishes, books, Legos, even some
crystals — abandoned on the curb.
“It was such a waste to see these really
nice, valuable street treasures left out
and destined for the landfill,” William
explains. That small moment sparked
an idea that’s since grown into some-
thing much bigger: Stooping Club
(https://collegeprepstooping.org).
Now a senior at College Preparatory
School, William took what began as
a hobby — picking up curbside finds
— and turned it into Stooping Club, a
free online platform for donating and
“shopping” preloved items. Launched
in October 2023, Stooping Club oper-
ates like a recommerce store, but
with one key difference: everything is
free. The goal? To transform society’s
throwaway culture into one of reuse
and sustainability. “Everything on
Stooping Club is free so everyone
can appreciate the culture of reuse,”
William says.
In less than a year, the club has
made a significant impact. The Oak-
land branch has diverted over 3,200
items from landfills, reducing over
10,000 kilograms of CO2 emissions.
And the items collected aren’t just
old knick-knacks. Some of the most
surprising finds have included $1,000
paintings, Air Jordan shoes, guitars,
and even a working Xbox 360. But
for William, this isn’t just about cool
William Chui loves to go “shopping”
for new website items to share.
finds — it’s about changing people’s
mentality toward consumerism.
“I see my mission as reducing waste
and shifting the mentality for reuse,
and have people start thinking about
what they need versus what they buy.”
What started as a local project has
now gone global. Stooping Club now
Stooping Club, see next page
Thanksgiving, see page 4
Kitchen Tour A Smashing Success
by Star Lightner, RCPC Board Member and Kitchen Tour Chair
Thank you Rockridge! The 2024
Kitchen Tour was well attended
with more than 380 people touring
the eight kitchens and two ADUs.
It was a gorgeous Sunday afternoon
— not too hot, not too cold — and
scores of people walked around
Rockridge visiting the kitchens,
talking to architects, designers
and contractors, as well as the tour
sponsors who provided much-appre-
ciated tasty treats. Funds raised will
go to support neighborhood events
like the Halloween Parade and Rock
& Stroll, as well as beautification
projects and community grants.
Please contact chair@rockridge.org
if you have an idea for a project.
KT, see page  3


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NOVEMBER 2024

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.
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
College Prep students Matthew Gentner, Daphne Green, Ruoxi “Lexi” Zhu,
William Chui, Tiago de Figueiredo, Caetano de Figueiredo, and Jack Sample.
RCPC Board of Directors, 2024-25
Casey Farmer.......................................................Chair
Ken Rich..................................................... Vice-Chair
Kim Suczynski-Smith................................... Secretary
Louisa Bukiet.................................................Treasurer
awarded Stooping Club a $500 Heart-
warming Project Action Grant, and
William’s work has been recognized
in The Harvard Crimson, and by
Waste Management and others.
William’s teacher and club advisor,
Rong Zhang, speaks to the impact
his student’s work has had. “William
is thoughtful about the world and the
future. His philosophy has inspired
many young people, and several
schools in the Bay Area have already
adopted his model,” Zhang said.
Seeing William’s hands-on approach
— from collecting items to organiz-
ing donations — has left a lasting
impact on those around him.
As William prepares to graduate in
2025 and head on to college, his role
in the Stooping Club will shift. He
plans to pass on the leadership of the
Oakland branch to a successor, but
will continue overseeing the organi-
zation’s global network. His long-term
vision? He sees a future where waste is
minimized and reuse is the norm, not
the exception.
For now, William remains at the
helm, inspiring a generation of young
people to join the fight against waste.
His work with the club is already
reshaping the way people think about
what they throw away, and as the
organization continues to grow, so
too does its impact… one forgotten
curbside find at a time. n
Stooping Club, from front page
Mark Aaronson, Muhammad Alameldin, Kristen
Belt, Eli Kaplan, Star Lightner, Tom Lollini, Zac
Unger, Zack Walton
operates worldwide, including new
branches opening as far away as Ethi-
opia, Belarus, and Canada.
Each branch follows the same core
mission: Take usable items, give them
a second life, and rethink the idea of
waste entirely. The expansion hasn’t
come without effort, but it’s earned
the club recognition from major
organizations. The Hershey Company
Contact the board: chair@rockridge.org
For information: info@rockridge.org
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 in the order received.
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.
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 DECEMBER 2024:
NOVEMBER 14, 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.


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page 3
NOVEMBER 2024

KT, from page one
Thank You, Sponsors:
Many Thanks to Everyone
Who Made the 2024 Kitchen
Tour Such a Success
PLATINUM: Remy Weinstein who
made possible the outstanding ban-
ners and posters.
GOLD: Daniel Stea who made our
beautiful full-color brochure possible.
MARBLE: HDR Remodeling and
Ron Kriss/Andrew Pitarre.
Thank You, Homeowners who gener-
ously opened their homes and kitchens to
our tour guests, patiently answered ques-
tions, and made themselves available for
many preliminary house visits. Without
you, here would have been no tour: Ryan
Pearl and Rory Glenn, Carol Emert,
Jennifer Daskal and Jesse Attix, Judith
Katz and Steven Grady, Jen and Brian
McKillips, Jeanee and Tony Hoffman,
Bryan Heckenlively and Shilpi Agarwal,
and Jody London and Mike Aronson,
Maikao Grare and David Pingatore,
and Jenn Ritchey and Sachin Agarwal.
GRANITE: Jason Kaldis/David Col-
lins and Allie Pembleton.
OAK: Jewish Community Center of
the East Bay and Proyecto Build.
Thank you, 40+ docents. You all made
time for training sessions, recruited
friends to join the docent crew,
described the kitchens and ushered
tour-goers smoothly and graciously
through the homes.
Thank You, Volunteers:
Susie Wyshak and Stephanie Lee:
Sponsorship and Advertising
Elliott Swigert: Art/Poster Design
Carol Kasparek and Judy Weiss: Kitchen
Description Writers
Benedicte Rodet: Photography
Maryann Amado and Ben Riddell: Publicity
Eileen Ward: Docent Coordinator
Robin McDonnell: Docent Assistant
Emily Hou: Website Design and Management
Kim Suczynski-Smith: Brochure Design and
Budgeting
Eli Kaplan and Aaron Wulfsburg: Day-of
Runners
Mark Aaronson, Eli Kaplan, Louisa Bukiet,
and Ben Riddell: Registration Table
Star Lightner: Kitchen Tour Chair
Elmwood Copy & Printing: Printing
Thank you architects, contractors,
design consultants, and craftspeople
who gave up a Sunday afternoon to
meet guests and talk about kitchens.
We also thank our unofficial
sponsor, Market Hall, for hosting the
registration table for the first time and
went the extra mile to help make this a
great event!  And… a special shout out
to our community’s generosity — as
a result, we were able to offer a bunch
of free tickets to those who otherwise
couldn’t afford them.
We loved putting on this event for
the community and are so grateful for
everyone's generous contribution to
RCPC. To share your feedback, please
email kitchentour@rockridge.org. See
you again in two years. n


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NOVEMBER 2024

celebrate the holiday, serve
others, and get to know
your neighbors. We gladly
welcome the volunteer help
of children accompanied
by a parent.
To donate money and/
or time, visit us online at
www.capcoakland.org/
thanksgiving-meal, email
the church office at cap-
coakland@gmail.com, or
call (510) 658-3665.
Thank you for partnering
with CAPC by responding
to help those in need. n
Thanksgiving, from page one
Photo provided by Monte McClain
struggling with hunger, solitude, job-
lessness, and high inflation.
A financial gift of $7.50 provides
a hearty turkey dinner with all the
fixings for someone in need. For as
little as $30, you can feed a family of
four. Donations from people like you
are what make this community meal
possible.
You can also give of your time. We
need volunteers — lots of them — to
help cooking at home, preparing the
site, serving the meal, and cleaning
up afterward. It’s a great way to
Volunteers Ann Iverson, Joy Barnes, Linda Davis,
Sharon Nelson, and Al Barnes
The Monk’s Kettle Opens
on College Avenue
curity, it became apparent that their
challenges extended beyond hunger.
While individual needs varied, the
most common requests were for
clothing and personal care items.
This realization inspired action —
the creation of Blessing Bags.
This year, we’re excited to host a
dedicated Blessing Bag Booth along-
side our church’s annual meal where
people can stop by and pick up essen-
tial items and create a personalized
Blessing Bag, ensuring they receive
exactly what meets their needs, and
that everyone feels valued and sup-
ported during the holidays.
To make sure this event is a success,
we warmly encourage community
support. We are currently collecting
the following donations: New socks
and underwear, t-shirts, gently used
jackets and pants, toiletries (personal
hygiene items such as soap, shampoo,
toothbrushes and toothpaste), and
even monetary donations that will
help purchase additional personal
items that may not be easily obtained.
Your contributions ensure that our
neighbors will have access to items
that promote dignity and well-being.
Every donation, no matter how small,
helps us spread generosity and com-
passion in our community.
Give Thanks, Pay it
Forward: Help Fill
Holiday “Blessing Bags”
by Maya Patil
The Monk’s Kettle (founded
2007) is a craft beer and wine
tavern offering a top-notch beer
list and from-scratch kitchen.
Originally located in SF’s Mission
District, The Monk’s Kettle opened
Halloween week after passing all
final inspections.
The new location is open daily
from 11:30am to midnight. Chef
Raiden Brenner will continue
his role as Executive Chef at both
Monk’s Kettle locations and will
cater the Rockridge menu to
the neighborhood, including a
complete kid’s menu. “Once we
establish operations, we plan to
open early on Sundays and offer a
brunch menu,” he notes.
The restaurant features an open
floor — creating one big great
room for the bar and dining room.
This includes 26+ seats at dining
room tables, 14 bar stools, and
ample standing room in the bar
area. Additionally, there is a large
back deck with roughly 26 seats
featuring an in-ground lemon tree
and an overhead trellis. The back
deck has been weatherproofed for
year-round use, including electric
heat lamps.
As Thanksgiving Day approaches,
we are reminded of the impor-
tance of community and compas-
sion. This year, College Avenue
Presbyterian Church is calling on
the community to make a difference
through its Blessing Bag Program to
help neighbors in need.
The program started from an obser-
vation during its weekly Friday Night
Meal. As meals were shared with
neighbors experiencing food inse-
To support our cause, email
capcblessingbags@gmail.com. To
make a secure online donation or
learn more about our church and our
Thanksgiving meal, visit capcoakland.
org. Thank you for your support. n
Visit them at 5484 College Avenue.
Reservations are accepted through
OpenTable. n


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NOVEMBER 2024

RCPC  Land Use Committee
Planning Commission Votes to Advance CCA Project
T
Get Involved and
Stay in Touch with
Oakland’s General
Plan Process
he Oakland Planning Commis-
sion voted last month to
advance the California College of
the Arts (CCA) Project to the City
Council including the Final Envi-
ronmental Impact Report (FEIR),
a Final Development Plan, and
Conditions of Approval.
The Conditions of Approval were
modified slightly, and Rockridge
Community Planning Council
(RCPC) recommended altering
the project proposal’s affordable
housing obligation from 10 percent
moderate-income units, which
approximate current market rents,
to 5 percent very low-income units,
which are targeted to households
with incomes 50 percent less than
moderate-income units.
RCPC was also open to the city’s
determination as to whether it would
prefer an “in-lieu fee,” whereby
instead of including affordable
units within the CCA project, the
developer contributes to the Oakland
Affordable Housing Trust Fund,
which uses those funds to help pay
for building publicly-funded 100
percent affordable housing develop-
ments. However, RCPC expressed
the preference to have these afford-
able units built in Rockridge.
According to the project developer,
Marc Babsin of Emerald Fund, “We
are continuing to pursue entitle-
ments, and we hope to complete the
entitlements process by the end of
2024. However, we will not be com-
mencing construction until market
conditions improve. We aim to break
ground once that occurs.”n
by Tom Lollini, FAIA, RCPC Board
Member and Land Use Committee
Chair
The City of Oakland is seeking your
input on Phase 2 of the Gen-
eral Plan Update. The Oakland Gen-
eral Plan Update (GPU) is an exciting
chance for everyone in Oakland to
help plan the city’s future for the next
20 years. Through the General Plan,
the City aims to create livable and con-
nected neighborhoods where people
have access to everything they need,
such as grocery stores, entertainment,
shops, libraries, parks, safe transporta-
tion and necessary public facilities and
infrastructure.
plan for housing and jobs? What
should the City focus on to make
transportation, parks, and recreation
even better?
Phase 2 will address the following
elements:
• Land Use and Transportation
Element (LUTE) Update
• Open Space, Conservation and
Recreation (OSCAR) Element Update
• Noise Element Update
• (New) Infrastructure and Facilities
Element
In 2023, the City of Oakland completed
Phase 1 of the GPU, which included:
• Environmental Justice (EJ) Element
(Oakland’s first)
• Safety Element Update
• 2023-2031 Housing Element
• Phase 1 Planning Code
Amendments
• Phase 1 Final Environmental Impact
Report
For further information and to stay
current on other aspects of the process,
tap the links below:
• GPU Framework and Guidling
Principles
• Sign up for Email Updates
The City of Oakland wants to hear
from you about what our neighbor-
hood needs! How should Oakland
To access article links in blue, see the
digital edition at Rockridge.org. n
This comprehensive policy package
includes strategies to meet Oakland’s
housing needs and demands for more
affordable homes, reduce pollution,
advance environmental justice in the
city’s most impacted communities,
and prepare to address the impacts of
climate change and natural disasters.
ROCKRIDGE LIVING AWAITS!
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
Land Use Committee Meeting
RCPC
Next Meeting:
Wed., November 20, on Zoom
Meetings are held at 7:30pm
on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
To participate, or to request links to
this or any previous meeting,
email landuse@rockridge.org.
Call Daniel
for details
510.843.6400
DRE # 01221457
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


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NOVEMBER 2024

JCCEB Project
at Planning
Commission on
November 6
by Mark Aaronson, RCPC Board
Member
Tgramming); special programmatic
and private events for up to 250
people, mostly on Saturday evenings
and Sundays; and five Jewish High
Holiday religious services and related
events in September or October for an
estimated 350 to 500 celebrants.
In addition, the JCCEB has included
in the plans under review an after-
school program for up to 100 students
and a summer camp program for up
to 200 children; however the JCCEB
has not finally determined if or
when these programs will become
operational. While the site will not
be used for major athletic activities,
the submitted plans include proposed
pickleball courts for the Claremont
parking lot for use during non-business
hours and non-programmatic times,
and space for half-court basketball near
the Chabot parking lot.
The entire site is almost three
acres comprising 10 parcels, which
will be merged into a single parcel
with a Commercial Neighborhood-1
zoning designation. Proposed phys-
ical changes to the property involve
the demolition of the large stairway
entry off the Chabot parking lot
to the second floor of the Dreyer’s
office building and its replacement
with a ground floor entry area; the
demolition of a breezeway extension
to the old Yoshi’s restaurant and club
and the construction of an exterior
deck on the south side of that space;
a decrease of the overall number of
onsite parking spaces from 140 to 91
mainly to create outdoor space for
children play areas; and the installa-
tion of seven new pole-mounted lights
in the Claremont parking lot and one
new pole-mounted light in the Chabot
parking lot.
RCPC and immediate Chabot Road
neighbors have been in discussion
with JCCEB representatives for more
than two years over various impacts
of the project. There is no final reso-
lution yet to the issues discussed. In
anticipation of the upcoming Plan-
ning Commission meeting, the RCPC
Board has taken a position in general
support of the project, but the specif-
ics of how that position is framed are
yet to be determined. n
and approval of JCCEB’s request for an
Infill CEQA exemption.
Traffic and noise environmental
studies have been done with recom-
mended mitigation measures. The
most noteworthy mitigation measures
involve improvements at the College
and Chabot intersection, which
includes constructing a bulb-out at
the northwest corner, installing
Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons
across both College crosswalks, and
moving the College bus stops past the
intersection. There are also traffic and
parking mitigation measures for events
attended by 220 peope or more.
On January 1, the JCCEB takes full
ownership of the site. It has shared the
site for almost three years with Nestle
employees, mainly for office use, and
five retail stores along College. The
JCCEB intends to continue to lease the
retail space for neighborhood-serving
stores. Through a leasing agent, it is in
negotiation with Crossroads to renew
its lease, which expires in May.
The JCCEB will continue to operate
programmatic and other activities at
its existing north Berkeley campus.
Its executive offices are now at the
Dreyer’s site, as are two residential
programs for young adults in houses
fronting Claremont Avenue.
The JCCEB’s plans for the Dreyer’s
site include administrative office space
for itself and up to 20 other mainly
Jewish nonprofit service organiza-
tions; a weekday preschool childcare
program for up to 120 children;
educational and other programmatic
activities for usually between 50 and
100 individuals, mostly no more than
one each weeknight (except Friday
evenings when there will be no pro-
he Jewish Community Center East
Bay (JCCEB) application for
planning permits authorizing new
uses at the Dreyer’s/Nestle site
bounded by Claremont, College,
and Chabot, is on the November
6th agenda of the Oakland Planning
Commission. The starting time is
3pm at the Council Chambers in City
Hall. The main items for decision are
conditional use permits for civic com-
munity assembly and education uses,
YOUR LOCAL
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6025 COLLEGE AVE. OAKLAND


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NOVEMBER 2024

Rockridge Artists at
East Bay Open Studios
Mixed media and collage artists,
and Rockridge residents, Marsha
Balian (www.marshabalian.com) and
Katie McCann (www.katiemccannart.
com) will be showing their work
together at this year’s Open Studios.
Katie McCann is a self-taught English
artist. Her work is a Victorian obses-
sion with faeries, flora, and fauna. It
is often lush and dense with hidden
meaning and metaphors.
Visit Rockridge Artists
Saturday and Sunday,
Dec. 7th & 8th; from 11am-5pm
Marsha Bailian & Katie McCann
at 5495 Kales Avenue
(also on Friday, Dec. 6th; 4pm-7pm)
Trina Anderson
5240 Shafter Avenue
Damon Manni
355 Glendale Avenue
Images below:
“Pink Moon” by Katie McCann
“Pelirrojo” by Marsha Balian
Martha Balian’s work also has a
strong narrative quality and incorpo-
rates found materials combined with
drawing and painting. As a self-taught
artist, she often invents her own
techniques. Since invention doesn’t
require strict adherence to rules, her
art avoids what might be overly literal
and attempts to engage the imagina-
tion of the viewer.
Both artists were included in the
book, Collage by Women: 50 Women
Collage Artists of the World, which
was published in Spain and has
enjoyed huge international success. n

Dogs (and sometimes, cats) of Rockridge
Hi, my name is Maki and we kitties demand equal
time with doggies. I am the official greeter of the
5100 block of Shafter. I am easy to spot because
I wear my bright pink vest outside. I am very
friendly, so as you walk by, I might say hi and rub
against your leg. If you have time, I’d love it if you
could stop and give me a nice scritch between the
ears… I’ll be your friend for life.
Hudson (named for the Bay, a happy
coincidence) is a rescue Golden Shepherd
(golden retriever and German shepherd
mix). He’s 13-years-old, and his favorite
person is whomever he’s just met. He
loves going to Cole Hardware to get a
treat (that’s where he is in this picture)
while mom and dad shop. He recently
transitioned to morning walks instead
of evening walks, is particularly fond of
kids, and has a New Yorker subscription in
his name. He’s fond of our neighborhood
peacock, Kevin, whom he recognizes as a
particularly colorful part of the pack.
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.


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NOVEMBER 2024

Artist Goes from
Digital to Old-
School Calligraphy
by Judith Doner Berne
Jane Brenner’s decorative calligraphy
adorns the printed bookmarks hon-
oring the San Francisco-based,
700-members of Friends of Calligra-
phy’s 50th anniversary. In both Latin
and English, it declares: “The spoken
word vanishes, the written word
remains.”
Indeed, the 89-year-old Rockridge
resident’s studio is filled to the rafters
with her versions of the written word,
in English as well as Hebrew and
Arabic. “I’ve just been asked to do a
ketubah (Jewish wedding contract) in
Hebrew, English, and Urdu,” she said.
Brenner’s work runs the gamut —
from place cards, to commercial logos,
to wedding invitations, to family
trees — including two 2x7-foot wall
mountings that traced the maternal
and fraternal history for a well-known
Photo by Judy Berne
Jane Brenner’s calligraphic pieces can be found in museums
as well as on kitchen walls.
Publishing (then in San Francisco)
and they hired me because I had spent
one summer working at Encyclopedia
Britannica,” Brenner said.
“Wadsworth was where I learned
about composition, typesetting, and
book production. I worked with
authors, I designed covers, I designed
books.” This was before the advent of
computers.
Two events drew her out of the pub-
lishing world and into calligraphy: “I
could see the importance of the com-
puter,” Brenner said. “I didn’t want to
be in front of a screen all day.” That
coincided with viewing Kalligraphia,
European family. A master’s degree in
painting from Ohio State University
has equipped her to illustrate her
calligraphy. “My goal is to help each
client communicate appropriately,
and yet perhaps in a way they hadn’t
thought of before,” she said. “I trust
the creative process to achieve some-
thing wonderful.”
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Brenner
taught for a year at Fairmount State
College in West Virginia, earning
enough money to bicycle solo through
Europe. Upon her return, a new
friend from Mills College talked her
into moving to the Bay Area.
“I walked into Wadsworth
Brenner, see next page


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NOVEMBER 2024

agile with her pen and art. That is
somewhat remarkable, said treasurer
of the Friends of Calligraphy Dean
Robino, since “It’s not unusual for
calligraphers to develop somewhat of
a tremor. Jane has a very firm hand.
Her work is really beautiful.
“She’s one of our outstanding
long-term members,” Robino said,
including stints as the organization’s
president, and then editor of its mag-
azine, Alphabet, in the early 2000s.
“Recently, Jane got me thinking about
what the future of calligraphy should
look like — what we can learn from
digital type designers and what they
can learn from calligraphers.”
If you have a Rockridge-based
story that needs telling, please email
judyberne@att.net. n
tive material. They often take several
months to complete.” Many of the
ketubot and wedding vow documents
she designs include places for more
than just the couple and witnesses to
sign. “The Quakers require that every-
one at the wedding sign. I like that
tradition,” she said.
Brenner, a widow, is surrounded by
family. “I live within a five-mile radius
of four siblings,” two of whom live in
Rockridge. (Stories on her sisters Alice
Erb and Susan Erb appeared in the
Rockridge News earlier this year.) And,
son Micah Brenner, daughter-in-law
Stacey Wisnia, and grandchildren
Anika, 15, and Ray, 11, are also resi-
dents of Rockridge.
Brenner doesn’t work as many hours
as she used to, but says she is still
Brenner, from previous page
the Friends of Calligraphy triennial
exhibit at the San Francisco Public
Library. “I was intrigued.”
“Working in publishing as a book
designer gave me a good foundation
for the gradual transition to working
as a consultant to both public and
private clients with diverse communi-
cation needs,” Brenner said. “I enjoy
the challenge of combining words and
images to create distinctive and mem-
orable designs that convey thoughts
and emotions.”
Lisa Kaplan discovered Brenner’s
work online a decade ago when she
wanted to create a ketubah for her
niece’s wedding. Kaplan, the original
volunteer coordinator for Rockridge’s
Frog Park, likes to mark graduations
and significant birthdays for family
and friends with framed quotations.
“I’ve gone to Jane for those milestone
gifts. We work together.”
She is especially fond of a Brenner
piece hanging on her kitchen wall. It
reads: “The ordinary acts we prac-
tice every day at home are of more
importance to the soul than their
simplicity might suggest,” a quote
from Sir Thomas More. When Kaplan
is making a meal or doing the dishes,
“It helps me remember that ordinary
acts are really important. I see that
quote 20 times a day. I gave copies of
it to my cooking group.”
Brenner has exhibited at various
galleries and museums, including the
Sonoma Arts Council Gallery, Jewish
Museum of San Francisco, Islamic
Cultural Center of Oakland, and
at Kalligraphia. She is a three-time
winner of the Graceful Envelope con-
test, inaugurated by the Smithsonian
Institute National Postal Museum.
Speaking of envelopes, one of her
favorite assignments is addressing
black envelopes using white ink for
a Monterey winery. “I love it because
it’s white on black.” Another unusual
project was a recent request to letter a
name on a soccer ball.
But family trees and ketubot require
the most effort and imagination, she
said. “Family trees shouldn’t just be
lineage. They should contain narra-


THE
page 10
NOVEMBER 2024

Take A Seat and
Change History
Marks emphasized that the money
dedicated to Prop NN is to be spent
specifically on fire and policing —
violence prevention; the improvement
of emergency and 911 response times;
and the prevention of sex trafficking.
The initiative would increase prop-
erty taxes by a modest amount (from
$133 to $198 for single-family homes);
increase parking taxes at downtown
lots by 10 percent; and require the
City of Oakland to maintain a police
force of at least 700 sworn officers.
The full details of the measure are
available at the Alameda County Reg-
istrar of Voters website.
The October 2024 minutes are
available on the NCPC website at
https://tinyurl.com/2etr5zmf. n
Rockridge Organizations
Hold Joint Meeting on
Measure NN
by Karen Ivy
by Katrina Brekke-Miesner

S
R

ockridge Community Planning
Council (RCPC) and the Greater
Rockridge Neighborhood Crime
Prevention Council (NCPC) held their
annual joint meeting at the Rockridge
Library on October 10. NCPC Secre-
tary Karen Ivy began the meeting by
highlighting recent statistics from the
two most current crime reports (avail-
able at https://www.rockridgencpc.
com). She noted that the bulk of crime
in Rockridge is either auto-related
property crime (thefts and burglaries)
or general property crime (also thefts
and burglaries, but not involving
cars). Fortunately, “crimes against the
person” are rare, particularly over the
last two months.
Speaker Anne Marks, a volunteer
Steering Committee member for the
Measure NN campaign, presented
the history of Oakland’s property tax
measures that have supported funding
for additional policing. She explained
that Measure NN was proposed as
an extension and enhancement of
Measure Z (due to expire this Decem-
ber) by a coalition of local residents,
businesses, and nonprofits. Together,
they gathered enough signatures to
qualify the measure for this Novem-
ber’s ballot.
In response to audience questions,
NCPC Needs You
The Greater Rockridge NCPC
was officially established in April
2002 to respond to the newly
reorganized Community Policing
Program of the City of Oakland
Police Department. The orga-
nization has recently accepted
the resignation of Vice Chair
Lisa Hingley. They will miss her
valuable contributions and ask
Rockridge neighbors to consider
spending a few hours every
couple of months to participate
in important, informative meet-
ings. Interested parties can email
chair@rockridgencpc.com. n
HAPPY
THANKSGIVING
F r o m  a l l  o f  u s  a t  C M R E T
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

ometimes we only need to get
started. This notion was at the heart
of bringing back Performing Arts at
Oakland Tech and renovating the
auditorium. The idea back in 2004
was to raise money in order to save
an after-school drama program run
by Opera Piccolo. At a turkey dinner
to raise the needed funds, a conversa-
tion ensued as to why Tech no longer
offered drama or dance as in-school
classes, and why there were limited
music options. That night, parents
vowed to raise money for performing
arts. And they did.
The absence of an arts program had
not only limited student options for a
complete education, it allowed the audi-
torium to become storage for broken
desks and debris. Unlike other classes,
a performing arts curriculum needs a
stage, sound system, lighting, and seats.
The Auditorium Committee of parents,
teachers, and administration identified
a three-phase renovation plan.
Phase 1 (now completed) included
simple things like mending curtains,
getting dumpsters for clean-up days,
and working with the Oakland Unified
School District to address safety con-
cerns. Understanding the need for a
state-of-the-art facility, the committee
sought experts to inform the staging
of the plan. Despite a limited budget,
the best in the field offered to help. For
many, it was personal: “If it wasn’t for
performing arts, I wouldn’t have gradu-
ated from high school.”
Phase 2 (now completed) included
installing a sound and lighting system,
acoustic panels, and stage lighting.
Phase 3 (in progress) includes
updating the seats, adding LED house
lighting, paint, and carpet. Project
management has been key, and back
in 2006, Daniel Brekke (Rockridge
resident and parent of three children
who attended Chabot, Claremont, and
Tech) took on the role of communicat-
ing with OUSD’s facilities department,
Tech, see next page


THE

page 11
NOVEMBER 2024

Tech, from previous page
See Shakespeare’s Classic Comedy
— with bonus musical numbers
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
getting bids from vendors for lighting
and sound, and overseeing the install.
The partnership with OUSD and
in-kind support of local businesses,
parents, and foundation funding
were critical. Brekke explains,
“Having volunteered to work on
a number of school projects, I am
amazed at the change parents can
make with OUSD as a partner. With
each improvement we would make,
the students would literally say,
‘Thank you.’ My reply, ‘We are doing
this for you now with hopes you find
ways to pay it forward too.’”
Today, this success is evident.
November 14 & 15 at 7pm,
and 16th at 2pm & 7pm.
Tickets will be available at the door
(42nd and Broadway).
Photo by LaTisha Hernandez
involvement in the performing arts
community at Tech, particularly the
drama department, has been vital to
her thriving as a high schooler. The
high-caliber talent, both onstage and
backstage, deserves a performance
space that is an equally high-quality
experience for the audience — our
seating is the key.”
Seeing the talent will be an experi-
ence to remember, and the seats will
be too. You’ll notice that they are
broken and mismatched in color —
not suprising as they were installed
in 1959 when the building was first
built. Help change this by sponsoring
a seat for $250 and personalizing a
plaque. This improvement will last
for generations and make you part of
Tech's history.
The Auditorium Committee has
raised nearly $1 million of the $1.4M
budget. This investment is more than
a donation, it’s recognizing the impor-
tance of student voices, community
assets, and the role the arts play in
our lives. Come Take A Seat, donate
today at https://bit.ly/TakeASeatOT. n
Daniel Brekke and Amy Hood invite
Rockridge residents to Take A Seat!
Rockridge resident, parent of a
sophomore, and member of the
Auditorium Fundraising Committee,
Amy Hood, explains, “My daughter’s
of Rockridge
La Esquinita:
Breakfast Burrito
5701 College Avenue
My “Best Bite” at La Esquinita
is the breakfast burrito with
homemade chorizo. This can, and
probably should be shared, given
that it is enormous. Many Bay Area
breakfast burritos get ruined by
watery Pico de Gallo, but La Esqui-
nita has avoided this pitfall, much to
my delight. College Avenue lacked
a great breakfast burrito in my
humble opinion (informed by my
New Mexican upbringing) and I, for
one, believe La Esquinita has filled
in the gap. The knock-on effect of
La Esquinita is that Cactus recently
has revamped and upgraded their
menu. All of this is good news for
those of us who live in Rockridge
and have a proclivity for Mexican
food — buen provecho. n
La Esquinita, or as my kids call it
“the pink taco shop,” opened last
year and immediately caught the
attention of diners on College
Avenue because of its unique paint
job (the aforementioned all-pink
aesthetic) and because of the vari-
ety of thoughtfully constructed
tacos and burritos. The proprietor,
Thomas Schnetz, is familiar to Oak-
land restaurant goers from Xolo and
Doña Tomás — the latter of which
moved to Piedmont Avenue (and is
now called “Doña”) after the appar-
ent separation of Thomas and his
wife Dona Savitsky (or that’s what
the gossip pages tell me).
— by Galen Wilson
Photo by Galen Wilson
Send your favorite bite or beverage in Rockridge to: editor@rockridge.org


THE
page 12
NOVEMBER 2024

some well-established building codes;
increased traffic; and unwanted side
effects like shading that will affect
a small number of our neighbors.
The new state laws around building
housing — specifically affordable
housing — can make the effects of
these changes more severe.
I don’t think we should focus on
this project at this point. As the RCPC
article, “Development Proposal at
5295 College Avenue” (September
2024) mentioned, it’s likely to change
and possibly not be built. Rather, I
think we should take the long view.
We know change is coming so let’s get
ahead of it. As mentioned by RCPC in
the Rockridge News (“How New State
Housing Laws Could Reshape Rock-
ridge’s Future,” September 2024), we
have the opportunity to work together
to develop a plan that reflects the
input of Rockridge residents.
Let’s collaborate among ourselves
and with developers so we become a
place where the best and most creative
developers want to build quality
community-friendly housing. Then
we will know what our community
wants, and developers will know how
to get it built. Take what I say as a
mindset and a goal. It’s not easy, but
it sure beats failure. I see enough pos-
itives in the many letters to the editor
to give me hope that we can do this.
Letters to the Editor
for both purchasing and renting. The
solution lies in building more hous-
ing, specifically:
• Medium and high-density housing
• Housing with purchase and rental
pricing across the affordability spec-
trum, from affordable to market rate
• Mixed-use development along
College Avenue, where we mix res-
idential with retail and commercial
opportunities
Change is Coming, Let's Collaborate
Dear Editor: I’m a long-time resident
of Rockridge (36 years). When I
think about the 5295 College Avenue
project, two things come to mind:
The housing crisis that exists in Rock-
ridge; and that significant change
is coming to our community as we
work out solutions. The change may
appear severe, as it should. Many of
the letters to the editor last month
reflect that reality. But crises warrant
radically different ways of thinking
about problems and solutions.
The solutions to the housing crisis
should be focused on the key com-
ponents of the problem: insufficient
housing and unmanageable prices
The possible benefits to Rockridge are
many, including:
• More people, resulting in a more
vibrant community, specifically
along College Ave.
• Greater diversity from the new avail-
ability of lower price point homes
• More vibrant retail community due
to more potential customers
• Potentially greater safety — more
eyes make it more difficult for crime
to occur
• Greater support for our local schools
due to increasing enrollment
• Finally, a likely contribution to a
reduction in Oakland’s homeless
population
SOLD IN ROCKRIDGE
6 Offers!
Now comes the hard stuff. The
letters to the editor last month
highlighted some of the problems
we will see as new development
occurs: greater height and density of
buildings; legal non-conformance to
348 GLENDALE AVENUE
Gary Barg
Chabot Road  n
This beautiful, bright and spacious
2-Bedroom Craftsman bungalow sold
33% over the list price in a shifting,
inventory-intensive September market!
This listing marks my 5th sale on this
lovely single-block of Glendale Avenue
– a small neighborhood community
I have come to know and love.
Contact me if you are thinking of
listing your Rockridge home!
MAXI LILLEY
510.919.8997
maxi@redoakrealty.com
The Rockridge Realtor®
with a Designer’s Eye
DRE #1919653
*per tax records


THE

page 13
NOVEMBER 2024

at 5295 College is not the answer. This
project is an outrageously oversized
proposal that has no place in our
community. I urge my fellow residents
and the RCPC to rally together and
work towards preserving the character
of Rockridge.
and the future of our neighborhood.
The current silence from the devel-
oper not only reflects an indifference
to our community but also raises sig-
nificant questions about transparency
and accountability.
Furthermore, this proposal bla-
tantly disregards existing zoning
regulations. Our neighborhood
has been carefully planned and
developed over many years, with
zoning laws established to reflect the
community’s needs and aspirations.
Current zoning does not permit a
building of this size and magnitude
in Rockridge, and it is crucial that we
strictly adhere to these guidelines.
Allowing such a development would
set a dangerous precedent, potentially
opening the floodgates for future
overdevelopment that could funda-
mentally change the fabric of our
community.
It is imperative that the Rockridge
Community Planning Council
(RCPC) take a firm stand against this
project. RCPC has a responsibility
to represent community interests
and promote thoughtful, sustainable
development that aligns with the
needs of residents. We need strong
advocacy from our planning council
to ensure that the voices of Rockridge
residents are heard, and to oppose
highrise developments that threaten
our neighborhoods.
In conclusion, while affordable
housing is a critical issue that we
must address, the proposed building
Letters, cont'd
Yes, to Affordable Housing —
No to High Rises
Dear Editor: I am writing to address
a matter of urgent concern for our
community: The proposed 15-story
highrise building at 5295 College Ave.
While I wholeheartedly support the
need for affordable housing, I must
vehemently oppose this project as it
is wholly inappropriate for the Rock-
ridge district.
The idea of a massive highrise over-
shadowing our homes and businesses
is simply outrageous. The character
of our community is defined by its
charming low-rise architecture and
welcoming atmosphere. A 15-story
building would dramatically alter
that character, creating a visual and
environmental impact that we simply
cannot accept. Residents like myself
fear that such a terrifyingly large
structure would diminish property
values and disrupt the quality of life
for everyone in the neighborhood.
What is even more troubling is the
fact that there has been absolutely no
community input regarding this proj-
ect. The builder has not engaged with
residents nor sought feedback from
those who would be most affected.
This lack of outreach is unacceptable.
Community engagement is essential
in any development process, and it is
our right as residents to have a voice
in decisions that will impact our lives
Joel Bloom
Clifton Street  n


THE
page 14
NOVEMBER 2024

Rockridge Library
OCTOBER 2024
Events
For Children
Storytime: Thursdays and Saturdays, 10:30am.
Chess Club: Wednesdays at 4pm. All ages and
skill-levels welcome.
Read to a Dog: Thursdays at 4pm every week.
Origami for All: Every third Tuesday at 4pm;
11/19. All ages welcome.
Tinker Tuesdays: Join us for various crafts for
children every Tuesday at 4pm. All ages wel-
come, children under 8 must bring a grown-up.
For Teens ages 12 – 18 
Movie Day: Wednesday 11/13 2-4pm: Join us for
a fun movie, popcorn and drinks.
Teen Advisory Board: Wednesday, 11/13;
4-5pm. 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 Rock-
ridge Library. Build community, share your
passion, learn, have fun!
1-on-1 Computer Help: Every Saturday,
10am-12pm. Do you need help with a password
or your email or your phone? Come with your
devices and technology questions and our vol-
unteer tech guru will help you get sorted. First
come first served.

Fall Meet the Author Series: Wednesday,
11/13, 6:30-7:30pm. Licensed Psychotherapist
and leader in the global conversation about
mental health and wellness, Rachel Kaplan
will discuss her new book, Feel, Heal and
Let that Sh*t Go: Your Guide to Emotional
Resilience and Lasting Self Love. Kaplan 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.
Planting Bulbs - When and How: Saturday,
11/16, 2-3pm. The U.C. Master Gardener
Program of Alameda County will teach the
art of planting bulbs, rhizomes, and tubers for
stunning spring displays.
ROCKRIDGE BOOK CLUB
Meets every 2nd Saturday,
3:30pm to 4:30pm at the library
November’s book is
“Waiting to Be Arrested at Night,”
by Tahir Hamut Izgil.
Please call (510) 597-5017 for info
and to get a copy of the book.
Rockridge Library
5366 College Avenue at Manila
510-597-5017
Holiday Closures:
Veterans Day - November 11
Thanksgiving Day - November 28
Day After Thanksgiving - November 29
Library Hours
Mon, Thurs, Sat 10am to 5:30pm
Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 8pm
Closed on Sundays.
Please also check our online calendar
at www.oaklandlibrary.org/events for
events throughout the city.

Stroll the Avenue
and Deliver the
Rockridge News
by Susan Montauk, Rockridge News
Distribution Manager
Many thanks to Josh Aycock (with
help from his daughter, see
photo) who has
been delivering
the newsletter
to businesses
along College
Avenue. He is
ready to pass
the route on to
someone who
enjoys walks
on the Avenue (and perhaps shopping
along the way). In the past, volunteers
have taken their kid(s) with them to
do the hand-off, and the kids love it.
With or without tiny volunteers, it’s
a wonderful way to serve your com-
munity — please contact us if you are
interested.
Photo by Josh Aycock
Route CAv1: Businesses and apartments
along College Avenue from Claremont
Ave to BART. Stacks at various stores.
The route includes businesses and
residences along the Avenue. You’ll
receive your bundles on the first
Friday of each month (except for
August). Call 510/547-3855, or email
Susan at smontauk@gmail.com. n


THE

page 15
NOVEMBER 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 December's issue is:
November 14, 2024 (available Dec 7).
User Manual for your dog?
Need help with leash manners, basic obedience,
or problem behaviors? Private, in-home train-
ing can help! Visit dogsquaddogtraining.com or
call 510/646-9657 for more information.
7:1 Faculty-Student Ratio | Max Class Size of 13
DARE to be DIFFERENT
DARE to be DIFFERENT
GRADES 8-12  OrindaAcademy.org
Handyman Service –
House Repairs & Remodeling
Dry rot, kitchen and bath tile refurbishing or
installation, window installation, plumbing, fencing,
deck & handrail repair, electrical wiring- fixtures,
outlets. And much more. Call Juan 341/221-9200
or email 5826.jbv@gmail.com.
Penelope’s Aesthetics Holiday special,
the Anti-Pollution Shield!
Environmental pollution stresses the natural
protective shield of our skin. Purify and detoxify
with Niacinamide and Red Algae extract restoring
your skins natural defense with a FACIAL!
510/594-1552 penelopecalef.com.
HARDWOOD FLOORS
Install, sand/refinish, repair, re-coat existing. Large
jobs or small. Twenty-plus years in Piedmont Ave/
Rockridge. Bruce Williams Woodfloors. Please call
or text Bruce at 510/652-8121. CA Lic # 913727
www.blwfloors.com.
Shop ROCKRIDGE
Electrical Remodels and Repairs
Planning a new kitchen? I can help with your
lighting needs.  I’ve been doing electrical work in
Oakland and Berkeley for over 35 years. Sutorik
& Company. www.sutorikandco.com. Lic #397149.
510/655-3677.
law office of
dave karlinsky
725 washington st., suite 313  oakland, ca 94607
Garden Maintenance, Cleanups
& Design
Experienced team of two dedicated to the art of
gardening. We specialize in garden maintenance,
cleanups and custom garden designs. To contact
us, please email yourgreengardeners@gmail.com.
Check us out at www.yourgreengardeners.com.
(510) 788-5700    www.davekarlinskylaw.com
Practicing exclusively in the area of trusts and estates:
• Estate planning

• Probate / trust administration

• Dispute resolution
JEWELRY REPAIRS
Formerly of High Strung and Blue Door Beads!
Marilee is now doing repairs as an independent
contractor. Please email her at mjwrepairs@
proton.me for all your jewelry repair needs!
• Special needs trusts
Please contact me during regular business hours to
      schedule an appointment.
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.


est.               1967

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