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www.rockridge.org
R ckridgeNews

THE

VOL 40   •   NO. 4   •   ISSUE  NO. 429   •   APRIL 5, 2025                 CIRCULATION: 6,700 RESIDENCES; 200 BUSINESSES

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

Fresh Finds on
Rockridge’s
College Avenue
by Carol Kasparek

Listening Sessions and Pop-ups Inform
Rockridge Community Vision Plan
by Casey Farmer and Kristen Belt, CVP Co-Chairs, RCPC Board Members

Dockridge’s independent businesses
cultivate a close-knit community
vibe, and College Avenue is the heart-
beat of our dynamic retail district.
Coming to the neighborhood are
some exciting new spots and a couple
of relocated gems.

uring the month of March, hun-
dreds of residents weighed into
the RCPC Community Vision Plan
(CVP) process. First, we held three
pop-ups around the neighborhood
guided by community engagement
experts and Rockridge residents James
Rojas and John Kamp. They produced
a map of Rockridge and provided
participants with tactile materials to
envision what they wanted to see in
the neighborhood — using their hands
and imaginations. These well-attended
R
Photo:  Carol Kasparek
Photo:  Casey Farmer
RCPC Board Members engaged the
community at the March 20 meeting.
events were hosted in multiple loca-
tions where residents regularly gather
— the Rockridge Library, Safeway
Plaza, and the Farmers Market.
On March 20, RCPC held its CVP
“Listening Session” at Claremont
Middle School, and over 125 residents
attended. We started with an update
on what we’ve learned from the com-
munity thus far and then broke into
small groups for brainstorming dis-
cussions on the five key focus areas:
Mobility, Open Space / Green Infra-
structure, Sustainability / Resilience,
Commercial / Community Uses, and
Housing. You can see resounding
themes and interesting ideas from the
word cloud image displayed on the
following page.
Owners Matthew Giles and
Anthony Mack take Veranda from
pop-up to storefront.
Veranda
Matthew Giles and Anthony Mack
have evolved their home interior busi-
ness in Veranda from landscaping,
to design consulting, to Rockridge
pop-up, to a permanent storefront
at 5931 College Avenue. Mack and
Giles opened the pop-up last fall after
closing their downtown Oakland loca-
tion. Rockridge District Association
(RDA) manager Chris Jackson saw
the positive response to the pop-up,
Rockridge CVP, see next page
Fresh Finds, see page 3


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page 2
APRIL 2025

Rockridge CVP, from front page
Community Engagement Pop-Up
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:  Tom Lollini
Please join us on April 27 at 4pm for
coffee and a strategy workshop at the
College Avenue Presbyterian Church,
2727 College Avenue. Participants will
be invited to evaluate the ideas gener-
ated from the meetings, pop-ups, and
surveys and provide feedback on which
to prioritize.
“I highly recommend getting
engaged in this plan. Amidst every-
thing going on this wild world, making
a difference locally is very fulfilling,”
says Jana Good, new RCPC Board
Member and Manila Ave resident.
To attend the meeting, RSVP to
Chair@rockridge.org. If you are unable
to attend any of our meetings but have
ideas to share, please submit them
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
Residents shared thoughts and ideas
at one of three interactive pop-ups.
“Dozens of people stopped by to
build a better Rockridge using small
buildings and landscape elements,”
noted James Rojas.
RCPC Board of Directors, 2025
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,
Zack Walton
through our survey, which you can
access via the QR code on the front
page, or at www.Rockridge.org. n
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.
and Mark Aaronson, who will be
serving new terms on the board. We
will share the bios of the incoming
board members in the May newsletter.
Huge thanks for the many contri-
butions of outgoing board members
Ken Rich (4 years of service) and
Louisa Bukiet (3 years of service).
Both of them were instrumental in
pushing forth many RCPC efforts,
including ensuring strong financial
management — both served as RCPC
Treasurer during their terms. n
RCPC  Board Election Update
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.
by Casey Farmer, RCPC Chair
In February, RCPC announced its
annual election. Six candidates
filed by the deadline for the six open
seats, so there will not be a board
election this year.
Congratulations to Gary Barg,
Jana Good, Robbie Tasker, and Paul
McDonnell, who will be joining the
board in April, and to Star Lightner
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
Advertising Deadline for MAY 2025:
APRIL 17, 2025
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, 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
APRIL 2025

The new location presents a fan-
tastic opportunity to offer a diverse
range of culinary tools. The team will
handpick unique items that are hard
to find in the Bay Area, so customers
won’t have to search online or sift
through countless similar products.
Whether you’re looking for premium
or budget-friendly options, each tool
will be thoughtfully selected for its
specific use, ensuring top-quality
choices for every need.
“Every major city has a great
independent kitchen store” asserts
Vecchiarelli. Preserved intends to
be that destination for Oakland and
beyond. Workshop schedule and
product information available at
info@preservedgoods.com.
Fresh Finds, from front page
Photo: Felicia Kieselhorst
and helped the partners secure the
space left by the recent departure of
the Sunday Bake Shop. While still
working as teachers, they quickly
converted the space to showcase their
home goods.
The current location embodies their
commitment to “comforting, inspir-
ing, timeless pieces.” Their signature
indoor-outdoor aesthetic, soothing
color palettes, and environmentally
friendly household treats and essen-
tials are beautifully displayed in the
compact space. A wide variety of
products are available to enhance a
home, including Eucalyptus steam
tablets that convert any shower into a
spa treatment and throws and pillows
that are softly woven from natural
fibers sourced from local vendors.
Veranda offers a quarterly subscrip-
tion service that includes a box of
items not yet on the shelves and the
opportunity to attend a private gather-
ing at the store. “We want to enjoy the
newest selection with our customers
and enhance a sense of community,”
offers Mack. For features and gather-
ings, see verandaoakland.com.
Preserved
After ten years in Temescal,
Elizabeth Vecchiarelli will be
moving her shop to Rockridge.
Fresh Finds, see next page
They plan to open later this spring.
“The business model is all about
education,” explains Vecchiarelli,
hence the permanent teaching space
under construction. “We want to
de-mystify the “B” word, bacteria,
and remove the fear factor.” She,
along with several members of her
staff, has formal nutritional training.
Vecchiarelli lives up to her “fermenta-
tion fanatic” moniker by conducting
kombucha, sourdough, and kimchee
classes — including their health
benefits. Bitters for best cocktail or
digestif, as well as instructions on
marmalade, pasta, and chocolate, are
also on the schedule.
For 10 years, Preserved has been a
destination — first in Piedmont, then
Temescal — for resources to create all
things fermented, preserved, canned
and cultured. “Rockridge was always
our number one destination… I didn’t
know if I could break in,” admits Pre-
served owner Elizabeth Vecchiarelli.
She made the break by securing two
storefronts at 5550 and 5540 College
Avenue. The new location will allow
for an expansion of its thriving work-
shop and event space, while increasing
its distinctive retail selection for home
fermentation, brewing, and canning.
Mention this ad for:
15% Off dinner for two or more
20% Off lunch for two or more
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!
DRE # 01221457
M A G I C A L  2 / 1
A++ LOCATION | 320 FOREST ST | CALL 510.843.6400


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page 4
APRIL 2025

Fresh Finds, from previous page
Photo:  Anna L. Marks
Owner Prinya Phairot
of Delicious Thai
Delicious Thai
Browsing the menu at Delicious
Thai is like taking a journey through
the rich history of owner Prinya
Phairot. She proudly brings three
generations of her family’s cherished
recipes to Rockridge, now serving
them up at 5299A College Avenue.
Phairot grew up in a Bangkok
suburb., where, she says, ”it was

beloved senior clients was a man who
tended an herb garden, teaching her
about slow-cooking meats and even
cooking for her with dishes from his
Chicago roots. Whenever she cooked
his meal, he declared the food “Deli-
cious!” She honors his gift with the
charming use of this name.
very common for almost everyone
in the neighborhood to have some
sort of food business.” At 8 years
old, her first mission was to “guard
the ingredients” as her mother and
grandmother moved through the
market, gathering what’s needed for
their specialty noodle stall. She moved
on to pounding garlic — preparing
the “tiny but powerful cloves.” She
was carefully instructed on the perfect
frying method. “Everything must be
perfect in the pan.”
Phairot has found a true sense of
community in her new home. “Oak-
land welcomed me,” she says warmly.
She relocated to the area with her
husband, a retired healthcare admin-
istrator turned photographer from
Northern California. Before opening
her own spot, Phairot helped run a
cousin’s Thai restaurant in Martinez.
During the pandemic’s impact on
the restaurant, she cared for seniors
in the area, which led her to discover
Rockridge. When the lease was signed
on January 1, with the support of a
thoughtful landlord, she felt ready to
“bring my ancestors with me” and
make her vision come to life.
Her special Tom Yum sauce is a
highlight of her Mom’s Menu and Sig-
nature Menu. Khao Soi chicken and
beef are infused with her perfected
garlic oil. The Butterfly Pea Tea is a
visual delight, the blue hue turning
purple when squeezed with a lemon.
The name “Delicious Thai” has a
deep meaning for Phairot. One of her
Photo:  Anna L. Marks
Owner Michael Karp says
Forge Pizza will be open mid April.
Forge
Coming this spring, the spacious
indoor-outdoor spot at the corner of
Chabot will be the home of Forge.
According to owner Michael Karp
(see photo above), the menu will
feature Neapolitan-style wood-fired
pizza with “elevated California cui-
sine.” Their chef will create a menu
that includes items from their Napa
location and the former Jack London
location, but incorporating East Bay
contributions. “I love to localize,” Karp
says. Residents can get a preview of the
cuisine at their location in the Oakland
International Airport.
Karp fell in love with Rockridge
after years of developing corporate
and independent restaurants. He has
a long history of creating venues for
entertainment and sports figures in the
Bay Area and worldwide. Karp opened
his location in Orinda in 2010, called
the A24. He has already connected
with the community on this side of the
tunnel by partnering with Cal Bears
and supporting local charities. The
Forge wood-fired pizza truck can be
found throughout the area at commu-
nity and nonprofit events.
Forge will bring more than good
food to the Avenue. Performers will
7:1 Faculty-Student Ratio | Max Class Size of 13
DARE to be DIFFERENT
DARE to be DIFFERENT
GRADES 8-12  OrindaAcademy.org
Fresh Finds, see next page


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page 5
APRIL 2025

at any time. Customers will find a
full range of leisure, athletic, formal,
and designer wear. Jewelry, shoes, and
accessories will also be available. All
clothing is sourced from the public,
keeping the business local.
“Our Rockridge store reflects the
most popular trends, styles and labels
in the neighborhood,” confirms
Nowicki. Check out their website for
selling options for your trendy Rock-
ridge threads and other information
at Crossroadstrading.com. n
Fresh Finds, from previous page
provide acoustic music throughout the
year. Karp attends live music shows
every week and wants neighbors to
enjoy the same experience. Changes to
the 5900 College Ave location include
a canopy to cover the patio and new
furniture throughout, with heaters to
allow for year-round use of the space.
“We see the patio as an extension of
the restaurant,” says Karp. “We will
be in amazing culinary company by
coming to Rockridge.”
RCPC   Land Use Committee
In lieu of an April LUC meeting,
all are invited to the next phase of the
Community Vision Plan
April 27
For details, see front page
or email chair@rockridge.org
Photo:  Anna L. Marks
RCPC 2024 Financial Statement
Income
Contributions
305.00
$
Rockridge News
 $    50,947.51
Kitchen Tour
 $    31,150.03
Other
 $      3,147.44
Total Income
85,549.98
$
Crossroads Trading
Crossroads Trading is coming to the
broad storefront formerly occupied by
Rockridge Furniture at 5601 College
Avenue. Now at the corner of Chabot
and College, Crossroads will move
their recycled clothing business this
summer. “We were presented a great
opportunity to return to our original
stretch of College Avenue near Market
Hall and the BART Station,” says
Director of Marketing Gina Nowicki.
Selection and consignment oppor-
tunities at the current location will
continue at the new site.
Sellers can submit items through
online registrations or by walking in
Expenses
Rockridge News
47,978.78
$
Contractors
5,810.83
$
Insurance, Permits, Sales Tax
3,888.00
$
Misc Admin & Program Expenses
2,171.75
$
Taxes, Licenses & Fees
 $      2,223.35
Events
1,852.70
$
Total Expenses
63,925.41
$
Net Income (RCPC)
21,624.57
$
BALANCE SHEET
Assets
Savings/Checking/CD Accounts
 $  104,556.39
Equity & Liabilities
Legal Fund Reserve
 $    55,000.00
Equity
27,931.82
$
Net Income
 $    21,624.57
Net Equity & Liabilities
 $  104,556.39

A R C H I T E C T U R E
amatoarchitecture.com


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page 6
APRIL 2025

Treasures and Great
Deals at the Rockridge
Sidewalk Sale
by Jody Colley, Rockridge District
Association

Earth Day Cleanup
at Big Frog Park and
Temescal Greenbelt
by Will Sheldon

I
R

n celebration of Earth Day 2025, a
cleanup of Big Frog Park, Little Frog
Park, and the Temescal Greenbelt
(between Big Frog and Little Frog)
will take place on Saturday, April
19, from 9am to noon. This year’s
Earth Day theme, “Our Power Our
Planet,” focuses on increasing the use
of renewable resources and urging a
global shift towards cleaner energy
generation in the next five years.
ockridge retailers are organizing a
district-wide sidewalk sale on
Saturday, May 10 (times vary for each
participating business). Taking place
on Mother’s Day weekend, this is a
great way to shop for Mom or spend
quality time with her. In addition to
sales, some shops are hosting pop-up
vendors and prizes, like the $100
raffle hosted by designer fashion bou-
tique FIT (5707 College Avenue).
Families can get engaged at Blick
Art Materials (5301 Broadway),
which is hosting sidewalk chalk art
and paper drawing pads for people
of all ages to get creative. Lavendar,
who works with Elizabeth H at 5431
College Avenue, will offer Fairy Hair
installations for only $30 (lasts 6-8
weeks). European Wax Center will
pamper mom with 10 percent off their
Ultimate Eyebrow Service.
Meet at the big oak tree by the Big
Frog play structure on Saturday,
April 19, from 9am to noon, to
sign the waiver to participate.
Come for the great offers, and stay
for the delicious food. Rockridge
Market Hall is bringing back their
very popular Indie Food Fest where
you can taste, meet, and chat with
some of their favorite independent
food makers. Belly, at 5634 College
Avenue, will offer free food samples
outside their restaurant.
The Rockridge Sidewalk Sale falls
on the last day of Small Business
Week — a great opportunity to con-
nect with the community on the great
value and irreplaceable experience of
shopping locally. Dozens of Rockridge
businesses will be involved.
Check for details as the event nears
at www.RockridgeDistrict.com. n
Tasks include weeding, pruning,
trash pickup, raking, sweeping, fluff-
ing up the fibar© wood mulch around
the play structure, and possibly apply-
ing a non-toxic sealant to the Big Frog
play structure. Families and groups
are welcome. Students needing service
hours for school can receive a signed
letter verifying their participation.
Please bring your gardening gloves,
tools, and refillable water bottles.
Some gardening gloves and tools will
be on hand to lend. Coffee and snacks
will be available to all volunteers. n
Sign up
for RCPC
Notifications.
law office of
dave karlinsky
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
• Special needs trusts
Please contact me during regular business hours to
      schedule an appointment.


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APRIL 2025

Join the Rockridge
Cleanup Crew
by Christine Garofoli
Want to meet friendly neigh-
bors and keep Rockridge
looking great? The Rockridge Busi-
ness District Association (RDA) is
launching a neighborhood cleanup
crew and you're invited to participate.
Inspired by other communities
where neighbors regularly pitch in,
we’re starting a weekly, fun way to
make a difference. Everything will be
provided — gloves, trash bags, and
litter pickers — all you have to do is
show up and spend 20 to 30 minutes
helping to tidy up College Avenue.
We meet up at the BART station
and walk the avenue from Broadway
to the Safeway Plaza, keeping our
neighborhood clean and welcoming as
we go. If interested, fill out this quick
Doodle Poll indicating your availabil-
ity at https://doodle.com/group-poll/
participate/e9GxNWBb, or email
Christine at cgarofoli@gmail.com. n

Dogs of Rockridge
Kona Bair came from a litter of nine
puppies mere days into Covid. Kona
is a BoJack — half Boston Terrier,
half Jack Russell Terrier. She lives
on Desmond and will celebrate her
5th birthday this month. Kona’s little
brother, Kai, was adopted two years
after by a friend in Alameda. He looks
almost identical to Kona, except with
shorter and stubbier legs.
Jonni is a 3-year-old Border Collie
mix. She loves people, her ball, her
dog friends, and food — anything she
can get her paws on because she has
a voracious appetite. She has a lot of
energy and enjoys waking her family
up and singing in the morning. She
is very sweet and always excited to
meet new friends, especially on her
morning walks around Bushrod.
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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APRIL 2025

A Red Schwinn
Sets in Motion a
Life of Cycling
by Judith Doner Berne
Scott Hicks, until very recently, had
20 bicycles – three in the kitchen,
several outside the door of his studio
apartment in Rockridge, where he has
lived for 17 years, as well as four bike
frames in his living area. The rest, he
said, are “scattered around” in avail-
able storage spots. “I have too many
bikes. I keep trying to thin the herd.”
So, at a recent neighborhood yard
sale, he reluctantly sold two of them
— both vintage models — as well as
one of his three motorcycles. “It would
have been better to be a collector of
stamps or coins,” he said, with a touch
of humor. “They could have fit in a
drawer.”
Hicks, now 66, has had a love affair
with bikes since he was 10. His first
was a red Schwinn like the ones that
newspaper boys rode back in the day
(yes, it was mostly boys then) in his
hometown of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
“It had wooden blocks on the pedals,”
designed to be removed as he grew
taller. He rode it until, when he was
13, he and his two younger brothers
got 10-speeds for Christmas.
Photo: Judy Berne
You just might see Scott Hicks riding around Rockridge on
one of his vintage bikes.
“I was one of the few kids who rode
their bikes to school,” Hicks said.
“Then I started logging longer rides.
I rebuilt my mom’s bike for her. I did
a term paper on the history of biking.
I pestered the local bike shop owner
until he finally hired me to work there
after school.” As a 13-year-old, he had
to have a note from the school princi-
pal to allow it.
That set in motion a life revolving
around bikes — as a sport, hobby, and
career. Hicks was part of the amateur
bike racing scene for 20 years. He
participated in road races for multiple
days; in criterium races (mass start,
multi-lap events where racers do a
predetermined number of laps or
ride for a predetermined amount of
time); and in velodrome cycling on an
oval-shaped track where riders race
counterclockwise on fixed gear bikes
with no brakes. It’s been an Olympic
sport since 1896.
“Bicycles are as much a hobby as a
sport,” Hicks said, and over the years,
he has collected and ridden bikes of
various types. “You have equipment
to take care of, or you could have an
accident.” Does he have a favorite?
Hicks demurred, saying: “That’s like
asking a parent who is his favorite
kid. You just need the right tool for
the job.” For him, that’s a single-gear
for running around town, a mountain
bike for riding on dirt, and a good
road bike — like his Bianchi bike
from the late ’90s that he fitted with
Campagnolo (a high-end brand)
parts. Plus, “I have a shelf at home of
Eyes on Rockridge, see next page


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APRIL 2025

ilies and children shut down due to
a rent increase and crime. “Our rent
went up 50 percent during Covid,” he
said. “And we were broken into twice.”
His Lafayette shop remains open. “We
retained 80 percent of our (College
Avenue) customers.”
Tip Top Bikes, located for 13 years
on Telegraph Avenue in Temescal,
also has a different tale. Store man-
ager Eric Crawford said they’ve
expanded since Covid despite the
trouble of getting supplies during the
pandemic — the final straw for other
shops. In addition to selling a full
range of electric and manual bicycles,
they repair them too, “from the very
highest-end bikes to a very basic bike
from Walmart,” he said. “If you’re an
older rider, electric- assist bikes open
up a lot of potential,” Hicks said.
His favorite local ride is up Tunnel
Road to the Redwood Trail. “But more
often, I ride around the neighbor-
hood.”
That’s led to a new friendship.
Fellow biker Rob Manheimer spotted
Hicks riding down the street on a
vintage bike a few years back. He
recognized him from his visits to
the Missing Link co-op. Manheimer,
a Rockridge resident who is also a
former racer, owns seven “mostly
fitness kind of bikes. Scott’s a fun,
old-time, long-time cyclist. We
share an amazing number of mutual
(cyclist) friends on Facebook.”
If you have a Rockridge story to tell,
please email judyberne@att.net. n
Eyes on Rockridge, from previous page
just bicycle books.”
He worked at bike shops first in
Pennsylvania and then the East Bay,
including as an assistant store man-
ager for Backroads, the Berkeley-based
touring company when it had a retail
bike shop. He then helped open a
Start to Finish location in Berkeley,
moving to assistant manager at its San
Francisco store. Hicks was a customer
service and warranty manager for
Bianchi, the world’s oldest bicycle
manufacturing company (founded in
Italy in 1885). And finally, he spent 17
years at Missing Link Bicycle Cooper-
ative in downtown Berkeley, retiring
ahead of its 2022 closing after 50 years
of operation.
Hicks has found it tough to witness
the parade of local bike shops that
have gone out of business, particularly
over the past decade. This includes
the recent shuttering of two Berkeley
stores — Berkeley Cycle Works on
San Pablo and Trek Bikes on Shattuck
(the Oakland Trek store is still open).
Internet sales of bikes, parts, and
accessories are, of course, a major
reason. “Accessory sales are a big
profit center,” Hicks said.
In addition, Cal Berkeley students
were a mainstay of the Missing Link
co-op. But the advent of Uber and
Lyft rider services, plus easy access to
rental bikes, took their toll. “They no
longer looked at a bike as an essential
tool to get around on.” Some students
told him that if they invested in a
bike, “It would just get stolen.”
That isn’t quite the story for Hank
and Frank Bikes, which had been
on College Avenue in Rockridge for
37 years before closing in 2023. For
owner Frank Dryer (not the original
Frank), the shop that catered to fam-

HOW MANY
OFFERS?
One of the most interesting statistics
we track on home sales is the number
of offers received. The number of offers
indicates how desirable/competitive a
property is (or may indicate a uniquely low
list price). Here’s a recent analysis of the
past 2 quarters in Rockridge sales:
Q4 2024
Q1 2025
Number of
homes sold
9 homes
16 homes
Avg number
of offers
4.1
3.5
Low
1 offer
1 offer
High
8 offers
8 offers
So far we have seen a notable 77% surge
in inventory in Q1 vs Q4 (election fears
kept listings low in Q4), so given this sharp
increase, the fact that the number of offers
has remained fairly level, suggests to me
a stable and fairly high appetite in the
market for Rockridge homes!
MAXI LILLEY
510.919.8997
maxi@redoakrealty.com
The Rockridge Realtor®
with a Designer’s Eye
DRE #1919653


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APRIL 2025

Turning Reclaimed
Wood Pieces into
Beautiful Art
by Skip Fogarty
W

hen Long Island native Jamie
Gracer first saw the Bay Area
as a teenager on a summer road trip,
he sensed he’d found his forever
home. So, after medical school, he
pursued a residency at Oakland’s
Kaiser Hospital.
“During those years, I rented a
room up on Contra Costa and loved
it. When my wife Judy (a retired
rabbi) and I bought our home
on Rockwell Street, I was excited
to finally have a garage,” Gracer
explains. “But I came to find it was
actually too small to park a car.”
Decades have since gone by, and now
the detached garage space has been
transformed into a wonderful, well-or-
ganized wood shop. It’s a woodturning
studio with a bright yellow Powermatic
lathe as its centerpiece. The brand pro-
claims itself as “The Gold Standard” of
such machines.
“I was interested in wood shop in
high school, but my father was an elec-
trician and wanted me to learn how to
fix televisions and such,” he says. His
studies, and then his busy psychiatric
practice intervened, but his woodwork-
ing bug lingered.
“At a College Avenue street fair,
I met a fellow with a booth display-
ing beautifully carved and finished

Photo:  Anna L. Marks

Jamie Gracer displays his Powermatic lathe in his converted garage workshop.

wooden bowls and vases. My interest
was reignited when he told me about
a woodturning program in Pleasant
Hill that offered adult education
classes.” Gracer is now an instructor
there but prefers to call himself a
teaching assistant. Additionally, he
recently became vice president of the
nonprofit Bay Area Woodturning
Association, which offers workshops
and hosts guest artists.
Each piece of his work on display in
his home is unique. He works with a
variety of woods, shapes, and finishes
and often leaves naturally occurring
“beauty marks” in his creations. A
blond platter retains its rough, live
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THE

page 11
APRIL 2025

converted auto shop at a high school
with 16 lathes and workshops for
beginners through advanced turners,”
Gracer explains. The Mt. Diablo
school district sponsors the program,
and it is a great way to explore the
craft. What does Gracer do with his
finished pieces? “I don’t sell anything,
but I love to offer my works as gifts.
I also donate some of the better pieces
to local charity auctions.” n
By joining contrasting woods, Jamie
achieves elegant, geometric patterns.

Woodturners, from previous page
Learn more about the adult
woodturning program:
diablo.asapconnected.com/
#CourseGroupID=6490
Bay Area Woodturners Association:
www.bayareawoodturners.org.
Photo:  Anna L. Marks
Lower 48:
Gracer highlights one of his past
instructors who runs a program for
underserved youth — Turning People into
Turning People. See www.lower48.org.
of Rockridge
edge. A darker, acorn-shaped vase fea-
tures a dramatic burl scar at the lip.
Gracer and fellow turners obtain
their wood in a variety of ways. They
often pick from the pile of a local
arborist who leaves all varieties of his
cuttings to be reclaimed. Other times,
they hear of a desirable species being
removed and swarm to the site with
their chainsaws to claim large chunks
that will become “blanks” for later
shaping and turning.
His studio boasts a small pile of such
chunks, which require years of curing
and drying before they can be carved.
Oak, acacia, redwood, and walnut are
all suitable materials, but local euca-
lyptus and pine are not favored. The
former is too hard and twisty, and the
latter is too sappy and soft.
The walls of his converted garage
are covered with racks of chisels
(gougers and scrapers, he calls them),
sandpapers of various grades, clamps,
jigs, chucks, glues, and stains. He also
has band and table saws, a drill press,
and two grinders to keep a sharp edge
on his gougers. He explains that a dull
hand tool can add risks to the wood
itself and to personal safety.
Most remarkable are projects that
feature “segmented turning,” where
the artist fabricates intricate patterns
by joining contrasting woods and
achieving basket-like effects with
elegant, geometric perforations. Some
of Gracer’s pieces reflect indigenous
motifs and other traditional shapes.
“When I’m working, neighbors
frequently stop and are curious what
I’m up to. I invite them in for a look
and tell them about the adult learning
program that got me started. It’s a
Holy Basil:
Pho
5362 College Avenue
It took some time to discover Holy
Basil Pho. As a vegetarian, I don’t
always find meat-free pho that
flavorful, so I didn’t seek it out. But
a friend turned me on to the restau-
rant, so I tried it, and I’m happy
I did. What I love so much about
Holy Basil is the wonderful array of
Specialty Noodle Soups that are sim-
ilar to pho but even more satisfying.
On a cold or rainy night, or if
I’m fighting a cold, I can’t think of
anything better than sitting over a
steaming bowl of noodle soup. My
favorite is Chili Lemongrass Tomato.
I get the Vegetable version (as
opposed to Chicken or Seafood) and
always add soft tofu to my bowl. The
tomato-lemongrass broth has such
depth of flavor, and I love that the
soup is chock-full of various vegeta-
bles — it’s always a bit of a surprise
to see what’s in there.
On my last trip, the bowl included
Photo: Jana Good
cauliflower, broccoli, green beans,
bok choy, carrots, and various types
of mushrooms… and at the bottom
of the bowl are the excellent pho
noodles. The dish also includes tra-
ditional pho toppings, such as bean
sprouts, fresh herbs, jalapenos, and
lime. Spending about $20 for such a
satisfying, filling, and healthy meal
as Chili Lemongrass Tomato soup is
a huge win — check it out. n
— Jana Good


THE
page 12
APRIL 2025

Traffic Safety Pilot
Coming to Colby &
Hillegass
by Muhammad Alameldin, RCPC
Board Member
T
A

AC Transit Fare
Adjustment and
Clipper 2.0 Update
by Muhammad Alameldin, RCPC
Board Member
remains part of the Clipper START
program, which offers a 50 percent
discount for eligible low-income
riders. Clipper and mobile fare pay-
ments will continue to receive a 25¢
discount.
Additionally, the Clipper 2.0 system
is set to launch soon, introducing new
transfer discounts. Riders transferring
between AC Transit and one of 21 par-
ticipating transit agencies will receive
a $2.50 discount on their second
ride within a two-hour window. If
the second fare is lower than $2.50,
the transfer will be free. Clipper 2.0
includes an open payment (pay by
credit/debit card) as well. These bene-
fits begin once Clipper 2.0 is officially
released; more details to follow as the
launch date approaches. n
new Slow Neighborhood Pilot
is coming to the Colby and
Hillegass neighborhood aims to
improve safety, reduce speeds, and
manage traffic flow. This effort is
based on traffic data and community
input. Although there is a limited
budget, the goal is to make meaningful
improvements in key areas.
To develop this pilot, the Slow
Neighborhood Pilot Working Group
conducted a traffic count on February
25, collecting data from 43 intersec-
tions during the PM peak and 34
during the AM peak. The group also
worked with traffic modeling from the
Institute for Transportation Studies at
UC Berkeley to identify problem areas.
Using this information, the working
group has pinpointed key hotspots
where potential treatments may be
tested.
The pilot will last 120 days, per the
commitment from Oakland’s Depart-
ment of Transportation Director,
Josh Rowan. This timeline ensures
the project remains flexible, with an
opportunity to evaluate results before
making permanent changes. Neighbors
can expect regular communications on
progress and adjustments.
A community meeting in April will
formally announce the pilot and share
details with residents. In the mean-
time, the working group will refine
the final recommendations from the
meetings held in March. While there
is a brief delay in finalizing the results,
the project is moving forward and next
steps will be shared soon.
This pilot is designed to prioritize
safety, accessibility, and neighborhood
needs — with your participation. We
appreciate the involvement of those
who contributed to the traffic count,
data collection, and feedback.
To stay up to date on meetings, email
working-group-slow-neighborhood-
pilot@googlegroups.com. n
he AC Transit Board of Directors
has approved a fare adjustment
set to take effect in two phases. Start-
ing July 1, 2025, the local adult cash
fare will increase from $2.50 to $2.75,
while the Transbay fare will rise from
$6 to $6.50. A second increase on July
1, 2026, will bring the local fare to
$3. The decision, passed in a 4-3 vote,
aims to maintain service while bal-
ancing financial impacts on riders.
To support affordability, AC Transit
CollegePrep
A private high school in Oakland

The College Preparatory School is a vibrant day school for grades 9-12 in Oakland’s
Rockridge neighborhood. At College Prep we believe in the foundational importance of
scholarship, the value of dialogue, and the need for academically curious young people
to belong to a kind, creative, diverse, and joyful community. We challenge our students
to engage deeply in learning, appreciate one another, and grow into adults who are
intellectually adventurous, ethically sure-footed, and generous of heart and spirit.

6100 Broadway    Oakland CA 94618   510.652.4364   college-prep.org


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page 13
APRIL 2025

to win the Best Dressed Prize. With
only 50 raffle tickets available at $50
each, you’ll want to act fast… and as
a bonus, one lucky attendee will walk
away with a $500 cash prize.
Enjoy a scrumptious dinner with
friends. Tables of eight are available,
and includes wine to keep the good
times rolling. Want to support the
teachers and staff? You can contribute
to cover their tickets, helping them
attend this special night at no cost.
Your participation helps fund
essential programs for Claremont,
including classroom technology, aca-
demic support, and enriching student
activities.
Together, let’s make a meaningful
difference in our students lives.
Want to get involved? Contact
jennifervrose@gmail.com to volunteer.
Note: this is an adults-only event. n

Claremont Middle
School Golden Gala
Auction and Party
M
G

District Captain
Opening Available
by Susan Montauk, Rockridge News
Distribution Manager
et ready for a night of fun, ele-
gance, and giving back at the
Claremont Middle School Golden
Gala. The event is being held on
April 19, 2025, at the Rockridge
Masonic Center, from 6:30-10pm.
This exciting fundraiser will support
Claremont’s students with a delightful
seated dinner, refreshing drinks, lively
dancing, and a thrilling live auction.
It’s the perfect mix of entertainment
and charity — an event you won’t
want to miss.
Dress to impress with this year’s
“Gold” theme — sparkle and shine in
your most dazzling attire for a chance
any volunteers who deliver the
Rockridge News to your doorstep
have been doing so for decades now,
some even since the first issue in 1986
— and we thank all of them. Some-
times, a volunteer must pass their job
to another good community member,
and this month, we say goodbye
to Beth Johnke, who has served as
the District Captain for Coronado,
Desmond, Hemphill Place, and
Merill Gardens for many years. Beth
is moving, and she hopes someone
in this area will take over her route.
Thank you, Beth!
• District Captain for Coronado,
Desmond, Hemphill Place, and
Merrill Gardens
Greater Rockridge Neighborhood
Crime Prevention Council
The District Captain (DC) receives
the bundles of newsletters on their
doorstep the first weekend of each
month (except August). The DC
delivers those bundles to the four
Block Captains. The box contains four
bundles with cover sheets indicating
the number of papers and the name
and address of the Block Captain, who
delivers the papers door-to-door.
Call or email Susan at 510/547-3855
or smontauk@gmail.com if you are
interested or need more information. n
The Greater Rockridge NCPC
meets on the 2nd Thursday of
even-numbered months.
The next meeting will be held on:
April 10, at 7pm
Rockridge Library Conference Room
(and on Zoom).
Dianne Aguirre from the Neighborhood
Law Corps will explain how the
litigation unit operates within the Oakland
City Attorney’s Office.
For more details and Zoom link,
visit www.rockridgencpc.com
“Helping you find
your way home.”
Serving Rockridge & beyond
510-350-6419 | claudiamillsrealestateteam.com | claudia@cmret.com
DRE 02029039 | DRE 01881682 | DRE 00885925  | www.ClaudiaMillsRealEstateTeam.com


THE
page 14
APRIL 2025

Rockridge Library
Author Series Continues:

Celebrate Spring Holidays at Market Hall
by Roberta Klugman
Spring is here, and so are the
irresistible flavors of the season.
From April 11 through 19, Market
Hall Foods and Market Hall Bakery
are rolling out a mouthwatering
selection of Passover and Easter
specialties. Indulge in house-made
full meals, delicious heat-and-serve
hors d’oeuvres, tempting starters,
satisfying entrees, and decadent
desserts – all crafted to make holiday
celebrations unforgettable.
For Passover, choose from house-
made charoset, horseradish, Scott’s
Famous Chopped Liver, matzoh
ball soup, gefilte fish, mushroom
matzoh kugel, slow-cooked brisket,
and other holiday delights. The Seder
Plate Essentials: Everything for the
Plate includes charoset, horseradish,
roasted lamb bone, long-cooked egg,
parsley, and a box of matzoh for $32.
Desserts feature Pavlova and coco-
nut macaroons. In-store shoppers
will discover the deliciously dark
chocolate-covered matzoh from San
Francisco’s Charles Chocolates and
other Passover specialty foods.
Easter specialties, available April
17-19,  include the popular hot cross
buns, asparagus and feta quiche,
grilled salmon, Fra’Mani sweet apple
ham, and sweets from the bakery
include holiday sugar cookies and
fresh fruit tart. Spring is resplendently
Photo: Cortesy of Market Hall
ROCKRIDGE MARKET HALL
INDIE FEST
Visit Rockridge Market Hall for the
second annual Indie Fest on
Saturday, May 10,
from noon to 3pm
for an afternoon with artisan food
makers from across the nation.
This market-wide food festival
will feature tastings of cheese,
charcuterie, olive oil and more
Bay Area-based food writer/editor
Georgia Freedman will be signing
copies of her new cookbook,
“Snacking Dinners.”
on display with Easter confections
that showcase the delectable selection
of treats for kids and adults, including
a wide assortment of colorful gift
boxes, tins, and delightful, Easter-
themed chocolates from renowned
chocolatiers.
Customers can fill their baskets
with elegantly crafted chocolate Easter
eggs from Italy and the U.S., confec-
tions, molded chocolate, Easter candy,
marzipan, and, a customer favorite
from Italy, the traditional Colomba,
the symbolic dove-shaped sweet
bread similar to panettone that can
be served as a breakfast bread, coffee
cake, or dessert.
All menus are available for pre-
ordering online, and in the shop and
bakery, first come, first served. They
are closed Easter Sunday, April 20. n


THE

page 15
APRIL 2025

Rockridge Library
APRIL 2025
For Children
Storytime: Thursdays and Saturdays; 10:30am.
Chess Club: Wednesdays; 4pm. All ages and
skill-levels welcome.
Read to a Dog: Thursdays; 4pm every week.
Tinker Tuesdays: Join us for various crafts for
children every Tuesday; 4pm. All ages welcome,
children under 8 must bring a grown-up.
Origami for All: Every third Tuesday; 4pm;
4/15. All ages welcome.
DIA: Diversity-in-Action Day special event.
Mariela’s Music Time: 4/24, Thursday; 10:30am.
For ages 1-5.
For Teens, ages 12 to 18
Movie Day: Wednesday 4/9 2-4pm: Join us for a
fun movie and popcorn and drinks.
Teen Advisory Board: Second Wednesdays, 4/9;
4-5pm. Join the Rockridge Branch Library Teen
Advisory Board (TAB) and take an active role in
creating, planning services you want to see.
For Adults  
Adult Crafting Series: Paper Flowers: Tuesday
Apr. 1th 6-7:30pm. Explore your creative
impulse and learn how to make beautiful paper
flowers. All materials are provided.

Rockridge Seniors Rally for Democracy — by Judy Berne
Photo: Debbie Berne
R

ockridge Seniors for Democracy rallied and carried signs at the south-
most entrance to Rockridge on Saturday, March 15. “It really picked
up the spirits of the people here,” said Ruth Feldman, who lives at the senior
residence Merrill Gardens where the “walk-in” began. More than 50 seniors
lined up on both sides of Broadway — on foot, with walkers, and in wheel-
chairs. Signs protesting “actions that threaten the well-being of American
families, their children, grandchildren, and future generations” prompted a
cacophony of horns honking in support from passing cars and trucks. n

Cooking with Spring Vegetables with Chef
Terry: Saturday Apr. 12th, 11am-12pm. Join us
for this hands-on cooking lesson. Prepare and
serve the season’s best produce in a variety of
recipes. Chef Terry will bring delicious fruits
and vegetables from the farmer’s market.
Rockridge Gardening Series: Container Gar-
dening: Saturday Apr. 12th, 2-3pm. The U.C.
Master Gardener Program of Alameda County
will teach us how to maximize small spaces.
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 maintenance, finance, invest-
ing, ADUs, downsizing, moving, and more.
Rockridge Book Club: Every 2nd Saturday,
3:30-4:30pm. Please call 510-597-5017 for more
info and to get a copy of the book. April’s book
is James by Percival Everett.
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!
Artist’s Open Studio: Every 3rd Tuesday,
2-4:30pm. CANCELED for April.
1-on-1 Technology Help: Every Saturday,
10am-12pm. Come with your devices and tech-
nology questions and our volunteer tech guru
will help you get sorted. First come first served.
Library Hours:
Mon, Thurs, Sat 10am to 5:30pm
Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 8pm
Friday, noon to 5:30pm.
Please see the online calendar at
www.oaklandlibrary.org/events for events
throughout the city.

RN
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Penelope’s Aesthetics!
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Revitalizing, detoxifying, firming and anti-fatigue
properties renews your youthful appearance!
$140. Gift certificates available. penelopecalef.
com. Call 510/594-1552.
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.
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.
For more information, email Susan at
smontauk@gmail.com.
Deadline for the May 2025 issue is:
April 17, 2025 (available May 3).
Lunata Eyelid and Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Kasra Eliasieh, MD — An inclusive and
age-positive medical practice. Light touch
procedures that optimize your eyes and facial
anatomy. Call 510/899-7466 to schedule a con-
sultation. Visit www.lunataeyes.com for
more info.
Electrical Remodels and Repairs
Putting an ADU in the basement? Does it
need lights? I’ve been doing electrical work
in Oakland and Berkeley for over 35 years.
Sutorik & Company; www.sutorikandco.com;
Lic #397149. 510/655-3677.
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. n
Modern Dog Training
Need help with leash manners, basic obedience,
or problem behaviors? Private, in-home training
can help! Visit dogsquaddogtraining.com or
call 510/646-9657 for more information.


est.               1967

THE
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Compass
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