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www.rockridge.org
R ckridgeNews

THE

VOL 40   •   NO. 5   •   ISSUE  NO. 430   •   MAY 3, 2025                 CIRCULATION: 6,700 RESIDENCES; 200 BUSINESSES

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

Community Vision Plan: What We’ve
Done So Far; What’s to Come
by Casey Farmer and Kristen Belt, CVP Co-Chairs, RCPC Board Members

Cole Coffee Has
Brewed Community
And Connection for
The Past 20 Years
by Carol Kasparek
The Rockridge Community Plan-
ning Council embarked upon
the Community Vision planning pro-
cess to engage and activate residents to
collaboratively develop a plan for our
neighborhood’s future. A similar plan
in 1990 initiated the development of
the Rockridge Library and Frog Park.
There is still lots of time to get
involved, share your ideas, and/or
help create a plan for actualizing these
ideas to improve the community and
spaces we love. Here’s what we’ve
accomplished to date and a preview of
what’s to come:
February 10: Launch Meeting
Presented a sketch of our process
and proposed categories to include in
the plan; solicited feedback.
Determined Five Focus Areas:
1) Mobility
2) Sustainability and Resilience
3) Housing
4) Commercial and Community Use
5) Open Space and Green Infrastructure
CVP, see next page
RCPC Welcomes
New and Returning
Board Members
Photo:  Anna L. Marks
Michael Murphy and
Desiree Salas-Murphy,
owners of Cole Coffee.
C
C
Location information
provided upon registration.
ongratulations to the new and
returning board members who
have been confirmed for two-year
terms following the 2025 uncontested
election. Incumbents returning to
the board include Star Lightner and
Mark Aaronson. New members to the
board include Gary Barg, Jana Good,
Robbie Tasker, and Paul McDonnell.
Statements of the new board members
are published on pages 3 and 4.
The next election will occur in
the spring of 2026, at which time
all interested residents will again be
encouraged to run for the board.
offee and community: For 20
years, Cole Coffee has repre-
sented the coming together of these
two beloved identities of Rockridge.
In 2005, Michael Murphy and
Desiree Salas-Murphy bought Royal
Coffee, the shop’s earlier incarna-
tion, which had already become a
neighborhood institution. Michael
had managed the retail outlet for the
Royal Coffee Distribution Company
for several years.

Cole Coffee, see page 12
RCPC New Board Members, see page 3


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MAY 2025

session. (See QR code on front page
for the RSVP link, then select your
focus area of choice.)
CVP, continued from front page
March 20: Pop-Ups and Community
Listening Session
June: Community Dialogue
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.
Neighbors came together to brain-
storm ideas on all of the five Focus
Areas.
Continue the conversation to dis-
cuss what have we learned thus far.
Summer
April 27: What Ideas Should We Move
Forward With?
Create a plan of action from com-
munity input; RCPC Board will vote
to approve the final plan.
All feedback to date will be
reviewed to identify key themes,
organize ideas by project type, and
determine what other partners are
needed to bring to the table.
Early Fall
RCPC’s 40th anniversary of its non-
profit incorporation, and presentation
of the official plan to the public.
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
May 22: Deep Dive on Key Themes
Thank you to everyone who has
participated. It’s not too late to get
involved. Email chair@rockridge.org
with questions or ideas. n
Within each focus area, neighbors
will be asked to choose one of the five
Focus Areas to attend a strategy
RCPC Board of Directors, 2025
Casey Farmer.......................................................Chair
Kim Suczynski-Smith................................... Secretary
Paul McDonnell............................................Treasurer
Mark Aaronson, Muhammad Alameldin, Gary
Barg, Kristen Belt, Jana Good, Eli Kaplan, Star
Lightner, Robbie Tasker, Zack Walton
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.
Mention this ad for:
15% Off dinner for two or more
20% Off lunch for two or more
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.
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!
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 JUNE 2025:
MAY 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.
DRE # 01221457
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.
M A G I C A L  2 / 1
A++ LOCATION | 320 FOREST ST | CALL 510.843.6400


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MAY 2025

RCPC: NEW BOARD MEMBER STATEMENTS

Gary Barg / Chabot Rd.
I’ve lived in Rockridge since 1988 with my husband
Ross. As young transplants to California, we bought
a 1910 bungalow on Chabot Road and transformed
it into our home. I relish the richness of life in
Rockridge and the greater East Bay. I want the joy
and opportunity that Rockridge, the East Bay, and
California have given me to be available to the new
arrivals I see on the streets every day, and am driven
to see that our community thrives and grows in ways that make it
accessible to more young people that want and deserve to live here.
My career was as a technical educator in software development, with degrees
in Computer Science and Education as a foundation. I have a passion to educate
and transform ideas and concepts that can be difficult for people to understand
into informative, digestible and accurate information. One of my goals on the
RCPC Board is to use this skill to keep our community informed about the
issues that affect us.
As I have become more aware of what I value in a community, I’ve zeroed in
on what is important to me: vibrancy, diversity, safety, adequate housing, easy
mobility and close-knit neighborhoods. I’ll work with my Rockridge neighbors
and the board on each of these. n

Paul McDonnell / Auburn Ave.
I have been active in RCPC programs
for several years. This includes assist-
ing with the Kitchen Tour, helmed
by my wife Robin in 2020 and 2022.
I have volunteered for events such as
the annual Halloween parade, board
elections, and distribution of the
Rockridge News.
The current Treasurer is going off
the board: I am willing to take over
that position. My priorities include
support of our
local busi-
nesses and the
development
of additional
housing, both
of which will
help keep our
community
vibrant.
I have an extensive background in
finance, having been a County Trea-
surer, a County Finance Director, and
a Treasurer for a small community
foundation, and a board member of
several not-for-profit entities. I am
also an attorney.
My education includes a BA from
Cal Berkeley, an MBA from UCLA,
and a JD from the Northwestern Cali-
fornia University School of Law. n

Jana Good / Manila Ave.
I’m thrilled to be serving on the RCPC Board. I’ve
been a resident of Rockridge for many years, and I’ve
loved watching the neighborhood grow and adapt
with the changing needs of the community.
I am very interested in the visioning work that we’re
embarking on to ensure we continue to meet the
needs of community members. I also intend to help
foster the vibrancy of our neighborhood by support-
ing our commercial district and the ecosystem that
can help to sustain it.
I am a strong advocate for new housing to ensure we have more residents
enjoying the neighborhood and supporting our shopping and dining estab-
lishments. Professionally, I’ve worked for years in marketing, primarily in the
healthcare space, for both startups and large organizations. I am excited to
apply my communication and organizational skills to the work of enhancing
the neighborhood that we all love. I look forward to getting to know many
more of you through my RCPC service. n

New Board Statements, cont'd next page
7:1 Faculty-Student Ratio | Max Class Size of 13
DARE to be DIFFERENT
DARE to be DIFFERENT
GRADES 8-12  OrindaAcademy.org


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MAY 2025

RCPC: NEW BOARD MEMBER STATEMENTS CONT’D

Robbie Tasker / Broadway Terrace
I’m a young urbanist and a student who moved
to Rockridge three years ago. It’s already a second
home to my family. I know there’s a reason that
each of our past board members have successfully
run on platforms of inclusivity, vibrancy, and
safety. I look forward to working towards those
goals with the rest of the board.
The only solution to the housing crisis, cost of
living crisis, and the effects of climate change is
by people working together in every neighbor-
hood, every city, and every state — especially as
things change so drastically on the federal level.
I plan to examine the ways in which we can use our roles to address the
above issues. Aside from the opportunities presented to us in the development
of Oakland’s new General Plan, I believe there’s a lot we have agency over in
our neighborhood to begin addressing concerns already brought forward by
our community visioning sessions. See you around the neighborhood! n

Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Big
Sidewalk Sale in Rockridge
by Jody Colley, Rockridge District Association
The Rockridge Sidewalk Sale, now
an annual event, will take place
on Saturday, May 10. It’s the perfect
opportunity to pamper the moms
in your life over a full weekend. In
addition, it marks the end of Oakland
Small Business Week when we are
all reminded of the importance of
shopping locally and supporting the
businesses we love because they add
charm and convenient services to the
neighborhood. And why not? There
is no shortage of thoughtful gifts and
experiences to entertain mom.
The Rockridge District Association
has put together a handy Mother’s
Day Gift Guide with loads of gift
items including apparel, specialty
foods, wines, home décor, salon and
spa packages, wellness, and more.
For the impossible-to-shop-for
mom, consider a gift card to Nathan
& Co. (5636 College) where there is
something fun for everyone, Cole
Hardware (5533 College), Planterday
(6004 College) if she has a green
thumb, or Re-Up Refill (6025 College)
if she is a conscientious consumer.
Cap that delightful experience off
with complimentary bubbly and wine
tastings at Vino (6319 College) and
treat mom to a bottle of her new-
found favorite. Several participating
restaurants in Rockridge will feature
tastings, discounts, and unique offer-
ings during this special weekend.
Spending quality time with mom
is one of the best gifts you can give
and there are plenty of experiences
to share with her this Mother’s Day
Weekend in Rockridge.
Explore the Mother’s Day Gift Guide
and the Saturday Sidewalk Sale. More
details can be found online at www.
RockridgeDistrict.com. n


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MAY 2025

East Bay Booksellers
Earns National
Recognition
by Anna L. Marks
Meet the Authors,
Makers, and Growers
At the Second Annual
Indie Food Fest
Also on Saturday, May 10, Rock-
ridge Market Hall, at 5655
College Avenue, will be hosting its
hugely popular Indie Food Fest, where
mom can taste, meet, and chat with
some of her favorite independent food
purveyors and makers.
Taste and mingle with the crafters
of cheese, olive oil, charcuterie,
chocolate, honey, heirloom beans, and
premium rice growers. Meet Greens
Restaurant Chef Katie Reicher at
the authors’ table as she signs her
debut cookbook, Seasons of Greens,
and Georgia Freedman (pictured
below) author of Snacking Dinners.
Photo:  Anna L. Marks
Just months after a devastating fire
forced Brad Johnson (pictured
above) to relocate his beloved book-
store, it’s not just surviving — it’s
thriving. Now located a short six
blocks north at 6022 College Avenue,
the store has earned a prestigious
nomination for Publisher’s Weekly
“Bookstore of the Year.”
This national recognition, cham-
pioned by the bookstore’s longtime
supporter, publishing representative
Patricia Nelson, highlights Brad’s
remarkable ability to rebuild and
flourish in the new space. Despite a
smaller footprint, Brad has skillfully
curated a collection boasting over half
the inventory of the original store.
“We’re learning some tricks along
the way on how to deal with the
smaller space,” Brad explains. “It
requires a lot more work and attention,
but there’s a more immediate payoff in
the browsing experience — the riches
are just much more apparent. The
Rockridge bookstore continues to offer
a diverse selection of titles, inviting
everyone to explore their shelves.
Ready to discover your next great
read? Experience firsthand the book-
store that has earned national acclaim
as well as local support, and continues
to enrich our local community’s liter-
ary landscape. n
Photo: Cortesy of Market Hall
Bay Area-based food writer/editor
Georgia Freedman will be signing
copies of her new cookbook,
Snacking Dinners.
And don't miss the opportunity to
sip luscious libations at Paul Marcus
Wines as they showcase independent
wine producers (21+only).
For details and more information
about the makers, visit https://
rockridgemarkethall.com/events/indie-
food-fest-2025. n


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MAY 2025

“Cities Like Oakland” — A Love Letter to the Town

Photo:  Anna L. Marks
Rockridge filmmaker Jarod Back-
ens is working on a new short
film, “Cities Like Oakland,” which is
now in production. The film tells a
deeply personal story set in the heart
of Oakland. Created by a team of Bay
Area filmmakers, the project explores
identity and resilience through the
eyes of Nicole, a therapist facing an
existential crisis as she struggles to
navigate her unraveling life while
coming to terms with the complex
issues reshaping the city.
Nicole’s journey reflects the duality
many Oaklanders face. The 39-year-
old therapist in Oakland finds
herself living in two vastly different
worlds: the tech-driven culture of
her high-end private practice and
the underserved community she
supports at a volunteer mental health
clinic. Struggling with PTSD and
guilt after a former client’s suicide,
Nicole is at a breaking point and
wanders Oakland’s streets in search
of meaning.
Backens, whose work has been
recognized by The Black List, Austin
Film Festival, and Variety, describes
this project as deeply personal. “I’ve
poured my heart into writing for
years,” he shares. “But it’s not easy
finding time — I’ve woken up at
4am, crammed it in while I travel, in
coffee shops, in rooms packed full of
people... It’s my passion, and helps
give me direction. The film is about
real people confronting real chal-
lenges and finding a path forward.” 
His connection to Oakland runs
deep. “My grandparents were mar-
ried in 1945 at the Oakland City
Hall, where my wife and I got our
marriage license 77 years later,” he
recalls. “My grandpa was back on his
ship to the Pacific days after their
wedding. When I walk the streets,
I often wonder if I’m retracing their
steps. There’s something so profound
about the past and how we intersect
with it. I feel there’s no better time to
tell this story.”
Shot mostly in Oakland (one of
their seven locations is across the
Set in Oakland, Jarod Backens
directs his new film about
futility and hope.
bay) and featuring local voices, the
film aims to showcase the city’s raw
beauty and vibrant culture. “Audi-
ences will feel the truth in every
frame,” he adds.  “This is a story I’ve
been waiting to tell — a story about
connection and the search for mean-
ing in a fractured world.”
Anniversary Party
Save the Date
The team is actively seeking support
to bring this project to life. See their
fundraising campaign at https://www.
kickstarter.com/projects/735013310/
cities-like-oakland. n
friday, june 6
3pm-close
20% off
Join us as we
celebrate ten
wonderful
years in the
neighborhood!


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MAY 2025

Youth ALIVE! to Deliver an Inspirational
Presentation on Violence Prevention and
Healing at Rockridge NCPC Meeting
by Karen Ivy

Two Spots Open for
News Distribution
by Susan Montauk, Rockridge News
Distribution Manager

A
T

t the Greater Rockridge Neigh-
borhood Crime Prevention
Council’s June meeting, residents will
hear Youth ALIVE! give a powerful
presentation straight from the front
lines. Hear directly from staff, youth
leaders, and clients as they share
moving testimonials about how its
lifesaving programs prevent violence,
intervene in crises, and support long-
term healing.
If you care about Oakland and its
future, this is a presentation you won’t
want to miss. Learn what Oakland’s
premier violence prevention, inter-
vention, and healing agency is doing
to save lives, uplift young leaders, and
center healing in everything we do.
The Greater Rockridge Neigh-
borhood Crime Prevention Council
Greater Rockridge Neighborhood
Crime Prevention Council
The Greater Rockridge NCPC
meets on the 2nd Thursday of
even-numbered months.
The next meeting will be held on:
Thursday, June 12, at 7pm
Rockridge Library Conference Room
(and on Zoom).
For more details and Zoom link,
visit www.rockridgencpc.com
meets on the 2nd Thursday of even-
numbered months. Next month’s
one-hour presentation will leave you
feeling inspired and full of purpose.
For more details and Zoom link,
visit https://rockridgencpc.com. n

wo Rockridge News delivery routes
need volunteers this month to
replace Beth Johnke and Maria
Chavez so residents of their routes
continue to get their newsletter.
Maria served as Block Captain for
Claremont Avenue and Beth served as
the District Captain in the Coronado/
Desmond area. Thank you both for
your many years of service.
Route Descriptions:
• Route 18Ga: Block Captain for
Claremont, from the freeway to
Clifton Street
• District Captain for Coronado,
Desmond, Hemphill Place and
Merrill Gardens
How it Works:
The District Captain receives a
box of bundled newsletters on his/
her doorstep the first weekend of
each month, except August, and then
delivers a box to each of the four
Block Captains (the box includes
cover sheets indicating the number of
papers in each bundle). Block Captains
deliver the papers door-to-door.

Tenth Anniversary Party at Cole Hardware
— And You’re Invited!

by Shanead Mueller, Cole Hardware Marketing Manager
Wto pop in for a drink, snack, and a
chat, or stay awhile and check some
items off your shopping list, we hope
to see you there to celebrate these
wonderful years. n
e couldn’t be more delighted
that Cole Hardware will be
celebrating 10 years in the Rockridge
neighborhood. You’re invited to our
party on Friday, June 6 from 3pm
until close. We’ll have food and
drinks, door prizes, raffles, and if you
want to shop — 20 percent off your
purchase.
At Cole Hardware, we strive to
offer a rare, old-fashioned brand of
service where we do whatever it takes
to provide positive dinnertime con-
versation. We are especially proud of
our employees, Emiel, Jan, Kelly, and
Ryan, who have been with us since we
opened and continue to be stewards of
our brand of service.
From the moment we opened our
doors, the support of the neigh-
borhood was overwhelming, and
watching that enthusiasm grow has
been incredible. Whether you want
Call or email Susan at 510/547-3855
or smontauk@gmail.com if you are
interested or need more information.
Experience ACRE Kitchen
and Bar After-Hours
bites that complement the evening’s
theme. From “Fern Bar” to “Drink
Like a Chef” and “Nomikai,” guests
can expect an evolving lineup of
experiences inspired by diverse cul-
tural and culinary influences.
This new after-hours series is a
celebration of community, creativity,
and connection— inviting friends
and neighbors to experience ACRE
in an entirely new way.
A
CRE Kitchen and Bar is excited
to unveil a new program to
bring unique late-night experiences
to the East Bay and the local Rock-
ridge neighborhood. In response to
the growing interest in lively, after-
hours entertainment, ACRE has
stepped into the spotlight with
a curated series of themed, bar-
forward events that began on May 1.
Each event will offer a distinctive
atmosphere centered around live
music, crisp cocktails, and tasty
Reservations are recommended and
can be made via the ACRE website or
OpenTable. For more details or to get
in touch, visit them online at www.
acrekitchenandbar.com.


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MAY 2025

University of Michigan — but music
wended its way into his adult life.
While carpooling to his job at
Chevron, a fellow employee asked
if he played an instrument. Well,
yes… and it turned out there was
an available bass he could use. “I
probably played lunchtime with the
Chevron Dixieland Band for about 15
years.”  Several years in, he bought a
bass of his own.
Fortuitously, when Brossard’s wife,
Sally Beck was parked in Oakland, a
sax player looking to assemble a small
jazz combo spotted the bass in their
car. He left a card asking to get in
touch. Brossard played in that band
for a couple of years. “I still play with
the pianist, Russ Taylor, who remains
a close friend after over 30 years.”
Brossard retired as a technical man-
ager at Chevron in 2013, opening up
more hours to fill with music, and as a
docent at the Cal Academy of Science.
In addition to 11 years with the OCO,
he plays with the Bob Enos Legacy Big
Band and the Temple Big Band.
Geltmeyer, a retired teacher, said his
introduction to music was learning
clarinet at OUSD’s Burckhalter and
Sequoia elementary schools. That
came to a halt in middle school
“because I thought it wasn’t cool to
be a musician.” It wasn’t until he
graduated from Skyline High that
he resumed playing an instrument,
taking up the electric bass guitar.
While majoring in economics at
UC Berkeley, he took enough music
Photo: Judy Berne
Rockridge Neighbors
Share a Lifelong
Journey of Music,
Mentorship, and
Community
by Judith Doner Berne
Adoor-to-door salesman hawking
guitars and guitar lessons started
then 10-year-old Dave Brossard
“on a lifetime of music,” while John
Geltmeyer, an electric bass player who
only recently took up the string bass,
considers himself “a musical prod-
uct of the Oakland Public Schools
(OUSD).”
Rockridge residents, now retirees,
both play string bass in the Oakland
Community Orchestra (OCO), a
volunteer symphony started in the
early ’60s that plays six free concerts a
year at City of Oakland senior centers,
sponsored by its Parks and Recreation
Department.
Brossard’s early years on guitar
eased his way, at the age of 12, to the
string bass. At his San Rafael high
school, he played guitar in a school
jazz band and bass in an orchestra.
“I quit cold turkey when I went to
college,” going on to earn engineer-
ing degrees at UC Berkeley and the
Rockridge residents John Geltmeyer
(left) and Dave Brossard met as
string bass players in the Oakland
Community Orchestra.
classes that during a fifth year in
Berkeley’s teacher credential program,
he also earned a minor in musical
composition. He went on to teach
special education and math, and
coached basketball for over 35 years,
at two Danville high schools.
“I also took lessons in composition
for seven years with David Sheinfeld,
an outstanding composer with the
San Francisco Symphony,” Geltmeyer
said. “He was one of the most influen-
tial people in my life.”
Although his grandmother bought
him a double bass for $100 in 1973
(“She could never resist a good deal.”),
he didn’t begin playing it until eight
years ago. “I attended a rehearsal of
the OCO, approached the conductor,
and asked if I could join once I felt
comfortable with the bass. She said,
‘No. I want you to join now.’”
“I was initially terrified,” Gelt-
meyer said, “but after meeting Dave,
decided to jump in and try. Dave was
encouraging, thoughtful, and just a
Eyes on Rockridge, see next page


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page 9
MAY 2025

Eyes on Rockridge, from previous page

Come hear the
Oakland Community Orchestra
perform Strauss, Haydn, and Brahms
Friday, May 30, 10:30am

COMING SOON
IN ROCKRIDGE!
wonderful person. He has guided me
through these years with grace and
understanding. Playing with OCO, I
made many mistakes but rarely missed
a rehearsal or performance. I spend
time each day practicing.”
“The OCO is a gem and is the
only daytime community orchestra I
know of in this region,” said Martha
Stoddard, the interim conductor who
also is the full-time musical director
of the Oakland Civic Symphony.
After attending a concert where they
played one of John’s pieces, she noted,
“I was thrilled to be stepping into an
environment that encourages this kind
of creativity and lifelong learning.
The piece was musically engaging and
lovingly performed.
“I didn’t know John at that time,”
Stoddard continued, “but have since
come to appreciate his musical depth,
gentle spirit, and sense of humor —
a trait he shares in good measure with
Dave. I hope he’ll continue to compose
for the group.”
A year ago, “Dave reached out to
me, interested in the Oakland Civic
Symphony, wanting more experience
doing classical bass,” she said. “His
background is in jazz, so this is a
newer direction for him, which he fully
embraces. He’s been an enthusiastic
participant in both groups ever since.”
Geltmeyer’s ties to Oakland and
Rockridge run deep. His wife, Marga-
ret Geltmeyer, is a Rockridge native,
who grew up in the duplex they share
with daughter Ava Geltmeyer and her
family. Ava is a first-grade teacher at
Chabot Elementary, which she, her
mom, and John’s grandchildren, Axel,

North Oakland Senior Center,
5714 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way.
age 15, Alex, age 13, and Andre, age
12, all attended.
By contrast, it has been just five
years since Brossard and his wife
“worked hard to find a home in
Rockridge because we love older
neighborhoods, and the proximity
to restaurants, shopping, and transit.
We have loved our neighborhood and
our neighbors, many of whom are
musical.”
“Getting together with like-minded
musicians and jamming or sight-
reading music requires concentration,
listening, and creativity,” Brossard
said. “But there’s a social connection
as well… I was lucky to grow up at
a time and in school districts that
valued and provided music education.”
That’s what draws him to Edna Brewer
Middle School to coach young bass
players at least twice a month “in the
hope that playing music might enrich
some, or all of the rest of their lives.”
“Meaningful learning involves a
blend of perceptual, intellectual,
and motor skills,” Geltmeyer said.
“I can’t think of a better curriculum
than music that offers this unique
blend. Music is quite powerful. It
offers me a chance to share thoughts
and emotions that I find difficult to
put into words.”
If you have a Rockridge story to tell,
please email judyberne@att.net. n

Grand 1920’s Traditional
with big views on
Margarido Drive
· 5 Bedrooms
 · 4.5 Bathrooms
 · 4,700+ sq feet of living space
 · 8,600+ sq foot lot
 · 2-car garage
 · Deluxe outdoor covered pavilion
area with outdoor dining area, hot
tub, fireplace, and pizza oven!
Contact Maxi for pricing & details.
MAXI LILLEY
510.919.8997
maxi@redoakrealty.com
The Rockridge Realtor®
with a Designer’s Eye
DRE #1919653


THE
page 10
MAY 2025

Where Do
Rockridge
Residents Play?
modernization, while the adjacent
parking areas could become a pocket
park for outdoor reading or even a
play pavilion — enhancing the overall
library experience as a community
gathering place.
mum recommended acreage within
the neighborhood for dense urban
areas (>10 units/per acre). While the
recreational resources of Oakland
Tech, Bushrod Park, North Oakland
Regional Sports Center, Lake Temes-
cal, and the East Bay Regional Park
District are available, none of them are
within the boundaries of our neigh-
borhood, and most require a car or
special permission to access.
by Tom Lollini, RCPC’s Land Use
Committee Chair
A
Looking for Opportunities
As our presently underserved
neighborhood grows by 15 percent or
more through future development as
envisioned in Oakland’s 2023 Housing
Element, where might we look for rec-
reation and open-space opportunities?
One approach could be incrementally
adding to our inventory of small parks
that enhance those projects and con-
tribute to the larger community. For
example, the proposed project at the
former site of the California College of
the Arts will include a half-acre public
space with a large open lawn, path-
ways, sitting areas, sculpture garden,
and an indoor space for community
gatherings and programs.
Similarly, the 4-acre BART site
could provide a centrally located
recreation opportunity, as described in
my February article (see the archives
at Rockridge.org). It might also offer
the opportunity to create a Rockridge
Community Recreation Center for
indoor sports, events, and other
community learning and cultural
programs at ground level as part
of a mixed-use affordable housing
development project.
This Rec Center would have
s Oakland develops the Open
Space, Conservation & Recreation
Element of its General Plan and RCPC
creates our Community Vision Plan,
let us reflect on the state of our neigh-
borhood’s open space and recreational
resources. Rockridge has a population
of roughly 12,500 residents served by
approximately 4.7 acres of open space
and recreation areas.
According to the American Plan-
ning Association and the National
Parks and Recreation Association,
Rockridge has about half the mini-
Making the Most of What We Have
Chabot ball fields and tennis courts
are valued (though minimally main-
tained) single-purpose resources for
tennis and baseball that could use
bathrooms, and perhaps be considered
for additional uses. Colby Park and
Rockridge Place are attractive pocket
parks anchoring their immediate envi-
rons, and would benefit from modest
improvements to enhance their value.
Frog Park and Rockridge Library,
outgrowths from our last neighbor-
hood planning process in the 1980s,
have added measurably to our commu-
nity resources, but each could use some
modernization and improvements. The
former location might be expanded
when the DMV and Lucky sites are
developed for housing. It could also be
extended adjacent to the Highway 24/
BART corridor to create a mixed-mode
trail that links lower Rockridge to
Lake Temescal and the North Oakland
Regional Sports Center.
The Library would benefit from
audio-visual and energy-efficiency
Land Use, see next page


THE

page 11
MAY 2025

Foxtail Grasses —
It’s That Time Again
Land Use, from previous page
Photo:  Anna L. Marks
excellent regional access, serving
North Oakland, and could be funded
through a Rockridge parcel tax, and/
or use fees for those outside the
district. Other sizable opportunity
sites for shared public space include
the 1.5-acre Trader Joe’s site, or the
4.6-acre vacant site at The Ridge. In
the interim, The Ridge parcel, illegally
fenced for the past eight years, could
provide for recreational uses to mit-
igate the impact of this blight at the
gateway to our community as it awaits
development.
Smaller sites like the triangular lot at
the southwest corner of the Claremont
and College intersection could support
an interim pocket park while awaiting
development (isn’t eight years of chain
link fencing enough here also?). Once
developed, a smaller garden park
might define the corner and provide a
lovely setting for a restaurant.
These are just some of the ideas
that have percolated up from Land
Use Committee discussions over the
past couple of years, as well as recent
conversations among community
members in the early phases of the
Community Vision Plan process as
well as personal reflections resulting
from my half-century of nationally
recognized experience in campus and
community planning. Please bring
your thoughts, ideas, and energetic
commitment to the Community
Vision Plan process now underway. n
Foxtails can be a menace to our
beloved pets as they traipse about
the neighborhood. When you see
these weeds in your yard or neigh-
borhood, pull them out. Foxtails shed
thousands of seeds that will quickly
spread if not removed early. The ear-
lier in the season they are removed,
the less damage they can do. If the
barbed grasses get into an animals
feet or ears, they can burrow deep,
causing  distress or even infection,
organ damage, and hearing loss. If
they are inhaled through the nose, it
could require surgical removal.
See your vet immediately if you
notice your pet showing any unusual
symptoms including incessant licking
or problems chewing or swallowing.
Children should use caution, too, as
they are susceptible to getting them in
their noses, clothing, shoes, or socks.
Remove foxtails by digging them
out by the root with a simple garden
tool. Mowing will not prevent them
from returning; instead, place them
into your regular garbage in a plastic
bag so they won’t spread. n
“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 12
MAY 2025

Michael and Desiree continued their
commitment to be responsive to the
workers. Two employees have worked
for the shop for 21 years. Each raised
a family, supported by the culture at
Cole Coffee.
“Your kid needs something? Just
go, we’ll figure it out,” explains
Michael. “Children, and even grand-
children of employees, have come to
work for us,” adds Desiree.
customers had come to love.
When the entire building required
retrofitting seven years ago, they
used the opportunity to remodel
the front of the shop along College
Avenue. They worked in collabora-
tion with their landlord to improve
bulk sales and expand the café.
The pandemic presented entirely
different challenges. Online sales
became prominent. As restrictions
were lifted, they restored the outdoor
seating. “We loved seeing people
relaxing, just enjoying themselves
outside,” recalls Michael.
Owners and staff treasure the
diversity of the clientele, noting that,
“We seem to have waves throughout
the day.” The first two hours are
contractors and construction work-
ers, then come lawyers and judges,
followed by restaurant workers and
a closing contingent of bikers and
cyclists. Families and kids linger
throughout the day. Recent additions
include pro-surfers, filmmakers and
musicians.
Michael came to realize the impact
of the environment they had created
as people would confide in him and
Desiree about personal loss or times
of difficulty. “We never knew owning
a business would help us meet so
many people and form so many rela-
tionships,” said Desiree.
“It’s great to see people come by
themselves,” says Michael. “They get
to engage, and they get to be alone.”
Regulars wearing Cole Coffee hood-
ies have discovered fans throughout
the state, while new folks come in
on the recommendation of fellow
Cole Coffee, from front page
“Before I moved here, I came all
the time,” he said, and was part of
the devoted, diverse clientele that
gathered daily at the corner of Col-
lege and 63rd street.
Michael had been a machinist in
San Luis Obispo, where he grew up.
He worked with his brother at the
Bronze Foundry and would bring
coffee beans to his family. Desiree
lived around the corner from the
coffee shop while studying fashion
and design. She taught at the Acad-
emy of Art Unveristy and worked
as a Tech Designer. They met at the
shop, marrying while Michael was
still working as manager.
After acquiring the retail business,
“Children, and even
grandchildren of employees,
have come to work for us.”
Increased neighborhood compe-
tition prompted the couple to make
changes to the familiar spot. After
Peet’s and Philz moved in nearby,
they developed new drink options
and enhanced their simple food
menu, assisted by their kitchen
manager. With each change on the
block, Desiree said they responded by
getting really creative, while main-
taining those aspects that long-term
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Cole Coffee, see next page


THE

page 13
MAY 2025

Cole Coffee, from previous page
Dogs (and sometimes, Cats) of Rockridge
travelers. Michael and Desiree visit
shops in their travels, even connect-
ing with a Market Hall veteran who
now owns Abraco in Manhattan.
Several forces at work will likely
lead to price increases. Michael
speculates that climate change may
affect coffee prices more than policy
changes. Downpours, more than
droughts, are hampering harvests,
and cultural shifts can also have
an impact on growing high-quality
crops.
On top of all that, “Kids are not
taking over, they do not want the
12-hour days.” He feels fortunate that
his nephews will be running the farm
with his sister and her husband.
Michael and Desiree intend to go
slow with any new pricing, and plan
to increase live music performances
and pop-ups. When local jazz musi-
cians recently jammed in the café
after closing, customers from stores
across the street hung out on the
sidewalk to listen, and were happy
to see Rockridge business owners
coming together as a community to
help each other out.
“We love it,” Michael and Desiree
say of the coffee environment,
because it allows folks to “make time
for yourself, family, and relation-
ships.” Come by Cole Coffee and help
them celebrate the best of two worlds
— coffee and community. n
This is Sky. She’s an unstoppable burst
of energy, the most loving companion,
and simply everything you could ask
for. Sky is a Shepherd mix, but after
seeing her run, one can assume she’s
a Greyhound. She’s two years old and
was originally sheltered by the Milo
Foundation in Richmond. It is known
that they found her all alone near
Bakersfield, and since then, Sky’s life
has changed dramatically — she now
has a family and her best life in the
beautiful pocket of the Bay Area called
Rockridge.
The Original Orange Chicken™️ (CEO,
Co-Founder) is an American shorthair
tabby who recently found new real
estate ownership in Rockridge.
Chicky enjoys taking business calls
in the sun and chatting with his
clients. This CEO has a silly side,
too. When not on the clock, he loves
being a menace, destroying all the
plants within sight, drinking straight
from the toilet bowl, and decimating
carpets into a million bits. But looking
past these heinous acts, he is the
sweetest businessman out there.
Does your furry friend live in Rockridge? If so,
send a photo of your four-legged companion
and short commentary to: editor@rockridge.org.
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.


THE
page 14
MAY 2025

Scenic Streets of Rockridge Welcomes New
Leadership After a Decade of Beautification

by Patrick Cullinane
Almost 10 years ago, Lee Patterson
and Robert Firehock answered
Peter Lund’s call for volunteers to give
“a couple hours a month” to the Scenic
Streets cleanup effort. Now, many
years later, the time has come for them
to step back and let others take the
lead. It is time for Rockridge to thank
them for their years of dedicated ser-
vice to make our community a more
welcoming and beautiful space.
Scenic Streets of Oakland is a loosely
organized volunteer group currently
operating as a nonprofit association
under the auspices of the Oakland
Parks and Recreation Foundation. Its
mission is to make a small but mean-
ingful contribution to community
beautification in Rockridge by keeping
the Highway 24 on-ramp neat and tidy.
Many have participated, and over
the years, Lee and Robert took on the
leadership of guiding Scenic Streets in
its weekly endeavor. Originally part
of  Hardy Dog Park enhancement
activities, the group agreed to spin
off that work along with its funding.
Although RCPC was the initial fiscal
sponsor, for convenience, the remain-
ing funds have been moved under the
umbrella of the Oakland Parks and
Recreation Foundation.
Typically, cleanup work involves
less than an hour of activity each
Wednesday morning. This has
included planting, pruning, weeding,
and, picking up all manner of trash
and discarded items. They have been
able to reunite people with their stolen
property and even called the Highway
Patrol to recover unspent ammu-
nition. They’ve encountered a fair
share of campers trying to colonize
the onramp, cleared the edges of the
adjacent DaVita property, and planted
some trees on Vicente — but their
first love and devotion was always to
keep the on-ramp looking good.
Lee and Robert are moving on,
and they have welcomed me, Patrick
Cullinane, to take over stewardship
of the Scenic Streets effort, as I've
Lee Patterson (left) and Patrick
Cullinane are ready to pass the torch.
agreed to lend skills and experience
to steer the group forward. While the
scope and schedule may change, from
time to time you will see Lee and
Robert picking up trash — making
sure that this all-volunteer beautifica-
tion effort continues. And thanks for
all the waves and honks.
Hope to see you there soon.
We hope you’ve enjoyed the flowers
and greenery resulting from the weekly
trash pickup. If you want to help out,
and have time to spend with a group
of like-minded neighbors, please email
Patrick at pbc117@sbcglobal.net. n
Earth Day 2025 Photos
Manila resident Georges Forsythe sifts and
cleans the children’s sandbox.
District 1 Councilmember,
Zac Unger, bags trash.
Sallie Olsen and Theresa Nelson
sign up volunteers at Frog Park.

Steve Weiss with his helpers, Cameron and Vivenne, trim and pick up debris.


THE

page 15
MAY 2025

RN
Classifieds
House Portraits by Laura Serra
Your home or business drawn by a Rockridge
neighbor. Simple line art or full color. How it
is or how you wish it was. Learn more at Lau-
raSerra.org/homes.
Modern Dog Training
Need help with leash manners, basic obedi-
ence, or problem behaviors? Private, in-home
training can help! Visit dogsquaddogtraining.
com or call 510/646-9657 for information.
List your 36-word message here for only
$24 (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.
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 info.
For more information, email Susan at
smontauk@gmail.com.
Deadline for the JUNE 2025 issue is:
MAY 17, 2025 (available May 3).
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!
Electrical Remodels and Repairs
Upgrading your electrical system? I can help
with that. I’ve been doing electrical work in
Oakland and Berkeley for over 35 years. Su-
torik & Company; www.sutorikandco.com; Lic
#397149; 510/655-3677.
Best Kept Secret in Rockridge —
RGym!
Family-owned, community gym with top-notch
strength & cardio equipment. Personal trainers
on staff. Five-star staff ready to assist. Visit
RGYM4FITNESS.com or call 510/655-8808.
Penelope’s Aesthetics
Now offering revitalizing facial treatments.
Providing luminosity, firmness and hydration
for the discerning person putting their best
face forward! Book your appointment today.
510/594-1552.
Rockridge-based Professional
Genealogist
Need help with Ancestry.com? Hit a research
brick wall? Interested in the history of your
house? Unknowns in your DNA results? Let
me help! Sign up for a free consultation at
rshawresearch.com. n
HARDWOOD FLOORS
Install, sand/refinish, repair, re-coat existing.
Large jobs or small. Twenty-five years in Pied-
mont Ave/Rockridge. Bruce Williams Wood-
floors; CA Lic #913727. Call or text 510/652-
8121; www.blwfloors.com.
Shop ROCKRIDGE
Rockridge Library
MAY 2025
For Teens, Ages 12 to 18
DIY Ice Cream: Wednesday 5/28: 3-4pm. Come
celebrate the beginning of summer with us by
learning how to make DIY ice cream.
Master Gardener Program of Alameda County
will teach us eco friendly pest management.
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.
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, and implementing programs
and services you want to see at your local library.
Summer volunteers wanted! Teens ages 13-17
are invited to apply at: www.oaklandlibrary.org/
teen-volunteers.
For Everyone
Pup-Up Event: Dog Adoptions Saturday May
31, 11-1pm. Meet adorable, adoptable dogs from
Oakland Animal Services. Learn about respon-
sible pet ownership and resources for pet lovers.
Rockridge Book Club: Every 2nd Saturday,
3:30-4:30. Please call 510-597-5017 for more
info and to get a copy of the book. May’s book
is The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, by James
McBride.
Rockridge Library Summer Marigold Contest:
Try your hand at growing the tallest marigold
in Rockridge this summer. We provide the
seedlings/supplies at sign-up. Sign Ups will
be Saturday, May 24 to Saturday, May 31. Stay
tuned for more information.
For Adults
Adult Crafting Series: Meditative Drawing:
Tuesday 5/6, 6-7:30pm. Relax into your creativity
as we explore various forms of meditative draw-
ing. All materials are provided.
Needlework Circle: Every Thursday, 2-4pm.
Bring your yarn and fiber arts projects to
Rockridge Library. Build community, share your
passion, learn, have fun!
Summer Programs for All Ages: Begins Sat-
urday, May 24. Sign up online or come by the
branch to pick up your reading & activity log
and our Calendar of Events for June & July.
Adult Crafting Series: Shashiko Stitching
Basics: Tuesday 5/20, 6-7:30pm. Discover the
beauty and simplicity of this ancient art form
used for decoration and mending. Please bring
an item of cloth you would like to work on.
Artist’s Open Studio: Every 3rd Tuesday,
2-4:30pm.
For Children 
Storytime Thursdays and Saturdays; 10:30am.
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.
Chess Club: Wednesdays; 4pm. All ages and
skill-levels welcome.
Oakland Public Library Spring Gardening
Workshops: Understanding and Using Medici-
nal Teas: Tuesday, 5/13, 6-7pm. Learn about the
properties and uses of a variety of medicinal teas
from a local herbalist. Make and take home your
own tea blend. Prepare and share tea together
with the class. Workshop with Ma del Carmen
Cortez.
Read to a Dog: Thursdays; 4pm every week.
Holiday Closures:  
Memorial Day — Monday, May 26
Tinker Tuesdays: Join us for various crafts for
children every Tuesday; 4pm. All ages welcome,
children under 8 must bring a grown-up.
Library Hours:
Mon, Thurs, Sat 10am to 5:30pm
Tuesday and Wednesday, from 10am to 8pm
Friday, noon to 5:30pm. Closed Sundays.
Origami for All: Every third Tuesday; 3:30pm;
5/20. All ages welcome.
Spring 2025 Meet the Author Series: Wednes-
day, 5/14, Kazu Haga will discuss book, Fierce
Vulnerability: Healing from Trauma, Emerging
through Collapse. Books will be available for
signing from A Great Good Place for Books.
Special Events for Children of All Ages:
ASL Storytelling with Ms. Kei-Che; Saturday,
5/10, 10:30am.
Please see the online calendar at
www.oaklandlibrary.org/events for events
throughout the city.
Laya Arts Dance of India; Sat., 5/17, 10:30am
5366 College Avenue, at Manila
510-597-5017
Rockridge Gardening Series: Integrated Pest
Management: Saturday 5/17, 2-3pm. The U.C.
Folktales from Sudan with Hana Baba;
Tuesday, 5/27, 6:30pm.


est.               1967

THE
Andrew Pitarre
Compass
415.342.9950
DRE #01867911
L A W T O N
PRIME ROCKRIDGE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
0 Ivanhoe Road @ Miles, $1,298,000
2 lots for a combined 10,286 SF of land
in the heart of Rockridge
A S S O C I A T E S
Development Possibilities may include:
-Large Family Compound with Multiple Structures
-2 Executive Level Single Family Homes w/planning approval
-4 Multistory Townhomes
R E A L   E S T A T E
B R O K E R A G E
Engineering Studies and Survey Available
Ron + Andrew
* Buyer to confirm w/Oakland Planning Department
Experience - Vision - Execution - Results
“#1 in Rockridge Real Estate”
200+ Successful Sales in Rockridge
Contact us to learn more or
discuss your real estate needs.