Extracted text · highlighting “Casey Farmer”

www.rockridge.org
R ckridge News

THE

VOL 40   •   NO. 6   •   ISSUE  NO. 431   •   JUNE 7, 2025                 CIRCULATION: 6,700 RESIDENCES; 200 BUSINESSES

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

Paint, Keys… and Heart: Cole Hardware
Celebrates Ten Years in Rockridge

by Carol Kasparek
Cout Rockridge has a lot of San Fran-
cisco expats.” He warmly described a
great sense of partnership from every-
one who helped launch the new store.
Although Cole is separately owned
and incorporated, it benefits from
being a member of Ace Hardware’s
5,000-location buying cooperative.
“We buy what we want, what is best
for our neighborhood,” explained
Karp, who is passing the company
leadership to his son, David. “Ace may
be one of the last companies to foster
Main Street America community
engagement.” Karp visits the College
Avenue store each month to help the
management implement what they
ole Hardware opened on College
Avenue ten years ago this month.
At the time, owner Rick Karp wasn‘t
sure that expanding beyond the limits
of San Francisco was the right move
for his family’s group of five stores.
They valued their tight connection to
local neighborhood communities and
didn’t think they would be familiar to
folks in the East Bay.
Rockridge residents changed his
mind. “They chose us,” Karp declared.
Business associations, neighborhood
associations, Rockridge News founder
Don Kinkead, and a welcoming land-
lord all contacted him about the space
vacated by a furniture store. “Turns
Photo:  Anna L Marks
Ryan Worf, Kelly McDonald and
Emiel Koehler (not pictured) enjoy
helping Cole customers.
RCPC Community Vision Plan: Yes,
There are Still Ways to Be Involved
decide is best for their customers.
“What we have to sell is service. We
want to contribute to positive dinner
time conversations… everyone has a
lot of flexibility to be nice,” said Karp.
Manager Leo Sepulveda reinforced
that sentiment, “We encourage staff
to be who they are to have a genuine
conversation — giving of yourself will
come through.”
Ryan Worf and Kelly McDonald
(see photo above), crew members from
day one, have their own approach
with customers. “If I can bite off a
part of your project, I feel great,” said
Ryan, who grew up a few blocks from
the store. Kelly, who also lives in the
neighborhood, ”loves discovering
what I can do for people… that’s
what’s fun.”

by Casey Farmer and Kristen Belt, CVP Co-Chairs, RCPC Board Members

On May 22, residents gathered at
the Rockridge Library to develop
key initiatives for the Rockridge Com-
munity Planning Council’s (RCPC)
Community Vision Plan (CVP).
Hundreds of community members
participated in the process at commu-
nity-wide meetings, popup engagement
sessions, and through an online survey.
Some key themes have emerged,
revealing significant concurrence
around several initiatives. RCPC
distilled these into the “Community
Vision Plan Key Initiatives” and
dedicated the May 22 meeting to brain-
storming how best to implement them.
(Note: For the Open Space / Green
Infrastructure group, park- specific
meetings will be held this summer in
order to have enough time hold the
meetings in the parks).
Residents attended breakout
conversations and selected one of
4 Key Initiatives:
1) Activating the BART Site: How
to best use the BART parking areas
for community events and gather-
ings while still being responsive to
BART’s parking needs? What types of
improvements are needed to support
these events? (Note: Newly elected
BART Director Victor Flores partici-
pated in a walking tour of the BART
site with this group).
CVP, see next page

Cole Hardware, see page 3


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page 2
JUNE 2025

Photo:
Kristen Belt
CVP, continued from front page
2) Housing Opportunities: How can
we support housing development at
“Opportunity Sites” identified by the
City of Oakland?
3) Rockridge’s Sustainability and
Resilience Plan: What should be
included as part of this plan? How
will this plan benefit the broader
Oakland community?
4) Community Events: What kind
of events help build community?
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.
Community members formed break-
out groups at the May 22 meeting,
led by RCPC board members.
tree wells in order to set an annual
goal for tree planting. Another goal
of the Sustainability and Resilience
Focus Area is to identify block cap-
tains who can support their block,
and adjacent blocks, around emer-
gency preparedness. If you are one
of these amazing volunteers, please
email info@rockridge.org to help us
better understand where the neigh-
borhood has resilience champions.
Additionally, we intend to publish a
draft “Table of Contents” this summer
for community input, and have the
plan ready for review in September.
We will celebrate its completion in
October at a community-wide event
commemorating RCPC’s 40th Anni-
versary. Our intent with the CVP is
to produce clear and actionable steps
for RCPC to take on over the next few
years to improve the neighborhood for
all. Thank you to all those who have
been engaged in this process! n
What’s Next?
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
This summer, the RCPC Board
will continue to develop the ideas
that surfaced during the last three
months of community engagement
by collecting additional data and con-
ducting further analysis to ensure that
the organization sets reasonable and
actionable goals. For example: Dozens
of residents recommended planting
more trees in the neighborhood (in
both the Sustainability/Resilience and
Open Space/Green Infrastructure
focus areas). This summer, we will
conduct a tree audit to evaluate the
City of Oakland’s recent tree canopy
study and identify currently vacant
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, Tom Lollini, 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.
RCPC BOARD 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.
Tom Lollini,
who finished a
two-year elected
term on the
board of
the Rockridge
Community
Planning
Council in
April, has recently been selected to
serve in the 13th (appointed) board
seat until April 2026. He will serve
as the liaison with the Rockridge
District Association. Tom is an
architect and urban planner with
30 years of executive leadership
experience in community and
university planning, design, and
development. He has an extensive
background in public advocacy for
sustainable, affordable, and equi-
table community development. He
currently heads RCPC’s Land Use
Committee.
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.
Greater Rockridge Neighborhood
Crime Prevention Council
Newsletter Subscriptions
To subscribe to the Rockridge News, send your
check for $22, payable to RCPC with “Rockridge
News” noted on the memo line.
The next meeting of The Greater
Rockridge NCPC will be held on
Thursday, June 12, at 7pm
Mail payment to: RCPC, 4900 Shattuck Avenue,
PO Box 22504, Oakland, CA, 94609
Advertising Deadline for JULY 2025:
JUNE 19, 2025
Advertising rates are $32/column inch ($28 for
b/w). 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.
The meeting includes an
inspirational presentation on
violence prevention and healing
by Youth ALIVE!
The meeting will be held at Rockridge
Library Conference Room and on Zoom.
For details, or to get the Zoom link,
visit www.rockridgencpc.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
JUNE 2025

Preserving Our Connection to Food
Cole Hardware, continued from
front page
Photo:  Anna L Marks
Paint guy Emiel Koehler has
assisted homeowners in restoring
their Arts and Crafts residences and
has worked with local new businesses
and remodels. He recently helped Pre-
served, a College Avenue newcomer,
mix the perfect shade of yellow for
their doors and interior.
While online sales are a major com-
petitor for most retailers, it lacks the
benefit of in-store customer service.
“We strive to provide a high level of
service so you'll want to come to us,”
asserts Karp. The campaign to shop
local, championed in the Rockridge
News (June 2023), gave the store a
huge boost, according to manager Leo.
“The article solidified a cry for help
and brought people in who poured
their hearts out in appreciation,” he
recalls. “I have never felt such a force-
ful sense of community. Rockridge
News is the only print ad we do.” Ryan
echoed that sense of gratitude from
the clientele and was reminded of a
customer comment at the opening:
“It’s not a real neighborhood without
a hardware store.”
A Family and Friends Celebration
on June 6 ushered in their Tenth
Anniversary. Friday Happy Hour has
returned, and seasonal events will
continue. “We look forward to being
a legacy in Rockridge as we are in the
city,” says Karp. We think their wish
has been granted. n
Preserved is excited to bring their
love of food and fermentation to
the Rockridge neighborhood. “We
hope to see lots of new faces at our
hands-on workshops and to outfit
lots of kitchens and pantries with
kitchen tools and ingredients,” says
owner Elizabeth Vecchiarelli.
From Piedmont, to Temescal, to
its new location in Rockridge —
Preserved celebrated its grand
opening in late May at 5540 College
Avenue. The eclectic shop is a go-to
culinary haven for all things pickled,
fermented, and handcrafted.
Specializing in time-honored pres-
ervation techniques, the shop offers
top-quality kitchenware, small-batch
artisan foods, live fermentation cul-
tures, and, perhaps, most importantly,
inspiration and support for your DIY
food adventures.
“Our June workshop schedule is
now live on our website, and we have
so many fun classes to share with the
community,” says owner Elizabeth
Vecchiarelli. “Reserve your spot today
and join our mission to preserve your
food connection.”
The shop is open daily, from 11am
to 6pm. To sign up for classes, visit
them at www.preservedgoods.com. n
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JUNE 2025

Photo:  Anna L Marks
Who Moved the
Cheese?
— by Carol Kasparek
After months in development, the
May unveiling was “Everything we
wanted,” says co-owner Sara Wilson.
The customers now have more room
to examine the multitude of varieties,
and there are additional checkout
stations to help reduce lines. “Cheese-
mongers can easily connect with
customers to help with selection and
menu planning,” explains Wilson.
Retail Manager Juliana Uruburu
and Sara are particularly proud of the
silky 12-foot-long Brazilian mahogany
cheesemaking table, sourced by neigh-
bor Maison d’Etre, which displays a
myriad of hard and aged cheeses.
While the tradition of introducing
worldwide specialty finds continues,
look for new options to include pre-
packaged lunch combos, cheese- and
wine-tasting events, and a refreshed
outdoor seating area.
“We want Market Hall to continue
to be a place where you run into
people you know, and bring home
something delicious,” says Wilson. n
The Market Hall Cheese Shop
has emerged from an extensive
remodel as a sparkling, expansive
store-within-a-store. Award-winning
local and imported products are front
and center, highlighted with new fix-
tures, lighting, and enticing displays.
Join the RCPC Email List
Want to be informed about the
latest happenings in Rockridge?
Sign up for the RCPC email list.
We send occasional emails, mostly
about community meetings and
events. Just visit Rockridge.org
and enter your name and email
address under the “Join the RCPC
Email List” headline on the right-
hand side of the home page at
https://rockridge.org.


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page 5
JUNE 2025

Update on Rockridge Properties
Of Interest

including a significant housing com-
ponent. In its reissued decision letter
of May 27, the City noted that its 2023-
2031 Housing Element identifies the
following realistic capacity for the site:
189 lower-income units (VLI/LI), 16
moderate-income units, and 583 above
moderate-income units — bringing
the total to 788 housing units with a
density of 170 units per acre.
4) Just south of Oakland Tech High
School and across the street from
Blue Bottle Coffee, plans have been
approved for a six-story apartment
complex at 4207 Broadway. After an
8-year challenging journey through
the City’s planning process, the six-
story, 64-foot-tall, roughly 160,000
by Tom Lollini, FAIA, RCPC Land Use Committee Chair
Since February of this year, the
Land Use Committee has deferred
its monthly meetings to allow the
Rockridge Community Planning
Council (RCPC) and the Land Use
Committee (LUC) to focus attention
and energy on the Community Vision
Plan (CVP) process currently under-
way (see front page article). There is
general concurrence that the present
economic climate does not support
significant development, however, we
continue to stay abreast of relevant
properties of interest.
completed in September 2024. Accord-
ing to the developer, the tribes will
have some time to review this report
and declare any issues that might be
of concern. Once that process is com-
plete, the prospective developer will
have six months to deliver a completed
package to the City of Oakland.
3) At The Ridge Shopping Center,
5050 Broadway at Pleasant Valley, the
City Planning Department approved a
lot split for the 4.65-acre vacant parcel
on March 10. This should facilitate
future development for mixed uses,
Land Use, see next page
Properties of Interest
1) The Oakland City Council
approved a conditional use permit for
a Child Care Center at 5315 College
Avenue late last year. However, it
is presently being converting from
law offices to psychotherapy offices.
Several people have inquired about
the very tall fence that has been con-
structed on the property. It remains
unclear as to why such a tall fence is
needed for a psychotherapist’s office.
2) At 5295 College Avenue (near
Clifton), the developer of a proposed
high-rise, mixed-use complex awaits
the tribal response to the California
Historic Resources Information
Survey (CHRIS) report, which was
“Helping you find
your way home.”
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page 6
JUNE 2025

Land Use, from previous page

4207 Broadway rendering by AO, which is
responsible for the design.

square foot project will consist of
143 apartments, of which 15 will be
deed-restricted as affordable to very
low-income households, 3,000 square
feet for ground-level retail, and a park-
ing garage for 74 cars and 161 bikes.
Apartment types vary, and include
49 studios, 54 one-bedrooms, 34
two-bedrooms, and six three-bed-
rooms. The project’s density is about
160 units per acre. (See image on
right; more images and details can be
found online at https://sfyimby.com/
category/4207-broadway.)
5) According to the Red Cross prop-
erty management team, the former
Red Cross Donation Center at 6230
Claremont Avenue (vacated in July
2024) remains for sale. As of Febru-
ary, they have attempted to secure
the premises against vandals and are
in active discussions regarding the
disposition of the property. They have
promised to share new information
with RCPC as plans coalesce.

This project rendering shows a contemporary podium-style complex with
façade articulation punctuated by inset private balconies. The roughly
one-acre property is located next to Oakland Tech.
them online and sign up for updates.
Objective Design Standards for
4-to-8-story Multi-Family Residen-
tial and Mixed-Use Development
were unanimously approved by the
Planning Commission last October.
Objective Design Standards for 1-4
story Family Housing and 1-3 story
Multi-Family Housing were reviewed
at the June 4 meeting of the Oakland
Planning Commission.
To join the meeting and gain
access meeting-related documents as
they are available, see the Planning
Commission website at https://www.
oaklandca.gov/boards-commissions/
planning-commission. n
Objective Design Standards (ODS)
Objective Design Standards are
broad sets of standards that cities use
to regulate development. As opposed
to “design guidelines,” ODS are not
subject to interpretation and design
review, resulting in faster, more
predictable approvals of high-quality
development. Oakland is in the pro-
cess of developing ODS. If you want
to help shape the outcomes of the
ODS project or stay informed, visit
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page 7
JUNE 2025

Where’s Waldo?
In Rockridge…
Of Course!
by Jody Colley, Rockridge District
Association
To participate, get your Passport at
Pegasus Books, 5560 College Ave.,
or other retail locations that display
Waldo window signs and are listed
on the RDA website:
www.RockridgeDistrict.com.
All players are welcome to attend the
Waldo Shindig at Pegasus Books
 — with raffle prizes &
light refreshments.
Thursday, July 31, at 6pm
Get ready, Rockridge. This July,
the iconic book Where’s Waldo?,
which sparked a global search craze in
1987, is taking over College Avenue.
Dive into the whimsical world of
Martin Handford, whose incredibly
detailed illustrations took two years
to bring to life. All month long, young
adventurers (and the young at heart)
can scour local shops in a real-life
Waldo hunt.
Spot him, collect stamps, and join
the fun — it’s a seek-and-find adven-
ture you won’t want to miss. Families
will have a blast joining the scavenger
hunt to find the iconic children’s book
character, with his red-and-white-
striped shirt and black glasses, hidden
at 25 local businesses.
“It is a wonderful way to get to
know your Rockridge businesses and
support them by increasing foot traf-
fic to a variety of stores,” says Devan
Meneses, owner of Devan Gregori
and Rockridge District Association
(RDA) board member, who presented
this idea to Amy Thomas, owner of
Pegasus Books.
Rockridge retailers will hide a six-
inch Waldo figurine amongst their
local communities. Martin Hand-
ford’s collections of crowd scenes took
the world by storm in the late 1980s,
and since then, the books have held a
cherished place in family libraries and
classrooms around the world. More
than 80 million Waldo books have
been sold worldwide and translated
into over thirty languages. n
Devan Meneses, owner of Devan
Gregori and board member of the
Rockridge District Association, finds
the book, Where’s Waldo?, at the
Rockridge Library.
Photo credit: Pegasus Books
Rockridge...
merchandise and displays from July 1
through July 31. With each miniature
Waldo found, players get their card
updated by the participating shop.
The first 125 players who collect store
stamps from at least ten different
businesses and turn their flyers into
Pegasus Books will receive a sticker.
Those who have collected at least
twenty stickers are entered into a
drawing for prizes.
The American Bookseller Asso-
ciation created the “Find Waldo
Local” campaign to help support
independent booksellers and their
JULY 1-31
Search for Waldo in 25 Rockridge stores
followed by a party at Pegasus Books.
Get details at:  RockridgeDistrict.com
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page 8
JUNE 2025

lead story on the KPIX Five O’clock
News. Further walk-ins are scheduled,
notably on June 14, the day of the mil-
itary parade in Washington, DC.
“We started meeting in February
and decided we would hit the streets
March 15 — the Ides of March,” Gold-
macher said. “We had a sign-making
session. They couldn’t stop talking
about it. People are really jazzed.” One
resident emailed him from a hospital
ICU to say: ‘I can’t be there because I
had a heart attack last night.’ “Get out
of there, we need you,” he wrote back.
“Donald is quite an organizer,” said
98-year-old Merrill Gardens resident
Helen Tom Fung. “It made me realize
this fight is my fight and my ances-
tors’ fight.”
‘It gives such a feeling of commu-
nity, of people who believe the same
way,” said Elaine Selo, who stood with
her neighbors from a nearby block at
the group’s second rally. “It gives us
some sense of agency. Part of this is
the fun of making the signs.”
“I had this implicit class conscious-
ness as a teenager,” Goldmacher said,
which he attributes to growing up
in Brooklyn and watching his Polish
immigrant dad labor at a sweatshop
in the garment district and endure
seasonal layoffs. “I really understood
what the toll was.”
So, at 14, he stocked grocery shelves,
then worked as a busboy and waiter,
including in the Catskills. “I saved
every penny I made,” which paid
for his first year at Albert Einstein
Photo: Judy Berne
Social Justice
Advocate Organizes
‘Seniors for
Democracy’
by Judith Doner Berne
Mobilizing his fellow Merrill
Gardens seniors to protest the
current policies coming out of
Washington D.C. by staging an
ongoing series of Saturday “Walk-ins
for Democracy” is just 83-year-old
Donald Goldmacher’s latest action
for social justice.
“These are our walking brigades,”
said Goldmacher, a retired commu-
nity psychiatrist and active filmmaker
who moved to the Rockridge senior
residence last fall. He was referring
to the initial lineup of about 50
sign-carrying seniors along both
sides of Broadway at 51st Street, many
aided by canes, poles, walkers, and
wheelchairs. “When you have people
coming out on their walkers, they’re
not hiding in the building anymore.”
The second demonstration, coordi-
nated with the Hands Off! movement,
ballooned to 500 people of all ages
from Rockridge and other parts of
Oakland. The third protest on May
Day drew a crowd of 300, and was the
Written by Gene Sharp, From
Dictatorship to Democracy (1993)
explains what works against
despots, activist/filmmaker
Donald Goldmacher (pictured
above) said in an early May
interview. Coincidentally, New York
Times columnist Nicholas Kristof
centered on Sharp’s writings in two
recent columns on effective ways to
undermine autocrats.
Medical School in New York (after
graduating from high school as stu-
dent-body president) and Brooklyn
College. Scholarships and loans
allowed him to finish.
Goldmacher feels fortunate that an
internship during his third year of
medical school brought him from New
York to San Francisco’s Mount Zion
Hospital (now part of UCSF) in 1967,
during the Summer of Love. “It was
a major year to be in the Bay Area…”
and is where he then decided to live.
“I was already pretty political,” he
said. “If drafted into the army, hun-
dreds of us [medical students] signed
pledges not to serve in Vietnam.” He
fulfilled that pledge when, as one of
12 medical students who received
fellowships from the National Insti-
tute of Mental Health, his research
counted as active duty.
His background also influenced
Goldmacher to become a community
psychiatrist. “What’s happening in the
community is what generates mental
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page 9
JUNE 2025

stations. A 2011 documentary, “Heist:
Who Stole the American Dream?”
had widespread showings, featured
Senators Elizabeth Warren and
Bernie Sanders, and was reviewed
favorably in the New York Times.
Since leaving medicine, Goldmacher
has been working on the screenplay
for another film, “No Going Back,”
this time a work of fiction. He
described it as “a political thriller
about climate change. I think it will
be my last film.”
Another project is a workshop
encouraging his fellow seniors to write
about their lives. The first session of
what he has characterized as “A Letter
from Your Grandparents” drew about
10 participants.
“Donald has brought a powerful
sense of purpose to those of us at
Merrill Gardens who struggle with
the chaotic dismantling of what we
consider to be the cornerstones of
American democracy,” said Ruth
Feldman, whom he calls his co-pilot.
“He informs, he inspires, he encour-
ages. Donald reminds us that we have
the lived experience, the expertise, the
perspective — and now the drive — to
strive for a society every grandchild
deserves.”
“I adore the people here,” Gold-
macher said. “We’re the special
generation. We’re here for the grand-
kids. We’re here for the future.”
If you have a Rockridge story to tell,
please email judyberne@att.net. n
Eyes on Rockridge, from previous page
disorder,” he said. “My expertise is
policy and planning.” Prior to becom-
ing the California Department of
Health Services’ Assistant Director for
Planning, his career included stints at
San Mateo Community Health and at
Highland Hospital’s emergency room.
He went on to serve as director of
Mental Health, Alcohol and Substance
Abuse Services for Contra Costa
County, and for nearly the next 25
years, was a medical evaluator for
individuals who were seeking workers’
compensation for job-related psychiat-
ric problems.
Goldmacher closed his Berkeley
practice in 2011 to become a full-time
filmmaker. He said his love for film
began when “my older sister used to
take me to the movies. As an adult,
I took a film class at UC Berkeley
extension. I just fell in love with it. But
I deferred my film-making dreams.”
Well, not completely. While he
was still working, he made three
documentaries. His first, “Do No
Harm” (1975), revealed the phar-
maceutical industry’s controversial
marketing and research practices.
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THE
page 10
JUNE 2025

JCC of the East Bay Signals a New
Chapter for the Rockridge Community

“We were able to deal with some
challenging situations, think through
best solutions, and listen to each
other. We send weekly email updates
and post signage on Chabot with
information on how to stay con-
nected,” Chapman noted. (To sign up
for project updates, email Tracy Craig
at tracy@craig-communications.com).
In December 2024, the campus
was officially transferred to the JCC,
making it eligible for nonprofit tax
exemptions. This action gives tenant
organizations a financial benefit; still,
fundraising remains a significant
undertaking. “We’ve raised over $20
million, but the total project cost is
north of $100 million,” Chapman
said. The funding focuses primarily
on individual donors and foundations
within and beyond the Jewish com-
munity.
The Bay Area is home to the fourth
largest Jewish community in the
country, the majority of whom live in
the East Bay. As the JCCEB transitions
its base from Berkeley to Rockridge,
its historic building in North Berkeley
will eventually be sold. “It’s 115 years
old and requires millions of dollars
in repairs; we can’t expand there
because we have no more space,”
Chapman explained. “We’re exploring
a leaseback agreement to maintain our
after-school program while preparing
for a new future.”
Interest from Rockridge neighbors
hasn’t waned; the working group
recently addressed community con-
cerns regarding the removal of more
than 50 trees (see Letter to the Editor
and commentary from RCPC board
member Mark Aaronson on page
12). “It’s unfortunate that some of
the early communication fell short,”
Chapman acknowledged. Everything
we’re doing will create a healthier tree
environment and landscape… this
will become a beautiful urban forest.”
Though Chapman will soon be
moving back to her hometown to lead
the Chicago JCC, her legacy is firmly
rooted in this bold, community-
forward vision. “This project is a labor
of love,” she said. “This community
deserves a place like this — vibrant,
inclusive, and built to last.” n
by Anna L. Marks
Atransformative Jewish center of
activity is currently taking shape
in Oakland’s Rockridge neighbor-
hood. Spearheaded by the Jewish
Community Center East Bay (JCCEB),
the ambitious project — opening in
early 2026 — will set the stage for the
convergence of community, culture,
and collaboration in the East Bay.
“We’ve officially begun construc-
tion,” confirmed Melissa Chapman,
the organization’s outgoing CEO.
“The permits are in place and exterior
demolition, including the removal of
the old staircase and remnants of the
former Yoshi’s building, will start by
the end of this month.”
The project is more than a brand
new facility — it’s a vision for a cen-
tralized, expansive community center
that brings together over 20 nonprofit
organizations under one roof, along
with vibrant community involvement
from the broader Rockridge area.
“Having a hub for Jewish life in the
East Bay, which hasn’t really existed
before, it’s incredibly exciting,” Chap-
man said. “This campus is the first
of its kind globally, designed with
partnership and collaboration as its
foundation. We believe it will become
a model for how to build commu-
nity moving forward. This is about
co-creating a community space and
supporting the fabric of Rockridge.”
The grand opening is anticipated
for late March or April 2026,
although some activities, including
beginning and intermediate Mahjong
groups, are already underway at the
temporary space at 5939 Chabot Road.
Chapman clarified that the preschool
will open in August to avoid mid-year
disruption for the children. “People
are eager for events and classes, and
younger families are especially inter-
ested in preschool and childcare.”
Initial plans for the campus were
more ambitious — and more expen-
sive. “Three years ago, we considered
knocking down buildings and starting
fresh, but realized we could repurpose
the beautiful existing structures,”
Chapman explained. That shift saved
the organization approximately $150
million, reduced the environmental
impact, and allowed for design that
aligns to evolving community needs.
Community involvement has been
a cornerstone of the planning process
over the past year, which included
more than 25 meetings with a neigh-
borhood committee working group
comprised of representatives from
the Rockridge Community Planning
Council (RCPC) and Chabot Village
Task Force.
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THE

page 11
JUNE 2025

A View from the Inside
Out: How Left is Left?
OPINION
Dogs of Rockridge
by Ella Smith, high school
student and Rockridge resident
Nori is a 4-year-old Goldendoodle
who enjoys giving paw and explor-
ing nearby trails. He’s a big brother
(in age and size) to 3-year-old twins
Marlowe and Linden who drop food
from their plates for him and try
to hold his leash on walks. Nori
loves his friendly human and furry
neighbors in Rockridge. You can
often find him on College Avenue
walking his siblings to the Little
School or at his favorite store,
Cask, which he refuses to leave
until he gets a treat.
Oakland remains a city caught in
contradiction: full of promising
progressive policies on paper, but a
broken system on the ground. As
a high school student, I've watched
helplessly as our city struggles against
homelessness, violence, drug abuse,
and debt. These issues continue to
mount — growing increasingly out of
control. At this point, Oakland’s prob-
lems are too complex to be addressed
from just one perspective. However,
despite a growing need for a new
approach in city government, the past
mayoral election has only pulled Oak-
land further towards the extreme left.
I’ve considered myself a Democrat
since before I knew what that meant.
Growing up in the Bay Area and living
in Rockridge has exposed me to pro-
gressive thinking and diverse voices.
Beyond that exposure, I’ve valued the
heavy emphasis on activism within
the Oakland community. But how
can liberal policies be “right” if I still
pass tents on the side of the road every
day? With only 12 percent of voters in
Alameda County registered as Repub-
licans, progressive dominance creates
the illusion of widespread agreement.
Still, in many parts of Oakland,
hearing gunshots is not abnormal.
Businesses continue to fall victim to
gang violence and theft, while the pop-
ulation of unhoused individuals has
risen by 9 percent in the past two years.
Although Rockridge is considered a
safer neighborhood, we cannot ignore
the broader reality. We must recognize
that, despite positive intentions, elect-
ing increasingly progressive candidates
has done little to make Oakland safer
or stronger.
This past mayoral election allowed
Oakland to reset from the repercus-
sions of electing former progressive
Mayor Sheng Thao. Despite her
numerous promises, Oakland suffered
a $129 million budget shortfall during
the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
This past election, I saw promise in
Meet Mr. Bruce of Lower
Rockridge. He’s a chug from
Muttville, SF’s senior dog rescue
— part Chihuahua, part Pug. You
can see him trotting about the
neighborhood ready to arrest
his next treat (or anything really)
from the streets and into his
belly. You may not recognize
this soulful gaze because of
the OutFox protective gear he
wears, but stop and say hi if you
see Mr. Bruce on your block.
Does your furry friend live in Rockridge?
If so, send a photo of your four-legged
companion and short commentary to:
editor@rockridge.org.
former City Councilmember Loren
Taylor, a democratic candidate with
moderate centrist ideals and action-
able plans to reverse the mistakes of
previous leadership. For once, I saw a
candidate who balanced conservative
economic discipline with a com-
mitment to social equity in order to
benefit the entire community. Rather
than choosing sides, we must combine
numerous viewpoints, whether liberal,
conservative, or somewhere between.
I hope progressive Barbara Lee
can raise the city towards a brighter
future, but it’s frustrating to watch
Oakland continue on a path that
has repeatedly failed us. We deserve
better than ideological promises —
we deserve tangible improvement. n


THE
page 12
JUNE 2025

Trees, JCCEB, and RCPC
by Mark Aaronson, RCPC Board Member
T
Letter to the Editor
Tree Removal at JCCEB
Development Site
he Jewish Community Center East
Bay’s (JCCEB) application to the
Oakland Planning Commission for
renovations to its Rockridge site,
bounded by Claremont, College, and
Chabot, included an application for
tree removal, almost entirely from the
center of its property, to create a park-
like area where young children can
enjoy outdoor recreation. The removal
work mainly took place in April.
In an initial April 25 response to
a community question about tree
removal and replanting (see Letter to
the Editor on this page), the general
contractor overseeing the develop-
ment work provided the following
information in his weekly report on
construction activities: “To support
the redevelopment work, we will
have to remove 50 [this has been
updated to 53] trees that are either
in poor health or located in areas
where construction will occur. We
know trees are extremely important
and will be keeping over 30 trees and
adding over 70 new trees as part of
our City approved landscaping plan.
In addition, most of the mature trees
along Claremont Avenue and Chabot
Road will remain. The new trees will
include a mix of native species and
trees that have special meaning. The
final selection of trees will emphasize
the use of native trees for at least 50
percent of planting.”
The Community Benefits Agree-
ment (CBA) with the JCCEB reached
on this project establishes a Neigh-
borhood Committee composed of
JCCEB and RCPC appointees. This
Committee receives weekly reports
regarding all construction activities.
The Committee’s purpose is to mon-
itor construction and operational
activities on JCCEB’s site and seek to
resolve any problems that may arise.
Two residents who live on the Chabot
block adjacent to the site, and I, are
the current RCPC appointees.
The final agreement was reached
after 2 ½ years and more than 20
meetings, including several large
public gatherings. Regular ongoing
meetings were attended by JCCEB
representatives, RCPC board mem-
bers, and neighborhood residents
(mainly from the Chabot block most
affected by the changes in site uses).
The CBA’s substantive provisions
primarily address traffic, program-
ming, and noise issues. There was full
knowledge that the JCCEB planned
to re-landscape the central area of
the site by removing hardscape and
trees and doing substantial replanting.
The JCCEB was forthcoming about
its plans, and no one objected to the
proposed removal of trees during the
discussions. All 16 coastal redwoods
on site are being retained, and many
trees being removed are diseased.
The land use permits obtained by
the JCCEB included a Tree Removal
Permit and were approved by the
Oakland Planning Commission on
November 8, 2024. The associated
work also required City approval, and
was signed by certified arborists on
March 28, 2025. n
Dear Editor: I saw a red paper notice
from the City of Oakland posted on
the fence next to Claremont Avenue
on the JCC/former Dreyer’s head-
quarters property. The notice asks
for public comment on the proposed
cutting down of 23 trees at 5901 Col-
lege Ave., Oakland. According to the
Oakland Tree Removal Permit staff,
this address does not match the main
building, 5929 College Ave.
Even though a College Avenue
address was used in the Tree Removal
Permit application, the notice was not
posted in front of the address listed
on the application, or even on College
Avenue. The notice was posted on
Claremont, where there is much less
foot traffic.
The trees are on the JCC property
behind the main building. I have
been told that some of the 23 trees are
diseased and have to be removed, and
that there will be healthy trees planted
to replace them. For me, replacing
only the diseased trees would be a
good outcome. But...there was a huge
community outcry when Dreyer’s
tried to cut down these same trees
years ago.
The Rockridge News usually carries
articles about proposed tree removals.
This time, there was nothing. The
location where the permit application
was posted, and with an address not
matching the main building, seems
deceptive. The Rockridge Community
Planning Council (RCPC) has been
monitoring the development at this
site. Wherever the communication
breakdown occurred, I feel that RCPC
and the JCC are obligated to keep the
public informed on issues like the
proposed tree removal. I also wonder
if there are any more potentially
controversial aspects of the JCC
project that are being kept from the
community.
Jon Gabel, Former RCPC Board
Member
Ocean View Drive n


THE

page 13
JUNE 2025

Performances
with a Side of
Sweet
by Malena Lopez-Maggi
Xocolate & Confections is honored
to welcome the Poet Laureates
of Dublin, San Francisco, and Oak-
land — James Morehead, Tongo
Eisen-Martin, and Maya Raveneau-
Bey — for an evening of spoken word
poetry and handmade chocolate. The
free event is on Saturday, June 21 at
6:30pm at Xocolate & Confections,
5854 College Avenue (chocolate will
be available for purchase).
Got an idea for a gathering? The
chocolate and candy store is a great
venue for events and is open for
community bookings — perfect for
writing circles, yoga classes, craft
nights, or even speed dating.
Visit https://www.thexocolatebar.
com/events for info. Email contact@
thexocolatebar.com about events. n

BEST BEVERAGES of College Avenue
BEST BEVERAGES
The Chocolate Dragon:
Coconut Chill
5427 College Avenue
When the work day is over, I
like to walk with my toddler
and stop somewhere on College
Avenue for a treat. One of my favor-
ite destinations is The Chocolate
Dragon, which I am grateful to
have around the corner from my
house. The Chocolate Dragon isn’t
just a place for delicious beverages,
homemade baked goods, and a
remarkably diverse array of choc-
olate bars; it’s a warm and inviting
community hub.
While I would recommend any of
their wonderful beverages, desserts
(excellent bread pudding), or baked
goods (almond tea cake is a favorite
of mine), as the days are heating
up, I want to highlight the Coconut
Chill. This beverage is a refreshing
and delicious mix of coconut water
and dark chocolate served in a tall
glass over ice. Not too rich and not
too sweet — it’s the ideal way to
cool down while indulging in a little
something special.
Photo: Eli Kaplan
While many cafes these days are
dominated by silence and laptops,
the vibe at The Chocolate Dragon
is perfect for catching up with a
friend, sharing something tasty
with a child, or just enjoying a quiet
moment over a book and a spectac-
ular hot chocolate. The Chocolate
Dragon is a true Rockridge gem,
open morning and night for our
community to enjoy. n
— Eli Kaplan, RCPC Board Member
What’s your favorite thing to eat or drink in Rockridge?
Share your reviews with your neighbors by sending a 150-word
description along with a photo to: Editor@rockridge.org.
Mention this ad for:
15% Off dinner for two or more
20% Off lunch for two or more


THE
page 14
JUNE 2025

may be as a superb stylist, but his
impact was greater than that. Tom
cooked hundreds of Sunday dinners
at the Jensen-Kane house and was
a fixture at holiday gatherings. Jack
learned to bake and developed a pas-
sion for cooking at Tom’s knee. Jack
carries Thomas as his middle name.
Ella and Tom were great shopping
buddies and girl-gab sisters, Max
and Tom were great playmates, their
patience for each other amazed
When the Jensen-Kane kids lost
their other dad ten years ago, Tom
and Darin’s sister, Andrea, were
front-line support, acting as surrogate
parents, maids, and cooks, as this
young family grieved and found
footing. Without Tom and Andrea,
this family would not have thrived as
it does today.
Deborah was Tom’s constant friend
since he was twenty years old. They
bore the harsh and sad realities of the
AIDS epidemic, supporting each other
through the losses in their shared
chosen family, as well as losses by
other tragedies of loved ones in all
their families. A fun fact from that
era: Tom dated and lived with the
disco superstar, Sylvester.
In the last five years, Tom developed
an art practice — perhaps channeling
his urge to “cut things up,” and began
making collage artwork. He left
behind a large body of work, includ-
ing more than 120 collages that are
being scanned and organized into an
art book to be part of his legacy.
Tom passed away peacefully, sur-
rounded by loved ones. Family and
friends will gather on June 14, from
2-4:30pm, at the First Unitarian
Church of Oakland, 685 14th St.
(liturgy at 2pm, reception from
3-4:30pm) to celebrate Tom — his life,
his spirit, his art, and his talent. n

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
His chosen family in California also
survives him, best friends Deborah
Guerrero and Rhonda Coffman
(Santa Rosa), Darin Jensen and his
children, Ella, Jack, and Max (Oak-
land), Andrea Jensen (Oakland), Russ
Morgan (Seattle), and Linda Wright
(S.F. and New Zealand).
Tom was a cherished hairstylist
who worked in salons along the
College Avenue corridor for many
decades, from the original Alexander
Pope and Moonshadow in the Elm-
wood, to Alexander Pope, Elizabeth
H., and Sahaira when it opened
on College Avenue. He continued
his career at Sahaira on Domingo
Avenue until he set his scissors down
too early for all of us.
One might have come to know Tom
through his talents with the shears
and clippers (maybe not so much his
color techniques), but many more
came to love Tom for his kindness,
humor, compassion, empathy, and
genuine interest in our lives.
There has been an outpouring of
love from his clientele, and a common
thread among them is, “Tom may
have been my hair stylist, but I
counted him as a friend.” People came
for the haircuts, but they stayed for
the love. Some may have moved away,
but many returned regularly from
far distances to have their “hairdid.”
With Tom, it was not simply an
appointment but an audience; Tom’s
chair was a ministry.
His legacy in the local community

Thomas Stephen Daniels
May 20, 1959 – April 6, 2025
Tom Daniels was a long-time and
beloved member of the Rockridge
community, first moving to College
Avenue from Berkeley in 1990, and
then to Monroe Avenue in 2004.
Tom was born and raised in Ari-
zona, living in Prescott and Phoenix
with his family. He is predeceased
by his mother, Jean Marie Daniels,
his father, Albert Oatman Daniels,
and his best friends, Jeffrey King
and Daniel Kane. He is survived by
his brother, Richard Daniels (Palm
Springs), one niece, two nephews,
his Uncle Douglas Robinson (Palm
Springs) and eight cousins around the
United States.

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


THE

page 15
JUNE 2025

RN
Classifieds
2-BEDROOM, TEMESCAL FLAT
548 43rd St@Telegraph, big rooms, new appli-
ances, laundry, store room. $2595/mo + $1500
deposit. Showing Saturdays at 4:45pm. Text
707/391-1799.
Garden Maintenance, Cleanups
& Design
Experienced team of two dedicated to the
art of gardening. We specialize in garden
maintenance, cleanups and custom garden
designs. To contact us, please email 
yourgreengardeners@gmail.com.
Check us out at www.yourgreengardeners.com.
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.
“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.
For more information, email Susan at
smontauk@gmail.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 more
information.
Deadline for the JULY 2025 issue is:
JUNE 19, 2025 (available July 12).
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.
Preschool Spot Available, 2025–2026
Rockridge Montessori has an opening for age
3+ starting July 2025. We’re moving to TK and
hope another family can take our secured spot.
Mention Anya Singh. Email: admin@
rockridgemontessori.org.
Penelope’s Aesthetics and sheet
masks!
Condition, hydrate and enrich with hyaluronic
acid and collagen infused sheet mask. Achieve
a supple, even-toned soft glowing face! Salon
treatment or home use for extended results.
510/594-1552. penelopecalef.com.
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.
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!
3-BEDROOM, 2-BATH FLAT
296 Mather St., near Oakland Tech H.S, New
“Ridge” Safeway/Piedmont Ave. Bamboo
floors, laundry, parking, deck, stone counters +
dishwasher; $3,100/mo + $1,500 deposit. Text
707/391-1799. Showing Saturdays at 2pm.
Electrical Remodels and Repairs
Lighting your deck or patio? I can help with
that. I’ve been doing electrical work in Oak-
land and Berkeley for over 35 years. Sutorik
& Company. www.sutorikandco.com. Lic
#397149. 510/655-3677.
Melissa Parker, Notary
Public Services, Wills and living Trusts,
Refinance Purchases, Reverse mortgag-
es.415/527-7647 melissabparker@yahoo.com.
Rockridge Library
JUNE 2025
ownership, maintenance, finance, investing, 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. June’s book is How to
Know A Person: The Art of Seeing Others and Being
Deeply Seen, by David Brooks.
Needlework Circle: Every Thursday, 1:30-3:30pm
(new time for June and July). Bring your yarn and
fiber arts projects to Rockridge Library. Build com-
munity, share your passion, learn, have fun.
Artist’s Open Studio: Every 3rd Tuesday, 2-4:30pm.
1-on-1 Technology Help: Every Saturday,
10am-12pm. Come with your devices and technol-
ogy questions and our volunteer tech guru will help
you get sorted. First come first served.  n
Teen Advisory Board: Second Wednesdays, 6/14,
4-5pm. Join the Rockridge Branch Library Teen
Advisory Board and take an active role in creating,
planning, and implementing programs and services
you want to see at your Rockridge library.
Button Basics: Wednesday 6/18: 3-4pm
Metalsmithing: Wednesday 6/4: 3-4pm. Come on
by and make your own jewelry with help from artist
and teacher Darcy Nicholson. In this two-hour
workshop you will learn to use a jeweler’s saw and
other tools to work with metal and create amazing
jewelry. All supplies are included and you get to
take your piece home when you’re done! Must be
there for full two hours to participate.
Summer volunteers wanted! Teens ages 13-17
are invited to apply at: www.oaklandlibrary.org/
teen-volunteers.
For Everyone
Summer Programs for All Ages began Saturday,
May 24. Sign up online or come by the branch to
pick up your reading and activity log and our Cal-
endar of Events for June and July.
All Ages Silent Book Club: Fridays; 3:30-5pm every
week
For Children
Storytime Thursdays and Saturdays: 10:30am.
Chess Club: Wednesdays: 4pm. All ages and
skill-levels welcome.
Build, Make, Play Crafts: Thursdays; 4pm every
week in June and July
Read to a Dog: Thursdays; 4pm every week.
Come to the library to get a calendar of more
events at Oakland Libraries in June and July.
For Adults
Adult Crafting Series: On Hiatus till Fall
Spring 2025 Meet the Author Series: Wednesday,
June 4, Emile DeWeaver and Lenore Anderson will
discuss their books, Ghost in the Criminal Justice
Machine and In Their Names. Books will be avail-
able for signing from A Great Good Place for Books.
Rockridge Gardening Series: Pollinators. On
Saturday, Jun 14th, 2-3pm. UC Master Gardeners
of Alameda County teach us about attracting bees,
butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden
oasis. Discover plant selection, layout design, and
nurturing practices that encourage these beneficial
creatures to flourish in your garden sanctuary.
Ask Your Area Home Experts: Every 2nd Friday,
noon-2pm. Get answers, tips, and connections from
a Senior Loan Advisor and a Realtor, both Rock-
ridge locals. Have questions answered about home
Holiday Closures:  
Juneteeth Nat'l Independence Day:
Thursday, June 19 
Independence Day: Friday, July 4
Special Summer Events for Children up to
12 years old; Tuesdays at 6:30pm:
Mr. Elephant Music and Puppets: 6/3
Cunamacue Afro-Peruvian Dance and Music: 6/10
Puppet Art Theater Company: 6/17
Per Sia Drag Queen Storytime: 6/24
Library Hours:
Mon, Thurs, Sat 10am to 5:30pm
Tuesday and Wednesday, from 10am to 8pm
Friday, noon to 5:30pm. Closed Sundays.
For Teens, Ages 12–18
Henna for Teens: Wednesday 6/4: 2-3pm. Learn
about the ancient art of henna at the library this
summer and get your own Henna tattoo with artist
Rachel Palacios.
Beaded Curtains: Wednesday 6/11: 3-4pm
Please see the online calendar at
www.oaklandlibrary.org/events for events
throughout the city.
5366 College Avenue, at Manila
510-597-5017


est.               1967

THE
Andrew Pitarre
Compass
415.342.9950
DRE #01867911
L A W T O N
436-438 66th Street
Charming Updated Rockridge Home
w/ Newer Detached ADU - $1,875,000
MAIN HOUSE
-4 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms
-Tastefully Updated Kitchen & Bathrooms
-Refreshed Craftsman Details including:
 Charming Box Beams, Wainscotting & Moldings
-Original Oak Floors w/ Feature Stripe & French Knot
-Solar Panels & Seismic Retrofit
A S S O C I A T E S
R E A L   E S T A T E
B R O K E R A G E
DETACHED ADU
-2 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom
-Recently Built
-Minisplit w/ Air Conditioning
Ron + Andrew
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.
CharmingRockridgeEnclave.com