Extracted text · highlighting “David Garcia”

The

rockridge.org
“RO” illustration by Laura Serra

VOL 41
VOL 41    •    NO. 3
NO. 3    •    ISSUE  NO. 439
ISSUE  NO. 439    •    MARCH 7, 2026
MARCH 7, 2026
                 CIRCULATION:
CIRCULATION: 6,700 R
6,700 RESIDENCES
ESIDENCES; 200 B
; 200 BUSINESSES
USINESSES

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

SAVE THE DATES |  RCPC Board Election, voting at The Rockridge Library: Thurs. April 23, Sat. April 25. More info at rockridge.org

Rockridge HICAP Volunteers Help Neighbors with Medicare

by Paul McDonnell, RCPC Board Member
population of over 61.2 million senior
beneficiaries who must navigate an
increasingly complex web of private
and public coverage. Most seniors are
fortunate enough to have coverage via
Medicare, but negotiating the maze of
options and securing necessary care
can be extremely challenging. Medicare
has multiple options, but none of the
plans are universally accepted by
medical groups.
However, Oakland has assistance in
the form of Health Insurance Counsel-
ing and Advocacy Program (HICAP), a
publicly funded organization aided by
several Rockridge volunteers who help
their neighbors navigate the complex-
ities of the health care industry. In the
last year, they served 2,322 people in Al-
ameda County, 1.5% of which reside in
Rockridge—with a volunteer force that’s
10% composed of Rockridgians.
HICAP volunteers in training.
Shortly after Don Smullin, 79, was
diagnosed with a rare liver disease in
November, he discovered—on his own,
without warning—that his insurance
carrier would no longer cover care from
UCSF. He had been under UCSF’s care
for 15 years. He’s a former State Depart-
ment engineer, who has navigated many
tricky situations—including communi-
cations in Eastern European countries
amidst the fall of the Berlin Wall. Yet he
needed extensive assistance to interpret
information from Medicare.
Smullin was eventually referred to a
substitute medical group in Pleasanton,
but they would not pick up dozens of
his calls. Frustrated with dead ends, he
drove out to their address to see if he
could manage things in person—only to
find a completely empty office. He’s not
alone; these runarounds are an irritat-
ingly common trend with Medicare-af-
filiated insurers.
As of early 2026, roughly 11,000
Americans are aging into Medicare
eligibility every single day, joining a
HICAP, continued page 7

A Tribute to You on The Rockridge News’ 40th Anniversary

The Rockridge News is far from a
singular effort. The term “neigh-
borhood newspaper” (or “newsletter,”
if you’re feeling cheeky) falls short. It’s
better defined as the “neighborhood’s
newspaper.” In the possessive.
It belongs to Rockridge—it is made
for you. It is made by you. It is lovingly
delivered straight to you, by you.
The sheer number of distribution
volunteers is staggering: 172 people
currently. It took all of page 8 to fit the
names of each, adding in writers, artists
and more—from the last year alone.
At The Rockridge News’ workshop
in February, 34 people of all ages, iden-
tities and creeds showed up to contrib-
ute to the paper. Dozens of volunteer
writers pour their love for this place
onto the page each month.
We could wax poetic on the signif-
icance of this small but mighty publi-
cation’s persistence across a decade shy
of a half century—and the changes the
world and the neighborhood have seen
along the way. But we thought it’d be
best put by you. We’ve compiled reflec-
tions on what the paper has meant to
people over the years.
All we’re left to say is: Thank you.
Published March 1986, the first articles from The Rockridge
News were about (Dreyer’s) plans for the corner of College
and Claremont avenues, local political activism and an
RCPC meeting with developers about an apartment
building proposal. Forty years later and those topics sound
all too familiar to what’s in the very same publication today.
40th Birthday, continued page 8 & 9

●   UPDATE: 6230 Claremont Senior Housing, page 4      ●   Xocolate Closing, page 6      ●   Pucquio, page 10
INSIDE:


The

March 2026
page 2

New Speed Camera
on Claremont Ave.
Rockridge News
Bike Ride for a Reason:
Support Oakland &
Alameda Public Schools,
April 25
The
by Robbie Tasker, RCPC Board Member
The Rockridge News was founded in March
1986 by Don Kinkead and is published monthly
(except August). It is 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.
As a part of the City of Oakland’s
ongoing work to reduce the speed
of traffic and collisions, 18 new speed
safety cameras have been installed
all around town, one of which is in
Rockridge. Covering the street segment
along Claremont Avenue from Hillegass
to College avenues—deemed a part of
Oakland’s “high injury network”—the
cameras have already been issuing
warnings since Jan. 14, but will start
handing out tickets in mid-March.
Officials said the cameras only snap
photos and don’t use any facial recog-
nition software. If you drive at least 11
mph over the posted limit of 30 mph on
Claremont, you might incur a fine.
“Fines will start at $50 and increase to
a maximum of $500 for those traveling
more than 100 mph,” the City stated on
its website. “There is an income-driv-
en payment scale for people with low
income. Citations will include details
regarding eligibility and how to apply.”
As for the other cameras around the
city, drivers might want to keep in mind
that these cameras are often placed
around high volume areas, like the on/
off ramps to freeways. So you will also
find them in places like Fruitvale Ave-
nue, and Broadway. They help ensure
that traffic coming off freeway ramps
properly adjusts to the speed of local
traffic. A full list of the new cameras is
available online:
                        tinyurl.com/3y89h58b. ●
Join the 18th Annual Ride for a Reason!
This community-focused bike ride/
school fundraiser has raised over $2
million for East Bay public schools since
2009, including several in Rockridge.
Funds support library books, sports, sci-
ence equipment, after-school programs
and critical staff such as counselors,
librarians and reading specialists.
Choose a fully supported 45-, 68- or
110-mile ride to Sacramento (shorter
rides begin with a bus/train from Oak-
land Tech). Enjoy a post-ride meal and
a powerful day of community impact.
And you don’t have to ride to sup-
port the event! During March artists
at the Grand Gallery in Oakland (560
2nd Street) will be donating a portion
of their sales to R4R! Originals, prints
and note cards will be available. Come
to a reception at the Gallery on Mar. 22
from 2 to 4 p.m. and save 20% off the
regular registration fee for the ride. ●
Rockridge News Production
Liam Pierce.........................Editor & Layout Artist
Susan Montauk...............Business & Distribution Mgr.
RCPC Board of Directors, 2026
Casey Farmer...............................................Chair
Star Lightner.........................................Vice Chair
Jana Good.............................................Secretary
Paul McDonnell......................................Treasurer
Mark Aaronson, Gary Barg, Kristen Belt,
Eli Kaplan, Tom Lollini, Robbie Tasker,
Zack Walton, Kim Suczynski-Smith.
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.
Letters to the Editor
Letters are limited to 200 words & published
at the editor's discretion in the order received.
Send letters to: editor@rockridge.org. Please
include name, email and street of residence.
Deadline is the 11th of each month for the
upcoming newsletter.
Learn more, register or
volunteer at r4rschools.org
Questions? Contact Nora Vargas-
Dye at R4RSchools1@gmail.com
All submissions accepted for publication are
subject to editing for clarity and brevity. The
Rockridge News reserves the right to refuse any
articles, letters or advertisements.
Newsletter Subscriptions
For a yearly subscription 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 Ave.,
PO Box 22504, Oakland, CA, 94609
ADVERTISING DEADLINE for APRIL 2026:
MAR. 19, 2026
Rates: $32/column inch ($28 for b/w)
6-month pre-pay discounts available.
For display ads and classifieds:
Email Susan Montauk: smontauk@gmail.com
Views expressed in published articles
do not necessarily reflect those of the
Rockridge News, its editor or the board of
directors of RCPC. ●


The

March 2026
page 3

Veranda, a Spot for Home Decor and Community Connection

by Michele Himmelberg
bronze wall-mount sculpture sure to
grab attention in your home. Custom-
ers can pop in for pillows and artisan
serving boards, or they can become
members, signing up for classes and
playlists curated by Giles, who’s also a
DJ and trained classical pianist.
In February, shoppers picked up
Valentine boxes featuring locally made
chocolates, an example of Veranda’s
limited-time, curated gift boxes. Cus-
tomers also found seven tips for having
a successful soiree, listed in Veranda’s
monthly newsletter. And they had their
gifts wrapped in Veranda’s signature
forest-green paper with bronze ribbon
(offered year-round).
“We specialize in the ‘finishing
touch,’” Mack said. “People come to
us when they have the furniture but
they need the soul—the textures, the
conversation starters and the perfect
gift that says ‘I really know you.’”
Giles added: “We don’t just sell
objects. We sell tools for social connec-
tion, whether that’s a beautiful platter
for entertaining or a candle that signals
it’s time to decompress.”
They said they chose College Avenue
for their storefront because Rockridge
is a neighborhood that values local
craftsmanship and themes aligned with
their vision of comfort and connection.
Their goal is to make Veranda a
brand that’s instantly recognizable. Ide-
ally, they’ll be in a home one day and
overhear a comment about the vibe of
an item: “Oh, is that Veranda?”
Married partners, Giles and Mack
also work as school psychologists, nav-
igating high-stress environments that
call for a creative outlet. Tapping into
their training, they wanted to create a

Matthew Giles and Anthony Mack   |   self portrait
Matthew Giles and Anthony Mack
didn’t just open a shop on College
Avenue last March—they joined the
neighborhood. Now, they’re celebrating
the one-year anniversary of Veranda
with dreams of building their cozy oasis
into a community hub for connection.
Their storefront evolved out of a
2024 Rockridge pop-up, where they
listened to what locals said they were
craving. That guided their current
customer approach: Come in, explore
and discover something new to love
for your home, garden, self-care or for
a unique gift. And while you’re here,
come in for conversations, interactions
and the experience.
The Veranda environment is sooth-
ing, with scented candles, symmetry
and jazzy instrumental music. It’s also
delightful, with surprising items like
“Raymond the Rabbit,” a whimsical
welcome back
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physical space for customers that felt
like a pleasant “deep breath” at the end
of the day.
“Psychology is about the internal
home, cultivating peace, resilience and
safety within oneself,” Mack said.
“Veranda is about the external home.
The two are deeply linked; your
environment profoundly impacts
your nervous system.”
Mack and Giles keep things run-
ning with five part-time staff. One is
Kathleen Schumer, a retiree who was
looking for an outlet and extra income.
She said: “I wish everyone who wanted
a part-time job could find one as
wonderful as mine. Anthony and Matt
make me feel valued, and I love talking
to our customers.” ●


The

March 2026
page 4

6230 Claremont Senior Housing Update: Height, Footprint, More

by Mark Aaronson, RCPC Board Member
On Jan. 21, seven Rockridge
Community Planning Council
(RCPC) designees met with three
representatives from Ellis Partners and
Spirit Living Group, the developers of a
proposed Residential Care Facility for
the Elderly (RCFE) at 6230 Claremont
Ave. Issues raised included the height
and bulk of the building; vehicle access
on Claremont Ave. for all purposes; the
method used to calculate residential
density bonuses under recently enacted
State law; and open-space proposals.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND
APPROVAL PROCESS OVERVIEW
The proposed RCFE is a 203-unit,
life-care, market-rate rental facility for
seniors. Monthly charges are projected to
be similar to those at Merrill Gardens.
The approval process will be the
normal Oakland Planning Depart-
ment’s Regular Discretionary Design
Review. There will be public hearings
before the Oakland Planning Commis-
sion makes final environmental impact
and land use decisions regarding the
proposed project, which may be as soon
as this summer.
The design now under review de-
scribes the building height as a little
under 85 feet with a rooftop terrace and
protruding sections for utility equipment
and an elevator shaft. It also indicates
setbacks from the front and rear proper-
ty boundary lines ranging from 5 to 10
Rendering provided by Jones Architecture
allow for buildings that exceed normal
local zoning standards. RCFEs without
any requirement for affordable housing
qualify for such review.
feet. A circular porte-cochere drop-off,-
main entry way and separate access to an
underground 90-car garage are on Cla-
remont Avenue. The ground floor ceiling
height is 21½ feet and includes space for
a partial mezzanine floor. Above that,
there are six mainly residential floors.
The apartment mix consists of 24
Memory Care (MC) units, 20 Assisted
Living (AL) units, and 159 Indepen-
dent Living (IL) units including studio,
one-bedroom and two-bedroom con-
figurations. While the IL and AL units
have full kitchen areas, facility-prepared
meals will be available for residents in
separate IL, AL and MC dining rooms.
The number of units and other land
use factors, such as height and bulk, will
be reviewed in accordance with State
law density bonus provisions, which
SPECIFICALLY APPLICABLE
OAKLAND AND STATE LAW
The project site is within Oakland’s
CN-1 Neighborhood Commer-
cial Zone. Permitted uses include
multi-family housing. The combination
of IL and AL as regular dwelling units
with kitchens and MC as rooming units
qualifies for consideration as a mixed-
use building consistent with CN-1
zoning. The maximum building height
for structures in a CN-1 zone is 55 feet,
but that is subject to overriding State
law. Determining when and how State
law preempts Oakland land use law is a
three-step process.
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The

March 2026
page 5

First, it involves calculating the
base maximum allowable residential
unit density of a proposed site under
Oakland law and then the number of
additional units authorized under State
law as a 20% bonus. The base residential
density cap for the 1.06-acre proposed
RCFE site is 195 units, which—on an
apportioned basis considering the two
different types of residential units cov-
ered—includes 172 regular dwelling (IL
and AL combined) units and 23 room-
ing (MC) units. The 20% bonus under
State law yields a maximum allowable
project site density of 232 residential
units, which could include up to 205
regular dwelling units and 27 rooming
units. The developers’ proposal of 159
IL units, 20 AL units, and 24 MC units
falls within these limits.
Second, if the project design is within
the maximum residential units per-
mitted after the State bonus, it is up to
the developer to request bonus den-
sity waivers for structural and design
features not in compliance with local
requirements. In this case, the main
waivers requested by the developers
involve the following Oakland zoning
requirements: the 55-foot building
height limit; 30-degree sloping step-
backs when residential properties abut;
a consistent 10-foot rear setback from
Florio St.; and positioning driveways,
garage doors, and other vehicle access
from a secondary frontage rather than
a primary street like Claremont Ave.
Initially, the developers requested a
waiver from on-site open space require-
St. and who are most directly impacted
by the RCFE’s height, bulk and traffic
circulation. RNSH’s first response was to
suggest alternative development for af-
fordable housing. It now supports senior
housing on the site but seeks improve-
ments that refine building height and de-
sign to ensure maximum light, enhance
health and safety, and promote livability,
privacy and a comfortable streetscape.
The RCPC board has not yet taken a
position on the project. Instead, it ap-
pointed a seven-member Consultation
Committee, which includes four RNSH
participants, to meet with the develop-
ers to obtain information and discuss
changes in project design and impact.
At the Jan. 21 meeting, Commit-
tee members proposed lowering the
ground floor height to 15 feet, building
out the mezzanine as a full floor, and
reducing the remainder of the building
by one floor. Other issues addressed
involved incorporating more significant
step-backs, reducing the number of
units by decreasing the likely hard-to-
market IL studios, providing support
for all-purpose vehicular access on
Claremont Ave, and contributing as a
community benefit to furthering public
open space in Rockridge. ●
ments but have now determined that
private balcony space can be included in
square-footage calculations negating the
need to request a waiver.
Lastly, the Planning Commission
decides whether to grant waivers with
important limitations on its discretion.
In most cases, for a waiver to be denied,
it has to “have a specific, adverse impact
… upon health or safety, and for which
there is no feasible method to satisfacto-
rily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse
impact.” Cal. Government Code sec.
65915(e)(1). Furthermore, “a ‘specific,
adverse impact’ means a significant,
quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable
impact, based on objective, identified
written public health or safety standards,
policies, or conditions....” Cal. Govern-
ment Code sec. 65589.5(d)(2). Inconsis-
tencies with local zoning ordinance or
general plan land use designations are
explicitly excluded as grounds for finding
a specific, adverse impact.
NEIGHBORHOOD RESPONSES
Neighborhood views regarding the
proposed project vary considerably.
Some support the project because it
adds housing. Several express specific
interest as elderly individuals in selling
their nearby houses and moving into
the facility as a safe and supportive way
to continue to reside in Rockridge.
The main opposition to the proposed
project has come from Rockridge
Neighbors for Sensible Housing (RNSH),
which is largely composed of residents
who reside on Auburn Ave. and Florio
Please send questions and comments about the
proposed project to landuse@rockridge.org
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The

March 2026
page 6

Xocolate & Confections’ Semi-Sweet Goodbye to Rockridge

by Shea Zerbino
a warm and imaginative space that em-
braced culture and sustainability.
Unfortunately, this vision proved
more challenging than gnawing on a
jawbreaker. Upon securing the space,
she worked with the health department
for guidance and obtained approval to
move in. Shortly after, Lopez-Maggi
was told she had been misinformed
and needed to make serious changes
to the store to meet health and safety
requirements, so she did. This scenario
played out not once, but multiple times,
causing her great financial strain.
While regulatory challenges plagued
the store, Lopez-Maggi was also man-
aging caregiving for her mother and
facing a cocoa crisis caused by climate
change and tariffs.
“The Aztecs valued cocoa beans like
gold,” Lopez-Maggi said. “And with
climate change as it is, it looks like we’re
headed there again.”
Lopez-Maggi was forced to lay off
staff and make other changes to stay
afloat. And after months of exhausting
effort and honest reflection, she decided
to close the Rockridge shop.
“I had to finally throw in the towel
and accept that the Rockridge store nev-
er went according to plan,” Lopez-Mag-
gi said. “Despite the heartbreak, it was a
relief to set an end date for this project,
especially as my mom hovered between
life and death. It was one thing I could
control in this time of utter limbo.”
During the final moments on closing
day, Lopez-Maggi and Fernandez were
approached by a man who said, “What
is meant for you will not miss you,”
bringing further peace on the difficult
decision to close the store.
“It felt less like a closure and more
photo by Shea Zerbino
On Valentine’s Day, Xocolate &
Confections on College Avenue
buzzed with energy as it bid farewell on
its closing day. The storefront window—
splashed with timely reds, pinks and
hearts—showcased general manager
Frances “Frankie” Fernandez’s final,
creative display. It invited the commu-
nity to bid farewell and write love letters
to the staff.
Inside, artisanal chocolates and shiny
foil-wrapped sweets lined the walls
while customers—old friends and
new—snatched up last-minute gifts
and personal treats. Amid the bustle,
Fernandez called out prices for vintage
candy holders that the store would no
longer need, sending shoppers home
with sweet deals and thrifty finds.
Founded 17 years ago by Malena
Lopez-Maggi at a location on Solano
Avenue in Berkeley, The Xocolate Bar
is a Latina-owned chocolate shop
known for its beautiful, handcrafted
goods and its commitment to global
artistry and community.
In 2023, College Avenue became a sec-
ond home for the store under the name
Xocolate & Confections, born from Lo-
pez-Maggi’s hope and vision to support
the growing business by selling, storing
and shipping chocolate from there—and
sharing something sweet with a new
neighborhood. She set out with her team
to create not just a chocolate shop, but
Xocolate & Confections’ final window display
like a celebration of something mean-
ingful that had existed against all odds,”
Lopez-Maggi said. “At the end of the
night, [Fernandez] and I had a good
laugh-, cry- and hug-fest.”
While the Rockridge chapter has
ended, The Xocolate Bar’s story is far
from over. The original store at 1709 So-
lano Ave. remains open and continues
to craft the same delicious chocolate.
Community members can support the
business by shopping there, especially
during the quieter months between
Mother’s Day and Halloween, purchas-
ing from their move out sale (of fur-
niture and other nonperishable goods
from the store, check IG: @xocolatebar)
from the College Avenue location, join-
ing the mailing list at thexocolatebar.
com or even by providing video services
or event spaces for some fun projects
Lopez-Maggi has cooking up. So let us
continue to support our former Rock-
ridge neighbor, as they journey through
the box of chocolate that is life—be-
cause you never know what you are
going to get. ●
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The

March 2026
page 7

HICAP, continued from cover
Alison Hightower is another Rock-
ridge resident who volunteers with HI-
CAP, now in her fourth year with them.
“Our goal is to help them make an
informed decision,” Hightower said.
“Medicare is complicated enough that
many people do not understand the
risks or rewards of the decisions they
make without impartial guidance.”
The most challenging situations
Hightower sees are those where cover-
age has been denied.
“Recently we were able to secure re-
imbursement of over $10,000 in nursing
home bills to a family for their 90-year-
old mother,” Hightower said. “That was
only possible because of our knowledge
of the appeals process.”
One client Hightower assisted was
her neighbor Kerry Gough. After two
senior plans covering him successively
withdrew from Alameda County, he
was searching for a new plan. Hightow-
er was able to guide him to a combina-
tion of plans including Medicare, use of
his veteran’s benefits and a supplemen-
tal prescription plan that gave him the
coverage he needed—while at the same
time reducing his monthly costs.
“She listened, asked the right ques-
tions and laid out the alternatives,”
Gough said. “I totally relied on her
advice and have no doubt I made the
right choice.” ●
More information about LAS can be
found at lashicap.org. Its offices are
located at 333 Hegenberger Rd.,
Suite 850, Oakland. The telephone
number is 510-832-3040
seniors, and all of them have received
significant training to keep current
with the ongoing changes to Medi-
care and its related coverages, such as
Senior Advantage plans. Many are also
certified by Medicare, which allows
them to represent and support clients.
Volunteers’ average tenure with HICAP
is eight years and they annually serve
over 2,000 clients, logging 20 hours of
service per month. The most common
type of assistance provided is with the
initial enrollment, followed by annual
open enrollment decisions.
HICAP’s primary means of outreach
is through the 23 senior centers located
throughout Alameda County. Fourteen
centers offer in-person service while
the rest offer telephone appointments.
The closest senior center to Rockridge
is the North Oakland Senior Center
(5714 Martin Luther King Way) and it
does offer in person counseling. Both
Berkeley and Emeryville have Senior
Centers nearby.
“HICAP Volunteers are the heart of
the program,” said Jacob Systma, the
HICAP Program Manager who coor-
dinates the activities of the volunteers.
“They are knowledgeable and dedicated
to helping their fellow seniors. Those
both give confidence and comfort to
our clients.”
Other services provided by LAS
include legal services in the following
areas: Elder Abuse, Guardianship of
Minor Children, Public Benefits, Health
Law, Legal Services for Immigrants,
Conservatorships and Housing.
“I think it’s very unsettling to transi-
tion from private care to Medicare,” said
Caitlin Chan, the executive director of
Legal Assistance for Seniors (LAS), the
parent organization for HICAP. LAS
is an Oakland-based non-profit that
operates partially off of public funding
and partially off of private foundation
and individual donations. LAS offers
a variety of programs to help seniors
beyond health care.
“Most people receive their health care
from their employer and if they have
an issue, they can walk down the hall,”
Chan said. “But under Medicare, it’s
often unclear where to turn when trying
to find the right provider—and it can be
a literal life-or-death situation.”
Fortunately for Smullin, one of his
daughters is a medical professional,
who helped him connect with HICAP, a
free resource for education, counseling
and advocacy for Medicare beneficia-
ries. HICAP helped Don keep his care
with UCSF, which took “persistence and
insistence,” according to Don. The new
arrangement also cut his monthly costs
by over $100 a month.
Rockridge resident Diane Heinze—
one of over 30 Alameda County HICAP
volunteers—was on the team that
helped Don get back into UCSF’s care.
Heinze and other volunteers help bene-
ficiaries who are 65 years old and up to
make informed decisions and offer ad-
vocacy when their health care benefits
or rights are threatened or denied.
Most of Heinze’s fellow volunteers are


Steven Aday    Scott Allen   Greer Alley   Barbara Anderson   Kim Austin   Jason Graham

Katie Bair   Vincent Bair   Doug Baker   Michelle Baverman   Sharon Bettinelli   Peter Birkholz   Carrie Blanding

Ann Blumberg   Jim Mehlfeld   Maureen Blumenthal   Pat Bracewell   Greg Brennan   Elaina Garvin Briant   Trevor Brown

Barrie Bulmore   Ms. Barrie Bulmore   Fran Burlingham   Penelope Calef   Celia Camargo   Jim Capobianco   Jan Carlisle

Dani Chidester   Emma Chrisman   Lara Coffin   Abby Cohen   Wendy Cohen   Benjamin Connolly   Liz Cortese   Mark Coyle

Patrick Cullinane  Barbara Cullinane   Kenyatta Davis   Donald Day   Paula De Cristofaro   Sylvia de Trinidad   Sandy Dean   Nick DiRienzo

Candy Dobert   Jason Dobert   Jordan Drake   Isaac Elia   Ann Emerick   Casey Farmer    Charles Feltman   Annette Floystrup

Ben Hong   Linda Fogel   Anna Formicola   Andrea Franchett   Jan Francisco   Bruce Friend   Diane Friend   Margaret Garms

Lynne Geries   Harley Goldstrom   Paul Goodman   Stella Goodwin   Megan Gould   Mia Gousman   Matt Gousman   James Gracer

Jill Graham   Beth Greenfield   Lyn Harlan   Elizabeth Hart   Vennessa Hasten   Richard Hawkins   Rose Healy   Roberta Heintz

Dave Hendsch   Caroline Hendsch   Eugenia Hirsch   Jan Howland   Jay Gorud   Silvia Hughs   Nathalie Jans   Carolina Juarez

Larry Kolb   Marcia Kolb  Stacy Kozakavich   Sari Kulberg    Ann Lage   CeCe Langs   Karl Larsen   Melly Levy   Joel Gomberg

Tamara Lohrey   Barbara Loomis   Mae Lum   Bob Martin   Ryan McCorvie   Carmelle McCune   Dylan McCune   Robin McDonnell

Roger McElrath   Tom McGuire   Kathleen McNulty   Jim Mehlfeld   Sonya Mehta   Mark Middlebrook   Jen Milley   Kathleen Mohn

[
]

Larry Moll   Susan Montauk   Nancy Morton   Andrew Muldowney   David Nagle   Mary Norton   Zoe Palitz   Koonal Parmar   Robin Maes

ONE YEAR. FOUR DECADES IN THE MAKING.

Shown here are some of the hundreds of volunteers who distributed The Rockridge News, wrote articles or contributed art

—from this year alone. Now imagine that spirit amplified across 40 years. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Bruce Paton   Margaret Pinter   Andra Pligavko   Susie Poncelet   Dare Porter   Lorraine Price   Courtenay Redis   Brenda Reeves

Diane Rhett   Don Rhett   Pam Rich-Rosen   Dirk Rich-Rosen   Alona Rivord   Joanne Ruby   Bill Rehm   Jennie Schact   Anne Schreiner   Joanna Self

Elaine Selo   Judy Shanks   Chris Shoeneman   Carrie and Andy Singer   Malcolm Singer   Lori, John & Natalie Slama   Tom Smith

Barney Smits   Theresa Nelson   Adam Sterling   Charlotte Strother   Karen Sugiyama   Jason Sutton   Karl Swartz   Erica Stamm

Michael Taylor   Stephen Tobias   Albert Tom   Caren Torres   Kenny Torres   Candy Vernetti   Rae Victor   Andrew Waggoner

Duncan Watson   Judy Weiss   Rebecca White   Mimi Wiesenfeld   Rhita Williams   Beau Woodward   Tomoko Tsuji

Larry Wornian   Michael Zinke   George Zolinsky   Maureen Alano   Linda Zunas   Emma Armstrong    Jon Eldan

Tim Hallahan   Tim Kelly   Kevin Kenny   Paul McDonnell   Matt Pietras   Molly Porter   My Le Thach   Anne Torkington

David Williams   Anne Williams   Oliver Wright   Nancy Wright   Chuck Afflerbach   Ken Rich   Laura Serra   Stephen Coles

Susie Wyshak   Lydia Belusa-Niesen   Laurie Williams   Andrew Krulewitz   David Garcia   Star Lightner   Jana Good

Gary Barg   Kristen Belt   Eli Kaplan   Tom Lollini   Zack Walton   Kim Suczynski-Smith   Karen Ivy   Morgan Molvig

Jody Colley   Collin Pine   Amina Tongun   Rachel Hollowgrass   Ross Parish   Zöe Psomas   Muhammad Alameldin   Susan Shawl

Madeleine Turner   Laura E. Miller   Aanika L. Newman   Jeff Sykes   Marsha Bailan   Diana Calla   Galen Wilson

Christine Garofoli   Som Konar   Judith Doner Berne   Valerie Johnson   Robbie Tasker   Zoe Siegel   Carol Kasparek

Gary Fine    Zac Unger   Rachel Latta   Dogs of Rockridge   Skip Fogarty   Ella Smith   H. L. Onstad

Devan Reiff   Morgan Cecil   Laura Burnett   Leslie G. Moldow   Malena Lopez-Maggi
Will Sheldon   Roberta Klugman   Katie, Vince & Declan Blair
The first issue of The Rockridge News, edited by
Don Kinkaid, was a single sheet, front and back.


The

March 2026
page 9

CHEERS TO 40 YEARS
❝
❝
I’ve delivered The Rockridge News on
and off for over 10 years to many different
routes. Currently I have three. Rockridge
friends and neighbors say I know everyone
here in Rockridge. If that is true, I credit
The News for it. As I’m delivering copies
people stop me and want to chat. Each
one says, “Thanks for delivering The
Rockidge News. We all appreciate it a lot.”
Candy Vernetti
For the past three decades of living in
Rockridge, the Rockridge News has always
been a constant in the neighborhood, a
truly great local paper that reflects the
spirit of this community. There’s something
deeply comforting about having a
neighborhood news outlet that’s been
around for so long, sharing the stories,
people and moments that make Rockridge
special. Its focus on positive stories and the
everyday happenings that bring neighbors
together has helped strengthen the
sense of connection here over the years.
Congratulations on 40 years, and here’s
hoping The Rockridge News continues to
thrive and tell our community’s stories long
into the future. Scott Ayers
❝
Having just turned 40, I feel a unique
kinship with the paper this year. When
I moved to the neighborhood in 2020
I happely “inherited” my subscription
from the previous homeowners, a great
welcome gift to quickly learn about the
neighborhood and different perspectives
on its future. In the few years I’ve lived here,
the paper is a fun way to get the inside
scoop on local development, community
events and most importantly, read Galen’s
food recommendations and others. Thank
you for four decades of local reporting, and
here’s to forty more to keep our community
connected.” Dane Johnson
❝
We’ve been delivering The Rockridge
News since shortly after we moved to
the neighborhood in 2011—starting out
solely with James Ave. and taking on more
routes as our son Declan, who was 1 when
we began, got old enough to deliver on
his own. It’s been especially fun to cover
College Ave. and get to know all of our
local proprietors. Highlights we’d like to
point out include the advent of colored
pages, and our dog Kona appearing in
Dogs of Rockridge last year!”
Katie, Vince & Declan Bair
❝
I’m embarrassed to admit that I don’t know
how often The Rockridge News is published.
Is it monthly? Quarterly? Whenever the
editor darn well feels like it? I should be
able to figure it out because I’m a) a former
RCPC board member, b) a dad who helped
his kids deliver the RRN, and c) a fully
functioning adult human being. I think it’s
because the paper isn’t a periodical; it’s
a constant, omnipresent on my kitchen
counter for as long as I’ve been sentient.
That combo of boosterism, well-reasoned
takes on controversial topics and hard-
hitting profiles of notable neighborhood
dogs is a spot-on encapsulation of our
neighborhood vibe. I’ll always read it
back to front whenever the hell it arrives.”
Zac Unger
❝
I love that the Rockridge News distribution
system relies on volunteer distributors
for every street in Rockridge, some of
whom have been doing this for more than
20 years. The RCPC bylaws even define
the geographic boundaries of Rockridge
specifically as the streets where residents
are willing to distribute the Rockridge
News. We are so lucky to have this hyper-
local, community-owned, high-quality
means of sharing neighborhood-level
information, and equally lucky to have a
web of dedicated neighbor-volunteers to
have been putting it directly in
the hands of every Rockridge
resident for the last 40 years,
for free. Thanks to this village!
Zabrae Valentine
WANT TO SEE MORE
EDITIONS FROM
THE PAST?
visit:
rockridge.org/archives
Layout by Stephen Coles

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The

March 2026
page 10

Pucquio: A Taste of Peruvian Heaven
by Franchesca Garagorri
I
left my native country of Peru 40
years ago and one of the things I
truly miss is the food. The wonderful
flavors—different types of peppers,
yellow potatoes, gigantic corn kernels,
cumin, paprika, turmeric, ginger, soy
and oyster sauces—just burst in your
mouth. Peruvian food is totally unlike
anything I’ve found elsewhere. Whenev-
er I feel like stepping into a time capsule
and eating back at home, my husband
and I stroll down College Avenue and
pop into Pucquio.
“Pucquio” is Quechua for “well-
spring” and its talented chef and owner
Carlos Moreira welcomes us to explore
the abundance of fresh, complex and
absolutely delicious flavors of Peru.
Our first favorite is their tiradito, a
ceviche-adjacent dish made with white
fish—typically the catch of the day.
It’s delicately cut and served crudo in
a velvety “aji amarillo” (yellow chili)
emulsion that just melts in your mouth.
(Fun fact: Peru has around 300 types of
peppers that flavor most of our dish-
es—we call our peppers ajies or rocoto,
which vary in spiciness and heat.)
You might want to try their other
types of ceviches as well. The best fish
ceviche is from Peru. This isn’t up for
debate; it’s a non-negotiable fact of the
universe, trust me on this one. Pucquio
has a sumptuous selection of fresh fish,
marinated in Peru’s signature mix of
lime, ginger, celery, garlic, fish sauce
and Peruvian pepper, known as “leche
de tigre.” It’s also served with onions
and sweet potato, accompanied by the
biggest corn kernels you’ve ever seen.
Pucquio’s ceviche truly captivates all of
your senses.
Our second favorite dish is lomo
saltado, which Moreira makes with
incredibly well balanced Asian flavors.
Tender beef is stir-fried with onions and
tomatoes in a silky soy sauce, plus some
of Moreira’s secret ingredients—you
might have to bribe him for the recipe!
It comes with a stack of fries the size of
small bricks and garlic rice so flavorful,
you’ll question any other grain you’ve
ever eaten. Top it with a fried egg, “a lo
pobre” style, and you won’t regret it.
Following that on our favorites list is
ají de gallina. It just feels like the kind
you’d get in Peru—a lovely pulled chick-
en porridge, in Peru’s famous yellow
pepper sauce, with olives and walnuts,
served with white garlic rice and a hard-
boiled egg, a taste unlike any other.
The Pucquio sours were excellent.
Peru’s most famous cocktail is the Pisco
Sour, made with our pisco brandy—a
The author’s favorite dish at Pucquio: their tiradito—a
ceviche-adjacent serving of delicately cut fish, served in a
yellow chili emulsion |   photo by Bex Wyant

controversial spirit, the cause of our
mini ‘war’ with Chile regarding its
country of origin. For curious read-
ers, Pisco is a city in Peru’s Ica region,
meaning Peru definitely won this
quarrel. Since Pucquio doesn’t have a
hard liquor license, Moreira’s version of
the sour is a creative twist, made with a
lower-ABV grape spirit instead of tra-
ditional pisco. They also have a nice list
of wines that complement the Peruvian
flavors and match individual palates.
To top it all off, for dessert, if you’re
lucky enough to be offered the seasonal
(between September and March) lucu-
ma ice cream go for it! It’s a very unusu-
al and delightful fruit from the Andean
region of Peru. Lucuma has a unique
taste—like a mix of caramel, maple and
sweet potato, with subtle nutty notes
and a rich yet delicate, smooth, cus-
tard-like sweetness. Moreira gets them
imported. Any of the other desserts
will be satisfying, but the bombitas de
carretilla are special: who can say no to
sweet potato, dulce de leche and pisco
crème anglaise?
I hope you find Peruvian food to be a
fantastic multicultural experience. Each
bite contains not just one culture, but na-
tive Peruvian, Spanish and Asian flavors,
blended in harmony. Buen provecho! ●
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The

March 2026
page 11

Remembering William R. Dutcher
Greater Rockridge Neighborhood
Crime Prevention Council
Nancy and
Bill Dutcher
by Kieren Dutcher
Next NCPC Meeting:
Thurs. April 9, | 7 p.m.
William “Bill” R. Dutcher, noted
architect and longtime resi-
dent of Ivanhoe Road, passed away on
January 17, 2026. He went to Piedmont
Avenue Elementary School, Westlake
Jr High and Oakland Tech, where he
met the love of his life, Nancy Palmer, at
the “Hello Day Dance.” He and Nancy
married two weeks after graduating
from UC Berkeley. They had great luck
at being given a gorgeous 1908 brown
shingle craftsman house in Rockridge
they could find a lot nearby and move
it off the property. This became their
lifelong project, working on this house,
which was the heart of their family.
Over the course of his career, Bill
designed many local buildings: a Chris-
tian Science reading room, St. Joseph of
Arimathea chapel in Berkeley, Curds &
Whey Cheese Shop and Yasai Market.
He also worked on CPS High School
and many home remodels as well as
several entire houses after the Oakland
Hills fire. He was given many architec-
We hope to have brief presentations
by local OPD officers and a discussion
of local crime and safety issues.
Rockridge Library upstairs conference
room and on Zoom: rockridgencpc.com
Become a Rockridge
News Distributor!
Miles Avenue Long-Time
Block Captain Resigns:
tural awards for his work, and became a
Fellow of the AIA in 1992.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife
Nancy Dutcher, daughters Kieren
Dutcher (son-in-law Gregory Sage), and
Greta Dutcher (son-in-law Pete Ryp-
ins), grandchildren Sophie Worm and
William Worm, and former son-in-law
Daniel Worm.
If you really want to celebrate Bill,
take your favorite people out to a (pref-
erably Italian) restaurant and drink a
toast to his grand, long life! Cin cin! ●
Barbara Loomis has been provid-
ing her neighbors monthly with
The Rockridge News for more
years than we have recorded. We
appreciate her dedication and will
miss her when she steps down
from her job as Block Captain for
her block of Miles Avenue. We’d
hate to see distribution paused for
her route so please let us know if
you can pick up her mantle.
For a full version of Kieren’s remembrance
of her father, visit: rockridge.org
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Both sides of 5100 Miles from
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Route 7J:
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To volunteer:
Call Susan at 510-547-3855 or
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The

March 2026
page 12

RNews
RNews
CORRECTIONS

Lawton Avenue Cabin from 1904
Says Goodbye
by Chris Ayan

● ”Dogs of Rockridge” (Feb. ’26)
The editor regrets including a
Godfather reference, as it evokes
an inappropriate stereotype about
Italian culture that reflects neither
the views of the owners nor their very
adorable and innocent Italian dogs. ●
Stock up!

The foundation-less structure was ultimately determined to be unsafe.
The small cabin at 5339 Lawton
Ave. sat through two world wars,
heavy flooding and multiple earth-
quakes, including the 1906 San Fran-
cisco earthquake and the 1989 Loma
Prieta quake.
Built in 1904, it dates back to when
Rockridge was still on the edge of
town, before the street grid settled in,
before most of the surrounding homes
were built and even before its current
address existed. Lacking a concrete
foundation, the house originally served
as the caretaker’s cottage for the large
Victorian house at Shafter and Hudson
that has undergone its own retrofitting
over the last five years.
At the time, Oakland was scattered
with small cabins and cottages. Some
were weekend places. Others were full-
time homes for people who wanted a
little space and air away from the noise
and chaos of Oakland proper or San
Francisco. They were not meant to
impress anyone. They were built to be
lived in, using what was available, and
to quietly do their work.
Standing in the yard, the cabin felt
small in a way that has nothing to
do with neglect or the larger Crafts-
man-era homes and newer multi-story
rebuilds that surround it. Built from
coastal redwood, the workhorse ma-
terial of early Bay Area houses, it was
made for a different moment and never
asked to be more than that.
Over the years, Oakland grew up
around it. Roads were paved. The hills
filled in. What had once been open
and scattered slowly became a neigh-
borhood. Through all of it, the cabin
stayed mostly the same, small and a bit
out of time with what came later.
While much around it was rebuilt,
reinforced, or replaced, the small
structure remained with minimal
upgrading. It absorbed the shocks and
carried on as a remnant of a time past.
The structure has been demolished
and will be replaced with a new sin-
gle-family home. Its removal reflects a
familiar reality in Oakland, where old-
er, smaller buildings are often cleared
as the city continues to change. ●
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The

March 2026
page 13

ROCKY (12) loves walks
around his home on Lawton
Avenue and, of course, to
the grassy park on Rockridge
Blvd. He is known around the
neighborhood as a bit of a
naughty boy but as you can see,
he is always keeping up with the
neighborhood news!
And of course, to his people,
he is perfect.
Does your furry friend live in Rockridge? If so,
send a photo of your four-legged companion
and short commentary to: editor@rockridge.org

illustration by Laura Serra
HAZEL (18) is definitely
a lap cat and only has a
passing interest in toys.
She loves to find herself a
patch of sun to sleep in.
Despite all appearances
of refined domesticity,
though, she’s suspected
to be a ferocious hunter—
which is why she’s not
allowed to leave the house.
She’d simply be too lethal.

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March 2026
page 14
Rockridge News
Rockridge News
Rockridge News

The
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
RCPC,
While I very much support new and
much needed housing (particularly
affordable housing) in Rockridge, I also
expect that codes and zoning require-
ments that protect all residents be re-
spected. Our City codes and zoning laws
have been developed and implemented
with an overall vision of what we want
our communities to achieve, and any de-
veloper requested variances and waivers
should be subject to the full review and
scrutiny afforded by Federal, State and
Local laws in order to protect the health
and well-being of all Oaklanders.
As a Rockridge resident, I have seri-
ous concerns regarding the proposed
building project at 6230 Claremont Ave,
which includes a structure planned to
reach 93 feet in height and an entrance
on Florio Street – which is already con-
strained by its partially one-way config-
uration. Florio is a narrow residential
street with many children living there
and is not designed to accommodate
repeated large-vehicle activity.
Under the current proposal, this en-
trance is expected to serve as the access
point for multiple high-impact uses,
including: Garbage and recycling col-
lection turning the Florio sidewalk as a
staging area for dumpsters; Delivery of
commercial laundry and food services;
Residential move-ins and move-outs.
Each of these functions requires the
use of large trucks. Concentrating this
kind of activity on a street with limited
maneuverability poses a significant
safety risk to pedestrians, cyclists, and
drivers. It is difficult to imagine how
oversized service vehicles will enter,
exit, turn, and wait for unloading
without obstructing traffic or creating
bottlenecks. I and my neighbors living
on Florio and surrounding blocks
already face tight parking, high foot
traffic, and limited through-flow, and
the addition of regular industrial-scale
vehicle access would only intensify
those challenges.
I urge RCPC to closely evaluate
whether Florio is an appropriate and
safe location for this entrance. Consid-
eration should be given to alternative
access points or mitigation measures
that protect the quality of life for
Rockridge residents, ensure safe traffic
circulation, and prevent long-term
congestion issues.
Thank you for your attention to this
matter. Our neighborhood depends
on thoughtful planning that priori-
tizes safety, livability, and responsible
development.
– Ann Del Simone, Florio Street
Dear Editor,
I am dismayed to read that RCPC
would consider “continual communi-
cation and interaction” with the folks
opposing much-needed senior housing
on Claremont Avenue. As a former
state official charged with housing and
transportation policy oversight, I re-
mind you that California’s ongoing di-
sastrous housing crisis is a direct result
of nickel-and-diming housing projects,
like this one, to death with “concerns”
and demands for “process.” It is why
Rockridge, in particular, has seen
housing prices and rents sky-rocket—
ironically, significantly impairing the
ability of seniors to live here.
The data are entirely clear. If one
wants housing to be affordable, the
appropriate response is not to demand
individual developments bey 100%
below-market—which is a project-kill-
er—but to up-zone entire districts,
lowering process costs, and driving
public and private funds into construc-
tion. The right answer with regard to
this specific housing project is, simply,
to do nothing—it’s welcome and in no
need of suggestions from local busy-
bodies. RCPC would do well to instead
loudly advocate for more like this,
including in the years-old abandoned
wedge down the street on College,
and for development generally. It
should also have nothing to do with
people who, in year two of the Trump
administration, have such misplaced
priorities as to call an 8-story building
an “obscenity.” Plenty in the world is
obscene these days; housing projects
are not.
Rockridge is rich with useful advo-
cacy opportunities—including, as the
latest Rockridge News notes, finally
dealing with dangerous intersections
like that at College & Claremont, clear-
ing away remaining barriers to afford-
ability generally, and getting building
going on its many blank spots. Rather
than commencing the same tired
dance of “concerns” on individual
buildings that has frozen the neighbor-
hood in expensive amber, why not pay
attention to decades of disappointing
results from that failed approach, and
instead do something useful? Many
of the neighbors you represent would
appreciate that sensible approach.
Dear Editor,
I think Thomas Lollini’s article in
January 2026 about solving the College
& Claremont intersection was very
illuminating and... right on!
Years ago we had the “pleasure” of
experiencing Tokoyo’s Shibuya Cross-
ing, by chance. Initially we were quite
intimidated. But when we realized
we could go diagonally across rather
than making 3 crossings our map said
(yeah, no Google then!), what a relief.
I rarely walk there now but drive
through and occasionally take Florio.
I’m always leery of pedestrians there
and more than once had to slow in
mid-intersection as someone just
crossed without looking. However, we
could do without the neon lights!
– Tom Noyes ●
– Craig Segall, Alcatraz Ave.


March 2026
page 15
Rockridge News
Rockridge News
Rockridge News

The
RN
RN
Rockridge Library
CLASSIFIEDS
CLASSIFIEDS
For Children   (Red = March-only events)
List your 36-word message here for
only $24 (phone #'s count 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.
Women’s History Month Treasure Hunt: Mar. 9-23
Ask at the Children’s Desk to test your knowledge
(or your library skills) of Women’s History, and a
chance to win a lollipop.
Storytime: Thursdays and Saturdays; 10:30 a.m.
Chess Club: Wednesdays; 4 p.m.
All ages & skill-levels welcome.
Read to a Dog: Thursdays; 4 p.m.
Practice reading aloud with Gladys the dog.
Craft Programs: MoChA at the Library!
Thursday, Mar. 19, 3:30 p.m. Monthly art workshops for
children & families led by teachers from the Museum of
Children's Art. For ages 5 to15 & caregivers. Build cre-
ativity, social-emotional & academic skills through art.
Making Stories Club: Thursday, Mar. 5; 3:30 p.m.
Monthly workshop to write, illustrate & tell stories.
Make books, zines, stories, comics, kamishibai or
plays! Join youth writers & illustrators. For ages 8 to 12
For more information, email Susan at:
smontauk@gmail.com.
Deadline for APRIL News:
Mar. 19, 2026 (available Apr. 7)
DOES YOUR DOG WALK YOU?
Dog walks should be fun, not a chore,
right? Create a better relationship
between you and your dog with reward
based training. Please call 510-646-9657 or
visit dogsquaddogtraining.com.
For Teens, ages 12 – 18
Spring Crafts: Wednesday, Mar. 11; 2-3 p.m.
All supplies provided. For teens only! Presented by the
Teen Advisory Board, with support by the Friends of
the Rockridge Library.
Teen Advisory Board: Second Wednesdays, Mar. 11;
4-5 p.m. Join the Rockridge Branch Library Teen Ad-
visory Board (TAB) and take an active role in creating,
planning and implementing programs and services
you want to see at your local library.
ELECTRICAL REMODEL & REPAIRS
It’s Valentines Day! Shower some love on
your home. I can help with that.
I’ve been doing electrical work in Oakland
and Berkeley for over 35 years.
Sutorik & Company. sutorikandco.com.
Lic #397149. 510-655-3677.
COMPUTER TECH SUPPORT
I’m offering friendly & affordable tech sup-
port for people who might need help with
(or gain a better understanding of) comput-
ers, phones, iPads, smart TVs, etc. Contact
Scott at Scott@Weitz.net for more info.
For Adults
AI Safety Awareness: Tuesday, Mar. 24, 6-7:30 p.m.
Where is AI in 2026 and where is it going?
Adult Crafting Series: Tuesday, Mar. 10, 6-7:30pm.
Botanical Collage. Draw with scissors like Henri
Matisse! Drop ins welcome.
Meet the Author—Dr. Shelley Sella: Wednesday,
Mar. 18, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Dr. Shelley Sella will discuss
her book, “Beyond Limits: Stories of Third-Trimester
Abortion Care.” Dr. Sella is a board-certified OB-GYN
and the first woman to openly practice third-trimester
abortion care in the U.S.
Ask Your Area Home Experts: Every 2nd Friday,
12:00 a.m. - 2 p.m. Get answers, tips and connections
from a Senior Loan Advisor and a Realtor, both Rock-
ridge locals. Have questions answered about home
ownership, maintenance, finance, investing, ADUs,
downsizing, moving and more.
Rockridge Book Club: Every 2nd Saturday,
3:30-4:30 p.m. Please call 510-597-5017 for more info
and to get a copy of the book. March’s book is "Crying
in H Mart," by Michelle Zauner.
Needlework Circle: every Thursday, 1-3 p.m. Bring
yarn and fiber arts projects to Rockridge Library. Build
community, share your passion, learn & have fun!
1-on-1 Technology Help: every Saturday, 10 a.m.-12
p.m. and 1-3 p.m., Tuesdays 5:30-7:30 p.m.;
Wednesdays are cancelled for March. Come with your
devices & technology questions & our volunteer tech
guru will help you get sorted. Signup recommended.
Chair Yoga:  Monday,  Mar. 2 and 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Learn from certified instructor Bett Bollhoefer,
drop ins welcome. ●
VALENTINE ROSE
Penelope’s Aesthetics is offering a sea-
sonal Rose facial, neutralizing the effects
of emotional stress, while soothing and
hydrating delicate skin. Refresh and rejuve-
nate! A fabulous gift or for yourself too!
Call 510-594-1552 penelopecalef.com
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 yourgreengardeners.com
JEWELRY REPAIRS
Formerly of High Strung and Blue Door
Beads! Marilee is now doing repairs as an
independent contractor.
Please email her at mjywrepairs@proton.me
for all your jewelry repair needs.
Rockridge Library Hours:
Holiday Closure: Cesar Chavez Day—Tues., Mar. 31
Mon., Thurs., & Sat.: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Tues. & Weds.: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fri.: 12 noon to 5:30 p.m.
See calendar for events: oaklandlibrary.org/events
HARDWOOD FLOORS
Install, sand/refinish, repair, re-coat exist-
ing. Large jobs or small. Twenty-plus years
in Piedmont Ave./Rockridge.
Bruce Williams Woodfloors; CA Lic #913727
Call or text 510-652-8121. blwfloors.com!●
5366 College Ave., at Manila; 510-597-5017

“Allie's confidence and skill
shone, ultimately securing a
record-breaking sale in less
than five days.”
~ Allen B. Oakland


Celebrating 59 Years of Excellence in
Real Estate Brokerage
For nearly six decades we’ve
earned the loyalty of countless
clients, helping them achieve the
American Dream of home and in-
vestment property ownership. Our
deep-rooted relationships within
the community built on trust, has
been pivotal in our journey. From
first-time home buyers and seller
representation, to seasoned inves-
tors, we’ve been privileged to be a
part of your journeys.
Kevin Brown, Broker
Better Homes Realty, Rockridge
510.593.4780 | dre# 00644175

Te GRUBB Co.
R  E  A  L  T  O  R  S
est.               1967
Rockridge News
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