Extracted text · highlighting “Jody Colley”

The

rockridge.org

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

“RO” illustration by Laura Serra

Claremont Students Give BART Trash Cans a Mosaic Makeover

Artist Eileen Fitz-Faulker poses during the installation
with students, from left: Gael Lizarraga, Mamdouh
Ismael, Tyson Schultz, and Finn Weyers.

creative artwork from the students,
including the Rockridge peacock
named “Kevin,” pizza, and musical
instruments. The designs come from
a school-wide contest launched by the
school’s community schools manager,
Edana Anderson. A total of 135
students participated.
by Casey Farmer, Project
Coordinator, former RCPC Chair
Thanks to the work of Claremont
Middle School students in the art
program, and a grant from the Rock-
ridge Community Planning Council
(RCPC), five trash cans in the Rock-
ridge BART plaza now shine with
mosaic tile artwork.
Aden Hamady, a seventh-grade
student at Claremont, said she
designed one of the trash cans with an
image of flowers growing in a fist with
the word ‘Oakland.’
“I love how our work will be here for
a long time. It will make our commu-
nity more beautiful,” said Zoe Jawara, a
seventh-grade student at Claremont.
Mosaic, continued page 5
The trash cans are now adorned with

Neighbors Speak Out on Proposed Senior Housing Towers

Project Developers Ground Floor Plan edited to show footprint of current retail building.
by Ryan Phillips
Rockridge residents voiced serious
concerns about the scale, traffic
impact, and loss of a neighborhood
grocery store during a Land Use Com-
mittee meeting hosted by the Rockridge
Community Planning Council (RCPC)
on May 20.
Others, though fewer in numbers,
argued that the 415-unit senior housing
project is exactly the kind of tran-
sit-oriented development the State is
demanding near BART.
The virtual meeting focused on an
application to build two residential
towers, standing roughly 300 feet and
352 feet, on the site currently occupied
by Trader Joe’s at 5727 College Avenue.
The project includes 390 standard
apartments, 26 efficiency units for
memory care, structured parking with
185 spaces, a 3,800-square-foot restau-
rant, a 2,100-square-foot cafe, and a
“community” auditorium that may
only be for residents of the project, but
no public open space, and no plans to
return a grocery store to the location.
More Coverage Inside
Go to Page 9 to read
project details, feedback from
the community and RCPC’s analysis
Towers, continued page 8
of feedback received.

●E-Bike Rebate, page 3    ●Millennium Restaurant’s Future, page 4     ● Why I Love Softball, page 10
INSIDE:


The
June 2026
page 2
The
Rockridge Kitchen Tour Date Announced
Rockridge News
Rockridge News
by Star Lightner, RCPC Board
for the Tour. Although this is not a
super time-consuming endeavor, it does
require web skills and regular main-
tenance. But it’s a truly critical role, so
we’re really hoping someone can help!
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.
Mark your calendars!
The 2026 Rockridge Kitchen
Tour is scheduled for Sunday, Septem-
ber 27, from 12:30-5:30 p.m., and plan-
ning for the Tour is in full swing. We
are excited to announce that we have
selected all of our kitchens and ADUs.
There will be eight kitchens, and two
ADUs that are directly next door to one
another, so they will count as one stop
on the tour. It’s been fascinating hearing
all of the stories behind these remodels
and seeing such variety. While a couple
blew out walls and added space, many
more than in prior years stuck with the
same footprint, and in a couple of cases,
even the same layout. We’re also seeing
a slight trend away from islands, though
the majority still have them.
We are currently scheduling our first
volunteer meeting, which will likely be
in mid-June. If you haven’t signed up
yet, we still need people to help put up
posters, contact advertisers, be available
for week-of and day-of tasks, and, of
course, docents. With nine properties
on the tour, each will need morning and
afternoon teams of two, meaning 36
docents in all. According to all our repeat
docents, it’s a very fun gig!
Rockridge News Production
Ryan Phillips.........................Editor & Layout Artist
Susan Montauk...............Business & Distribution Mgr.
RCPC Board of Directors, 2026
Jana Good...................................................Chair
Kristen Belt.............................................Vice Chair
Please email
kitchentour@rockridge.org
to volunteer. ●
Garrick Monaghan Beyer........................Secretary
Paul McDonnell.......................................Treasurer
Mark Aaronson, Gary Barg, Sam Fishman,
David Hatfield, Star Lightner, Tom Lollini,
Natalie Musick,Brian Stromquist, Robbie Tasker
Whether you are planning your
own remodel or just like checking out
fabulous kitchens, be prepared to see
both eclectic and traditional styles and
layouts, colors and patterns, price-
points, and even a few bonus features
(Second “entertaining kitchen”? Check.
White Lotus-vibe bathroom? Check.
Layout designed around a mudroom?
Check.) Rockridge may be associated
with Craftsmans, but as you’ll see if you
attend the Tour, Rockridge kitchens are
all over the stylistic map!
Contact the board:
For information:
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:
. Please
include name, email and street of residence.
Deadline is the 11th of each month for the
upcoming newsletter.
For those interested in volunteering,
there is still one critical volunteer role
that needs to be filled: Webmaster.We
have a website from the 2024 Tour, so
the structure is there. It needs to be
updated with current tour information
and photos from the 2026 Tour, and it
also needs to be linked to Humantix,
the website we use to sell tickets
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 JULY 2026:
JUNE 18, 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
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
June 2026
page 3
Car-Free in Rockridge? Rebate Makes E-Bikes More Affordable
by Robbie Tasker, RCPC Board
Here’s a reason to rethink your
commute: a local energy program
is offering rebates of up to $1,500 for
e-bikes. And it’s available to everyone
in Rockridge.
Until this September, Ava Com-
munity Energy is offering a raffle for
an instant rebate of $400 to $1,500
off a new e-bike at participating local
bike shops. The amount you receive
depends on your income (there is no
income limit) and the type of bike
you choose.
Their list of eligible bikes includes
regular e-bikes, cargo e-bikes, and
adaptive e-bikes for those with mobil-
ity challenges. This program is open to
all Alameda County residents.
Illustration by Laura Serra
I know because I used it myself.
About six months ago, I bought an
e-bike with help from Ava. It com-
pletely changed my commute. I travel
all the way down to San Jose multiple
times a week on BART, and anyone
who knows BART’s routes knows the
last stop is North San Jose. The e-bike
bridged the gap from that station to
my university, helped me get comfort-
able cycling the East Bay’s daunting
hills, and transformed how I enjoy not
only this neighborhood but the whole
Bay Area.
such as getting his toddler to and from
daycare and grocery shopping. “Be-
ing a cyclist is what enables me to be
car-free,” he said.
er speed, it’s how accessible everything
becomes. A cyclist veers off the road,
locks up at the nearest stand or light
post, and walks straight to
their destination.
Transit planners call this the “first
mile/last mile problem.” A bike can
help solve it. For me, the time saved
from not circling the Trader Joe’s park-
ing lot alone has been worth
the investment.
If a new e-bike still feels like a steep
jump, try renting one from the Lyft
rack next time you’re walking College
Avenue. Get your feet wet. See how dif-
ferent the city feels from the back of a
bike. And if you’re ready to buy, apply
for the Ava rebate. It’s real, it’s local,
and it won’t last forever! ●
Eli added that cycling “really con-
nects you and gives you a sense of
place.” I’d add that it’s not just the slow-
Living in Rockridge, you could start
to imagine what it’s like to go com-
pletely car-free. We’re lucky enough
to make many necessary trips—to the
grocery store, the doctor’s and dentist’s
offices, the hardware store—on foot.
Our BART and bus stops are right
in the heart of the neighborhood.
OakDOT continues to invest in and
expand cycling infrastructure as part
of the Oakland Planning Department’s
larger “City of Neighborhoods” goal.
Holistic Facials
Therapeutic Massage
Clean Beauty Studio
Recently, I spoke with Eli Kaplan, a
former member of the RCPC board,
who has lived car-free in the East Bay
for eight years. While he uses East Bay
transit frequently, he told me his e-bike
helps him manage his responsibilities,
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The
June 2026
page 4
Millennium Restaurant Pauses Operations, Plans to Reopen
Millennium
Restaurant
on its
final night
before
temporarily
closing to
retool.|
Ella  Smith
by Ella Smith
Millennium Restaurant, the innovative
vegan restaurant on College Avenue,
paused operations on May 23 to reimagine
its current model, with plans to reopen in
mid-June.
Co-owner Alison Bagby announced via
Instagram on April 3 that the restaurant
would be closing in its current format. But,
she added, “we are determined to find a
way for Millennium to continue.”
Millennium has operated for more than
30 years and relocated to Oakland in 2015
from its original San Francisco location.
Since its founding, guests have praised it
for a nuanced and expansive take on vegan
cuisine that produces refined creative
dishes suitable for fine dining.
opened decades ago.
Tucker said. Rising costs of produce
and delivery services have also been
challenging for the business.
The restaurant has earned numerous
recognitions, including The Top 25
Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in
the World by The Huffington Post and
Food & Wine Magazine, along with #1
Vegetarian Restaurant in the World
by The Daily Meal.
As money became tight, the
restaurant struggled to make it from
week to week, according to Bagby. She
mentioned there were nights before the
announcement when they had to close
due to a lack of guests because they
would lose too much money otherwise.
“It’s global ideas, but local produce
and execution,” said head chef Eric
Tucker, who explained how he focuses
on showcasing fresh produce rather than
mimicking animal products.
When the restaurant first moved
to Rockridge, Tucker noted they had
to adjust to the reality of running a
business in the East Bay rather than
in busy San Francisco, which included
reduced weeknight business. Then the
pandemic hit.
However, Tucker and Bagby aren’t
planning to close the restaurant for
good. What they have currently, said
Tucker, is “not sustainable, it’s not
working. We’re going to see what we
can do with a more curated, smaller,
fewer clients, less staff kind of thing.”
Through innovative recipes, the
restaurant has attracted diners far
beyond the vegan community. Tucker
said that most of the Millennium’s
customers aren’t strictly vegan.
“The patterns in which people dine
and how people dine have changed,”
Tucker said. “They dine earlier, don’t
stay out as late. I think a lot of folks,
since the pandemic, who maybe had
more disposable income, have less.”
“I’d never tasted anything as upscale
and high-quality as what they were
doing, and the fact that there was so
much creativity in every dish that Eric
made, it was mind-blowing to me,” said
San Francisco resident Barbara Sokol,
one of the restaurant’s first guests when it
Numerous local media outlets rushed
to report on the restaurant’s closing.
“The media wants a good story, and so
people really blew up the closing as if
we’re going away forever,” Bagby said.
Millennium has particularly
struggled to seat people on weeknights,
Bagby and Tucker plan to make
numerous adjustments to keep
Millennium open,  including a smaller,
prix-fixe weekday menu that changes
each week, and more casual items
served à la carte at the bar.
Millennium received an outpouring
of support in the last few weeks. Tucker
mentioned that the average number
of customers per night had risen to
175 compared to 60 to 75 before the
announcement.
“We’re really overwhelmed and very
thankful to our clientele who have been
supporting us in these weird last six,
seven weeks,” Tucker said. “Having this
outpouring of folks makes us want to
strive to see if we can keep this
thing going.”●

The
June 2026
page 5
Mosaic, continued from cover
(Left) Clare-
mont student
Ella Barsky
stands next
to a trash can
with mosaic
art she
deisgned.
“It represents our city, which I love,”
he said. “We want peace and justice.”
The RCPC Board dedicated funds
from its Community Grant program,
raised through its annual Kitchen Tour
fundraiser, toward the mosaic tile
artwork project.
(Right)
Mosiac tile
art of neigh-
borhood
peackock
‘Kevin.’
“I love how this project enhances a
central thoroughfare of our neighbor-
hood and empowers young people to
express themselves through art while
caring for our community,” said Star
Lightner, RCPC’s Kitchen Tour chair.
Over the course of two weeks,
Fitz-Faulkner, students, and volunteers
used mortar to set the mosaic panels on
trash cans, then grouted them.
RCPC also expressed gratitude to
BART and the Oakland Public Works
Department for their partnership.
neighborhood, and they especially
loved working with Ms. Eileen,” she
said. “My classroom was abuzz with
energy — and also a lot of dust — while
the students crafted the panels.”
RCPC commissioned Eileen
Fitz-Faulkner, a professional mosaic tile
artist and co-founder of FROG Park, to
work with the students on the designs.
Eileen has designed hundreds of
mosaics for individuals, museums, and
public gardens around the country.
“I appreciate being a catalyst
to engage students in public art,”
Fitz-Faulkner said. “It’s inspiring to see
the spark of creativity in a young per-
son’s eyes when they understand how
to bring their creations to life.”
Ruby Tran, an eighth-grade student
at Claremont, said she enjoyed working
with other students from her school.
For Jesaiah Gardea, a seventh grader,
the project was about “bringing joy
and happiness to the neighborhood.”
CMS Art Teacher Jhunehl Fortaleza
(known on campus as Ms. Forty)
said she was thrilled to support this
community partnership. She said the
project was one of the most meaningful
she’s been a part of, adding that the stu-
dents, even those who usually feel self
conscious about sharing their art, were
proud to have it displayed in public.
In 2022, RCPC commissioned
Fitz-Faulkner to create mosaics for
three trash cans in Rockridge (one near
Ain’t Normal Cafe, one near Hudson
Bay Cafe, and one at Frog Park).
Victor Flores, the elected BART
Director who represents Rockridge,
expressed his appreciation for
the new artwork.
For this project, Fitz-Faulkner drew
the student-inspired designs onto
3-by-4-foot panels, added a layer of
fiberglass mesh, and procured dozens
of tile colors. She taught the students
to cut, saw, and file the tiles into shapes
to represent the images.
“The initiative from RCPC and the
dedication from Claremont Mid-
dle School are remarkable,” he said.
“Thank you for your commitment to
partnership and public art. We were
glad to support this team effort.”●
“The students are deeply invested
because they see how their creativity
and hard work will contribute to their


The
June 2026
page 6
Oakland Tech Posts Highest Graduation Rate in OUSD
by Madeleine Turner,
Senior at Oakland Tech
Oschools, helps students find jobs and
internships, and helps students create
resumes and LinkedIn profiles.
The CCC and school teams up to lead
activities like HBCU tours, financial aid
information sessions (with pizza), and
college fairs to show every student that
college is possible.
akland Technical High School
has a 94% graduation rate in
2025, with 75% of graduating seniors
completing their “A-G” requirements,
making them eligible for UC and oth-
er prestigious schools nationwide.
“What I love is providing resourc-
es that help students understand the
process of college, trades, community
colleges, and empowering our students
through a holistic and realistic ap-
proach of learning about their iden-
tities, and what education can do for
them,” said Adrian Navarro (Mr. W),
the college readiness specialist at Tech.
“Unfortunately, we do have to hold
some kids’ hands across the finish line,
or some do cross the finish line on
their knees, but most of our kids come
across with their hands in the air,” said
Tech Principal Martel Price.
That graduation rate is the highest
of any high school in the Oakland
Unified School District. Many Tech
graduates have been accepted to top
colleges around the country.
Price also cited dual-enrollment
classes as an important reason for the
high graduation and college acceptance
rates.  “They get a GPA boost to share
with colleges, and then they’re already
getting ahead of the game,” he said.
Beyond the CCC, a college essay
mentor program has operated at Tech
for more than 15 years. This past year,
the program served 135 students
through 317 individual mentoring
sessions, both virtual and in-person.
About 15 volunteers work with stu-
dents on their personal statements.
Mentors have helped Tech graduates
gain admission to Berkeley, UCLA,
Northeastern, and many other schools.
Students and administrators point
to Tech’s College & Career Center
(CCC) as a key reason for the high
graduation and college-going rates.
The CCC is designed to make college
education accessible and affordable
for all Tech students. Students can
schedule meetings with onsite college
counselors and meet with alumni
and current students at their pro-
spective colleges.
“So they’re saving money for college
by taking a class right here, right now.”
Price said his strong focus on college
comes from his own experience as a
student.
“I told my counselor in high school
I wanted to apply (to college), and
he was like, ‘ You’re not ready.’ He
basically told me not to apply,” he said.
“But here I am 30 years later, right?”
The CCC has since become the hub
for students and parents to learn every-
thing they need to know about the road
to college. “I’m here almost every day,”
said Tech’s 12th-grade class president,
Dynast’i Paul. “Mr. W is my savior. He
helps me with everything, especially
when I’m confused about what’s
going on.”
The CCC also provides informa-
tion for students interested in trade
Today, Price makes sure no Tech
student hears the same words he did.
For Tech students, college isn’t a
dream. It’s the next stop. ●

The
June 2026
page 7
No Major Design Changes for 6230 Claremont Project
machinery, all to minimize impacts on
adjacent neighbors.
by Mark Aaronson, RCPC Board
for Streamlining Review as an Infill
Project. Staff review is likely to take
until the end of August. It is unclear
whether the public will have access to
any environmental review documents
before then.
Aplan to build an 85-foot-tall senior
residence facility with 203 rental
units on Claremont Avenue across
from Safeway is moving forward with-
out major design changes, sparking
continued debate among Rockridge
neighbors who want a less high and
bulky building.
The developers will not submit
revised plans until Planning staff have
completed their zoning compliance
review. The deadline to complete this
review is June 22.
For this project, the Planning Di-
rector decides whether to approve or
deny the project application. He must
provide public notice of his decision
17 days before it becomes final. His
decision is appealable to the Planning
Commission. A best guess is that the
decision will be forthcoming
in September.
In their application, the developers
claim that the project complies with
Oakland’s CN-I Mixed Use zoning
category. A crucial issue for this resi-
dential housing project is whether this
zoning requires ground-floor public
retail space.
The developers of the proposed
facility, which will have independent,
assisted, and memory care units, will
hold a public meeting about the proj-
ect on Thursday, June 18, from 6:30 to
7:30 p.m., at the Rockridge Branch of
the Oakland Public Library. Although
not a formal “public hearing,” Oakland
planning staff will be in attendance to
answer questions.
This determination sets the basis for
calculating the maximum number of
residential units allowable on the site.
If the project complies with the zoning,
the developers will be in a strong
position to request and obtain waiv-
ers from local zoning requirements
for physical features such as height,
step-backs, and setbacks. If the project
is not in compliance, they will likely
revise their design plans and waiver
requests accordingly.
The principal purposes of the RCPC
Consultation Committee are to be
responsive to the range of neighbor-
hood views on the project’s impact and
to seek modifications to the project
design through direct discussions with
the developers.
At a meeting with the Rockridge
Community Planning Council (RCPC)
Consultation Committee on May 13,
the developers–Ellis Partners and
Spirit Living Group–indicated  that
they are not considering any changes
to their current plan regarding the
number of units and height.
The seven-member Committee
includes individuals associated with
Rockridge Neighbors for Sensible
Housing (RNSH), which is a separate
organization led by residents whose
homes are very near the project site.
Other Committee members have back-
grounds in architecture, low-income
housing, and law. RNSH has retained a
lawyer to assist in its advocacy efforts.
Additionally, the project is presently
undergoing environmental review.
Planning staff have an Administrative
Draft of a CEQA Exemption Mem-
orandum, by Environmental Sci-
ence Associates, which evaluates the
project’s eligibility for exemption as a
Project Consistent with a Communi-
ty Plan, General Plan or Zoning and
They are considering introducing
step-backs along Auburn Avenue by
increasing the units on the mezzanine
floor. They are also considering chang-
es to setbacks, access to the under-
ground garage, and the placement of
utility and underground auto exhaust
RCPC has not yet taken a position
on the project and is awaiting further
talks with the developers. ●


The
June 2026
page 8
Towers, continued from cover
RCPC has received 45 letters to date
regarding the project, with the most fre-
quent concerns being the loss of Trader
Joe’s, the height of the towers, insufficient
parking, and the project’s size relative to
the low-rise commercial and adjacent
residential neighborhood.
An image
from the
developers
listing the
amenity plan
for the fourth
floor of the
proposed
senior towers
at the current
Trader Joe’s
site on
College
Avenue.|
Align Real
Estate
The existing zoning for the site allows
a height of 95 feet. The proposed towers
would rise approximately 2 to 2.5 times
that limit. One resident told the coun-
cil that, no matter the zoning rules, he
found the design repulsive and asked
whether aesthetics would be addressed at
any point in the approval process.
to this project, as they do not take
effect until July 1, 2026. The develop-
er’s filing of a pre-application for this
project locked in State and local law as
of mid-April. SB 79 provisions require
all projects using the law to have some
affordable housing.
Other attendees pushed back against
the proposed project. One resident raised
concerns about fire safety, noting that
a building of this height would require
specialized equipment that the nearest
fire station is too small to house.
Several attendees focused on the fate of
Trader Joe’s, which has a lease that runs
through 2027. The property is owned by
a different national grocery chain, which
reportedly placed a deed restriction on
the site prohibiting any future grocery
store after the current lease ends. A bill
making its way through the State leg-
islature would ban such restrictions on
former grocery store sites.
The meeting concluded with a dis-
cussion of next steps. RCPC will seek
discussions with the developer regard-
ing project design modifications and
retaining Trader Joe’s on the site. Shortly,
RCPC will designate a liaison commit-
tee, comprised of board members and
other neighborhood residents, to take
a leading role in ongoing interactions
with the developer and the City to obtain
project changes that support a pedestri-
an-oriented neighborhood and sustain
the commercial and social vitality of
College Avenue.
One resident questioned whether the
project’s senior housing designation is
being used to get around affordability
requirements that would otherwise
apply to large multifamily developments.
Because the project is listed as senior
housing under existing State law, it does
not have to include affordable units as
would be the case under SB 79.
An aide to City Councilmember Zac
Unger (District 1) attended the forum
and told the group that the City’s hands
are highly limited by State law on several
key points, including unity density bonus
allowances for senior housing that can
result in heights significantly greater than
existing zoning limitations.
One resident spoke in support of the
project’s scale, saying he opposes the loss
of Trader Joe’s but, given the severity of
the housing crisis in California, he sup-
ports the height and density. He urged
RCPC to fight to keep a grocery store on
the site while accepting the rest of the
project as proposed.
Density and affordability requirements
within a half-mile of the Rockridge
BART Station, mandated by a recent
State housing law (SB 79), do not apply
Project review is at a preliminary
stage, and no official decisions
or public hearings are on the
immediate horizon.●
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The
June 2026
page 9
Community Feedback Received by RCPC
WE ARE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!
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32 months to 6 years of age. Rooted in the Montessori method
and philosophy, our comprehensive curriculum empowers
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The
June 2026
page 10
Oakland Girls Softball League Opens Fall Registration Soon
by Amanda Wentworth,
OGSL President
by Iyla Newman, Age 8
Why I Love Softball
The Oakland Girls Softball League
(OGSL) is a special community.
OGSL is a volunteer-run nonprofit
providing fast-pitch softball for Oak-
land youth (ages 5–14) since 1993.
The sound of the leather ball whiz-
zing into the outfield sounds to me
like the cackling of a witch.
I just hit a double, and two of my
teammates scored runs. My team, the
Oakland Smashers, cheers because we
are now winning by two. I pitch, play
first base, and am an outfielder.
OGSL offers three seasons: Spring,
Summer, and Fall. Spring is the longest
recreation season, with weekly prac-
tices and weekend games running
from February through May. In the
summer, the league transitions to
competitive travel ball for players
interested in a higher level of play. Fall
(technically the off-season) is focused
on clinics practicing fundamental skills
from September through October.
I love softball because one hit, one
play, or one pitch can change the
whole game.
Iyla Newman swings and makes contact.|
Sheela Subramanian
for them.
In the dugout, we sing fun chants to
support our teammates at bat. It’s so
fun to watch my teammates get hits
and score runs. I like cheering
I recommend OGSL. It was a
great season playing softball and
working with my team.
OGSL is committed to making the
sport welcoming and accessible. The
league offers reduced registration fees,
provides gloves when needed, and
hosts an annual gear swap. Alumni
serve as umpires during the spring
season, as clinic coaches in the fall, and
as coaches for travel ball teams over
the summer.
I am OGSL’s president. I love softball
because through both community and
playing, we learn how to lean on each
other, uplift our teammates, and step
into leadership.
we create a culture where it’s okay to
try something new, to challenge
ourselves, and even to fail. What
matters is that we always have our
team and dedicated coaches behind us
offering support, encouragement, and
the push to try again.
As we practice and build new skills,
Now 34, I joined the league as a
10-year-old player after a couple of
years of baseball, and I haven’t left
since. Over the years, I have been a
player, a coach, a board member, and
am now serving in my third year as
president.
Sports teach us to trust ourselves and
build confidence in the idea that our
commitment and effort will carry us
forward. What we invest in ourselves,
our teams, and our community is
exactly what we get back.
If your child is interested in explor-
ing whether softball is the right fit, you
can join OGSL for the fall season. The
league offers six weeks of skills clinics,
allowing new players to get a feel for
the game and for returning players to
stay sharp.
Registration for Fall Ball will open
on the OGSL website later this summer
and will close at the end of August.
Find out more information and join
the league’s email list at ogsl.org.●

The
June 2026
page 11
Claremont Middle School PTA Raises $1,500 at Plant Sale
by Gigi Gimble and Finn Pestal,
CMS Seventh Grade Students
$1,500. “The PTA supports teach-
ers with classroom stipends, fills in
gaps where OUSD funding has been
reduced, and provides additional
learning opportunities for all students
at CMS,” said Shaudi Bazzaz, a CMS
parent and the event organizer.
On May 3, the Claremont Middle
School PTA hosted a plant sale
featuring heirloom tomatoes,
accompanied by Bakesale Betty’s
Scones and Ain’t Normal Coffee.
The sale raised funds for the school
through the PTA, while fostering a
welcoming environment that builds
unity across the school community.
Over 50 people attended and chose
from 10 varieties of tomatoes.
The plant sale was completely
volunteer-run. Student and parent
volunteers prepared the tomato starts,
weeded the garden, and sold items.
One of the volunteers was Fran-
ces Pestal, a fourth-grade student at
Chabot Elementary. Her role was to
help set up and sell items. She said her
favorite part of the event was “learn-
ing about the many different types of
tomato plants and how nice our com-
munity is.” She added, “My favorite
plant was the chocolate cherry because
it has chocolate and cherries, and I like
chocolate and cherries!”●
The plant sale showcased some of the
great things CMS supports and offers
to current and incoming families. The
CMS garden is not generally open to
the public. For neighbors who regu-
larly walk past, it was a unique oppor-
tunity to experience the gardens. Shan
Hoekman, a nearby resident, said she
came to support our community and
Claremont students Gigi Gimble, left, and Finn Pestal.
check out the garden. “Even though
our kids don’t go to the school, we love
having it in our neighborhood,”
she said.
The CMS plant sale was a tremen-
dous success for the PTA, raising
Peralta Girl Scouts Design Loop-De-Loops at the Library
by Maggie Pickavance
By the end of the hour-long work-
shop, all teams had successfully
completed the challenge with help
from their team leads and earned their
Junior Aide Award.
Roller coaster design came to life
for 24 first-graders at the Oak-
land Library Main Branch, thanks to a
workshop for Girl Scout Troop 31304.
“Getting things wrong and then fig-
uring out ways to fix and improve your
design is how we learn,” 10-year-old
Indiana Habegger said.●
The troop, based at Peralta Elemen-
tary, organized the event to earn its
Junior Aide Award. The Junior Aide
Award requires Junior-level Girl Scouts
to first observe younger kids in an
instructional setting, then develop a
plan to lead an activity, and finally exe-
cute that plan. Girl Scouts offers a pro-
gression of leadership skill building,
beginning with the Junior Aide Award
and culminating in the Gold Award for
Girl Scouts in high school.
The fourth-grade Junior troop mem-
bers and a few adult volunteers led the
younger Girl Scouts through the Daisy
Roller Coaster Design badge.
Peralta Girl Scouts building a roller coaster.
coaster design. But the real learning
came from hands-on experience.
“I had fun making roller coasters
out of pool noodles,” first-grader Tess
Goodman said. “My marble even went
upside down.”
The troop members were tasked with
figuring out how to get a marble to go
up a hill, around a curve, and through
a loop-de-loop on a track made of cut-
in-half foam pipe insulation. They had
plenty of time to build, test, and tweak
their designs.
Before starting, the older Girl Scouts
explained and demonstrated a few
physics principles needed for roller


The
June 2026
page 12
BART Prom, World Cup Watching This Month in Rockridge
The Monk’s Kettle (5484 College Ave)
invites those who love (or are curious
about) sour beers to a June 25 pouring of
both draft and bottle. Chef Raiden will
be creating delicious food pairings to ac-
company them. Meanwhile, Preserved
(5540 College Ave) is offering hands-on
classes for making sourdough bread,
kimchi, bagels, ravioli, miso, and more.
high-energy, rock ‘n‘ roll cover bands
are your thing, head there on June 6 to
catch Las Brujas performing live.
by Jody Colley,
Rockridge District Association
Summer is arriving in full force in
Rockridge, and the neighborhood’s
June calendar contains a mix of music,
community gatherings, workshops, and
tasting events.
Want to learn how to embroider?
Bella Vita (5511 College Ave) is
offering a class on June 6, all supplies
included. Use those new skills to
embellish your favorite jacket. And if
that fails, take it over to Mercy Vintage
(5505 College Ave) for Swag Patching,
conveniently happening that same day.
Do you have dusty, old clothes you want
to spruce up? This is your chance to add
some locally-sourced patches.
One of the most anticipated events
this month is the inaugural “BART
Prom: Enchantment Under the C Line,”
scheduled for June 6 (6-10 p.m.) at the
Rockridge BART station parking lot
(5660 College Ave). The all-ages celebra-
tion, hosted by Bay Area Rapid Tran-
sit, transforms the transit hub into an
1980s-themed dance party with music,
DJs, photo booths, and themed décor.
Between June 15-21, Vita (6034
College Ave) celebrates its 10-year
anniversary with $10 yoga, barre, and
pilates classes followed by a variety of
special bites and refreshments. Holistic
Strength (5858 College Ave) contin-
ues to host free community workouts,
including Power Hour on June 17, a
full-body strength training designed to
improve muscular endurance, sharpen
technique, and build total-body power.
For a unique experience, Future Ink is
hosting a high-intensity, music-
driven, breathwork workshop on June 28
inside a tattoo studio.
On June 13, SLATE Contemporary
Gallery (5510 College Ave) will host
an opening reception for a new solo
exhibition by Jen Garrido called (UN)
TETHERED. Featuring an entirely new
body of work, this exhibition reflects
the artist’s continued exploration of ab-
stract painting through layered compo-
sitions, shifting forms, and an evolving
visual language.
As the World Cup kicks off,
McNally’s (5352 College Ave) will be
showing every game on its screens.
Beginning June 11, it will be the premier
spot for soccer this summer. Team USA
is playing on June 12, 19, and 25. If
East Bay Booksellers (6022
College Ave.) and Local Economy (6028
College Ave) partner again to bring
authors to our community. This month,
Walter Riley will visit on June 7. RSVP
on the Local Economy website. Riley’s
new book, “Civil Rights and Structural
Attacks,” is co-authored with Oakland
organizer Jesse Strauss, who will join
him in conversation along with East Bay
Yesterday host Liam O’Donoghue.
COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
ENROLLING NOW!
You can find more details for each of
the events in this article, as well as over
100 others, at
www.RockridgeDistrict.com/calendar. ●
Scan the QR code for
upcoming informational events
or visit orindaacademy.org

The
June 2026
page 13
illustration by Laura Serra
Lady (9) is a Tibetan Terrier
who has lived in Rockridge
for the past 5 years. She is a
sweet, funny, lazy pup who
loves her neighbors. She hates
bath time, but loves all the
cookies she gets afterwards.
She can be shy, but loves
exploring new parts of the
neighborhood with
her owners.
Pobi (9) is a French Bulldog,
originally from the East Coast,
but has spent seven years living
in and loving Oakland. Pobi
loves collecting treats from
favorite College Avenue shops,
restaurants and bars. Pobi
loves to look out the window,
making sure all is well in the
neighborhood. Pobi loves both
humans and pets. ●
Does your furry friend live in Rockridge? If so,
send a photo of your four-legged companion
and short commentary to:
A COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL
LIKE NO OTHER
Our intimate and open minded
community, promotes strong
voices, deep compassion, and the
skills and confidence to have a
powerful impact on the world.
hnhsoakland.org


The
June 2026
page 14
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Greater Rockridge Neighborhood
Crime Prevention Council
Dear Editor,
Third, older people need a place to go
that keeps them in the neighborhood
and frees up housing for families. On
my block alone, 16 houses have three
or more bedrooms. Only four contain
children. The rest are single people or
couples, all 60 and up. If this develop-
ment existed, many of us would relocate
and free up our homes for families.
Next NCPC Meeting:
Thurs, June 11, 7 p.m.
The proposed development at 6230
Claremont should move forward as
proposed.
First, we need more housing of all
kinds. Affordability requires supply.
This is Economics 101: more supply,
lower cost. Any housing helps, whether
low-income or market rate.
Dr. Holly Joshi, Chief of Oak-
land’s Department of Violence
Prevention, will be the guest.
I sympathize with homeowners on
the adjacent streets. But the interests of a
few do not overrule the broader com-
munity. Concerns about height, traffic,
and noise are frankly driven by personal
interest from those living closest.
Rockridge Library upstairs
conference room and on Zoom:
Second, we should densify exist-
ing areas. Building along commercial
corridors supports local businesses and
reduces environmental impact. Most
buildings on College Avenue are one to
two stories, which is ridiculous. We need
housing above shops so people can live
within walking distance to bookstores,
restaurants, and bakeries.
rockridgencpc.com
I hope the RCPC will not capitulate
to the NIMBY charge to downscale
this project. Downscaling makes it less
affordable for the developer, who could
pull out. Then we are left with no hous-
ing, an eyesore, and years before another
developer touches the space. Rockridge
already missed out on 20-plus units at
the former Levant Rug building because
of anti-development saber rattling sup-
ported by the RCPC.
District 1 Town Hall
With Councilmember
Zac Unger
Join District 1 Councilmember Zac
Unger to discuss preliminary plans
for the Rockridge Trader Joe’s site at a
Town Hall in July.
The meeting will begin with a short
presentation, followed by Q&A.
I encourage supporters to show up to
meetings and speak out. We need this
housing.
Time permitting, other topics of
discussion may include plans for the old
Red Cross site, the City budget, public
safety, and more.
Cameron Jones
The Town Hall is Monday, July 13
from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Saint
Augustine Church, 400 Alcatraz
Ave., Oakland. ●

The
June 2026
page 15
CLASSIFIEDS
CLASSIFIEDS
Rockridge Library
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.
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.
For Children   (Red = June-only events)
Tuesday Evening Special Events: Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
in June and July. Ventriloquist Marc Griffiths: June 2;
Mariela’s Music Time: June 9;  Cascada de Flores Music
& Stories: June 16; Soul 4 Kidz Music: June 30;
Ricky Roo Puppets: July 7; Kamishibai Paper Theater:
July 14; Magician Brian Scott: July 21; Duncan Playful
Circus: July 28.
Farm Animal Petting Zoo: Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m.
Mr. Elephant Music & Puppets: Thursday, July 16,
10:30 a.m.
Summer Reading Program: All ages read to get prizes
this summer!
Storytime: Thursdays and Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.
Chess Club: Wednesdays, 4 p.m.
All ages & skill-levels welcome.
Build.Make.Play Crafts: Thursdays, 4 p.m.
Read to a Dog: Thursdays, 4 p.m.
Practice reading aloud with Gladys the dog.
ELECTRICAL REMODEL & REPAIRS
Upgrading your electrical system? I can
help with that. I’ve been doing electrical
work in Oakland and Berkeley for over 36
years. Sutorik & Company. Lic #397149.
510-655-3677. sutorikandco.com
For more information, email Susan at:
.
Deadline for JULY News:
June 18, 2026 (available July 10)
HARDWOOD FLOORS
Install, sand/refinish, repair, re-coat
existing. 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
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
For Teens, ages 12 – 18
We are looking for teen volunteers:
Orientations will take place on June 2, and June 6.
Please see our website or contact us for more info.
Summer Program: Every Wednesday at 2 p.m.,
June 3: Henna; June 10: Rubber Stamps; June 17:
DIY Candle Making; June 24: Picture Holder;
June 31: Intention Candle
VISIT PENELOPE’S AESTHETICS
Relax and rejuvinate with a custom facial,
tailored for your unique skincare require-
ments. $110 for the month of May, Happy
Mother’s Day! Gift certificates available.
510-594-1552 penelopecalef.com
AESTHETIC PRUNING
Are you an older adult experiencing
significant life changes? Join our group for
a safe, confidential space to connect with
peers. Sarah Moxon, LCSW
510-823-2455 x107;
smoxon@pacificdbt.com
HANDYMAN FOR HIRE
Multifaceted and well experienced. Hauling
and towing available. No job too small.
Reasonably priced. Lee Self.
707-223-1298—call and text.
For Adults
Meet the Author – Lisa Soloman, Art, Craft,
Color: Brighten Your Life with Projects in Every
Color of the Rainbow: Wednesday, June 17, 6:30
p.m. - 7:45 p.m.. Artist Lisa Soloman will share craft
ideas from her latest book. Mrs. Dalloway’s will sell
copies of the book to be signed.
Rockridge Library Summer Marigold Contest:
Try your hand at growing the tallest marigold in
Rockridge this summer.  We provide the seedlings/
supplies at sign-up. Sign Ups will be Saturday, June
6 – June 13.
Gallery Show+ Event: Hilando Resistencia/Thread-
ing Resistance, now until June 25. Artist talk and
celebration, June 20, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ask Your Area Home Experts:
Every 2nd Friday, noon–2 p.m. Get answers, tips and
connections from a Senior Loan Advisor and a Real-
tor, both Rockridge locals. Have questions answered
about home ownership, maintenance, finance, invest-
ing, 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. June’s book is The
River is Waiting by Wally Lamb.
California Writers’ Club 5-Page Critique:
Every 4th Saturday, 1–5 p.m. Bring 6–8 copies of
your work, five pages long, double-spaced, Times
New Roman font for review & critique in half-hour
sessions.
Needlework Circle: Thursdays, 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.–
noon and 1-3 p.m., Tuesdays 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Come with your devices & technology questions &
our volunteer tech guru will help you get sorted.
Signup recommended.
AESTHETIC PRUNING
I specialize in pruning trees & shrubs un-
der 20 feet tall. Combining art & science,
I work with trees to enhance their natural
beauty and form. Over 20 years expe-
rience. Bruce Thompson 510-428-4964
brucethompson13@gmail.com
GOVERS SIDEWALL SHINGLING
Cedar shingle siding contractor serving
Berkeley, Oakland and the Bay Area. In-
stallation, repair and restoration. Over 30
years experience. High-quality craftsman-
ship and professional service.
sidewallshingling.com 510-339-6965
COMPUTER TECH SUPPORT
I’m offering friendly and affordable tech
support for people who might need help
with (or gain a better understanding of)
computers, phones, iPads, smart TVs, etc.
Contact Scott at scott@weitz.net
for more info.●
PENNY’S PET CARE
Need affordable, trustworthy pet care? I
am 10 years old. I love animals and offer
feeding, daily check-ins, and play times.
Available most afternoons and weekends.
References available on request.
510-207-1736
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: Juneteenth: Friday, June 19
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
5366 College Ave., at Manila; 510-597-5017
5366 College Ave., at Manila; 510-597-5017


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

Rockridge News
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