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Brunner Names RCPC Boardmember Mike McDonald a Community Hero R CPC boardmember Mike McDonald received a Community Hero Award from Oakland City Councilmember Jane Brunner for spearheading the design and installation of benches along College Avenue. Mike was one of six community membe...

Mike McDonald, Mike Taylor, Robert Wiles NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS For annual subscriptions to The Rockridge News, send your check for $18, payable to Rockridge News Subscriptions, to: Rockridge News Subscriptions at the address below. CONTACTING THE ROC...

By Theresa Nelson

Our thanks to Mike McDonald, Jennifer Cooper, Ronnie Spitzer and Christie Beeman for their dedication and persistence in making the new restroom a reality. D. Kinkead Ronnie Spitzer, left, Mike McDonald and Theresa Nelson at the construction site of the new Frog Park...

Mike McDonald (resident on Locksley) will describe a new effort to enhance the land at the corner of Locksley and Forest (story on page 6). serious cooks, com- bines the seemingly opposing elements of zinc countertops and a cozy kitchen hearth to create...

By Cy Gulassa

Kent Deverell, Jennifer Edmister, Cy Gulassa, Al Hussian, Hiroko Kurihara, Mike McDonald, Steve Meyer, Mike Taylor, Stephanie Upp, Robert Wiles Among the many deserving to be the recipient of the first RCPC Champion Award is Don Kinkead, who helped establish and has worked over the years to maintain The Rockridge News, a voice...

Cy Gulassa, Albert Hussian, Hiroko Kurihara, Mike McDonald, Steve Meyer, Stephanie Upp Newsletter Subscriptions To subscribe to The Rockridge News, send your check for $20, payable to Rockridge News Subscriptions, to: Rockridge News Subscriptions at the address below. makes the total effective hei...

By Jessica Pitt

Annette Floystrup, Cy Gulassa, Hiroko Kurihara, Mike McDonald, Steve Meyer, Stephanie Upp by Jessica Pitt In June, the RCPC bid farewell to Deborah Weinstein, our past board chair. Deborah joined the RCPC Board in 2002 and served many leadership roles, first as Secretary, then as Vice-Chair, next as ...

Jennifer Edmister, Cy Gulassa Hiroko Kurihara, Susan Montauk, Mike McDonald, Theresa Nelson, Camille Reed NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS

Jennifer Edmister, Cy Gulassa Hiroko Kurihara, Susan Montauk, Mike McDonald, Theresa Nelson, John Potis, Camille Reed

By Claire Wahrhaftig-Isaacs

Jennifer Edmister, Cy Gulassa Hiroko Kurihara, Susan Montauk, Mike McDonald,

Jennifer Edmister, Cy Gulassa Hiroko Kurihara, Susan Montauk, Mike McDonald,

By Gary Lippman

Jennifer Edmister, Cy Gulassa Hiroko Kurihara, Susan Montauk, Mike McDonald,

By Jessica Pitt

Jennifer Edmister, Cy Gulassa Hiroko Kurihara, Susan Montauk, Mike McDonald, Theresa Nelson, John Potis, Camille Reed NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS Annual subscriptions to The Rockridge News can be obtained by sending a check for $18, payable to Rockridge News Subscriptions to: Rockridge News Subscriptions at the addre...

By Jessica Pitt

Jennifer Edmister, Cy Gulassa Hiroko Kurihara, Susan Montauk, Mike McDonald, Theresa Nelson, John Potis, Camille Reed NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS

By Jessica Pitt

Jennifer Edmister, Cy Gulassa Hiroko Kurihara, Susan Montauk, Mike McDonald, Theresa Nelson, John Potis, Camille Reed

By Mike McDonald

to all for making Phase II happen. by Mike McDonald, RCPC Board Member and FROG Steering Committee Member Construction Begins on Phase II I One of the most wonderful things about FROG Park is that it is community-built and maintained. Hundreds of neighborhood volunteers came out for the Pha...

By Mike McDonald

by Mike McDonald Rhelped shape the expansion plans to reduce the impact on the neighborhood. In the end, CHO decided against the warehouse and dropped their lease. ockridge said a sad goodbye recently to Dan Ferdelman and family. Ferdelman, a former RCPC B...

By Theresa Nelson

by Theresa Nelson, FROG Chair Work on the new Frog Park restroom is moving ahead, now that sunnier skies are here. “It is wonderful to finally see this project come to fruition,” said FROG com- mittee member Mike McDonald. Before the 2001 Big Build at the park was even finished, people began talking about the need for a restroom. FROG committed to leave a Porta-Potty on-site as an interim solution, though no one realized it would be a 10-year interim soluti...

...ay of the tour at the sidewalk registration desk, starting at 11 a.m. Local Business: $25 advance tickets are To complete our discussion and address some of our technical questions, we are also pleased to present builders Tom Lawrence and Mike McDonald. Mike McDonald of McDonald Construction and Development is a designer-builder who specializes in lift- ing homes to create a ground floor addition. This technique is often an attractive option for bungalows and other small homes with many ...

rk Corner a Pbers Ronnie Spitzer, Mike McDonald and Jennifer Cooper have agreed to take on this exciting project and figure out how to make the path happen. Imagine being able to walk from BART to 51st and Telegraph using only the Greenbelt. If you have an interest in working on this pr...

FROG Park from page 1 and the volunteers and city officials who made this dream a reality, we offer special thanks to the following Phase II supporters: FROG COMMITTEE: Theresa Nelson, Jenni- fer Cooper, Howard Ferrier, Ronnie Spitzer, Mike McDonald, Lisa Ferrier, Christie Beeman, Barney Smits, Joan Marie Wood, Karen Cheever, Steve Costa, Lisa Kaplan, Carol McClellan, Carroll Moore, Jimmy Pederson, Ian Reed, Eileen Fitz-Faulkner, Al Hussian. KIOSK VOLUNTEERS: Mike McDonald, Mau- ricio...

here. Now my husband Ben and I and our baby son Ethan live near Colby Park. Soon we’ll be visiting the library and thinking about elementary schools. Mike McDonald Locksley Avenue Ehab Bandar Forest Street RCPC is a huge part of what fills the gap between what our children, and all the residents of Rockridge, could and should have. As an attorney, I recognize the importance of both advocacy and diplo...

...eered and recycled lumber and steel framing, and a 4,000-gallon cistern to capture rain- and groundwater. An electrical control system continually adjusts lighting, ventilation, and heating. Margarido House is the creation of builder-owner Mike McDonald of McDonald Construction & Development, his architect- brother Tim McDonald of Philadelphia-based Plumbob LLC, and a team of local artisans. Local vendors Mike Rogero of Con- creteworks, Chris French of Chris French Metal, Ian Read of Medi...

concern that a permanent restroom may cause transient/homeless issues), city support (the city is going to have to agree to maintain it) and financial support (a permanent restroom is going to cost some bucks). Steering committee member Mike McDonald has agreed to head up the com- mittee to begin the discussion process. If you have an interest in working on this project or thoughts or ideas, contact Mike by e-mail at mike@m-c-d.net Greenbelt Extension to BART Getting the creek to flow ...

... Tripp Gregory True Claire Isaacs Wahrhaftig Eric Neville Deborah Larson Weinstein David Hatfield Michael Whitfield Jacqueline Tasch Hiroko Kurihara Jessica Pitt John Potis Greg Yoch Jennifer Edmister Mike Taylor Dulcy Anderson Ehab Bandar Mike McDonald Camille Reed Adrienne d’Angelo Kent Deverell Robert Wiles Stephanie Upp Steven Meyer Al Hussian Gloria Bruce Janelle Cavanagh Ellen Peterson Peter St. John Jeff Small RCPC Board of Directors 2015-16 Jennifer Daskal, left, Ronnie Spitzer, S...

...rue, Claire Isaacs Wahrhaftig, Eric Neville, Deborah Larson Weinstein, David Hatfield, Michael Whitfield, Jacque- lyn Tasch, Hiroko Kurihara, Jessica Pitt, John Potis, Greg Yoch, Jennifer Edmister, Mike Taylor, Dulcy Anderson, Ehab Bandar, Mike McDonald, Camille Reed, Adrienne d’Angelo, Kent Deverell, Robert Wiles, Stephanie Upp, Steve Meyer, Al Hussian, Gloria Bruce, Janelle Cavanagh, Ellen Peterson, Peter St. John, Jeff Small, Danica Truchlikova, Margaret Wahlberg. he 2007 RCPC board el...

...bsten- tions or dissenting votes. The new board elected Ronnie Spitzer chairwoman and board member Annette Floystrup vice chairwoman. Gloria Bruce was appointed secretary. The board also filled two seats recently vacated by Mike Taylor and Mike McDonald. The new appointees are Rich- ard W. Smith and Jennifer Edmister, both past members of the RCPC board. Smith, who holds a doctorate in architecture, is an architect and urban planner who has lived in Rockridge, in the same house, since 197...

restroom project. If you can’t make the meeting and have questions or input, e-mail Mike McDonald at mike@m-c-d.net. April 21 is Earth Day Small Office Specialists Small Office Specialists Join your friends and neighbors and help clean and maintain the park this coming Earth Day weekend. Meet Saturday, April 21, at 8 a.m. (or anytime y...

...ve on sidestreets, away from the most at-risk commercial corridors, shouldn’t feel safe and smug – not if they value views, sunlight, non-gridlocked streets, and street parking near their homes. Cy Gulassa, Albert Hussian, Hiroko Kurihara, Mike McDonald, Steve Meyer, Stephanie Upp Planners and city officials have justified case-by-case rezoning by making “best fit” calls, using as justification vague General Plan language for increased density over existing zoning limits on commercial cor...

...r, Annette Floystrup, API gains came after API % CHANGE 1999 2006 School increased Emerson Elementary 480 652 + 172 + 36 teacher salaries, updated curricula, Piedmont Ave Elem 558 735 + 177 + 32 Cy Gulassa, Albert Hussian, Hiroko Kurihara, Mike McDonald, Steve Meyer, Stephanie Upp Peralta Elementary 638 799 + 161 + 25 Newsletter Subscriptions guided instruction and greater local budget Kaiser Elementary 714 855 + 141 + 20

.................Treasurer For more information, contact Karen Cheever at 910-0826 or chuckcheev@ sbcglobal.net. Gloria Bruce, Janelle Cavanagh, Kent Deverell, Jennifer Edmister, Annette Floystrup, Cy Gulassa, Albert Hussian, Hiroko Kurihara, Mike McDonald, College Preparatory Students Excell in Scholarship Competition D Steve Meyer, Stephanie Upp Newsletter Subscriptions To subscribe to The Rockridge News, send your check for $20, payable to Rockridge News Subscriptions, to: Rockridge News ...

The Board— Front row, from left: Steve Meyer, Gloria Bruce, Susan Montauk, Albert Hussian, Hiroko Kurihara, Kent Deverell, Janelle Cavanagh. Back row: Jessica Pitt, Jen- nifer Edmister, Stephanie Upp, Annette Floystrup, Mike McDonald, Mike Taylor.

...as been packed with families enjoying the tables and benches at Lily Pad Plaza, the swings and all the other wonderful additions and improvements. Thanks again to all who made Phase II happen. 2007 Kick-Off Meeting with kiosk construction: Mike McDonald Michael Lyons Fernado Sorto Mauricio Argueta of the McDonald Construction Team If you were one of the many generous neighbors who donated $250 or more to the Phase I or Phase II campaigns, you will be receiving a letter and a form acknowle...

...le Cavanagh and Gloria Bruce .......................Co-Secretaries Susan Montauk ...................Treasurer Gloria Bruce, Janelle Cavanagh, Kent Deverell, Jennifer Edmister, Annette Floystrup, Cy Gulassa, Albert Hussian, Hiroko Kurihara, Mike McDonald, Steve Meyer, Stephanie Upp NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe to The Rockridge News, send your check for $20, payable to Rockridge News

...ained park in Oakland FRO FROG Fix-up Day a Success Geddes and the hard-working students from College Preparatory School (CPS). Jen- nifer Cooper supervised the planting and volunteer clean-up teams, who significantly improved the pathway. Mike McDonald, Fernando Sorto, Michael Lyons, Mauricio Argueta (all from the McDonald Construc- tion Team) and Barney Smits built the new kiosks, which will soon have a park map and donor signs. Additional thanks to neighbors Jeff by Theresa Nelson, FRO...

...tember 9 Come out and help build the new kiosk. We’ll be building it along with a few other construction projects all day Saturday, September 9. We especially welcome volun- teers with construction experience. Contact kiosk project manager Mike McDonald for more details at: mike@m-c-d.net or 510/772-7906. What’s next? As if there could be more! Stay tuned for reports on the creek flow improvement

... 11:30 to 3pm at Hardy Park. See article, page 7. ó Rockridge Branch Library 10th Anniversary Celebration 5366 College Avenue, 597-5017 Frog Park Volunteers Wanted Kiosk Community Build Day. All day Saturday, September 9. For more details: Mike McDonald at 772-7906 or mike@m-c-d.net Fall Maintenance and Planting Day. Saturday, Septem- ber 16. Bring wheelbarrow and gloves; water, coffee and snacks provided. For more information: Howard Ferrier at 653-6463 or hwferrier@sbcglobal.net ó ó

.......................Chair Mike Taylor ......................... Vice-Chair Adrienne DeAngelo..........Secretary Susan Montauk...................Treasurer   Kent Deverell, Jennifer Edmister, Annette Floystrup, Cy Gulassa, Hiroko Kurihara, Mike McDonald, Steve Meyer, Stephanie Upp Creating an improved public space

...-6463. Public Art project moves ahead: FROG is preparing plans for the kiosk and improvements and site furnishings for Hardy Plaza. They will be built by community volunteers following Phase II construction. For more information, con- tact Mike McDonald (mike@m-c-d.net) or Jennifer Cooper. Stay tuned for an update in next month’s Frog Park Corner regarding the exciting Public Art Projects planned for the park. For more information, contact Jennifer Cooper,

... Deborah Weinstein...........Chair Jessica Pitt............................Vice-Chair Adrienne DeAngelo..........Secretary Susan Montauk...................Treasurer Kent Deverell, Jennifer Edmister, Cy Gulassa, Al Hussian, Hiroko Kurihara, Mike McDonald, Steve Meyer, Mike Taylor, Stephanie Upp, Robert Wiles Newsletter Subscriptions For annual subscriptions to The Rockridge News, send your check for $20, payable to Rockridge News Subscriptions, to: Rockridge News Subscriptions at the addre...

Deborah Weinstein...........Chair Jessica Pitt............................Vice-Chair Adrienne DeAngelo..........Secretary Susan Montauk...................Treasurer Kent Deverell, Jennifer Edmister, Cy Gulassa, Al Hussian, Hiroko Kurihara, Mike McDonald, Steve Meyer, Mike Taylor, Stephanie Upp, Robert Wiles

By Cy Gulassa

Deborah Weinstein...........Chair Jessica Pitt............................Vice-Chair Adrienne DeAngelo..........Secretary Susan Montauk...................Treasurer Kent Deverell, Jennifer Edmister, Cy Gulassa, Al Hussian, Hiroko Kurihara, Mike McDonald, Steve Meyer, Mike Taylor, Stephanie Upp, Robert Wiles

...ember agreed to be the contact person for a number of homes on the block; every home is cov- ered. Presently, we are going door-to-door, with several goals in mind: Kent Deverell, Jennifer Edmister, Cy Gulassa, Al Hussian, Hiroko Kurihara, Mike McDonald, Steve Meyer, Mike Taylor, Stephanie Upp, Robert Wiles NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS  informing neighbors of our efforts Our theory is that by encouraging each other to prepare and by instilling a spirit

By Deborah Weinstein

............Chair Jessica Pitt ...........................Vice-Chair Adrienne DeAngelo..........Secretary Ehab Bandar........................Treasurer Kent Deverell, Jennifer Edmister, Dan Ferdelman Cy Gulassa, Hiroko Kurihara, Susan Montauk, Mike McDonald, Mike Taylor, Robert Wiles NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS For annual subscriptions to The Rockridge News, send your check for $18, payable to Rockridge News Subscriptions, to: Rockridge News Subscriptions at the address below. CONTACTING THE ROC...

............Chair Jessica Pitt ...........................Vice-Chair Adrienne DeAngelo..........Secretary Ehab Bandar........................Treasurer Kent Deverell, Jennifer Edmister, Dan Ferdelman Cy Gulassa, Hiroko Kurihara, Susan Montauk, Mike McDonald, Mike Taylor, Robert Wiles

By Theresa Nelson

...ome energy and enthusiasm. Please note that the play structure areas at Redondo and Hardy will be closed on both Saturday the 17th and Sunday the 18th to accommodate the work. Frog Park Needs You Cy Gulassa, Hiroko Kurihara, Susan Montauk, Mike McDonald, Mike Taylor, Robert Wiles NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS For annual subscriptions to The Rockridge News, send your check for $18, payable to Rockridge News Subscriptions, to: Rockridge News Subscriptions at the address below. CONTACTING THE ROC...

Kent Deverell, Jennifer Edmister, Dan Ferdelman Cy Gulassa, Hiroko Kurihara, Susan Montauk, Mike McDonald, Mike Taylor, Robert Wiles

Jessica Pitt ...........................Vice-Chair Mike Taylor..........................Secretary Ehab Bandar........................Treasurer Jennifer Edmister, Cy Gulassa Hiroko Kurihara, Susan Montauk, Mike McDonald, While the Kitchen Tour supports a good cause, it’s also just plain fun. Featuring home spaces large and small, classic and contemporary, the Kitchen Tour has inspired countless guests to renovate, remodel and redecorate their kitchens. Wh...

... 2004-05 RCPC Board of Directors gather for a group photo at a summer meeting. Front row, from left: Jessica Pitt, Theresa Nelson, Camille Reed, Susan Montauk, John Potis, Jennifer Barragan Edmister. Back row, from left: Deborah Weinstein, Mike McDonald, Hiroko Kurihara, Mike Taylor, Dan Ferdelman, Ehab Bandar. PHOTO: DAN FERDELMAN Curves Restaurant from page 2 from page 7 amounting to approximately $10,000 in lost revenue. Avenue, particularly around this location. RCPC, however, is not ...

...mmunity Planning Council and to The Friends of the Rockridge Library (FORL). Congratulations to: RCPC: Jane Brunner 1,500 cards and e-mails in opposition. Elected to two-year terms to the RCPC Board of Directors: Ehab Bandar, Camille Reed, Mike McDonald, Mike Taylor, and Deborah Weinstein. In addition, the proposal to expand the RCPC Board of Directors from 11 to 14 members was approved. FORL: Brunner, who began her political career as a save- the-trees activist, met with a group of 25 vo...

...ts from the neighborhood, including Theresa Nelson, instrumental in founding Frog Park; Sarah Wilson and Peter Wilson, of Market Hall; Jan Christensen Heller of Christensen Heller Gallery; Glen Jarvis, local architect and RCPC boardmember; Mike McDonald, contractor and RCPC member; and Fred Womack and Patty Brunn, owners of Maison d’Etre, among many, many others. Our efforts led to a mission statement, the creation of beautiful renderings and even a mocked-up plaza during an early “Out an...

...ny attended by other FROG members and Zac Wald (right foreground, back to camera), chief of staff to District 1 Councilmember Jane Brunner. FROG is grateful to the community volunteers who worked for seven years to get this bathroom built: Mike McDonald, Ronnie Spitzer, Jimmy Pedersen, Jennifer Cooper, Theresa Nelson, Barney Smits and Carol Behr. We also deeply appreciate the assistance of Councilmember Jane Brunner and staff members Zac Wald, Justin Horner, Kate Whitlow and Nila Kim, as ...

...end us their names and we will honor them in the January issue. raising funds and promoting the park. Other key community members whose names are practically synonymous with FROG Park are Jennifer Cooper, Ronnie Spitzer, Howard Ferrier and Mike McDonald. Thank you all! The Rockridge Muse Thank You to Our Neighbors I don’t know all of your names, but you know who you are and we thank you every day. You look out for the well- being of the elderly in our community. You pick up our newspapers...

...ted $500 toward the cost of the tot slide. We are grateful for both merchants’ continued support. Restroom Update Park users have worked more than four years to get a functional restroom at the Hardy end of Frog Park. FROG committee member Mike McDonald and others gath- ered hundreds of signatures in support of a restroom, and worked with Councilmember Jane Brunner and her staff to secure fund- ing. A recent survey of almost 100 park users showed that a regular restroom was the number one...

...and employees’ cars. As I asked around, I heard more and more horror sto- ries regarding the parking ticket situation on College Avenue. Is this really how we want to treat paying customers and neighbors? Can anything be done about this? — Mike McDonald 51 Bus Line Stops are Dangerous Editor: In the June 5 issue of The Rockridge News, you discussed the new bus stop at the intersection of Miles and College, and the traffic back-up that it has caused. I agree with you and I want to add a fu...

...happen. In addition to those already men- tioned, long-time RCPC board member Annette Floystrup coordinated the event. Several other board members and former board members also helped out. Jennifer Edmister and her husband Todd, along with Mike McDonald and Jennifer Kaplan (of Rockridge Home) helped provide six hay bales that created a harvest atmosphere and places to sit. Katy Taylor and Andrew Charman helped out with setup and cleanup for the event, and Doug Patton, dressed in western g...

Homeowners: John Beintum & Patrick O’Connell, Clarice & John Cummins, Kelly Cushner & Jeff McCarthy, Christopher Doane & Neal Shorstein, Hilary Fox & Matt Jacobs, Maxi Lilley & Eric Faurot, Jill Martensen & Mike McDonald, Brenda Twehues & Matt Boudreau, Sally West & Peter Compton

...ation blown into the walls, under floor and attic insulation, grey water and rain water reclamation systems, a solar water heating system, solar photovolta- Arm wrestling green builders spoke at the Sept Town Hall meeting. On left, builder Mike McDonald (Margarido House), right is Green Building Council founder David Gottfried, center is NPR reporter and moderator Lonny Shavelson.

By Jennifer Edmister

Green Built — LEED Certified: Two Homes in Rockridge Existing/Adapted: David Gottfried New Construction: Mike McDonald

By Jennifer Cooper

 Isadora, left, and Julia Clements.  Jennifer Cooper and Mike McDonald.

...ental impact study by Caltrans violated the California Environmental Qual­ ity Act, National Environmental Quality Act and federal transpor­ tation law by failing to consider wider impacts of the project. Both the RCPC and FROG Park are by Mike McDonald, FROG Steering Committee C Kim, originally from Seattle, worked for the Wash­ ington State Department of Transportation as a commu­ nications consultant. Prior to that she was campaign manager for Seattle City Councilmember Richard Conlin.

...s or to become a FROG Park “steward,” contact Volunteer Coordinator Howard Ferrier at hwferrier @sbcglobal.net. Tests of E. Coli and Coliform in Temescal Creek Meet Standards and maintained park in Oakland Park Faces Changes, Challenges by Mike McDonald, FROG steering committee member Global Video Site F Hardy Park Permanent Restroom: Neighborhood Meeting Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m. at Hardy Park. FROG will host a second neighborhood meeting for those interested in the Hardy Park permanent ...

...RCPC area. To avoid conflict of interest and legal liability, RCPC never endorsed projects, it only “opposed or not opposed” them based on C-31 zoning and community preservation and enhancement. Cy Gulassa, Albert Hussian, Hiroko Kurihara, Mike McDonald, Steve Meyer, Stephanie Upp Newsletter Subscriptions The statement conflicts with the stated mission of RCPC to protect C-31 and pre- serve and enhance the community. Most importantly, it indicates that the Committee itself (not RCPC or it...

when the single-family neighborhoods are filled (as Rockridge is), young families are forced to move farther out. 2. We are contributing to the continued escalation of housing prices by decreasing housing supply. by Mike McDonald, RCPC board member; FROG steering committee member 3. When housing prices escalate to such a degree, it is not possible to suggest that police officers, firefighters, and other public servants live within the city limits of the municipalit...

...ecognition printed as we have it. If you have questions or want to make your response via email, you may do so to: frogdonor@yahoo.com G A monthly update on what’s happening at the FRO best community-built and maintained park in Oakland by Mike McDonald, RCPC Board and Frog Steering Committee Member A Park Dog Park owner’s group for improvements. If you can’t make the meeting, but want to contribute ideas or have questions about how to get involved, email nelsontm@ pacbell.net Donor Recog...

Edmister, Annette Floystrup, Cy Gulassa, Hiroko Kurihara, Mike McDonald, Steve Meyer, Stephanie Upp RECENTLY? Measure Q, which passed by an over- whelming majority of 77.2% in 2004, paid for staff to open branches six days a week and evening hours, as well as after-school programs and a healthy budget for acqu...

...Hardy Park. Christine Beeman is heading up both projects. Contact her at christiebee@ sbcglobal.net rk Corner a P G A monthly update on what’s happening at the best community-built and maintained park in Oakland FRO Join FROG Fest 2006! by Mike McDonald, RCPC Boardmember and Frog Steering Committeemember Rockridge Celebrates the Completion of Phase II Renovations and the October 1 Grand Opening of Hardy Plaza After more than five years of community planning, countless hours of elbow greas...

...land. Chris and Mark, along with Josh Feldman, generously donated their time to help design the unique steel and concrete tables and benches that will be fabricated into custom lily pad shapes of varying sizes Donation Deadline Extended by Mike McDonald, RCPC Board and Frog Steering Committee Member Hardy’s Lily Pad Plaza and Kiosk Plans Approved F FROG Park Progress, page 13 ¬ inal plans for Hardy Park’s Lily Pad Plaza and the Information and Donor Recognition Kiosk have been approved. B...

By Andrew Swanson

Kent Deverell, Jennifer Edmister, Annette Floystrup, Cy Gulassa, Hiroko Kurihara, Mike McDonald, Steve Meyer, Stephanie Upps Newsletter Subscriptions For annual subscriptions to The Rockridge News, send your check for $20, payable to Rockridge News Subscriptions, to: Rockridge News Subscriptions at the address below. Contacting The R...

By Steve Meyer

...nity wanted to use these funds. The College Avenue Bench and Tree project was the result of months of planning sessions with the Rockridge Community Planning Council (RCPC), the Rockridge District Association (RDA) and Brunner’s office. by Mike McDonald, RCPC Board Member You may have noticed a few additional places to sit on College Avenue lately, as the first phase of the College Avenue Bench and Tree project, sponsored and paid for by Councilmember Jane Brunner’s office, has been compl...

...akland Planning Department. Individuals may contact the case planner or the Planning Department for additional information by phone or on-line at www.oaklandnet.com. Following are the candidates’ state- ments. Annette Floystrup Birch Court Mike McDonald Locksley Avenue 5295 Broadway Terrace Proposal: 8,497 square foot expansion, includ- ing a new exercise area, women’s locker room and loung; and redesign of the swimming pool

rk Corner a P G A monthly update on what’s happening at the FRO best community-built and maintained park in Oakland by Mike McDonald, RCPC Board Member and FROG Steering Committee member‘ Phase II Construction Schedule: In case you haven’t yet noticed, con- struction work is happening. Work on the greenbelt between Clifton and Cavour began early in March and will contin...

...any other BART parking policy will be fined $25. City Tree Supervisor Dan Gallagher has approved the new tree locations and recom- mends planting flowering apricot pear trees. Former RCPC Boardmember Dan Fer- delman and current Boardmember Mike McDonald spearheaded the bench project in 2005 when they began working with Oakland’s Rockridge: 5400 College Avenue Elmwood: 2930 College Avenue Weekend Brunch in Elmwood G R E A L T O R S The GRUBB Co. A Hair, Nail and Beauty Supply 510.339.0400

...eet,” December 24. The Elmwood offers the kids a popcorn and drink special for only $3. While the kids are enjoy- ing the films, parents can shop the stores and restaurants of the Elmwood neighborhood. RCPC Board members Adrienne DeAngelo, Mike McDonald, Hiroko Kurihara and Deborah

By Jennifer Edmister

...cycled paper. hanks to all who joined us for the September 15 Town Hall Meeting, a home and kitchen renovation forum with standing room only. On hand were Kathryn Rogers of Sogno Design Group, and local general contractors Tom Lawrence and Mike McDonald. Kathy delighted the audience with a “before and after” slide presentation, featuring some of her most interesting local kitchen renovations. Kathy drew nods and hoots of acknowledgement for her observa- tion that too many of our Rockridge...

By Jennifer Edmister

...rsday, September 15, 7:30 pm., Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Avenue at Manila, Community Room  Kitchen Renovation Forum: A renovation slide show and talk with Kathryn Rogers, Sogno Design Group, builder Tom Lawrence and developer Mike McDonald. Details in story above.  KITCHEN TOUR, PAGE 10 Over 300 Rockridge neighbors held a candlelight vigil at the Rockridge BART station on the evening of August 17. It was one of many such demonstrations that occurred simultaneously all over ...

Adrienne DeAngelo, Kent Deverell, Jennifer Edmister, Cy Gulassa, Hiroko Kurihara, Susan Montauk, Mike McDonald NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS For annual subscriptions to The Rockridge News, send your check for $18, payable to Rockridge News Subscriptions, to: Rockridge News Subscriptions at the address below.

...or capc@inreach.com. College Avenue Adult Center Saturday, July 24, 2pm to 8pm. Locksley Ave. and Hudson St. All welcome to join your neighbors. Food, drink, the infamous Red Hound Pet Parade, karaoke contest and more. For details, contact Mike McDonald at mcdoak@yahoo.com or 510/772-7906. sign-up 5pm. College Ave. Presbyterian Church, 5955 College Ave. Every Wednesday, from 9:30am to 1:30pm. Light Library Hours: See box, top of page 2.

Saturday, July 24, 2pm to 8pm. Locksley Ave. and Hudson St. All welcome to join your neighbors. ( Food, drink, the infamous Red Hound Pet Parade, karaoke contest and more. For details, contact Mike McDonald at mcdoak@yahoo.com or i 510/772-7906. a

...l Greenbelt (FROG) and their successful efforts in transform- ing and creating the Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt. “We are excited with what this project can bring in the way of community to our neighborhood,” said Locksley Avenue resi- dent Mike McDonald. “Not only will we be creating a beautiful place for neighbors to enjoy, but in the process, we will be getting to know our neighbors, too.” Initial response from local officials and residents has been more than positive. FLGP has initiate...