THE www.rockridge.org

RVOL 37 • NO. 2 • ISSUEckridge NO. 383 • FEBRUARY 6, 2021 CIRCULATION: News 5,800 Residences; 200 Businesses Sponsored by the Rockridge Community Planning Council (RCPC) • 4900 Shattuck Ave., PO Box 22504, Oakland 94609 Oakland Unified Honors RCPC Election Chabot Teacher Slated for April 15 by Judith Doner Berne by Leonora Sea, Chair, Rockridge habot Elementary School’s Community Planning Council C Phoebe Diamond, just named an Oakland Unified School District ednesday, February 24, Teacher of the Year, never wanted to W 2021, is the deadline to be a teacher. declare your candidacy for the 2021 election of the Rockridge Community Planning Council’s Board of Directors. The election will be held on the traditional date of the third Thursday in “No family member was a teacher,” April — this year, April 15 she said during a lively telephone Chabot Elementary’s Phoebe Diamond — with alternate polling on interview. As a young teenager, “I (above) and Freemont High School science Saturday, April 17. Also, as usual, teacher Ji-Yun “Jane” Kim are OUSD’s wanted to be a clown in the circus.” Teachers of the Year. Both are automatically six Board seats will be up for But after attending a summer camp nominated for Alameda County Teacher of election. the Year, and will be eligible for California where circus skills were taught, Teacher of the Year. RCPC Election, see next page Chabot Teacher, see page 14

Bosko’s — A Snapshot of an Enduring College Avenue Business by Skip Fogarty

uch has changed on College ing artists were often MAvenue in the past few years. featured there and some of Many venerable businesses have Bosko’s own work is still closed or relocated. Rising rents are on display today. The cur- often a factor. In other cases, long- rent proprietors are two time proprietors have retired or have of Peter’s children, Lynne Typical of Bosko’s collection is this image of been undone by COVID disruption. Bosko and John Bosko. College Avenue looking north from Lawton Yet, there remain some of the char- “Our parents met at Avenue, taken by Eston Cheney in 1924. acteristic shops, pubs and eateries that the California College of Notice the trolley tracks which ran from lend Rockridge its special ambiance. Arts & Crafts in the late Broadway to the UC Berkeley campus. One of the longest-standing shops on 1930s,” Bosko recounts. College is Bosko’s Gallery, in business “My father’s visual for nearly eight decades in the same style is hard to describe. Some are with reviews from the 1950s and location. Naturally, there’s an intrigu- landscapes, I guess you’d say, but a 1960s about several notable shows in ing history to this place. little far-out.” In his desk drawer, he his dad’s gallery. In 1945, after Army service during keeps newspaper clippings (from the John Bosko attended Montera World War II, a young local artist Claremont Press, which served the Junior High and Skyline High. As a named Peter Bosko purchased the Rockridge and Claremont neighbor- young man, he developed a passion gallery space. Prominent and emerg- hoods in the mid-century period) Bosko’s, see page 13 THE page 2 FEBRUARY 2021 150 words to be published in the RCPC Election, from front page April issue of The Rockridge News. Any person 18 years or older, As in 2020, a Candidates Forum will whose principal residence is within be held via Zoom, at least one week The Rockridge News was founded March 1986 the RCPC boundaries, is eligible to before the election. by Don Kinkead, and is published monthly (except August). It is sponsored by the Rockridge stand for election. Candidates will For more information about RCPC Community Planning Council (RCPC), a nonprofit be asked to provide documentation Board service, email election@ public benefit organization founded to: preserve of eligibility (usually, a driver’s rockridge.org. To declare your and enhance the unique character of the Rockridge neighborhood; promote the health, safety and license with a Rockridge address will candidacy, send a statement of intent quality of life of its residents; furnish a forum for suffice). Eligible candidates will then to run to [email protected] by community involvement; and provide leadership be invited to submit a photograph 11:59pm on February 24, 2021. Late and representation of neighborhood interests. and a written statement of around submissions will not be accepted. n Rockridge News Production Anna L. Marks ...... Editor & Layout Artist Jo Ellis...... Assistant Editor Alameda County COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance Judith Doner Berne...... Eyes on Rockridge Susan Montauk...... Business Manager he current COVID-19 vaccine locations opening in the final phase. T supply is limited, and Alameda Any resident can fill out and submit RCPC Board of Directors, 2020-21 County is following the State’s vaccine the Alameda County Resident Vaccine Leonora Sea...... Chair prioritization guidance. Per State and Notification Form online to receive Robin McDonnell...... Vice-Chair Federal policy, the COVID-19 vaccine notifications about vaccine availabil- Casey Farmer...... Co-Secretary will be administered to specific pop- ity. Visit https://covid-19.acgov.org/ Michelle Boyd...... Co-Secretary ulations in phases, with community vaccines#localplanning. n Ronnie Spitzer...... Treasurer David Garcia, Stuart Flashman, Annette Floystrup, Matt Levy, Eric Lombardo, Andrew Masalin, Kirk Peterson Contact the board: [email protected] For information: [email protected]

Contacting The Rockridge News Are there community issues you’d like to see covered in The Rockridge News? Have questions about newsletter distribution? Want to volunteer to be a Rockridge News block captain? Want to write a letter to the Editor? Articles submitted for consideration should be emailed to the editor. All submissions are limited to 600 words max (300 words for letters), and must include the author’s name, email address, and city or neighborhood of residence. All submissions are subject to editing for clarity and brevity. To submit content, or for reprints of an article, contact: [email protected].

Newsletter Subscriptions To subscribe to The Rockridge News, send your check for $20, payable to RCPC with “Rockridge law office of News” noted on the memo line. Mail payment to: dave karlinsky RCPC, 4900 Shattuck Avenue, 725 washington st., suite 313 oakland, ca 94607 PO Box 22504, Oakland, 94609 (510) 788-5700 www.davekarlinskylaw.com Display Advertising Practicing exclusively in the area of trusts and estates: Deadline for March 2021 issue: February 18 Advertising rates are $28/column inch. Six-month • Estate planning pre-pay rate available. For display ads, call Jo Ellis at 510-653-3210 (after noon), or email joellis1@ • Probate / trust administration hotmail.com. Email Susan Montauk at smontauk@ gmail.com for information regarding classified ads. • Dispute resolution The Rockridge News reserves the right to refuse any • Special needs trusts articles, display ads, or classified ads. Please contact me during regular business hours to Views expressed in articles accepted for publication do not necessarily reflect those of The Rockridge News, schedule an appointment. its editor, or the board of directors of the Rockridge Community Planning Council. THE FEBRUARY 2021 page 3 Rockridge Community Planning Council — Land Use Committee Letter to the Editor The February Land Use Committee meeting will be held on Monday, February 22, at 7:30pm, via Zoom. Please check the RCPC Facebook page the week before for details. The meeting is open to the public. Send an email to [email protected] or call Dear Editor,

RCPC (510) 652-5373 to receive a link/phone number to attend. My opinion piece, titled “Stop SB50,” expressed my opposition to the proposed upzoning to RCPC Land Use Committee Update — allow high-density, market-rate housing in Rockridge. It was February 2021 published in the May 2019 issue by Stuart Flashman, RCPC Land Use Committee Chair of The Rockridge News and drew a strong response in subsequent The Land Use Committee held its the current pandemic recedes into his- issues of the News. This issue January meeting on Jan 25, via Zoom, tory. The Committee will be consulting was key in the last RCPC Board with a quorum of members present. with merchants along College and in election. Rockridge Housing Study other CN-1 zoned areas in Oakland, as A considerable amount of The Committee continued its well as looking at what other cities are information has come to light discussion of the Rockridge Housing doing to maintain neighborhood retail on this topic, far too much Study Report, focusing on possible areas. We will be asking what kinds for another article, so, I have incentives that might make larger of retail might compete with the big- created a website, www.Pre- residential projects “pencil out.” One box and online alternatives, and what serveRockridge.com, in an effort strategy would be to allow a large might replace retail if that turns out to to present my findings to the (e.g., 60 percent) density bonus for no longer make sense. This study will public. projects providing a large percentage probably take a while to complete, and Your comments are invited, of permanent, moderate-income rental input from the Rockridge community please email them to Info@ “workforce housing” at designated is welcome. PreserveRockridge.com (you opportunity sites. The current State Call for Committee Member Applicants can find this link on the website, density bonus law gives short shrift to While land use committee meetings too). this category, and Oakland’s abysmal are open to the public, only members performance in this category shows it. appointed by the board of directors Jon Gabel Another option would be to allow a can vote on recommendations to the 45-year Rockridge resident, developer to “mix and match” different board. Committee members must also former RCPC Board Member categories of affordable housing to be Rockridge residents. We may have reach the State’s maximum 50 percent one or more openings to add members density bonus. What’s needed now is in the upcoming months. If you’d be Note from RCPC financial modeling for these incentives. interested in serving on the land use The committee discussed where such committee, please submit an applica- The Rockridge News and the modeling might be available. The hope tion, including your name, full street Rockridge Community Planning remains to finish off the study and address, contact information, and any Coucil (RCPC) are not respon- present the results to the community at background or qualifications that you sible for the content of external a Town Hall later this year. feel the board should know about. websites. No endorsement is Applications can be sent via email to implied by links or references to The Future of College Ave. Retail such sites in The Rockridge News. Between Walmart and Costco, [email protected], or may be n Amazon and eBay, it seems harder mailed to the RCPC post office box. and harder for small College Avenue retail stores to keep their heads above water, and the pandemic has only made matters worse. More and more storefronts seem to be filled by either restaurants or personal service tenants. Some committee members have won- dered whether the retail-favoring CN-1 zoning still makes sense. The Commit- tee has therefore embarked on a study of what can be expected to happen to College Avenue retail when (hopefully) THE page 4 FEBRUARY 2021 RCPC Board News & Announcements Town Hall On ADUs Scheduled for March by David Garcia, RCPC Board Member

nterested in how you can do your become a major tool for creating new Ipart to take on the housing crisis? homes and expanding multigenera- Have you thought about putting a tional housing options. JUST SOLD! 10951 Cliffland Ave.,Oakland home right in your backyard? Mark Join us for a discussion with Spacious Oakland hills 3BR/2BA mid-century home near Knowland, Redwood & Chabot Regional Parks. your calendars for March 18, 7pm, Rockridge homeowners who have Represented the buyer with multiple offers for a virtual Town Hall on Acces- successfully designed, permitted, and Originally offered at $849,000 sory Dwelling Units (also known built their own backyard cottages, and . as ADUs, in-law units, and granny learn how you can do the same. Anne D. Brandon, Realtor flats). 510.682.6644 | 510.339.9290 Register by emailing info@rockridge. [email protected] Thanks to recent changes in State org, and stay tuned for more DRE# 01877719 law, these types of residences have announcements. n

Repaving College Avenue Begins by Matt Levy, RCPC Transportation Chair

ew year, new president, new pletely (they’ll be sweeping every day N roads? Oakland’s Department to minimize rocks/dust build-up). of Transportation is gearing up to They’ll be adding bike lanes on both begin the work of repaving College sides of the street as well. Avenue, adding a bike lane, and more. Phase Two. This phase will Based on information from Naomi involve a longer period of work once Weinstein, the project inspector, here phase one is completed (or shortly is a summary of what to expect. thereafter) in March. In addition to The work is taking place in two upgrading the asphalt from Keith phases with all work scheduled to be to Alcatraz (through the application completed during the daytime (8am of a slurry seal) and installing bike to 5pm). While there’s never a good lanes for most of that section, they’ll time for such a project, the contrac- also upgrade the traffic lights around tors will be completing the work on BART at College/Keith and College/ one portion of the street at a time, Miles, and extend the curb at the cor- ensuring cars can still drive in both ners of Keith, Shafter, and Miles. directions throughout the project. At the latter location, they’ll be As part of the work, restaurants’ renovating the traffic island and outdoor parklets will be taken down eliminating that extra lane when you and reconstructed at the start and turn right (from College Avenue) on end of each phase at City expense Miles, and instead, filling the space and with City assistance. The loss of with an extended curb sidewalk and outdoor seating during construction some landscaping features. makes it all the more important to The schedule is subject to delay due frequent and support our businesses to weather and other factors. Blocks and restaurants during this time. will receive 72-hour prior notice with Phase One. The first part of work “No Parking/Tow Away” signs and is slated to begin in the first or door-hanger notifications as con- second week of February and should struction days are confirmed. be complete, assuming minimal rain Please reach out with any questions/ delays, by end of the month. Work concerns by email to mjmlevy@ teams must first grind down the gmail.com, and they will be relayed existing pavement and repave it com- appropriately. n THE FEBRUARY 2021 page 5 Keith Avenue Block Adopt-A-Spot and Beautify the Community Captain Relocates by Eric Lombardo, RCPC Parks Committee Chair by Susan Montauk, Rockridge News reetings neighbors and happy your application to ensure it is on Distribution Manager Gwinter. In this month’s report on public property and compliant with RCPC’s Parks Committee work, I’d the program rules, and then you are elly Kao Smith is moving, and she like to dedicate space to a program set to start. hopes that someone on Keith K run by the City of Oakland called During COVID, the City is limiting Avenue, or nearby, will take her “Adopt-A-Spot.” new applicants to individuals or place as Block Captain to prevent In the City’s words: “Oakland’s household units. Tool and equipment any disruption to the delivery of The Adopt-A-Spot program supports vol- rentals are done via pandemic-safe Rockridge News to her block. Block unteers in the upkeep of parks, creeks, protocols and are available for Captains deliver newsletters door-to- shorelines, storm drains, streets, approved Adopt-A-Spot program door, and we thank Kelly for her five trails, and other public spaces.” Do members. Once we emerge from the years of service. you have a public place like a sidewalk pandemic, the City can help to orga- Description of Route 09H: or a pocket park nearby to you that nize volunteer events at your spot for • Up Keith from McMillan to you’d like to help maintain? larger group efforts. 5925 Broadway With many of our pre-pandemic Interested? Read more and sign up While we are at it, thanks to Sam activities limited or unavailable, if you here: www.oaklandca.gov/services/ Martin for his two years of service are looking for ways to pitch in, this apply-for-adopt-a-spot-online. If you as Block Captain for the 400 block of program may be the perfect fit. My already participate in the program, 62nd Street. The Martins are moving partner and I have recently taken up please email me at eric@ericlombardo. and they found a replacement to combining neighborhood walks with com. I would love to feature a spot- ensure that there will be no break in picking up litter, using trash picker- adopter or two in a future issue to service. Thank you Martin family, uppers we bought online. However, we recognize your contributions to our and welcome new Block Captain Stacy quickly started depleting our stash of communal environment. n Kozakavich, and her daughter. trash bags and found ourselves going back to the same location frequently Bundles are delivered to each Block as new litter (unfortunately) accumu- Captain’s doorstep on the first weekend of each month (except August). Call lated. (510) 547-3855 or email Susan at As applicants to the program, we — [email protected] to volunteer. n and you too — benefit from the City’s support. If you wish to weed or prune invasive plants in public areas, you can apply to the program and request Residential Permit a tool loan. If you are picking up large amounts of trash that won’t fit in your Parking Enforcement bin, you can request bags and pick-up Resumes February by Public Works. The City will review he City of Oakland Department of T Transportation will resume the enforcement of residential permit parking (RPP) areas as of the 1st of this month. Several RPP areas are ZϬϭϮϲϱϴϳϯͮϬϭϳϵϴϲϱϴ adjacent to commercial districts. Competition Drives Price in January In resuming the enforcement, the City aims to promote the availabil- Closing date BR BA Address Original price List price DOM Selling price ity of on-street parking spaces for 1/04/2021 4 4.5 355 63Rd St $2,950,000 $2,950,000 13 $3,500,000 1/07/2021 3 2.5 6426 Benvenue Ave $1,149,500 $1,149,500 15 $1,345,000 residents in areas with high parking 1/13/2021 4 2 5127 Lawton Ave $1,495,000 $1,549,000 75 $1,549,000 demand. The City will provide 1/14/2021 2 2 5405 Carlton St $719,000 $719,000 35 $705,000 no-penalty warning citations from Homes sold in January closed 12% over the asking price on average. now through February 28. Vehicle owners are entitled to one warning ^ƉĞĐŝĂůŝnjŝŶŐŝŶZŽĐŬƌŝĚŐĞͮϱϭϬ͘ϰϱϵ͘ϰϯϯϴͮDŽƚůĞLJdĞĂŵ͘ĐŽŵ tĂŶƚƚŚĞŚŝŐŚĞƐƚƉŽƐƐŝďůĞƉƌŝĐĞ͍ĂůůƵƐĂŶĚǁĞǁŝůůƐŚŽǁLJŽƵŚŽǁǁĞǁŝůůŐĞƚŝƚ͊ citation and are subject to penalties ŽŵƉĂƐƐŝƐĂƌĞĂůĞƐƚĂƚĞďƌŽŬĞƌůŝĐĞŶƐĞĚďLJƚŚĞ^ƚĂƚĞŽĨĂůŝĨŽƌŶŝĂĂŶĚĂďŝĚĞƐďLJƋƵĂů,ŽƵƐŝŶŐKƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚLJůĂǁƐ͘>ŝĐĞŶƐĞEƵŵďĞƌϬϭϴϲϲϳϳϭ͘ůůŵĂƚĞƌŝĂůƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĞĚŚĞƌĞŝŶŝƐŝŶƚĞŶĚĞĚĨŽƌŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƚŝŽŶĂů ƉƵƌƉŽƐĞƐŽŶůLJĂŶĚŝƐĐŽŵƉŝůĞĚĨƌŽŵƐŽƵƌĐĞƐĚĞĞŵĞĚƌĞůŝĂďůĞďƵƚŚĂƐŶŽƚďĞĞŶǀĞƌŝĨŝĞĚ͘ŚĂŶŐĞƐŝŶƉƌŝĐĞ͕ĐŽŶĚŝƚŝŽŶ͕ƐĂůĞŽƌǁŝƚŚĚƌĂǁĂůŵĂLJďĞŵĂĚĞǁŝƚŚŽƵƚŶŽƚŝĐĞ͘EŽƐƚĂƚĞŵĞŶƚŝƐŵĂĚĞĂƐƚŽĂĐĐƵƌĂĐLJŽĨ for all subsequent violations. n ĂŶLJĚĞƐĐƌŝƉƚŝŽŶ͘ůůŵĞĂƐƵƌĞŵĞŶƚƐĂŶĚƐƋƵĂƌĞĨŽŽƚĂŐĞĂƌĞĂƉƉƌŽdžŝŵĂƚĞ͘ THE page 6 FEBRUARY 2021

group when they could do right by In Memoriam it. Children learned to behave with astonishing kindness towards each Lauren Larson other seemingly effortlessly — but clearly, it was not effortless. (Jan 1948 – Dec 2020) “It was because Lauren made sure by Annette Floystrup her world supported our best selves and theirs, and gently guided every- n African proverb tells us “It thing toward this. All are likely to A takes a village to raise a child,” agree she was surely a better parent but Lauren Larson, a 43-year Rock- to our children than most of us can ridge resident, was that rare person manage to be on our best day. But who helped to raise a village. In her Eric Londgren of Eric Londgren Photography. she did it every day.” decades of volunteering and working Lauren was also associated with the with children, hundreds of families adult children, Katy and Jacob, also Rockridge Soccer Club beginning in and thousands of children experienced joined the staff. Over the years, many 1983 when her son Jacob began playing her warmth, guidance, and kindness of Lauren’s “graduates” returned as a kindergartner, and Ty began as they participated in the Rockridge as summer interns. As previously coaching the “Under 8’s.” At that time Soccer Club or attended family daycare planned, Home Away From Home will there were only about 140 kids in all at Home Away From Home at Lauren’s be closing at the end of June. age groups. The club has since grown house on Birch Court. Many young families, often far to 1,500 players. Lauren was the orga- Born and raised in ’s removed from extended family, nization’s Registrar from 1984 to 1990. Sunset District, the daughter of an found in Lauren a beloved mentor. Lauren’s sudden passing came American President Lines ship’s She helped countless young parents at home on December 7 following captain, Lauren began her work with negotiate potty training, fussy eating, a brief illness. Lauren’s “parents” children by volunteering at age 16 sibling rivalries, and many other have established a private Facebook with Episcopal Community Services’ important developmental milestones. Group, the “Lauren Larson Memorial Canon Kip Community Center. She As one father put it, “Lauren was Page” where many members have and Ty Yurgelevic married in 1972 extremely canny; she knew people posted pictures and memories. The and moved to Birch Court in 1978. and knew exactly what she wanted, annual Halloween Trick or Treating Lauren and Ty began Home Away and that was for her space to be parade is prominently featured. Cur- From Home in 2001 as the successor relentlessly humane. rent and former parents and children to Joan Roemer’s “Birch Tree House” “She made an environment for are invited to join. which operated across the street for 26 children and their parents that was One of the comments by a parent years. Home Away From Home became accepting of differences, under- sums it up: “The thing I will always a genuine family affair when Lauren’s standing of stresses, and ultimately remember about Lauren, aside from focused on real, mutual respect and her amazing soul and wisdom, is that the need to spread it. Kids in a bad I never once worried about leaving my moment were reassured, redirected, kids in her care. What a beautiful gift given space, and helped back to the to give to a parent.” n THE FEBRUARY 2021 page 7 permanent housing soon. She has Clifton Hall’s New access to computers, assistance with forms, health counseling, and more. Residents Move In One floor of the former CCA by Myrna Walton, UBA Member dormitory has been set-aside for 20 Welcome! families while they seek homes. This President Biden and lifton Hall at the corner of Clif- facility differs from many others in Vice President Harris C ton and Broadway is receiving that men in the family are allowed, I just love seeing this every day. new residents in its transitional family not just women and kids — and Attention Tenants facility. By late January, 59 residents residents can remain in the shelter@ The Whitek House (including 31 children) had moved in, during the day. Real Estate looking back at 2020 This is Actuallyyour it was very good! according to Patricia Springer, lead Two additional floors for permanent Rockridge Average Price $1,812,000 30 Day Notice to Vacate. Case Manager. housing for senior residents will open Rockridge Days on Market 17 Tracy Dominguez and her two later this spring after renovations.We will notReal be Estate renewing looking forward 2021 children, ages 15 and 8, moved in a your 4 yearFebruary lease. and 1st 6 months. A Rockridge community Demand and Prices are up. month ago. “The best thing about organization, Upper Broadway kInterest rates are very low. Clifton,” she said, “is that I can bring However, there could be potential Advocates (UBA), is raising funds Welcomeproblems, as you might be aware of. my family back together again. We to give each resident welcome bags Joe & Kamala If you need to talk call me. were all split up among my sister’s with gift cards and other small items. Let us know 510-612-2547 [email protected] and friends’ homes from here to Twenty bags were distributed on how we can help! Sacramento. I saw my children only January 26, and more will be supplied every other weekend. Clifton Hall as new residents move in. UBA is Stay Safe and Well. does everything it can to keep a also investigating whether a small Ron Kriss, Broker family together.” play area outside can be constructed Lawton Associates (c) 510-612-2547 Now she has a job as a home health as the children have no outdoor play [email protected] caregiver, and with the services space. If you would like to help, please Clifton Hall offers, hopes to find contact [email protected]. n

DRE# 00784235 Ron Kriss, Broker Lawton “#1Associates in Rockridge Real Estate” 160+ Successful Sales in Rockridge (c) 510-612-2547 www.LawtonAssoc.com [email protected] DRE# 01417458

“#1 in Rockridge Real Estate” 160+ Successful Sales in Rockridge www.LawtonAssoc.com THE page 8 FEBRUARY 2021 Author Navigates Life In Rockridge — Skateboard Included by Michelle Boyd

onor Dougherty is an economics What was your first experience in C reporter for The New York Times Rockridge? who focuses on housing. Earlier this I grew up skateboarding, and have year he published Golden Gates: always been a fan of the curbs in Fighting for Housing in America, the Rockridge BART parking lot. which has quickly become the Skateboarders remember all these authoritative book about California’s very micro things, including these housing challenges. curbs that were highlighted in skate- Dougherty lives in Rockridge with boarding videos going back to the his wife and two young children. I early 90s. spoke with him on a recent Friday I also met an old friend, I think at while he was on his way back from Rockridge Café, who had graduated checking in on his father in San Fran- college a year ahead of me. He had a cisco. We talked about his favorite real job and lived in Rockridge above skateboarding places, why he loves one of the storefronts. I remember Rockridge, and the future of housing thinking that was so cool, like “oh, in California. that’s where young cool people live.” When did you eventually move here? My wife and I moved back to the Bay Area in 2013 from New York to help take care of my mom. We were Skateboarders practice regularly at both working in San Francisco and the Rockridge BART station. wanted to have our own place. I’ve Photo Credit: Anna L. Marks always loved Rockridge, and with scooter there too. BART nearby, it worked out. There is an LGBTQ skateboarding What’s your favorite place in the company, Unity, which does meetups neighborhood? there. It’s now become this movement. My absolute favorite place is the I love how skateboarding leads to BART curbs — they’re in the middle these spontaneous and unsanctioned of everything. This is all pre-pan- gatherings that bring life to spaces demic, but I often skate there, then that weren’t necessarily designed for grab some stuff at Market Hall, then that purpose. walk to Frog Park to meet my wife Conor Dougherty, see next page and kids. I’ve taught my daughter, and hopefully soon my son, to skate and THE FEBRUARY 2021 page 9 Conor Dougherty, from previous page How do you interpret what is going on with Rockridge housing in relation to what you report on across California? I think the debate in Rockridge, which is the debate in California, is what are the rights of self-governing for a city or a neighborhood? And, how do they balance those rights with their responsibilities to this larger region?

“What are the rights of self-governing for a city or a neighborhood? And, how do they balance those rights with their responsibilities to this larger region.” Photo Credit: Matt Quiggle Rockridge would not be Rockridge, at least as currently constituted, with- giant urban redevelopment projects How do you feel about losing your out the BART station. What makes over the last 50 or more years, and favorite skateboarding spot should the Rockridge BART parking lot become the neighborhood really pleasant is the eminent domain imposed by the housing? that it’s semi-quiet, yet active, and you government, led to the freeways and can commute to jobs in San Francisco destruction of many communities. I There is impermanence to skate- easily. It’s that proximity to the larger think that led to a general mistrust boarding, and that’s one of the things region, not just the neighborhood, that is still with us today. People I love about it. Sometimes a skate- that makes Rockridge what it is. But worry that if they make the rules for board spot exists for decades, like a that comes with some responsibility building easier, their worst night- central plaza in a city. Sometimes a to the larger region. I think that mares will come true. spot exists for an hour. So I would Rockridge and other neighborhoods Where do you think we go from here? definitely be sad to see the BART curbs go away, but I know skateboard- like Rockridge should be adding to We should have a big ferocious ing will continue and skaters will keep their housing supply in a way that fight over what we think the new gathering. There’s nothing wrong with maintains that balance and respon- rules for building housing should a space having a really robust life and sibility. However, it’s so difficult to be, and then make it relatively then moving on to another life. That’s add the housing we need little by straightforward for how those rules a really healthy, great thing and a big little. Instead, all this political capital are implemented. There may still be part of what makes cities amazing. n gets poured into mega-projects, and I giant projects that require one-off think that is unhealthy. At a very high consideration, but that long process level, there is a lot of mistrust. The shouldn’t affect everything. THE page 10 FEBRUARY 2021 The Dish On Photo: Terre Beynart Takeout Food in Rockridge by Terre Beynart (a.k.a. “The Green Celiac”) The Green Celiac reviews Rockridge eateries that offer takeout with a focus on ease of ordering, clarity of the menu for those on special diets, and a critique of the sustainability of takeout packaging.

f a plane flight to Lima is not in Iyour immediate future consider a Pucquio offers Peruvian street food for a taste of South American cuisine. visit to tiny Pucquio (5337 College Ave) where the Peruvian street food day’s shopping from the fishmonger, beets, avocado, fennel, and orange offerings are deliciously fascinating. butcher, and greengrocer. and was very refreshing. The cebi- We studied the menu at home for After an extended conversation, we che contained a variety of fish and a few days and had a short list to settled on Ensalada de Quinoa ($15), shellfish and was served on a bed of discuss. My phone conversation with Cebiche Mixto ($15), Tacu-Tacu de hominy and corn nuts with thinly the chef made me realize that I was Mariscos ($25) and the Chupe de sliced red onion and a dipping talking to an artist who fashions Camarones ($25). sauce. Delicious. The Tacu-Tacu de the options after looking over the The Ensalada featured quinoa, Mariscos features the shellfish of the day (camarones), beans, and roasted rice with green seafood butter. By far the most entrancing dish was the Chupe de Camarones. The Chupe came in two parts, the bowl of ingredients and the chowder. In the bowl are shrimp, poached farm egg, potatoes, and rice poured over with warm chowder. The chowder exceeded expectations and we dis- covered hominy and green peas at the bottom of the bowl. What a treat. Those on special diets will not find much help from the published menu, and the website, and the number of days and hours of service have been abbreviated during the pandemic. However, if you call when they are open, the staff are helpful and will not lead you astray. The takeout came in plastic bags (boo), the Tacu-Tacu, Chupe, DANIEL STEA and Enselada were in cardboard clamshell boxes. The Cebiche was 510.843.6400 delivered in a plastic bowl with a 5314 LAWTON lid. The chowder for the Chupe was 5 BED/3.5 BATH/2,714 SF delivered in a cardboard bowl with a plastic-lid, as was the green sauce Call for details! JUST LISTED! for the Tacu-Tacu. No utensils or The Dish, see next page THE FEBRUARY 2021 page 11

Outdoor Dining Resumes in Rockridge Rockridge is blessed with restaurants offering delectable menus from various cuisines. Contact these local restaurants for outdoor dining hours or for pickup and delivery options. A Coté A16 Barney’s Gourmet Hamburgers

Becky’s Chinese Restaurant Photo: Terre Beynart Beer Baron Belotti Ristorante Noodle Theory offers a limited rotating menu Wednesday through Sunday. Cactus Taqueria Cole Coffee The Dish, from previous page The fries were in a cardboard box. Crepevine napkins were automatically included. They get high green points for the Enoteca Molinari They get a point for that and for the packaging. Filippo’s cardboard clamshells and bowls. The menu taped to the front door Flavors of India Make your way to Pucquio for is well annotated for those on special Great Wall Chinese some fresh South American taste diets, with both the salmon ramen High Peaks Kitchen sensations. and the fries noted as gluten-free or optionally gluten-free. Unfortunately, Holy Basil Pho Noodle Theory Hudson Bay Cafe the online menu does not capture If I had a nickel for every minute I this level of detail. Ike’s Love & Sandwiches have waited for the pedestrian walk In conclusion, I must note that Khana Peena signal at the corner of Claremont Noodle Theory is more than theory; Kitchen Story and College I would be a rich woman it is in practice well done. La Farine today. These moments afford the Happy Eating. Marica time to peer in the windows of Millennium Noodle Theory (6099 Claremont For more details on these reviews Mitama Ave) and consider the possibilities. and info about accessibility and Momo Ramen On a dreary day in early January, we sustainable takeout packaging, Namastey Patio ordered takeout to warm our hearts point your browser to thegreenceliac. Noodle Theory and bellies: Portobella Mushroom wordpress.com. n Oliveto Restaurant over Spinach Ramen in a Vegetarian Philz Coffee Miso Broth with White Truffle Oil Ramen Shop ($13), Grilled Salmon Ramen in Miso RareTea Broth ($16), and Chinese Five Spice Redfield Cider Bar & Bottle Shop Sweet Potato Fries with a Thai Green Rikyu Japanese Restaurant Curry Aioli ($8.50). Rockridge Cafe The salmon ramen came in a Smitten Ice Cream wonderful broth with a decent-sized Soi 4 Bangkok Eatery piece of perfectly grilled fish. The Southie sweet potato fries were a treat with Sukho Thai the aioli, adding a nice finish to the The Burrito Shop five-spice coating. The mushroom The Chocolate Dragon ramen was both nourishing and The Golden Squirrel flavorful. Uzen The takeout came in paper bags. Wood Tavern The ingredients for each ramen dish Yimm came in two parts: a cardboard box Zachary’s Chicago Pizza held the soup ingredients and card- board soup containers held the broth. THE page 12 FEBRUARY 2021 Rockridge Residents’ Experiment with Every Day Holidays by Jorja Siemons hen the pandemic forced Rock- Wridge residents Allie Carr and Jason Goldberg to move their jobs and social lives online, they discov- ered that it was dangerously easy to fall into the same routine every day. The daily schedule became unevent- Allie (left) and Jason (right) pose with their yoga sculpt instructor and ful and repetitive. But after briefly downstairs neighbor, Catrina, for National Personal Trainer Awareness Day. celebrating Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas, the couple wondered The couple quickly realized the Holiday” was born. On every day this if there were any other celebrations incredible array of obscure holidays, year, the couple will celebrate a dif- they could look forward to in the new and got excited. They went out ferent national holiday, documenting year. “We took the time to see if there and bought a gigantic whiteboard their experiences on their Instagram was a holiday every day to celebrate,” calendar, planning out what each account (@EveryDayHoliday.Official) Goldberg said. day could look like, and “Every Day for family, friends, and whoever else wants to indulge in daily festivities. Experience * Knowledge * Performance There is also another benefit for With Over 300 Real Estate Transactions Carr and Goldberg. Moving to Coming soon: Rockridge last November from San -5BD 3BA home w/au-pair, views, garage, level out to yard, 3 blks to College Ave. Price TBD Francisco, they have been using the -3BD 2BA major remodel, single level, det. garage, yard 1/2 block to College Ave. Price TBD project as a way to meet local resi- -2BD 2BA condo w/balcony, open plan, few blocks to College Ave - to be listed @ $650,000 dents and get to know the local small -3BD 1BA home w/1BD1BA in-law + detached 3 income units Berkeley border @ $2,175,000 businesses. -1BD 1BA homestyle condo, Oak floors, coved ceilings, updated systems, deck. Price TBD On National Bird Day, Carr and February is Awareness Month for > The Heart, Black History, Creative Romance, Baking 4 Family Goldberg met up with local bird- Happy Valentines! ♥ watcher Ilana DeBare to explore different Bay Area species only to find Perry Riani, Senior Associate out that she lives in their neighbor- 2016 Realtor of the Year hood. “It might sound cheesy, but I 1900 Mountain Blvd Oakland, CA 94611 1625 Shattuck Ave Berkeley, CA 94709 really do feel like the real takeaway is C: 510.813.3799 [email protected] there’s a way to still have fun,” Carr License # 01402540 said. “There’s a way to connect with people and make the days feel special.” Goldberg said that they both have been journaling about their adven- tures every night to preserve their memories and emotions in ways that Instagram can’t. They also hope to make a coffee table book out of their celebrations to hold on to as the years go on. Moving forward into the months ahead, full of well-known and obscure holidays alike, the couple said they look forward to exploring new parts of Rockridge and meeting the people who also call it home. “We’re open to community support and want to meet our neighbors,” Goldberg said. n THE FEBRUARY 2021 page 13 Bosko’s, from front page for black-and-white photography. He still covets cameras and pho- tographic gear, “but I was never any good at it myself. So I got into collecting pictures. One of the first collections I bought was a set of glass-plate negatives of the 1906 earthquake,” says Bosko. Over the decades, Bosko guesses he has unearthed and preserved 15 or 20 thousand negatives from a variety of sources. He purchased portions of the photo morgues from the Oakland Tri- bune and the Oakland Post Enquirer after those papers were shut down. He obtained images from the artists themselves. He procured boxes full of eerie mug shots from police depart- ments. He also scoured for material at “the swaps,” as he refers to flea markets for camera buffs. Along the way, Bosko befriended several prominent East Bay photog- raphers including Peter Stackpole and Rondal Partridge. He spent a lot of time with these iconic artists over the years. “Rondal lived here in the neighborhood. He’d stop by the shop and we’d talk about his recent work, Bosko befriended several prominent East Bay photographers including or we’d look at new stuff we’d found. Rondal Partridge who composed this image as an environmental statement. Often, I’d run into him and Peter at Rondal Partridge, Pave It and Paint It Green, , mid-1960s. the swaps.” Partridge was connected Gelatin silver print, 9 x 9 in. Collection of the Oakland Museum of California. to a remarkable array of artists and Gift of the California Historical Society. © Rondal Partridge Archive photographers. First off, his mother was — one of Stackpole is another outstanding variety of historical books and exhib- the most celebrated women in Cal- figure in the photo world. He is its. These include former Montclarion ifornia art photography. His father perhaps best known for his daring, columnist Erika Mailman’s popular Roi was known for his etchings and high-wire photography of the Bay pictorials about Oakland neighbor- as a teacher. At age 16, Partridge Bridge under construction. He was hoods (Images of America). Bosko has became an assistant to Dorothea one of Life Magazine’s first staff loaned images to the East Bay Hills Lange, renowned for her iconic photographers, and he sold Bosko the Project, tracing the early days and images of the Dust Bowl migration batch of glass negatives depicting the growth of the region. You can also during the Great Depression. He also aftermath of the great quake. find some of his archives on Flickr apprenticed with , the To call the Bosko collection eclec- and in the Oakland History Facebook maestro of Yosemite imagery. tic would be an understatement. group (search “John Bosko”). Partridge created some very mem- Browsing his bins of prints for sale, While these days Bosko’s Gallery is orable images of his own, including you’ll encounter all manner of styles mostly known for its framing service, one displayed in Bosko’s shop window and subjects — circus performers, do not overlook sister Lynne’s decora- for many years. In the foreground, it mid-century publicity photos, promo- tive ceramic works for sale. shows a disturbingly over-crowded tional real estate surveys, newspaper If you visit the shop, take time to parking lot in Yosemite Valley, circa photography, famous sports figures, appreciate the unique collection of mid-1960s. In the background rises industrial perspectives, vintage views images Bosko has curated. a seemingly forlorn Half Dome. of Oakland people and streetscapes, Bosko’s Gallery, 6038 College Avenue “Rondal titled that one Pave It and the development of East Bay neigh- @ Armanino Court. Due to COVID Paint It Green. He was a real environ- borhoods, and highways and bridges. restrictions, call for an appointment: mentalist at heart,” says Bosko. Bosko has contributed pictures to a (510) 655-3966. n THE page 14 FEBRUARY 2021 Chabot Teacher, from front page Diamond was first a classroom lesson. A writing assignment might “I realized I didn’t have the physical teacher, then spent seven years be inspired by works from several skills to do juggling.” teaching science to “everybody in artists, asking students “Which one Armed with Bachelor of Arts every grade.” She worked to integrate would you want in your house and degrees in both art and psychology hands-on science with literacy and why?” from UC Santa Cruz, she started out social sciences, and to introduce her “Ms. Diamond’s expectations for as a press assistant in a small, fine students to under-represented people her students are rivaled only by those art etching and lithography studio in in the sciences. At the same time, she she holds for herself,” said Chabot . But after returning helped create the broader OUSD’s Principal Jessica Cannon. “I can hon- to California and moving through science curriculum. estly say I don’t think I have ever met “a variety of blue and pink collar “But I wanted to get back to the a harder working, more dedicated, jobs,” including night shift baker and classroom,” Diamond told me. “I can and more reflective teacher than residential childcare worker, she took teach all subjects through seventh Phoebe Diamond.” stock. grade and art and science all the Still, I was surprised to hear “What of all the jobs I’ve had did way through middle school.” Fully Diamond explain that “although I like best?’ she asked herself. “It acknowledging that “I’m my own amazing,” it felt strange to be awarded was when I taught people how to worst critic,” she wondered how Teacher of the Year while teaching do things. That was what felt right.” teaching a more affluent, less diverse on-line during the Covid-19 pan- That was almost 30 years ago. After group of students would challenge demic. “It’s been a huge learning receiving her teaching certificate, her in different ways. curve for everyone. I can teach on she taught for 11 years at Allendale Since September, she has been Zoom and I have figured out how Elementary, also in the OUSD teaching online from her Chabot to make videos for my students to system, before joining the Chabot classroom, where she has access re-watch,” but she says she would have staff in fall 2001. to the teaching tools she relies on. felt more deserving “if it had come While at Allendale, which has a Before that, she found teaching two or three years ago. It’s a sense of diverse, low-income student body, from her home office more difficult, an imposter syndrome.” When one of partly because it is chock full of her her students told her, “I hate Zoom,” paintings, letterpress printing, book- she told him “I do too,” and asked making, two and three-dimensional him to write a poem about it. collages, sewing, wet felting, and “Her balance of life, her dedication paper cutting. to the kids, her overall approach to With such a keen interest and teaching — it’s magical,” said fellow degree in art, why isn’t she an art Chabot teacher Danielle Todaro. “If teacher? “If kids are doing a science you know The Magic School Bus (the experiment that doesn’t work,” she book and television series), she’s like told me, “that’s okay because they a real-life Ms. Frizzle.” have no idea of the result. But when Longtime Rockridge resident Ruth they draw something, they know Simon said Diamond, who was at that what it should look like and can be time teaching fourth grade, trans- devastated when they can’t do it.” formed the life of her daughter Mia, Instead, art permeates her teaching. now 25 years old. “She had a rough She might use prints of Andy War- time in third grade. Diamond created hol’s Campbell Soup Cans in a math an incredible learning and social environment. The assignments were interesting and challenging. Every year on her birthday she came to our house and sang to her. She gave my daughter, currently applying to medical school, a whole new sense of herself.” “Our kid was seen in a way I hadn’t experienced before,” said Sasha Khokha, the host of KQED’s California Report Magazine, whose 10-year-old Amar was in Diamond’s class last year. “She teaches the whole child,’’ Khokha said. “She creates a Chabot Teacher, see next page THE FEBRUARY 2021 page 15 Chabot Teacher, from previous page was her best friend in high school, world in her classroom. Every time it’s live in the Diamond/Fruitvale area. someone’s birthday,” Amar told me, She is an avid swimmer, seeking “we all take turns appreciating that open pools during the pandemic as person. We say what it is we like about far away as Walnut Creek. them.” “There’s no way to be a teacher “She’s a master at inspiring kids,” of the year without all the students, said Karl Kaku, Amar’s dad, a Berke- co-workers, supervisors, and parents ley High School teacher. “She’s very who have taught and mentored you,” honest and frank. They trust her. Her Diamond said. “It takes a village to pedagogy is impeccable. I wish she produce a teacher of the year.” were my teacher.” To comment on this column or to Diamond and her husband Jim suggest a future subject, please email Bates, whom she has known since he [email protected]. n

Crime and COVID by Karen Ivy, Secretary, Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council (NCPC)

hile violent crime in Oakland is March. The average reported crimes in W close to all-time highs, we’re both beats for the rest of 2020 was 72. fortunate that crime is usually We think auto-related crimes, lower in Rockridge, and during the which were very high in 2019, have pandemic, it’s been even lower than dropped because people aren’t dining usual. The chart below shows the out much anymore, which means numbers for December 2019 versus they aren’t parking for long periods December 2020, for both local beats. in public areas like College Avenue,

12Y 12Y 13X 13X Dec 2019 Dec 2020 Dec 2019 Dec 2020 Crimes Against The Person 14 5 3 0 Property Crimes 20 12 6 9 Property Crimes, Auto 42 8 5 11 Quality of Life 18 4 3 2 Totals 94 29 17 22 As you can see, there are gener- a known hot spot for auto burglary. ally fewer crimes in beat 13X, and We still need to stay vigilant, lock that’s normal. There are still crimes cars and the doors, and keep the secu- in both beats, though, especially rity cameras on if we have them. n property-related crimes, such as burglary, theft, auto burglary, and vehicle theft. The only December NCPC MEETING 2020 crimes in beat 13X, which exceeded the numbers in 12Y, were The Greater Rockridge auto-related property crimes (11 NCPC meeting will be held versus 8). on Thursday, February 11, at The monthly average of reported 7pm, via Zoom. crimes in both beats was 88 in 2019, The link will be announced and 83 in 2020, but that was because closer to the meeting date. January and February 2020 had very See https://rockridgencpc.com high monthly totals, 141 and 136 for details. respectively (mostly auto-related prop- erty crimes), before the shutdown in THE

RNClassifieds List your 36-word message here for only $22 (phone number counts as one word). Make check payable to RCPC, and write “Rockridge News Classified Ad” in the memo line. Mail to: RCPC, 4900 Shattuck Ave., PO Box 22504, Oakland, 94609-20131. The deadline for the March 2021 issue is February 18 – available on March 6. For more information, email Susan Montauk at [email protected].

Chabot Canyon Raquet Club Your neighborhood Tennis Club is accepting new membership applications. Six new, lighted tennis courts. 7040 Chabot Road, Oakland. 510-652-6060. JUST SOLD 355 63rd Street | Rockridge www.chabotcanyon.org. Thinking of selling? Please reach out if you are Get Coaching. Get Results. Want to exponentially grow your considering a move in 2021. business? Ready to fast-track your corporate job? Considering starting a new career venture? Schedule a complimentary session now. Call 800-322-5610 or visit DaisukiCoaching.com. www.ClaudiaMillsRealEstateTeam.com

Free PREPAREDNESS Workshops Claudia Mills Online with OCP&R. Learn most important steps to prepare 510.350.6419 for (and respond to) disasters and [email protected] disruptions such as wildfire, earthquake, Lic.#01881682 power outages. Arrange for your WITH MULTIPLE OFFERS Each Franchise Is Independently Owned And Operated. neighborhood, community group, faith- based organization. www.oaklandcpandr. org/contact 510-575-0916. COME VISIT US AT KEVIN BROWN HARDWOOD FLOORS Broker Install, sand/refinish, repair, re-coat existing. THE CORNER OF 654-8707 or 593-4780 Large jobs or small. Twenty-plus years in Piedmont Ave/Rockridge. Bruce Williams LIFE & CHANGE PROVIDING Woodfloors. Please call or text Bruce at Professional, 510-652-8121. www.blwfloors.com. Full Service Real Estate Brokerage To Rockridge Clients Electrical Remodels & Repairs Ready for summer? Ceiling fan or A.C., For Over 26 Years. I can help. I’ve been doing electrical work SPECIALIZING IN in Oakland and Berkeley for over 35 years. O Sutorik & Company. www.sutorikandco. Residential Sales OIncome Property com. Lic #397149. 510-655-3677. n OCommercial OProperty Management Better Homes Realty 5353 College Avenue Oakland http://oaklandlibrary.org