THE www.rockridge.org

RVOL 36 • o NO. 5 •ckridgeNews ISSUE NO. 375 • MAY 2, 2020 CIRCULATION: 5,800 Residences; 200 Businesses Sponsored by the Rockridge Community Planning Council (RCPC) • 4123 Broadway, PMB 311 • Oakland, CA 94611 Documentary Features Long-Time Rockridge Residents and Disability Rights Activists — by Neil Jacobson

n March 25, the film “Crip O Camp – A Disability Revolution” was released on shortly after its debut at Sundance where it won the Audience Award. It’s directed and produced by Nicole Newnham and Jim Librecht, along with Sara Bolder, Neil and Denise Jacobson both starred in the film “” which and in conjunction with Barack and was an audience favorite at the this past January. ’s Higher Ground Productions. Crip Camp, see page 12

School’s Out, But Claremont Middle School Looking Back, Moving Keeps On Keeping On Forward: An Author’s Recollections — by Shona Armstrong — by Judith Doner Berne n the wake of the abrupt closure of and teachers, has since put together IOakland public schools on Friday, distance-learning programs for t’s hard to have your “Eyes on Rock- March 13, Rockridge’s local middle students that the teachers continue Iridge” when you are confined school perseveres. Principal Jonathan to refine and improve in cooperation to your house. I never imagined Mayer, along with the district and his with Claremont families. Students are being dependent on Instacart and a team of determined and caring staff Claremont, see page 11 daughter for groceries, and the daily, almost hourly worry about far-flung family, embedded in coronavirus hotspots like City, Chicago, Washington D.C., Massachusetts and Detroit.

In fact, my eyes are the only uncov- ered part of my face as I venture onto neighborhood streets in a daily attempt to get exercise, fresh air and a taste of spring that awakes my senses. My eyes delight in the arrays of Eyes on Rockridge, see page 14 THE page 2 MAY 2020 Help Keep Our First Responders Safe

— by Angela Moore, Oakland Police Neighborhood Services Coordinator The Rockridge News was founded March 1986 by Don Kinkead, and is published monthly (except he COVID-19 pandemic is equipment they need to keep them- August). It is sponsored by the Rockridge Community Planning Council (RCPC), a nonprofit T affecting us all, personally and selves healthy and safe as well. As public benefit organization founded to: preserve professionally. Much of what we once the pandemic spreads, masks, gloves, and enhance the unique character of the Rockridge took for granted has been impacted and other protective safety items neighborhood; promote the health, safety and quality of life of its residents; furnish a forum for in some way. Even though many of are in short supply. It’s time for the community involvement; and provide leadership us have the option of telecommuting, community to reciprocate their dedi- and representation of neighborhood interests. many City of Oakland employees cation by providing them with much are still required to provide essential needed safety items. We are looking Rockridge News Production services. for latex and latex-free gloves, hand Anna L. Marks ...... Editor & Layout Artist Jo Ellis...... Assistant Editor The two departments that we con- sanitizers and masks. & Community Calendar tinually depend upon to keep our city If you are a seamstress, and willing Judith Doner Berne...... Eyes on Rockridge safe and provide emergency services to make and donate cloth masks, Susan Montauk...... Business Manager are the City of Oakland’s police and please do so. If you don’t have your fire departments. These front-line own pattern, but would like to help, RCPC Board of Directors, 2019-20 workers risk their health and wellbe- there are instructions throughout the Leonora Sea...... Chair n Vacant...... Vice-Chair ing on a daily basis to make sure we internet. Casey Farmer...... Co-Secretary stay safe and get the help we need. If you would like to make a donation/s Andrew Masalin...... Co-Secretary These men and women are to be or have questions, please contact Ronnie Spitzer...... Treasurer applauded for their commitment Stuart Flashman...... Assistant Treasurer Angela Moore, Neighborhood Services Michelle Boyd, David Garcia, Mary Catherine and dedication to their jobs, and it’s Coordinator, at (510) 773-0473, or Haug, Matt Levy, Eric Lombardo, Robin Zimpfer important to make sure they have the email [email protected]. McDonnell Contact the board: [email protected] For information: [email protected]

Contacting The Rockridge News OakDOT Seeks Feedback on Slow Streets Are there community issues you’d like to see covered in The Rockridge News? Have questions he City of Oakland is rolling out need neighbors’ participation. The about newsletter distribution? Want to volunteer the Slow Streets program in City is seeking out and inviting ongo- to be a Rockridge News block captain? Want to T write a letter to the Editor? response to the need for additional ing community feedback, and will Articles submitted for publication should be space for Oaklanders to have space work to make responsive adjustments emailed to the editor. Submissions are limited to 600 words, and must include the author’s to practice social distancing while on to the program implementation, as name, phone number, email address, and city or essential outdoor trips, and to reduce possible. All are encouraged to take neighborhood of residence. foot traffic at parks and outdoor trails. the survey at https://tinyurl.com/oak- All submissions are subject to editing for clarity Solutions that work for Oaklanders landslowstreets. n 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 News” noted on the memo line. Mail payment to: The Rockridge News, 4123 Broadway, PMB 311, Oakland, CA 94611

Display Advertising Deadline for June issue: May 21, 2020 Advertising rates are $28/column inch. Six-month pre-pay rate available. For display ads, call Jo Ellis at 510-653-3210 (after noon), or email joellis1@ hotmail.com. RCPC reserves the right to refuse any display or classified ad that it deems inappropriate. Email smontauk at [email protected] for information on classified ads. Views expressed in articles accepted for publication do not necessarily reflect those of The Rockridge News, its editor, or the board of directors of the Rockridge Community Planning Council. THE MAY 2020 page 3 pital and headed straight to a shelter Sharing The Love with little to keep warm other then a Through Baby hospital-issued blanket motivates me to keep going. Clothing Donations I never thought a one-time baby — by Lisa Klein clothing collection drive would turn into a successful nonprofit that has he idea of Loved Twice began in donated over 2 million garments TSeptember 2005 when I was to infants living in crisis. Due to watching the heartbreaking news of Covid-19 , we now have a contact-free Hurricane Katrina. That event was drop-off site open in Lafayette. Mon- especially devastating to disadvan- etary donations can be made on our taged mothers who simply needed to website. Sign up for our volunteer keep their babies warm. Having just network. n had my first child, I was deeply moti- To date, more than two million vated to help. essential garments have been delivered After seeing a posting on Craigslist to underserved communities. Visit from a church in Louisiana requesting Rockridge resident Lisa Klein www.lovedtwice.org or email info@ donations of baby clothes to help donates boxes of clothing for LovedTwice.org for more information. displaced newborns, I sent an email newborn babies through her nonprofit, Loved Twice. to my network. I collected over 200 pounds of baby clothing in four days from friends and neighbors and these items accomplishes two essential mailed them to the church. Witness- goals: Support vulnerable families by ing the impact this had, I realized this helping meet their basic needs while simple idea could expand as a result of simultaneously recycling thousands of the overwhelming local need. baby items that would otherwise end We collect gently used baby clothes up in landfills. (sizes 0-12 months only), sort these The stories I hear from social essential garments into boy and workers that distribute our boxes of girl one-year-wardrobes-in-a-box, baby clothes are heartbreaking. For and distribute the boxes through example, I received a box request for licensed social workers in hospitals, a 15-year-old mother whose parents shelters, and clinics in underserved threw her out of her house for getting neighborhoods. Each baby receives pregnant; another for a baby whose approximately 75 items, including father was just murdered; still another newborn onesies, sleepers, hats, boo- for struggling parents who just lost ties, books, and a warm soft blanket. their jobs. The stories go on. Knowing Keeping babies warm and reusing I can help a newborn leaving the hos- THE page 4 MAY 2020

City of Oakland FEDERAL, STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES Announces New COVID-19 SMALL The Paycheck Protection Program Oakland Undocumented Relief / Business Resources PPP offers cash-flow assistance with OUR Fund a 100% federally guaranteed loan to Provides $500 grants to undocumented employers, self-employed and independent immigrants and those in mixed-status fami- he City wants to share a contractors who maintain their payroll lies who’ve lost jobs / income. Tvariety of resources to sup- during this emergency. Check with your One Fair Wage Emergency Fund port small businesses and work- local bank for info. Serves very-low-income service and tipped These loans may be forgiven if bor- ers during the pandemic, and workers. The fund has a grant from the rowers maintain or restore payroll. SBA has launched a www.oakland- Oakland COVID-19 Fund of $100,000 dedi- guidelines are pending publication, but the businesscenter.com to serve as a cated to Oakland residents. program will be available through SBA’s portal for all of the local, State 7(a) lenders. The Paycheck Protection State of California’s Small Business and Federal resources available Program will be available through June Finance Center to support small businesses and 30, 2020. Provides loan guarantees and direct loans workers. Businesses, nonprofits KIVA.org for small businesses that face difficulties accessing capital through its Disaster Relief and self-employed individuals A City of Oakland partner, offers Loan Guarantee Program. that have been impacted should zero interest loans via crowdsourcing visit https://www.ed.ca.gov/ to entrepreneurs and small business State Unemployment & Disability about_edd/coronavirus-2019/ owners. In response to the COVID-19 Insurance Benefits – Waiting Periods Waived pandemic-unempoyment-assis- pandemic, KIVA has raised its maximum loan amount to $15,000, has expanded Governor Newsom’s Executive Order on tance.htm. eligibility for loans, and has extended the March 12, 2020, waives the one-week wait- To request one-on-one assis- repayment grace period up to six month’s ing period for people who are unemployed tance, take the City’s COVID-19 post-loan disbursal for greater financial and/or disabled as a result of COVID-19 to Business Impact Survey. This flexibility. seek unemployment and disability benefits. serves as the intake method for There are other local business providers Please direct affected workers to the Cal- who offer loans and technical assistance ifornia Labor & Workforce Development businesses seeking assistance. specifically to Oakland small businesses, Agency’s website to review what benefits are An online survey is in English, including Main Street Launch, Working available including sick leave, paid family Arabic, Chinese, Spanish and Solutions and Pacific Community Ven- leave and workers’ compensation benefits. Vietnamese. Additionally, The tures, among others. Additional information and resources can City is sending out weekly AnewAmerica is offering counseling be found at CA Gov’s website here. business updates, and business sessions with telephone appointments, Self-employed workers, including inde- including support for SBA loans. pendent contractors, may be eligible for owners, entrepreneurs and non- benefits and are encouraged to apply for Oakland COVID-19 Relief Fund profits can subscribe at: https:// unemployment insurance at https://edd. Addresses food insecurity, homelessness, oaklandca19202.activehosted. ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm. com/f/8. community health & education, and eco- nomic security of workers, nonprofits and more resources, see next page Check back regularly for small businesses. new info at https://www. oaklandca.gov/resources/ coronavirus-2019-covid-19-busi- ness-and-worker-resources.

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Thoughts & Prayers To All While We Shelter In Place

Closing date BR BA Address Original price List price DOM Selling price 3/04/2020 2 1 5340 Broadway Terrace $675,000 $675,000 13 $725,000 3/12/2020 3 2 5645 Broadway $1,150,000 $1,150,000 7 $1,530,000

3/20/2020 2 2 5416 Broadway $779,000 $779,000 12 $890,000

You may be considering how you can sell your home in this market... We have some creative & safe ideas. Call us... There are lots of buyers still looking for a home. ^ƉĞĐŝĂůŝnjŝŶŐŝŶZŽĐŬƌŝĚŐĞͮϱϭϬ͘ϰϱϵ͘ϰϯϯϴͮDŽƚůĞLJdĞĂŵ͘ĐŽŵ tĂŶƚƚŚĞŚŝŐŚĞƐƚƉŽƐƐŝďůĞƉƌŝĐĞ͍ĂůůƵƐĂŶĚǁĞǁŝůůƐŚŽǁLJŽƵŚŽǁǁĞǁŝůůŐĞƚŝƚ͊ ŽŵƉĂƐƐŝƐĂƌĞĂůĞƐƚĂƚĞďƌŽŬĞƌůŝĐĞŶƐĞĚďLJƚŚĞ^ƚĂƚĞŽĨĂůŝĨŽƌŶŝĂĂŶĚĂďŝĚĞƐďLJƋƵĂů,ŽƵƐŝŶŐKƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚLJůĂǁƐ͘>ŝĐĞŶƐĞEƵŵďĞƌϬϭϴϲϲϳϳϭ͘ůůŵĂƚĞƌŝĂůƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĞĚŚĞƌĞŝŶŝƐŝŶƚĞŶĚĞĚĨŽƌŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƚŝŽŶĂů ƉƵƌƉŽƐĞƐŽŶůLJĂŶĚŝƐĐŽŵƉŝůĞĚĨƌŽŵƐŽƵƌĐĞƐĚĞĞŵĞĚƌĞůŝĂďůĞďƵƚŚĂƐŶŽƚďĞĞŶǀĞƌŝĨŝĞĚ͘ŚĂŶŐĞƐŝŶƉƌŝĐĞ͕ĐŽŶĚŝƚŝŽŶ͕ƐĂůĞŽƌǁŝƚŚĚƌĂǁĂůŵĂLJďĞŵĂĚĞǁŝƚŚŽƵƚŶŽƚŝĐĞ͘EŽƐƚĂƚĞŵĞŶƚŝƐŵĂĚĞĂƐƚŽĂĐĐƵƌĂĐLJŽĨ ĂŶLJĚĞƐĐƌŝƉƚŝŽŶ͘ůůŵĞĂƐƵƌĞŵĞŶƚƐĂŶĚƐƋƵĂƌĞĨŽŽƚĂŐĞĂƌĞĂƉƉƌŽdžŝŵĂƚĞ͘ THE MAY 2020 page 5

Rockridge Business District Responds to COVID-19 Childcare Resources

uring this time of Shelter-In- confirm the services provided as First 5 Alameda County has put D Place, local restaurants have information remains fluid and some together a list of great resources altered their hours and services to business may be open that are not for children and families to cope meet the needs of our community. included. Please help keep this list during the COVID-19 pandemic The Rockridge District updated at https://www.rockridge- and order to Shelter-at-Home. Association maintains updated district.com/covid19, and thank you Resources include: information on local restaurants for supporting Rockridge merchants • Talking to Kids about COVID-19 offering take out and delivery during these unprecedented times. • Distance learning resources serivces. Be sure to call ahead to — Chris Jackson, Operations Manager (including free Internet services) • Food assistance more resources, from previous page hours of paid sick leave and expanded paid Other Measures to Preserve Cash Flow childcare leave when employees’ children’s • Financial aid Employers experiencing a hardship as a result schools are closed or childcare providers are CLICK HERE to access these and of COVID-19 may request up to a 60-day unavailable. Employers with fewer than 50 other resources. extension of time from the State of Califor- employees are eligible for an exemption from nia’s Employment Development Department the requirements to provide leave to care for (EDD) to file their state payroll reports and/ a child whose school is closed, or childcare Employers with less than 10 employees must or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty is unavailable in cases where the viability of allow employees to accrue up to 40 hours of or interest. A written request for an extension the business is threatened. Employers receive paid sick leave at a time and larger employers must be received within 60 days from the 100 percent reimbursement for paid leave with 10 or more employees must allow employ- original delinquent date of the payment or pursuant to the Act. Health insurance costs ees to accrue at least 72 hours of paid sick return. For questions, employers may call the are also included in the credit. Self-employed leave. Employers who have questions should EDD Taxpayer Assistance Center. Toll-free individuals receive an equivalent credit. email [email protected]. from the U.S. or Canada: (888) 745-3886 Reimbursement will be quick and easy to Resources to Support Workforce Hearing-impaired (TTY): (800) 547-9565 obtain. An immediate, dollar-for-dollar tax Reductions offset against payroll taxes will be provided. State Franchise Tax Board If you’re reducing your workforce, please con- Has postponed until July 15, 2020 the filing City of Oakland’s Paid Sick Leave sider the state’s Work Sharing Program that and payment deadline for most businesses. Requirement for Workers helps employers minimize or eliminate the The City of Oakland is reminding all employ- need for layoffs, keep trained employees and U.S. Treasury Department, IRS, and ers and workers of Oakland’s voter-approved quickly prepare when business conditions U.S. Department of Labor sick leave benefits. During the COVID-19 improve. The program helps employees whose Announced that small and midsize employers pandemic, it is important that workers have hours and wages have been reduced to receive can begin taking advantage of two new the ability to take paid time off when they Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. refundable payroll tax credits, designed are sick. Measure FF, voter-approved in Engaging the City’s Rapid Response Team to immediately and fully reimburse them, November 2014, requires the accrual of paid Meets with affected workers before the layoff dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing sick leave for any individuals employed in will allow your employees access to services leave to their employees. For COVID-19 Oakland. The minimum rate of accrual is one and programs to help them through this related reasons, employees receive up to 80 hour paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. difficult time. Rapid Response is carried out in partnership with Oakland’s American Job Center. To access these Rapid Response services, contact Tamara Walker at twalker@ Hang in there, Rockridge! oaklandca.gov or (510) 238-3630. Help with Mounting Housing Costs and Residential Displacement Through the Keep Oakland Housed Program, We’ll get through services are available to all Oakland residents who are at risk of losing their housing. In addition to emergency financial assistance to this together help with rent, utility payments, and other housing-related costs, the program offers supportive services and legal representation for tenants with an active eviction lawsuit. If –Daniel– you or any of your employees are at-risk for residential displacement, please connect with 510.843.6400 Keep Oakland Housed. more resources, next page THE page 6 MAY 2020

More resources, from previous page East Bay FeedER Eviction Moratorium Purchases meals at full price plus tip from On Friday, March 27, 2020, the Oakland local, independently-owned restaurants and “Prep is Love!” City Council passed an eviction mora- delivers those meals to feed frontline workers Youth Video Contest torium for residential renters, nonprofit at five East Bay hospitals. Get your restaurant organization renters, and small business involved, donate, or volunteer to drive. — by Doug Mosher OCP&R Program renters (generally those with fewer than 100 Volunteer Your Time Manager Oakland Firesafe Council employees). We’re seeing a generous outpouring of volun- This moratorium will prohibit most teer support from Oaklanders. Volunteers are ey you(!)th, stuck at home? evictions, effective immediately and con- needed to help Seniors, low-income families HDon’t you love watching tinuing through May 31, 2020, unless the and other vulnerable populations in Oakland. funny videos? Or videos that City Council extends that date. The full Sign up here to support. show an insanely simple way to do text of the ordinance is available at: https:// Help still is available for those experiencing something? If your kids or grand- bit.ly/2UQl52b Commercial tenants and domestic abuse. The Alameda County Family kids love watching videos that get property owners with questions about the Justice Center (ACFJC) is a Division of the eviction moratorium should email busdev@ Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. It lots of “likes” or “shares,” chances oaklandca.gov. provides legal, health, and support services for are they can make one themselves. victims of domestic abuse. Enter this super fun, super easy Oakland Chamber “Prep Is Love!” video contest, and Testing for COVID-19 The Chamber has launched “Oakland’s win one of the following gift card The City of Oakland is operating a COVID-19 Open,” a crowd-sourced list of organizations prizes to be awarded: providing modified services during COVID- test site to serve essential service providers 19. Support #OAKPROUD organizations such as healthcare workers, grocery store • One $200 1st Prize gift card employees, homeless outreach workers, and where and when you can. Email the Chamber • Three $100 2nd Prize gift cards to be included. View the List of Open Restau- others working directly with the public rants, and #StayInOrderOut. Email Ashleigh during the pandemic. If an organization • Ten $50 3rd Prize gift cards Smallwood at asmallwood@oaklandchamber. operates within one of the listed areas and com. has not yet made arrangements for testing, Please pass this along to your they should email covid19testing@oaklandca. neighbors, friends and family with Grants and Financial Assistance gov . In order to use this testing service, kids ages 21 or under. This is their Attention Literary Arts, Performing Arts, individuals must be exhibiting COVID-19 chance to create a short video on Visual/Media Arts, Freelance Artists, and symptoms or have had confirmed exposure to any topic related to emergency Nonprofits, resources for artists and non- COVID-19. n preparedness and response and profit arts organizations are now available enter to win! here. Thank you Keira Williams, Harry Hamilton, and the Business Devel- Sponsored by the Oakland Firesafe Rapid Relief Fund for Kids and Schools Council’s Oakland Community To purchase healthy food for students, opment Team at the Economic & Workforce Development Department, Preparedness & Response program. distance learning materials, and to ensure For details go to: https://oakland- school facilities are safe when students City of Oakland. You can Reach Keira cpandr.org/videos. return. Contribute online or text “Oakland” at [email protected]; (510) to 31996. 387-8003.

Experience * Knowledge * Performance Be healthy, Be safe, We are all in this together! Sold, multiple offers! 5340BroadwayTerrace.com Unit 208 ~1,100sf condo $805k Coming on in May: 2 Parcels on Ocean Ave w/homes in front & accessory bldgs in back Coming post SIP: 2 Parcels on corner of 57th & Telegraph, 4 residential/1 commercial unit May is awareness month for ALS, Melanoma, Mental Health, BBQs & Bikes! Thanks family, friends, neighbors, healthcare providers, essential service workers! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!!

Perry Riani, Senior Associate 2016 Realtor of the Year 1900 Mountain Blvd Oakland, CA 94611 1625 Shattuck Ave Berkeley, CA 94709 C: 510.813.3799 [email protected] License # 01402540 THE MAY 2020 page 7

encourage you, our readers, to do the For the First Time, same. Thank You Ever We realize that not all Rockridge Speaking as the Chair of the residents are on an email list and that Rockridge Community Planning — by Susan Montauk, The a substantial number of them will not Council Board, I’d like to thank Rockridge News Business Manager know to access our online edition, and we would like to fix that problem. all the volunteers for your o much happened this April, for If you or someone you know in Rock- commitment to distributing The S the first time. There were first- ridge is not on a block email list, we Rockridge News. Thanks also time virtual seders and Easter celebra- ask that you sign up at RCPC’s website to all those volunteers who tions, first-time hiring of a personal Rockridge.org. Click on the link at the printed out the special front shopper, first-time standing on a line top right-hand of the home page to page flyer and posted it widely outside a grocery store, first-time join our Constant Contact list so you in the neighborhood and shared walking with friends while keeping will automatically receive the link to it with their contacts to make six feet between you, first-time the online newsletter each month. sure the Rockridge community turning away your family member Our sincere thanks go out to the was aware of the postponement who wanted to hug you, first-time more than 150 volunteers who deliver of the RCPC Annual Meeting. mourning a friend or relative who The Rockridge News. You are indis- Your ongoing support is much succumbed to the virus. pensable to the continued success of appreciated. It was also a first for The Rockridge our newsletter that is funded essen- — Leonora Sea News. For the first time in 35 years, tially by its advertisers. We ask that the newsletter did not land on neigh- you, our dear readers, please reach out borhood doorsteps. This month will to these advertisers to thank them, be a repeat of April — no printed or use their services now, while we edition of The Rockridge News. shelter-in-place, and again when we We hope that this new practice of come out of it. A click on most ads publishing online-only will not con- will direct you to their web page. tinue for long, but, in the meantime, We wish you all continued health we still depend on our cadre of loyal and safety. n volunteers — Block Captains, District Captains, and Marshals — who NEW LISTING! under normal circumstances, do the 5869 CHABOT COURT hard work of getting the newsletters 3 BEDROOMS ∙ 2 FULL BATHROOMS directly to your home or business. 2,426 SQ FT* ∙ 5,090 SQ FT LOT*

This month, we’ve asked them to Impeccably renovated with designer finishes spread word via email, along with the throughout! This comfortable split-level home link to the digital May issue, to their enjoys a rare cul-de-sac location and an extra roomy level lot! All just blocks from BART and College Ave! lists and social media outlets. We also CONTACT MAXI FOR MORE DETAILS + PRICING INFO!

Photos/Design credit: Cassandra Crain

MAXI LILLEY 510.919.8997 [email protected]

The Rockridge Realtor® with A Designer’s Eye *per architectural plans DRE#1919653 THE page 8 MAY 2020 SOLD An Unexpected Adventure On The Journey Home BEFORE THE FORMAL MARKETING WAS EVEN STARTED — by Kaitlyn Johnke

My neighbor Kaitlyn Johnke, 24, was a research volunteer in a rural town in Sierra Leone when the nonprofit she was working for told her to return home due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Five days later, she began her 50-hour journey, returning to her Rockridge home on March 24. Here, edited for space considerations, is her story. — Judy Berne

here weren’t any cases within Sunday, still appeared to be intact. T Sierra Leone at the time, but there This started a new wave of panic 5522 Carlton Street was a worry that if or when it got there, that I might get stuck partway in my $1,525,000 the health infrastructure is so unable journey back to the USA. It made This 3 Bed 2 Bath home backs right up to to support its population against basic absolutely everything feel uncertain. the golf course. Great built ins, fireplace & eat-in kitchen. Kitchen is remodeled and health disparities like malnutrition, I bought myself a new ticket from opens to the sunny, private backyard. malaria, and typhoid, COVID could Ghana to Dubai even though it left wreak havoc on West Africa. And if me with more than a 48-hour layover Ron was able to pinpoint ready and able buyers that allowed the home to sell above that happened, we would be stuck in in Ghana. I began wondering if I the owner’s expectations & with minimal Sierra Leone — indefinitely. should leave at all. There still was no marketing, time and risky exposure. My two co-volunteers and I were on virus in Sierra Leone, and I would be 5522Carlton.com hold for hours on end with airline’s heading to an area of high infection. and third-party booking companies I had support in Sierra Leone, but no

STAY HOME as we frantically tried to change one if I somehow got stuck in Ghana STAY SAFE flights originally booked for months or Dubai. later. They found flights that would The two days before my flight Ron Kriss, Broker leave within 48 hours. Mine would passed with general sadness and Lawton Associates leave three days after theirs. We said anxiety. It’s a long trip by ferry to the (c) 510-612-2547 goodbyes in our community that were airport. A few minutes before board- [email protected] too hasty for the deep ties that we had ing they made the announcement built over the last six months. that I had feared — the Ghana flight “#1 in Rockridge Real Estate” Together, we took a company was cancelled. One last flight was still 160+ Successful Sales in Rockridge vehicle to the capital city of Freetown, scheduled, Kenya. Despite having no www.LawtonAssoc.com about five hours away. The next day, ticket, I got on the ferry and, thank- Sierra Leone made the announcement fully, was able to use my laptop to that they would be closing their secure a seat on that plane. airport the day before my evacuation They wouldn’t allow me to check flight. Did that mean my flight was in until I bought my revised tickets, cancelled? again via my computer, for the series of As we rushed to the downtown air- flights back to . Finally, lines office, in front of every building I checked my baggage and headed for were hand-washing buckets. I had Kenya where I had a 16-hour layover Sewer Problems? washed my hands at least four times. spent scrolling the news, taking naps, Pipe Spy Can Help! They assured me that the flight would making new friends and eating expen- leave — the last out of Sierra Leone sive airport food. Trenchless Sewer Pipe — and there was no space available No one was allowed to leave the Replacement on the flight that would be leaving airport — another COVID restriction Camera Pipe Inspection sooner. I wasn’t very reassured. — and many cancellations and delays Sewer Diagnostics My flight was in three legs out of were announced. Luckily, my flight Sewer Service & Repair Sierra Leone; first to Ghana, then wasn’t among them. After Kenya, I $15 off camera inspections Ghana to Dubai, and finally Dubai went to Dubai, and then finally got a to San Francisco. Overnight, I was flight to Seattle. But by the time I got 510-465-3000 informed that my second flight to off the plane and tried to transfer my www.pipespy.com Dubai was cancelled and my flight luggage, my flight to SFO was depart- from Dubai to San Francisco was ing. I waited for another few hours for Financing Available delayed by two days. the next plane. Lic #: 754966 My first flight, to Ghana on Journey, see next page THE MAY 2020 page 9 Journey, from previous page I arrived at SFO, exhausted and disoriented, to be greeted by my mom and sister. I wasn’t sure if I should hug them, as I had no mask while traveling all those hours and was aware of how often I had touched my face or gotten close to strangers. I came from a place that was still awaiting its first case and where life was still “normal” to a place that was much farther along in COVID response than almost anywhere else in the . I am glad to be at home and healthy and weathering this out with my family, On the last leg of her though my heart aches for the people journey, from Seattle to San and countries who do not have the Francisco, Kaitlyn Johnke had the plane mostly to privilege of taking needed precautions herself, in contrast to her or have limited access to health care. three other flights which For all of us, I eagerly await the day that were jam-packed. we can go on to a new “normal.” n

Aurora School Navigates Experiential, collaborative, intentional Fourth- and fifth-grade teachers — more concerned with the “why” assigned writing exercises, including Social Emotional than the “what.” the “Time Capsule,” in which students Notwithstanding, Aurora teachers, write letters to other students or to Distance Learning led by Abbie Koss, rose to the occasion. their future selves, to be opened much — by Robert Movradinov They leapt into online learning on later in life. While the exercise makes March 16, when Aurora, like so many a yearly appearance, these children very Tuesday morning before the schools and districts across California, clearly will not forget this year’s exer- Eonset of COVID-19, Aurora School began sheltering-in-place. Kindergar- cise. Some student reflections were would host a school-wide assembly in ten and first-grade teachers filmed wistful. “I miss hanging out with my its auditorium, including all of its K-5 seven-minute daily reading lessons friends in real life,” or “I sometimes students and teachers, along with most over the first two weeks; and heard dream I’m still at school, happy.” staff and many parents. No assem- from parents that their children would Some saw a silver lining. “I’ve been bly was complete without singing, watch them repeatedly and respond as getting into cooking by myself and announcements, and the occasional if their teachers were in front of them! Aurora, see next page dance. For the closing song, music teacher Eve Decker would invite com- munity members to hold hands. Every classroom would kick off each day with a morning meeting for stu- dents and teachers to connect socially and emotionally by sharing, playing games, or practicing mindfulness. Then teachers would lead students in reading and writing, science, and math. Perhaps these rituals explain why the transition to distance learn- ing was so jolting. As if it weren’t enough that teachers and students had to adapt classroom learning to virtual platforms over- night, they would also have to forgo the visceral, human ties that make progressive education what it is: THE page 10 MAY 2020

Aurora’s Tips for Parents, Students & Teachers: Differentiated Learning & Social Connections While Zooming Some people connect better one-on-one than in larger groups. For this reason, teachers are pro- viding one-on-one Zoom meetings with students. To help your child focus on Zoom instruction and foster the connection with their teacher, pin the teacher or switch the view to Speaker View. Breakout rooms have helped tremendously with remote teach- ing. As second- and third-grade Joined by students and parents, teachers and staff, Tuesday Morning Assemblies teacher Regina Sorey notes, are a tradition at Aurora. Pictured above is a recent virtual assembly. “Breakouts allow the students to interact and work with each Aurora, from previous page The effort was not lost on one fifth- other, and also enable me to painting which is really amazing.” All grade parent, who recently remarked: check in with small groups and showed an awareness that we’re in “Thank you for all that you are doing more easily give support and uncharted waters. for our Aurora kids. My partner and assess learning. Letting the kids If recent months are any indication, I are so grateful for how effectively, work together allows them to Aurora will come out of this stronger. seamlessly, tirelessly, and warmly you stay connected rather than only listening to the teacher during a The school’s tagline, “The Power of are reinventing the wheel. large Zoom meeting.” Small,” is more evident now than ever. I know that the energy and time you If your child is feeling shy, switch Despite distance learning, the size are putting forth is above and beyond off their video until they are more of the school allows its tightly knit our imagination. We cannot imagine comfortable with being seen. community to look after one another. our child thriving without you.” If your child connects best Through virtual parent coffee hours Whether in the classroom or through touch, allow them to have and one-on-one conversations, teach- virtual, thriving educationally will a stuffed animal or favorite pillow ers and administrators partner with always depend on relationships. The nearby while in a Zoom lesson/ parents in a steady loop of feedback to Power of Small has allowed this com- meeting to hug and hold onto, if a refine the delivery of its curriculum munity to stay connected and close parent is unable to be nearby. and ensure that student needs are met. — despite the distance. At a recent To encourage one-to-one con- Tuesday assembly, held via Zoom, nections with peers, let your child the music teacher gave her standard have Zoom play dates with one prompt for students to reach out and other friend. Rotate these friends hold someone’s hand before singing throughout the week, so your the closing song. At that moment, child can remain connected to a one 4th grader held his hand to the number of their peers during this camera of his device, making himself time off-campus. n invisible and saying, “I want to hold everyone’s hand” — humbling the adults in the Zoom assembly. Don’t we all. n THE MAY 2020 page 11

Claremont, from page 1 Mr. Watson, the grade-level deans, instability and hunger, even in the being held accountable for the work Lacy Lefkowitz, Eric Galvan, and best of times. The shutdown of the they do this spring, though semester Deniz Thacher, and all the staff and economy is impacting these fami- grades will be Credit/No Credit. teachers are doing their utmost to lies the hardest. Many families are During the first confusing weeks make sure students continue to learn sheltering-in-place together, scraping before spring break, many students and to keep the community intact together money for food and shelter felt bewildered and anxious. One and healthy in anticipation of hitting — all of which makes managing the student expressed the prevailing the ground running once schools are continuing education of their chil- sentiment aptly: “Everything is so back in session for the next school dren extra difficult. scary.” Teachers reached out to year. If you would like to donate any students with weekly calls home to The Claremont PTA continues to part of your stimulus check to assist check in and maintain contact as the work on behalf of the school commu- those in greater need, consider entire community scrambled to cope nity as well. Along with everyone in joining Oakland’s teachers in the with the alarming and ever-evolving the world, the PTA is reassessing its “Stimulus Pledge,” to donate stimulus new circumstances. budget and priorities for what prom- funds to families at high need in Teachers and administrators began ises to be a challenging coming year. Oakland schools (https://stimulus- meeting virtually to strategize even Please support the continuing pledge.org/schools-partners/). n as they struggled to adjust to their success of one of our neighborhood’s own families’ disrupted patterns. bedrock public institutions by con- The Claremont Knightline newsletter First, the school worked hard to tributing to the PTA’s interrupted provides a wealth of updated informa- identify students who needed extra fundraising efforts at https://www. tion, resources, and links for students support in the form of more personal claremontms.org, or by sending a and families about what is happening. contact or to access technology. To check to the Claremont PTA at 5750 Please subscribe by entering your help everyone access online learning College Avenue, Oakland, 94618. email and clicking the link at https:// tools during this emergency, The Many OUSD families struggle with www.claremontms.org/. Community Schools Manager, Edana Anderson, delivered Chrome Books to students who did not have access to a computer, and Comcast is pro- viding 60 days of free Internet. This contribution is generous and welcome, but it is temporary. It has not solved the issue of access for every student, so teachers and administrators remain open to suggestions about how to ensure uni- versal Internet access. Claremont has now begun to implement its educational programs online and virtually. Teachers con- tinue to meet and share ideas, hold office hours, post video links and Earthquake assignments on Google Classroom, and host student Zoom and Google Insurance Hangout sessions with updated secu- rity. The school webpage features a Simpli ied “Continuity of Learning” homepage and invites students to ask for addi- For Renters, Homeowners, and Small Businesses tional help with instruction, or with STRAHAN INSURAN CE Susan Bernosky computers and computer access. The SERVICES INC 510-450-9050 local school sites, like Claremont, are 5940 College Ave., Ste A [email protected] working with the district to deter- Oakland, CA 94618 mine how students earn credit for CA License # 0D34069 the work they do during this unusual Jumpstart is a surplus lines insurance broker working in full compliance with applicable and challenging spring semester. insurance regulations. The insurance described here is e ected with certain yourjumpstart.com/strahan Mr. Mayer, Assistant Principal Underwriters at Lloyd's, London. Licensed Surplus Line Insurance Broker CA #0K67793 THE page 12 MAY 2020

Crip Camp, from page 1 a camper at nearby Camp Oakhurst. I went on to have our own families; Spanning the years from the late knew of many other camps for people successful careers in academia; busi- 1960s to the present, it tells the story of with disabilities, similar to Oakhurst, ness, and government; and as civil 14 disability activists, mostly consisting where most of the counselors were rights advocates. The shabby, run- of campers and staff members at Camp young college students who wanted down campus taught me that I don’t Jened, which was located upstate New to help people less fortunate have a need to be overprotected or handled York in the Catskills until it closed in good summer experience. Counselors with kid gloves. Being one of the most 1977. Many campers went on to lead had a room separate from where conservative people at , I the Disability Rights Movement. campers slept. Activities were always had many heated political discussions. The film highlights the struggles well planned, and schedules strictly I learned that regardless of political for the civil rights of disabled people followed. People formed close rela- views, injustice to anyone is an injus- through numerous video clips, tionships, but most of these ended tice to everyone. We all must combat photographs, interviews, and the when people returned home. prejudices in any way we can. discussions regarding the 504 Demon- Camp Jened was very different. The Throughout my childhood, my strations (disability rights sit-ins) and grounds were shabby. Water came into body caused me physical and emo- protests that occurred throughout the cabins through the ceilings when tional pain. At Camp Jened, I got to that time. it rained. There were many days when see that everybody is beautiful and Before going to Camp Jened, I was there was no hot water. Many of the that my body can be pleasurable to staff were former campers themselves. other people and to me. Most camp workers were hippies from I urge you to watch “Crip Camp.” the Woodstock era and conscientious Afterward, please let me know what objectors of the Vietnam War. you think. Nowadays, does a place Campers and staff were all there to such as Camp Jened exist? If not, have fun together as equals. Activity where do young people with disabil- schedules were made but loosely ities learn the many life lessons the followed. After evening activity, Camp offered? campers went with their girlfriends Have fun watching it! n or boyfriends unaccompanied by a Neil Jacobson retired from Wells Fargo counselor. If you have any doubts after 29 years where he served as VP about what we did, watch the film. of System Automation Management & Relationships formed at Camp that Wireless Technology. He is currently the often lasted for decades. Many still founder and CEO of Abilicorp whose exist. My wife, Denise, and I re-united mission is to increase employment here years later through a mutual opportunities for entrepreneurs with friend, Judy Heumann, who is also disabilities. Denise Jacobson recently featured in the film. completed her memoir, “My Camp The free, open, equitable, and loving Jened Summer: A Teenage Misfit’s Tale environment found at Camp Jened of Love, Heartache, and Belonging.” undoubtedly is why so many of us Email Neil at [email protected]. THE MAY 2020 page 13 To All Rockridge Residents: Please Remove Any Foxtail Grasses In Your Area — by Linda Zunas

etting out and about may be a Gnecessity, and gardening and walking your dog are wonderful ways to get some well-needed exercise and fresh air. This time of year, it is especially important to be careful of foxtails. As a weed, foxtail grasses shed thousands of seeds that dry out and get blown around the neighborhood, endangering our pets. Many will sprout again next year, compounding the importance of removing them safely and completely each year. Foxtails can be a health hazard for dogs, cats and other domestic ani- mals, as well as a nuisance for people. In pets, they can become irreversibly lodged into their bodies after being or breaking off the seed stems is less picked up in their fur. Foxtails often effective and may need to be repeated enter the nostrils and ear canals of several times since this may miss many animals. When this happens, many of the seeds. Mowing them and the foxtail can physically bore into leaving the clippings on the ground their bodies via muscular movements or sidewalk is the worst way to deal or, in the case of nostrils, air flow, and with it. ultimately cause the foxtails to burrow Please place all foxtail remains in a through soft tissues and organs, plastic refuse bag, seal it tightly, and causing infection and physical pain place it in your trash. Do not place or disruption, and in worst cases can it in the green yard waste container, even result in death. as this will spread the seeds into any COME VISIT US AT The best way to remove them from resulting mulch. the soil is to dig out the root bundle Take care of yourself, and your THE CORNER OF with a simple garden tool. Cutting pets… and stay safe. n LIFE & CHANGE THE page 14 MAY 2020 Eyes On Rockridge, from page 1 neighborhood closed and my parents Housework and the increase in California poppies. Even behind a kept us from home from parties and cooking bring to mind an earlier life. mask, the lush smell of wisteria lulls. playgrounds. I remember going to Frankly, I haven’t done my own house- And it’s worth removing my earphones visit good friends of my parents whose keeping in decades. Who knew about to substitute bird song for Pandora. young son was hospitalized with the Swiffers and other such cleaning devices Yet my eyes are also wary of the disease. He spent almost a year in an and supplies that I now buy for our passing runner, oncoming pedes- iron lung in the same facility where wonderful housekeeper and her crew, trian, the front-yard gardener and a President Franklin Roosevelt, who was but am still not sure how to use. How bicyclist, as my mind calculates how infected as an adult, had recovered. did upright vacuum cleaners suddenly to keep a safe distance. I have never Like Roosevelt, he was confined to a become so heavy? I promptly ordered a lived through a time as personally wheel chair, but through determination canister version. Cleaning turns out to terrifying as what the COVID-19 virus and intelligence led a highly successful be good exercise, especially when you has wrought. But the way in which life. do it at an advanced age. my daily life has changed conjures up Grocery delivery is something I I also find myself gravitating towards memories. haven’t experienced since childhood. comfort foods. A headline in The New I obviously wasn’t alive when the In those days, milk delivery, placed in York Times says it all: “I Just Need poliovirus first haunted both Europe our built-in milk box with both inside the Comfort: Processed Foods Make and the United States during warm and outside access, was a given. But a Pandemic Comeback.” I haven’t weather months around the early we also ordered groceries and had resorted to the tuna noodle casserole 1900s. But I remember its peak in them delivered from a small nearby that I made regularly when my hus- the summer of 1952 when it infected market. Even when we drove there band was in graduate school and when 57,879 people, mostly children, causing to shop, many of the products were I had my first job as an underpaid paralysis and 3,145 deaths. stacked on high shelves behind the journalist, but it’s on the horizon. Although it didn’t compare to the counter. That required the grocer to Mahjong, which my mother enjoyed length and breadth of our current collect them for us, like the brave men with friends at a card table set up in confinement, swimming pools and and women who are shopping for our living room, is a hobby I took up movie theaters in my suburban Detroit many families today. two years ago at the behest of a Rock- ridge tennis friend. It was a substitute way of getting together when our game got rained out, although decidedly less active. With tennis off limits, I play either online with random people or set up private games with Oakland friends. By adding Zoom to the pic- ture, literally, it’s almost like the old days (back in February!) when we gathered together at someone’s house.

Eyes On Rockridge, continued next page

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Practicing exclusively in the area of trusts and estates: • Estate planning • Probate / trust administration • Dispute resolution • Special needs trusts Please contact me during regular business hours to schedule an appointment. THE MAY 2020 page 15 Eyes On Rockridge, from previous page Greater Rockridge Neighborhood Crime Prevention A final memory is more recent. My husband and I returned from a 20-day Council Held April Meeting via Zoom Caribbean cruise on March 2. If we had been boarding that cruise ship rather — by Karen Ivy, NCPC Secretary & Information Officer than getting off, we would have found ourselves on the open seas as the virus pounced — fortunately, that ship ended up virus-free. But it was on board that, ironically, we had a small taste of what it means to shelter-in-place. After a few days of personally experiencing intestinal problems, and my husband’s hacking cough (no con- gestion), we went to the ship’s doctor. She remanded us to our suite for 24 hours, with food delivered on paper and plastic by a masked crewmember, later bagged and taken away. Having he Greater Rockridge Neighbor- on the NCPC website. Please note no temperature the next day allowed Thood Crime Prevention Council that the NCPC will not meet in May. us to resume our shore excursions and (NCPC) met with Dan Kalb and For more information, visit http:// a normal shipboard life. other concerned Rockridge residents rockridgencpc.com, Rockridge Crime I’m sure neither of us had the virus via Zoom last month to review the Trends can be found at http://tinyurl. but it’s hard to know whether the current crime data. The statistics com/y5mc2suu. For the direct link ship’s medical team was even looking show that during the shelter-in-place to the Crime Stats document, visit: for it. I do know that boarding the order, as a result of the coronavirus https://tinyurl.com/va2xnl7. n ship took a longer time than usual pandemic, crime in the area has been since they paged through our pass- reduced, but not eliminated. ports to determine whether we had Not shown in chart above, auto- been in China recently. related property crime in 12Y took We all have our stories, our mem- the most spectacular dive, from 80 in ories. Luckily we live in a state and February, down to 33 in March. That’s community where early action by still slightly more than one a day. The forward-thinking politicians and only increase in March was Property brave medical and food service Crime in 12Y, up from 16 to 19 workers, among others, has allowed instances. Crimes Against the Person the majority of us to be safe. For now, were flat in 12Y and nonexistent in sheltering-in-place is our contribution 13X. Quality of Life crimes in 12Y to the COVID-19 virus story. We look (mostly vandalism) dropped from 23 forward to the day when this experi- in February to 10 in March; in 13X ence is a distant memory. n they increased slightly from 3 to 4. Updates for the latest monthly If you have comments on this column crime statistics for beats 12Y and or, better yet, confinement-triggered 13X are now available for viewing memories of your own that could be part of a future column, please email [email protected]. THE page 16 MAY 2020 Rockridge Businesses Use GoFundMe For Support During the Pandemic

Child’s Play Right-Way Shoe Repair Rockridge Day Spa For over 20 years Child’s Play has Right-Way Shoe Repair has been a Our business relies on servicing our been a staple in the Rockridge commu- family owned business for the past guests, in person, face to face. Touch nity and we would love to continue our 16 years. As the third owners of this is healing, but during this time we legacy of providing great second hand shop, we appreciate the love and sup- continue to stay closed in an attempt children’s apparel and goods to fami- port of our surrounding community. to keep our community safe from lies in the area for years to come. Due Unfortunately, this unexpected virus the spread of COVID-19 and the to the recent has caught us unprepared financially. shelter in place order. Last year, most COVID-19 We are doing all we can to collect as of you know, I made a very difficult, impact we, much income as possible to get during expensive and oh-so-time-consuming Child’s Play, this hard time. We feel lucky to be a decision to switch our entire staff over are not able to family business, and united we will to Employees. keep our doors get through this. We have no renters, no independent open and had contractors, and we are a wonderful to furlough our beloved and dedicated https://www.gofundme.com/f/sup- beautiful team of 18. I am forever employee, Lillian, until further notice. port-for-right-way-shoe-repair grateful for the decision I made, This is not what we want to do but we because during this trying time my are left with no choice. We are doing employees are able to file for unem- our best to keep business going by ployment and be supported with their updating products on our website, loss of income. www.childsplayoakland.com in an We love you, we love Oakland, and attempt to “keep the lights on”. We we’ll get through this one day at a will not be able to make it without you! time. https://www.gofundme.com/f/childs- Gerardo learned the business from his https://www.gofundme.com/f/ father when he was in his 20s. play-relief-fund your-community-oasis n

Garden Care, Clean-up, Working student seeking home- Maintenance & Design share scenario RNClassifieds Experienced team of two dedicated Prefer live-in with older adult. List your 36-word message here to the art of gardening. Garden Will provide companionship, for only $22 (phone number restoration, pruning, veggie bed transportation, errands in exchange counts as one word). Make check installation at affordable rates. for housing in Rockridge area. Local payable to RCPC, and write Call Chris: (510) 655-0157 or references available. Trustworthy, “Rockridge News Classified Ad” email yourgreengardeners@ reliable, organized & compassionate. on the memo line. gmail.com. Check us out at www. Contact: elizabethdburr@gmail. Mail to: RN Classifieds, 4123 yourgreengardeners.com. com (503) 713-3592. n Broadway, PMB 311, Oakland, CA 94611. The deadline for the Handyman for Hire June issue is May 21, which will be Neighborhood Says Sad available on June 3, 2020. Multi-skilled and well experienced. Goodbyes to Local Favorites Hauling and towing available. No job For more information, email Susan Montauk at [email protected]. too small. Reasonably priced. Lee Self. Bica Coffee Shop (707) 223-1298, call and text. Located across from the Rockridge BART for the past 10 years, the Penelope’s Aesthetics Skin Care shop is now closed for business. Salon HARDWOOD FLOORS is located in a serene garden setting Install, sand/refinish, repair, re-coat Ruby’s Garden in the Rockridge neighborhood and existing. Large jobs or small. Twenty- After 14 years in Temescal, Ruby’s specializes in professional beauty plus years in Piedmont Ave/Rockridge. Garden will be closing on May 31, needs. Facials, waxing and much more! Bruce Williams Woodfloors. Please and will offer 50% off online until Open for business again soon! www. call or text Bruce at (510) 652-8121. then, with free curbside pickup. penelopecalef.com (510) 594-1552. www.blwfloors.com. THE MAY 2020 page 17

Signs of the Times: Special thanks to neighborhood photographers: Leonora Sea, Judy Berne, Star Lightner, Julianne Sherback and Audrey Liu