As local conversations about land use continue, Rockridge residents are increasingly forced to respond to outside forces rather than work together to shape our neighborhood’s future. To help keep the community informed about the impact of the new state housing laws, Councilmember Zac Unger held a Town Hall at St. Augustine’s Church on July 13. For those who missed the meeting, this edition of Rockridge Voice includes a summary and transcript. These conversations will remain important in the months ahead.
Beyond the policy debates, we will continue to highlight all that is happening in the neighborhood, and you’ll find plenty in this edition. This year, Rockridge Voice is pleased to be a media sponsor of Rock-N-Stroll, a district-wide event featuring an Art Bazaar with over 50 local artists and more than 20 local bands along a one-mile stretch of College Avenue. Mark your calendar for August 22, and look for more details in our next e-newsletter.
On August 4, neighbors throughout Rockridge will gather on their own streets to celebrate National Night Out, a tradition that reminds us that strong communities begin with knowing the people next door. Whether you’re reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting someone new, it’s a wonderful way to strengthen the neighborhood ties that make Rockridge so special.
You’ll also want to head over to the Rockridge Café to see a curated selection of photos by Carol Scott in her exhibit, Rare Moments: Music Icons. Taken during the 1960s and 1970s, her extraordinary collection of portraits of famous musicians including Jerry Garcia, Mick Jagger, Prince, Muddy Waters, and many others will be on display through August 5.
As many of us take time to travel or simply relax and enjoy the longer days, our neighborhood remains as engaged as ever—a countless reminder that Rockridge’s greatest strength has always been its people.
Thank you to all of our subscribers, sponsors, and volunteer writers. We couldn't do this without you!
Anna L. Marks, Publisher/Editor
editor@rockridgevoice.com
Kim Thompson Wants to Bring an HBCU to Oakland
By Judy Berne
Establishing a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Oakland has been talked about for decades. But Kim Thompson and fellow members of her “Dream Team” are working to make that long-held vision a reality. READ MORE
After 40 Years, Carol Scott’s Photos Reveal Rare Moments of Music Icons
By Anna Marks
For more than four decades, Carol Scott's photographs sat quietly in boxes, their negatives carefully preserved, until now. Thanks largely to her daughter, Cameron Scott, those long-hidden images have finally come to light. READ MORE
Councilmember Zac Unger Holds Town Hall on Impact of New Laws on Local Development
By Anna Marks
For a third time in two months, Rockridge residents gathered to get answers as to why two luxury senior housing projects, one with two huge towers, are being proposed for the neighborhood. READ MORE
Letter to the Editor:
Re: Garofoli’s Grossly Inaccurate Column about Rockridge
By Patrick Cullinane
It is sad and tragic that Garofoli’s Sunday SF Chronicle column (July 19, 2026) grossly misrepresents sentiment in Rockridge in regards to affordable housing. It is especially sad that he insults his neighbors and his community for their sound and hopeful positions on more affordable housing in Rockridge. READ MORE
Letter to the Editor:
YIMBY Movement—Locally Funded or National Campaign?
By Alex Gough
As Oakland continues to debate major housing proposals, residents deserve to understand not only the projects themselves but also the organizations advocating for them. READ MORE
Opinion:
6230 Claremont – Enough is Enough!
By Jack Gerson
Two months ago, the Rockridge Voice published my article arguing that Ellis Partners and Spirit Living Group were asking for more units than they are entitled to for their proposed senior care facility at 6230 Claremont Avenue.
Opinion:
New State Land Use Laws Sideline Community Input—Now What?
By Lex Wodtke
Oakland’s Planning Department is developing, for City Council approval, a new General Plan for how land will be used in the City. The proposed Plan will replace the Rockridge neighborhood with a transit hub “similar to present-day Broadway,” with 95-foot-tall buildings… READ MORE
Opinion:
Extending Benefits Beyond Housing
By James Rojas
Cities need stronger rent regulations because land is finite. Simply building more housing will not, by itself, guarantee long-term affordability if rents continue to rise unchecked. READ MORE
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