In this issue of Rockridge Voice, we look at the latest quarterly report from John Cumbelich & Associates, which shows Rockridge as Oakland’s strongest retail district, with 97.6 percent of its retail space occupied. This is no small feat for an industry with thin margins, staffing challenges, and facing economic uncertainties. This strength is also reflected in this year’s Best of the Bay by Oakland Magazine, where more than three dozen Rockridge businesses placed first, or among the top five, in their individual categories…wow!
Rockridge’s success didn’t happen by accident. It reflects decades of community activism that began in the early 1970s after the construction of Highway 24 and BART devastated the neighborhood—demolishing more than 1,400 structures, mostly single-family homes, and leaving roughly half of College Avenue vacant and boarded up.
Since then, the College Avenue Merchants Association (now, the Rockridge District Association) worked with neighbors and the Rockridge Community Planning Council to revitalize the district by establishing pedestrian-oriented zoning that promoted local ownership of retail outlets within a walkable retail corridor.
Today, due to growing housing needs, new state laws are threatening to reshape housing and commercial development, and curtail the input of local residents and community organizations. But what has been Rockridge’s role in development? In this issue, historian Annette Floystrup examines Rockridge’s long record of accommodating new housing (which includes the addition of 576 units since January 2006), while also advocating for development that complements its desirable and inviting neighborhood character.
We also turn our attention to Chabot Elementary School, with stories about the Chabot Bike Bus, Rachel Perls’ new mural on the school’s campus, and Chabot families volunteering at Creek-to-Bay Day for Frog Park’s 25th anniversary. And congratulations are in order—Chabot was named by Oakland Magazine as its “Best Public Elementary School.”
Rockridge’s success is not accidental. Sustaining its businesses, schools, parks, and public spaces is the direct result of generations of residents and merchants organizing, investing, and working together to build, and continually renew our neighborhood.
Enjoy reading, and thank you for being part of our Rockridge Voice community.
Anna L. Marks, publisher/editor
editor@rockridgevoice.com
Building High-Density Housing in Rockridge
By Annette Floystrup
What is the history of building high-density housing in Rockridge? Has the neighborhood continually rejected high-density housing and prevented its construction? What is fact and what is fiction? READ MORE
Join the Chabot Bike Bus, and Bring Your Parent
By Molly Porter
When Phil Yip’s young child was about to start kindergarten, he and his wife began looking into Alameda County Safe Routes to School. As a car-free family, they were inspired by the idea of getting to school by bike, and they invited a few friends to ride along with them. READ MORE
New Mural Brings the Seasons to Life At Chabot Elementary
By Rachel Perls
I’ve walked past Chabot Elementary School on Patton Street countless times, but last year I noticed it looking a little worse for wear. What followed was an unexpected community project that turned a neglected wall into a colorful celebration of Chabot and the Rockridge neighborhood. READ MORE
Rockridge Retail Market Reaches 97.6% Occupancy
By Anna L Marks
Rockridge continues to stand out as one of the Bay Area’s strongest neighborhood retail districts, with 97.60 percent of its retail space occupied, compared with 93.86 percent Bay Area-wide, according to the latest quarterly report from John Cumbelich & Associates. READ MORE
The Latest Buzz on the Block
By Anna L Marks
With available retail space in our district in such high demand, turnover happens fast. This month, we are seeing a lot of changes on the street—new establishments moving in, old favorites saying goodbye, along with other recent news items. READ MORE
But wait, don’t miss these other local stories:
Anna L. Marks
Guest Author
Anna L. Marks
Anna L. Marks
Anna L. Marks
Guest Author
LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Let’s Never Forget Who Are Our Friends, and Who Are Our Foes
OPINION:
Vote Yes on Measure RTM this November
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