What do the Rockridge BART Plaza, Colby Park, FROG Park, Hardy Dog Park, the Greenbelt, the outdoor seating at Ain’t Normal, the small shops and plaza at Safeway, the retail stores in the Dreyer’s building, the multiple traffic safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle traffic, the upgraded HVAC system at Claremont, environmental enhancements at both Chabot
Elementary and Claremont Middle school, and the Halloween Parade all have in common? They have all been facilitated by the Rockridge Community Planning Council (RCPC).
Every day, residents of Rockridge see, use, or benefit from projects and undertakings, big and small, that have been originated, sponsored, supported, paid for, negotiated for, or defended through litigation by RCPC. Every year since 1986, RCPC has brought you the Rockridge News, yet RCPC’s most signature achievement remains the building of the Rockridge Branch of the Oakland Public Library. The library opened its doors in September 1996, and, to this day, Rockridge remains the only neighborhood
in the country to fund and build to completion its local library.
RCPC was incorporated as a nonprofit public benefit organization in 1985 after existing in various forms for almost 70 years. RCPC exists to “preserve and enhance the unique character of the Rockridge neighborhood, promote the health, safety, and quality of life of its residents, furnish a forum for community involvement, and provide leadership and representation of neighborhood interests.”
RCPC has partnered with neighborhood groups in Oakland and Berkeley, the Rockridge District Association merchants’ group, the City of Oakland, and resident groups to solve problems and create opportunities that make life more vibrant, interesting, and functional in our neighborhood.
In the late 1960s, RCPC led the way in obtaining funding from HUD for planning studies that resulted in the City of Oakland adopting the new C-31 zoning designation (currently CN-1 pedestrian-oriented retail) for College Avenue in 1973. Five other
Oakland neighborhoods were assisted by RCPC in adopting the C-31 zoning, resulting in greater economic success
for each of them — and benefitting all of Oakland.
RCPC has given voice to neighborhood concerns at countless Oakland City council meetings and hearings, lobbied Sacramento for library funding, and negotiated with Caltrans for the land to build FROG Park, the Greenbelt, and Hardy Dog Park. This is our neighborhood organization: the RCPC works for all of us. Please participate and vote for the RCPC board. Who knows what we can accomplish together in the future?
