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Plumbing contractor
John Nakagaki service@nak4plumbing.com
Terrific guy with a great assistant named David. John discusses a range of prices with his clients.
General contractor
Earthquake retrofitting
Quakebusters is the company we chose and we hit the jackpot. Two different Oakland building inspectors came out to check on the work. Each man volunteered, “You’re lucky. You picked one of the three companies that we would recommend if we were allowed to make recommendations.”
Call Jerome at 763-6933.
Designer
Jane Powell: “I consult on all aspects of early 20th century houses, including kitchens, bathrooms, other rooms, interior and exterior colors, etc. I only consult- I do not do the actual work or oversee projects. The consultation is a collaborative process, where we work together to solve problems and get the results you want. To the extent feasible, I can point you towards resources, contractors, etc. to help with what you want to do.” Please visit http://www.bungalowkitchens.com Call Jane at 510-532-6704
Cheryl Crane is a brilliant designer. She has 30 years of experience in everything from remodels to additions to entire new houses. She has a spectacular eye for color. Call (510) 527-3579 or email cranedesignstudio@yahoo.com
Architect
Reif-Shaffer Architects specializes in residential and school design, and particularly enjoys the challenges of remodeling. They are dedicated to client service, design excellence and conscientious responses to budgets, schedules and our clients’ special needs. RSA will bring your project the expertise of a large firm (each principal has more than 20 years experience) and the personal service and project focus of a small firm. Contact: Reif-Shaffer Architects, 1818 Harmon Street, Suite 1 Berkeley CA 94703 Thad Shaffer (510) 601-6465; Email rsa@pacbell.net; Web site: www.home.pacbell.net/rsa
Dave Barkelew: If you’re on a budget but still want an excellent design, Dave Barkelew, M.Arch., is the man to see. Additions, remodels, new designs – he can do them all.
Phone (510) 655-8415 or email dbarkelew@sbcglobal.net
Appliance repair
Keith Kim 436-5382. If it can be repaired, Mr. Kim is your man. He has worked on stoves, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and has only once been stumped.
Home office
Laser printers
Our choice for laser printer repair and maintenance is Eddie Hernandez, owner of Laser Choice One. Eddie can work on almost any type of machine and is HP certified. Eddie is completely reliable, efficient and fast. Call (510) 433-9884 or fax (510) 568-3432. $65/hr and a $25 travel fee, so work out a schedule with your neighbors and Eddie will make a deal. He also offers a 90-day warranty on parts and labor.
Human health
KAISER
There is an answer to Kaiser Oakland. You might want to try Kaiser Walnut Creek or Kaiser Richmond. One of us has been hanging out at Kaiser Richmond for the past six months and swears by it. It is small, clean, fairly quiet and not a single person on any level of the entire staff is creepy or dismissive or rude. Their pharmacies FLY!
Prostate Cancer
A friend was told that he had prostate cancer and was given the usual ghastly choice of radiation (iffy) or surgery plus incontinence and impotence. Instead he found a doctor who told him about the Proton Beam Radiation treatment for prostate cancer at Loma Linda Univ. Medical Center. He says, " The side effects were insignificant, AND all systems work!"
Aetna's Coverage of Proton Beam Radiotherapy, such as that provided by Loma Linda University Medical Center: http://www.aetna.com/cpb/data/PrtCPBA0270.html
A patient's overview of the Proton Beam Radiotherapy at Loma Linda University Medical: http://www.protonbob.com/patient.asp
“Readers might be interested in the "Brotherhood of the Balloon" web site. "BOB" was founded by Bob Marckini about three years ago, as a voluntary on-line support group for those of us who have gone through proton beam radiotherapy at Loma Linda University Medical Center. So far, a little over 1,000 of us have joined BOB. (A balloon, filled with water, helps minimize/prevent damage to the rectum; thus the name.) I don't recall the web site address, but it is easily found by GOOGLE. It occurred to me that some of the 97 "histories" (testimonials) might be a useful reference for those dealing with PC.”
Pets
All animals
Dr. Maureen Dorsey owns and runs the Oakland Veterinary Hospital at 4258 MacArthur Blvd (High Street exit). Call 530-1353. Many of us have taken dogs and cats there and we have all been pleased with the treatment our pets received.
Cats
We have gone to the Cheshire Cat Clinic for about 25 years. Dr. Mark Youdall is the more laid-back of the two vets. He and newish partner Dr. Charles Sodikoff are both excellent diagnosticians. Call 530-1010. The office is at 4233 Park Blvd in the Glenview district, easily accessible from 580.
Security
Home office or both
We use Oakland-based Reed Brothers to deal with everything from car to office to houses. If they made secure cat collars and dog entrances they would be perfect. Call 652-2477.