MONTCLARION: July 21, 2012

Break out the Meow Mix — June is Adopt-A-Cat Month.

Now let’s not pussyfoot around here — cats are better than dogs, and they know it. Cats are cleaner, smarter and perfectly engineered to fit on a human lap. And finally, ask yourself this. What pet catches rodents and leaves them on your doorstep? Duh — only cats.

If you don’t have a kitty yet, here are some furry friends, featured on the Oakland SPCA website: Katyrina — a black-and-white friend with a checkerboard nose that loves long walks and quiet moments; Trixie — a green-eyed lady with butterscotch fur that likes batting the ball around; and Robin — a playful white pussycat with black spots. Or is she black with white spots? Either way, she’s got a lovely coat. Find out more, including special June adoption rates, at www.eastbayspca.org.

Brain drain: Our loss is Oregon’s gain. University of California Vice Chancellor Michael Gottfredson is leaving the East Bay to be the next president of the University of Oregon. It’s considered a coup for U of O — a school that is growing in popularity with college-bound Oaklanders. Oregon is on a roll since winning the Rose Bowl.

Email bag: Two more local boys are now Eagle Scouts. Piedmont Troop 6 members Kevin Conn and Rob Elmendorf were honored last weekend after finishing a major service project to build a Japanese torii gate at the trailhead to ShepherdCanyon Park and a bridge across Escher Creek. Not only do these scouting projects help our community — they help the scouts themselves. Mom Shawna Foster says Kevin is going to the University of Michigan this fall, and his Eagle rank undoubtedly helped him make the cut.

Birthday book: Talk about a labor of love — a new book is out on 100 years of service for one of Oakland’s most venerable clubs. “The Rotary Club of Oakland — A Century of Service and Friendship” is 400 pages of rich, Oakland history. Local Rotarian and author Linda Parker Hamilton compiled more than 2,500 photos and stories in this historical timeline of our town. Check it out at Oakland-rotary.org.

AN Empty seat: Friends are mourning the death of a longtime Montclarion and former Skyline High educator Herb Kennedy. The sign on Colonial Donuts is down now, but it announced Herb’s passing in such a sweet way that you know he’ll be missed. Herb was part of a group who meet regularly at the La Salle Avenue shop. Friends say he was a proud Cal graduate, actively involved in his alma mater and fraternity. Our heart goes out to his wife, Velma.