MONTCLARION: Nov 6, 2015

When Bill and Helen Sullivan closed Montclair Pharmacy to move to Montana in 2012, it was the end of a 50-year relationship with the community. But the couple never stopped looking for a tenant that would be a good fit. Ergo Goods, 6123 La Salle Ave., might just be the glass slipper to our Cinderella.

“Bill Sullivan leased the store to me specifically because he liked the health-minded products,” says Montclair’s newest merchant, David Perman. “He wanted to continue the legacy of helping people.”

Ergo Goods sells more than 300 types of orthotics, along with accessories like walking poles, ergonomic chairs and height-adjustable tables. Perman and his wife Marie live in Montclair and think it’s the perfect place for these products.

“There are a lot of people who walk, and we have so many trails, and people run up in the hills,” Perman says. “I wanted to cater to the local people and offer them something that will keep them physically fit and help them enjoy life to the fullest.”

Look for Ergo Goods to hold an official grand opening soon.

Drought damage: It’s like a spit in the bucket. The tiny bit of rain we had this week won’t do much for the dozens of dead or dying trees in Shepherd Canyon Park and along Highway 13. Reader Roy Aasen, a landscape specialist, says the trees are encapsulated, girded by ivy and threatening to come down. So far, calls to Caltrans haven’t been fruitful. Aasen has been told the agency is aware and waiting scheduling.

Crime alert: ‘Tis the season — for mail and package theft. Just as deliveries increase for the holidays, thieves step up their schedules as well. Neighbors on Nextdoor report several incidents where mail has been taken from unlocked boxes in the hills. A house camera has also captured the image of a woman who took a package from someone’s front porch.

Email bag: Speaking of the holidays, Oakland resident and orthodontist Dr. Reginald Griggs has a reminder for children with braces. Stay clear of hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy candy. “Good sweets” include soft chocolates, peanut butter cups and other melt-in-your-mouth choices.

Food news: When it comes to restaurants, Oakland’s power couple has to be Rich and Rebekah Wood. The owners of the popular Wood Tavern and Southie in Rockridge have leased the Piedmont Avenue building that Bay Wolf just vacated. Look for their third restaurant to open next summer, with chef and Oakland native Yang Peng at the helm.

Animal tales: Good news has come from the Oakland Animal Shelter. The agency has saved a record number of dogs, cats and bunnies this year. Eighty-five percent of the animals that come in are now being adopted. Five years ago, Oakland was euthanizing almost 70 percent more animals than it does today.

Got news? You can reach Ginny Prior by email at ginnyprior@hotmail.com or on the web at www.ginnyprior.com.