OAKLAND
The city of Oakland and Oakland Police Department (OPD) launched a new auto attendant system in February for the OPD’s nonemergency line, aiming to improve communication and ensure efficient access to essential services.
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The move comes in response to the escalating demand for streamlined communication, particularly after managing more than 430,000 calls to the department’s nonemergency number in 2023, nearly 34% of all calls handled by the OPD’s communications division.
When dialing the department’s nonemergency line at 510-777-3333, callers will be prompted by the auto attendant system to select their preferred language before being presented with four options to address specific needs:
• Option One: Direct connection to Oak311 for issues concerning abandoned vehicles (excluding vehicles blocking driveways) and encampments;
• Option Two: Connection to the Records Division, providing information on police reports, towed vehicles or recovered stolen vehicles;
• Option Three: Direct connection to the Traffic Division for individuals needing a collision report;
• or Option Four: Connection to Animal Control for inquiries related to animal services.
Callers are encouraged to stay on the line for further assistance with all other matters. If none of the provided options are needed, the duration of the recording before transferring callers to the nonemergency queue is about two-and-a-half minutes.
— city of Oakland
PIEDMONT
Nominate a city Heritage Tree for this year by March 22
Do you have a favorite tree in Piedmont’s parks and public spaces? Nominate it to become a city of Piedmont Heritage Tree! Piedmont’s Heritage Tree program, which began in 2018, is meant to raise awareness and appreciation for the city’s diverse urban forest. Each year, the city’s Park Commission selects up to five trees from a pool of community nominations to receive the Heritage Tree designation.
Previously selected trees include the evergreen dogwoods that bloom each spring in front of Piedmont City Hall, the grove of dawn redwoods surrounding the lawn area in Dracena Quarry Park, and the row of autumn blaze maples lining the 400 block of Wildwood Avenue.
To nominate a tree or group of trees, complete the online nomination form (form.jotform.com/240190478826058) by March 22. You’ll be asked for a brief description of the tree and what makes it noteworthy, its address or general location and photos of the tree if any are available. Trees on private property will not be considered.
This year’s class of Heritage Trees will be announced at the April 3 Park Commission meeting and highlighted at the city’s annual Arbor Day celebration at Community Hall from 3 to 5 p.m. April 26. For more details online, visit bit.ly/48IPuUh or email questions to Parks & Project Manager Nancy Kent at nkent@piedmont.ca.gov.
City taking survey on disaster readiness through March 17
Piedmont residents can let the city of know how it can help them be better prepared for emergencies by completing a brief online survey through March 17.
Responses will help city officials better understand baseline levels of preparedness among our community, where gaps exist and how they can best support more residents in taking important steps to prepare for disasters. The survey asks Piedmont residents:
• what type of disasters they’re concerned about;
• what steps they’ve taken to prepare;
• what barriers keep them from becoming better prepared;
• and what type of preparedness-related resources or services from the city would be most helpful.
Responses will inform city officials’ future education, outreach and programming as they strive to build a more prepared and resilient Piedmont. The survey is available at piedmont.ca.gov/DisasterSurvey.
For more information about household emergency readiness, visit piedmont.ca.gov/disaster. For questions about the preparedness survey, email Piedmont Fire Chief Dave Brannigan at dbrannigan@piedmont.ca.gov.
— city of Piedmont
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