News from the North Hills Neighborhood Council

Leadership Meeting, Wednesday, May 19 7-9 pm

2010-05-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

Oakland Fire Station 7, 1006 Amito, Oakland
www.northhillsnc.org Email: info@northhillsnc.org

Welcome & Introductions

OPD Section:

1. OPD Report for May, 2010 (PSO Officer John Haney and guests).
a. State of Beat 13Y.
b. Slow machine report from OPD.
c. Ongoing SARA projects report.
d. New trends in neighborhood crime.
e. New OPD website.
f. How to deal with significant rise in auto break-ins in southern Beat 13Y.
g. Animal Control – How to Enforce Dangerous Dog declarations?

Neighborhood Services Division Section:

1. NSD Report for May, 2010 (NSC Claudia Albano and guests).
a. State of Beat 13Y.
b. State of Beat 13Y priorities.
c. How to deal with significant rise in auto break-ins in southern Beat 13Y.
d. Animal Control – How to Enforce Dangerous Dog declarations?
e. Animal Control – How to Get Response from AC?

Ongoing Business:

1. Treasurer report (Barry Pilger).
2. NHPA/NHNC integration talks report (Teresa Ferguson)
3. Bentley School Neighborhood Liaison Committee report (Jim Dexter).
4. List of No Parking signs/ narrow streets
a. Barry to gather to present to council in Jan./Feb.
b. Recommend NW Capt’s review for their specific areas.
5. Owner/builder contact info posted at Job sites
6. Animal Control issues (Jim Dexter)
7. External meetings report (Measure Y Oversight Committee, CPAB, NWSC) (Jim Dexter).

New Business:

1. June 2010 priority discussion.
2. Schedule for NH NC Meetings, 2010.
a. Steering Committee Meetings: 3rd Wednesdays
b. NH NC Town Hall Meetings (How Many in 2010?)

NHNC Leadership Meeting Wednesday March 17, 7-9 pm

2010-03-16T16:03:00.001-07:00

The March Leadership meeting of the North Hills Neighborhood Council (NH NC), representing Beat 13Y, continues to meet on the third Wednesday of each month.

Please read the agenda below.

All NH NC Area Representatives are especially invited to attend this meeting, due to the important issues.

Jim Dexter
Chair,
North Hills Neighborhood Council
510 339 2184 (h)
650 575 1745 (c)

AGENDA
NORTH HILLS Neighborhood Council (BEAT 13Y) Steering Committee
Wednesday, March 17, 2010 7-9 pm
Oakland Fire Station 7, 1006 Amito, Oakland
www.northhillsnc.org Email: info@northhillsnc.org

Welcome & Introductions

OPD Section:

1. OPD Report for March, 2010 (PSO Officer John Haney and Guests).
a. Slow machine report from OPD.
b. Ongoing SARA projects report.
c. New trends in neighborhood crime.
d. New OPD website.

Ongoing Business:

1. Approval of February, 2010 minutes.
2. Treasurer report (Barry Pilger).
3. External meetings report (CPAB, NWSC) (Jim Dexter).
4. Neighborhood Services Coordinator report (Claudia Albano).
5. Bentley School Neighborhood Liaison Committee report (Jim Dexter).
6. List of No Parking signs/ narrow streets (Barry Pilger).
a. Barry to gather to present to council in Jan./Feb.
b. Recommend NW Capt’s review for their specific areas.
7. Owner/builder contact info posted at Job sites (Barry Pilger).
8. NHPA/NHNC integration talks report (Teresa Ferguson)

New Business:

1. March 2010 priority discussion.
2. Nominating committee to meet:
a. Candidates for Office.
b. Vetting Candidates.
3. Election Committee to Meet:
a. Elections procedures.
b. NH NC Elections Time Line.
c. Elections agenda at Town Hall Meeting.
4. Program Committee to Meet:
a. Schedule for NH NC Meetings, 2010.
b. Steering Committee Meetings: 3rd Wednesdays.
c. Town Hall Meetings (How Many? When?).
d. Program committee to meet for 2010 Town Hall programs and schedule?

OPD Chief rolls out new strategic plan

2010-02-16T10:19:00.000-08:00

Oakland Police Department’s Strategic Plan Framework

The Oakland Police Department is releasing the framework for its strategic plan. The framework presents a new mission, vision and strategic goals for the Oakland Police Department and the Community of Oakland. This framework is based on information from Community members and Police employees gathered over the past few months. Members of the community will have the opportunity to provide feedback and input on the strategic plan framework and shape the services that are being provided by the Department. Information on the priorities and expectations of the Community regarding police services will be discussed. The strategic plan will be completed over the next several months using the input and feedback provided by the public. Making Oakland one of the safest large cities in California is one of the key elements of the strategic plan framework.

WHAT: The Oakland Police Department will discuss the framework for its Strategic Plan.

DATE: Thursday, February 18, 2010

TIME: 6:00 P.M.

WHO: Chief Anthony Batts

Consultant Scott Bryant

LOCATION: 455 7th Street, Oakland, CA (Auditorium)

This is the first of five community meetings Chief Batts has scheduled to solicit feedback from the community. There will be four additional community meetings on March 3rd, 4th , 10th and 11th with locations and time to be announced.

For more information, please contact the Media Relations Office at 510.238.7230 or opdmedia@oaklandnet.com

Robbery arrests related to North and West Oakland robberies

2010-01-20T11:36:00.001-08:00

Below is a message from Captain Toribio, Oakland Police Department. While the incident below occurred in West and North Oakland this is an important reminder for individuals and groups citywide.

On Monday, a group involved in several robberies in was arrested. The officers did an outstanding job making the arrests and conducting the preliminary investigation.

The suspects were subsequently interviewed by our criminal investigators. The suspect's method of operation revealed nothing new:

They drove around looking for victims.

Citizens using cell phones, iPODs (and other small electronics), carrying bags/purses that may contain expensive items, or who were not paying attention were specifically targeted.

Leadership transition for the NHNC

2010-01-06T08:36:00.000-08:00

A message from outgoing chair Nancy Mueller:

Hope this finds you all in good spirits and cheer. (At least some of the time!) We have had a good year as the North Hills Neighborhood Council, especially with our relationship with OPD and our very own PSO, Officer John Haney. We seem to be in good shape to solve some of the problems that come up and of course will continue pursue others.

We are just over 3 years old as an organization. I have enjoyed helping with the leadership and wanted to let you all know that I will be stepping down as Chair and have asked Jim Dexter to take the helm. I will assist as Vice Chair. Jim is very devoted as you all know and will do a fine job. In addition, a wonderful opportunity is emerging for our group. We are seriously considering joining forces with North Hills Phoenix Association.

A committee of 4 from each group has been selected and we will explore the different issues and needs of the 2 groups. The topics we cover as the NHNC are also issues for NHPA including security and safety. We are increasingly asked to cover other issues that extend beyond crime, including the public safety and quality of life issues which the Phoenix organization has worked on for years.

The new organization, which we have conditionally dubbed the North Hills Community Council, will cover all of Beat 13Y and include the area of Berkeley that is at the bottom of Claremont Hill. We on the Steering Committee are excited about the possibilities and look forward to a larger, cohesive Community.

We will be looking for input and help and will keep you posted of meetings as they unfold. For now I suspect we will continue with our Steering Committee meetings on the 4th Weds of each month at Fire Station 7. The first one of 2010 will be Weds. Jan.27. Watch for further announcements.

I want to thank all who have made these years so rewarding: Jim Dexter, Barry Pilger, Melissa Rosengard, Teresa Ferguson, Sara Somers, Pam Swafford, Michele Obyc, Don Jacobus, Jason Estavillo and Steve Reinlib. And from OPD and the City: Claudia Albano, Officer John Haney and Captain Toribio. And everyone who has attended meetings: Nancy Lane, Nancy Moore and Jim Masters....among others.

Here's to many more Watch Groups and more Solved Problems!

Nancy Mueller
Outgoing Chair, North Hills Neighborhood Council
Beat 13Y

NHNC Steering Committee meets at Fire Station 7 December 16

2009-12-11T11:20:00.000-08:00

All are invited to attend our last Steering Comittee meeting of this year on Wednesday December 16 at Fire Station 7, 1006 Amito, 7-9 pm. Meet with our Problem Solving Officer, OPD Officer John Haney and hear what we are all doing for community safety.

Bring any priorities or other issues that you feel would enhance the safety and security of Beat 13Y.

From OPD Officers: Hills Auto Burglaries are on the Rise

2009-11-20T09:36:00.001-08:00

Please read the important message below from the Oakland Police Department concerning auto burglaries in your beat and pass it on to your neighbors:

Although the total number of burglaries are down in the City of Oakland this year, auto burglaries are up. Residents can take precautions to prevent theft from their vehicles by doing these three simple things:

o Always remember to secure your vehicle. Lock your doors and roll up your windows.
o Never leave valuables in your vehicle. If you must leave items in your vehicle, lock them in your trunk if possible.
o Avoid parking your vehicle in dark or secluded locations, if possible.

If you suspect an auto burglary is in progress or observe suspicious activity, call 9-1-1 immediately. If you wish to report a burglary that has already occurred, call the OPD non-emergency number 510-777-333.

Randy Chew, John Haney, & Maureen Vergara
Problem Solving Officers
Area One: 13X, 13Y, & 13Z

NHNC Steering Committee meets at Fire Station 7 November 18

2009-11-15T10:17:00.000-08:00

Please join our dynamic Steering Committee to meet with our Problem Solving Officer (PSO) and help set priorities for OPD to help solve. Last month our PSOs performed a sting and arrested 7 solicitors, mostly in the Montclair area. Another neighbor reported an abandoned vehicle with Alabama license plates at the bottom of Garber Park on Claremont Ave. There were suspicions of illegal camping in the park (with inherent fire dangers among other issues....). The vehicle was tagged and is now gone. We are making a huge difference, be part of it.

Wednesday, Nov, 18, 7pm at Fire Station 7, 1006 Amito.

Come bring a neighbor. We can help you get your Neighborhood Watch Group organized, the building blocks of Neighborhood Policing which is working!

We also met with the new OPD Police Chief Anthony Batts at Montera Junior High School, last Thursday, Nov 12. Four community groups hosted this event and we had a turnout of several hundred Oaklanders. Batts was very inspirational and has great energy, ideas and rapport. Along with his strategic planner, he will be making another presentation at Bret Harte Middle School in January about his vision for Oakland. For us all to move forward together it is important to hear what he has to say and see how we all can be part of the solution that Oakland needs and deserves!

Meet New Oakland Police Chief Thursday

2009-10-17T18:29:00.000-07:00

THURSDAY, NOV.12, 6:30-9pm Montera Middle School Auditorium Meet Oakland's New Police Chief, Anthony Batts.

This a public meeting where you will have an opportunity to meet and hear from Oakland's New Police Chief, ANTHONY BATTS, on Thursday, November 12, 2009, starting at 6:30 p.m. in Piedmont Pines at the Montera School Auditorium. (5555 Ascot Drive -- easy parking) Meet and greet neighbors from 6:30-7. Program starts at 7pm.

Chief Batts is regarded as one of the best law enforcement professionals in our country and plans to make a difference in Oakland. This is your opportunity to meet Chief Batts, hear his vision for Oakland and the Oakland Hills, and ask him your questions.

You will also get an opportunity to meet your neighbors from other Oakland Hills neighborhoods, and hear their questions also regarding crime and crime prevention. Sponsored by MSIC (Montclair Safety and Improvement Council) with North Hills Neighborhood Council, Glenview and Joaquin Miller neighborhoods.

Please RSVP if you would like to attend this meeting. info@northhillsnc.org

Fire Station 7 is holding an open house on October 24th

2009-10-11T10:48:00.001-07:00

October 24, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Fire Station #7 at 1006 Amito will be open. You will have a chance to see their new fire engine as well as meet the fire fighters that tend to our Beat 13Y community so well.

New City Brochure Explains 911 Calls from Cellphone

2009-09-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

The city's Neighborhood Services Division has produced a brochure stressing the importance of using 777-3211 instead of 911 when reporting an emergency using a cellphone. 911 calls from cellphones are routed to CHP dispatch in Vallejo and can result in serious delays. For details, go to the NHNC website and click on the 911 brochure link on the home page.

September Steering Committee Meeting, Monday the 21st

2009-09-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

The North Hills Neighborhood Council monthly Steering Committee meeting has been changed to Monday, September 21, 7-9pm at Fire Station 7 (1006 Amito)
All are welcome to discuss priorities for our Beat as well as help our future plans!

Faire showcases volunteer opportunities in Oakland

2009-08-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

Oakland residents interested in volunteering their time to help school-aged children and adolescents grow and learn can explore a broad offering of volunteer opportunities during the first annual Volunteer Faire for Oakland Schools. The event will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2009, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in the West Auditoroium on the Madison Street side of the Oakland Main Library, 125 14th Street, in downtown Oakland. Admission is free.

For the first time ever, the Oakland Unified School District and 14 school-based non-profit organizations will gather in a single place to share information about established volunteer programs within the Oakland public schools. Attendees will receive information about all the available volunteer opportunities, including a at-a-glance guide which describes the program, student age-ranges, types of volunteer positions, locations of volunteer opportunties, and minimum time commitments. Oakland Unified School District and non-profit staff will be available to answer questions and help volunteers sign-up to participate.

Oakland Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Tony Smith will be present to kick-off this first time effort, meet volunteers, and express his support for volunteerism in Oakland public schools.

The Volunteer Faire for Oakland Schools is hosted by the Montclair Community Action Group, a local non-profit organization, in partnership with the Oakland Unified School District and other participating school-based non-profit groups.

For more information, visit www.MontclairAction.com or send an e-mail to VolunteerFaire@MontclairAction.com or contact Mr. Stan Weisner at (510) 531-2055, or Ms. Carolyn Burd at (510) 339-8463 for more information.

Unsafe parking on your street? This may help

2009-08-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

We often see vehicles parked on our narrow streets in such a way that an emergency vehicle might cannot pass.

We have produced a Safe Parking Notice that could be placed on the windshields of these vehicles.

You may access this notice at this link: Parking Notice

Alert from OPD re: spike in burglaries

2009-08-18T09:29:00.000-07:00

BURGLARY ALERT - Captain Toribio wanted me to alert you all that car burglaries, home and commercial burglaries have increased double digits since June 1st. For auto burglaries, the hardest hit community policing beats are 3X, 4X, 8X, 9X, 12Y and 13Z. The following vehicles are the most commonly broken into: Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Honda Civic. For commercial burglaries, the hardest hit beats are 2Y, 6X, 10X, 10Y, 11X, 12X and 12Y. Currently, OPD is doing analysis of the crimes to determine any patterns, trends, etc.

Please spread the alert that residents should report all suspicious activity and crimes to OPD, as well as harden targets, that is, do not leave things of value in vehicles, lock doors and windows, take precautions. Above all else, pay attention to what’s going on around you and to strangers in your neighborhoods. Please help us spread the word to Merchant Watch groups, Neighborhood Watch Block Captains, Yahoo groups, etc. Thank you.

Paul Brekke-Miesner
OPD Neighborhood Services Division

Scam Alert from OPD

2009-08-11T20:49:00.000-07:00

The following alert was received from OPD: Be aware of a recent rash of “Jamaican Switch” scams taking place. Victims are elderly persons and have been contacted in front of the Home Depot, 4000 Alameda Ave, Fruitvale Ave and MacArthur Blvd area and parking lot of Grocery Outlet, 2900 Broadway. Suspect 1 is MB, 5’8”, 160, 30-35 yrs, blk, bro, no facial hair, med comp, well dressed and may be speaking with an accent. Suspect 2 is MB, 5’10”-6’0”, 180-190, 70 yrs, graying hair with light, well trimmed beard. Uses a cane when walking. These guys have conned $46k from victims so far and are probably working with at least one other MB suspect in a red SUV trail vehicle. Keep in mind props used by these guys, i.e. large scarves to wrap money in, large bundles of $1 bills with $100 bills at the end, newspaper slips the size of US currency. (For A detailed explanation of this scam: CLICK HERE)

At the A's game

2009-08-11T20:42:00.000-07:00

August 2, 2009-- NHNC's day at the A's was success. About 30 North Hills residents enjoyed watching the A's get walloped. Nancy Mueller, Sara Somers and Teresa Ferguson staffed the NHNC table. On the bottom above they show off literature they passed out to the public on Neighborhood Watch Groups. At top, Lea Rubio from OPD gets a smile from a young girl she just fingerprinted, while Sara Somers (far right in photo) looks on. The silent auction raised about $800 which will help the NHNC continue its good works in the North Hills.

National Night Out -- Have a block party

2009-08-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

Originally posted July 7, 2009: Our biggest celebration of the year...National Night Out...a nationwide Crime Prevention event, join your local Neighborhood Watch group or organize a block party of your own.

Studies show that neighbors who know each other experience less crime and feel connected to their neighborhoods.

Learn how to organize a National Night Out block party for your neighborhood: CLICK HERE

Skateboarding on Oakland streets unlawful

2009-08-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

July 7, 2009 -- new news about skateboarding: At the last steering committee meeting of the NHNC, OPD informed us that skateboarding on Oakland city streets violates municipal code 10.16.160. OPD plans to enforce this city ordinance.

NHNC Presents Check to Remember Officers

2009-08-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

JUNE 1, 2009--Jim Dexter and Nancy Mueller presented 4 checks totaling nearly $3200 on behalf of North Hills NC (Beat 13Y) to Renee Hassna, Executive Director for OPOA. Beat 13Y residents quickly came together to donate the money to honor the 4 Fallen Officers from OPD.