7 SMALL ACTS THAT MAKE BIG CHANGES

• Start a group text and/or email chain with your trusted neighbors.
• Become a representative and organize monthly meetings with people on your street to discuss ongoing issues. (Please abide by social distancing regulations). There is strength in numbers!

• It’s always important to have data that support complaints. If you are reporting an emergency or non-emergency, ask the operator for an incident number before hanging up.
• Keep a record of the incident numbers (this includes noise complaints, loitering, parking violations, etc.)
• If there is a reoccurring nuisance, ask your trusted neighbors to call in and report as well (use your neighborhood network).
• Asking for an incident number immediately generates a report with the City of Oakland to track repeated offenses/nuisances and helps pull resources to combat the issue.
• Report non-emergencies to Oakland Police Department at (510) 777-3333. For emergencies, call 911 or OPD Emergency at (510) 777-3211. 

• Write to Community Resource Officer communitypolicingbeat30@oaklandnet.com District 6 Council Member Kevin Jenkins District6@oaklandca.gov about ongoing and repeated nuisances or serious issues on your street and CC everyone in your neighborhood network.
• If you need some guidance in writing the email, you can copy the email template from this doc here.
• Provide evidence, detail, address the concerns, propose a solution and invoke action. Always be respectful.
• With issues regarding a multi-unit property, attempt to reach out to the property owner and give them an opportunity to respond and resolve the issues.

• You can order signs from amazon. Order in bulk and provide for your neighbors. Split the costs as a group. 

• Order garbage picker or borrow one from a friend or neighbor. You can also organize a monthly litter pick up with your community.
• Kick off your area on the City of Oakland’s Adopt a Spot program. More information here.

• Contact us at info@eastmonthills.org  if you’re interested in setting up a wine barrel planter(s) with local plant life near you.
• While our volunteers can set it up, it would be the responsibility of you, the requester, to care for the plants.
• Beautification brings a sense of community and builds trust with your neighbors. It shows that you care about your community and can inspire others to do the same. Some plants make a huge difference!

• Check in on your elders or those that are immunocompromised.
• Offer to make grocery runs for them.
• If you have a special skill, whatever that may be, offer your services. If you want to help a neighbor but need additional assistance or some guidance, reach out to us at info@eastmonthills.org 

Always be safe! Be aware of your surroundings and NEVER confront any offenders. Be observant and report what you see. A little care and mutual respect goes a long way!

Visit here for important contacts in the City of Oakland.