Squatters seem to be a growing problem in Oakland. We also have had squatters in our neighborhood in a empty house for over a year. All the windows are broken out and covered with plastic sheet and many strange people come in and out. This has been reported to Code Compliance numerous times, but unfortunately, Code Compliance comes out and then "closes the case" without doing a single thing. Ray Derania, a manager/supervisor, and the code inspector assigned to the addess are providing little or no support to our neighborhood. All they do is send "courtesy letters" to the owner of record, beyond that, NOTHING. Are they incompetent, indifferent, or simply corrupt public officials?

Recommendation:
1. Have neighboring homes set up large area lighting outside!
2. Setup servaillance cameras and post signs stating area is being recorded.
3. Write down activity and license plates!!!!
4. Email public works, fire prevention, counsel members, PGE, water, telephone....
Everybody!!!!! Notify notify notify.
Take pictures !!!!!!
4. Email to ch2 news attempting to get a story. Be proactive!!!! Beat the occupier at their game !!!!!

City of Oakland Public Works Agency referred this issue to CODE ENFORCEMENT, service request # 471709. Please contact that agency to follow-up. For more information, please visit the "Helpful Links to Other Resource Partners" at the link below.
http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/PWA/Connect/ReportaProblem/index.htm
Thank you.

The additional lighting and surveillance cameras is a great idea, as is posting signs.
Photos of activity and license plates is also a good idea.
The house is in councilmember Pat Kernighan's district, so that's pkernighan@oaklandnet.com
If it's a fire hazard, it can be reported here:

Oakland Fire Prevention Bureau
250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
phone: (510) 238- 3851 fax: (510) 238-6739
Hours: Monday- Friday 8:00am - 400pm, closed all Holidays

Since it's not public property, it's not something the Public Works Agency can mitigate. Unless, of course, some of it is spilling onto city property like sidewalks. I emailed code enforcement at inspectioncounter@oaklandnet.com and cc'd the problem solving officer for the area, as well.

Love seeing all this proactive initiatives on behalf of all the neighbors.

If the property is in default or foreclosed, which is likely, it's up to the bank who now owns the property to clean it up and secure it. This article is worth reading:

http://www.shelterforce.org/article/3069/beating_bank-owned_blight/

It seems as though the ball is being dropped. Are the banks registering NOD and REO properties, as they should? Who is making sure they do and following up to see if the properties are kept blight-free? It seems to me, the city attorney's office needs to get involved if banks are not in compliance. Having the over-burdened Code Enforcement department endlessly cite the property owners doesn't appear to be working.

I have a questions for concerned neighbors in beat 17Y where this blighted property is located. Do you go to your Neighborhood Crime Prevention Meetings and do you communicate with your OPD Problem Solving Officer? Typically, Problem Solving Officers attend the meetings and you get a chance to talk with them about your concerns. They are also available via email and do respond.

At any rate, the Problem Solving officer for 17Y, Chris Keden, is aware of the problems at 2825 Vallecito. He says they are working on a plan and the issue is being addressed and not ignored.

Meetings for beat 17Y Every 2nd Wednesday of the month.
(confirm to make sure this is up to date)
6:00pm 17Y Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council
1025 East 28th Street 1500 E 15th Street
Bella Vista School Auditorium
Neighborhood Services Coordinator: Sun-Kwong Sze 238-7957 ssze@oaklandnet.com

http://www.ktvu.com/news/news/crime-law/swat-team-called-evict-squatters-oakland-property/nZZbb/

Thank u ALCO and OPD!!!!!
These guys are out!