This coming Thursday evening, the North Hills Community Association (NHCA) ls hosting a Public Safety meeting.

Jim Dexter who chairs the Public Safety Committee, for the Beat 13Y Neighborhood Council (north of Thornhill folks),  According to Jim, "this is your opportunity each month to meet in person with officials of OPD, OFD, and other safety-related City leaders, and make your needs known."

Here are some highlights:

* Our new OPD Problem-Solving Officer Jo Balaoro, who takes over from our previous PSO Officer Trent Thompson, has promised a detailed PowerPoint presentation of the OPD crime-related information in Beat 13Y.

* OFD Fire Marshall Leroy Griffin and Captain Joe Torres, both of whom are directly responsible for the fire suppression activities within our area. Griffin will be giving a report on the vegetation management activities, most particularly the issues associated with enforcement of non-compliant private properties.  And Torres will represent OFD to our Neighborhood Council.

* Beat 13Y Neighborhood Services Coordinator Claudia Albano will give a report on all Beat 13Y priorities, and detail why/why not these priorities are to be implemented.

* Family Violence Law Center Specialist Josy Lopez will give a report on how issues surrounding family violence are being treated by OPD and the support agencies involved in the Family Violence Law Center, partially supported by Measure Y funding.

These public officials are making themselves available at our PSC meeting for your benefit. This is your opportunity to speak with them directly, ask them the questions that mean the most to you, and hold them accountable for what you believe they should be accomplishing.  An agenda item for YOU to speak as leaders, on any topic of your choosing.

The PSC represents all of Oakland's Beat 13Y, from the Berkeley/Contra Costa borders to Thornhill Drive, bounded by SR 13 on the west. This includes the full area of each of your Beat 13Y Neighborhood Watch Groups.