City makes changes to the delivery of services in response to COVID-19
Published on March 13, 2020
Following federal, state, and local guidelines on social distancing, the City of Alameda will make changes to the delivery of services for two weeks, effective Monday, March 16 through Sunday, March 29. The duration of these changes might be expanded as we receive new guidance. Generally, non-essential City services will be reduced as much as possible to help protect the health and safety of our employees and the community as we work together to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Police Department
Alameda Police Department (APD) officers and staff will direct citizens with non-emergency police reports to file an online report rather than have an officer respond in person. This will impact all reports with no known suspect or suspect leads, reports intended for documentation purposes only, and reports of crimes such as identity theft, late reported thefts, harassing telephone calls, and lost, stolen, or vandalized property. If the caller does not have access to online services, a telephone report will be taken. Similarly, “advice only” calls for service by police personnel will be handled by telephone only.
APD will continue responding to all 911 emergency calls, other emergency calls, crimes in progress, mental health evaluations, and incidents where there is a known suspect. Traffic enforcement and homeless liaison outreach efforts will also continue. All scheduled Livescan fingerprint appointments will be postponed, and no new Livescan appointments will be scheduled until further notice.
Recreation & Parks
All public open space in Alameda remains open, including parks, park restrooms, and playgrounds. Youth recreation programs are cancelled through April 3. Most other recreation programs are cancelled through March 29. Mastick Senior Center’s lunch and brown bag and computer labs will remain open, as well as the Alameda Loop Shuttle. Alameda Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) offices are closed for in-person services through March 29, but available by phone at 510-747-7529 or email at arpd@alamedaca.gov. ARPD will issue full refunds to anyone who wishes to cancel any reservation in the next 30 days.
Library
The three library branches in Alameda will remain open, with reduced hours. The Main Library will be open Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 4-8 pm and Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1-5 pm. The West End Branch will be open on Mondays from 4-8 pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 1-5 pm, and closed on Fridays and Sundays. The Bay Farm Branch will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 1-5 pm, Tuesdays from 4-8 pm, and closed on Fridays and Sundays. When libraries are open, please follow all recommendations for social distancing and if you are sick, please stay home. All library programs are cancelled for two weeks, through Sunday, March 29.
Permit Center
Drop-in services have been suspended for two weeks through Sunday, March 29, at the Planning and Building Permit Center. Permit Center services will continue to be available by phone, email, online, and by appointment. Starting Monday, March 16, questions may be referred to the Permit Center at 510-747-6800.
Public Works
The two Public Works Department counters at City Hall West and Fortmann Way will be closed. To request service, please call 510-747-7900 or use the SeeClickFix app on your phone or post a request online at www.alamedaca.gov/seeclickfix.
Passports at City Hall
Passports will not be processed at City Hall from Monday, March 16 through Sunday, March 29.
City Events
Per the Alameda County Public Health Department, all events at City facilities with more than 250 people expected in attendance are being cancelled or postponed. COVID-19 is more dangerous to people in their 70’s and 80’s, and children and adults with chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems, all of whom should avoid crowded gatherings.
Keep Up-To-Date
The City is posting regular updates at www.alamedaca.gov/alerts. Please also subscribe to AC Alert at www.acalert.org, which is how the City will communicate with the public by phone, text, and email during an emergency.