Leona Heights Neighborhood News

by Gordon Laverty

Leona Heights residents are again on the alert to detect mail fraud criminals in the area. Theft of just-delivered mail from a box on Mountain View Avenue was part of a recent sophisticated caper involving forging of checks and credentials, bringing significant loss to one family. A year or so ago, a person or persons robbed mail placed in boxes for postal pickup. Now the culprits are simply taking delivered mail. It is important for residents to write down descriptions of suspicious persons and their vehicle license plate numbers and call postal inspectors at (415) 778-5800. Winter rains have led to the discovery of a number of silt- and debris-obstructed street drains in the Leona Heights area, leading to flooding and property damage. City Public Works news releases have described a new Adopt-a-Drain program whereby local citizens keep the drop inlets in their neighborhoods clear of debris before storms. Before-the-rain preventive work can go a long way to prevent damage. You can do your part. Call the Public Works Department at (510) 482-7853 (above Warren Freeway), or 535-5666 (for areas below Warren Freeway) to report clogged inlets. Most homeowners have by now received notice from the Fire Marshal about City of Oakland fire hazard removal of downed tree limbs, weeds, and other combustibles. Do your planning now and your work soon. Leona Heights representatives continue to meet with City Planning staff and other home and mercantile interests on Leona Quarry issues. Any change in site use will have significant impact on Leona Heights residents as well as on other nearby homeowner groups and the City.