City of Oakland California

The City of Oakland Public Works Agency wishes to thank all the volunteers who helped make Earth Day 2012 a great success!  Earth Day 2012 was held on Saturday, April 21st from 9am-noon at 96 volunteer locations throughout the City. Visit the Oakland Earth Day website to learn more about this event and to view the Earth Day 2012 video and photos.

Join Adopt a Spot today. Our programs are designed to help you and your neighbors play an ongoing role in maintaining an area that needs a little extra attention. Volunteering with an Adopt a Spot allows you to chose from 134 parks and public grounds. You recruit your friends and neighbors to give much needed attention to your special area.

Adoptions can include parks, creeks, median strips, blocks, storm drains, streets and curbs.

• Select an area and contact us at (510) 238-7630. A City staff person will return your call and describe the resources available.
• In partnership, the City will loan tools, gloves and safety vests to volunteers, and will arrange for garbage pickup.
• Adopt a Spot programs require a one-year commitment to maintain the area.

Adopt a Spot Program Packet

Below are all the forms that are in the packet if you would like to view them individually.

• Request Agreement
• Volunteer Safety Sheet
• Volunteer Waiver

Here is an alternative waiver form that can be used for large groups.

• Volunteer Project Waiver

It Starts in the Heart! Community Cleanup Events

Please click on the link below for the Calendar of Volunteer Events for a vast array of locations and projects happening this month. If you are interested in participating, call or email the "contact person" to confirm the location and time of the event.

• New online Volunteer Event Calendar

The beautification of the City of Oakland is dependent on many groups working together. Oakland's Public Works Agency, in partnership with our community, provides an opportunity for individuals, neighborhood groups, civic organizations, employee groups and local businesses to play an active and ongoing role in cleaning, greening and maintaining our neighborhoods, parks and creeks. Your commitment to the community is greatly appreciated.

• Call (510) 238-7630 with your idea.
• The City will loan you tools for the cleanup day, arrange for trash pickup and provide other logistical support.
• Projects can be one-time.

Keep Oakland Beautiful "KOB" is a local affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and provides ongoing opportunities for Oakland’s citizens to effect positive change through volunteerism, while simultaneously enjoying Oakland’s remarkable beauty. The mission of Keep Oakland Beautiful is to provide education and facilitate community involvement for a beautiful, clean and green Oakland. Some of KOB’s annual activities include participation in Community Cleanups throughout the year, the Great American Cleanup (March through May) and Earth Day in April. Visit the Keep Oakland Beautiful page to learn more about all the wonderful opportunities.

You Can Protect the Bay!

Storm drains - also known as catch basins, inlets and or gutters - are located at most corners of the City’s street intersections. They are designed to allow RAIN WATER to drain into the sewer system. Did you know that storm drains funnel their contents directly to the nearest creek or Lake Merritt and, from there, untreated into the Bay, even when it isn't raining? During the winter, heavy rains wash a large amount of garbage, litter and pollution into storm drains.

If It’s Plugged, It Will Flood!                                        

Help prevent water pollution and flooding by adopting a storm drain near you. With the help of dedicated "Maintain-A-Drain" volunteers, we can stop water pollution before it starts and keep our streets clean and safe.

• Contact (510) 238-7630 or cralls@oaklandnet.com and let us know you want to participate.
• Volunteers will receive a rake and other supplies.
• Click here for the Adopt a Spot request 

Helpful Information

• Before and during a storm, remember to periodically check the storm drains to make sure it is clear.
• Do NOT remove the grate from the storm drain opening. This does NOT unclog the system. Instead, it creates a hazard for small children and family pets!
• Use a rake (or shovel or broom) to remove leaves and garbage from the storm drain opening and gutter and place them in the appropriate container or bag. DO NOT LEAVE TRASH NEAR THE DRAIN.
• Add leaves to your compost pile or yard trimming container. Put garbage in your garbage cart. The City also offers sandbags and plastic sheeting to residents and businesses.

**If there is an immediate hazard, such as oil being poured into a drain, call 911**