Excellent service with a complex issue Was seen promptly in…read moreSan Leandro I wish I remembered her name for recognition

This was my first time at a Social Security office, and I drove 40 minutes to the San Leandro…read morelocation because they had the earliest available appointment. Based on my experience, it was well worth the drive. I arrived 30 minutes early. I was sent a text message with a link to check-in when I arrived, so I checked in on my phone and went to the kiosk (which is on the left side of the entrance upon entering) to print out my ticket. They have a TV screen on the wall with a queue of ticket numbers, but they will announce your number when it's your turn over the intercom. The sound quality of the intercom isn't the best, so listen closely for your number. The waiting room is small, but thankfully it wasn't full. From my appointment time, it took about 20 minutes to be seen, and I was good to go after about 15 minutes. Essentially, my visit took only 35 minutes of my time. I spoke with two employees, and both were very pleasant. The gentleman who helped me update my social security card was very helpful and kind. He made sure to answer all my questions and advised me on how to proceed with my next steps. As other reviewers have stated, you MUST have an appointment. There are signs posted all over the office stating this. I highly suggest making an appointment online as it's the fastest and easiest method. As for parking, the parking lot is tiny. In the same plaza directly across from the office is a Mountain Mike's Pizza, which also has a row of parking. A majority of the parking spots directly in front of the office are handicap parking, so if you don't have a handicap placard, I suggest parking in the spots next to Mountain Mike's Pizza. Just be sure to enter from the main road because that is the only way you can enter that side of the parking lot.

It's understandable that the EDD Office will always be busy, but it's frustrating when you can…read morenever get through by phone; no matter if you call very first thing in the morning, throughout the day or towards the end of the day. You will always hear, "we reached our max number of callers." After striking out every single time, I decided to head down to the nearest office-located at Oakland. When I got there around 11am, a sign was up that they gave out the max number of tickets and no more tickets would be given to ensure they could see everyone. Okay, I probably should've gone first thing in the morning or earlier than opening because a man told me he showed up at 8am and still had not been seen. The security guard also stated try showing up around 7-730am because lines form every day. I was told show up early, the office will start numbers at 8am, but the office isn't open until 9am. I don't know about the hours information I was told, but I appreciated the helpful guidance as this is the first time really going through this whole experience. It would be nice if EDD had a better notification system they could publish so people traveling a ways away would know whether to visit or come a different day. What would also be helpful or something to consider, would be expanding telephone hours. I understand this is a State job, but the public demands are big so finding ways to maximize customer service would be nice; thinking outside the box would be good. It would/could also open up telework opportunities and provide employees with different work shifts that may be a better fit for them-which can boost job satisfaction. With that said, Oakland Office was a bust for me. However, I recalled another review I read about someone's not so good experience and how they left Oakland's Office and went to San Francisco's Office. The people in SF were very nice. You have to sign in when you first get there with security and then take the elevator up to the 3rd Floor. You get your ticket and wait. The office was slightly bigger, no need for security on that floor, the employees all had good customer service (you can hear them when they speak with people) and the average wait time was reasonable-definitely no more than an hour considering the type of service offered. My time there was less than an hour; in & out. I have to mention, I showed up there closer to 2pm and numbers were still being given out-no "we can't service anyone else today." The only downside is parking can be a challenge, but that's SF for you. Pay attention to the street signs to make sure you can park. Other than that, I believe you will have better luck and experience at the SF Office if you can't make it to the Oakland Office pretty early! Also, last tip; remember the email you used from your very first claim-even if it was 10 years ago. Any claims after that and your identity verification will be tied to that email. You will need to go into an office to change it or try your luck to get through Online Support to have it changed. However, once the change request is submitted, switching your email is an easy process, with them doing it on the back end. Once converted they will email you with a link and you may need to reset your password. I must note, I didn't get the opportunity to truly see the customer service from the Oakland Office; I'm sure it would've been fine-they're here to help. I just know it's already challenging to be on unemployment or disability, and I wish you all luck-you will need to stay committed to getting through if you need assistance. Last thought: It would be nice to get an overhaul of the EDD system, just like DMV did many years ago. Learning the needs of the many and how to streamline the system & process would be beneficial. Please note, I'm not knocking it or the Oakland Office, but just sharing my experience with you! If the Oakland location doesn't work out for you, try the SF Office.

I surprisingly find myself applying for CA Disability Insurance. The process was complicated and…read moreconfusing for me. Calling EDD is an exercise in futility. I showed up this morning without an appointment. I simple self-check in, a short wait, and I was helped by a very kind Asian woman. She took her time and researched my claim, explained to me the process, and even told me I would I had a shorter waiting period. Today is a great day!

Mostly I am just posting to combat the ridiculous commentary about this library that is dropping…read moreits rating. It is small and old school. It is what it is... and that is fine. It doesn't need to have a huge catalog. When I go there, I'm not looking for something specific. I see what finds me. I quit streaming movies a few months ago. Every time I pop in on my early evening walk they have something interesting on disc. Same with books. I've been introduced to a ton of interesting stuff by being restricted in my choice. To me, that's a good thing. If you need something specific you can head over to the main branch. And comments on it being "old and musty" -- omg, I'm not even going to comment on that. I'm grateful to have this branch in my neighborhood!

I typically have a great experience at this library. There is a librarian who works here who wears…read moreglasses and has shorter hair. She's very kind and has helped me as a regular patron and as a teacher patron. Today I went with a friend and her toddler. Mind you, the library is outfitted with tons of accommodations for toddlers. You can't have toddler toys, toddler books, toddler attractions in GENERAL be irritated when a toddler acts like a toddler. My friends son was excited, and playing with toys. This is only his second time in a library. Instead of coming to us, and supporting him in his second visit, this old horrible man (who may be a librarian or library tech)walked up and told us we need to restrain her child or leave. Honestly, it felt racially motivated, as we are all black. I am trying to figure out who to contact about this, because I am very angry.

Another review that I have held off on... Am I being selfish?…read more Quality/Quantity - Alameda is an island in the Bay Area. A hidden treasure. DON'T let anyone know! One of the safest communities in the bay. 23 square miles, 12.5 square miles of which is water. 78k+ population - Although they are continuing to build aggressively on the ex-naval base. The best part of the island is that there is only XXXX amount of land so it can hopefully NOT get over crowded. Atmosphere - Beaches - Alameda Beach, Crab Cove, Crown, Encinal, etc. Water sports - Kayak, kite surfing, swimming, jet skiing, boating, etc. Harbor Bay, parks, lagoons, trails, volleyball, tennis, skate parks, dog parks, marinas, cycling, etc. Ex-navy base (1997) - Spirit Alley - Distilleries, breweries, wineries, etc. Too many to name! Annual events - Farmer's markets, fairs, festivals, parades, Blue Angels, etc. Museums, art & culture, etc. Beautiful Victorian homes. Amazing views of SF. 3 bridges and tunnels to get on and off of the island. Near Oakland, SF, Coast Guard Island, etc. Service - Ferries - To SF, Oakland, etc. One of the best ways to travel. Price - Affordable. They have inexpensive and expensive options. Owner Comment - Congrats on your success since 1853.

The city where you get island fever. When there is traffic it can take 30 minutes to go just a few…read moremiles to exit and feel the freedom of being by a freeway onramp or Bart station. Just last week I was at the newer Safeway and there are criminals walking out with tot bags full of food. A few days before I was at the Target in that same area and people are stealing tide pods. I was in that aisle looking for some Persil pods and was swarmed with armed security guards. Houses may be expensive here compared to just a mile away but its the same horrible way of life you have to live. Not long ago my friend had his cat stolen from his Prius off his driveway - seems to be worse than my experience living in neighboring cities that cost a little less and have more space and bigger houses. Its overrated. This place was great 20 years ago but no longer. If I go shopping in Pleasanton or San Ramon its like night and day. You can only sense how bad this place got when you regularly go the Tri Valley. Some of this island is also man made landfill. My aunt lives on this and in an earthquake I hate to say its probably the worst place to be. The soft soil turns to jello and its better to be on more stable soil at a slightly higher elevation. People here are on edge and uptight and I think they feel trapped.

My call got through! I had called several times this past…read moreweek plus left about three phone messages. After 60 calls this day, Miss P answered! I couldn't believe it? I thought don't watch this and accidentally press the wrong button and hang up on her. So I set the phone down and pulled my hands away to make sure not to hang it up. And I was just so in all that I was talking to her. It was around the 45th call that something shifted in my mind and spirit. Instead of thinking, she'll never answer, I thought. "You will answer the phone ... my phone call will be answered." And I became matter-of-fact about it and just continued dialing, it would go to voicemail and so then I would hang up and call again, and sometimes it would go to a busy signal because too many calls were going in at the same time, so I would hang up and call again. She was so nice and helpful! I thought, dear woman probably is given so many peoples cases! After 33 minutes, we finished and confirmed my application! Yay! It's unfortunate they don't have more caseworkers. The solution : speed dial your caseworkers number, get in a comfortable position while you're working on some project of watching the latest episode of My Lunch Break on. YT and just be determined that you will get through.

Seemed they could not wait to reject me over a late mail-in of paperwork and more than likely cause…read moreof the color of my skin! Can't be entirely sure but have already lost my career to this but definitely makes one suspicious. I'm at the point where I go not care anymore. They will put me iny grave.

Free parking and street parking Next to Park street but…read morewell insulated so you won't hear the noise from outside Next to the APD as well, can't feel any safer Well lit, high ceiling, clean flat flooring and some sections are carpeted, outdoor seating and a cafe inside Restrooms are clean, private rooms for meetings and studying Can't say anything bad, been coming here for years

Soooo the library is a hub of information and I'd call myself a library enthusiast who's always…read moreseeking information. I've been going to libraries since I was a child, checking out books, magazines, dvds, and whatever else that can be checked out. The large amount of events for all ages is also a bonus - Baby & me, toddler, and Grown Folks story time, French Conversation Circle, book clubs, sewing club, teen volunteer opportunities and so much more. Do you want to learn another language? The library. Want a guide to a better diet, or a cookbook? The library. Want to score books to add to your ow library but at an inexpensive price? The Friends of the Library bookstore inside is also a gem. I've gone in a couple of times, but during the BOGO free sale, I left with about 20 books after going back and forth a few times once already at the register. It's convenient having a main library in such a convenient location. Parking isn't my bad, but if planning to spend more than five minutes in there it's easier for me to walk. The parking spots in the parking lot are too narrow and street parking is generally taken unless coming on a weekend.

I only took a star off because of the timing situation. My friends appointment was at 2:45 and I…read moreaccompanied her, we didn't get seen till almost 3:30. They are short staffed so it's not their fault, but it's still frustrating lol but overall the appointment went smooth and Ms. Space was a delight! I'm so happy she was the one assisting us today, her attitude and humor made it the best experience. Much love and shout out to Ms. Space!

I had an appointment at the Oakland IRS office today to get assistance with a form regarding my…read morefather's estate. As I was explaining the situation, the male clerk continued to talk over me. I asked him repeatedly to please let me finish and listen to what I have to say first! (That was a red flag there!) Because he was so eager to go to lunch, he gave me "my" paperwork and tried to shoo me out the door. I had to stop and summarize the course of action before I left. As I am on the bus home and about to reach my drop off point, I looked through my envelop of documents I brought essential to the meeting, only to discover that he did not give me my documents but someone else's tax return!!! Some poor soul who saw this clerk before me now has his tax return with confidential info in my hands!! I had to get on another bus and head back to the IRS office. Yes, I made a scene when they told me he was at lunch and I have to wait. Total incompetence!!!

I have rarely called the 911 emergency line. The one time I really needed paramedics was when my…read moreMom was having chest pain, and needed transport to Kaiser Hospital. But this morning, something was wrong with my landline phoneline. My phone was making weird clicking sounds instead of ringing. I tried to test my health monitor system, and it didn't respond. While I was on hold with the phone company, Alameda 911 interrupted the call to find out if I was ok. They told me my health monitor was working fine, and when I didn't respond to the system alert, local 911 was called. I hope they don't have to call me again, but it's good to know the 911 system works.

We called 911 when we arrived home from vacation to discover a strange, noxious odor in our home…read more APD arrived quickly, examined me (as I was short of breath), checked out the house, found the issue (our landlady had a few bags of compost delivered while we were away), made sure we were cool (after they helped us move the bags to a better location), and went on their way. They were pretty awesome. Hard to believe that folks would give fire fighters a bad review.