Dear Sir or Madam:

Thank you contacting the PWA Call Center. Your concerns regarding the business process for pot hole repair has been forwarded to the Street Maintenance Department for a response, which will be posted upon receipt.

With respect to your tire damage as a result of Oakland streets, you are entitled to file a claim via the City Attorney’s Office. You may contact them directly at (510) 238-3601. If you want to file a claim online, feel free to use the link below. Since this is not a request for direct city services, the matter will be closed. Thank you.

http://www.oaklandcityattorney.org/Resources/fileclaim.html

Dear Sir or Madam:

In regards to the photo that you are referring to of our Streets & Sidewalks Division crews working on a pothole service request on Paloma Avenue yesterday February 23, 2012, thank you for informing the Public Works Agency of your concern. The reason for the number of City staff present on Paloma Avenue performing this work is that we had several crews present including Streets and Sidewalks Supervisory staff in order to demonstrate the usage of our new single drum roller. This particular piece of equipment has never been used by any of our maintenance staff. I was present as well demonstrating how to operate this new asphalt roller since I am familiar with its operation. This asphalt roller is an enhancement to our operation but before we can utilize this equipment staff has to become familiar with it and trained on its use. In the long run this asphalt roller will improve the efficiency and quality of the asphalt pavement work being performed on City streets for the residents and visitors in the City of Oakland. Although it may have appeared that not much was taking place, the demonstration was very helpful and the first step in improving our pavement process in the future. Thank you.

Lorenzo Smith, Public Works Operation Manager