Having to approach the SSA is nearly as dreaded as having to go to the DMV…read more Here's how I managed to have a 5-star experience at the Berkeley SSA office today:   1 - I did not have an appointment so I made the effort to arrive at the office front door 15 minutes before opening (8:45 am); 2- While you're waiting for the office to open, you'll see a flyer posted on the front door.  The flyer has a QR code for checking in.  Even without an appointment, I scanned the QR code, after which I was prompted with some questions (such as purpose of visit and etc). Once done, their system sent a new QR code to my phone (to be used once the doors open). 3- Once the doors opened, I approached the "check-in kiosk" inside (once you walk in, turn to your left and you'll see the kiosk).  The kiosk will prompt you to scan the QR code given to your phone (see #2 above). 4- Once the system scans your QR code, it will issue you a paper ticket with an appt number. 5- I took my ticket and found a seat.  By this time, the waiting room was about 1/3 full. 6- In less than 5 minutes later when my number was called, I approached the Window I was told to go to, sat down and received outstanding service, guidance, etc.  All my questions were answered very clearly and concisely .  In another 10 minutes I had everything I needed and left the building. I noticed that by this time (9:15), the waiting room was full.  It definitely pays to get there early! 7- remember to bring your gov't-issued ID, and some method for taking notes in case there are some followup steps you'll need to take.

Well, I had to return. A claim of mine was denied with a form letter that did not explain why…read more I wanted to know how to appeal. An hour later, I was seen my the guy that actually sent me the letter. Oh, now I get why. Okay.

This place has a few beautiful structures. There is hardly any parking. Can be troubling to walk…read moreuphill at this age.

Ok so the houses you see are cool but that's the thing...it's literally just like 2 pretty houses??…read moreDon't believe all the tiktoks/reels calling this one of the most beautiful/magical places because all it is is a house that looks really cool and unique so we def felt v awkward taking pics in front of it because people literally live in there?? Like if you wanna go for a quick Instagram pic go for it I guess?? But def don't expect to make a whole trip of it

Albany City Hall was located about two blocks from my apartment when I lived in Albany (2016-2019)…read more I walked past it going to the YMCA to work out, drove past it many times on my way to/from work and school, and police cars would commonly drive down our street. It provided a feeling of safety to live near the city hall and police station. My parents called the police on me one time when I was borderline suicidal. They tracked me down to the YMCA and made me come out and talk to them and the police force psychologists. Not too happy to have them disturbing my workout at the time, but I am alive and their making me talk to them helped me get out of a negative space. So I thank them for that and being kind to me even when I was a bit ornery in the moment. You could also come here and vote on Election Day. I came with one of my friends/flat mates for the 2018 elections. He had decided to vote with the ballot at the voting station, I came to drop off the ballot I had received in the mail. The drop-box for the ballot was easy to find and well displayed. Voting stations/booths and the room they were located in were well marked. The line was short and voting went quickly for him as well. An all around enjoyable experience.

This is a review of Albany, California and how poorly it is managed by city officials. I've been…read morehere since Clinton was president so I can say that things in Albany has certainly gone downhill for some time. For a one square mile town squeezed between the Bay & the regional park, it isn't much of a town. I've talked to long time SF Bay residents who drive by Albany on the freeway, and don't even notice it. This very small town for decades hasn't changed much, and the houses are still embarrassingly tiny & very old. While SF has changed their skyline, Albany stubbornly doesn't add more housing or jobs. It isn't instantly obvious to new people but Albany caters exclusively to one particular generation: the (NIMBY) Baby Boomers. This Boomer-centric town is stuck in a rut, with only liquor stores on every block, pharmacies wherever you look, and more pet shops than fast food. It's like the city officials just don't care about anyone else, and assume Boomers are the only people here. The roadways are getting worse (especially near schools), I think Solano Ave hasn't been totally redone in decades, relying on just patch ups of potholes. Most of the main roads are uneven & takes forever to get repaired. After the 2020-21 Covid19 Lockdown, this small town lost the bowling alley, Subway, Goodwill, and 3 of the 4 corners of the San Pablo Ave & Solano Ave intersection has lost businesses. The housing market is affected by such eyesores of too many empty commercial properties! What are the Albany city council members & mayor doing for the next generations in affordable housing and bringing jobs? Or are they content with leaving this town worse than they found it with a gaping economic crater & lots of crime? These people should be fired. If they can't manage a 1 square mile town then they can't manage anything at all! Albany looks like a ghost town and desperately needs a makeover!

The 916-327-2445 number does not work. I have problems with getting my CNA license started. I have…read morecalled several times and even tried right when they opened at 9am. Left a couple voicemails and never got a call back. It keeps saying there's a high call volume, but I have waited over half an hour several times at different points in the day. Feels impossible to reach anyone.

CDPH is a State facility located near I-580 & Marina Bay Parkway in Richmond,CA. It's a large…read morecampus, with various facilities and offices. I come here mainly to submit lab specimens for hospitals, clinics and labs. For me, this is a health and environmental testing facility. CDPH has strict security, and you need a reason for entry. Guidelines for submission require logging samples. All procedures must be followed. Cutoff time is 4pm, and State employees go home on time. Okay, currently mask wear is required in all medical facilities. But when I asked the guard, he said mask wear (for Covid) is optional inside CDPH. The VRDL* is inside this place. I suggest you wear a mask and be vax'd. Otherwise, nice clean facility and polite staff. ------------------------------------ *VRDL = Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory

As a nurse, I've worked with all kinds of people, but I can honestly say this department is…read morescraping the bottom of the barrel. Rude, lazy, out of shape, and completely lacking any trace of intelligence or manners. It's like the bully you hated in school, but now they've got a gun. I doubt any of them even live here, because they sure don't represent this community's spirit or values--if I'm putting it nicely. And if you think I'm exaggerating, check out the review from the disabled woman whose scooter they towed, leaving her stranded on the sidewalk without even a cane, after making mean comments about her medication and legally purchased cannabis! Classy, right? Who becomes a cop just to take away a disabled person's scooter? How did they look at her and then drive away? If any of these officers ever end up under my care, I plan on giving them the exact same level of "enthusiasm" and "helpfulness" they've shown me. I'm just as dedicated as they are. In short, they're the lazy, classless cops you think of when you picture garbage law enforcement--cops who should be fired and replaced with actual humans who aren't morally bankrupt and have more than four brain cells.

Terrible performance. My mother-in-law is a luxury real estate broker who was born and raised in…read moreAlbany for most of her life and lives on Francis St. when my husband and I were arguing outside of my car. My 17month-old was sleeping over his grandparent's house, hence why we were there to visit. My husband was also born and raised on this street as well. One of the neighbors made a report knowing nothing about the circumstances. When my Mother-in-law came outside to ask what was going on, the officers were very unnecessarily rude to her traumatizing her as well. Per usual as Albany PD always does, the finalized decision was a RACIST decision. I was born and raised in Hawaii and ended up being detained that night. I have never been in trouble my entire LIFE and was a student athlete. I have seen grown Caucasian adults physically fight in Albany and never be detained. Just simply given a warning because of a clean record, so why was I not given the same opportunity? Before even asking about the situation as well, they asked for my ethnicity.. why is that needed? My husband is Caucasian and from France and unfortunately initiated this disagreement as well. Although my mother-in-law bailed me out right away and I was cleared the next day. I'm glad the officer/ sergeant or whoever made the decision to arrest be doubled back to stop by the house to give his badge # and a bunch of pamphlets insisting I stay detained, (so my MIL says) because they will be hearing from me and my MIL very shortly. Albany is a great town/city because of their law enforcement, but clearly the law enforcement has 0 training when it comes to answering a simple report. I was traumatized. & look forward to facing the arresting officers in court.

If the people running Clipper had any sense, they'd add PINs to each card, but if someone guesses…read morethe right 10-digit number, they can register your card and take your balance. Should I have registered the card I bought last night? Well, I couldn't because trying to use the Clipper site this week has been next to impossible with the litany of glitches it's experiencing. Even so, I shouldn't have to register a transit card to use it on public transit. If I can prove where and when I bought the card and I *have the actual card*, no one else ought to be able to register the card! But that's what happened and Clipper told me I they couldn't (wouldn't) do anything about it when I informed them of the situation. The customer service person was nice enough, but nice customer service reps can't make up for bad policy and glitchy systems.

Unfortunately what was intended to be a streamlined method of transportation payment, has turned…read moreinto a confusing problem of seemingly no return. The previous blue stripe cards used on Bart for example were straightforward and user friendly. Buy one, add fare, etc..etc..basic and effective. Clipper on the other hand has evolved into a somewhat nebulous iffy territory of not so straightforward results or responses when it comes to legitimate refunds for example. Also checking ones balance by phone should be again, a plain and simple procedure. That too has slipped into questionable and increasing confusion. It seems that unnecessary information is being sourced by clipper from users even for things as basic as having the automated readers give us our blue card balances on the phone. Sorry...Just Not Recommended.

I wish I could do no star because this police department is pathetic I've had nothing but bad…read moreexperiences with the Albany police department why do we need one they never responded to anything and if and when they do they do nothing.on April 25,2025 at 3am two individuals pull up in my driveway got out a car with a Florida tag and jumped over my back fence into the alley left the car in my driveway. the delayed officer finally arrived at my home and said if the vehicle is not stolen there's nothing he can do.....REALLY, useless, who leaves a car in a stranger driveway jumped over there fence and take off

As a nurse, I've worked with all kinds of people, but I can honestly say this department is…read morescraping the bottom of the barrel. Rude, lazy, out of shape, and completely lacking any trace of intelligence or manners. It's like the bully you hated in school, but now they've got a gun. I doubt any of them even live here, because they sure don't represent this community's spirit or values--if I'm putting it nicely. And if you think I'm exaggerating, check out the review from the disabled woman whose scooter they towed, leaving her stranded on the sidewalk without even a cane, after making mean comments about her medication and legally purchased cannabis! Classy, right? Who becomes a cop just to take away a disabled person's scooter? How did they look at her and then drive away? If any of these officers ever end up under my care, I plan on giving them the exact same level of "enthusiasm" and "helpfulness" they've shown me. I'm just as dedicated as they are. In short, they're the lazy, classless cops you think of when you picture garbage law enforcement--cops who should be fired and replaced with actual humans who aren't morally bankrupt and have more than four brain cells.

This rating is for Redia W at Building and Safety. She has saved me on several permits where my…read morecontractor was struggling to figure out the rules and/or when I needed to update info since the system was still catching up. She is quick to respond and makes pulling a permit so much more enjoyable!

The staff is always very helpful and very thorough. They system to meet the officials is very well…read moreorganised and the waiting area is bright and welcoming. The staff is also responsive on email and I always like working with them.

I came in on a Saturday and was surprised. They opened until three P.M. The two ladies at the Desk…read morewere both very helpful and knowledgeable. They offered alternatives to very ccunbersone bureaucratic requirements. And also we're very honest about the best ways of shipping.

Closed before 3 on Sat., 9/12/26. I worked for 2 hours to get 3 items ready before 3 pm. My car…read moreclock (via international clock ) said I had 4 min. when I parked a few doors down. My watch said 5 min. Another person and I walked up the steps at the same time. Door locked. She immediately left. I looked inside where they were still serving the last clients. Postal person came to door and unlocked to let someone out. I said it's not 3 yet and thought he was letting me in. He was not. He said they closed at 3. I said they closed before 3. I asked what clock they use. He said the clock on their screen. I said it doesn't match the international time clock then. He said he didn't know but that's the clock they use and this happens all the time. I asked how a person was supposed to make it on time if they don't use the standard clock. He shrugged. My rehetorical question: "If it happens all the time, why don't they check their clock against the international time clock?" Sounds like they have a problem. Additionally, although I realize that there will always be people trying make the deadline no matter what clock they use, since it was so close, why not be nice and let someone in? I did such things frequently for many years as a nurse. Sometimes circumstances didn't allow, but mostly people can do more than turn the key or drive off or walk away. It's a better world for all of us if we put ourselves out a little for one another.