The family of a missing Oakland business owner is intensifying efforts to find her, encouraging local residents to check their security camera footage as both volunteers and law enforcement widen the search. Around 60 members from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office started the search early in the morning, with additional support from teams and volunteers in Contra Costa and Marin counties.
Amy Hillyard, 52, was last seen on March 25 while walking on Radnor Road in the Cleveland Heights area around 2 p.m. Now, nearly a week later, there is still no sign of her.
“We’re doing everything we can to find Amy,” said Sarah Wax, a family friend. “Many people have come together to search for her.”
Her family has requested another search effort, as reported recently. Authorities have categorized Hillyard as a missing person at risk due to a medical condition. Wax mentioned that this condition could impair her sense of direction, though she didn’t provide specifics for privacy reasons.
Authorities, including the Oakland police and nearby rescue teams, are actively involved in the search efforts. Volunteers are searching through hiking trails, neighborhoods, and reaching out to local businesses for potential leads.
Her family is urging people in specific areas—Cleveland Heights, Lake Merritt, Lakeshore, and Crocker Highlands—to review their home surveillance footage for any sightings since she went missing. Described as approximately 5-foot-4 and 120 pounds, Hillyard has blonde hair. Police have updated her last known outfit to a white T-shirt, light blue jeans, and white sneakers with black stripes.
The authorities issued a missing person alert days after her disappearance and sent notifications to cellphones throughout the region. A neighbor mentioned that Hillyard left her cellphone behind and has not been heard from since.
As the search continues, missing person flyers are being distributed in Oakland and San Francisco, with locations like Jack London Square and the Powell Street BART station receiving notices. The flyers are also present in Farley’s East Coffee Shop, which she co-owns with her husband.
“He’s been missing since 2 p.m. Wednesday. That’s really all we have for now,” remarked Chris Hillyard, her husband.
This case has struck a chord in the community, where friends describe Hillyard as a person who connects others. Selena Caila, a friend, stated that Hillyard is often someone she turns to for support.
In addition to co-owning Farley’s, Hillyard operates a consulting business, advising major organizations such as Apple and Electronic Arts, and actively participates in various community and nonprofit initiatives.
Currently, she serves as president of the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir, which expressed its shock at her disappearance. “This is heartbreaking for us. Amy is an invaluable part of our community and we hope for her safe return,” the organization stated.
Farley’s Coffee itself has a long history, established in 1989 by Roger Hilyard. The cafe is named after his grandfather, who went missing in the 1920s. The family continued to run and expand the business, emphasizing community connection, which many say defines Hillyard.
Recently, a candlelight vigil was held near Lake Merritt, reflecting the urgency and concern within the community regarding her disappearance.
Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the Oakland Police Department, and the family welcomes any tips or potential video evidence as the search intensifies.
