Amy Hillyard Missiag: Community Holds Vigil for Beloved Oakland Coffee Shop Ownera
OAKLAND, CA — A heavy cloud of concern hangs over the Lake Merritt community this week as the search for Amy Hillyard, a prominent local business owner and mother of two, enters its sixth day. On Sunday night, hundreds of friends, family members, and loyal customers gathered on the steps of Lake Merritt for an emotional vigil, lighting candles and pleading for the public’s assistance in bringing Hillyard home safely.
The Disappearance
Amy Hillyard, 52, was last seen on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 25, 2026. According to the Oakland Police Department, she departed from her residence on the 500 block of Radnor Road around 2:00 PM. Known as the heart behind the popular Farley’s coffee shops in both Oakland and San Francisco, Hillyard is a fixture in the Bay Area business community.
Authorities have classified Hillyard as “at risk” due to an undisclosed medical condition, intensifying the urgency of the search efforts.
A Community in Action
The vigil, organized by long-time family friends Tom Green and Serena Khaira, served as both a moment of reflection and a call to arms for the neighborhood.
“If you’re an Oakland resident and you have a Ring camera or any other surveillance outside your home, please review the footage from March 25,” Green urged the crowd. He noted that nearly 200 volunteers have already spent days canvassing hiking trails, knocking on doors, and distributing flyers.
Serena Khaira, a friend of 25 years, spoke through tears about Hillyard’s impact. “She’s an aunt to my children. Our families are intertwined. She is one of the most important people in our lives, and we just need her back.”
Emergency Alerts and Physical Description
During the Sunday night gathering, the atmosphere grew silent as a California Highway Patrol emergency alert buzzed simultaneously on phones across the region. “If your phone was buzzing, it was buzzing for Amy,” Green told the attendees, emphasizing that every second counts.
Physical Description:
- Height: 5’4″
- Weight: 120 lbs
- Hair: Blonde
- Eyes: Hazel
- Last Seen Wearing: A tan-colored top and tan pants.
How You Can Help
The Oakland Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit is leading the investigation. They are asking anyone who may have seen Hillyard or who has video footage from the Radnor Road or Lake Merritt area on the afternoon of March 25 to come forward.
Contact Information:
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Oakland Police Department at 510-238-3641.
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