The sudden disappearance of Amy Hillyard, a 52-year-old co-owner of Farley’s coffee shops in Oakland and San Francisco, has triggered an urgent search and growing concern across the Bay Area. Known as a long-time business owner and active member of the local community, Hillyard was reported missing after she was last seen on March 25 in Oakland.
According to the Oakland Police Department, Hillyard was last seen around 2:00 p.m. on the 500 block of Radnor Road in the Cleveland Heights neighborhood, not far from Lake Merritt. Authorities say she is considered “at risk” due to medical conditions, a factor that has significantly increased the urgency of the case.
Police described Hillyard as a 52-year-old white female, standing 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 120 pounds. She has blonde hair and hazel eyes. At the time she was last seen, she was reportedly wearing a tan-colored top and tan pants. No further details have been released about her movements after that point, and investigators have not confirmed what may have led to her disappearance.
Last seen details and police appeal
The timeline of events remains limited. Authorities confirmed that Hillyard was last seen in the early afternoon on March 25, but there has been no public information about where she was headed or whether she was alone. This lack of clarity has made the case more concerning for both investigators and the public.
The Oakland Police Department has issued a missing person alert and is asking for help from the community. In its official statement, the department emphasized that Hillyard is at risk due to medical conditions and urged anyone with information to come forward immediately. Anyone who may have seen her or has information about her whereabouts is asked to contact the Missing Persons Unit at 510-238-3641.
More details about the alert and ongoing updates can be found on the Oakland Police Department’s official news page.
A well-known name in the Bay Area coffee scene
For many residents, this case feels especially personal. Amy Hillyard is not just another missing person — she is part of a family that has helped shape a well-known local business. Farley’s coffee shops, with locations in Oakland and San Francisco, have long been recognized as community gathering spots.
The San Francisco location, in Potrero Hill, dates back to 1989 when it was opened by Roger Hillyard, Amy’s father-in-law. The business has since been passed down and is now co-owned by Amy and her husband, Chris Hillyard. Over the years, Farley’s has built a reputation as a “legacy business,” a term used in San Francisco for establishments that have served the community for decades.
The Oakland location, Farley’s East, has also become a popular destination, especially in the downtown area. Regular customers often describe the cafes as more than just coffee shops — they are places where people meet, work, and connect.
In a statement shared with media outlets, the business said, “Our hearts go out to Amy and her family and friends during this difficult time. She has been a passionate and active member of the Oakland community for 20+ years. We hope that she returns safely and we appreciate any information.”
Community concern continues to grow
As news of Hillyard’s disappearance spreads, concern has been building across both Oakland and San Francisco. Customers, neighbors, and local business owners have been sharing her information on social media, hoping to reach someone who may have seen her on the day she went missing.
Cases involving well-known community figures often draw more attention, but this situation is also being closely followed because of the “at risk” classification. Police have not disclosed the nature of her medical condition, but they have made it clear that it adds urgency to the search.
Local coverage has continued to highlight the case, including reports that confirm she was last seen near Lake Merritt — a busy area where many people pass through daily. Investigators are likely relying on potential witnesses, surveillance footage, and public tips to piece together what happened in the hours after she was last seen.
A report from CBS News Bay Area noted that police have not yet shared any information about possible leads, leaving the community waiting for updates as the search continues.
What makes this case particularly unsettling is the lack of answers. There has been no confirmed sighting since March 25, no indication of foul play, and no explanation for why she may have disappeared. That uncertainty has only added to the urgency felt by both authorities and the public.
For now, the focus remains on spreading awareness and gathering information. Every detail — no matter how small — could help investigators move closer to finding Amy Hillyard. As the search continues, the Bay Area community remains on alert, hoping for a safe return and answers to a case that has quickly become one of the region’s most closely watched stories.
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