Got questions about what's going on in your 'hood? Got a problem that needs fixing? A city neighborhood resources coordinator just might be able to help.

Central city residents will get a chance to discuss concerns and get information close to home next month when the city's Neighborhood Services Department sets up new "community hours" in Midtown.

Neighborhood coordinator Janine Martindale will be available at Midtown's Hart Senior Center, 915 27th St. (I and 27th streets), from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 2. The department has scheduled drop-in hours throughout the city. East Sacramento residents can visit Clunie Community Center, 601 Alhambra Blvd., from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 14.

The city agency set up these sessions so residents can voice complaints, get personal help with city-related problems or more information about their neighborhoods.

"Sometimes it's easier for folks to get introduced to city services if they see a real, live person and they have an opportunity to talk to someone (in person), as opposed to talking to someone over the phone or email," said Neighborhood Services Department Area Manager Derrick Lim. "Technology is great. But sometimes there is no substitute for personal, face-to-face interaction."

Martindale will take any question or concern, no matter how specific or general. She's also there to help people make connections to other city departments that can best assist with a particular issue.

Neighborhood Services staff spend a lot of time out in the field during the day, evenings and weekends, Lim said. Still, the department has been searching for a new way to be accessible to city dwellers.

So the department wants to try neighborhood-based drop-in sessions in areas with high foot traffic to see if that works better for some people who need help from the city but don't know how to get it, Lim said.

"We don't want people to forget that we're here for the residents. That's why we're making a special effort," he said.

To find out more about the Neighborhood Services Department's scheduled community hours, call 808-6789. To get help with an issue, go to www.cityofsacramento.org/ns/need-help or call 808-6789.

For after-hours city assistance (for example, to report things like a fallen public tree, street flooding or broken water main), call 264-5011.