SEEDS Community Resolution Center

I went to Small Claims Court mediation about my husband cutting a neighbor’s tree that was damaging our garage roof. At the beginning of the mediation we were asked not to comment while the other party was talking. The other party spoke first and the mediators allowed her to «shame» my health choices and me for a full 25 minutes. Her comments had absolutely nothing to do with the court case.
When it was my turn to talk, I was in shock. I could not believe I had been subjected to this barrage of hatred in what was supposed to be a safe environment where we could resolve our issue. Instead it was a forum for her to spew venomous remarks toward me. Did I mention I was not even home when my husband cut her tree?
To their credit the mediators did help us toward reaching a solution. We would not have been able to do this without their help and the solution was — well it is over and that is good enough.
After the mediation one of the mediators asked me about my health choice she had discussed and I told him it was not appropriate to discuss in the mediation. He said he was just curious. Google would have been a better option to satisfy his curiosity.
I was so angry that I went to the SEEDS office and talked privately with the lead mediator. She reiterated what I said and told me to tell the mediator at any future mediation about my concerns at the beginning of the mediation.
I AM SUPPOSED TO TELL THE MEDIATOR TO REMIND THE PARTIES TO STAY ON TOPIC AND NOT TO INSULT THE OTHER PARTY LIKE A PLAYGROUND BULLY OR TO SHARE THEIR PERSONAL INFORMATION? ISN’T THAT THE MEDIATOR’S JOB? I wish I had chosen the court option.

The process of setting up a resolution so far has proven nearly as frustrating as the underlying case:
1) Each time I’m called, it’s a different case developer. Each time SEEDS leaves a message they say «talk to any case developer». However, this lack of continuity means I have explain the entire thing all over again each time. They seem to keep very poor computerized notes.
2) Nobody has ever provided a case number.
3) Their voicemail has been full for days on end.
4) Followup has been scattered and poor. I gave them a ten day window I was available, a month out, and they did not call until just a few days before end end of the window.

First used their services many years ago when they were Berkeley Dispute Resolution Services. Then I volunteered as a community mediator for a couple years.
If you’re looking to solve conflicts and can’t afford the lawyer option, then look here. They focus on developing realistic strategies for resolution including mediation, skills training, or referrals to other organizations whose services more directly meet your needs.
Great staff and a great option to have in the bay area.