San Leandro · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Leandro public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Critical Infrastructure and Technology Replacement
The city's new payroll and finance system has fixed early glitches but still has overtime calculation, cost-allocation and reporting issues. Key staff left, and the city plans to ask the council for contract help paid from the $1.2 million remaining in the project budget.
Independent Police Auditor Oversight and Flock System Audits
The board and public discussed automated license plate reader (Flock) audits, data retention, access controls, and the need to track bad outcomes alongside successful vehicle recoveries.
Peregrine Technologies AI Platform Contract Review
Board members raised concerns about the City Council's recent approval of a non-bid contract for Peregrine Technologies' AI data integration platform without prior review by the review board, scheduling a future briefing.
Annual RIPA Report and Stop Data Analysis
The board reviewed monthly stop data and use-of-force numbers, identifying missing citation data caused by a 911 system glitch and discussing disparities in traffic stops.
Feral Cat Colony Management and City Codes
A Floresta Gardens teacher told the council for the second time that feral cats are creating a daily public health risk, and that no city staff has followed up despite her district councilmember forwarding her email. County vector control says it can't enforce the relevant codes.
Departmental Performance Measures and Service Delivery
The committee evaluated annual performance metrics across city departments, including library attendance, recreation program registrations, and public works response times. Members discussed ways to refine metrics to better reflect public impact versus internal operations.
ALPR Transparency and Outside Expert Presentations
The board reviewed police data-sharing practices after discovering that out-of-state and regional networks could query San Leandro's Flock Safety cameras via statewide lookup features. Residents and board members raised concerns about data security, transparency, and whether third-party advocacy groups should present to the board.
Constitutional Policing Training and Oversight Framework
Independent Police Auditor Jeff Schlanger led a training session reviewing Fourth Amendment rules governing police stops, detentions, frisks, arrests, and searches to ensure adherence to constitutional standards.
Basic Needs and Food Security Services
Davis Street Community Center reported rising demand for food distribution, senior support, and basic needs assistance amidst high living costs in San Leandro.
Age-Friendly Action Plan & Caregiver Support
The city is expanding caregiver support through newly awarded county grants, piloting memory cafes, and integrating age-friendly priorities directly into commission meetings.
Restrictions on Outside Expert and Advocacy Speakers
Board members clashed with city staff over whether organizations engaged in advocacy, such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation, can be invited to give formal presentations. Members argued that strict rules limit their ability to gather independent technical and privacy perspectives on technologies like automated license plate readers.
Police Department Leadership and Policy Transitions
City officials introduced new Interim Police Chief Joseph Krines, who brings decades of municipal law enforcement experience to San Leandro.
Volunteer Fingerprinting and Application Requirements
Library staff clarified that appointed commissioners who volunteer for library programs must complete standard volunteer applications and background fingerprint checks through the police department, similar to other city volunteers.
Alternative Response Unit First-Year Performance
San Leandro's Alternative Response Unit has successfully handled hundreds of mental health and behavioral crisis calls without needing police intervention, helping reduce emergency room overcrowding. The program currently runs Monday through Thursday, with council members looking into ways to secure long-term funding.
HSIP Cycle 12 Uncontrolled Crosswalk Enhancements
The city received grant funding to install rapid flashing beacons and pedestrian hybrid beacons at seven dangerous uncontrolled crosswalks across San Leandro.
SB 707 Compliance: Meeting Disruption and Language Access Policies
The city is reviewing new state rules under SB 707 that mandate hybrid access, agenda translations in Spanish and Chinese, and strict rules for remote participation by elected officials and advisory boards. The Rules Committee decided to keep current practices in place to avoid high costs and administrative confusion.
Police Department Military Equipment Inventory and Use
The board reviewed the police department's annual military equipment report, covering drones, armored vehicles, and less-lethal tools. Officials noted new acquisitions like kinetic breaching tools and confirmed no policy violations occurred.
Police Department Transparency and Media Leaks
Board members and residents discussed recent media reports concerning police conduct and internal department leaks. Speakers debated the timing and motives behind the leaks and emphasized the need for community trust and accountability.
Police Corruption
A local cop is in hot water, accused of taking bribes from a brothel. This isn't just about one bad apple; it's a serious hit to the public's trust in law enforcement.
Police Department Staffing and Recruitment
Police leadership shared positive updates on hiring, noting that the department reached 77 percent capacity for police captains and is actively recruiting lateral officers and dispatchers.
Point-in-Time Homeless Count and Funding Impact
Commissioners reviewed the logistics and preliminary findings of the recent Point-in-Time count, noting how census numbers directly affect federal funding for local homelessness programs.
Annual Review of Police Misconduct Complaints
The board and auditors examined complaint statistics and investigation outcomes from 2025, discussing trends in internal versus external complaints and investigative thoroughness.
Police Pursuit Policy and Public Safety Liability
Following recent high-speed pursuit incidents, the board created a dedicated ad hoc committee to evaluate proposed updates to police pursuit procedures and minimize community safety risks.
Mandatory Workplace Conduct and Harassment Prevention Training
City leaders completed required training on workplace conduct, covering how to spot discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and how to handle complaints properly. The session ensures that elected officials understand their responsibilities as supervisors under California law.
Public Safety Initiative
Want to beef up your home security without spending a dime? The San Leandro PD is giving away free Ring cameras to residents. It's a move to make neighborhoods safer by giving people an easy way to keep an eye on things.
Police Department Operational and Incident Updates
The police department reported on recent recruitment stats and detailed an officer-involved shooting incident that occurred on January 19. The board discussed the department's staffing levels and investigative protocols.
Board Member Training Curriculum Priorities
Board members evaluated a proposed training curriculum and selected constitutional policing and use of force as their top priorities for upcoming educational sessions.
Release of Workplace Investigation Report
Residents and council members debated whether to waive attorney-client privilege and release a confidential HR investigation report regarding harassment and discrimination complaints. Supporters argued that transparency is essential before scheduled disciplinary hearings, while questions were raised about investigation costs and confidentiality breaches.
Police Misconduct Lawsuit
A woman is suing San Leandro after alleging police stomped on her pregnant stomach, causing a miscarriage. This lawsuit highlights serious accusations of misconduct against the city's police force.