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.
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.
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.
Feral Cat Colony Management and City Codes
A Floresta Gardens teacher returned to plead for help with a feral cat problem she calls a daily public health risk — three weeks after her last plea, no city staff has followed up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.