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.
AC Transit Funding and Potential Service Reductions
BART faces deficits over $370 million a year starting in fiscal 2027. Without a regional transit funding measure, BART has approved a backup plan to cut service by 70%, close at 9 p.m., and raise fares 50% — a big deal for the 7,000 daily riders at San Leandro and Bay Fair stations.
Lake Chabot Road Emergency Evacuation Route Repairs
A resident questioned the mayor's push to reopen Lake Chabot Road, arguing the $1.5 million figure cited is insufficient and that money would be better spent on firehouses with roofs literally caving in.
Transition to District-Based Council Elections
The county registrar mistakenly sent out ballots using the old at-large voting system instead of the new district-based system established by Measure F. The city council stepped in with a resolution to make sure votes in Districts 1, 2, 3, and 5 are counted and reported properly.
Proposed Warehouse Redevelopment at 3199 Alvarado Street
CC Industries wants to tear down the old Levitz building and build a massive 241,000-square-foot warehouse. Residents raised heavy concerns about truck traffic, noise, and whether the building is secretly designed to become an AI data center. The commission ultimately approved it after adding strict rules barring data centers without a new permit and requiring vibration and pest controls.
Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Performance and Revenue Trends
The city reviewed preliminary financial results for fiscal year 2026, showing steady general fund revenues of $150.2 million and disciplined expenditures. Discussions focused on specific tax trends, utility users tax declines, and code enforcement fine reversals.
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.
Fiscal Year 2027 Mid-Cycle Budget and Arts Funding
City staff briefed the commission on a massive $850,000 budget reduction target for the library department over the next three fiscal years to combat structural deficits. The cuts include freezing vacant positions and completely eliminating the commission's $50,000 public art and grants line item, though council members have expressed interest in potentially preserving grant funding.
Monarch Bay Golf Club Operations and Capital Planning
A public commenter raised concerns over a 130-page consultant report showing a 50% decline in net revenue at Monarch Bay Golf Course and urged the city to issue an RFP for a private partnership.
Parking Minimums and Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
Local business owners and residents raised concerns about the recently installed parking meters in downtown San Leandro, arguing that confusing payment apps and fees hurt elderly customers and small businesses.
MacArthur-Superior Roundabout Project & Traffic Safety
The MacArthur Roundabout project has faced years of delays, multi-agency coordination challenges with Caltrans and Oakland, and rising costs now estimated at $7.52 million. Residents and council members continue to push for faster delivery to address persistent safety concerns at the complex intersection.
Business License Tax Modernization
The council approved funding for community outreach to explore modernizing the city's business license tax structure for the November ballot to help address infrastructure and budget needs.
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.
Potential Alameda County Budget Reductions
The commission reviewed potential county budget cuts that could affect social service programs and local senior resources.
Rent Stabilization and Rental Registry Program Implementation
The city is establishing a rent stabilization ordinance capping rent increases at the lower of 3% or 65% of CPI to protect tenants from excessive hikes, while property owners warn it will discourage investment and hurt maintenance.
Pension Trust and CalPERS Liability Management
The committee evaluated whether to draw down the city's Section 115 pension trust to help bridge budget deficits. Officials concluded that drawing down funds is too risky given CalPERS legal mandates, penalties, and long-term obligations.
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.
FY 2027 Biennial Budget Adoption
Commissioners discussed ongoing city budget forums and potential impacts from county funding cuts and local cost-saving measures on security and community programs.
City Council Ethics and Workplace Conduct Disciplinary Hearings
The city council engaged in a lengthy, emotional debate before voting to reprimand and admonish Councilmembers Victor Aguilar, Jr. and Fred Simon following independent investigation findings of retaliation and bullying. Residents and council members clashed sharply over due process, fairness, and the accountability of elected officials.
Local Revenue Measures and Feasibility Polling
The city is exploring potential new tax measures for the November 2026 ballot to address long-term budget and infrastructure deficits. A scientific poll will test voter appetite for modernizing business license taxes and implementing parcel taxes.
District 2 Council Vacancy Appointment
Following a vacancy, the city council voted to set up an application and appointment process to fill the District 2 seat by April. Council members debated the merits of appointments versus quick turnarounds for interested residents.
Sidewalk Repair Responsibilities and Wait Times
Commissioners discussed the poor condition of sidewalks around the city and the challenges property owners face with repairs. City staff clarified that property owners are legally responsible for sidewalk maintenance, and the city's 50-50 cost-share program for tree damage currently carries a five-year waitlist.
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.
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.