San Leandro City Council, Residents, and City Employees
Happy September! Fall is always a busy time, with kids (and their parents) regaining their back-to-school rhythm, and others already looking ahead to the holidays. We at City Hall are no exception to this flurry of activity, as you can see from all the programs and initiatives outlined in this month’s City Manager’s Update.
I am especially excited about the upcoming arrival of two new faces: Police Chief Abdul Pridgen and Assistant City Manager Janelle Cameron. Both are set to start on September 13. With Library Director Brian Simons, who came on board August 26, we have a strong, well-rounded Executive Team ready to lead our organization in providing top-rate service to the San Leandro community.
Please join me in welcoming them!
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City Hall reopening plans delayed
Given the resurgence in the COVID-19 positivity rate caused by the infectious Delta variant, we are delaying our City Hall reopening plan.
City Hall will maintain the current status, which is as follows:
- In-person services by appointment only. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Doors will remain closed to external visitors. A security guard will continue to receive and direct visitors at the Lorraine Boulevard entrance.
- Visitors will be required to wear a face covering.
In addition, all City Council, Boards and Commissions meetings will continue via Zoom through September 30, in alignment with the Governor's current orders.
We are also implementing new requirements for City of San Leandro employees.
Fully vaccinated employees are required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination by Friday, September 3. Unvaccinated employees will be required to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing. The City has made arrangements with a testing provider to be onsite at least two days a week to test unvaccinated employees.
We understand what a challenging time this has been for everyone, and will continue to closely monitor Public Health guidance and make adjustments as needed.
To those of you who have been vaccinated, thank you. If you have been hesitant about being vaccinated and want more information, please check out Alameda County’s website at https://covid-19.acgov.org/vaccines.
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Update on Police Oversight
Earlier this year, the City Council directed staff to explore various models of civilian police oversight. In response, staff has completed a thorough review of various oversight models in California, and spoken with those agencies’ staff counterparts on lessons learned or best practices based on their experience. In addition, staff has had initial discussions with some local community members who are interested in the topic or have subject matter expertise, and has pulled together the elements of a draft oversight model for San Leandro.
At this time, the City is honing in on a hybrid model that would likely include a Community Police Review Board appointed by the City Council, which would be supported by an independent police auditor, consistent with the feedback provided by the City Council.
Looking ahead, the City will soon be announcing several opportunities for community input, which will likely include listening sessions, with the possibility of a public survey opportunity.
Following that public outreach process and incorporation of any public feedback, staff expects to bring forward a recommendation to the City Council later this fall.
Look for more information in the near future. In the meantime, questions may be directed to Deputy City Manager Eric Engelbart (eengelbart@sanleandro.org).
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Last chance to take the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion survey
San Leandro is working on a citywide Equity Plan, with the goal of having a community where everyone has opportunities to thrive. A first step in creating any plan is understanding where we are today.
If you haven't already taken the survey, please take 15 minutes to share your experiences and opinions regarding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The survey is open until Wednesday, Sept. 8. Click here to get started!
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Youth Advisory Commission |
Local youth are invited to apply for the 2021-22 Youth Advisory Commission (YAC). Commissioners advise the City Council on youth-related issues and provide recommendations on projects and events. They also learn about roles, services and local government programs.
YAC meets at 6 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays throughout the school year. Candidates must live in San Leandro or attend a school that serves San Leandro residents, be in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12, and commit between 6 to 8 hours per month for meetings and project involvement. Each commissioner is appointed to serve a one-year term and may be renewed for three terms thereafter as long as they remain in high school.
The application deadline is 5 p.m., Thursday, September 30 - click bit.ly/YACapp2021 for the application.
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City installs local air quality monitoring devices |
The City has installed several PurpleAir outdoor air quality sensors at various neighborhood City facilities and parks. PurpleAir sensors measure airborne particulate matter (PM) and can be useful for checking approximate air quality levels in your area.
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Housing Element Update Kick-Off
The City of San Leandro is updating its Housing Element, a required part of the City’s General Plan that serves as a blueprint for housing residents at all economic levels. Under State law, housing elements must be updated and certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) every eight years. San Leandro, like all Bay Area jurisdictions, is required to update its Housing Element by January 31, 2023 for the period covering 2023-2031. Having an approved Housing Element makes the City eligible for a variety of State grants, including funds for affordable housing, parks, and infrastructure.
To learn more about the Housing Element Update, please visit the project website at www.slhousingelement.com and tune into a kick-off meeting at an upcoming City Council Work Session on September 13 where Staff will provide an overview of the process and introduce the consultant team. Visit Meeting Central for the meeting agenda and materials at https://sanleandro.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.
The meeting takes place at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13 on Zoom. Click here for the link:
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SAN LEANDRO POLICE DEPARTMENT |
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September 11 marks the 20th anniversary of the coordinated suicide terror attacks at the North and South World Trade Centers, the Pentagon, and Flight 93, which was hijacked and headed to the Washington D.C area. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, including hundreds of first responders.
To honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and recognize the magnitude of this event, San Leandro Police employees will be wearing 9/11 remembrance patches throughout this month.
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High Visibility Traffic Enforcement |
On August 25, the San Leandro Police Department partnered with the California Highway Patrol, Newark Police Department and Hayward Police Department to focus on traffic-related complaints from our community members. During a 4-hour period, the team collectively issued 84 citations for various moving violations, and made one DUI arrest. The day was productive and included a heightened awareness for those driving in our city. |
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Ice Cream Social a success |
The San Leandro Police Department held an “Ice Cream with the Cops” social in front of the police department on August 25. During the two-hour event, approximately 100 community members passed through.
It was a great opportunity for members of the community and the police department to connect in a positive, and delicious, way.
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RECREATION AND HUMAN
SERVICES DEPARTMENT
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Farrelly Pool season extended through October 16 |
The newly renovated Farrelly Pool celebrated its reopening with some welcome news: hours have been extended until October 16. Farrelly Pool is adjacent to Roosevelt Elementary. While in the past, the pool closed prior to the start of the school year, the new design with a separate entrance makes it feasible for the City to operate the pool independently of the school district.
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Local author to speak at the San Leandro Main Library |
San Leandro writer Vincent Traughber Meis is the featured author at an in-person book talk on Thursday, Sept. 9 at the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. The talk begins at 6 p.m. – don’t forget your mask!
Following the talk, attendees will have the chance to buy signed copies of the author’s latest release, “The Mayor of Oak Street,” a coming-of-age novel that takes place in the 1960s in the Midwest. In the novel, Boy Scout Nathan delivers newspapers and mows lawns. He uses his cover to move about yards and sneak into the homes of his neighbors, uncovering their secrets.
NOTE: In-person events are subject to change based on current public health guidelines. The Library may be reached at 510-577-3971.
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Please use the buttons below to access upcoming Library programming.
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San Leandro Public Library
300 Estudillo Ave.
San Leandro, CA 94577 | (510) 577-3970
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Leadership San Leandro accepting applications |
Leadership San Leandro is currently recruiting participants for the 2021 Program. Those who live or work in San Leandro are encouraged to join Leadership San Leandro to gain new skills to grow their career, get to know the community better, and expand their network.
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Alameda County Fire Department welcomes new firefighters |
On July 15, Alameda County Fire Department graduated 10 Firefighter Recruits following a 20 week-long academy. Now Probationary Firefighters, each will operate as an additional firefighter for their first month before transitioning into their role has primary firefighter. ACFD wishes them a long and healthy career. |
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San Leandro Public Meetings
Note: San Leandro public meetings are being conducted remotely to comply with the COVID-19 pandemic public health orders. Log-in details for any given meeting session will typically be posted on the City’s Agenda page 72 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting. The City uses the Zoom Video Conferencing software to facilitate the remote meetings.
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