Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Leandro public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
28 issues in public safety
Independent Police Auditor Oversight and Flock System Audits
The police department is purchasing a data integration platform from Peregrine Technologies to combine separate databases and speed up investigations. Residents and some council members expressed strong concerns over data privacy, regional information sharing, and the inclusion of artificial intelligence features.
Critical Infrastructure and Technology Replacement
The city is replacing its legacy Eden software with Workday to modernize financial and human resources operations. The project is currently on schedule for a July 1, 2026 go-live date, with upcoming contract amendments for data migration and support.
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.
Feral Cat Colony Management and City Codes
Council Member Bowen brought forward a referral to explore new city codes addressing feral cat overpopulation, public health nuisances, and responsible caretaker requirements.
ALPR Transparency and Outside Expert Presentations
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.
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.
Constitutional Policing Training and Oversight Framework
The Independent Police Auditor led a comprehensive training session on constitutional policing, examining how legal standards guide everyday police operations and board review.
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.
Annual RIPA Report and Stop Data Analysis
Auditors presented stop and search data comparing 2024 and 2025, discussing demographic trends, pretextual stops, and the need for accurate denominators like traffic accidents.
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.
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.
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.
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.