San Leandro Community Action Program (CAP) Commission Meeting Summary - June 24, 2026

The San Leandro CAP Commission met on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 7:01 p.m. The meeting featured presentations from two CAP-funded organizations: Davis Street Family Resource Center and the Fuente Wellness Center (operated by the San Leandro school-based health center program). Commissioners discussed service trends, demographic shifts, rising needs, and challenges faced by low-income residents. The meeting also included updates on city staff reorganization, volunteer opportunities related to new SNAP requirements, and community events. The meeting was adjourned without a recorded time.

Consent Calendar

• The commission approved the May draft minutes as presented, with a motion made by Commissioner Lum and seconded by Commissioner Mason. All commissioners voted in favor.

Presentations: CAP-Funded Services

Davis Street Family Resource Center – Basic Needs Program

• Crystal Gonzalez, Basic Needs Director, presented on CAP-funded services including food distribution, clothing assistance, housing and social service intakes, healthcare application assistance, and senior support programs.
• Key data from the last six months of 2025 (period not further specified):
  • 2,474 unduplicated San Leandro residents served (1,087 households).
  • Duplicated visits totaled 7,062.
  • The largest demographic being served is shifting: seniors (55+) and children are the largest age groups; 55+ has grown.
  • Gender: more females than males seek services.
  • Race/ethnicity: 47% Asian in basic needs (a notable increase from prior Hispanic majority).
  • Income: the majority are in the 0–30% area median income bracket; some higher-income individuals also seek help.
• Gonzalez noted a high demand for rental assistance: 56–57 calls in one week, but no rental assistance was available. Most callers were aged 18–30, without children or a disability, making them ineligible for many programs.
• Other services: children's services (preschool and before/after school care at multiple sites), a primary care clinic (FQHC type, including dental, behavioral health, OB/GYN), and an adult intellectual disabilities program.
• Annual programs: backpack program (500 kids, includes new shoes, 200 raffled for a Nike shopping trip); holiday basket program (over 1,200 families); new diaper program (including senior diapers) and hygiene pantry.
• Davis Street is moving to a client-choice food pantry model (store-style) in 6–8 months, requiring volunteers.
• Gonzalez stressed that the basic needs department is underfunded and previously had only two staff; now four staff are in place.

Fuente Wellness Center (School-Based Health Center, Alameda County)

• Presented by an unnamed representative who oversees school-based health centers.
• Fuente Wellness Center, located at the Reach Ashland Youth Center, provides medical, dental, behavioral health, and case management services to youth up to age 25, at no cost and without co-pays.
• Data from a six-month period: 170 San Leandro youth served (exceeding the grant deliverable of 125). 599 medical/dental visits were provided.
• Demographics: 61% female, 39% male; 75% Latino, 9% African American, 8% API, 4% White, 3% other.
• A behavioral health clinician was hired in December 2025, and 20% of a case manager salary is covered by CAP funds. The case manager addresses housing, food, and other social needs linked to therapy.
• The program includes adolescent screening visits (15-minute health education appointments) to connect students to services and to educate youth on navigating the healthcare system.
• Sexual and reproductive health services are available for ages 12+ without parental consent.
• Patient surveys highlight staff friendliness and a sense of safety.
• The program offers volunteer and paid peer health educator opportunities for youth.
• The representative noted a decline in youth seeking services, possibly due to families moving or fears related to immigration enforcement and government program participation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made at the meeting.

Discussion Items

• New SNAP Work Requirement: Commissioner Roby raised a new federal rule requiring SNAP recipients to work or volunteer 80 hours per month. The commission discussed this as a potential benefit for nonprofits like Davis Street and Fuente, as volunteering can fulfill the requirement and help people who cannot hold traditional jobs. Crystal Gonzalez confirmed that Davis Street has already seen 30–40 calls from people seeking volunteer hours and plans to use volunteers for the upcoming client-choice pantry.
• City Staff Reorganization: Elsa (staff) announced that effective July 1, 2026, Jessica will assume the deputy city manager position (replacing Dustin Clausen) and will move to a different office. The department will also relocate.
• Condolences: Vice Chair Frey noted the recent passing of Councilmember James Aguilar's father and offered to send an email of condolence on behalf of the commission.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved (May draft minutes) – no objections.
• Commissioner Reed highlighted the city's funding for Eddie's Place (medical respite) - funding four beds this year. She shared a personal story of a long-term homeless individual with lung cancer who was able to receive treatment and dignified end-of-life care due to this resource.
• Commissioner Reed also noted that the San Leandro community food pantry now serves 310–340 families per week, up from previous levels, emphasizing the increased need for ready-to-eat foods after SNAP benefit changes for homeless individuals.
• Commissioner Roby expressed enthusiasm about serving as a judge for the Cherry Festival Parade and encouraged others to participate.
• The meeting was adjourned by a motion from Commissioner Roby, seconded by another commissioner; all in favor.