Public Meetings - San Leandro, California

On May 19, 2025, the San Leandro City Council Facilities & Transportation Committee held a special meeting at Casa Peralta. The committee discussed two major items: the future of Casa Peralta and the Mulford Branch Library project. Key actions included a motion to fund a detailed cost assessment for Casa Peralta and a decision to bring the Mulford Library bid package to the full City Council for consideration. Public Comments & Testimony - Evelyn Gonzalez (President, San Leandro Historical Society) expressed concern about the state of Casa Peralta and stated the Historical Society had approached the city in 2023 to partner on a capital campaign. She noted that updated cost estimates were needed and that experts consulted by the Historical Society felt the city's projected costs were too high. She requested the committee allow the Historical Society to gather accurate cost information before making a decision. - Donald Pollard spoke in favor of preserving Casa Peralta, calling it an asset to the city. - Linda Pollard (Secretary of the Historical Society) also supported preserving the building. - Cindy Simmons (Board Member, San Leandro Historical Society) emphasized the historical significance of Casa Peralta and urged the committee to allow an independent assessment of costs for renovation. Discussion Items Casa Peralta Update - Brian Simons (Library Director) presented a history of Casa Peralta, noting it was donated to the city in 1971 with a gift grant deed that restricts use to community cultural, recreational, and historical purposes. He outlined three options: renovate (estimated $10–15 million plus $112,000 annual maintenance), adaptive reuse (e.g., a botanical garden park, with potential $3 million from park funds), or relinquish ownership. He noted that the city has struggled to maintain the property. - Mike Jeffrey (Chief Building Official) described the building's poor condition: unreinforced brick foundation, significant settling, liquefaction risk, and deterioration. He rated the condition a 4 out of 10 and warned of unknown costs due to asbestos and rot. - Sheila Marquises (Public Works Director) provided cost estimates: a 2016 study projected $5.7 million, but escalation could bring restoration to $10 million in construction costs plus $5 million in soft costs, totaling $15 million. She noted $1.4 million remains allocated for basic repairs. - Committee members expressed attachment to the property and concerns about the lack of accurate cost information. Councilmember Bolt moved to use the $1.4 million to fund a detailed estimate for renovation. Councilmember Acevedo seconded, and the motion passed with two affirmative votes. Mulford Branch Library Update - Sheila Marquises (Public Works Director) introduced the project update. - Mark Baralka (Project Manager) reported that the project received 10 bids, with low bidder Giant Construction at $6.8 million, below the engineer's estimate of $7.1 million. Additive alternates for monument sign lighting and sidewalk were awarded; decorative ceiling and shade trellis were not awarded. Total project cost is $10 million, within budget. Staff requested an additional $630,000 to increase contingency from 8.5% to 15% and allow for an on-site architect. - Brian Simons (Library Director) expressed operational concerns: even if built, the new library would open only 12 hours per week due to budget constraints, and closing other libraries on certain days might be required. He suggested the council consider whether to proceed. - Committee members discussed soil testing, drawing completeness, and PG&E transformer changes. No public comments were received. The committee decided to bring the item to the full City Council on June 2, 2025, for further discussion on costs and operational impacts. Key Outcomes - Casa Peralta: The committee approved a motion to use the remaining $1.4 million in CIP funds to obtain a detailed cost estimate for renovating the property. Staff will proceed with assessments and return with more information. - Mulford Branch Library: The committee directed staff to present the bid package and funding request to the City Council at the June 2, 2025 meeting for a fuller discussion on long-term budget and operational implications. No formal vote was taken.

The San Leandro Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) met on May 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM to discuss pedestrian safety programs, the Bay Fair Community Based Transportation Plan, and several bike lane infrastructure projects. The meeting included public comments, presentations, and commission discussions. Key actions included appointing two commissioners to a steering committee and reviewing complete streets checklists for two projects. Public Comments & Testimony - Jeremy Johansson (former District One B PAC representative) provided an update on a countywide pedestrian plan update. He announced that planning for the pedestrian plan update is beginning and will take about 18 months, with community outreach to come. Discussion Items 3A: Community and Pedestrian Bicycle Safety Training Program (Age-Friendly Plan) - Pedro Bedroanco, San Leandro Human Services Manager, and Mike King of Pear Street Consulting presented on the city’s first Age-Friendly Plan, adopted by City Council on July 15, 2024. The plan was developed through extensive community engagement (700 survey respondents, 100 focus group participants, 53 website inputs). Six priorities were identified; “personal protection” includes senior pedestrian safety. - A joint program with California Walks and UC Berkeley SafeTREC has been launched. Two sites for walk assessments were selected: Washington Avenue between Lewelling and Spring Lake Drive, and from the Surlee Grant Room down East 14th to Broadmoor (near the Vietnamese American Community Center). The assessments will take place tomorrow (May 17, 2025). A final community workshop is planned for early June 2025. BPAC members were invited to participate. - Commissioner questions addressed road diet potential, sidewalk conditions, and coordination with county plans. Presenters noted the program aims to build capacity and prioritize senior pedestrian improvements. 3B: Bay Fair Community Based Transportation Plan (CBTP) - Avalon Schultz, Assistant Community Development Director, presented the CBTP, a grant-funded effort focusing on the rights-of-way near Bay Fair BART. The plan will include multimodal improvements, identified via community outreach, and will be adopted by both the City and Alameda County. A steering committee will guide outreach. BPAC was asked to appoint one member. - After discussion about meeting times (day vs. evening), two commissioners volunteered: one if meetings are in the evening, the other if daytime. The commission agreed to both. A third commissioner offered as a fallback. The committee will hold four virtual meetings and one site visit beginning in May 2025. 3C: MacArthur Roundabout Complete Streets Checklist - Anna Fitroy, engineer and project manager, presented the MTC Complete Streets Checklist for the MacArthur Roundabout project (near I-580 on-ramp and Foothill Boulevard). The roundabout is designed to slow traffic and reduce collisions, with protected crosswalks and class IV bike lanes. One approach (Foothill southbound) has a gap in protected bike lanes due to right-of-way constraints. - Commissioners requested that a green pavement marking or other visual cue be added at the Foothill approach where cyclists merge into traffic. Commissioner also noted the lack of sidewalks on one side of Foothill and expressed interest in future protected bike lanes on MacArthur to Dutton. The checklist was reviewed; no formal vote was taken. 3D: Hisperian Boulevard Bike Lane Gap Closure Complete Streets Checklist - Robin Chi presented the checklist for the gap closure project on Hisperian Boulevard from East 14th Street to Bay Fair Drive. The project proposes class IV bike lanes, a road diet, pedestrian crossing improvements, and bus stop modifications. The design is highly conceptual; a traffic feasibility study is underway to address queuing at the Hisperian triangle. - Commissioners commented on the importance of connectivity with the East Bay Greenway and Fairmont bike lanes. Questions were raised about right-of-way constraints near the railroad and about landscaping to improve the streetscape. The checklist was reviewed. 3E: Fairway Drive Traffic Calming (Separated Bike Lane) - Robin Chi provided a 65% design update for a separated bike lane on Fairway Drive from Doolittle Drive to Nicholson Street. The design includes a 4-foot buffer, in-lane bus stop coordination, and parking removal on a residential segment. Coordination with Union Pacific and CPUC is ongoing for the grade crossing. The project is a truck route with a 30 mph speed limit. - Commissioners expressed support for the project, noting it is a popular bike route. One commissioner raised the issue of a gap in protected bike lanes between the driving range and Doolittle, but acknowledged that area is part of the Shoreline redevelopment plan. Key Outcomes - Appointed Two Commissioners to Bay Fair CBTP Steering Committee: One volunteer for evening meetings, one for daytime meetings (conditional on final meeting times). A fallback was also identified. - Reviewed Complete Streets Checklists: BPAC reviewed checklists for the MacArthur Roundabout and Hisperian bike lane gap closure projects, providing feedback on design details (e.g., bike lane markings, pedestrian access). - Fairway Drive Project Update Received: No formal action, but the commission endorsed the design direction. - Commissioner noted ongoing issue of cars parking in protected bike lanes on Farallon Drive, and encouraged use of SeeClickFix to report enforcement concerns. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:37 PM.

The San Leandro City Council held a special meeting on May 6, 2025, beginning with closed session at 5:00 PM and reconvening publicly at 7:10 PM. The council addressed multiple public hearings, including wastewater fee increases, an appeal of a warehouse development, and district‑based election maps. The meeting also included proclamations, consent calendar approvals, and a handbook discussion. All votes were unanimous (7‑0) except the handbook motion. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (7‑0). Items included: - Amendment No. 3 to the Parks Master Plan consulting agreement (increase of $29,280, total not‑to‑exceed $408,892). - Agreement with Univar Solutions USA LLC for up to 215,000 gallons of sodium hypochlorite (FY2025‑2026, not‑to‑exceed $703,050). - Minutes of April 21, 2025. - Nomination of Shalini Gopalkrishnan to the Senior Commission. - One public comment questioned consulting costs on item 5a. Public Comments & Testimony - General public comment (non‑agenda): None. - Public Hearing 8b (880 Doolittle Drive warehouse): Seven public speakers offered testimony. Two online commenters noted concerns about greenhouse gas emissions from truck traffic and insufficient mitigation. Five in‑person speakers (including representatives of Carpenters Local 713, IBEW Local 595, and other trade unions) urged approval, highlighting local workforce opportunities. One speaker supported the project as a source of good‑paying jobs. - Public Hearing 8c (district‑based elections): Two online commenters spoke; one asked for proportional representation, the other urged fiscal prudence. - Public Hearing 8d (master fee schedule and tax adjustments): One online commenter questioned the emergency medical services tax structure for multi‑unit buildings. Staff clarified that the per‑benefit‑unit calculation was correctly applied. Discussion Items - Closed Session Report: No reportable actions taken; direction was provided to staff. - Proclamations: - Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May 2025) – accepted by June Lee, Executive Director of the Korean Community Center of the East Bay. - Mental Health Awareness Month (May 2025) – accepted by Tejasi Bilgi (Deputy Chief Clinical Officer) and Jennifer Ellis (Chief Strategy Officer) of La Familia. - Public Hearing 8a – Wastewater Discharge Fee Amendments (FY2026‑2030): Staff presented the rate study. City Clerk reported 14,589 Prop 218 notices mailed; 151 protest letters received (1.0%, far below the 7,295 required to block the increase). Council approved the resolution (7‑0). - Public Hearing 8b – Appeal of 880 Doolittle Drive Warehouse (244,573 sq ft, 50‑ft‑tall): The appeal, filed by Carpenters Local 713 and Advocates for the Environment, argued that the EIR was deficient. Advocates withdrew earlier on May 6. The appellant did not appear at the hearing. Council received staff and applicant presentations, heard public comments, and then voted 7‑0 to reject the appeal, certify the EIR, and approve the conditional use permit and height exception. - Public Hearing 8c – District‑Based Elections (2nd hearing): No action taken; only public input was received. Council will hold two more hearings. - Public Hearing 8d – Master Fee Schedule & Tax Adjustments: After clarifying the benefit‑unit tax structure, council adopted the resolution and three ordinances (7‑0) for FY2025‑2026: fee schedule amendments, business license tax CPI increase (2.4%), emergency medical services tax CPI increase, and emergency communications system access tax CPI increase. - Action Item 10a – City Council Handbook Updates: Councilmember Simon proposed six substantive amendments (including a values‑based ethics code, vice‑mayor nomination language, urgent referral process, travel reimbursement rollover, attendance notification, and removing the handbook acknowledgement page). After extensive discussion, a motion to refer the handbook back to the Rules Committee passed 6‑1 (Simon opposed). Key Outcomes - Wastewater fee increase (8a): Resolution 2025‑041 approved (7‑0). Rates will increase 8% in year 1 and 9% in years 2–5, effective July 1, 2025. - Warehouse appeal (8b): Appeal rejected; resolutions 2025‑042 and 2025‑043 adopted (7‑0). Project allowed to proceed with all Planning Commission conditions. - Fee schedule & tax adjustments (8d): Resolution 2024‑044 and Ordinances 2025‑004, 2025‑005, 2025‑006 adopted (7‑0). Annual CPI increase of 2.4% applied. - City Council Handbook (10a): Referred back to the Rules Committee (6‑1). No immediate changes to the handbook. - Consent Calendar: Approved (7‑0) with no pulled items. - Proclamations: Presented and acknowledged.

The San Leandro Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Adjustments met on May 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting lasted approximately 54 minutes, concluding at 7:54 PM. Commissioners discussed and voted to recommend zoning code amendments regarding tobacco retailing and oversized vehicle parking, and postponed the election of a new Chair and Vice Chair. Consent Calendar - Minutes of February 6, 2025: Approved unanimously (5-0) with Vice Chair Tejada acting as Chair, Commissioners Mendoza, Solis, Rich, and Nay present. Chair Zuber and Commissioner Tabjulu were absent. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the general public comment period. - During the public hearing on zoning code amendments, two members of the public spoke: - Monesh Josan, owner of a 7-Eleven in San Leandro for 27 years, expressed concern about the proposed 25% gross receipts threshold for tobacco sales (which he referred to as a 20% requirement). He stated that meeting such a fixed percentage is not workable in daily operations and asked for reconsideration, noting he has never had a tobacco violation. - Al Makdad Al-Harbi, a business owner in San Leandro since 1998, acknowledged previous compliance issues but stated he has worked with the city to reduce his floor display. He argued that the proposed 25% sales threshold is unfair because tobacco products are expensive compared to other items, and that unlicensed stores selling illegal products are a greater concern. He requested the threshold be reconsidered. Public Hearing: Zoning Code Amendments (ZCA24-002) - Presentation: Senior Planner Cindy Lemaire presented the proposed amendments, which stem from a 2023-2024 city council priority to address complaints about new smoke shops. A moratorium on new tobacco retail licenses was established in June 2024. Staff analyzed business and tobacco retail license records and found several non-compliant businesses. Enforcement actions have been ongoing. - Tobacco Retailing Amendments: - Tobacco retailing would be limited to an accessory use only for drug stores, beer and wine stores, liquor stores, and supermarkets over 20,000 square feet. - New restrictions: maximum 10% of gross floor area for sale, marketing, display, and storage; maximum 10 linear feet of display area; maximum 25% of gross receipts from tobacco sales; no tobacco signage or display visible from public right-of-way (including sidewalks). - Premium cigar retailers are exempt and permitted in certain zoning districts (CC, SA1, SA3). - Drug paraphernalia stores are prohibited. - Existing compliant tobacco retailers would be considered legal nonconforming uses; if discontinued for 180 days, the use terminates. - Oversized Vehicle Parking: Relocation of municipal code provisions regarding oversized vehicle parking into the zoning code for clarity. The amendment restricts parking in front yards and street side yards when a reasonable alternative (e.g., rear yard) exists, and prohibits overhanging sidewalks (consistent with state law). - Commission Discussion: - Commissioner Rich asked about enforcement improvements; staff noted that prohibiting standalone smoke shops makes illegal operations easier to identify. - Commissioner Mendoza raised concerns about the 25% sales threshold for new businesses, suggesting a higher percentage (e.g., 50%) might be more workable. City Attorney Alex Mog clarified the 25% applies only to new businesses, not existing ones. - Commissioner Solis questioned how enforcement targets bad actors versus compliant businesses; Planning Manager Wayland Li explained enforcement focused on unlicensed stores first. - Commissioner Rich felt the amendments strike a balance and are fair. - Commissioner Nay asked about the origin of the 10% floor area and 10 linear foot limits; staff cited consistency with San Francisco regulations. - Commissioner Rich asked about a potential variance for chain stores opening new locations; staff cautioned that creating carve-outs undermines the clarity and fairness of bright-line rules. - Commissioner Nay noted that new businesses have advance knowledge of the rules. - Commissioner Solis stated staff had done due diligence and supported the proposed amendments. - Vote: A motion to adopt a resolution recommending the City Council adopt the zoning code amendments was made by Commissioner Rich and seconded by Commissioner Solis. Passed 5-0 (Chair Zuber and Commissioner Tabjulu absent). Commission Reports and Announcements - Secretary Avalon Schultz introduced newly appointed Commissioner Jennifer Nay. - Schultz announced that the 880 Doolittle project (PLN22-0039) had been appealed to the City Council, with a hearing scheduled for May 5, 2025. - Election of Chair and Vice Chair: A motion was made by Commissioner Solis and seconded by Commissioner Mendoza to postpone the election to a future meeting when Chair Zuber is present. Passed 5-0. Key Outcomes - Zoning Code Amendments: Approved resolution to recommend City Council adoption of amendments to tobacco retailing and oversized vehicle parking regulations. The resolution will be forwarded to the City Council for final action; no appeal period applies as it is a recommendation. - Election Postponed: Election of new Planning Commission Chair and Vice Chair postponed until Chair Zuber is present at a future meeting. - Meeting adjourned at 7:54 PM.

On May 5, 2025, the San Leandro Finance Committee met to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 biennial budget. The meeting focused on the city's persistent structural deficit, with Finance Director Nicole Gonzales presenting a 10-year forecast showing expenditures outpacing revenues. The committee directed staff to align General Fund operating expenditures with revenue estimates and to achieve a balanced budget within three years, while also incorporating previously mandated programs such as the Alternative Response Unit (ARU), rent registry, and encampment cleanup. Note: The agenda and minutes for this meeting are dated April 23, 2025, but the user has specified the meeting date as May 5, 2025. Discussion Items - Budget Overview and Structural Deficit: Finance Director Gonzales presented the budget strategies, including reductions in discretionary spending (training, travel, office supplies, fixed assets) and aligning personnel costs with actual needs. The general fund forecast before the proposed budget projected a use of reserves: $7.8 million in FY26 and $10.8 million in FY27. After the proposed budget, the use of reserves increased to $9.8 million in FY26 (including $1.5 million for a fire engine) and $10.2 million in FY27. The 10-year forecast showed the city depleting its fund balance by FY30, with a negative $4.3 million, and failing to meet the 20% reserve policy by FY28. - Fund Balance Policy: The city's current policy requires $5 million for major emergencies and 20% of expenditures for economic uncertainties. The committee discussed that the available unassigned fund balance of $31.9 million is sufficient to meet the 20% target ($30.6 million) but not both categories. A proposal to temporarily suspend the PULL policy (which directs 50% of surplus to pension trusts) for FY25-26 was discussed to allow unspent funds to strengthen the general fund balance. - Capital and Infrastructure Needs: The budget includes $7.4 million in transfers for capital and other needs, including $3.6 million for road overlay, $600,000 for city building maintenance, $475,000 for park maintenance, $150,000 for ADA transition, and $1.5 million for fleet (fire vehicle). The committee questioned the classification of some items (e.g., Link shuttle, parking fund subsidy) as capital. - ARPA-Funded Projects: Several programs currently funded with one-time ARPA dollars ($18.6 million total) would require $1.0 million in FY26 and $1.7 million in FY27 from the general fund if continued. These include the Alternative Response Unit (ARU), encampment cleanup, and small business technical assistance. - Pension and OPEB: The city's pension trust (115 trust) helps manage unfunded liabilities, with the miscellaneous plan 73.5% funded and the safety plan 70.9% funded. OPEB is nearly 94% funded. The committee discussed the unpredictability of CalPERS rates and the need to prepare for economic uncertainty. - Committee Priorities: Councilmember Viveros-Walton emphasized including ARU, rent registry, and encampment cleanup in the budget. Councilmember Aguilar supported fiscal prudence and balancing the budget. Mayor Gonzalez stressed the need to address the spending problem and bring expenditures in line with revenues, suggesting a three-year target for eliminating the structural deficit. Key Outcomes - Direction to Staff: The committee directed staff to align General Fund operating expenditures with revenue estimates and to achieve total expenditures (including transfers) equal to total revenue within three years (by FY28). - Inclusion of Programs: Staff was directed to include the Alternative Response Unit, rent registry program (estimated at $650,000 per year), and encampment cleanup in the budget. - Temporary Suspension of PULL Policy: The committee supported temporarily suspending the Prioritizing Unfunded Liability Liquidation (PULL) policy for FY25 and FY26, allowing all unspent funds at year-end to be retained in the general fund balance. - Next Steps: Staff will return to the Finance Committee with a revised budget proposal before forwarding to the City Council. A city council work session is scheduled for May 12, 2025, to review departmental budgets, and a public hearing and adoption are planned for June 2, 2025. The committee also requested a preview of potential service-level impacts from the required cuts.

The San Leandro Facilities & Transportation Committee met on May 1, 2025, to review the draft Recreation and Parks Master Plan and the Washington Manor Site-Specific Master Plan. The presentation highlighted extensive community engagement, key priorities, and proposed improvements for parks citywide, with a focus on Washington Manor Park. The committee heard public comments and discussed implementation, equity, and specific amenities such as Tai Chi spaces, ping pong tables, and Wi-Fi in parks. Public Comments & Testimony - Benny Lee spoke on behalf of non-English speaking immigrant communities, thanking staff for including ping pong tables and requesting expansion of the Tai Chi area (currently 3,500 sq ft) and a memorial for Charlie Gilgress. He also advocated for public Wi-Fi in parks, noting past success with half a million users at a cost of $2 per user per year during the pandemic. - Lisa Lau requested dedicated Tai Chi space with a flat, shaded, non-slip surface and the installation of four weather-resistant ping pong tables for seniors at Washington Manor Park, emphasizing physical and mental health benefits. Discussion Items - Recreation and Parks Master Plan Presentation: Recreation director and consultants presented the draft plan, developed over a process starting in fall 2023. Key statistics: over 1,100 survey responses, multiple public workshops averaging 50-60 attendees, and pop-up events at cultural festivals. The plan identifies seven goals, including expanding access (currently 1.5 acres parkland per 1,000 residents vs. a goal of 5 acres per 1,000), strategic partnerships (especially with schools), expanding programming, improving park experience, equity, climate resilience, and financing. Success metrics include having 100% of residents within a half-mile of a recreation opportunity by 2035. Parks were classified into three tiers: sustaining (Tier A), strategic (Tier B), and visionary (Tier C). Washington Manor Park is Tier C. - Washington Manor Site-Specific Plan: The concept includes improved connectivity, a widened park loop, destination play area, upgraded sports facilities, shade gathering spaces, native planting, expanded parking, a dog area, community demonstration garden, and a potential recreation facility. Estimated costs: $13 million without the recreation building, $18 million with it. The plan also addresses staffing and cost recovery. - Committee Member Comments: Council Member Azevedo raised concerns about dog park fence height (after a recent attack), inquired about Wi-Fi in parks (five parks currently have it), and supported partnerships with schools, community gardens, and Tai Chi/ping pong plans. Mayor Gonzalez emphasized the importance of parkland acquisition, measurable metrics, addressing e-bike and scooter safety in parks, improving access to school amenities, and the value of effective communication (e.g., redesigned activity guide, newsletters, calendar integration). He suggested repurposing the existing amphitheater at Washington Manor for Tai Chi instead of waiting for a new building. Key Outcomes - No formal vote was taken. The committee expressed overall support for the draft plans and directed staff to continue refining the plans, incorporating public feedback on Tai Chi spaces, ping pong tables, Wi-Fi, and communication strategies. The committee also noted the approval of an MTC grant for the MacArthur roundabout project. - The meeting was adjourned at 5:28 PM.

Note: The minutes and transcript indicate the meeting was held on April 17, 2025, but the provided metadata states April 25, 2025. This summary uses the later date as instructed. The San Leandro Senior Commission met on April 25, 2025 (as per metadata) at the Senior Community Center. The meeting covered routine approvals, staff updates, planning for the Cherry Festival and Senior Resource Fair, and progress on the Age-Friendly Action Plan. All eight commissioners were present. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda of April 17, 2025 and the minutes of March 20, 2025 via a single motion (8-0). [Note: The transcript shows two separate votes due to procedural confusion, but the final outcome was unanimous approval.] Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the designated public comment period. Staff noted that no eComments were received. - However, later in the meeting, during discussion of the Senior Resource Fair, a member of the public spoke, suggesting that the commission create a brochure on how to use new computers and propose a program where seniors could publish stories with proceeds going to the city. Staff Reports and Announcements - City-wide Updates: The final biennial budget engagement forum will be held virtually on April 29th from 1-3 p.m. Recreation and Parks Director Vicente Zuniga will attend the July Senior Commission meeting for a meet-and-greet and to discuss the Recreation and Parks Master Plan. - Human Services Department: The Lewelling Interim Housing and Drop-In Center open house is scheduled for May 23, 2025. New Program Assistant Valerie Nicolas introduced herself; she will focus on transportation and mobility, including the Flex Rides program and the Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program. - Senior Services Updates: The Senior Community Center hours will change in fall 2025 to 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., then reopen at 5:30 p.m. for Recreation and Parks programming. A senior celebration event is planned for May 19th with food, music, and activities. A volunteer appreciation event is on April 21st. The first cohort of a Tech Exchange partnership completed laptop training and received free laptops. Outreach will occur at various events including Farmers Market, VACCEB, and the Annual Senior Resource Fair. Discussion Items Age-Friendly Implementation Plan Update and Next Steps - Pear Street Consulting will present final drafts of the Age-Friendly Communications and Operations Plans at the May 15 Senior Commission meeting, with the goal of finalizing by June 30, 2025. - The Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Training (CPBST) Planning Committee has 19 members, with 15 attending the first meeting on April 3. The next meeting is April 30 at 1 p.m. at the Surlene Grant Community Room, followed by a walking assessment of East 14th Street and Washington Avenue. Commissioners expressed concerns about the safety and accessibility of the walking route, particularly crossing busy streets. - Regarding Beautify San Leandro, the Recreation and Parks Department has set priority projects for the year and the Senior Community Center is not included. However, staff will assess landscaping needs at the center in the coming weeks. Cherry Festival Planning (June 7, 2025) - The commission will participate in the parade and resource fair. A shuttle will be provided by MV Transportation. The commission agreed to invite the Human Services Commission to join again. - Sign-up sheets were circulated for parade participation, decoration help, and booth volunteering. Ideas for shuttle decorations included an age-friendly theme ("through the ages") with costumes from different decades, red bunting, balloons, and giveaways like Ghirardelli chocolates. Commissioners discussed logistics to minimize wait times and ensure transportation from the senior center. - For the resource booth, suggestions included having two tables with duplicate materials, a spin-the-wheel game with age-friendly or health questions, and giveaways such as hand sanitizers, flashlights, whistles, stress balls, and informational cards. Staff will provide talking points and key messages. Senior Resource Fair Planning (June 24, 2025) - The annual Senior Resource Fair will be held Tuesday, June 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The theme is "Roaring 20s." Staff are working to secure vendors, including interactive ones like blood pressure screenings. The commission will have a table; sign-up sheets were passed for time slots. - Chair Woycheshin volunteered to bring decorations. Commissioners discussed judging for vendor tables (to be done earlier in the event to avoid missing early-departing vendors) and having water available. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar Approved (8-0): Agenda and minutes of March 20, 2025. - Meeting Adjourned (8-0) at 11:02 a.m. - Directives for Future Meetings: - Commissioner Brennan requested that the Special Needs Registry (offered by San Leandro Police Department) be added to the next meeting agenda. - Vice Chair Comelo requested that the Volunteers Helping Seniors program be added to the next meeting agenda. - Cherry Festival and Resource Fair: Next steps include finalizing decorations, securing booth location, and confirming participant numbers. Detailed planning will continue at the May meeting. - Age-Friendly Plans: Pear Street Consulting will present final drafts to the commission in May.

The San Leandro City Council met on April 23, 2025, per the provided meeting date; the agenda and transcript identify the meeting date as Monday, April 21, 2025. The meeting, held in City Hall Council Chambers, began at 7:00 p.m. and included a remote participation approval, an Earth Day proclamation, consent calendar approvals, the first public hearing on district-based elections, two presentations, and a CalPERS contract amendment. Councilmembers Simon and Bolt were absent; Mayor Juan Gonzalez III presided. Announcements & Recognitions - The council adopted a proclamation declaring April 22, 2025 as Earth Day. The proclamation was accepted by co-presidents of the San Leandro Eco Club. - The city manager announced an Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Floresta Park, 3750 Monterey Boulevard. - The city attorney reported no reportable closed session actions, but direction was provided to staff. Consent Calendar - Council approved the consent calendar 5-0-2, with Councilmembers Aguilar, Azevedo, Viveros Walton, Vice Mayor Bowen, and Mayor Gonzalez voting yes; Councilmembers Simon and Bolt were absent. - The consent calendar included: second reading of Ordinance 2025-002 adding Municipal Code Chapter 4-45 (Rental Registry); resolutions approving the San Leandro City Employees Association (SLCEA) Memorandum of Understanding and Confidential Employees Compensation Plan for 2025-2029 and the City-wide Master Salary Schedule amendment effective January 1, 2025; a legal services agreement with Stream, Kim, Hicks, Wrage & Alfaro, PC for tort litigation defense; Finance Committee minutes from March 26, 2025; and City Council minutes from April 7, 2025. - Public comment on the consent calendar: Mark Janowitz, a homeowner, supported the rental registry as a first step but recommended limiting exemptions and strengthening enforcement by making noncompliance a defense to eviction. Douglas Baulding supported it and asked what tenant protection would come next. Jenny Madsen said the registry is needed for San Leandro and is a first step toward other policies. Public Comments & Testimony - Craig Williams, a 30-year resident, proposed digital signs displaying FBI crime statistics: violent crime down 15.2%, murder down 26.4%, rapes down 25%, aggravated assault down 12.5%, and robberies down 17.8%; he said four or five signs would cost about $5,000-$6,000. - Douglas Baulding cautioned that crime could rise with the economy and cited police stop data showing African American drivers stopped disproportionately compared to their population share, while Asian American drivers were stopped less; he referenced San Leandro's history as a 'sundowner town.' - Mayor Gonzalez later responded that the independent police auditor's analysis, including comparisons of day vs. night stops and vehicles with tinted windows, found no indication of racial profiling in San Leandro. Public Hearing: District-Based Elections - City Clerk Kelly Clancy presented the timeline for establishing district-based elections beginning in 2026. Public hearings are scheduled for May 5, May 19, and June 2, in addition to tonight's hearing; the council is expected to adopt an ordinance on June 16. No action was requested at this hearing. - Outreach includes the website sanleandro.org/votebydistrict, farmers market booths on April 16, April 30, May 14, and May 28, social media posts, newspaper publications in the San Leandro Times, Daily Review, Vision Hispania, and Singto, and translation/interpretation support by request. - Public speakers overwhelmingly supported district elections. Speakers included Carol Habercos (citing National League of Cities), Mimi Dean, Jackie Props, Susan Sandoval, Phoebe Jew, Christopher Bammer, Douglas Baulding, Deborah Lopez, Craig Williams, and Robert Bulatao. Bulatao said at-large voting violates the California Voting Rights Act and exposes the city to a potential multi-million-dollar lawsuit; he urged the council to act without spending taxpayer money on litigation. Christopher Bammer also asked the council to consider eliminating ranked-choice voting. - Leo West expressed skepticism, saying the effort was caused by someone who lost an election, and criticized council attendance and representation. - The mayor said council members would continue to hear public input over multiple hearings before deliberating. Presentations Downtown San Leandro Community Benefit District Annual Update - Morgan MacRose, executive director of the San Leandro Improvement Association, presented the annual update. The district was established in 2013 under a 15-year term, with renewal required by 2028. Cleaning ambassadors work seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; safety ambassadors work weekdays 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Last year's events included about 20,000 attendees and 200 booths at the Cherry Festival, over 7,000 people at 'It's a Wonderful Night,' and monthly vendor markets averaging about 800 attendees, with Mexipino drawing about 3,000. The district also received a $10,000 arts grant for a mosaic and is implementing a coordinated safety camera program. - Public comment: Jenny Chang and Douglas Baulding praised the ambassador program and called for expansion to other commercial areas such as Greenhouse Marketplace and Bayfair. - Council discussion covered sign ordinance enforcement and education, the 95% city / 5% property owner cost-sharing model, an estimated $45,000 annual cost for an additional full-time safety ambassador, the lack of weekend morning safety ambassador coverage, coordination with the Alternative Response Unit (ARU), and an estimated $85,000 cost for the 2028 renewal process. Trash Free San Leandro Initiative - Environmental Services Manager Carrie Parker presented the initiative, which encourages residents and businesses to choose reusables and reduce disposable foodware. She cited California Coastal Cleanup data and her experience implementing Alameda's foodware ordinance. Planned elements include a Cherry Festival kickoff, restaurant certification and window clings, utensil kits, stickers, a boba bottle program, and a possible reusable takeout container system. - Public comment: Douglas Baulding encouraged partnerships with Stop Waste and local environmental groups; Ginny Madsen voiced strong support for reuse. - Council discussion included potential school partnerships, coordination with Stop Waste, ice cream shop partnerships, and the need for a consistent long-term message. Mayor Gonzalez noted 125 stickers had been given to the San Leandro Eco Club. Action Item: CalPERS Cost Sharing Amendment - Ruby Andrews, senior HR analyst, presented the resolution of intention and first-reading ordinance to amend the CalPERS contract to add a 0.5% cost share for unrepresented executive safety employees (including the police chief), effective July 1, 2025, bringing the total employee contribution to 2%. The change follows prior amendments and aligns with the police chief's employment agreement. The second/final reading is scheduled for May 19, 2025. - Councilmember Viveros Walton moved approval; Councilmember Azevedo seconded. The motion passed 5-0-2, with Councilmembers Simon and Bolt absent. Council Reports - Councilmember Viveros Walton reported attending Centro Legal de la Raza's anniversary dinner and announced office hours at the farmers market on April 30 from 5-7 p.m. with the city clerk on redistricting. - Councilmember Aguilar reported on the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District meeting, including the first West Nile virus detection in Castro Valley, and on outreach at the farmers market. - Councilmember Azevedo reported attending EBDA meetings and said he would table at the farmers market. - Mayor Gonzalez reported visiting the Fairmont Complex with Alameda County behavioral health officials, noted sales tax revenue is down, and previewed upcoming budget discussions. Key Outcomes - The council approved Councilmember Aguilar's remote participation request (5-0-2) due to an emergency injury. - The council adopted the Earth Day proclamation for April 22, 2025; San Leandro Eco Club co-presidents accepted it. - The council approved the consent calendar and the CalPERS cost-sharing amendment; the CalPERS ordinance was introduced for first reading. - The council received public testimony on district-based elections but took no action; additional public hearings are scheduled for May 5, May 19, and June 2, with adoption anticipated June 16. - The council received both presentations without formal action. - The meeting adjourned with a moment of silence in recognition of the passing of Pope Francis.

Note: The agenda and minutes indicate the meeting originally took place on March 26, 2025, but the user provided instructions to use the date April 17, 2025. This summary reflects the content of the March 26 meeting as per the source material. The Human Services Commission of San Leandro convened on April 17, 2025 (per user instruction), at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Sister Cities Gallery. The meeting lasted approximately 35 minutes and was called to order at 7:00 PM. Seven commissioners were present (Fry, Bailey, Lum, O'Brien, Ouborg, Picado, Roby), one excused (Reed). Key actions included approval of prior minutes, updates on interim housing and the Community Assistance Program (CAP), a presentation on Community Food Services (CFS) funding, and election of a new Chair and Vice Chair. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting (March 27, 2025, as per the agenda item). Motion by Commissioner Bailey, seconded by Commissioner Ouborg, passed 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received, and no e-comments were submitted. Staff Reports - Lewelling Interim Housing and Drop-In Center Open House: Staff announced an open house on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 1:00–3:00 PM to tour the property and ask programmatic questions. The shelter component was set to open the following Tuesday (March 31, 2025 in original context) with 29 rooms, all filled through the Alameda County coordinated entry system. The drop-in center (offering showers and laundry) will open in June. Parking is limited; attendees are advised to park west of the site. Commissioner Fry noted that for the first time in San Leandro, people experiencing homelessness will have daily access to showers (two showers available) and laundry. A discussion addressed public awareness: staff will follow up with a colleague to provide details on outreach to residents. - Community Assistance Program (CAP) Evaluation Timeline Reminder: Staff reminded commissioners that April 1, 2025 was the final date to submit completed evaluation rubrics. Due to delays in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, the timeline for CAP decisions may shift. The general fund portion of CAP ($320,000) remains under local control. The target for commission recommendations is the next meeting (April 23, 2025), and City Council finalization tentatively on May 19, 2025. Commissioner Lum asked about overlap between CAP applicants and CFS awardees; staff clarified that only information presented for CAP should be considered in evaluations. Presentation - Community Food Services (CFS) Funding Update: Staff presented an update on one-time funding of $200,000 created to support local food providers after COVID-era funds (ARPA) ended. Demand remained high. The city received 15 applications—triple the expected number—and awarded funds to 11 agencies. No agency received its full request, but all accepted the partial awards. Funded agencies included: Meals on Wheels, San Leandro Community Food Pantry, Davis Street, Boys and Girls Club, Mercy Retirement and Care Center (Mercy Brown Bag), Spectrum Community Services, Dorcio Asquez, Korean Community Center of the East Bay, Vietnamese American Community Center of the East Bay, San Lorenzo Family Help Center, and Bridging Grace. Services range from food pantries and hot meals to culinary job readiness. Action Items - Commission Election: Chair: Commissioner Picado nominated Commissioner Moira Fry for Chair; seconded by Commissioner Roby. Motion approved 7-0. Commissioner Fry accepted. - Commission Election: Vice Chair: Commissioner Bailey nominated Commissioner Erin Ouborg for Vice Chair; seconded by Commissioner Lum. Motion approved 7-0. Commissioner Ouborg accepted. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved (7-0). - Chair Elected: Moira Fry (7-0). - Vice Chair Elected: Erin Ouborg (7-0). - CAP Evaluation: Commissioners were reminded to submit rubrics by April 1 (past deadline); final recommendations to be made at the next meeting (April 23, 2025) depending on federal fund clarity. - CFS Funding: The update was informational; no vote was taken. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM on a motion by Commissioner Ouborg, seconded by Commissioner Lum, approved 7-0.