Only a decade ago, major projects such as Kaiser Hospital and the San Leandro Tech Campus were under construction. These projects created good-paying jobs, injected money into the local economy that supported our restaurants and other small businesses, and funded vital city services.

This growth has slowed sharply over the last decade. Blight has developed on many commercial corridors. The condition of San Leandro streets remains among the worst in Alameda County. I will use my knowledge, experience, and skills in the private sector to bring private investment dollars back to San Leandro. Let’s return to thinking more strategically and acting more decisively to revitalize our local economy.

Qualifications/Endorsements:

• Qualifications: Ph.D in Economics from M.I.T, Business owner for 25 years (KPMG)
• Endorsements: San Leandro Chamber of Commerce PAC

Claim: Mayor Juan should do _____, I would do _____.

Truth: The mayor’s authority has specific limits. Under the City Charter, the City of San Leandro operates under a council-manager system. Among other things, the mayor recommends policy, leads Council meetings, represents the city, and votes on Council decisions. The City Council approves or rejects policies and budgets, while the city manager supervises departments and daily operations. The mayor remains accountable for his leadership and votes, but cannot direct city employees or make decisions assigned to the full Council. The Mayor cannot remove a council members unilaterally.

Links: Mayor’s duties and limits on administrative interference: §§305 and 345 | City manager’s duties: §§400 and 405

Claim: Juan turned a $17.7 Million Surplus Into an $11.6 Million Deficit

Truth: The City’s FY2022-2023 budget (adopted before Juan became mayor) shows planned expenditures of $151 million on planned revenues of $134 million. That’s a $17 million DEFICIT – NOT a surplus. Juan did not inherit a large budget surplus. 

Source: Adopted-City-Budget-Fiscal-Year-22-23

In fact, Juan’s courageous leadership addressed unrealistic expectations created by the special one-time federal allocation of $18.6 million that the City received during COVID. 

As for the $11.6 million deficit – that reflected a potential challenge covering THREE YEARS – NOT one year. Under Juan’s leadership, the City Council agreed to deliver an operating budget that was balanced.  This was a major financial accomplishment. Juan thanks the City Council for their support.

Claim: Juan cut library hours

Truth: Library hours increased after Juan became mayor. They will be even higher in 2027 than 2026 once the Mulford-Marina library is re-opened in spring 2027.

Likely source of confusion: Library hours at the Main Library and Manor branch have decreased and are being reallocated to the Mulford-Marina branch. We have now distributed library hours more equitably across our great libraries!

Juan would like to see library system hours expanded because libraries are essential to our community, providing educational resources, activities for seniors, programs for families, and opportunities for lifelong learning.

Links: October 2022 library hours | 2026 library hours | Mulford-Marina library update October 2026

Claim: Juan is silent on Allegations of Misconduct at City Hall

Truth: Juan has not been silent – Juan has taken action.

Juan has a proven record of taking appropriate action in response to allegations of improper or illegal conduct. As mayor, Juan has shared the experience he garnered as a forensic professional to ensure that the City’s investigative work is delivered with an appropriate budget and scope.

As Mayor, Juan has taken complaints seriously, advocated for impartial investigations, and supported action on substantiated findings. He has also protected the rights of everyone involved in these processes.

While Juan’s opponent has repeatedly complained about the cost of the City Council-approved and led investigations, Juan believes the Council made the right decision to investigate. For example, the investigations helped newer council members learn about activities that took place before the start of their terms, and also provided information about previously unknown situations.

Juan believes the City Council took the right action in response to the Council-led investigations.