Legal

Sexism vs. Racism at SLPD: the documents

Sexism vs. Racism at SLPD: the documents Featured, Legal, Police, Transparency 3 Responses »

Nov 022011

Read the legal documents on the allegations of racial and sexual harassment and the SLPD. (This post has been revised and re-revised since its original publication). In early 2008, a number of female police officers at the San Leandro Police Department made internal complaints regarding sexual harassment by then sergeant DeWayne Stancill. The city responded by promptly hiring an outside investigator to look into the complaints. The report concluded that the complaints were unfounded, but that Stancill’s behavior had at times been inappropriate. A second investigation prompted by reports of sexual harassment and retaliation made by Officer Debra Trujillo against [Continue Reading]

US Supreme Court says “No” to San Leandro

US Supreme Court says “No” to San Leandro Faith Fellowship v. SL case, Legal No Responses »

Oct 042011

Today (Oct. 3, 2011), the US Supreme Court denied certiorari on the City of San Leandro vs. Faith Fellowship case. As it is its practice, the Supreme Court did not provide a reason for this denial. What this means is that if this case it’s not settled, it will go on to trial. The jury will then have to decide basically whether the Church could have acquired another property in a residential-zoned area of San Leandro that would have suited their purposes. Former city manager Jermanis said in his deposition that it couldn’t. In my opinion, it’s quite likely that [Continue Reading]

The search for City Manager continues, but will it be transparent?

The search for City Manager continues, but will it be transparent? City Hall, Legal, Transparency No Responses »

Sep 072011

The San Leandro City Council is meeting tonight in closed session to discuss the appointment of a new City Manager. At its July 5th meeting, the Council hired Teri Black & Company to conduct a broad search for a City Manager. The search, which should start some time this month, will be open until October 16th. According to the agenda for tonight’s meeting, the City Council will update the public on this search. It’s not clear why the City Council is meeting in closed session before the public meeting. Under the law, all meetings of the City Council must be [Continue Reading]

The Bal Theater Gets Permit to Show Live Entertainment

The Bal Theater Gets Permit to Show Live Entertainment Businesses, Community, Legal 2 Responses »

Jul 092011

But did it need it? I have been following the controversy over The Bal Theater showing live events for quite some time, but it wasn’t until last night that I finally understood the positions of both sides: the City and The Bal’s owner Dan Dillman. Neither side – Dillman or the City – has done a particularly good job of laying the issues on the table. At yesterday’s Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) meeting, Community Development Director Luke Sims finally explained the city’s legal rationale for trying to stop Dillman from offering live entertainment. I have to say, on its [Continue Reading]

San Leandro gears up for Constitutional fight.

San Leandro gears up for Constitutional fight. Faith Fellowship v. SL case, Religion 2 Responses »

May 072011

Hires premier anti-RLUIPA advocate to argue for its unconstitutionality I was sad, if not surprised, to read that the San Leandro City Council voted 5-2 (with Mayor Cassidy & Councilwoman Cutter in the minority) to appeal the 9th circuit Faith Fellowship decision to the US Supreme Court. That’s exactly what I predicted Meyers Nave, the City’s law firm, would push the City Council to do. I was tickled, however, to read that they’ve engaged Cardozo Law Professor Marci A. Hamilton to represent them on this appeal. Hamilton is not only the country’s most prominent critic of RLUIPA, and of [Continue Reading]

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