San Leandro City Council's New Progressive Majority

(Credit: Banksy)

It's a new dawn and a new day in San Leandro as our City Council voted for a slew of progressive initiatives that will bring truth, justice, and support to our community!

To start with, April 18 of every year will now be known as Steven Taylor Day in San Leandro, in recognition "that the City of San Leandro City Council recognizes April 18 as a day to honor the Sanctity of Steven Taylor’s Life and other lives lost to violence ... that the City of San Leandro does not tolerate the use of deadly force by a police officer."

Next up was the approval of a Steven Taylor park in the Marina area to honor his life and those of others lost to racism, bigotry, and violence. This park will feature monuments to key ideals such as healing, justice, and learning, as well as the power of nonviolent resistance. There will even be an informational kiosk that can help direct visitors and others to critical community support services!

After that, there was an ordinance to provide hazard pay to qualifying grocery store workers in the city. This critically provides financial support to essential workers we usually take for granted and also ensures that residents will have the ability to continue shopping in San Leandro to support local businesses.

I, for one, am heartened to see that after almost one year of sustained citywide efforts by residents, as well as local activists and organizers, we are seeing the fruits of that labor. I look forward to more of it in the coming weeks and months.

Take note and take care.

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