Former San Leandro police chief sued city over dismissal

Former San Leandro Police Chief Abdul Pridgen alleges department’s history gender and racial bias is still alive

MORNING BUZZ

—San Leandro councilmembers will discuss in closed session tonight a pending lawsuit filed by former Police Chief Adbul Pridgen last October against the city and its former city manager, Fran Robustelli.

—In today’s newsletter, read about Pridgen’s claims that Robustelli, along with the his command team, pushed out the reform-minded police chief after he sought to hire two black women from outside the department.

—The complaint tracks with what we heard last year that Robustelli was caught in a no-win situation:

—Acquiesce to demands by police brass to cut ties with Pridgen or face the wrath of many in the community, including even those typically opposed to police, who praised Pridgen for his reforms, in addition to some vocal members of the city council.

—More inside:

• Who’s in charge in Oakland? The Oakland City Council will begin sorting out its leadership team this morning. A new council president will be selected and, therefore, a new interim mayor. Expect several other significant appointments today.

• Fremont reviews its Rent Review Board this week. But is the board provide much help for tenants disputing large annual rent increases. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Fremont is $2,507.

• Prospective applicants for Alameda County district attorney have until 5 p.m. today to apply. Will Rep. Eric Swalwell’s name be on the list? Probably no.

PODCAST

—LIVE RECORDING—The East Bay Insiders Podcast hits the road on Thursday, Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m. with a live recording at the Moose Lodge hosted by the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce.

—The Moose Lodge in Castro Valley has special meaning for me. As a 13-year-old, my first job was washing dishes at the Moose Lodge on Friday nights.

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