Stephen Cassidy, Former Mayor

01/09/2026

This is Amy Cassidy, I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support. The girls and I are very grateful for the kindness shown to us.
Below is the link and information to Stephen’s service tomorrow.

Link to Celebration of Life for Stephen Cassidy (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86079490417?pwd=20OmqqaZ7LeQ62otJBmTumlJ4497bG.1)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86079490417?pwd=20OmqqaZ7LeQ62otJBmTumlJ4497bG.1

12/08/2025

Hello, this is Amy Cassidy writing on my husband's page. I have some deeply sad news to share. Stephen died unexpectedly of an apparent heart attack in the early afternoon on Friday, December 5th. Our family is devastated and our world has shattered. His absence will forever leave a huge void in our lives.

Over the last two decades, Stephen worked tirelessly and freely gave of his time, talents and resources. He did all of this work while holding down a full time job and being an active father to our two daughters. We bought our home in San Leandro because he wanted his children growing up close to their grandparents, my mom and dad who were still living in my childhood home. He was devoted to his family and was an amazing photographer. He found joy in travel, culture and the arts and graced many holiday tables with his delicious chocolate, pecan rum pie.

I feel it is important to highlight that at the time of his passing Stephen was still working to encourage the city of San Leandro to cultivate an ongoing investment in the arts. He wanted a 1% fee of all new development in San Leandro to fund public art within the city. Stephen was responsible for many of the public art installations and murals we currently have and wanted to ensure the continued development and celebration of public art within the city of San Leandro for years to come.

Thank you for everyone who supported him and worked alongside him for the betterment of our community. Thank you also for the outpouring of love and support and for respecting our privacy at this extremely difficult time.

His memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 10th at 1:00pm at the San Leandro High School Performing Arts Center. All who wish to honor Stephen are welcome.

11/10/2025

Status of Reconstruction of Pedestrian Bridge over San Leandro Creek connecting Cary Drive and Haas Avenue

Recently I reached out to Mayor Gonzalez as to the status of the pedestrian bridge repairs. Here is what he stated:

"Earlier this year, the City created a projects page on its website to inform the public about the status of higher profile projects, including the Carey-Haas Bridge. The link is: https://www.sanleandro.org/1485/Cary-Haas-Pedestrian-Bridge

In addition, the bridge was most recently discussed at the July 10, 2025 Facilities and Transportation Committee meeting: https://sanleandro.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=2945

After an initially slow start (related to the complexity of securing permits from multiple agencies), the project has been steadily progressing.

Two recent items of potential interest:

We provided guidance to rebuild the bridge abutments.
While it would have been faster to use the existing abutments, there were longer term concerns about that approach. Hence the decision to “do it right.”

The bridge will be slightly realigned so that it lands at Haas on city property."

11/08/2025

Rebuilding San Leandro

As you may have read in this week's San Leandro Times, a group of San Leandrans is undertaking preliminary work on a citywide revenue measure to fund facility and infrastructure projects in our city. The group is called Citizens for a Safe & Vibrant San Leandro Committee. The revenue measure, if it moves forward, would be on one of the statewide ballots next year.

The Committee would like to get the views of San Leandro residents on the proposed projects as well as the revenue measure structure. Everyone is invited to attend any of three community meetings to be held this month.

• Wednesday, November 12, at 7 p.m. on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82978139434

• Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 6 p.m. at Porky’s Pizza, 1221 Manor Blvd., San Leandro,

• Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Cafe Sorriso, 1501 Washington Ave, San Leandro.

For questions regarding these meetings or the revenue measure contact: [email protected] or call 510-703-7006.

The committee has been talking to homeowners’ groups and service clubs, and now wishes to hear from the general public.

The infrastructure needs presently being examined include:

1) Three firehouses are seismically unsafe. The fire station in the worst condition is Station 13 in the Manor district on Fargo Avenue. This would likely be the largest single project to be funded by the revenue measure if it moves forward.

2) Roads citywide are deteriorating and keep getting worse (or actually closed in the case of Lake Chabot Road).

3) Parks and the Bayshore Trail need repairs, and more walking paths are needed.

4) City facilities are also in need of significant repairs including the Marina Community Center and Casa Peralta.

11/06/2025

The road to hell is paved with good intentions . . .

11/03/2025

Councilmember Bryan Azevedo should resign now for the reasons I state in a letter I have submitted to the San Leandro Times:

“Federal prosecutors have charged Councilmember Bryan Azevedo with wire fraud and lying to investigators arising out of a scheme to abuse his public office for personal financial gain. He should resign his position without delay.

Yes, Councilmember Azevedo is entitled to the presumption of innocence. This is a rule of evidence that applies during his criminal trial, and only his criminal trial. The presumption of innocence does not alter the reality outside the courtroom: Because of the criminal charges, Councilmember Azevedo’s ability to represent his constituents has been irreparably compromised.

Nor is this a “private matter.” The criminal charges against Councilmember Azevedo strike at the core of his duties and ethical responsibilities as an elected official, have been extensively reported on by the media and will be adjudicated in open court.

Each day that Councilmember Azevedo remains in office he inflicts another wound to San Leandro’s reputation. Elected officials throughout the East Bay ask me, unprompted: “What is wrong with San Leandro?”— and they point to Councilmember Azevedo.

It is time to begin healing the City’s reputation and restore public trust. Councilmember Azevedo should resign — now.”

10/05/2025

It is sad that such a wonderful, commity-minded business is closing.

Once the darling of the alcohol industry, small-batch beer makers are shutting down because of increased competition and flagging interest.

08/17/2025

Eleven years ago an 8-year old child addressed the participants at the Relay for Life in San Leandro, California. Her name was Amira. She spoke of her devastating experience with cancer but also voiced optimism for her future as she was in remission.

Amira was an incredible inspiration for everyone in attendance, including myself.

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the of the East Bay in Newark, California, Amira addressed the attendees. Now 19 years old, Amira has been cancer free for 13 years and is studying political science at Stanford University. She again was inspirational, honoring the memories of the children who were patients with her and are not longer with us.

Please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society to support research in the fight to cure all cancer.

08/16/2025

The 2025 Relay for Life of the East Bay is today, Sat. Aug. 16th, in Newark at the Newark Community Park. It is the East Bay at its best. The event lasts until 10 p.m.

Come by and support the amazing community of cancer survivors and care givers. Help raise funds to cancer research. Remember and honor loved ones who passed away from cancer by participating in the luminaria display this evening. Together we can fight cancer.

06/23/2025

The “little bagel store” on MacArthur Blvd in San Leandro with a huge heart - all good things must come to an end, but this also marks a new beginning for the new owners.

In the interim, I extend my sincerest gratitude to Linda and Lim for their exceptional bagels and other delights. For their tireless efforts over decades they deserve the happiest of retirements.