History

In the beginning of this decade, the population of San Leandro began a noticeable change. Progressive young families from around the Bay Area and beyond settled in San Leandro, many buying their first homes and starting families.

Several years later some of these San Leandrans began to meet each other at Zocalo Coffeehouse, a neighborhood gathering spot, where they discussed local issues. From these conversations common themes began to emerge, such as the state of the schools, the priorities of city government, the health of local businesses, and the desire for an equal and more inclusive community. Inspired to get involved, people started asking how they could organize with other residents and build upon the movement for social justice and quality of life in San Leandro.

On February 15, 2006, Tim Holmes, the owner of Zocalo Coffeehouse, organized and hosted a meeting to create a new political action group to influence the city's direction. People spoke passionately about the kind of hometown they wanted for their families, and what they could do to realize their vision. A mission, a platform, and a framework were subsequently drawn up. The San Leandro Community Action Network was born.