and scattered throughout the neighborhoods,” says Mayor Juan González III. For him, this abundance of green space isn’t just a matter of civic pride but a vital part of the community’s lifestyle, providing everything from hiking trails to tranquil retreats for residents of all ages. Beyond its natural beauty, what sets San Leandro apart, Mayor González emphasizes, is its sense of community. “We are a city that’s vibrant, bringing together the energy of young people and longestablished residents who have a real zest for life,” he explains.This diversity and a welcoming attitude toward businesses and development have positioned the city as a forward-thinking hub. San Leandro recently earned California’s prestigious pro-housing designation, placing fourth statewide—a sign that the city’s efforts are being recognized. On what makes San Leandro stand out among its neighboring cities, Mayor González boils down to one factor: location. “Location, location, location. We’re centrally located,” he notes. With Oakland International Airport just minutes away, residents can easily access West Coast destinations like Hawaii and Mexico. And while the city offers all the conveniences of urban life, San Leandro is not caught up in the “chaos” of more densely packed urban centers like Oakland or Berkeley. In many ways, it’s San Leandro’s ability to strike this balance between urban and suburban that resonates most with its residents. “We’re suburban enough to avoid that frenzy, but we’re not some overly sanitized suburb,” the mayor says. “People love that it’s real here.” A DOWNTOWN FOCUS ON GROWTH AND LIVABILITY San Leandro’s downtown area is undergoing a thoughtful transformation that blends development with beautification and livability. Mayor González explains that the city has concentrated on areas like downtown to maximize impact. “With limited resources, we need to be strategic,” he says. Economic development and quality of life are priorities, with beautification playing a central role in creating a welcoming downtown environment. A major goal in the downtown plan is to encourage more foot traffic. “We’ve been working 213 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 SAN LEANDRO, CA
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