San Leandro City Council chose a young, passionate and energetic leader to serve the city during a time of political turmoil and to mend a divided council. Since Bryan Azevedo pleaded guilty to federal charges last month, including accepting bribes and lying to federal investigators, the council has been looking for a replacement.
High school teacher, union organizer and former school board member James Aguilar was chosen to become the San Leandro City Councilmember for District 2. He will be sworn in on April 6. The district covers the Bay Fair shopping area and BART station.
The city council held interviews on March 23. In order to qualify, the person had to be a registered voter and be a resident of the district for which they are applying. Other candidates included a county worker, business owner, a therapist, activist, former commissioner and former city councilmember.
“I consider myself a big picture systems thinker,” said Aguilar in his introduction, “seeking out solutions at every corner to the issues that we have before us, and someone that can bridge ideas and people together. If I am able to serve beside you I hope to work to bring the council to consensus leadership and effective governance. Address the budget deficit facing our city.”
He said his primary drive to serve as city council member is the city budget crisis. One of his solutions is to invest in young people and young families.
The second is working with city partners who have the resources to offer grants. His third solution to the budget is to “authentically” collaborate with local businesses and have them at the table when making city decisions that involve them.
Aguilar spoke about barriers of being a young leader, especially when he ran for a position as a San Leandro school board member at 18 years old.
“When I first walked for the role, I had doors shut in my face,” he said. “I had people tell me, ‘Oh, you’re too young for that. You need to go step down and learn something.’ That’s been a narrative all my adult life so far.” Aguilar served as a school board member for San Leandro Unified School District from 2018 to 2025.
A retiree said at the council meeting that he worked with Aguilar in union organizing. “James has a tremendous amount of energy,” he said. “He is a very affable person, very easy to work with, very concerned with issues of equity, very inclusive.”
