Resident raises concerns about lawsuit by former city manager and council conduct during public comment

During the public‑comment period at Monday’s San Leandro City Council meeting, resident Deborah Acosta read into the record a summary of a June 13 lawsuit filed by former City Manager Fran Robustelli that names the city and alleges a pattern of misconduct by three council members.

Acosta told the council the complaint, which she said includes charter‑violation allegations against Councilmembers Simon, Aguilar and Azevedo, asserts claims including whistleblower retaliation, retaliation for refusing to approve illegal acts and gender discrimination. “If she prevails and the city’s own findings suggest she will, San Leandro could face major financial damages,” Acosta said, urging that Councilmember Simon resign if he does not accept responsibility.

Acosta also referenced an earlier censure of Councilmember Simon that followed an independent investigation, saying some residents were unaware the censure had occurred. The council did not take any action in response to Acosta’s comments during the meeting; her remarks were part of the public‑comment record.

A separate resident, Douglas Spalding, addressed the same topic in public comment and noted that legal standards in court are different and more stringent than in a censure process, but he also urged awareness of outside lobbying at recent meetings.

The council did not discuss or act on the lawsuit at Monday’s meeting. City staff did not present any legal updates or closed‑session reports on that matter during the public portion of the meeting; the mayor noted the council had met in closed session earlier in the day and said there were no reportable actions from that closed session.