San Leandro Settles Lawsuit Alleging Discrimination, Retaliation

SAN LEANDRO, CA — City officials say they've settled a lawsuit filed by a former city manager alleging discrimination and retaliation.

Frances Robustelli, an ex-San Leandro city manager, filed the lawsuit in June 2025, claiming that two councilmembers had retaliated against her for refusing to bypass procedures to deal with a controversial real estate developer, according to The Mercury News.

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On Tuesday, city officials announced both sides had reached an "amicable" settlement, and the case had been dismissed.

"We thank Fran Robustelli for her service to our city, our community, and to our residents," San Leandro Mayor Juan Gonzalez said in a statement. "We wish Fran the very best in all her future endeavors."

Fran, meanwhile, said she was honored and "pleased" to have served San Leandro. She also thanked the mayor and city council for "their commitment first and foremost to public integrity – to transparency, honesty, accountability, and lawful and ethical conduct by its public officials, ensuring that government power is used for public good, not personal gain."

Bryan Azevedo, one of the councilmembers accused of retaliating against the former city manager, was charged last year with helping a housing company win city contracts in exchange for kickbacks.

He later retired from his council position and pleaded guilty to the multiple charges against him, including lying to investigators.