IN THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LEANDRO
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX
RESOLUTION TO DISCIPLINE SHORT OF CENSURE COUNCIL MEMBER VICTOR AGUILAR, JR.
THROUGH A STATEMENT OF DISAPPROVAL AND ADMONITIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS’ CODE OF ETHICS
WHEREAS, in January 2025, then Vice-Mayor Bowen did file a complaint with the City of San Leandro’s Human Resources Director alleging that Council Member Victor Aguilar, Jr. engaged in a pattern of bullying and abusive conduct towards her, in violation of the Council’s Code of Ethics and Council commitments to each other, as further detailed in the City Council Member Handbook; and WHEREAS, on February 6, 2025, Human Resources Director Emily Hung provided notice to ViceMayor Bowen that the City Council had initiated an independent investigation of Vice-Mayor Bowen’s complaint by retaining Jane Kow of HR Law Consultants; and WHEREAS, on October 24, 2025, Vice-Mayor Bowen submitted an internal request for discipline under San Leandro Administrative Code (SLAC) Chapter 1.13 against Council Member Aguilar, re-alleging her complaint that Council Member Aguilar retaliated against her for her vote to censure Council Member Aguilar at the November 18, 2024 City Council meeting, that he engaged in bullying and abusive conduct towards her, that he made untruthful statements about Vice-Mayor Bowen, and that he exhibited bias against her; and
WHEREAS, Vice-Mayor Bowen referred to the findings applicable to Council Member Aguilar in Ms.
Kow’s investigation report as the factual basis for the internal request for discipline against Council Member Aguilar; and
WHEREAS, on October 27, 2025, the City received Ms. Kow’s written report (hereinafter the “Investigation Report”); and
WHEREAS, at its January 5, 2026 regular City Council meeting, the City of San Leandro City Council waived the attorney-client privilege applicable to the Investigation Report and directed that it be posted on the City’s website; and
WHEREAS, on January 20, 2025 City Council adopted the Investigation Report, and all the findings pertaining to Council Member Aguilar in the Investigation Report; and WHEREAS, at its January 20, 2025 regular City Council meeting, the City Council voted to take discipline short of censure against Council Member Aguilar in the form of a statement of disapproval and admonition, as provided by and in accordance with subsections (c) and (d) of San Leandro Administrative Code Section 1.13.115.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City of San Leandro City Council does RESOLVE as follows:
1. The City Council adopts the Investigation Report, and all the findings pertaining to Council DRAFT
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Member Aguilar in the Investigation Report:
(a) Council Member Victor Aguilar, Jr. retaliated against Council Member Xouhoa Bowen following her vote on Council Member Aguilar’s censure at the November 18, 2024 regular City Council meeting
(b) Council Member Victor Aguilar, Jr. engaged in abusive conduct towards Council Member Xouhoa Bowen and then attempted to besmirch her reputation after she was physically violated by a mutual acquaintance.
(c) Council Member Victor Aguilar, Jr. subjected Councilmember Xouhoa Bowen, female City Council Members, and a female employee to differential treatment reflecting gender bias.
2. In accordance with San Leandro Administrative Code Section 1.13.115(c), the City of San Leandro City Council hereby expresses its disapproval and displeasure with the conduct of Council Member Victor Aguilar, Jr., as stated herein, and further described in the Investigation Report, which is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
3. In accordance with San Leandro Administrative Code Section 1.13.115(d) and this resolution, referencing to the Investigation Report, the City of San Leandro City Council hereby admonishes Council Member Victor Aguilar, Jr. for his behavior finding that he violated the Council Member’s Code of Ethics as provided in the City of San Leandro City Council Members’ Handbook (2025) as follows:
(a) Council Member Victor Aguilar, Jr. is admonished for retaliating against Council Member Bowen, attempting to besmirch her reputation, and multiple incidents of abusive conduct towards Council Member Bowen, which are failures to act in the service of the City of San Leandro or with integrity, and failures to act professionally and to uphold the dignity of the office of Council Member for the City of San Leandro.
Public officials must always conduct themselves with the highest standards of honesty and integrity. They are entrusted with the responsibility to act truthfully, both in their public and private actions. Public officials must provide accurate, complete, and truthful information in all communications and decision-making processes. Misleading or false statements, whether intentional or inadvertent, undermine public trust and erode the integrity of local government.
Officials must be transparent and forthright in all matters, ensuring that their actions align with their words and that they fulfill their duties in a manner that is truthful and dependable.
The conduct of public officials, both professional and personal, must be above reproach. They must avoid even the appearance of impropriety and refrain from engaging in abusive conduct, personal attacks, or defamatory remarks against fellow members of the Council, boards, commissions, staff, or the public. Council Members are expected to maintain personal conduct that upholds the dignity of their office. They shall:
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• Avoid engaging in actions or speech that would undermine public confidence in the Council or the City.
• Act with professionalism in all interactions, including social media and public forums. • Refrain from actions or behaviors that could discredit the Council or the City. (b) Council Member Victor Aguilar, Jr. is admonished for failing to treat Council Member Bowen and other female Council Members with respect and civility.
Council Members shall treat all individuals — fellow Council Members, City staff, and the public — with the utmost respect and courtesy. They shall:
• Engage in open, respectful, and constructive debate, valuing diverse perspectives. • Avoid personal attacks, inflammatory language, or any behavior that disrupts the order and civility of public discourse.
• Demonstrate active listening, consider all viewpoints, and collaborate in good faith to achieve the best outcomes for the community.
• Foster an environment in which all participants feel safe and respected, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation.
FURTHERMORE, the City of San Leandro City Council does RESOLVE that Council Member Aguilar must refrain from continuing and/or repeating the behavior described herein and in the Investigation Report, and the Council expects that he seeks training and education that would help him to refrain from such behavior in the future.
Introduced by Councilmember _______________________ and passed and adopted this 2nd day of March 2026 by the following vote:
AYES: ()
NOES: ()
ABSENT: ()
ATTEST:
Sarah Bunting
Acting City Cler
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