San Leandro City Councilmember Bryan Azevedo announced his retirement Tuesday after five years representing the 2nd District. A day later, he pleaded guilty to two felonies related to a corruption scandal that also ensnared former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao.
Prosecutors say Azevedo agreed to help housing company Evolutionary Homes obtain city contracts in exchange for money. The company’s owners, David and Andy Duong, were indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2025 as part of the corruption probe involving Sheng Thao and another company the Duongs own, California Waste Solutions. Thao is also facing charges.
Azevedo is the first person to plead guilty in connection to the alleged scheme involving the Duongs (Thao and the Duongs claim they are innocent). Azevedo is now a cooperating witness, having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and making false statements to investigators. His sentencing is scheduled for December.
On February 17, the San Leandro City Council will discuss how to move forward with the vacancy. Azevedo was re-elected to office in November 2024. His current term runs through the end of 2028.