POLICE CHIEF MUSICAL CHAIRS

By Bob Walsh

San Leandro Police Chief Abdul Pridgen (top) was let go on Tuesday. The city quickly named Los Altos Police Chief Angela Averiett as interim chief

 

Abdul Pridgen was the Chief of Police of San Leandro last week.  This week he isn't.

Pridgen was placed on paid leave six months ago while unspecified administrative charges against him were investigated.  The city has declined to say whether Pridgen resigned or was sacked.  So far the city has been successful in keeping the cause of action under wraps.  

Los Altos police chief Angela Averiett has agreed to step in as the interim chief effective in April.  Current interim chief Kevin Hart will continue on until then.

Pridgen has been the chief for a bit over 2 years.  Prior to that he was the chief in Seaside and prior to that the assistant chief in Fort Worth.  He was considered for the top gig in Oakland, next door to San Leandro, but didn't make the cut.

I lived in San Leandro for about 20 years, until about 1975.  It was at the time a very, very nice place to live.  It is largely a bedroom community with some light industry and significant commercial activity.