1945 to 1966

             In September of 1945, Jerry Lyons, a youth-minded citizen, and Father Manuel Alvernaz organized a group of boys into an informal recreational organization.  The St. Joseph’s Hall, which belonged to the St. Leander Parish, was used as the site for activities.  By January 1946, the Club was organized into a Boys’ Club with a membership of 25 boys.

             With the help of many parents, and the San Leandro Police Department, an Advisory Board was organized to handle all Club business and to raise finances.  The only source of income for the activities was benefit shows, local merchants and friends.  The membership increased to 200.  The Advisory Board then formed a non-profit corporation.  Articles of Incorporation were filed in the office of California Secretary of State on July 8, 1947.  The Articles were also filed in the Office of the County Clerk of Alameda County on July 17, l947.

             Boys’ Clubs of America, a national organization headed by former President Herbert Hoover, accepted the San Leandro Boys’ Club as a member unit on July 28, 1948.  The pastor of the St. Leander’s Parish, where St. Joseph’s Hall housed the Boys’ Club, became Chairman of the Board of Directors.  The Boys’ Club was open to all boys, regardless of race, color or creed. 

             On January 21, 1957 the City Council leased the Boys’ Club a portion of Estudillo Park (100 ft. by 300 ft.) for $1 a year.  The old antiquated building which was estimated to be 80 years old, or older, was no longer capable of taking care of the needs of the boys of San Leandro.  Plans were then made for a Building Fund Campaign to be held from March 12 through April 11, 1957.  A goal of approximately $150,000 was set for the construction of a modern building

             On August 1, 1957, former President Herbert Hoover turned the first shovel full of dirt in the ground breaking ceremonies.  Grading construction for the new building was initiated on July 3, 1958 and the first block was laid on the foundation on October 22, 1958.  Many contractors, union officials and individuals participated in the construction of the building.  The building was open to the boys on September 26, 1960 the day following the dedication ceremonies.

            On March 20, 1961 a Steering Committee headed up by Mayor Jack Maltester and Abe Kofman, publisher of the San Leandro Morning News, was organized to raise funds to construct a swimming pool as a memorial to Captain Steve P. Lagomarsino, a co-founder of the Boys’ Club who passed away ten days prior.  A modern Olympic-size swimming pool was constructed and dedicated on September 23, 1961.

             The building at 677 Davis St. was razed in May 1966 to make way for the Bay Area Rapid Transit District station.  The Boys’ Club entered into a lease with the City of San Leandro for the current location at 401 Marina Boulevard, to construct a new facility with $450,450 received from the BART District to replace the building.  The Boys’ Club then entered into a contract with A.S. Holmes & Son to construct the new Club.

             On May 1, 1966 the San Leandro Boys’ Club received the of $10,500 from the United Crusade to operate the San Lorenzo Boys’ Club as a branch.  The new Boys’ Club building at 401 Marina Blvd. was dedicated on November 22, 1966.

1966 to 1997

             The Club becomes affiliated with the national Boys Clubs of America.

             The Boy's Club of San Leandro becomes the Boys and Girls Club of San Leandro.

             May 17, 1997 - the Club celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

             June 17, 1997, the 1st satellite location opens at the Hillside School.

1998 to the Present

             January, 1998,  Robert Glotch becomes Executive Director of the Club.

             May, 1998, renovation of the offices and a new Technology Lab completed.

             February, 1999, the 1st Auction Gala nets $47,000 for the Club.

             July, 2002, the gym and swimming pool locker rooms renovation completed.

             May, 2004, new landscaping completed by the Rotary Club.

             November, 2004, the 2nd satellite location opens at the Hesperian School.

             January, 2007, California Proposition 49's A.S.E.S. program begins, increasing our number of

service sites to six and over 750 members.  The BGCSL doubled it's size and scope within a six month period.