San Leandro Police Department chief departing to work in Beverly Hills

SAN LEANDRO, Calif. -- San Leandro's police chief announced today she is departing the city and will take over the chief's job in Beverly Hills.

Chief Sandra Spagnoli's last day with the department will be March 13. Police Capt. Jeff Tudor will take over as acting chief until a permanent replacement is found, city officials said today.

Spagnoli will take over for retiring Chief David Snowden of the Beverly Hills Police Department, who announced his retirement last June.

Before joining San Leandro's department in 2011, Spagnoli was police chief in Benicia and previously worked for 16 years with the San Carlos Police Department.

"I will miss the people most, including my fellow city employees, community members, elected officials and other colleagues throughout Alameda County," Spagnoli said in a statement. "I am proud of the ongoing work SLPD continues to do to keep San Leandro a safe and thriving community.

Of Tudor, Spgnoli's interim replacement in San Leandro, City Manager Chris Zapata said he "has the right blend of experience and education to lead the Police Department at this time."

"Captain Tudor's 21 years of experience rising through the ranks from officer to captain in San Leandro, coupled with his knowledge and local ties to our community have prepared him exceptionally well for this acting assignment," Zapata said.

Tudor has been with San Leandro police since 1995. He holds a bachelor's degree from Sonoma State University and was trained in management at the FBI Academy.

Spagnoli could find herself with a much lighter workload at her new assignment. While San Leandro has a population of about 88,000 residents, Beverly Hills has less than half that at fewer than 35,000.