Pleasanton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pleasanton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Citywide standards for private outdoor sports courts and canopies
The city proposed reserving three of six Muirwood courts for $6-7.50/hour to manage demand and raise revenue. Dozens of players said it would destroy the open-play community and double wait times, so the council sent it back to Parks and Rec for more research and input.
Sewer rate increase (Prop 218)
A Prop 218 notice for a sewer rate increase is in mailboxes; a resident formally protested the plan, citing an ~80% first-year jump for single-family homes and no cap. The hearing is November 17.
Affordable rental housing at 4780 Chabot Drive
A proposed 100% affordable, up to 142-unit family rental project near BART would be the city's first directly supported affordable family housing development. Council supports the concept but must still decide on ~$8.4M in fee relief and a $10.3M inclusionary fee transfer, with the term sheet coming back later.
Arroyo Mocho Trail north-bank gate reopening
Neighbors of Pleasanton Meadows strongly oppose reopening gates on the north bank of the Arroyo Mocho, citing safety, privacy, homelessness concerns, and a dangerous 30-degree slope. The council clarified the decision isn't final and directed residents to the Bike/Ped Committee this fall.
Caltrans safety grant applications ($5.86M)
The city is seeking $5.86M in Caltrans grants for signal upgrades, pedestrian crossings, and an Owens Drive protected bikeway. A bike/ped committee veteran criticized the process but the applications went forward.
Asset Management Plan and CIP Strategy FY 2027-2032
The city catalogued 206,000 assets worth $4.8 billion and found only $28 million in poor/failed condition — way better than the $900 million deferred-maintenance fear. Staff will rank projects by risk and bring a funded and unfunded CIP list to council in March for adoption by July 1, 2027.
Citywide Emergency Preparedness
The council and chiefs recounted the response to the Little Fire — 1,007 acres, 6,000+ evacuated, homes within 30 feet of flames, no structures lost. Residents overwhelmingly thanked responders; the mayor urged signing up for AC Alert and making emergency plans.
CalCities Resolution on Local Control of Housing
The council directed its voting delegate to back a League of California Cities resolution to form a working group on restoring local control over housing and land use, against state mandates.
Commercial Burglaries Targeting 24 Businesses
A crime spree on September 10 hit 24 Pleasanton businesses, and the police chief and city manager told the public an active regional investigation is underway. A resident even pitched a witness-reward program.
Water Revenue Bonds for Water System Improvements
The city is borrowing up to $16.5 million through water revenue bonds to pay for improvements to its water system. Because it's a revenue bond, repayment comes from the water enterprise's revenues, not general taxes.
Housing Element Program 7.6.8 rezoning of church sites
The state-required program rezones small portions of two church properties for up to 10 units each. Neighbors opposed over traffic, safety, and neighborhood character, but the council approved it 4-1 to avoid jeopardizing housing element certification.
Wheels bus route changes affecting students
Multiple speakers said recent Wheels route changes force Parkside-area students to walk up to a mile-plus to bus stops and leave buses overcrowded. Staff explained routes are set by the LAVTA joint powers authority, which is evaluating the changes as a pilot; the next board meeting is September 14.
Potential ICE use of former FCI Dublin prison
A new federal environmental assessment found the closed FCI Dublin prison unsafe and uninhabitable, opening the door to a transfer or demolition. Five residents urged the council to formally oppose any ICE detention facility there; the council didn't have enough votes to agendize a resolution.
ALPR Camera Data Practices
Mike Katz-Lacabe told the council that a records request suggests Pleasanton police are sharing license plate reader data with Border Patrol in violation of California's SB 34. The police chief's response was that he wasn't aware of it, and staff agreed to look into the claim.
Transient Occupancy Tax increase on November ballot
The council is asking voters to raise the hotel tax from 8% to 12% in two steps starting July 2027. At the full rate it brings in about $2.8 million a year — roughly a third of the city's $7-8 million structural deficit — and the cost falls mostly on visitors, not residents.
Water meter replacement project approved
The city is spending up to $12.8 million to replace failing water meters — 2,200 are dead right now and about 300 fail every month, which means lost water and lost revenue. A December 2027 state deadline and a June 2028 Zone 7 settlement deadline make speed essential.
Leicester Property Development (Hidden Canyon)
After nine years, the hillside project near Dublin Canyon Road cleared its big hurdle: 28 new homes, two rebuilt historic homes, ~117 acres of open space with a regional park staging area, and a new traffic signal. Fire safety and homeowners' insurance in high fire hazard zones drew pointed questions.
Safe Streets and Roads for All grant application
The city adopted a safety plan and is applying for a $25 million federal grant, with Santa Rita Road and West Las Positas as priority corridors. Cyclists testified that Pleasanton has among the worst bike-collision numbers in the region and want protected bike lanes, not just painted ones.
Police Contract and Crime Statistics
The council was scheduled to approve a new three-year labor contract with the Pleasanton Police Officers' Association running through May 2029. Police compensation and staffing terms directly affect the city budget and public safety services.
Amador Theater property transfer to school district
The city was scheduled to hand over the Amador Theater property at 1155 Santa Rita Road to the Pleasanton Unified School District. This settles a long-running property matter between the two agencies.
Mid-term budget update and water capital program
The city's budget tops $265 million, but the general fund is balanced only with about $6 million in one-time money, and structural deficits are projected through 2035. Councilmembers stressed the city's problems are not solved and a $44 million annual infrastructure gap looms.
Groundwater Supply Project joint implementation with Zone 7
Pleasanton is moving ahead with a project to develop groundwater as a drinking water source, done jointly with Zone 7 Water Agency. It's a long-term play for water reliability in a region dependent on imported water.
Augustin Bernal fuel management project
The city is funding wildfire fuel reduction at Augustin Bernal Park — up to $600,000 in fire department services plus environmental consulting — reducing fire risk for neighborhoods near open space.
Tri-Valley Haven Shiloh Rebuilding Project Funding
The city is allocating federal CDBG funds to help close a funding gap for a new domestic violence shelter being built by Tri-Valley Haven.
Quiet Zone Consideration
Pleasanton's City Council is exploring a 'quiet zone' that could change train horn usage near the tracks. If you live nearby, get ready for potentially less noise!
Budget Cuts
Pleasanton is facing a $7 million budget shortfall, and they want your input on what services to trim. Get ready to see some changes, and make sure your voice is heard!
Election
Pleasanton's City Council race is heating up! Julie Testa is one of the candidates you'll see on the ballot, hoping to win your vote.
Police Settlement
Pleasanton is paying a hefty $6 million to settle a lawsuit connected to a man's death after an encounter with police. This settlement comes after a legal battle, and the city is now facing a significant financial hit.