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Fiscal responsibility, public safety and infrastructure
I’ve lived in Pleasanton for more than 40 years, and I’ve seen our city grow and change. When I decide who I want as mayor, I look for someone who understands the basic responsibilities of city government, plans for the future and is fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars.
That’s why I’m supporting Jack Balch for reelection.
Jack has consistently supported our police officers and firefighters, including the recently approved three-year contracts. Recruiting and retaining experienced first responders matters, as does making sure they have the equipment and resources they need when we call for help. Public safety is one of the most important investments our city makes.
I also appreciate Jack’s attention to our water system. Pleasanton has aging water infrastructure that cannot simply be ignored or passed along to the next generation. Jack supported the Water Master Plan and financing necessary to make critical improvements and help ensure a safe, reliable water supply for the future.
I attend City Council meetings regularly, and I know these decisions aren’t always easy or inexpensive. Fiscal responsibility doesn’t mean avoiding necessary spending. It means planning ahead, setting priorities, understanding long-term costs and spending taxpayer dollars wisely.
I want a mayor who will protect essential services while keeping a close eye on our city’s finances. Jack Balch has demonstrated that kind of responsible leadership.
That’s why I’m supporting Jack Balch for another term as mayor.
– Vicki LaBarge
Lucky Pleasanton citizens have a choice
Pleasanton residents are lucky to have veteran City Councilmember Julie Testa throwing her hat into the race for mayor. Few others can match her knowledge, skill and courage to fill this position. Her history of speaking up for the residents’ point of view and best interests is well established.
Testa has served on the City Council for eight years. She has accumulated troves of knowledge about one of the most important issues facing Pleasanton residents: housing and the safety, traffic congestion and fire risks that go along with density.
Not only that, but Julie has a statewide network of mayors and city council members who are equally strong advocates for local control. Years ago, not satisfied to sit on the sidelines, Julie took the initiative to start a statewide organization to join forces for education and action. She doesn’t stop there.
She courageously shares her knowledge with residents, colleagues and elected representatives in Sacramento. Some object to her passion but consider the good fortune to have a mayoral challenger who is willing and capable of solving multiple city issues, all of which protect the safety and quality of life in Pleasanton.
– Susan Kirsch, founder and director, Catalysts for Local Control
Narum for District 1
I support Kathy Narum for Pleasanton City Council, District 1, because she understands the job and can get to work immediately.
Kathy’s preparation comes from more than nine and a half years on the council. She also served on Pleasanton’s Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission, along with numerous local and regional committees addressing finance, transportation, land use and water. Her service on the Zone 7 Water Agency board adds directly relevant experience with one of our community’s most pressing concerns.
That breadth matters. Pleasanton’s financial challenges, infrastructure needs and water concerns require someone who understands how city decisions are made, how regional agencies work together and how today’s choices affect tomorrow’s residents.
When Kathy previously served, she championed the city’s pension trust to help address long-term pension obligations. That planning helps position Pleasanton to meet those obligations today and in the future. This is the kind of forward planning I want from our elected leaders: recognizing an obligation and taking steps to prepare for it.
Kathy also recognizes that getting things done requires collaboration. She understands that a good idea must earn support before it can become city policy.
I want a councilmember who brings knowledge, preparation and a sustained commitment to Pleasanton. I’m voting for Kathy Narum, District 1.
– Melanie Sadek
The elephant(s) in the room
On Saturday, Oct. 10, Livermore Valley Arts and Three Thirty-Three Arts formally opened the magnificent “Great Elephant Migration” exhibit in downtown Livermore. This will be the herd’s only West Coast stop.
This world-class exhibit of handmade, life-size Asian elephants is the result of a well-executed partnership between the city of Livermore and local nonprofits. It serves as nothing less than a masterclass how to integrate local civic and business interests with world class art.
Unfortunately, it is also a glaring example of the complete lack of imagination and proactive business development that has been on display in Pleasanton for years.
Pleasanton has never demonstrated the will, or ability, to successfully undertake anything this ambitious. Anyone remember the ice rink fiascos of 2008-2009?
Once Pleasanton’s awkward rural cousin, Livermore is now the Tri-Valley’s established leader in cultural creativity and innovative business development.
Well done Livermore!
– Harry Edwards
Thank you, firefighters
These last few wildfire seasons, Livermore has been relatively lucky. Our skies have been mostly clear, infernos mostly distant, with one exception in July in the Little Fire.
After work, I squinted up into an enormous plume of brown smoke looming over the hills. Over 10,000 people had to be evacuated. While that wasn’t the case for me, I can imagine the terror of having to leave immediately, with the sky twilit with ash, the air choking, gathering pets as fast as you can, abandoning your home not knowing if it will be there when you return, or if all your possessions will be blackened ruins.
No great disasters happened. Those houses still stood after the evacuation orders were lifted, thanks to the bravery of our firefighters and the coordinated efforts of Cal Fire. I believe wildfires in California to be the greatest threat to our lives and property. To that end, I thank Cal Fire as well as our Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, for their courage and skill facing down neighborhood-consuming conflagrations.
Further, I believe Livermore would be best served dedicating more of its budget rewarding firefighters, hiring more firefighters and, if needed, creating incentive programs to retrain people to become firefighters.
– Alan Marling
Jamie Yee for District 3
I’ve known Jamie Yee for the better part of three decades and I’m proud to endorse her for City Council. I appreciate her process for making public policy decisions, and I have tremendous respect for the thoroughness of her research when important challenges face our community.
Jamie does her homework. I know she will read every page of lengthy staff reports and ensure she supplements this investigation with additional reading and conversations with subject matter experts.
Jamie listens to her constituents. She spends ample time getting out into the community assessing concerns and garnering input from all sectors of the public. Before taking a vote, she can be trusted to understand how her vote will impact residents, their employers and their families.
Jamie plans for and manages the future. She understands that the community’s infrastructure needs maintenance and replacement when it reaches the end of its useful life. Jamie engages in the hard work of strategic planning and budgeting to ensure Pleasanton’s long-term success.
Jamie is all about Pleasanton. She has been an active community volunteer for decades and has enthusiastically devoted thousands of hours to organizations that make life better for all ages of Pleasanton residents.
Jamie Yee is a thoughtful, hardworking public servant who collaborates, listens, and learns. She will make a great City Council member!
– Jill Buck
Alisal modernization
The “modernization” images of the improvements to Alisal look terrific. Very nice, however where are the neighbors shown in this cartoon? Where’s Kolln Street, where apparently a two-lane access road is proposed? Where are Francisco, Alvarado, Cid? Nevis (poor Nevis), Graham, Silver, School and Jensen?
This is a critically impacted neighborhood, and they can’t even show you North on their map? Not even Santa Rita Road?
These impacts are required to be addressed and mitigated under CEQA regulations. I know firsthand what a pain CEQA compliance can be, but come on folks, let’s show respect for good regulations and stop trying to transform education into a drive-thru.
– Mark Lewis
Proud to support Larry Bird
Larry has been an incredible member of our Livermore community for many years, and his commitment to serving others is evident in everything he does.
Many families know Larry through Livermore High School, where he has dedicated years to coaching girls’ softball. As a coach, he has helped mentor young athletes, teaching them teamwork, responsibility, sportsmanship and the importance of being part of something bigger than themselves.
Larry has also served in law enforcement, giving him valuable experience in leadership, public service, accountability, and working with people from all walks of life. He understands what it means to serve a community and to take that responsibility seriously.
In addition, Larry is one of the founders of the Tri-Valley Pickleball Club. His involvement in helping grow pickleball locally is another example of his passion for recreation and creating opportunities for people of all ages to be active, connect and enjoy our community.
What stands out most about Larry is that he genuinely cares about Livermore. He understands how important our parks, trails, sports fields, recreational facilities, and community programs are to the quality of life we enjoy. These spaces bring families and neighbors together and are an important part of what makes Livermore such a special place to live.
Larry brings a unique combination of community involvement, coaching, public service, leadership, and a genuine love for Livermore. I believe he will listen to residents, work hard, and make thoughtful decisions about the future of our parks and recreation programs.
I wholeheartedly support Larry Bird for the LARPD Board.
– Gina Rinetti-Marques
Patriotic apathy
Our Democratic Republic only continues to exist when the people of America continue to take an interest in and participate in our government process.
Alexander Tyler, a Scottish economist, wrote the following words of truth in 1787: “From bondage to moral certitude, from moral certitude to great courage, from great courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to selfishness, from selfishness to complacency, from complacency to apathy, from apathy to dependence, from dependence to bondage.”
Where in this pattern does America fall?
– Phyllis Couper
Why I support Julie Testa for our next mayor
Long before and during her nearly eight years on the Pleasanton City Council, including two years as vice mayor, Julie demonstrated a strong commitment to our community. She served for over a decade on the Human Services Commission and has advocated for local schools, parks and open space.
I saw firsthand her dedication to nonprofits serving Pleasanton’s most vulnerable residents. She brought that same commitment to her council service, including spearheading the city’s Alternate Response Unit, which brings mental-health professionals together with specially trained police officers to respond to mental-health crises.
Julie’s community involvement also extends regionally and statewide. As chair of the LAVTA Board, she helps guide a regional transportation agency serving our community. She has also worked with state elected leaders and legislative advocacy committees on local control of housing and land-use decisions.
Julie emphasizes her support of the city’s long-term financial solutions, fiscal sustainability while maintaining Pleasanton’s quality of life. She has demonstrated a willingness to collaborate respectfully with residents, city staff and stakeholders to seek common ground and address difficult decisions rather than postpone them.
Julie is the best candidate for mayor. Go to JulieTesta.com
– Kelly Cousins
For safe drinking water, reelect Mayor Jack Balch
I hope you will join me in voting to reelect Jack Balch as mayor of Pleasanton. I have confidence that he will ensure Pleasanton wells with high levels of PFAS contaminants remain shut, and will work ethically and courageously to ensure Pleasanton residents are no longer exposed to PFAS.
Most residents clearly remember the outrageous public hearing on May 16, 2023, when in a 4-1 vote with Jack Balch dissenting, every other elected official in Pleasanton voted to reopen previously decommissioned Wells 5 and Wells 6 with high PFAS levels (“Pleasanton council votes to bring wells back online in case of emergency during summer”, Pleasanton Weekly).
They did this even though these specific wells had PFOS/PFOA levels that exceeded proposed Federal regulations limiting the maximum allowable Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) to 4 ng/L.
The city staff report clearly stated Wells 5 and 6 had PFOS concentrations of 12 ng/L and 18 ng/L. These concentrations far exceeded the proposed Federal Maximum Contaminant Level by a factor of 3 to 4 1/2 times.
Jack Balch was the only elected city councilmember with the courage to vote to protect the public health and safety and keep these contaminated wells shut down. Please join me in reelecting Mayor Jack Balch.
– Anne Fox
In support of Narum
I first met Kathy Narum when she was on the Pleasanton Planning Commission and I was serving on the Housing Commission. At our first coffee meeting I found her to be very knowledgeable about a wide range of topics related to my hometown of Pleasanton and the broader Tri-Valley region.
Equally important, she has been generous with her time over the years and inspiring in both her passion and commitment to community service.
Over the past 20 years Kathy has served on the Planning Commission, City Council, Zone 7 Water Agency and many nonprofit boards including the Pleasanton Downtown Association.
Pleasanton District 1 residents have a unique and wonderful opportunity to elect a deeply committed public servant with a depth and breadth of knowledge covering a myriad of topics including water infrastructure, investment in the beautiful and historic downtown area, a focus on public safety and the redevelopment of Stoneridge Mall.
Kathy Narum’s proven and experienced leadership is precisely what Pleasanton needs most.
– Justin Probert
Pleasanton’s future starts on Nov. 3 (with your help)
Living in Pleasanton we are lucky, and I think we want the next generation to be as fortunate as us.
During the last three years I have tried to attend one City Council meeting each month to get a live pulse on current city issues. Back in 2024 I was privileged to be able to attend a five-month Pleasanton Community Academy, with my wife, and learn “firsthand” how things function in this city. With this said, I might be in a better position than most when I do a postmortem on Measure PP.
It is now a proven fact that our city needed passage of Measure PP, which lost 46% to 54%. Possibly it lost because the voters were not educated enough on the issue and believed those who said the tax was not needed.
In advance of the upcoming election this Nov. 3, I would like to ask Pleasanton voters to do two things:
1. Please vote.
2. Please do a quick “fact check” by either ChatGPT or Google search and evaluate the current city financial situation because of the loss of PP. A structural deficit needs a structural fix.
Preserving what makes Pleasanton special requires thoughtful leadership and fiscal discipline. As you prepare yourself for the upcoming election, I might also suggest you evaluate a current City Council member, Julie Testa, who has served this city for eight years and is now running for mayor.
When you vote for Julie, it’s a vote for the city and also a vote for our kids.
– Terrence (Tj) McGrath
Jack Balch for mayor
Pleasanton has been extremely fortunate to have Jack Balch as our mayor for the past two years, and I hope you will join me in supporting his reelection so his good work can continue.
In my 35 years living in Pleasanton, Jack has been the most accessible and engaged mayor I’ve seen. You can hardly attend an event in town without running into him (and likely getting a selfie). He is present, honest, genuine, and compassionate, and he truly cares about all residents.
Among his many accomplishments is improving power reliability. He held a town hall, listened to residents’ complaints, and prioritized upgrades to our electrical infrastructure. I live on the west side, which has endured countless outages over the years, and Jack’s work has dramatically improved the situation. We are so grateful.
Another is the city’s fast, efficient response to the recent Little Fire. Under Jack’s leadership, city staff and emergency personnel set up an evacuation support center and made sure residents were cared for, while our remarkable firefighters stopped the fire before any structures were damaged.
I will definitely be voting for Jack Balch to continue his work for our city. #IBackJack all the way!
– Janeen Rubino-Brumm
Concert correction
I would like to report some corrections to the information we submitted re: the band’s performance schedule, which had incorrect venues and times for our forthcoming concerts, including the one that was advertised this coming weekend. Please see the updated information below and post a correction on the venue and start time for Sunday’s Oct. 18 concert if possible.
The Pleasanton Community Concert Band, a volunteer ensemble of Tri-Valley musicians, announces its free Fall 2026 concerts: ¡Baile! Dances of Spain and Latin America at Valley Community Church, Sunday, Oct. 18, 3 p.m. at Valley Community Church Pleasanton; Pleasanton Veterans Day Parade, Sunday, Nov. 8, 1:30 p.m.; and Holiday Concert at the Firehouse Arts Center Pleasanton, Sunday, Nov. 29, 3 p.m.
All ages welcome, no tickets required – donations are welcome.
– Melissa Krause
Vote for Julie Testa for mayor of Pleasanton
I have been a resident of Pleasanton for over 31 years now; I am a retired oncology nurse. I encourage everyone to vote for Julie Testa for Pleasanton mayor.
I have known Julie for almost 42 years, having met her in a mom and baby group when we both lived in Fremont. When I think of Julie, the first character traits that come to mind are that she is an extremely hard-working woman of absolute integrity.
She and her husband and young sons moved to Pleasanton over 38 years ago, and Julie has always been very interested in all aspects of the development of Pleasanton, with a commitment to reasonable, well-planned growth that retains the small-town feel of Pleasanton that drew both of our families here decades ago.
Julie has served for eight years on Pleasanton City Council and has consistently demonstrated responsive, transparent city government. Her priority has always been to represent residents and their concerns regarding quality of life, schools and public safety, water quality and conservation.
Elect Julie Testa for Pleasanton mayor!
– Diane D. Martinez
I am proud to support Jack Balch for mayor
I can talk about his expertise in finance and those critical questions about the budget and integrating more public input which ensure greater transparency.
I could talk about his commitment to everyone who calls this town home. I can talk about his focus on reaching out and listening to residents or his appeal to a broad base of supporters that clearly cross-party lines.
I can talk about his superlative speech at the State of the City Address “This I believe” that clearly states his priorities for our community and who is included in this community.
But I want to talk about the Jack I know.
The one that is concerned over every issue, who reaches out for words of wisdom, differences in opinion, and the one who truly loves this city.
But what stands out to me was what Jack was doing the night the Little Fire was raging that caused the evacuation of Ruby Hill. He was at City Hall, later joined by Vice Mayor Matt Gaidos, calling individuals, mostly seniors, to make sure they evacuated.
To punctuate this, and many don’t know, all of what he receives as a stipend is returned to worthy causes in Pleasanton.
Jack is a true public servant. We all will be lucky when he is elected for a second term. Vote Jack Balch for mayor!
– Cheryl Cook-Kallio, former Pleasanton City Council member, board president of the Alameda County Board of Education
Why I support Jamie Yee
I have owned and operated a business in Pleasanton for more than 35 years. I’ve watched our community grow and change, and I understand that the decisions made at City Hall have real consequences for residents, businesses and the long-term health of our city.
That is one of the reasons I support Jamie Yee for Pleasanton City Council.
Jamie understands Pleasanton because this is her community. Her roots here go back decades. She has raised her family here, served our schools and our community, and has demonstrated a long-term commitment to Pleasanton. She isn’t looking at our city as a stepping stone. This is home, and she plans to remain part of this community for years to come.
As a business owner, I’m particularly concerned about the challenges Pleasanton faces. We have vacancies in our business parks, businesses struggling or closing, changes at Stoneridge Mall, housing pressures, and a city budget that will require thoughtful decisions.
We need someone on the council who understands that a healthy local economy, strong schools, safe neighborhoods and well-maintained infrastructure all contribute to the quality of life — and property values — we have worked hard to build.
I know Jamie personally. I have seen how much she cares about this community, how carefully she listens, and how seriously she approaches difficult issues.
I’m supporting Jamie Yee because I believe she has the experience, the roots and the commitment to help protect what makes Pleasanton special while preparing our city for the challenges ahead.
– Ken Benhamou
Ban rodeo’s brutal ‘steer tailing’ event
Reportedly, people who care about animals comprise the single biggest lobby in the country. This should be reflected in our humane laws, yes?
Back in 1994, California outlawed the Mexican charreada’s brutal “horse tripping” event (AB 49X, Burton); a dozen other states soon did likewise. Accordingly, the U.S. Charro Federation changed its rules for the entire country.
Charreadas feature an even worse event, “steer tailing” (aka “colas” or “coleaderos”), wherein a mounted charro grabs a running steer by the tail, wraps the tail around his leg, then rides off at an angle, slamming the hapless animal to the ground.
Tails are routinely broken, stripped to the bone (“degloved”), even torn off. Broken legs and horns are commonplace.
“Steer tailing” is not a standard ranching practice anywhere in the U.S., and is already banned in Alameda (1993) and Contra Costa (1994) counties, and all of Nebraska (2008). A charro friend tells me that hundreds of these affairs are held throughout California annually, usually on private property, unbeknownst to the general public. (See the many SHARK on-line videos.)
Passage of a California ban would likely result in a U.S. Charro Federation rule change banning “steer tailing” nationwide. Even Cesar Chavez was an outspoken critic.
Let your county and state representatives hear from you! All state legislators may be written c/o The State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814.
A few supporting editorials could really help, too.
– Eric Mills, coordinator, Action for Animals
Larry Bird for LARPD board
It gives me great pleasure to urge your vote for Larry Bird to a position on the LARPD board. Larry would make an excellent addition to the board. The passion he brings to every one of his endeavors is unmistakably positive. He cares for the Livermore community in word and deed.
Larry’s leadership with the Pickleball Association has resulted in the recruitment of many new members. These folks are enjoying this leisure activity in Livermore due to his hard work with the Association, securing and helping to maintain numerous courts for them. Larry is a tireless advocate for local residents. He is responsive to concerns brought to his attention.
The LARPD board needs members who understand the community needs in the area of recreation and Larry is just that person. He is keenly aware of recreation and park needs for all ages.
Please cast your vote for Larry Bird, a positive mover and shaker for Livermore residents.
– Brenda Miller
