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City budget idea
Since my wife and I raised our children here, I have to say that we came to appreciate all of the small things that made this city so special. When I say small things, they end up becoming big things when they might be cut or eliminated.
I personally feel that residents of Pleasanton did not approve Measure PP because they thought some organizational consolidations would take place to balance the budget, instead of the elimination and reduction of services.
Whether it be high school resource officers or crossing guards, those are areas that are critical to safety and we will regret those cutbacks if anything happens. After listening to city residents this month, it appears the library, pool hours and the Firehouse Arts Center activities are also sacred.
I have an idea that is worth consideration. Let’s take a moment and go back to 1996.
The Livermore Fire Department and the Pleasanton Fire Department joined forces as an effective and cost-reduction way to serve both communities with efficiency and compassion. That move was very “proactive” since it is an effective use of resources to maximize the outcome.
Now with development plans pending for east Pleasanton, it makes me wonder if a joint police force, between both cities, could also be a cost-effective way to cover the area and at the same time save money and preserve some of the planned cuts to services.
If a consolidation of police services is not practical, then I ask if we can identify the individual costs of the cut/reduced programs so we can ask for sponsors from the business community who might want to help support those areas. The parents of Pleasanton students deserve this.
— TJ McGrath, 40-year resident of Pleasanton
Thank you, Holiday Fund
On behalf of Pleasanton Partnerships in Education Foundation and our Board of Directors, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Pleasanton Weekly and our generous community for awarding us a grant through the Pleasanton Weekly Holiday Fund.
This support, alongside the grants given to other incredible local nonprofits, reflects the strength and generosity of our community.
With this funding, PPIE can continue its mission of enhancing educational opportunities for Pleasanton students. We are grateful to be part of a community that values education and invests in programs that make a lasting impact.
Thank you to the Pleasanton Weekly, its donors and everyone who contributes to making Pleasanton a better place for all. We are proud to be a part of this wonderful community!
— Andrea Wilson, executive director, PPIE
Cultivate Joy event
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives continue to spark important conversations in our communities. While perspectives vary, The Flourish Collective stands firmly in the belief that equity should be accessible to everyone. It is our belief that equity is not a scarce resource and everyone can flourish.
Founded in December 2020 in the East Bay following George Floyd’s murder, our organization builds and equips allies for racial justice through education programs and community partnerships. To date, we’ve raised and distributed nearly $300,000 to organizations promoting racial equity in the areas of education, community development and health. Our Flourish community has grown to over 200 individuals, and we warmly welcome others to join us.
We invite community members to our upcoming event, “Cultivate Joy – An Evening of Entertainment and Philanthropy”, on Saturday, May 10, in Sunol.
The evening will feature live music, a gourmet dinner, local Tri-Valley wine and beer, plus exciting live and silent auctions. Your participation will help raise vital funds while showcasing the meaningful impact of our collective efforts. We also welcome local businesses to consider sponsorship opportunities.
For more information about the event and The Flourish Collective, please visit theflourishcollective.org.
— Gary Taggart
Fact-checking recent pro-Trump letter
* NASA delayed the return of Crew-9 due to concerns over safety, budget constraints and maintaining a crew on the ISS.
* Trump promised to keep the U.S. out of “forever wars,” yet ordered major airstrikes against the Houthis — actions that could escalate into further conflict.
* On April 13, at least 34 people, including two children, were killed in a Russian missile attack in Sumy, Ukraine.
* The Department of Education has not been closed. Trump has significantly dismantled its functions. (Its closure would require an act of Congress.) States would not receive more funding if it were to close. The DoE protects students’ civil rights, prepares teachers and manages student loans.
* ICE has deported legal residents — often without due process. The administration has repeatedly admitted that the deportation and imprisonment of Mr. Abrego Garcia in El Salvador was an error. Trump is defying a court order that requires steps be taken to facilitate his return.
* Economists continue to warn that tariffs will not bring manufacturing back to the U.S. Instead, tariffs will harm our small business community.
* Dr. Bhattacharya opposed lockdowns and mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic and holds inconsistent views on vaccines — just two reasons he is ill-suited to lead the taxpayer-funded research of the NIH.
* The executive order regarding election integrity clearly violates federal law and the Constitution.
* On Feb. 19, DOGE claimed $16.5 billion in savings. NPR found the actual figure to be about $2 billion — 88% less than what was claimed.
— Ann Palowitch
Education at the museum
As the new education director at the Museum on Main, I have begun my tenure during an uncertain time in the nation. It is also an uncertain time in Pleasanton with so many budget cuts to essential programs to our community.
As I research the past of Pleasanton, there have been so many moments where folks have come together for the future of this fair city.
At the museum, I see so many third graders excited about exploring the history of the city. Dedicated volunteers find purpose in preserving the history and artifacts in the collection. Adults with disabilities use the space to be creative and feel connected to the museum. Toddlers come to the museum on a consistent basis to play and explore.
As the museum is also facing budget cuts from the city, I wanted to take a moment and appreciate the community for always supporting the work we do at the museum. Small museums preserve our past, but they also empower our community to create a verdant and bright present together.
— Peter Wallis
Poor driving in Pleasanton
I am grateful to be a resident of the beautiful city of Pleasanton.
When did it become OK to slow down and then accelerate through a stop sign? When did it become OK to “blow” through a red light? When did it become OK to pass through a school zone with students present at 35-40 mph?
During these uncertain and frightening times, it is more important than ever to interact with our fellow community members safely, lawfully and respectfully.
— Emelie Rogers
Hands Off — another view
We are currently at a critical time with our national debt of $36.5 trillion, increasing by $2 trillion each year. We must take action before America faces a financial crisis that would have catastrophic consequences for our country and the world.
Instead of protesting in support of wasteful and over-spending and other anti-American sentiments, let’s work together and focus on what the majority of American citizens support:
Hands Off: Our tax dollars, which were not intended for foolish projects and the corrupt, virtue-signaling socialists.
Hands Off: Our children at school. Teach the students the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic, not Marxist ideologies.
Hands Off: Trying to force women and girls to compete against biological men.
Hands Off: All the property being destroyed in the name of whatever leftist cause for that given week. Other people’s buildings and vehicles are not yours to destroy.
Hands Off: Our college campuses. Majority of the students are there to learn. Free speech is protected but violence, intimidation and taking over buildings are not.
Hands Off: Our ICE agents, who are removing violent illegal alien gang members from our country and enforcing the border security laws. Please enter legally or not at all.
Hands Off: The American family. You have done everything possible to destabilize the concept of families because you believe that our ultimate allegiance should be to the government.
Let’s work together to create solutions for America’s success.
— David Ott
