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Train quiet zone
I urge the city to create a railroad quiet zone in Pleasanton. Residents of downtown Pleasanton deserve better than being jolted awake dozens of times each night by 100-plus-decibel train horns. This chronic noise disrupts sleep, increases blood pressure and raises anxiety, directly undermining the mental health goals our city prides itself on.
Nearly 20 years ago, Pleasanton had a quiet-zone plan ready to go, but it was never implemented. Today, with improved safety technology and successful quiet-zone projects in nearby Fremont and Sunol, completing the job is easier and more affordable than ever.
A quiet zone would make our vibrant Main Street even more inviting. Studies in other cities across the country have shown that a quiet zone increases the appeal of downtown, resulting in an additional influx of revenue to the city. At a time when the city is struggling, this is another avenue that could help revitalize our fair city.
The residents of Pleasanton have waited long enough, suffering in silence – it’s time to prioritize quality of life and give our community the peace it deserves.
— Shiroy Choksey
Eyesore structure
Regarding the visual impression of the Gulf gas station on First Street in Pleasanton: the canopy and signage of the Gulf gas station needs to be redone. The canopy is way too big for the surrounding area, and the orange colors have no relationship to the visual surroundings. The colors are glaring and don’t complement that area.
As it is now, it is not in keeping with the quality standards of Pleasanton. If the overall structure of the canopy and signs were smaller, the words smaller and the orange color more of a darker, quiet tone, it would help.
– Phyllis Couper
Railroad perspective
I’m getting upset listening to these people at the City Council meeting! I’ve lived here since 1971. It’s my understanding that they got their homes cheaper because of the railroad.
I am sending you a couple of articles that may help. I have a problem with these people pressuring the city council when they all know they got their houses cheaper because of the railroad. The railroads been there since 1800s.
It would be great if you can write an article regarding the history of the railroad in Pleasanton. Everybody that bought a house in that area knew the railroad was there, and their houses were cheaper for that reason.
— Erlene DeMarcus
Budget problems were known
I wanted to comment on the former Pleasanton mayor Karla Brown’s understanding of Measure PP and its effects. The measure was defeated by a majority, not popular vote. We already live in one of the highest taxed states in the country. My sense one of the reasons another tax increase did not go through is the lack of accountability in the money our government receives already.
With all the shopping alternatives available today, people can pick and choose. Later this year, I think we will lose Stoneridge Mall, which houses many storefronts. Hacienda Business Park is fairly empty and adding more housing. How are we as a city attracting business to Pleasanton? By increasing the price to do business here? I think not.
I am heartbroken that the city is in the fiscal shape it is in. I appreciate you making us aware this issue was not all of a sudden but a known problem coming like a storm.
There are a number of ways to solve this fiscal problem. At numerous City Council meetings, there have been new methods proposed to bring in more revenue that should be considered. We cannot cut our way out of this problem, but the city will need to find new, better ways of managing parks, pools and its own assets.
Costs in Pleasanton are already high and increasing the sales tax would drive people to do their business elsewhere than in their own town.
— Pat Shaughnessy
Happy Father’s Day
Father’s Day was invented by Sonora Smart Dodd in 1909. She was inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon and wanted to create a similar holiday to honor fathers. The first Father’s Day celebration was held in Spokane, Wash., in 1910 to honor her father.
In 1972 it became a national holiday when President Richard Nixon signed legislation declaring it a national holiday, to be celebrated on the third Sunday in June.
I was fortunate to have a loving and dedicated father, John George Ott. He was a hardworking man who was a steel worker for most of his life. He was born in the hills of western Pennsylvania in 1919, joined the Navy during WWII and worked for Bethlehem Steel until he retired in the 1980s.
He taught me how to tie my shoes, ride a bike, catch and hit a baseball, and he shared the rich history of baseball, his favorite sport. He was a great example on how to be a loving husband and father and to never shy away from hard work and to believe in God.
On this Father’s Day, please visit or call your father and tell him you love him and to thank him for all that he has done for you. If your father has passed away, share his story with someone and tell them how important he was to you.
Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers past and present.
– David Ott
