I was extremely disappointed to learn that the Pleasanton City Council has voted (4-1) to end financial sponsorship for the Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Pleasanton program.

As a graduate of the program, I can attest to its tremendous impact on community members. Upon completing the program, I gained a newfound respect for all that goes into making Pleasanton such a great place to live and work. I even fell more in love with the city, and I didn't think that was possible after living here for 30 years!

I was so inspired by the program that I became a Human Services Commission member, a position I have loved serving in for the past five years.

Many of my fellow graduates have also become more involved with the city, and since the program requires participants to live or work in Pleasanton, the majority of the participants are paid for by their employer, while scholarships are available for those who don't have employer support.

The program's monthly weekday classes provide participants with an opportunity to witness how the city's operations, public safety agencies, businesses, nonprofits, school district, and cultural arts and recreation departments operate during work hours, which makes the experience more impactful.

Because only two of the five have taken the class, I would suggest that the City Council members who voted to end sponsorship of the program take the class themselves to see firsthand how effective it is before making such a huge decision.

--Janeen Rubino-Brumm

Congrats on 20 years for Pleasanton Military Families

Pleasanton Military Families held their Easter Packout at the Pleasanton Veterans Hall last weekend. For 20 years, the organization has been sending packages to our local men and women serving in the armed forces.

Nice donation checks were presented at the packout to PMF by the American Legion, VFW 6298, and Pleasanton resident Vinay Kruttiventi. The PMF appreciates all the many donations of items to fill the boxes and to pay for the postage. For items to donate, see www.PleasantonMilitaryFamilies.org.

Thanks were extended to all who helped with the Friday setup, especially Boys Team Charity and the Young Men's Service League, which are organizations of young men and their parents focused on doing community service. Other groups, such as Troop 947, made cards to be inserted into the boxes.

A big crowd showed up on Saturday to pack the 150 boxes being sent for the Easter Packout. Pat Frizzell is the coordinator of the packouts; Denise Harper is the president of PMF. Packouts are held three times a year: Easter, Fourth of July and the winter holidays.

Congratulations PMF, and thanks for continuing to support our troops. To find ways to help serve in our community, visit www.JustServe.org.

--Ken Mano, via Town Square