The massage places are completely out of line here. Is the PD monitoring them? They're open late, there are virtually all male customers patronizing them at all hours...ya think they might be offering additional services???

I wa shocked when I saw the Cigerette City sign. I know liquor stores stores and bars abound in our town. They can be bad for your health too, but to have someone selling a very well known carcinogen on a street where school children pass is appaling. We are trying to ban smoking, not encouraging it.

I am not a fan of much of what has gone into downtown, nor am I wild about the cigarette store. But I will take that any day over the continuation school (Comments partially removed by Pleasanton Weekly Online staff as innuendo, hearsay or specific accusatory information unsupported by facts.)

"Downtown Going Down?" Don't be silly. It wasn't that long ago when Main Street had 20 bars, four gas stations, and wasn't safe after dark.

I'm concerned as well.

Aren't the murals reflective of our ideals for downtown? The Farmers Market, Parades, First Wednesdays and Concerts in the Park and businesses like Meadowlark Dairy, Tully's and Vic's are what makes our downtown. There's always somewhere for the WalMart, Hooters, massage parlors and discount cigarette store to go.

Please, let's not let it be downtown.

...so about these massage parlors.....jk.

I agree, I think Livermore has made great strides to upgrade their downtown location and Pleasanton's hasn't really progressed beyond some very enjoyable upper end restaraunts. I would love to see a few more family friendly "casual" restaraunts i.e. I think a Sonoma Chicken Coup would do really well.

Jack, a resident of the Downtown neighborhood, you were on the spot about the bars. Most of these new-comers to Pleasanton are not aware of the bars. During the 1940s through the early sixties, it was known in Livermore that if you were looking for cheap drinks go to P-town."

But, I am not sure about the feeling unsafe. There were not too many stories provided by the old timers about this topic.

In Livermore, if you hung out at the bars you might get into a fight with a cowboy. In Pleasanton, you might get into a fight with some low lifes. True. Sorry Pleasanton, but your history is not "rich." But, you must give homage to the city council members of the 1960s and 1970s that re-invented downtown. They did a superb job.

Lastly, in the 1950s, the kids in Livermore and Pleasanton smoked... if you can believe this... marijuana.

PW, before you remove comments as unsubstantiated (Comments partially removed by Pleasanton Weekly Online staff as innuendo, hearsay or specific accusatory information unsupported by facts) you might want to check YOUR facts.
With regard to the vandalism (broken picket fences, trash thrown in yards, etc) I have spoken to the applicable homeowners and have been informed that not only have police reports been filed but the school principle has been notified in writing of these issues. In one case the chief of police was contacted due to the constant problems from these kids. Walking down First St I see evidence that the vandalism has not stopped. I stand by my original post that if these kids cannot behave like reasonable humans then they need not be treated as such.

Seriously? A Cigarette City in downtown Pleasanton? Are we so desperate for high-rent businesses that the city is OK with massage parlors and a Cigarette City? City Council - Is anyone paying attention? I agree that downtown Pleasanton needs help - Our downtown used to look great compared to Livermore and now the opposite is true. Our downtown is going downhill.

Wondering also, I'm glad you have the guts to stand up and say you don't want little hoodies in your area. I've done the same with trying to prohibit group homes. They brought a group home into my town, which never had a non-familial murder before, and sure enough one of the little gangbangers and his ghetto posse executed a local 17 year old over $40 worth of pot. We don't need to import criminals into our good and decent towns

Would you guys prefer ugly empty storefronts?

I agree with the Pleasanton resident regarding Livermore - there is something for every family and food palette.

We moved from San Ramon years ago and really appreciate the Pleasanton Downtown, however, it has slipped, there about 2 good restaurants and a few stores that we go to.

I can't imagine a business person opening up a cigarette store in Pleasanton - quaint suburbia - demographics alone will not sustain it in our health conscience city. Remember the cigar shop around the corner from Meadowlark Dairy - that did not last long.....

How can the City Council allow this? Are they going to be members of the Chamber of Commerce? Even though the economy is slow to recover we cannot let the reasons why many of moved to Pleasanton to raise our families go.

And how many nail salons do we actually need?

Please - we need more cool stores and family friendly restaurants - lower the rents and they will come.

Do people still smoke cigarettes?

Well I live close to downtown and after a few criminal acts, I am nervous to walk after dark anymore. But as for the shops in town, I agree, we need more varity and not so many hair/nail salons,and restaurants that prices are over the top. Not all people in Pleasanton are RICH! Come on give us something to look forward to when going downtown. It would be fun if they have a night event where they close the downtown to traffic and have a block party for adults, like on new years or something, I went out a few times and found it very boring. Nightlife shuts down early! I use to hang out downtown when I was in HS and had so much fun socializing, where has that all gone.

" have a block party for adults"
Fat chance in this town! Parents in Pleasanton will NOT leave their kids at home no matter what the event is. That's why we can never have street parties that include any drinking. Parents will be bringing kids to the wine event tonight no doubt, even though all of the advertising has stated that the event is not appropriate for children.

If you don't like the businesses being approved for Downtown, remember that at the next election for City Council and Mayor. Vote them out if they don't pledge improvement. By the way, is the Hippie Mayor still off cavorting in Washington, DC? Perhaps she should make a drive through Downtown occaisionally instead of persuing her global politics agenda.

I would like to chime in about all the businesses that now "junk up" their store fronts and the overall image of downtown Pleasanton with the temporary signs, flags that are beer ads, neon flashing signs in windows (a certain jewelry store), etc.

There needed to be some lax in the policy for businesses to promote a special or advertise something, but now it's turned the Farmers Market and other restuarants into trailer trash.

Let's shore up that policy and keep downtown fresh and interesting...not just another battle ground for how many signs you have outside your business.

It has been clear for a long time now that the City Planning Commission is just desperate for anything to fill the empty store fronts, without consideration for the long term consequences. As others have noted, if rents were more reasonable and the approval process did not resemble something like breaking through the Berlin Wall, we might be able to attract people who actually have a business plan and know how to be successful. A cigarette store in this day and age of 'no smoking' ordinances everywhere? Along with the massage parlors, it's down right embarrassing. And, how many clothing consignment stores do we think we can support? And nail salons, and Italian and Chinese restaurants? It is clear there is no plan for our downtown, and I agree with Robert - kick the bums out when they come up for re-election!

What does this say about our town...I thought it was all about Family and Integrity and caring about each other...this cigarette store is about cancer, loosing family members, and cancer...my question to city council is WHY? And why wasn't this brought up before the cigarette store was allowed to have a store front? Isn't the city council about representing the people of the city...We the people say NO....and how convenient across from the continuation school, where most of the kids do smoke? I can already see other kids going there and fight breaking out...What was the city council thinking...oh I guess they didn't!

I'm stunned that a Cigarette store is moving into downtown...What genius (City planning OR business owner) thought that was a good idea? oh well, it certainly won't last long.
What's next? with the push for live entertainment at several downtown venues, I'm sure it won't be long before the strippers and gentlemen's clubs arrive...Club Sport is offering classes in pole dancing - to train for employment?? now that's family friendly! LOL
Pleasanton WAS very rough around the edges 25 - 30 years ago...guess we're regressing.

Not that I am for a store like that and I do not smoke but, This is still America right? I mean lets be real about this. There are some very good questions in this blog but some very bad ones also. First, The mayor is very aware of what is going on in downtown. She is always talking somewhere... go listen. Secondly, someone complained about school aged kids going past the store front. Do you really think they will have ad's about kids smoking or someone on the street going pssst.... kid, you want a cigarette? Kids see this stuff all the time. Hopefully we did our jobs as parents and they won't start smoking. The massage parlors are very nice you should go see one sometime. I do agree that this is not the kind store I would open but still a $150 billion dollar business. And just think they help the healthcare industry with about $95 billion in related healthcare cost last year. I also agree it won't last long and vote out people you think are not doing the best job possible.

No the store won't have people pushing cigs on kids, but they could hand out free samples to adults during our 'downtown' events..oh sorry, I didn't mean to give them any ideas. The idea of the banner and seeing it at the 'entrance' to town from Bernal/First Street just sets up a bad vibe. There are better locations for this type of business elsewhere, if it has to be here at all. I recall a large billboard on the highway at the entrance to the town where my parents live for a "Strip-Club"....even though the town is nice, that impression is one my children vividly remember... nice explaining that to those sweet things (under 10 at the time).

Livermore has gotten a big boost from the new theater. So if you want to see more people coming downtown for something other than manicures and massages, how about donating to the Firehouse Theater & Fine Arts center?

And instead of closing down Main Street for an adults-only beer & wine bash on New Years, why not take a page from cities all over the country and celebrating "First Night" with an alcohol-free, family-friendly celebration featuring performances, art exhibits etc. for (and by) all ages. (See Web Link What a great way to showcase local talent AND give everyone a safe and sober way to celebrate on New Year's Eve.

But remember, to have a vital downtown that supports businesses other than cigarette stores and bars, you have to have things that bring people of all ages and incomes downtown during the day AND in the evening. Like ice skating in the winter and live music at restaurants. With those people, you'll also have parking and noise issues. And some of those people will drink. And some of them will smoke on the street corner (since it's not allowed inside). And occassionally you'll have rudeness, fights and property crime. The only way to NOT have those problems is to NOT have people (or businesses) downtown.

We can't have it both ways, people!

Hey, Long time resident,

Don't knock it.

I like good Chinese and Italian Restaurants!
Especially those that have good food, are affordable, and relatively quiet.

The problem may be the high rents make it hard to run a business.

Q. Does anyone know if the Panda under new ownership is any good?
They had parking, tasty food, reasonable quantities and prices.
Some chinese restaurants buy sauces in 5 gallon buckets!
(Unrelated to Panda?- We certainly do not need more "fast" Chinese food, like the Panda Express chain.)

I think we get what we deserve. Last year and the year before, people complained that shopping in our downtown was to expensive and lacked diversity. People decided not to shop on Main and First Streets. Stores closed for lack of business and building owners found it to their advantage to keep rents at a level unsustainable by most prospective businesses. The city has provided fire and police services for these empty stores with no remuneration (city business license revenues, etc.). Last year I called for a vacancy tax for building owners that did not lease their units. This would encourage owners to rent buildings at Pleasanton Downtown market values. Will the city help entrepreneurs by creating a business incubator on Main Street to encourage new and innovative retail businesses moving in?

Cigarette City!!!! That sounds like the type of place that will have un-shaven toothless guys who wear wife-beater t-shirts, have a cigarette hanging out of their mouth while they hold a can of beer all standing around the entrance. Is this how we want to portray Pleasanton, as a trailer trash town? Why not put a welfare office next to it.

feel free, open the shops you want. Damn Nazi

I Can't wait for Cigarette City!! Atleast one thing in Pleasanton will never change. The Yuppie Scumers! ALways have to complain about the little things. And for the lady that asked if poeple still smoke I think your a Ra-tard.

As a owner of a business that used to be downtown-I agree with Tom of Stoneridge Park neighborhood. The City is totally a day late and a dollar short when it comes to understanding the downtown. The PDA is also for that matter. We could never get approval for anything that would help promote our businesses. The building owners don't give a hoot whether the space is leased or not, the buildings are paid for!
This recession started in 2007. I watched as many businesses stood empty already at that time for months and months. There was no out cry or talk about it. Pleasanton's dirty little secret. There is no will or desire in Pleasanton to have more sophisticated or interesting businesses. The residents here want the nice downtown to window shop, but not patronize. The patrons here, are only looking for bargains, and therefore with the rents we have to pay, it is a recipe for diaster, Welcome to Town Cigarette World! Yes, this is what P-Town has come to.

Kind of says alot about the politicians in this town........like clueless. Nicest word i can think of that the non-free speech pleasanton weekly will allow me to say.

The Planning Committee and City Counsel really don't have a lot of say as to what goes downtown. Unless you want to revamp the permitting process entirely, if a category of business is allowed, it's allowed...

As a previous downtown business owner from years back, I agree with Art Lover.

Unfortunately everyone wants our downtown to look like Main Street at Disneyland, but NO ONE is willing to spend a significant amount of their entertainment budget in downtown.

I agree that we shouldn't have restrictions on what type of businesses open in downtown, but can we envoke limitations? If we have 5 banks on Main, do we need another? With the pockets on main consisting of banks and nail salons, there's enough of an interruption for a shopper to just quit their visits early and shops lose out.

And yes, nightlife would help! Nightlife doesn't have to mean strippers and drunks, responsible adults wining and dining and shopping would help city revenue and help shop owners alike. Worried about your kids? Keep them home and be responsible parents.

Ultimately, spend the money in downtown, shops stay open. Spend the money at Target, FOR LEASE signs go up.

Well, if no one frequents the cigarette store it will go out of business.

I would like to express my surprise at some of the comments that have been posted in this forum. Since Cigarette City will be a first of its kind business in Pleasanton, I recognize the anxiety that some are feeling regarding what kind of business this will be.

With the approval of city council, I decided to open this store in hope of bringing low priced tobacco products for ADULT smokers in the city. This will not only bring competition for lower priced goods but also create jobs and, hopefully, substantial tax revenue to the city coffers. As a recent Cal State East Bay graduate, I value the spirit of entrepreneurship and hard work and its small businesses like mine that drive the American economy.

In addition, I want to assure everyone that there will be no free samples or crafty schemes to attract little kids to pick up smoking. I am a responsible businessperson that would like to build a long-term relationship with all my neighbors and surrounding businesses and will not be influenced just to make a quick buck.

Finally, I would like to invite everyone here to come and visit the store as it will have a wide variety of gifts and will feature a walk-in humidor and novelty items...

Godspeed

Oh NO! Cigarettes in P-Town GOG forbid!

Look, P-Town was a cowboy town with more BARS and BROTHELS than any6 surrounding City not so long ago, so STFU!

And now these kids wont have to walk past these homes there are "terrorizing" get get a SMOKE! What a Ghetto Pleasanton is becoming! I read a few posts about Vineyard Ave, being "a ghetto" GEEEEZUS!

Wake up p-Town People!

To the owner of Cigarette City, I find it interesting that you are surprised by the negative comments and level of concern expressed in this little blog. That says pretty clearly that you did little/no research on the demographics of this area before you decided to open your business. Yes, small business is the back bone of the American economy, but only when you provide a product or service that the majority of the area's residents want or need. I wish you luck, but won't be surprised to see your sign gone within a few months.

Wait 'til pot is legalized...you ain't seen nothing yet.....

I am a longtime (40 yrs) resident and feel the downtown has slipped People say "shop at the downtown stores" but not much to choose from and yes even rich people like a bargain or semi bargain. When shops charge almost double "mall" prices what do they expect???I know the rents are high so somethings gotta give. As far as food establishments go, I have always heard that the City charges extremely high prices for startups. If anone knows anything about this can you enlighten me?? And how about soup & sandwich type places

I have to say even though Livermore has had their share of restaurants come and go at least they have a selection of the ones remaining and the purse shop and garden and decorator shops are nice

...

Twirly Girls Pole Fitness

660 Main Street
(between St Mary St & Spring St)
Pleasanton, CA 94566
(510) 828-3447
www.twirlygirlspolefitness.com
Web Link

“After seeing the Peepshow in Vegas, it just reignited the idea of learning how to do pole dancing. Considering this studio was the closest to work, a couple of gals and I tried the Taster Class. The Taster Class is a class you can take before having to commit to classes and it only costs $25. Situated in Downtown P-Town (Pleasanton for those who don't know the lingo), you actually have to walk…”

To "Cigarette City Proprietor", Entrepreneurs in the tobacco industry have added many jobs to the American economy. Can you tell me how many jobs were added to the American Cancer Society by the tobacco industry? How many jobs were created within the American Lung Association? What about the American Heart Association? What about ValleyCare Hospital? I bet there have been literally tens of thousands of jobs created directly and indirectly by the entrepreneurs of the tobacco industry. You have joined a very large, though unsavory, club of entrepreneurs. You were recently graduated from Cal State East Bay. Congratulations! I only wish you had made a decision as an entrepreneur, to build a business within a more healthful sphere.

Very few people in Pleasanton smoke but most and I mean most are over weight so why don't you go to war against fat people. Hard to watch you fatties waddling down main street while stuffing your faces.

Excessive rent increases now threaten more downtown stores as well- Stacy's, the kitchen store, and a shoe store have all been notified that their rents are going to be more than doubled. it will most likely cause them to close or relocate. i'm not an economics major but it seems a pretty stupid move to me when we are still mired in a deep recession. you don't get much income if you drive your tenants out and the buildings are empty.

a cigarette store downtown. hard to imagine our hippie mayor agreed to that. real classy pleasanton.

Get rid of Cigarette City! We drove past it last night, and there were about 4 "hooded" individuals hanging out front of the store smoking their cigs. We had to roll down our window to get fresh air after driving by the store. What a shame that Pleasanton is so desperate for business that this is all we get (and massage parlors). What are all the kids thinking when they walk past these disgusting places on their way to school and would any parent want them to walk past these shady people! What do the patrons of Farmer's Market think when they're strolling through the market buying their fresh fruits and vegetables and smell disgusting cigarette smoke! What do homeowners in the downtown area think these types of businesses (cigarettes and massage parlors) will do to their already devaluating home values! Do we want these types of businesses in our city, NO! Keep these businesses and the sort of clientele they attract out of Pleasanton! City of Pleasanton, wake up, we'll soon be called a "Hood."

this shop is the best smokeshop in the tri valley! STOP HATING!!!
Cigarette City sells more than just cigs... maybe you should go inside and check it out.. You are all just mad becuz a 24 yr old owner is making more bank than u ever will!!!!

I will personally make sure Cigarette City stays in business, for the sake of FREEDOM OF ENTERPRISE. The owner is a young, personable man trying to be successful in a specific niche in the market, and it's nobody's place to tell him he can't do such.

On behalf of Zzippes Printing of Pleasanton, we are truly sorry for having to close. We never imagined a place like this would replace our always great store front. Complaints from the businesses in the same complex, because of people loitering in their parking lot, complaints from Village High School...this is surely not a good thing for our community. Especially, since this store is not just a "Cigarette City".

cigarette city also sells drugs glass pipe what a low life buss

I have to say after reading many "outraged" comments... I cannot help but wonder... Have any of you studied history?

I don't know why Twirly Girls was mentioned in a comment above. It's a fitness/dance studio. And the link doesn't even go to the Twirly Girls website. It goes to some random girl's myspace page. I've been to many neighborhoods -- good and bad. Pleasanton is a decent area and I feel safe walking downtown alone. Even with a cigarette shop, a dance studio, some nail shops and a massage parlor or two around.

Twirly Girls, Cigarettes, massage parlors, vacancy rates. Is this the best that Pamela Ott can bring to town? Perhaps we are due for a change in our Economic Development Director. She is the single person tasked with bringing quality businesses to town - and it is not working.

I certainly hope a change is coming in November 2010 for our City council and mayor!

Cigg city is where us kids get our smokes and bongs and hookas. dont ruin it. and if you parents are that ignorant.. every kid that smokes.. smokes weed

People need to calm down. Just because there is a Cigarette Store or a Liquor store doesn't make the town a bad place. The people make a town and the people in this town are so stuck up that it is impossible for our kids to grow up in a truly happy and healthy environment. Take a step back and look at yourself before you complain about some little thing that doesn't matter

Judging from most of the comments, the only thing that's really a problem is the crushing insecurity of the population.
These are legitimate businesses with legitimate patrons; it is perfectly within their rights to operate downtown, and if you dislike the nature of their business, you don't have to go there. Kneejerk moral reactions make the entire town look pathetic and out of touch with reality.

Can the people of Pleasanton break out of this utopian mind frame? Look at Hayward and Oakland with all of their troubles and we're the ones complaining? Don't be mad at people who conduct business. They don't want to plague this city with a controversial store, they want to make money. This store does more good than harm, they pay Pleasanton for the rent and the taxes that follow. This store also saves time and gas for Pleasanton by providing a convenient store where smokers can buy cigarettes and tobacco paraphernalia. And for the "hoodies", they might be cold. At least they aren't drug runners, prostitutes, or pimps.

To all the parents that are complaining about this store, why dont you all control your kids instead of trying to control commerce?

to: Keep Pleasanton Pleasant, a resident of the Downtown neighborhood

Ever think that those "hooded" individuals were cold? or that it was windy? If you drove by the store there is no way possible that your car could be "contaminated" by four measly cigarettes. This store brings diversity to Pleasanton and I congradulate the owner of it for having to deal with all of you people who are so ignorant to think that one store is going to "ruin" Pleasanton. Kids smoke weed. Kids smoke cigarettes. Kids will do what they want to do. There are cigarette store EVERYWHERE. Livermore and Dublin both have multiple.


Pleasanton is not a GHeTtO. Pleasanton is a town where people with that they could live, and where the kids thAt live here wish that they could leave. Everyone can't be happy, you have to give a little and take a little. For all the stores you like there will be ones you don't, and this is relevant for everyone.

Think before you act, us kids are sick of hearing our parents go crazy over things that really do not phase us. Im sure you all do a wonderful job of raising your kids and teaching them what is acceptible in this world but let us be kids and let us learn from OUR mistakes.

One cigarette store is not going to kill you, me, or anyone around you, and I can promise if this one gets tore down you will have many many angry teenagers.

To wondering also, a resident of the Downtown neighborhood I am appalled that you would even think to say that. Village is not full of bad kids, most just are missing credits because maybe they were sick or they have trouble with homework. Village give kids the second chance no one else will give them. They give so much more attention to all of the students than any other school can offer and they put in their own time and effort to make sure that every single student will graduate as long as they want to. They are a phenomenal school and have produced outstanding results I cannot imagine what type of person would put down a school that only wants to give out hope and help to all of their students.

i approve of cig city being in pleasanton because it causes good business and it is less of a hassle to walk all the way to the gas station just for cigs or swishers. i am tired of these people bad talking this store just because they don't smoke. they need to realize the situation of the people who do smoke and don't want that long of a drive just to get certain things. its called GET OVER ITTT!

I have been a proud citizen of Pleasanton for more than 20 years and i feel that people should not speak about a continuation school like that when some of the people that are in school need the extra help so they can graduate from high. Shame on you all for speaking bad on Village High School just because Pleasanton is thought to be some perfect little town.. when in actuality every city/state across the world... And i mean whole world is not perfect. If you want a perfect city then join the cast of "Desperate House Wives". Because everyone know that reality is perfect! Please people save your sadness for a mirror, cause you need reality to kick in the butt!

Don't talk like this or soon it will be like that movie hot fuzz.