Since the PDA Director is such a public figure, it would be appropriate for the Board to make some sort of reasonable statement as to why Karl suddenly departed after such a short time. What is happening at PDA that is so challenging that 2 directors have quit after a few months? Rumors will fly, so a little honest transparency is required so our downtown can thrive again.

A colleague of mine applied for the PDA position before the recent hire. He had the background
and qualifications to excel in this position. However, he did not receive any acknowledgment of his application, which I would consider a basic professional courtesy. That, in itself, is a red flag!

Sometimes organizations have "clicks" and if you don't fit well, or and don't go along with those that have been there longer than you, it turns into an uncomfortable work place. That's what it looks like to me. It's very unfortunate because New Voices are just what the PDA needs to grow and help the town prosper. Who's yanking chains is what I want to know....??? Who ever is still there would be my guess.

Downtown is somewhat like a can of sardines.
People just cannot flip out of it.

There is fine dining out and away from downtown.
There is nice shopping out and away from downtown.

There are fun trails and parks out and away from downtown.
here are historical areas out and away from downtown.

There are really great neighborhoods out and away from downtown.
There are really nice people out and away from downtown.

There are scenic places and interesting wildlife out and away from downtown.
There is parking everywhere out and away from downtown.

People do not need a downtown association.
Flip out and have a life out and away from downtown.

Michael Austin. I agree with most of what you say. But, I’d venture to guess, before Pleasanton “became the go to place”, it WAS the Downtown that brought people here. Then, through a series of Strong Mayors and solid City Councils, Pleasanton became THE Place to live and raise your children. Recent changes in Schools, School Maintenance, as well as work on city streets, underground water and sewer, plus replacement and tree trimming have suffered. Especially, during the past four or five years. If a new Downtown Association Manager doesn’t take and make some moves downtown, I’m afraid our Downtown Atmosphere will disappear. And with it, a lot of the people who made pleasanton what it is. There are a lot of impediments to driving downtown, safely. I’m not sure the Downtown Association can do anything about that, but IMHO, someone needs to.

I get a strong sense that this organization might be in need of a good audit. Their recent "Downtown Pleasanton" card situation doesn't pass the smell test. The cards aren't accepted in places they promised, and now they are saying those with the cards will soon lose all the money they have on those cards if they don't use them? Is anyone looking at their books? Did Karl leave because she took a look and did not like what she found? Is that why she was shown the door? Odd.