Pleasanton First

*** Staples Ranch Alert ***

As you know, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that our city reached with Alameda County regarding the annexation of Staples Ranch into Pleasanton was recently jeopardized by a misguided “open space” initiative. Thanks to the support of citizens like you, support for the initiative has waned significantly. However, it hasn’t gone away and still could undermine the MOU between Pleasanton and Alameda County that would allow Pleasanton to control the development of this property!

If you feel strongly that Staples Ranch should be developed in Pleasanton for the benefit of Pleasanton residents, now is the time to act! Here’s what you can do to make a difference:

Show up and voice your opinion at the November 8th Staples Ranch workshop with the City Council and Planning Commission. This critical meeting starts at 6:30pm at the City Council chambers. Please get there early for a good seat.

If you can’t show up to the workshop on November 8th (or even if you can) send an email to the City Council and Planning Commission voicing your support for the MOU. You can send your email to:

City Council: citycouncil@ci.pleasanton.ca.us

Planning Commission: mhoey@ci.pleasanton.ca.us

Here is a sample letter you can use:

Dear City Council and Planning Commission:

Please support the MOU between Alameda County and Pleasanton for the development of Staples Ranch.The project will keep much needed tax revenue in Pleasanton, and secure more open space, senior housing, neighborhood retail and sports facilities for Pleasanton residents.

Write a letter to the editor of the local newspapers. You can send your letter to:

Pleasanton Weekly: www.pleasantonweekly.com/staff/mailto.php?e=editor

Valley Times: ccnletters@bayareanewsgroup.com

Tri Valley Herald: www.insidebayarea.com/trivalleyherald/writealetter

Independent: editmail@compuserve.com

Be sure to include your name, city of residence and phone number.

NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND PUT PLEASANTON FIRST!

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Do Not Sign the

“The Pleasanton Eastern Gateway” Initiative

It’s Not What It Appears To Be!

Pleasanton parks, schools, libraries, cultural arts and emergency services stand to lose millions of dollars if this initiative gains support. Put Pleasanton First – don’t support this misguided initiative!

If passed it will:

Jeopardize any open space on Staples Ranch
Ensure that the property is developed, but not in Pleasanton
Deprive Pleasanton residents of a large community park and all-weather sports fields
Negatively impact Pleasanton youth activities
Take money away from our schools
Eliminate much needed senior housing in Pleasanton
Create an annual loss of over $5 million to the city of Pleasanton

This initiative is a thinly veiled attempt to stop development on Staples Ranch. Because the property is not yet in our city limits, the initiative can’t guarantee open space until it is actually annexed to Pleasanton. The owners of the property, Alameda County, are determined to see it developed. The question is, in partnership with which city?

Until now, the County has been working cooperatively with Pleasanton leaders to create a balanced development plan that benefits all of Pleasanton. The proposed 124-acre development, if located in Pleasanton, could include:

A community park with all-weather sports fields
A senior independent and assisted living facility
An indoor ice skating arena for youth and adult recreational activities
A significant amount of development impact fees for Pleasanton Unified School District
$5 million in annual revenue for Pleasanton from the Pleasanton Auto Mall

This initiative jeopardizes it all. It guarantees that Alameda County will look outside Pleasanton to develop Staples Ranch. As a result, Livermore or Dublin will receive all of the financial benefits and control the development, while we will feel all the impacts with no benefit. That’s right – Pleasanton will receive NOTHING!

Pleasanton is a great place to live, work and raise a family. Let’s help our city leaders keep it that way and put Pleasanton First. Do not support the dangerously misguided “Pleasanton Eastern Gateway” Initiative – it’s not what it appears to be!

Leaders from throughout our community are strongly opposed to this initiative and support the

Staples Ranch development in and for Pleasanton.

To see the ad that appeared in the Pleasanton Weekly click here

Please send your name and contact information to: pleasantonfirst@gmail.com

and join the growing number of coalition members who want to keep

Pleasanton First!

Thank you for your support!

Recent Newspaper Articles and Editorials

Pleasanton could lose $millions in Staples Ranch grab

Pleasanton Weekly, May 25, 2007

http://www.pleasantonweekly.com/story.php?story_id=2505

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Editorial: Is Planning leader hurting Pleasanton?
Pleasanton Weekly, May 25, 2007

http://www.pleasantonweekly.com/story.php?story_id=2514

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Hosterman, 3 council members say

Staples Ranch petition is bad for Pleasanton
'Divisive and waste of resources' -- Councilwoman Cheryl Cook-Kallio

Pleasanton Weekly, May 25, 2007

http://www.pleasantonweekly.com/story.php?story_id=2508

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Staples Ranch shouldn't be sacrificed for politics
Pleasanton Weekly, June 1, 2007

Dear Editor,

I just returned from a golf tournament in the Davis area to find out about the initiative concerning Staples Ranch. I am in complete opposition to this initiative and really concerned that our neighbors to the east have the influence to grab this away from Pleasanton. I want to thank you for the Weekly's immediate response to this and hope P-Town residents are aware of what is at stake here. I think like this..."Do you want a new library?...Do you want a performing arts center?...Do you want our parks maintained like they are today?" We need the revenue that will be generated from the Staples Ranch property. If a resident of Pleasanton is concerned about "open space", I highly encourage them to contact any member of the Pleasanton Parks & Recreation Commission. We have worked hard to keep open space. Look at the wonderful success of Callippe Preserve. Look at the Augustin-Bernal Park up on the Ridge. Pay attention to the "southeastern hills" or as it's known now--"Oak Grove Project". This city is has been a frontrunner in preserving open space. Considering we have 41 parks in Pleasanton, I think we set the standard for recognizing open space and keeping it open. Staples Ranch will be a great addition to Pleasanton and should not be sacrificed because of someone's (or somebody's) political aspirations.

Jerry Pentin, Member
Pleasanton Parks & Recreation Commissioner
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Halting Stoneridge Drive extension a terrible idea

Tri Valley Herald, May 27, 2007

Click here for article

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Editorial: Pleasanton skips out on Staples Ranch threat

Pleasanton Weekly, June 29, 2007

http://www.pleasantonweekly.com/story.php?story_id=2643

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JOIN NOW!
Concerned residents from throughout our community are strongly opposed to the

“Pleasanton Eastern Gateway” initiative, and support the Staples Ranch development in and for Pleasanton.

Please send your name and contact information to: pleasantonfirst@gmail.com and join the growing number

of coalition members who want to keep Pleasanton First!