THE CITY OF PLEASANTON
Population: 69,123 – 2004
Elevation: 335 feet above sea level
Area: 22 square miles
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Pleasanton is located in the eastern portion of the San Francisco Bay Area. Its geographic location has been one of the major factors in shaping its past and will continue to shape its future.
A Little History:
Over 4000 years ago, The Valley was a part of a permanent settlement of Indians who came to our area. The Indians, the Ohlone had settlements along Pleasanton Ridge and the lagoon which were part of the largest concentration of Native Americans in North America. Their remains and relics have been found all around what is now known as Pleasanton.
Two hundred and fifty years ago, our valley was graced with meadowlarks, elk, grizzly bears, cougars, salmon, coyotes and reptiles of all kinds. Oak trees, sycamores, buckeyes, California bunch grass surrounded a large lagoon which nourished tulles, sedges and a myriad of aquatic life.
Agricultural Heritage:
Blessed with rich soil, Pleasanton soon became the agricultural center for the Amador Valley and home to the oldest horse racing track in the nation. Even today, famous horses from around the country continue to be sent here to showcase their speed because of the excellent soil and facilities. The hops grown here were sought by many of the largest beer producers in the United States and Europe, making Pleasanton internationally famous.
A Commercial Center:
Pleasanton’s rural character was maintained through the late 1950’s while other cities in the Bay Area grew rapidly, often routinely bulldozing blocks of historic buildings in the name of “progress.” It was only a matter of time until developers made their move on Pleasanton, and the 1960s and 1970s brought drastic increases in both our boundaries and population. Located at the intersection of I-580/I-680, Pleasanton became a magnet for retail/commercial developers. Several business parks were constructed including Hacienda, which is the largest in Northern California. Jobs multiplied rapidly and by the mid 1980s, Pleasanton was the third fastest growing city in California based on economic indicators. Pleasanton has attracted many high-tech businesses from the Silicon Valley and from San Francisco. The list includes Oracle, Providian Financial, Lucent Technologies and AT&T.
A Booming, Charming Downtown:
As the housing boom continued and prices skyrocketed, some of our young adults, senior citizens, and less advantaged residents were forced to look elsewhere for a place to live. Concerned, the community and City addressed the problem and continued to work toward its full resolution. So far, Pleasanton has achieved its goal of “positive growth,” the ability to grow in population while retaining the spirit and personal interrelationships that constitute a small town. However, as the outlying neighborhoods and commercial centers grew and prospered, many of the downtown core businesses moved or were forced to close. Thus began a period of stagnation and deterioration in Pleasanton’s historic downtown. It was the pride and spirit of its citizens that motivated community action groups and businesses to focus on the importance of downtown. Through their effort and municipal programs, downtown is once again buzzing with activity around new restaurants and retail businesses that have moved back to Main Street. Currently, Downtown Pleasanton is home to more than 400 businesses.
A Vibrant Community:
Pleasanton manages to preserve its “turn of the century” flavor while promoting the growth and progress necessary for the economic health of its citizens. Pleasanton now has the largest active sports park in Northern California, a public swimming complex with four pools, a regional park with facilities for boating, fishing and swimming, a City-owned theater for live performances, state-of-the-art basketball facilities built by the joint efforts of the City and School District at all middle schools, vast open space parks connected throughout with miles of trail for horseback riding, walking or bicycling and a skateboard park.
Pleasanton remains a welcoming family town and continues to emerge as a major job center with many corporate businesses moving their headquarters here. Over 4,000 businesses and industries employing over 40,000 people are presently located in Pleasanton. Our resident population now exceeds 68,000 and is still growing. As Pleasanton is growing, its population is diversifying. Currently there are many cultural and recreational programs for all ages and cultures. Local churches have implemented programs to celebrate ethnic and cultural diversity. The schools have taken the lead in offering many new ethnic and cultural classes along with other progressive programs which have resulted in the State of California naming both of the comprehensive high schools, all three middle schools and seven out of nine elementary schools to the elite list of “California Distinguished Schools.” Several Pleasanton schools have also been named as National Blue Ribbon Schools, and one school was named a National School of Character, one of only 10 in the nation.
Pleasanton is truly a community that cares. When a need arises, regardless of size, whether it is a child with a critical disease, a non-profit organization needing enlarged facilities, a city service that needs expanding, or an issue about community growth, citizens from all walks of like unite to identify and implement positive solutions. The degree of success in accomplishing community goals has been exceptional and continues to enhance the quality of life in this town.