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Residents defend senior rides program and press council on police accountability
Summary
Public comment included a firm defense of the Pleasanton Rides senior transportation program by contractor Black Tie Transportation and a separate citizen accusation alleging excessive force by the Pleasanton Police Department, citing an Alameda County DA report.
During the meeting's public-comment period, two speakers urged the council to address separate community concerns.
Bill Wheeler, owner of Black Tie Transportation and operator of the Pleasanton Rides program, told the council the service provides thousands of trips for seniors annually and argued the contractor improved punctuality while trimming costs. "When Black Tie took over the Pleasanton rides in 2021...we reduced inefficiencies and delivered reliable, compassionate service while cutting the annual expense by $539,000," Wheeler said.
Separately, resident John Bauer criticized the Pleasanton Police Department's use of force in past incidents, citing a recent Alameda County District Attorney Public Accountability Unit report. "When Jacob was killed...the department was out of control," Bauer said, urging the new chief to address department practices. No police representative offered a response during the meeting.
Both comments were part of a broader public-comment period in which residents also praised outgoing officials, discussed local economic shifts tied to a new Costco opening and highlighted environmental work in the Tri Valley.
The council did not take immediate action on either public comment but heard both items as part of the meeting record.
