As Pleasanton's Mayor, I will apply my 8 years of experience as both a vice mayor (2015 & 2019) and city councilmember. I will continue to be your voice as a mayor with integrity, common sense, and independence.  I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Marketing, and I consider myself a life-long learner.

Building on my former careers as a worldwide account manager for a semiconductor equipment manager, and later as the manager of a local real estate firm, I bring years of management experience which will be needed as we restore our health and rebuild our economy.  I am a strong advocate for Pleasanton's Small Business Support Program offered to independent and locally owned businesses adversely affected by COVID-19. 

I am a 20+ year resident representing Pleasanton on 12 local boards and committees. Previously, I volunteered for Pleasanton Unified School District as a GATE liaison, I was a RAGE soccer coach, Tri-Valley Conservancy volunteer, and I have supported many breast cancer fundraisers and recovery programs.  

I am proud to offering the following policies that are embedded into my campaign.

(1) My campaign pledge: I will not accept campaign donations from builders or developers that often aim to buy influence for their projects.  However, I will meet to discuss or improve a project.

(2) I support “Slow and Smart Growth” policies that shaped Pleasanton, lowered traffic, and eased school overcrowding.  Negative impacts from state-required housing must be minimized. 

(3)  I will continue to protect scenic ridgelines, clean air, and safe drinking water.

(4) Pleasanton’s “heart” is our historic downtown. I will not support multi-story housing replacing restaurants or shops downtown.

(5) Safety is critical to our quality of life. We must retain outstanding police officers and fire personnel, while adding vital mental health professionals.

 Working together, we are a winning team for Pleasanton.  www.Vote4Karla.com

I have been on City Council since 2012 and played an active role in driving programs and policies that make Pleasanton one of the safest and most desirable communities in the nation. I have:

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• Been instrumental as a Task Force Member to develop, build and complete the Firehouse Theatre and the award-winning Callippe Preserve Golf Course as well as renovate/rededicate the Veteran’s Memorial Hall. 

• Advocated and participated in the formation of the Downtown Hospitality, Art and Downtown Specific Plans. 

• Initiated Council ban on E-cigs and Vaping products in Pleasanton ( July 2019) while allowing the Youth Commission to bring the ban forward.  Supported and advocated for smoking ban in multi-family shared walled dwellings (rental) and fought for owned residences to be included as well), downtown, parks, etc. Supported a Tobacco Retailer License (pending Council approval).  

• Advocated on behalf of Pleasanton with our state legislature as a Board Member for the East Bay Division of the League of California Cities (2019-2020 President Elect) and League Legislative Policy Committee.  

I have always been civic minded, beginning with my service as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps.  After my military service, I started up my award-winning media-production company 38 years ago. I settled in downtown Pleasanton during the 1990s, and although my business still thrives in Pleasanton, I find time to give back. Below is a partial list of my local, community and regional involvement: 

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• Pleasanton City Council (2012 – current) Vice Mayor, 2013 and 2017

• Pleasanton City Commissions: Planning, Chairman 2012 (2009 – 2012) and Parks & Recreation, Chairman 2004 (2003 – 2009)  

• East Bay Community Energy (EBCE), Board of Directors, (2020) 

• City of Pleasanton Legislative Advocacy Committee (2017-current) 

• East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) Liaison Committee (2012-2013, 2016-current) 

• Alameda County Waste Management Authority (Stopwaste.org) Board Member, President 2015, (2012-current) 

• Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Board Member, President 2016 (2014-2018) 

• Alameda County Energy Council, Board Member (2016-current) 

• Livermore Amador Valley Transportation Authority (LAVTA) Board Member, Vice-Chair - 2020 (2014-current) 

• League of California Cities, East Bay Division Board of Directors, President Elect, 2020 

• League of California Cities, Legislative Policy Committees, Transportation, Public Works & Communications Policy Committee Member (2013-current) 

• Civic Center/Library Task Force, Alternate (2014-2017) 

• Pleasanton Downtown Specific Plan Task Force, Alternate (2017-2018) 

• Tri-Valley Transportation Commission Board Member (2012-2014) 

• Tri-Valley Regional Rail Policy Group Committee, Alternate (2018) 

• Member of Rotary - Pleasanton North Rotary/Hayward Rotary, (1984-current) 

• Honorary Alameda County Sheriff, Alameda County Sheriff’s Department, (2018-Current) 

• Pleasanton Callippe Golf Course Committee, Member (1997-2005)

• Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan, Vice Chair (2005) 

• Veteran’s War Memorial Building Renovation Task Force, Member (1998-2003)

• Kottinger Gardens Senior Housing Task Force, Member (2003-2005)  

• Firehouse Arts Center Task Force, Member (2008-2010)   (See historical video produced by Jerry here.)

• Bicycle/Pedestrian/Trails Committee, Vice-Chair (2003-2005) 

• Junior Golf Association of Northern California, Board of Directors,  President – 2010-2011 (2008-2012)

• Rotarian, 36 years, Pleasanton North Rotary/Hayward Rotary, 1984-Current, (Honorary Member, Pleasanton North Rotary, 2012)

• Sergeant, United States Marine Corps, 1976-1980 

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Because of my long-term involvement, I have received the following awards: 

• Mayor’s Award (2005) 

• Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, "Excellence in Business" Award (2011) 

• Pleasanton North Rotary, Rotarian of the Year (2007 and 2011) 

My focus as Mayor will be to champion local initiatives and advocate for responsible growth. 

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Champion Local Initiatives 

• Retain local control of our city government from state legislators and agencies.  

• Strengthen city partnership with our award-winning schools and school district. 

• Advocate for pension reform and sustainable budget management. 

• Support our public safety first-responders and create updated policies through constructive dialogue and engagement. 

• Encourage and foster cultural inclusiveness in our city and civic representation for our residents.

• Support complete streets updates with consideration for bicycle and pedestrian routes for all.

Advocate for Responsible Growth 

• Continue the fight to protect our open space, ridge lines, and natural resources. 

• Support our business community to maintain a strong revenue base, including impacts from COVID-19. 

• Continue planning for a new library and city facilities. 

• Protect and provide clean water and expand our successful recycled water program throughout the city. 

• Collaborate with regional and state partners on affordable housing for all residents and our workforce. 

• Advocate for planned progress, only with community benefit; Stop rampant growth required by state legislation and RHNA requirements.