Pleasanton Launches Storm Watch Campaign Ahead of El Niño Winter
Pleasanton has launched “Storm Watch,” a campaign asking residents and businesses to prepare for winter storms. Pleasanton Weekly reported Thursday that city crews are inspecting and clearing drains while officials urge households to check their own gutters and drainage.
By the Bay Area Brief staff · Edited by Seamus McKenna · · 2 min read
The Streets of Brentwood shopping center in Brentwood in late-afternoon sun. Photo: Thomasfan1916 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped, resized and color-graded). Archive photo of the area; not a photo of the events in this story.
Pleasanton has launched “Storm Watch,” a campaign asking residents and businesses to prepare for winter storms. Pleasanton Weekly reported Thursday that city crews are inspecting and clearing drains while officials urge households to check their own gutters and drainage.
The city’s storm page confirms that free sand and sandbags are available around the clock during the rainy season at the Operations Services Department, 3333 Busch Road. It is a self-service station; residents should bring a shovel and fill their own bags.
The Weekly reported a limit of 10 bags per household or business. Officials also encourage AC Alert enrollment and early reporting of blocked drains. The city notes that a strong El Niño increases concern, but practical preparation remains important regardless of when individual storms arrive.
The day's Bay Area housing, business and neighborhood news, plus the world headlines that matter, in one short email. Free, and you can unsubscribe anytime.
We use your email only to send the Brief. Details in our privacy policy.
The city launched a 'Be Ready, Pleasanton' campaign, formalized its first emergency preparedness committee and is stocking free sandbags at its Busch Road yard.
A Contra Costa judge sentenced Badal Dholaria, 28, to 14 years and 8 months in prison for the Nov. 29, 2025 crash near Crow Canyon and Bollinger Canyon roads that killed Castro Valley nurse Alix Sparks. Police said he was driving drunk at more than 150 mph.
Balch wants a second two-year term; Testa, termed out of the council, says the city needs independent leadership. They split on downtown vacancies, the 2024 sales tax and East Pleasanton housing.
Measure HH on Pleasanton’s Nov. 3 ballot would raise the transient occupancy tax paid by hotel guests from 8% to 10% in 2027 and 12% in 2028, aiming for about $1.4 million to $2.8 million a year for general city services. It needs a simple majority.
The pool-supply chain shut 76 stores nationwide, including eight in the Bay Area, when it filed for Chapter 11 on Sept. 30. Gift cards and loyalty rewards are still being honored.