The City of Pleasanton is launching its first Pleasanton Community Academy, which will provide a unique opportunity for community members to expand their understanding of local government. The Pleasanton Community Academy will consist of five sessions, each designed to offer participants an immersive experience in various aspects of the City’s delivery of programs and services, and the opportunity to connect with city officials and fellow community members.

The free classes start in January 2024. The program is open to individuals aged 18 or above who live or work in Pleasanton. The Pleasanton Community Academy will cover an array of topics, including infrastructure, leisure activities, public safety, and management skills training. Five sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings from January through May 2024, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.  

The Pleasanton Community Academy will cover City Government 101 during Session 1 on January 17. During Session 2, on February 21, the topic will be Securing Our City: Public Safety Night. On March 20, during Session 3, the focus is Investing in Our Environment: Water, Streets, and Sustainability. The penultimate session, on April 17, covers Building a Community: Plans and Parks. The final session, on May 22, features Championing Pleasanton: Good Citizen Skills.

Officials say participants will be able to “delve into city government, policymaking, and learn about city operations” by attending tours of city facilities and scenic parks, viewing public safety demonstrations, and engaging with city officials and networking with fellow community members. While there is no fee to attend Pleasanton Community Academy, the program is limited to 25 participants. Applications are being accepted through November 15, 2023. City officials are actively recruiting for the Academy through an online application form found on the City of Pleasanton’s official website.

Pleasanton offers community outreach with a variety of educational programs in addition to its new Pleasanton Community Academy. The Teen Academy, for example, is a three-week program offered each summer to local teens interested in law enforcement. Classes are taught by Pleasanton police officers through hands-on activities and classroom lectures. The Pleasanton Police Department’s Teen Academy is offered at no charge to local high school students between the ages of 14 and 18. Typically, applications are available in May and classes start in July.

The Pleasanton Police Department’s Citizens’ Academy is an interactive course for individuals aged 18 or older who live or work in Pleasanton. The 15-week experience offers participants a behind-the-scenes look at local law enforcement. It is designed to educate community members about how the Pleasanton Police Department operates, according to official.

The topics covered include animal services, crime prevention, patrol procedures, traffic enforcement, crime scene investigation, special weapons and tactics, K-9 program, use of force, radio communications, and narcotics investigations. The Citizens’ Academy is held once a year in the early spring. There is no charge for program participants. Classes meet once a week on Thursday nights from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at the Pleasanton Police Department.

For more information on the Pleasanton Community Academy, please visit www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/gov/depts/manager/pleasantoncommunityacademy.asp?fbclid=IwAR2aE8BLKJLa5jxayUFqLY49OBa6p5kHTMCgOl-HAThBaRU9hgaarEH7Txk.

For more information on the Teen Academy, please visit www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/gov/depts/police/community/teens.asp.

For more information about the Pleasanton Police Department’s Citizens’ Academy, please visit www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/gov/depts/police/community/academy.asp.