Craig Scharton, the new executive director of the Pleasanton Downtown Association (PDA), has a vision for downtown.
"I'd like to see a large number of uses down here so that it's as interesting as possible, so that every time you turn the corner you're surprised by something new and fun," he says. "One night you might come down for dinner, the next night for an art gallery opening, the next night for a play We have a really good looking Main Street, but there's some work to do here."
Scharton is the man to do that job. As executive director, he oversees the actions of the PDA, which is a non-profit merchant's association set up in 1984 to promote and market Pleasanton's downtown. His background, as an entrepreneur involved in the purchase and renovation of historic downtown properties, gives him a unique perspective on Pleasanton.
The PDA uses the California Main Street program as a blueprint for its activities. These programs focus on the following four areas, each of which are implemented through a volunteer committee:
Scharton is eager for the participation of Hacienda tenants in the committees.
"I'm soliciting participation from anyone interested in the committees," he says. "If they'd like to volunteer for a jazz night or community concerts, or even if they just want to get their business some exposure by being involved in an event through sponsorship, they're welcome," he says.
For more information on the PDA, call (510) 484-2199.
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