PLEASANTON, CALIFORNIA – Former Pleasanton Mayor Tom Pico, whose years in office helped shape the city’s approach to growth and open space, has died at 82.
Pico died October 8, according to the Pleasanton Weekly. He served eight years on the City Council before serving as mayor from 2000 to 2004. His influence continued through community involvement long after he left office.
Councilmember Julie Testa remembered her friend and political ally as “a true guardian of Pleasanton,” the Weekly reported. Former city manager Deborah McKeehan credited him with advocating for ridgeline preservation, recreation and the city’s acquisition of the Bernal property.
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A Legacy in Pleasanton’s Public Spaces
The Bernal property offers a tangible example of the land-use decisions that helped shape Pleasanton.
A 2005 planning notice filed with the state, following Pico’s mayoral tenure, described a vision for 318 acres of city-owned land. The plan called for public facilities within an open-space and park setting, with potential uses including trails, community gardens, cultural arts and recreation.
Within that larger property, approximately 45 acres were identified for a community park primarily serving sports fields and related facilities. The record illustrates the scale of the planning effort — and the years required to turn a land acquisition into public amenities.
Today, Pleasanton reports 46 community and neighborhood parks, more than 60 miles of trails and over 700 acres of undeveloped open space.
Remembering Pico
His daughter, Jenny Pico-Moy, told the Weekly that the Bernal property, Kottinger Park, Callippe Golf Course and slow-growth measures remained among his proudest achievements.
Pico was also an Army veteran and accountant. He is survived by four children and six grandchildren.
A public memorial service is scheduled for 4 p.m. November 13 at the Pleasanton Masonic Lodge, 1181 Quarry Lane, the Weekly reported.
