Former Police Captain Craig Eicher Running For City Council

PLEASANTON, CA — Craig Eicher, a former Pleasanton police chief and lifelong resident, announced that he is challenging incumbent councilmember Valerie Arkin to represent District 2.

Eicher grew up in Pleasanton and graduated from Foothill High School, then went on to Las Positas College, Cal State Hayward, and St. Mary’s College Moraga. He started working with the Pleasanton Police Department in 1988 as a volunteer reserve officer, before becoming a full-time officer in 1991. He served numerous roles, including bike patrol officer, field training officer, detective, and later as a sergeant, lieutenant, and eventually as captain. In 2019-20, during the start of the pandemic, he served as the city’s interim police chief, and retired in 2021.

As a detective, he was an early advocate for the use of DNA, which helped solve a 30-year-old cold case. As a captain, he was instrumental in the implementation of homeless outreach teams, body cameras, and armored rescue vehicles. He was twice awarded Police Officer of the Year, and founded the Pleasanton Police Officers Charitable Foundation, which brings gifts to children in need during the holidays, and helps seniors and victims of crime.

Eicher listed his top priorities as public safety and community policing, which includes building trust with the community and advocating for enhanced emergency response services. He also advocates “balancing growth with environmental stewardship and long-term resilience,” with an emphasis on green infrastructure. He advocates safe drinker water free of PFAs and a stronger partnership with Zone 7 to ensure that, a strong relationship with the Pleasanton Unified School District, “fostering an environment conducive to business growth while preserving the city's unique charm,” and balancing the budget. He also hopes to bring principles of transparency and open government to the decision-making process.

Visit eicherforpleasanton.com for more information.

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