Trupiano, Obringer, Noack to lead local cities in ’25
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Dec. 20, 2024) — As local City Councils voted on their annual mayoral rotation, Clayton’s Holly Tillman was once again overlooked for a leadership position. Meanwhile, each city welcomed new councilmembers – with Pleasant Hill swearing in three, and one each in Concord and Clayton.
Trupiano first-time mayor in Clayton
On Dec. 17, the Clayton council elected Kim Trupiano as mayor and Jeff Wan as vice mayor, marking the third time that Tillman was passed over for these roles. Critics say this decision deviates from the city’s motto, “Do the Right Thing,” and fails to address the ongoing divide within the community.
Trupiano nominated Wan for vice mayor, while Tillman nominated herself. Tillman is the longest-serving councilmember without holding the title of mayor, raising concerns about adherence to longstanding traditions.
In all three local cities, the mayor and vice mayor positions rotate, generally following a predictable pattern based on seniority. The Clayton council broke this protocol in 2020 when they bypassed Wan for mayor in favor of Carl Wolfe, and in 2021 when Peter Cloven was chosen. Currently in the second year of his second term, Wan served as mayor in 2023.
In the November election, Tillman finished second, just 156 votes behind retired former Clayton police officer Richard Enea. Jim Diaz narrowly retained his seat, defeating Maria Shulman by only 52 votes. Enea, Diaz and Shulman were supported by Clayton Watch, a political action committee formed in 2024 that launched a series of personal attacks against Tillman.
“I don’t need a title to lead; I do it regardless,” Tillman said in her closing remarks. Wan made no closing comments.
Clayton has faced significant challenges, including high turnover, with at least nine city managers and more than two dozen senior staff changes at City Hall since 2018.
Obringer leads again in Concord
On Dec. 10, Councilmember Carlyn Obringer was sworn in for her third term, while Pablo Benavente took the oath for his first term. Both won contested races in the Nov. 5 general election, with Obringer in District 2 and Benavente in District 4.
The council selected Obringer as mayor and Laura Nakamura as vice mayor for the upcoming year. Attendees at the meeting acknowledged outgoing Mayor Edi Birsan’s 12 years of service on the council.
In her inaugural address, Obringer outlined her vision for Concord, emphasizing the need for continued progress. “While we have made strides, there is still much work to do,” she said, identifying roadway improvements, public safety, homelessness and economic development as top priorities for 2025.
Obringer joined the council in November 2016 and was reelected in 2020 and 2024. She previously served as vice mayor and mayor, demonstrating a strong commitment to local governance. Benavente, a Concord native, earned a bachelor’s in political science from CSU East Bay and has actively engaged in community service, including roles with the Economic Opportunity Council of Contra Costa.
Noack heads new Pleasant Hill council
On Dec. 16, the Pleasant Hill City Council experienced a significant transition as three councilmembers stepped down and three new members were sworn in. This change follows the shift from an at-large to district-based election system, which resulted in the departure of Councilmembers Tim Flaherty, Matt Rinn and Allen Vinson, who collectively served the community for 22 years.
The three new members elected in November are Belle La (District 1), Andrei Obolenskiy (District 2) and Amanda Szakats (District 5). Current members Zac Shess and Sue Noack will continue to serve at-large until their terms expire in 2026, at which point they will be eligible for reelection in Districts 3 and 4, respectively.
La’s election is particularly noteworthy, as she becomes the first Asian-American representative on the council. After the new members were sworn in, the council selected Noack as mayor and Shess as vice mayor for 2025.
Pioneer Editor Tamara Steiner and Concord Community Relations Manager Jennifer Ortega contributed to this report.