Photo

It's official: Danville, San Ramon and Alamo have a new county supervisor to represent them.

After a public hearing Tusday, the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors adopted the redistricting plan it approved last month. Although Mary Piepho and Gayle Uilkema originally opposed the plan, Piepho changed her vote Tuesday, making Uilkema the sole dissenter in the 4-1 vote.

The vote moves San Ramon, Danville and Alamo into Gayle B. Uilkema's district, District II, although Camino Tassajara, Blackhawk and Diablo will all remain in District III and will continue to be represented by Supervisor Mary N. Piepho.

Both Uilkema and Piepho originally backed Map 15, which would have kept city boundaries intact, although for slightly different reasons.

"It was less costly and it kept cities whole," Uilkema said. "It would minimize expenses and staff relocation."

Uilkema pointed out that with the redistricting plan, 50 percent of the residents of the county would be represented by a supervisor they never voted for.

"They don't know who we are and we don't know who they are," she said.

Uilkema said she thinks the San Ramon Valley fits her district, however, pointing toward a number of projects the Valley is working on with the area known as Lamorinda, including transportation and the solid waste authority.

"I think there's a great deal in common," Uilkema said, adding, "The current map provides an excellent opportunity for a new approach."

Her next step is to reach out to her new constituents.

"That is our primary goal," she said. "There is an office in Danville. We have already contacted agents to see what facilities are available. I expect I will be attending as many functions as possible."

Uilkema is still looking for office space in the Danville area. She's philosophically opposed to spending any county money for office rent and noted to date, she hasn't spent a nickle on office. She noted that she's exploring the idea of having offices in a county-owned building.

Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.