Pleasant Hill — The future of Pleasant Hill hangs in the balance as a disconcerting development unfolded during the recent City Council Meeting. Councilmembers have set their sights on a districting ordinance that raises serious concerns as it would allow the City to adopt a district map that divides neighborhoods.
The language within the proposed ordinance has raised alarms, as it grants the City Council the authority to include one or more 4-district maps on the primaries ballot, incurring an estimated cost of approximately $100,000. Of particular concern is the push by Mayor Flaherty to include a divisive 4-district map that threatens to fragment communities and neighborhoods, including College Park, Gregory Gardens, Woodside Meadows, Poet’s Corner, and the communities to the east of Contra Costa Blvd.
Despite clear expressions of opposition from the community, who have advocated for a 5-district map that preserves the unity of neighborhoods, it appears that the Mayor and Vice Mayor have vested interests in drafting an ordinance that would enable the adoption of a 4-district map, thus helping secure their positions on the City Council.
“It is the responsibility of the City Council to prioritize the best interests of Pleasant Hill residents, not their own” expressed Ady Olvera, Democratic Party of Contra Costa County (DPCCC) District 4 Director for Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Clayton, and Concord. “Adopting a 4-district map not only goes against the wishes of the community, it breaks up neighborhoods and as a result dilutes their voting power.”
To ensure that the voices of Pleasant Hill residents are heard, a call to action has been issued. It is urged that all concerned individuals voice their opposition by emailing CityCouncil@PleasantHillCA.org.
Additionally, residents are strongly encouraged to attend the forthcoming City Council Meeting on Monday, June 26th, at 7 pm, to ask for the adoption of the community 5-district map and that the City refrain from adopting an ordinance with language that could lead to the implementation of a 4-district map.
Michelle Simone
Community Organizer
Editors note:
The Pleasant Hill Community is invited to provide input at the next planning session regarding the City’s proposed transition to district-based elections.
Following the April 17, 2023, public hearing, the City demographer prepared draft electoral division maps, which are available by clicking on the links below. The City held public hearings on May 1, May 6, and May 22, 2023, to discuss and gather feedback on the draft maps. An additional hearing has been scheduled for June 5, 2023. See the Public Hearing Notices section for information on the next public hearing.
Map 1 – 5 Districts and demographic data
Map 1 – 4 Districts and Directly Elected Mayor and demographic data
Map 2 – 4 Districts (submitted by a member of the public) and demographic data
Map 2 – 5 Districts (submitted by a member of the public) and demographic data
Map 3 – 4 Districts (submitted by a member of the public) and demographic data
Map 3 – 5 Districts (submitted by a member of the public) and demographic data
Map 4 – 5 Districts (submitted by a member of the public) and demographic data
Map 5 – 5 Districts (submitted by a member of the public) and demographic data
Map 6 – 5 Districts (submitted by a member of the public) and demographic data
Map 7 – 5 Districts (submitted by a member of the public) and demographic data
Map 8 – 5 Districts (submitted by a member of the public) and demographic data
Additional online viewing: The links below will show the four and five district maps with search and other geolocation features enabled.
Four District Maps: https://bit.ly/44WxxAZ
Five District Maps: https://bit.ly/41OuwQA.
Public Hearings
- March 6, 2023 – 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting: Notice of Intention Regarding Transition to District-Based Elections Staff Report and Attachments
- March 20, 2023 – 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting: First Public Hearing to Consider Composition of Districts for By-Distric Elections and Schedule for Future Hearings Staff Report and Attachments
- April 3, 2023 – 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting: Second Public Hearing to Consider Composition of Districts for By-District Elections and Schedule for Future Hearings Staff Report and Attachments
- April 17, 2023 – 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting: Additional “Pre-map Public Hearing to Consider Composition of Districts for District-Based Elections and Schedule for Future Hearings Staff Report and Attachments
- May 1, 2023 – 7:00 p.m. City Council: Public Hearing to Consider Draft Maps and Composition of Districts for By-District Elections Staff Report and Attachments
- May 6, 2023 – 2:00 p.m. City Council (special meeting): Public Hearing to Consider Draft Maps and Composition of Districts for By-District Elections Staff Report and Attachments
- May 22, 2023 – 7:00 p.m. City Council (special meeting): Public Hearing Staff Report and Attachments
- June 5, 2023 – 7:00 p.m. City Council (regular meeting with Public Hearing): Staff Report and Attachments
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