Pittsburg City Council Appoints Arlene Kobata as New Council Member

The Pittsburg City Council unanimously voted to appoint Arlene Kobata to the vacant council seat during their recent meeting.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PITTSBURG, CA – The Pittsburg City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Arlene Kobata to the City Council’s single vacant seat. Ms. Kobata’s appointment highlights the City’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and maintaining a fully operational Council to address the needs of Pittsburg’s residents.

“We are pleased, that tonight, as a council, we made a decision to fill the vacancy left by former councilmember and now County Supervisor Shanell Scales-Preston. Now with a full council, we can continue doing the great work of moving the City of Pittsburg forward,” said Mayor Jelani Killings.

Following an agendized discussion during the December 16, 2024, City Council meeting, the four remaining Councilmembers voted to use an application and interview process to fill the position. This decision was made as an alternative to holding a special election, which would have cost the City’s taxpayers over $700,000. The appointment process offered a more cost-effective and timely solution, ensuring the vacancy was minimized while maintaining transparency and inclusivity. After a thorough review of applications and interviews with qualified candidates, the Council selected Ms. Kobata, whose experience and commitment to the community stood out.

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About The City of Pittsburg

Incorporated in 1903, Pittsburg is located on the south shore of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in Northern California, 30 miles east of San Francisco. The City has a population of 77,752, and operates under the council/manager form of government with its own Police, Public Works, Community and Economic Development, Finance, Community Services, and Recreation Departments, as well as its own utility divisions operating as the Pittsburg Power Company and Pittsburg Water. With more than 5,000 new housing units in the development pipeline, as well as large industrial corridors slated for redevelopment, Pittsburg is one of the fastest growing cities in Contra Costa County. For more information, please call the City Manager’s Office at (925) 252-4850.