Community Corner

San Ramon's New Council Takes Their Seats

After winning their elections last month, Mayor Bill Clarkson and councilmember Philip O'Loane officially joined San Ramon's City Council Monday night.

For the first time in eight years, San Ramon has a new mayor.

Bill Clarkson, who last month over Carol Rowley, took the oath of office in front of a packed auditorium at the San Ramon Community Center Monday night.

Also taking oaths to the council were newcomer Philip O'Loane and incumbent Scott Perkins.

Find out what's happening in San Ramonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Clarkson, a former board member on the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, and O'Loane thanked the outgoing members and said they look forward to increasing the council's community outreach during their tenures.

"It's going to take a lot of hard work and conversations," Clarkson said. "We want to receive as much input as possible from you."

Find out what's happening in San Ramonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The longest speech of the night came from the outgoing mayor, H. Abram Wilson.

Wilson's term limit expired and he failed in his bid for a seat on the council, finishing third behind Perkins and O'Loane.

But in his final speech he showed his skills as an orator, going over a list of accomplishment as mayor — from maintaining the city's landscaping to bringing San Ramon its own police department — and wished the next members of the council success.

"To everyone that gave me the opportunity to represent this great city, I say, thank you, thank you, thank you," Wilson said.

As planned, Wilson and Rowley walked away from their seats at the end of the meeting and Clarkson and O'Loane filled them.

Clarkson's first action as mayor will likely be one of his easiest.

"This meeting is adjourned."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here