January 15, 2025
Shanelle Scales-Preston made historical past after being elected to the board in November.
Shanelle Scales-Preston, former mayor of Pittsburg, California, now serves as the primary Black ladies on the Board of Supervisors in Contra Costa County.
CBS Information confirmed Scales-Preston took the oath of workplace on Jan. 14 to steer District 5 after profitable the November election. She changed her now-retired predecessor, Federal Glover, for the place. Her district additionally encompasses components of the East Bay Space, together with Alhambra Valley, north Harmony, in addition to surrounding neighborhoods.
Scales-Preston launched an announcement on her historic appointment, noting it as a chance for “constructing bridges” for his or her constituents. Scales-Preston additionally turned the second particular person of shade elected to the board.
“This second is about constructing bridges — bridges to fairness, group security, financial alternative, and a brighter future for all,” Scales-Preston mentioned in an announcement.
“Collectively, we are going to attempt to make sure that each voice is heard, each neighborhood thrives, and each household has the chance to succeed.”
In accordance with her profile on Contra Costa’s web site, Scales-Preston is a devoted and seasoned civil servant. Beforehand, she gained the election to the Pittsburg Metropolis Council, beginning the function in 2018 earlier than turning into town’s mayor in 2023. Since these experiences, she has championed equitable applications to learn residents of all backgrounds.
Her passions lie in youth applications and the advance of metropolis companies in California. Rising up in Pittsburg, she discovered inspiration from her union household, additionally comprising of two factory-working dad and mom.
By means of her upbringing, she witnessed the significance and advocacy of civic involvement for a group’s progress. Scales-Preston hopes to lend these experiences in her newest work for the individuals throughout a number of components of Contra Costa County.
Scales-Preston continues dwelling in her hometown together with her husband and two sons. The mom nonetheless performs an lively function in the local people thorough the Pittsburg Reads initiative. Moreover, she holds the place as chair of the board for Marin Clear Vitality (MCE), a neighborhood electrical energy supplier.
As she sparks a brand new wave of range for Contra Costa’s management, Scales-Preston’s mission stays grounded in serving to all residents by way of bureaucratic challenges.
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