As Orinda gears up for City Council elections in November, voters face a dynamic array of candidates, each bringing unique perspectives and ideas to the table. Over the next three months, The Orinda News will report on their backgrounds, platforms and visions for the future of the city.
This month begins with a twist on the monthly “Meet Your Neighbor” feature, with “Meet the Candidates” focusing on their personal lives and accomplishments. Each candidate was given the same questions during the interview.
October’s issue will cover the candidates’ platforms and challenges, and November’s issue will report on the public forum, sponsored by The Orinda Association, to be held on Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. At the forum, citizens will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the candidates. Please submit questions to editor@theorindanews.com. Questions may also be submitted in person at the forum.
All city council members serve Orinda as volunteers and are not paid for their time and commitment to the City and residents. They attend lengthy meetings, read reams of official documents, conduct hours of research and make educated decisions regarding state and government requirements on legislation, budget, policy, leadership, zoning, development, licenses and much more.
Candace Evans
Candace Evans
Candace Evans is a fresh face in Orinda. As an African American member of the LGBTQ+ community, she brings diversity to Orinda and to the City Council race. Currently a legislative recorder for the City of Oakland, Evans also serves as an appointed advocate for the Contra Costa Advisory Council On Aging. She recognizes the values, contributions and challenges of Orinda’s aging community. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Evans understands the workings of a city like Orinda and can provide significant insights in a role on the City Council.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Greenville, South Carolina. Greenville was a very small city and extremely systematic and successful for everyone.
How long have you lived in Orinda and what brought you here?
I have lived in Orinda for over six years. I first moved to Orinda after relocating from Los Angeles. During my first visit to Orinda, I immediately felt at home. Coming from Greenville, Orinda felt very similar to my hometown. In 2024, USA Today named Greenville the most desirable city in the south, and in 2022 HGTV named Greenville one of the 30 most charming small towns in America.
Orinda has also been nominated and recognized as one of the most amazing and friendliest cities in the nation. So it’s no wonder I decided to move here and take on the role as Secretary/Board Member and Chair of the Planning Committee for the Advisory Council on Aging – Orinda Representative.
What do you like most about Orinda? What is the one thing you would like to change?
Like my hometown, Orinda has an exceptional history. It started as Mexican land millions of years ago and was mainly known for ranching. Fast forward to now, Orinda is the main attraction for families who appreciate the history and hard work that was put into developing this amazing city.
Tell us about your family/partner/pets:
I am an only child. I was the only grandchild and great-grandchild for 14 years (most of my childhood). My parents were very young when I was born, so my grandparents and great-grandparents raised me. My grandfather was a prominent figure in local politics, which inspired my uncle to become the first African American Senator-lawyer in Greenville, S.C. Growing up, I was immersed in a community-driven and structured environment focused on education. My great-grandmother was the first black teacher in the integrated schools in Greenville S.C. Education was FIRST in my household.
The knowledge of what makes a city thrive is deeply ingrained in my upbringing. While I don’t have any pets at the moment, I was raised on farmland and often helped my great-grandfather, giving me a strong understanding of the hard work it takes to plant a seed and see it through to harvest. I am a woman of color in the LGBT community and do not have any children.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time, I swim (I am a free diver). I engage in physical fitness activities of ANY kind. I love to run and play tennis and strive to maintain a healthy balance between my business and personal well-being. I travel often and spend time with my last living grandmother on Facetime.
What is the accomplishment of which you are most proud?
First and foremost, I am proud of the success I have achieved at a young age. I am extremely grateful to my grandparents and great-grandparents for instilling in me the importance of hard work through their example. I am happy to be able to show them that their efforts in raising me were not in vain.
With a long list of accomplishments, I do have a few favorites:
1. I served as the Campaign Manager for Anthony Perry during his run for the California State Senate District 35.
2. As the head creative director for Festival Properties, I led a team in developing the community, Our KaKa’ako, which has now become Hawaii’s most unique, progressive and talked-about urban island neighborhood.
3. I had the opportunity to create a highly successful garden at Nora Sterry Elementary School in Santa Monica, where we integrated STEM.
4. I collaborated with Our Lady of Malibu to establish another community garden for Malibu youth and schools, integrating STEM into their curriculum.
5. I owned a very successful juice bar in Los Angeles, and we have now expanded to include a garden center and grocery store.
6. I have co-authored several pieces of California legislation for seniors, of which we are very proud today.
Why are you running for City Council?
I’m running for City Council to serve my neighbors and work hard on their behalf. To return their phone calls, and address their concerns quickly and effectively. I want to create a long-term plan for neighborhoods that promotes sustainable economic development, strong parks and keeping Orinda’s identity alive.
Aiming to move Orinda forward and enhance the quality of life for all residents, my priorities will include expansion of fire prevention and public works projects under Measure R, supporting initiatives for smart, sustainable development and creating a more vibrant downtown, enhancing senior programs, facilitating an agreement between OUSD and the State to accept the $1.5M for the Orinda Nature Area, continuing to support community-wide discussions on private roads, working collaboratively with the new city manager and public entity partners, fiscal oversight, being responsive and accessible to all, supporting the renovation of city parks and developments and much more!
As a woman of color, I bring a new outlook on where Orinda is going and what it can achieve.
I love our city. When you love something, you step up, you fight for it and do whatever it takes to make it better. What we do for Orinda today will impact not only our children, but their children, too. And that’s certainly something worth fighting for.
Anything you would like to add?
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to The Orinda News, The Orinda Association and other community news outlets for the exceptional work they are doing. It truly takes a village to keep our residents informed and their efforts are greatly appreciated.
Darlene Gee
Darlene K. Gee
Darlene Gee, currently serving as Orinda mayor, a position she held in 2020 as well, has nine years of experience on the City Council. She brings extensive service, knowledge and intelligence to the office. In the landscape of leadership turnovers in the past few months, Gee’s long tenure of serving Orinda underscores her history, consistency and stability. As a civil engineer who has voluntarily worked on the City’s infrastructure for 15 years, Gee is a resource as Orinda leans into infrastructure issues, such as private roads and storm drains.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Bloomington, Illinois. I appreciate my Midwest roots and love going back to visit family and my childhood memories, but I moved to California in 1980 and have never considered leaving. I’m the quintessential, transplanted Californian.
How long have you lived in Orinda and what brought you here?
I moved to Orinda in 1989 with my husband. We wanted to buy our first house in a place where we could raise a family. We appreciated the quiet neighborhoods, the easy access to so many nearby amenities and the top-rated schools. It was one of our best decisions and we have enjoyed living here for 35 years and raising our family in such a wonderful environment.
What do you like most about Orinda? What is the one thing you would like to change?
I love the family-centric focus of the community and its incredible volunteer spirit. People’s willingness to step up in every aspect of our community makes Orinda a pleasant place to live, where most people really know their neighbors and build lifelong friendships.
The one thing I would like to see change is for our downtown plan to come to fruition. I want it to be complementary with the style and feel of Orinda, but with increased vibrancy and amenities. I have been a part of the development of our downtown studies and planning during my council service and I am confident that a great deal of expertise has gone into balancing the range of views Orindans have regarding our downtown spaces. I know how many factors are involved and the time it will take for changes to happen, but I believe we have a great opportunity to enhance our downtown and further enrich the quality of life in Orinda.
Tell us about your family/partner/pets.
My husband Dennis and I have been married for 38 years. We have two sons, Brian and Eric, who are now 32 and 29 years old. They both grew up in Orinda and attended Glorietta, Orinda Intermediate School (OIS) and graduated from Miramonte. We had many, many fun years of sports and activities that created lasting memories. Both Brian and Eric are practicing attorneys. Brian does corporate litigation and Eric works in health care law.
Dennis is happily retired and spends most of his time playing golf and avoiding his “honey-do” list. I’m getting ever closer to joining him in retirement.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Dennis and I enjoy traveling enormously. We have had the good fortune to travel to many places in the United States and the world, but our bucket list is still exceptionally long.
I read a great deal and enjoy many kinds of books and, now that my kids are grown, I indulge in a lot more movie watching.
I also enjoy walking around both Orinda and the Lafayette Reservoir.
What is the accomplishment of which you are most proud?
From my service in Orinda, I am proudest of the work we’ve done to resurrect our city infrastructure. I’ve spent 15 years volunteering to find solutions to improve our infrastructure, and I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished. We have taken Orinda from being rated at the bottom of 100 cities in the Bay Area for the condition of our roads to being rated number two! That feat has also included many improvements in our drainage infrastructure, and overall, it has made an enormous improvement in the safety and livability of our community.
In my professional life, I’m proudest of my accomplishments in encouraging, recruiting and promoting women and minorities in the engineering industry. When I graduated from engineering school, I was one of six women in a class of 600. Engineering remains one of the most male-dominated professions in the country. I spent many years being the only woman in the room, and when I rose high enough in the management ranks to be influential, I put a lot of emphasis on helping diversify the industry and giving opportunities to others. It’s an area I still work hard at and love doing.
Why are you running for City Council?
I have had the privilege of serving Orinda as a city councilmember for nine years and have many areas and issues that I have worked on for our residents. I would like to continue contributing my experience toward finding solutions for our community, especially in the areas of infrastructure, wildfire prevention, homeowner’s insurance, downtown development and housing. There is always more to do, and I am confident that I can be effective in serving Orinda.
Orinda is experiencing significant leadership changes this year. By the end of 2024, we will have a new city manager, new police chief and new fire chief at MOFD. Our planning director has only been with us for two months. New leadership is exciting and holds great promise, but there are also benefits from continuity and experience. I am the most tenured member of the City Council, and I believe that will be valuable as we move into the challenges of the next few years.
Anything you would like to add?
I love living in Orinda and having the opportunity to meet residents, listen to their concerns and understand their priorities. I have worked hard to be responsive, accessible and open in serving the community, and I hope that my record has proven me deserving of your vote. I am proud that I’ve earned the endorsements of over 60 state, regional and local leaders, and I am committed to continuing to work hard for Orinda.
Cara Hoxie
Cara Hoxie
Cara Hoxie has lived in Orinda for almost her entire life. Coming full circle, she began her education at Sleepy Hollow, graduated from Miramonte, raised her family here – also educating her sons in local schools. She currently serves as president of the Orinda Union School District (OUSD) board of trustees. After graduating from law school, she practiced as an attorney before dedicating her life to family and non-profits. Her deep roots in the community and history of service, especially in the schools, represent her commitment and dedication to Orinda.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Oakland. My mother taught school at Orinda Union School in 1959, and my parents bought their first home in Orinda in 1964. I attended Sleepy Hollow Elementary School, Pine Grove then Orinda Intermediate School (OIS) and Miramonte High School.
How long have you lived in Orinda and what brought you here?
I am a lifelong Orinda resident. I attended Smith College and Cornell Law School. After law school, I got a job as an associate attorney at Heller Ehrman in San Francisco. When my husband and I were married and had our first son, we bought our home in Orinda to be close to my parents, who helped with childcare, driving, etc. I wanted to raise our family in a safe community with excellent schools.
What do you like most about Orinda?
Orinda is a beautiful, safe environment with excellent schools and a real sense of community. Wherever I go in town, I see people I know, and it’s great to have that sense of belonging to a place.
What is the one thing you would like to change?
I would like to see some improvement in our downtown. Many of our commercial buildings are aging or empty. It is exciting to see the progress on the former Bank of America building, but there is so much more we could do. I’d like to see more restaurants and small businesses thrive in Orinda. I want to meet with the many property owners to better understand the impediments they experience in trying to revitalize their properties.
It would be wonderful to make the creek that runs through downtown Orinda accessible.
I would also love to see some EV charging in Orinda. When people charge their cars, they often buy a cup of coffee or go shopping, and that’s an opportunity to create more commerce in the City and generate more tax revenue.
I also think we can improve the walkability of Orinda, both for families walking their children to school and for all residents. I would like to investigate what it would take to make that happen.
It’s the small things that make a difference for people’s enjoyment of the community.
Tell us about your family/partner/pets.
My husband Tim and I have been married for 32 years. We raised our three sons in Orinda – all of whom were Eagle Scouts!
After my husband and I were married, I took the job of president and CEO of a large non-profit organization serving seniors and adults with disabilities that is now called Choice in Aging. I ran that organization for 12 years, and then shifted my focus to raising my three sons in 2006. It’s a luxury to be able to do that, and I’m very grateful. I hope they’re better people for it.
While they were in school, I began volunteering and raising money for Orinda schools. Our oldest son, Phil, is a PhD student in Economics at University of California, San Diego. Our middle son, Ben, lives in New York City and our youngest son, Teddy, coaches Orinda Baseball Association and lives in Walnut Creek with his girlfriend and two doodles, Daisy and Charlie.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy time with my family and friends. Sunday dinner is a weekly event with family and friends. My dad still lives in the house I grew up in and we get together often. I also enjoy golfing and playing bridge.
What is the accomplishment of which you are most proud?
I am very proud of the work that I have done on the School Board. When I joined the Board eight years ago, I was amazed at how little had changed at our schools. I worked hard with my fellow board members and community to pass two bond measures to improve our schools. With that money, we have upgraded all of our classrooms to have state-of-the-art HVAC systems that keep our classrooms cool, smoke-free and safe from viruses. We have also built a firesafe multipurpose room at Sleepy Hollow and a Student Wellness Center at OIS.
I believe one of the important skills I bring is the ability to solve problems by bringing people together. An example of this was the evacuation concerns of parents after the new multipurpose room at Sleepy Hollow was built. I was able to bring the School District, the City and the Fire District together to discuss evacuation and to come up with practical solutions.
Why are you running for City Council?
I like to keep busy, and I really like the feeling of giving back to the community. I have lived here so long, I feel like I know what people want and need.
I have loved serving on the School Board for the past eight years and working with my colleagues on the City Council. I want to continue to serve and to make a difference in our community. I want to work to understand the impediments to change and help our community grow and thrive.
Anything you would like to add?
My husband Tim and I are excited to host Orinda’s exchange student, Honza Belada, from our sister city, Tabor, Czech Republic. He joins the Miramonte senior class, and he’s looking forward to playing American football and getting to know Orinda. He also enjoys playing tennis and volleyball. This is the third exchange student we have welcomed into our home, and we have always enjoyed the wonderful experience of introducing these students to Orinda.
