LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Mayor Phillips completes the year of the sinkhole with kudos


From left: Dean Orr, Darlene Gee, Eve Phillips, Any Worth and Inga Miller Photo Sora O'Doherty

It was an exciting year for Eve Phillips, as she raised her baby daughter and transitioned to a new job at Google while continuing as mayor of Orinda. But perhaps the most significant thing to happen during Phillips' term of office was the sinkhole on Miner Road, which occurred during a torrential storm in early January, not even one month into Phillips' 2017 term. The huge sinkhole completely closed Miner Road, one of Orinda's important arterial and feeder roads. Shortly after the sinkhole occurred, further winter storms caused serious flooding of the homes nearby.

As Phillips handed over the mayoral gavel on Dec. 5, she received praise from state and county government officials, the other city council members, and members of the public, who were unanimous in recognizing her excellence in handling the sinkhole disaster, as well as her other accomplishments as mayor. Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen lauded Phillips for her leadership, remembering receiving a telephone call on the night of the sinkhole. Andersen presented Phillips with a proclamation from the County. Teresa Gerringer, a representative from state Sen. Steve Glazer's office, also presented Phillips with a proclamation on behalf of the senator.

Members of the public spoke of their appreciation for Phillips, who did not always agree with the majority on the council but presided over meetings with a sense of calm and efficiency. Much was made of the fact that the sinkhole was repaired with great rapidity, and council members hailed her as hardworking and very professional.

Phillips received gifts from the council members, including flowers, beverages, and a ceremonial gavel and a miniature gavel for daughter, Cary. Phillips was honored with a dessert reception at a break in the meeting, where assorted mini cupcakes and sparkling juice were served. The reception was arranged by City Clerk Sheri Smith.