Redistricting boundaries leave Auburn-based supervisor Jim Holmes outside of Auburn

Placer County moved one step closer Tuesday to establishing new supervisorial district boundaries – with the city of Auburn making a key shift from District 3 to District 5.Under a redistricting plan given initial approval after a short public hearing, Auburn voters would be shifted into the eastern District 5 represented by Jennifer Montgomery.Supervisor Jim Holmes, whose North Auburn home will be situated just outside District 5 boundaries, currently represents the city of Auburn and the Placer High grad described himself as "still an Auburn boy."Holmes said his family has had connections with the city for generations. District 3 retains some of rural North Auburn but dips down into south Placer County to include Newcastle, Penryn, Loomis and part of Rocklin after remapping. "I'm sad I'll lose Auburn but feel confident that it will be capably administered by my colleague," Holmes said. Montgomery said she was thrilled to include Auburn in District 5 but wanted to go on record as saying that she would continue to serve as a staunch advocate of the rural parts of the county.The public hearing attracted a lone speaker. Michael Garabedian, of Friends of the North Fork, said that the new boundary lines – with the inclusion of Auburn in District 5 – don't protect the rural integrity of the county."Why can't we have one true rural district," Garabedian said.Supervisors Holmes and Kirk Uhler countered that rural interests are well-represented by board members, whose districts include rural areas. Supervisors will hold a second public hearing Oct. 11 to adopt an implementing ordinance on the new supervisorial district boundaries.