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Budgeting for Clayton’s Future - Don't Miss It - Tuesday, May 6th at 4:30 PM

Kim Trupiano, Mayor

The City of Clayton officially began its budget process at the April 21 Budget and Audit Committee meeting. This marks an important milestone, as it will be the City’s first time adopting a two-year budget.

We remain committed to addressing both immediate and long-term needs while working within our financial limits. Our goal is to maintain the high level of service our community values. Throughout the process, we will evaluate priorities in key areas such as landscaping, parks and trails, public safety, road and infrastructure improvements, staffing, training, and planning for future events.

While budgets can be tight, they also offer flexibility. Our approach will be thoughtful, prudent, and focused on making meaningful impacts. This is one of the most important efforts we undertake each year—as a City, a Council, and a Community. Despite the new two-year format, there will continue to be opportunities for mid-year reviews and adjustments as needed.

A look at the upcoming Budget Workshop agenda and projects:
• Revisit and reflect on Council goals, building on last year’s goal-setting efforts.
• Review community feedback from last year’s survey and ongoing input.
• Hear department updates and priorities for the next two years.
• Assess the City’s current financial status and projections, including the General Fund, the Landscape Maintenance District Fund, Reserves and long-term obligations, and Capital improvement and infrastructure needs.
• Review results from our new Investment Advisory Services agreement with UBS, now managing the City’s investment portfolio.

Current and Upcoming Projects:
• Roadway Paving for 2026 – Finalized at the April 1, 2025, City Council meeting.
• Clayton Community Library Refresh Project – Scheduled to begin later this year or early next, in partnership with the County Library and Clayton Community Library Foundation.
• Final Phase of the Climatec Project – Includes installation of a solar array and EV charging station to achieve a Net-Zero Energy site for the Library, City Hall, and Maintenance Facility — reducing energy costs and the City’s carbon footprint.

We encourage community members to attend the May 6th City Council meeting, which includes a Budget Workshop, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

My goal is always to be as transparent and accountable as possible with the community, so if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact me at kimt@claytonca.gov or 925.673.7324.

City Council Meeting Summary - Jeff Wan 4-15-25

Jeff Wan

City Council Correspondence: The excerpts below have been sourced from the website of council member Jeff Wan to share with the Clayton Watch Community. You can access council member Wan's website by following this link: https://www.jeffwanforclaytoncitycouncil.net

While we may not always agree with the opinions shared, we believe in facilitating a platform for respectful debates. Thank you for contributing to the ongoing conversation in the comments section. Remember to keep your comments respectful and concise.

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On Tuesday the Council met to discuss the results of the annual audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Unfortunately there was a scheduling miscommunication and the City's auditor was not in attendance. As a result, we tabled the discussion to a future meeting.

There was also a closed session with no reportable items.

Clayton Police Department - Press Release (E-Bikes)

E-Bikes - Education and Enforcement

E-Bike Safety for Young and Old

Over the last year, the Clayton Police Department has noticed a significant increase in the number of E-Bikes, motorized E-Scooters, and Electric off-highway motorcycles (dirt bike) operating in the City, the parks and on the trail system. After speaking with many of our law enforcement partners, we’ve learned that the proliferation of these vehicles is not isolated to Clayton. Many cities, throughout California, are dealing with the same issue and have experienced significant injury collisions and fatalities.

Some of these vehicles, classified as E-Bicycles are street legal and only have the same requirements as pedal bicycles. However, some vehicles sold as E-Bikes, (brands like Surron and Talaria), are actually classified as motorcycles. These require off-highway registration, insurance and a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement to operate legally and can only be operated in legal off-highway vehicle areas.

Since June of 2024, the Clayton Police Department has made efforts to educate riders, parents and the public through hand-outs, social media posts and the schools. Despite these efforts, there has been a steady increase in the number of these vehicles, which has led to an increase in traffic complaints. These include riders traveling at unsafe speeds on trails, riding in parks and riding in and out of the street with no regard for other vehicles. In some circumstances, operators of E-Motorcycles have attempted to evade police contact.

Clayton is a wonderful community, and we want to ensure our trails, parks and roadways stay safe for everyone. We don’t want Clayton to be added to the list of communities with an injury collision or fatality because of an E-Bike or E-Motorcycle being operated unsafely.

Starting April 14, 2025, the Clayton Police Department, working in partnership with our local schools, will conduct a formal month-long educational campaign to make riders, parents and owners aware of the restrictions and responsibilities that come with the operation of these types of E-Vehicles. Warning citations may be issued to all observed violations.

Beginning May 12, 2025, in the interest of public safety, the Clayton Police Department will enter into a maximum citation enforcement period on E-Motorcycles, E-Scooters and E-Bikes in accordance with the California Vehicle Code and the Clayton Municipal Code.

Riders/Operators may be ticketed, arrested or have their vehicle impounded. Parents/Owners could potentially be ticketed or, in some cases, charged with more serious crimes under the California Vehicle Code and the Penal Code.

The purpose of this education and enforcement is to ensure public safety and prevent the type of tragedy that has befallen other communities.

In addition to the California Vehicle Code, the following Clayton Municipal Codes apply:

10.56.200 – Riding in Parks/Playgrounds & Schools

10.56.140 – Passengers

10.56.160 – Racing prohibited

10.56.170 – Trick riding

10.58.020 – Skateboards and similar devices

11.04.200 – Vehicles in parks

If you have questions or concerns about E-Scooters, E-Bikes, or E-Motorcycles education and enforcement, please contact Traffic Officer Mitch Stroski at

Mitchell.stroski@claytoncapolice.gov / 925-673-7350.

An Interesting Observation from Clayton Watch

Clayton, CA

Kris Loftus, our recently hired city manager, had his six-month evaluation this past Tuesday during the City Council meeting. Interestingly, there was no line of divisive speakers demanding that the city retain Kris. This stands in stark contrast to the six-month evaluation of our previous city manager, Bret Prebula. At that time, Prebula, despite his struggles in the role, organized citizens and employees to speak on his behalf.

The speakers included those who regularly criticized Jeff Wan, Jim Diaz, and Kim Trupiano, while strongly supporting Holly Tillman. They tried to pressure the city into giving Prebula a favorable review, even though his performance was widely regarded as inadequate. The reason for their support? Prebula shared the same divisive politics as Tillman and others in the group, and unfortunately, tribalism had a significant influence on decision-making.

Since Prebula’s departure, the city has seen marked improvements. Under Kris Loftus’s leadership, our finances have become far more transparent, and his leadership has been well-received by many. Kris is proving to be a manager who prioritizes effective governance and community collaboration. His first six months in office have shown his commitment to moving Clayton forward, and we’re hopeful for the positive changes he will continue to bring to the city.

We look forward to your comments. If you would like to get on our email list, send us a message.

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