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Clayton Watch Fighting to Amend Civil Grand Jury Report on City of Clayton

by David King, Diablo Gazette (October 2025)

Petition filed with the superior Court of Californina,
Contra Costa County

Last June the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury released its scathing Report 2505, “Clayton: Small City, big Concerns,” characterizing Clayton City Council of gross dysfunction and operating at near financial ruin and offered a series of procedural recommendations. 

The council responded mostly with disagreement with almost all of its findings, citing the report was filled with errors, guided by misinformation, and rejected the recommendations. So, that was the end of it right? 

Not so fast. 

While the Council is ready to move on, Diablo Gazette received a copy of a 56-page petition submitted by the Political Action Committee, Clayton Watch, submitted to the Contra Costa County Superior Court of California, datestamped on Oct. 23, asking for the court to amend the record.

According to Gary Hood, a founding member of Clayton Watch, Clayton Watch feels the Grand Jury Report maligns Clayton and that damage needs to be mitigated with the facts. 

With the report as is, the concern is should Clayton have future recruiting needs to fill key government and law enforcement positions, the report can dissuade top candidates, as well as be weaponized in future political campaigns to misinform voters. 

The first challenge was to confirm that Clayton Watch even had standing to challenge the Grand Jury Report, which it claims it does for being a duly registered civic organization acting on matters of community concern, government transparency, and accountability. 

The petition was submitted after several written requests to simply review the report and correct misstatements with verified facts, but those requests were at first unanswered, then eventually rejected. 

There is no precedent for such action. Further complicating a formal review is that the Jurors who conducted the investigation are protected by anonymity, and have all been replaced with a new set of Jurors.

The petition cites several problems with the original report, notwithstanding its prejudicial title. Supported by exhibits, the petition identifies six additional specific factual and procedural deficiencies in the report. 

The report misstates the general fund revenues, expenditures and balances by relying on unaudited figures. The exhibit provides the audited figures which Hood says dispels the Jury’s findings.

The report criticizes the City for not taking action for revenue enhancement; the exhibit verifies actions that were taken. 

Citing extreme turnover in City manager positions, the petition points out that it is overstating that turnover by counting interim assignments. 

Regarding Brown Act violations, the petition accuses the Civil Grand Jury of not understanding the functions and procedures of special committees and that no Brown Act violations occurred. 

Speaking of procedures, the petition charges that it was the Grand Jury that failed its legal obligations by not providing the Council and any other affected agencies with a copy of the report prior to publication as required by Penal Code 933(f). 

Since the original Report cannot be changed, the petition asks that an amendment be filed with the provided factual remedies and suggestions presented. 

Copies of the petition were sent to the presiding Judge, Hon. Terri Mockler, Matt Malone, Chief Counsel and Public Information Officer, County Supervisor Ken Carlson, Clayton City councilmembers, President of the Grand Jurors Association and others.

Now waiting for the Superior Court’s response, Hood seems to be swimming in uncharted waters. 

Ironically, The Civil Grand Jury Association, a statewide organization that trains and educates Civil Grand Jurors, met in San Luis Obispo on October 26 and 27. The theme of the conference, “Civil Grand Jury, the Cornerstone of Transparency and Accountibility”.

Perhaps Clayton Watch’s efforts will be a training tool in the future. To read the entire petition and its exhibits, click here.

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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At our last meeting, the Council discussed several signficant items:

- We approved a new job description for a Community Services Coordinator. Given the volume of community events and the level of effort needed to facilitate these events, as well as contemplating new events, staff recommended repurposing an existing unfill role to perform these duties. The role would serve as point on logistics for community events and be on site during events as needed.

- We continued our discussoin around the City's financnes. In our previous meetings, the Council established some aspirational goals around maintaining infrastrucure (roads, sidewalks, etc.) and compensation. Based on those goals, the City would need to increase revenue so this meeting we also continued our discussion around various potential revenue options.

Now that staff has done the dilligence in determining the need, and the dilligence in determining what options are available, it will be up to Council to decide on which of the options move forward with. The simple question of more taxes, less services, or both remains the same, however now we equipped to make informed decisions. There were a few follow up questions to get more detail, and staff will return at our next meeting.

- We gave feedback on updating the City's logo. The current logo is sometimes difficult to see in various forms of media. We provided feedback on ways it could be improved and staff will come back with updates.

Clayton’s Second Annual Hispanic Heritage Day – A Huge Hit

By Kim Trupiano 

Mayor, Clayton 

We had a beautiful day at The Grove on Saturday, September 20. The park seemed to come alive with the energy and excitement of so many wonderful people who gathered to honor and celebrate Hispanic culture. There was an undeniable sense of community as families, neighbors, and friends spent the afternoon enjoying each other’s company, dancing and singing along with Mariachi Mexicanismo, who graced the stage throughout the afternoon, along with Ballet Folklorico Netzahualcoyotl, featuring dances from Jalisco, Hidalgo, Veracruz and Nayarit.

Naturally, no celebration would be complete without incredible food and Ranchero Catering made that happen in a big way! From street tacos to tortas to quesadilla, each bite was a reminder of the rich and diverse flavors that define Hispanic culinary traditions. The food brought people together and brought back memories of family gatherings and home-cooked meals.

We want to thank Sound Events, who provided the sound system and staging and a special thank you to the Royal Ladies Car Club of Contra Costa County and Kodiciados 925 Truck Club for coming out on Saturday. It meant a lot to us to have you all there.

A Heartfelt Thank You goes out to all of our generous sponsors who without their support this event would not be possible: Globe & Anchor Wealth Management & Financial Planning, CEMEX, Oakhurst Country Club, Enye Latin Table, IMC Payment Systems, Ponderosa Homes and Ed’s Mudville Grill.

I extend my deepest gratitude to our City staff, particularly our Maintenance team, Clayton Police Department and Janessa Torres, for all of the hard work and dedication in making this event extra special.

Also, thank you to Councilmember Jim Diaz and Frank Gavidia, Chair of our Financial Sustainability Committee, who put so much hard work into making this event a real success.

As we close out another celebration, I’m already looking forward to next year’s Hispanic Heritage Day Event and if this year’s event is any indication, I know we can expect more joy, community spirit, and unforgettable performances.

Let’s continue to celebrate the richness of our shared heritage, support one another, and make memories that will last for years to come. I am excited to see what next year’s celebration will bring. It is truly an honor to serve as your Mayor.

Other City News

The switch has been flipped and City is now generating renewable energy for our Maintenance shop, City Hall and Library buildings. In addition, the EV Charging Station will be activated soon, so be sure to check our City website and social media sites for additional details. We are planning a ribbon cutting to celebrate the conclusion of this two-year Climatec project and we hope to have a date soon. Congratulations to everyone who has been involved in this project, which will help the City control its energy costs while protecting the environment.

Upcoming Events:

- Clayton Theatre Company celebrates its 14th season with “Tootsie” the musical, running Oct. 17-19, 23-26 at Endeavor Hall 6008 Center St. in Clayton.

- Clayton Community Library Foundation Fall Book Sale, October 17 (members only), 18 and 19, at Hoyer Hall.

- The next Clayton City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m. at Hoyer Hall.

- State of the City Town Hall, Wednesday, November 5, at 6 pm at Hoyer Hall.

- Holidays in the Grove, Saturday, December 6 at 5:00 p.m. Sponsored by the City of Clayton in partnership with Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA). Enjoy marching bands, singers, tree lighting and Santa’s arrival.