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City Council Meeting Summary - Jeff Wan 8-19-25

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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At our meeting on Tuesday, we discussed several significant items:

- We approved a resolution allowing an additional ADU on properties, increasing the total number allowed from four, to five, contingent on meeting other criteria like lot size and lot coverage. This was done based on feedback received from CA Housing and Community Development (HCD). While the City approved its Housing Element Update (HEU) timely as required by law back in January of 2023, HCD did not approve it even though it met all statutory requirements including planning for zoning for housing at all income levels. Further, the City actually enacted the new zoning in January of 2024.

Based on communication from HCD, the City has received feedback that if this new resolution allowing an additional ADU, then HCD would approve the City's HEU. As such, the Council voted 5-0 in favor of this action. After HCD approved the HEU I will have more to say about the overall process.

- We appointed Brian Mayhew to the Financial Sustainability Committee. He is a long time Clayton resident and has over 30 years of municipal finance experience including most recently retiring as CFO at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission after serving for more than 20 years.

- We made several appointments to the Trails and Landscape Committee (TLC). The TLC is an 11 member body of which 10 of the 11 members' terms are currently expired. The TLC requires six members for a quorum. We appointed 8 of the 9 individuals who applied, the 9th person is currently serving and their term is not yet expired.

- We appointed Sheila Driscoll as the City's representative to the Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging. Ms. Driscoll has served in a volunteer capacity in many organizations in the community and will be a great addition to the Advisory Council.

- We agreed to modify the City's franchise agreement with Republic Services. When originally drafted, the agreement called for certain increased in rates based on CPI changes. It was later discovered that the timing of CPI change information was not in alignment with the dates drafted in the agreement. The only modifications to the agreement were to bring these dates in line for ease of administration.

- We updated the job classification of the Assistant City Manager/Administrative Services Director to just be Administrative Services Director and made updates to the City's Salary schedule to reflect the change. This action was requested by staff to better align the organizational structure to the needs of the City.

- We had a discussion with no action taken regarding closing the City's long term budget deficit. I will comment on this item in a separate thread.

Guest Editorial — A Façade of Perfection? By Holly Tillman

Clayton Watch republishes excerpts of community correspondence, published articles, and public comments to encourage transparency, accountability, and civic engagement. By sharing these pieces, we aim to give residents direct access to viewpoints that have shaped discussion in our city.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Clayton Watch. We believe the community deserves to see not only what is said at City Hall, but also what leaders and residents alike are putting forward in public forums. In sharing this commentary, we invite our readers to participate in the conversation and to do so with respectful and concise contributions.

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The following editorial was authored by Clayton Councilmember Holly Tillman and published in the now-defunct Clayton Pioneer on August 14, 2025.

CLAYTON, CA (Aug. 14, 2025) — I often wonder what our town would be like if people worked together instead of against each other.

From the outside looking in, Clayton is a picturesque setting. We are a bedroom community with parks and trails, and events are held throughout the year that bring the community together. But when you peel back the curtain to see the inner workings you understand there is a lot of work to do.

Recently our City Council participated in a governance training session facilitated by a third party to help us be better leaders. There were two outcomes that concerned me about that session. We never touched on the main reason we needed the governance training to begin with, and some council members believe we are doing everything right and don’t need to improve upon anything. This comes across as an unserious city council.

While it is no secret that our council is divided, residents expect us to work together to do what’s best for the entire city. This is why we were elected. Clayton isn’t divided into districts, yet council members treat their responsibilities and the will of certain constituents as if we were. I feel these actions have led to increased hostility at council meetings over the past 9 years and dirty politics in general by a group who thrives on being in control and being perceived as a “trusted authority/voice” in Clayton. Much like our national government, bad actors have infiltrated the city council with a pipeline of sycophants and loyalists lying in wait in the wings.

The reality is we have had high staff turnover which led to a loss of institutional knowledge and project delays, and we need to raise revenue or cut expenses.

Did you know that our trails have not been maintained in years? Or that we have special districts for our streetlights, stormwater, trails and landscaping that are all running at a deficit? Did you know that we have over 4000 hours of deferred maintenance that needs to be done and we don’t have the resources for it unless we draw from our reserves? Our council has known this for years, and two previous city managers were badgered for saying the quiet part out loud and not falling in line with “the Clayton way.”

Pretending we are perfect and do not need to make changes or improvements is a slap in the face to every Clayton resident. It’s about time we get to work.

Holly Tillman
Clayton City Councilmember

Public Comment Submitted by Resident

Shared Correspondence from the Community

The following statement originates from public comment submitted by a member of the public for the Tuesday, August 19th, City Council meeting.

Clayton Watch shares excerpts of correspondence received from community members and social platforms to encourage transparency and civic engagement. The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Clayton Watch.

Readers are invited to join the discussion by contributing comments that are respectful and concise.

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Public Comment Request – City Council Meeting, August 19, 2025

To: The Honorable Mayor, City Council, and City Staff

Cc: City Clerk, City of Clayton

Date: August 15, 2025

Subject: Public Comment Request – City Council Meeting, August 19, 2025
__________________________________________________________________

Dear Mayor Trupiano, Members of the City Council, and City Staff,

Please accept the following statement for inclusion in the Public Comment section of the upcoming City Council meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Facts Matter, Holly. It’s Time to Resign

· She claims the City’s trails haven’t been maintained in years. She has been the Council representative on the Trails & Landscape Committee the entire time. What has she done? Nothing.

· She points to 4,000 hours of deferred maintenance. What solutions has she proposed or advanced? None.

· She highlights special districts running deficits for years. What action has she taken to address them? Zero.

· She pushed for “Good Governance” training at a cost of $7,000 to the City, only to later complain it didn’t address core issues. What did she do to redirect the discussion during the session? Nothing.

· She’s responsible for getting Clayton certified as a Fire Wise Community. Two years later—still nothing to show for it.

Additionally, the LMD has had a surplus of over $400,000 for two years, and ten out of eleven people on the TLC are serving on expired terms.

What “hostility” on the Council is she referring to? It’s her own hostility toward the rest of the Council.
What “dirty politics” is she talking about? There’s no corruption—only her misrepresentation.

She also leaves out key facts, such as our excellent staff, the far smaller-than-anticipated deficit, and the revenue-generating strategies currently being explored. Holly is all talk and no action. It’s easy to complain, but much harder to roll up your sleeves and do the work. She refuses to do the work.

Holly simply does not fit in with the other four Council members, who are working together to move the City forward.

Let’s not forget, she spent over $25,000 to get elected, and her #HollyOnly campaign was an embarrassment to her and to the City of Clayton. On top of that, she only managed to come in second place to the newly elected Council member who spent under $2,000.

The truth is simple: Holly does not represent the broader Clayton community. She represents a small, radical, progressive minority. Her time on Council has been marked by a lack of results, accountability, and leadership.

For the good of Clayton, Holly, please resign immediately.

Respectfully submitted,

James T. Phillips
Keller Ridge Resident

Clayton Finances – Real Progress, Real Leadership

To: The Mayor, City Council, and City Staff

From: Clayton Watch

Subject: Clayton Finances – Real Progress, Real Leadership

Clayton’s finances have always been fundamentally sound. What’s different this past year is the presence of leadership that understands the numbers, manages them with discipline, and makes decisions grounded in facts.

June and July should have been an opportunity to celebrate that progress. Instead, the moment was overshadowed by an outside report, fueled by negative stories from the now-defunct town paper, a self-serving City Council member, and others engaging in political gamesmanship. While those efforts captured headlines, they did nothing to change the reality: Clayton now has a clear grasp of its finances, is managing them responsibly, and is planning for long-term stability.

Balanced Budget, Better Process

Just a year ago, residents were warned of a projected $629,000 deficit for the current fiscal year. That projection didn’t hold; the actual shortfall was less than $80,000. Under the focused leadership of City Manager Kris Loftus, with the support of engaged staff and an energized Budget & Audit Committee, the City adopted a balanced, bottom-up budget on time and without theatrics.

In June 2025, Clayton also passed its first-ever two-year budget, a milestone that shows real fiscal discipline and planning.

Stability Through Leadership

Clayton’s financial position is now stronger than it has been in years:

• The General Fund surplus is approximately $7 million, providing a healthy cushion.

• Capital improvement funds are directed toward high-priority needs based on data and public input, not political pageantry.

• The Budget & Audit Committee now meets regularly to scrutinize spending, review investments, and safeguard reserves.

Execution Over Excuses

The City is delivering results:

• Housing Element – Adopted locally in January 2023, delayed by State review and staffing changes, and now on track for approval in late September 2025.

• Climatec Infrastructure Program – Includes LED lighting conversions, new HVAC systems, smart irrigation, a solar array, and EV charging stations.

City staff are engaging the community while staying on top of core responsibilities. The old refrain of “too overworked to deliver” has been replaced with results.

Revenue, Fees, and Long-Term Sustainability

The City has implemented multiple policy-driven revenue measures, including:

• Updated Investment Policy – Partnered with a third-party manager for stronger investment performance.

• Master Fee Schedule Update – Adjusted fees to reflect actual service costs, including a new large-event fee for significant City resource use.

• Business License Compliance – Partnered with HDL to improve renewals and identify unlicensed businesses.

• Waste Management Contract – Renegotiated with Republic Services to meet recycling mandates and improve cost efficiency.

• Professional Investment Oversight – Partnered with UBS for improved portfolio growth.

A Revenue Enhancement Session is scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, 2025, to explore additional strategies for long-term financial sustainability. The discussion will cover potential new revenue sources as well as the steps required to put them into action.

Reducing Expenses and Increasing Efficiency

The City has also taken decisive steps to decrease expenses without compromising service quality:

• Staffing Consolidation – Streamlining positions to improve efficiency.

• Service Contract Reviews – Renegotiating agreements to reduce ongoing expenses.

• Lowering Energy Costs and Water Consumption – Implementing conservation strategies and efficiency upgrades.

• Temporary Contract Employees – Using short-term contract workers where appropriate, avoiding long-term staffing costs.

What’s Different Now

Past years saw political distractions and leadership turnover, particularly under prior council members Carl Wolfe, Peter Cloven, and Holly Tillman, and during the extended tenure of career politician Julie Pierce. City priorities often skewed toward ceremonies, proclamations, and parades instead of core services.

Poor leadership from past city managers worsened the situation:

• Reina Schwartz (2020) frequently worked remotely from Sacramento, was rarely present, and left the City with declining services.

• Bret Prebula ignored hiring protocols, skipped background checks, failed to post openings, and withheld financial and project information, forcing residents to file Public Records Act requests for basic answers.

Today, that approach is gone, replaced with competent, engaged leadership that focuses on execution, accountability, and planning.

The Bottom Line

Clayton has turned the corner. Real management has replaced past mismanagement, and the City is operating with discipline, transparency, and momentum.

In closing, we extend our sincere appreciation to City Manager Kris Loftus and the entire City staff for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to serving our community. We also wish to thank Mayor Kim Trupiano, Vice Mayor Jeff Wan, and Council Members Jim Diaz and Rich Enea for their steady leadership and for keeping the City’s priorities at the forefront.

Clayton Watch will continue to monitor the numbers, the projects, and the promises, ensuring that progress isn’t just announced, but delivered.

Best regards,

Clayton Watch Team

Letters to Contra Costa County and a Public Information Request

Important Update from the Clayton Watch Team

Dear Clayton Community,

It has come to our attention that several letters sent to Contra Costa County regarding the Civil Grand Jury Report have not been properly posted on the Clayton Watch website.

To view the correspondence, please visit:
https://www.claytonwatch.org/2025/06/contra-costa-county-civil-grand-jury.html

The Clayton Watch Team has submitted two formal letters, addressed to the judge, the jury foreperson, and the Board of Supervisors, respectfully requesting a reply. As of today, no response has been received.

We are currently considering whether to send a third and final letter and notify the media about this continued disregard for the public. These officials were elected to serve the community and are funded by taxpayer dollars. Ignoring public concerns is unacceptable.

We will keep you updated on any further developments.

Additionally, a Public Information Request (PIR) was filed with Contra Costa County.

To view that correspondence and the County’s response, visit:
https://www.claytonwatch.org/2025/07/public-information-request-7-8-25.html

Thank you for staying informed and engaged.

Sincerely,

The Clayton Watch Team

Clayton National Night Out

National Night Out! 

Come join us for our annual National Night Out Event! 

Tuesday, August 5th from 6pm – 8pm! 

Hosted by the Clayton Police Department and the City of Clayton. 

Come interact with our staff and see all the awesome services we provide! 

The event includes the following:

–  Police equipment and fleet vehicles will be on full display.

–  A tour of the Clayton Police Station will be available at 6:30PM and 7:30PM.

–  A table with giveaways of Clayton PD “Swag” gear!

–  A BBQ fully equipped with snacks and drinks to fuel the event!

–  Our friends at Contra Costa Fire Department will be at the event from 6:30PM to 7:15PM!

Road closures for the event will be at the intersection/turnout from Clayton Road onto 
Heritage Trail, and the Heritage Trail Bridge spanning Mitchell Canyon Creek by City Hall.

Parking for the event will be in the parking lot of the Clayton Public Library! 

See you then!

Clayton City Council - From the Desk of Kim Trupiano 8-1-25

City Council Correspondence: The excerpts below have been sourced from the Diablo Gazette to share with the Clayton Watch Community. You can access the article in the Diablo Gazette's website by following this link: https://www.diablogazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DiabloGazette-Aug-25-16pgs.pdf

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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Clayton’s Busy Summer Schedule

Concerts in the Grove

There are only a few more Concerts left in this summer series and we hope to have you come out and join us for some great music, dancing and fun for the entire family. The remaining schedule includes two long-time favorites: The Sun Kings (Beatles tribute band) on August 9th and Pride & Joy (Rhythm & Blues) closing out the season on August 23rd. Concerts are held from 6 to 8:30 pm at The Grove Park in downtown Clayton. For more information please visit: https:// claytonca.gov/our-city/annualevents/concerts-in-the-grove/. 

National Night Out

The Clayton Police Department will host a National Night Out event, on Tuesday, August 5, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at City Hall in the courtyard. The department will feature police equipment, including patrol vehicles and the new Polaris UTV. The event will include a BBQ and serving hot dogs, chips and drinks and handing out swag. All Clayton residents are invited to stop by, say hi, and grab a hot dog! 

Fourth of July

A big thank you to everyone who volunteered and participated in this year’s 4th of July parade. It was another successful event and well attended by so many families and neighbors. We thank our new parade chair, Sarah Brinkman, again for taking on this event this year for the City. We will be recognizing Sarah as our Unsung Hero for the Month of July at our August Council meeting. We look forward to an even bigger event next year when the country celebrates its 250th birthday. 

August Council Meeting

On August 19, the Council will be recognizing our 2025 Mayor for the Day, Charlie Meriam, from Mt. Diablo Elementary School. Charlie will kick off the meeting for us, lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and share some of his ideas for a better Clayton. We will also be focusing on ideas for Revenue Enhancement and we invite the community to come out and share your ideas with us. Visit the City’s website for more details about this and upcoming meetings at https:// claytonca.gov/.

A Focus on Energy Savings 

The City’s two-year Climatec project is coming to a close at the end of August. The entirety of the project includes new HVAC units and Building Automation Systems, irrigation control and sensor systems and a solar array panel that will provide Net Zero Energy (NZE) to all city-owned buildings. Plus, a new two-vehicle EV charging station was installed at the library. 

We recently had a productive meeting with our representatives from PG&E, and we were excited to learn that the LED Conversion of the PG&E-owned streetlights is going to begin this September and will be a full conversion of their streetlights. This conversion represents tremendous savings to our utility bills and increased efficiency and safety for the community. 

As always, I enjoy hearing from you, so please reach out to me with your questions, comments, suggestions at kimt@claytonca.gov or at 925.673.7324. Have a wonderful rest of your summer and remember, we are stronger together.

End of an Era: Clayton Pioneer Newspaper to Cease Publication!

After more than two decades of serving the Clayton community, the Clayton Pioneer is officially closing its doors. This marks not only the end of a long-standing local newspaper but also the culmination of editorial missteps and growing political entanglements under its owner, Tamara Steiner.

Founded by Harry Green and later acquired by Tamara and Bob Steiner, the Pioneer thrived under early leadership. Tamara, a former journalist, brought passion and a strong editorial voice, making the paper a trusted source for local news, from high school sports to city council coverage.

However, over time, Tamara’s personal and political ambitions began to overshadow the paper’s core mission. The publication gradually shifted from objective reporting to a platform for her personal views, particularly through her involvement with the Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA), of which her husband, Bob Steiner, was a past president. This connection blurred the lines between journalism and political influence, raising questions about the objectivity of the paper. 

By 2018, Tamara’s political engagement became more overt, as she began endorsing CBCA-backed candidates for city council, something she had previously avoided. Coverage of those she disagreed with grew increasingly combative, further merging journalism with political activism.

The most glaring issue came when the Pioneer published a false report during a local election, inaccurately claiming that a candidate had received the most votes. This misinformation not only caused confusion but also severely damaged the paper's credibility. The situation worsened when the Pioneer published an unfounded story suggesting Clayton was in financial decline, even comparing it to Antioch. This negative reporting contributed to the collapse of several real estate deals, further tarnishing the city's reputation and eroding public trust in the paper.

If things weren’t bad enough, four out of five Council members, along with senior city staff and members of the police department, refused to engage with her due to biased reporting and a lack of professionalism. This led to unnecessary divisions within local government and strained relationships crucial for effective governance.

Tamara’s involvement with the recent Civil Grand Jury report, alongside Councilmember Holly Tillman, further raised concerns within the community. The report was widely criticized for being biased, flawed, and factually inaccurate. This only fueled perceptions of political favoritism, reinforcing doubts about the Pioneer's objectivity and credibility.

While financial pressures and the shift to digital media played a role in the paper's decline, many believe its demise was primarily driven by the abandonment of objective reporting in favor of personal and political agendas.

Tamara Steiner’s recent health diagnosis is a deeply personal matter, and despite past criticisms, we wish her strength and healing during this challenging time.

The closure of the Pioneer serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of journalistic independence. For the Clayton community, it’s not just the loss of a newspaper, but a reminder that journalism must prioritize truth above personal or political interests.

As Clayton moves forward, we hope the next chapter of local news will be rooted in honesty, fairness, and responsibility.

The Clayton Watch Team

Special Meeting - Please Be There - Starts at 4:00 PM

Council Meeting Summary 7-15-25

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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Jeff Wan's City Council Updates

On Tuesday, the Council met and discussed several significant items:

- We held a public hearing regarding real property assessment increases for the Diablo Estates at Clayton Benefit Assessment District. This was the annual increase of the levy of real property tax assessments at the Diablo Estates Assessment District. The city administers certain functions for the group of homes similar to an HOA manager and the assessments cover those costs. The City is allowed to raise the assessment each year by CPI which would have been 2.22%, however based on the needs of the District, the Council decided to increase the amount by 2.0%.

I asked a question about the projected interest income attributable to the District. It was budgeted at zero, however it appears that the interest income associated with the reserve balance may not have been applied. Staff will do an inception to date look and come back with more information.

- We adopted two resolutions approving the new Memorandum of Understanding with the City's management employees and updated the associated salary schedule update. This is consistent with the ongoing negotiations with City staff.

- We adopted a resolution updating the job descriptions of Police officer and Senior Maintenance Worker. This brings more current these job descriptions as they haven't been updated in some time. We also created a new job description for Seasonal Maintenance Worker - Temporary Position. This role will better allow the City to manage it's seasonal workers.

- We adopted the annual appropriation limit that is required by State law. This was a perfunctory action based on a mathematical formula established by the State.

Public Information Request 7-8-25

To the Clayton Community,

A Public Information Request (PIR) was filed with Contra Costa County by the Clayton Watch Team in response to serious concerns about the accuracy and integrity of the Civil Grand Jury report on the City of Clayton. After identifying substantial evidence that the report is deeply flawed — including factual inaccuracies, key omissions, and misleading conclusions — we felt it was necessary to pursue official answers and documentation.

As part of our effort to hold the Grand Jury accountable and restore public trust, we submitted a formal letter to the Presiding Judge of the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Below, you will find a copy of that letter, along with two responses we received from the Court’s Chief Counsel and another from the Public Information Officer.

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7-8-25

Hon. Terri Mockler
, Supervising Judge
Contra Costa County Superior Court
725 Court Street
Martinez, CA 94553

Dear Judge Mockler,

Under the California Public Records Act § 6250 et seq., we are requesting an opportunity to obtain copies of public records with respect to the Contra Costa County 2024-2025 Civil Grand Jury. Specifically, we are requesting a copy of all the referral/complaint forms filed against the City of Clayton for the 2024-2025 Civil Grand Jury investigation and Report 2505, dated May 16, 2025, titled “Clayton: Small City, Big Concerns” with the names of the persons filing the referrals/complaints redacted.

The California Public Records Act requires a response within ten business days If access to the records we are requesting will take longer, please contact us with information about when we might receive copies of the requested records.

If you deny any or all of this request, please cite each specific exemption you feel justifies the refusal to release the information and notify us of the appeal procedures available under the law.

Please email the records requested to: claytonwatch94517@gmail.com

Thank you for considering our request.

Bill Walcutt
Clayton Watch
Political Action Committee
FPPC ID #1471612

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Courts Response:

From: Media Information <mediainfo@contracosta.courts.ca.gov>
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2025 12:33 PM
To: claytonwatch94517@gmail.com
Cc: Media Information <mediainfo@contracosta.courts.ca.gov>
Subject: Public Records Request

Good afternoon,

The Court has received your request for public records, attached. Thank you for your inquiry. This office coordinates these requests and responses thereto.

Please note that the California Public Records Act does not apply to the courts. (See Gov. Code § 7921.000 et seq.; Sander v. State Bar of California (2013) 58 Cal.4th 300, 309.) Rather, requests for judicial administrative records are governed by Rule 10.500 of the California Rules of Court. Responses identifying documents are ordinarily due within 10 days, or July 24, 2025. However, the rule permits the Court to extend that deadline by 14 days in certain circumstances. (See Cal. Rules of Ct., rule 10.500(e)(8).) Accordingly, the Court extends its deadline to provide an initial response to August 7, 2025. You will receive a response on or before that date.

Thank you,

Matt J. Malone
Chief Counsel and Public Information Officer
Superior Court of California, Contra Costa County
mediainfo@contracosta.courts.ca.gov
925.608.2607

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Courts Second Response:

From: Media Information <mediainfo@contracosta.courts.ca.gov>
Date: Wed, Jul 16, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Subject: Response to Public Records Request
To: claytonwatch94517@gmail.com <claytonwatch94517@gmail.com>
CC: Media Information <mediainfo@contracosta.courts.ca.gov>

Good afternoon,

This email constitutes the Court’s response to your request for records under California Rule of Court 10.500. Specifically, you have requested “a copy of all the referral/complaint forms filed against the City of Clayton for the 2024-2025 Civil Grand Jury investigation and Report 2505, dated May 16, 2025, titled ‘Clayton: Small City, Big Concerns’ with the names of the persons filing the referrals/complaints redacted.”

The Court has no judicial administrative records responsive to this request that are not otherwise exempt. (See Cal. Rules of Ct., rule 10.500 (f)(5) [exempting from disclosure records protected under state or federal law]; see Cal. Penal Code sections 911, 915, 924, 929; McClatchy Newspapers v. Superior Court (1988) 44 Cal.3d 1162, 1173 [confidentiality of grand jury proceedings and materials].) Redacting names does not impact the application of Rule 10.500(f)(5) where the materials themselves are confidential. Processes for any challenge to/appeal of the Court’s decision may be found in Rule 10.500(j) of the California Rules of Court.

Thank you for interest in the work of the Court.

Matt J. Malone
Chief Counsel and Public Information Officer
Superior Court of California, Contra Costa County
mediainfo@contracosta.courts.ca.gov
925.608.2607

Clayton City Council - From the Desk of Kim Trupiano 7-1-25

City Council Correspondence: The excerpts below have been sourced from the Diablo Gazette to share with the Clayton Watch Community. You can access the article in the Diablo Gazette's website by following this link: https://www.diablogazette.com/2025/07/diablo-gazette-july-2025/

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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Clayton Community Progress

For the first time, the City of Clayton adopted a two-year budget following several Budget & Audit Committee meetings, a community workshop, and a final presentation to the City Council on June 3rd. The budget passed unanimously 5-0—a milestone not reached in years. 

Budget Overview 

In Year One, the initial projected deficit was $129,000. After rigorous review, this was reduced to approximately $82,000 by the end of the council meeting. Cost-saving decisions included holding the line on the Senior Planner salary range and passing credit card processing fees to users. If anticipated CPI-related revenue increases materialize, the deficit may fall to around $60,000. 

Year Two’s larger projected deficit of $725,000 is primarily due to the scheduled dissolution of the Successor Agency for redevelopment. With all obligations fulfilled, its operations will cease next fiscal year, phasing out $510,459 in associated revenues and expenditures. The remaining $210,000 shortfall stems from anticipated increases in salaries, services, and supplies. 

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 

The City Engineer presented the five-year CIP through 2028–2029, emphasizing road paving, sidewalk, and ADA repairs. The next major paving project is slated for 2026. 

GHAD Assessment Vote 

The Geological Hazard Abatement District (GHAD) board, comprised of the City Council, received 565 ballots (38.1% return) from Oakhurst property owners. The proposed assessment increase passed with 51.1% support. This secures funding for long-overdue maintenance, repairs, and monitoring, and allows reservebuilding for future emergencies. Special thanks to Vice Mayor Wan for championing GHAD efforts. 

Grand Jury Report 

While I disagree with many findings in the recent Civil Grand Jury report, I recognize that improvement is always possible and remain committed to transparency and progress. The City and Council issued a formal response to the report at the end of June. Workforce Updates In a public hearing required by AB 2561, we shared progress on staffing. Seven of eight vacancies have been filled in the past four months, including hiring new Police Chief Jeremy Crone, who was sworn in on June 17 and began work June 23. Welcome, Chief Crone! 

Infrastructure Projects 

Work is underway in the library parking lot as part of the final phase of our Climatec sustainability project. This includes installing solar panels at the maintenance yard and an EV charging station at the library. Completion is expected by the end of summer, with a project update scheduled for our August 17 meeting. 

Community Events 

• 4th of July Parade: Friday, July 4, 10:00 a.m. Rotary Pancake breakfast at Endeavor Hall from 7 to 10 am. 

• Concerts in the Grove: Every other Saturday, 6–8 PM. Next concert: July 12th. (see our ad on page 12 for a complete list of bands.) 

• Classic Car Show: Every other Wednesday, July 2, 16 and 30, 6–8 PM, downtown.

You can visit our city website for more information on each of these events. Claytonca.gov/our-city 

Finally, thank you to VFW, Post 1525, and the USMC for a memorable and well-attended Memorial Day Ceremony at The Grove Park. It is always an honor to be a part of this remembrance.

Special Meeting Reveals the Truth: Clayton Council Responds to Civil Grand Jury Report - Holly Tillman Isolated and Exposed

To the Clayton Community,

We are writing to bring attention to a matter of great concern regarding the recently issued Contra Costa Civil Grand Jury report on the City of Clayton, and to highlight what unfolded at the special City Council meeting on June 24, 2025.

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Clayton Watch Report - June 26, 2025

In a decisive supermajority 4–1 vote, the Clayton City Council approved its official response to the Civil Grand Jury’s politically charged and deeply flawed report. Led by Mayor Trupiano and Vice Mayor Jeff Wan, with support from Councilmembers Jim Diaz and Rich Enea, the Council delivered a clear and fact-based rebuttal that dismantled the report’s inaccuracies and exposed its evident bias.

Once again, Councilmember Holly Tillman stood alone in opposition.

Despite having spent over 15 months calling for an investigation, Councilmember Tillman attempted to backpedal, requesting a “softer tone” and offering edits that none of her colleagues supported. Her shift in tone reveals the uncomfortable truth: the investigation she called for is now undermining her own credibility.

Vice Mayor Wan presented the legal facts with clarity, while Councilmember Tillman offered no substantive rebuttal, only emotional appeals and theatrical rhetoric.

Even more concerning, Councilmember Tillman publicly stated that she would submit her separate response to the Civil Grand Jury.

Under California Penal Code §§ 933 and 933.05, official responses must come from the governing body. Any attempt to submit an individual letter, especially using city letterhead, would be legally invalid and potentially expose the City to liability.

This incident raises serious questions:

* Why is Councilmember Tillman consistently isolated from her colleagues?
* Why do none of her fellow councilmembers, across diverse viewpoints, support her positions?
* Is she using the City of Clayton as a political springboard rather than serving its residents?

According to reports, Councilmember Tillman has expressed interest in running for higher office, including governor. Her behavior increasingly suggests a strategy built on conflict, not collaboration, one focused on self-promotion and photo ops, rather than public service.

Adding to the concerns is the direct involvement of Clayton Pioneer owner Tamara Steiner. For two years, Ms. Steiner has used her platform to push for a Grand Jury investigation and has provided exclusively favorable coverage of Councilmember Tillman, while ignoring or disparaging other councilmembers.

Tamara Steiner has participated in past Civil Grand Jury orientation media panels, including one alongside current Civil Grand Jury Foreperson Peter Appert. At the time, Appert was a juror, not the foreperson. Sources report that she engaged directly with participants, offering input, posing questions, and exceeding the neutral role of a panelist.

Steiner’s influence in Clayton runs deep, bolstered by her and her husband’s long-standing leadership roles in the Clayton Business & Community Association (CBCA), he as a former CBCA president, and she as a vocal presence in city affairs. However, when the City Council revised the CBCA’s special event fee structure to make it more equitable for all organizations, their privileged position was diminished. 

In apparent retaliation, Steiner’s reporting became increasingly combative and one-sided. Just recently, she was seen distributing printed copies of the Civil Grand Jury report at a CBCA General meeting, just days before the Council’s official vote, further blurring the lines between journalism and personal agenda.

Further complicating this matter is that Councilmember Tillman’s husband, Matt Tillman, currently serves as Vice President of Membership for the CBCA. This direct connection between a sitting councilmember and an organization deeply entangled in the political narrative creates a clear conflict of interest.

The CBCA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which prohibits political activity under IRS regulations. Any partisan behavior coordinated through or influenced by CBCA leadership places the organization’s nonprofit status at risk.

Finally, the Grand Jury report makes over 18 separate references to the CBCA, while omitting other community organizations entirely. This disproportionate attention, combined with the above connections, demands serious scrutiny.

It is also worth noting that Peter Appert, the current Civil Grand Jury foreperson, is affiliated with a nonprofit organization in Lafayette that closely mirrors the CBCA’s structure and mission. That similarity, paired with the report’s excessive focus on the CBCA, raises even more red flags.

Was this report guided by objective inquiry or shaped by preexisting relationships and organizational bias?

If you want to see the full picture for yourself, without spin or speculation, the following resources provide direct access to the meeting, the City’s official response, and key background information.

Don’t take anyone’s word for it. Watch, read, and decide based on the facts:

* Watch the Full Meeting and Judge for Yourself: Watch the Special Meeting (https://claytonca.granicus.com/player/clip/111)

* The Civil Grand Jury Complaint: (https://www.cc-courts.org/civil/docs/grandjury/2024-2025/2505/2505-SmallCityBigConcerns.pdf)

* Read the City’s Response to the Civil Grand Jury Report: (https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/3433549/Response_to_GJ_Report_2505.pdf)

* Learn why Holly Tillman has lost the respect of her peers and much of the community: The Truth About Holly Tillman (https://www.claytonwatch.org/p/a-record-of-division-troubling-behavior.html)

* See Holly Tillman in Action (Short Videos): She’s shockingly rude and belligerent, dominating every conversation, snarling accusations, never listening, and bulldozing anyone who dares challenge her. (https://www.claytonwatch.org/p/holly-tillman-in-action-her-words-not.html)

* Holly Tillman: All Talk, No Action: She makes big promises but never delivers. It's all noise, no results. (https://www.claytonwatch.org/p/holly-tillman-all-talk-no-action.html)

The June 24th meeting was not just another council session; it was a turning point. The Council majority stood united, grounded in facts, law, and the will of the people. Councilmember Tillman stood alone, disconnected, defiant, and exposed.

At Clayton Watch, we believe in truth, transparency, and accountability.

We believe public office is a place to serve, not a platform for political ambition. We encourage every resident to stay informed, ask tough questions, and demand better leadership.

Clayton deserves better,

Sincerely,

The Clayton Watch Team

Special Meeting - Please Be There - Starts at 5:00 PM

Council Meeting Summary 6-17-25

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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Jeff Wan's City Council Updates

Meeting Summary

Last night the Council met to discuss several significant items:

- We interviewed three candidates for two seats on the Planning Commission.  After interviews and discussion, the Council re-appointed Commissioners Banchero and Cassagrande.  Congratulations to the two re-appointees.

- We welcomed and swore in our new Police Chief, Jeremy Crone.  Chief Crone has a tremendous amount of experience in law enforcement and I look forward to working with the new Chief.

- We received a report by the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District detailing Clayton specific statistics and the services provided by ConFire.  We also had a discussion about home hardening and ways residents could reduce their fire risk, and how they can gain information about emergency communications should they occur.  ConFire is recommending that everyone sign up for CWS Alerts and that everyone know their specific evacuation zone should a call for evacuation ever occur.  More information here:

- We received a report from our outgoing Interim Police Chief Mort regarding his assessment of the department.  This included observations about activities, as well as specifics around staffing, recruitment, retention, and training.

- We adopted a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City's Miscellaneous group and updated the City's salary schedule accordingly.  This MOU follows ongoing negotiations between the City and this group and I'm glad we came to agreeable terms.

- We formed an ad hoc committee to review and provide feedback on the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury Report regarding Clayton.  The Council chose Mayor Trupiano and myself to be on the ad hoc Committee.  The ad hoc Committee will meet and present draft responses at a Special Meeting scheduled for 6.24.25 at 5pm in Hoyer Hall.

Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury - Letter from Clayton Watch 6-17-25

To the Clayton Community,

We are reaching out to inform you of a matter of serious concern regarding the recently issued Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury report on the City of Clayton. Following a careful and detailed review, we have identified substantial evidence that the report is deeply flawed, containing factual inaccuracies, omissions, and misleading conclusions.

Given the significance of these issues, Clayton Watch has formally submitted our concerns to the Court and the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. At this time, we are not aware of any further action taken by our City Council beyond submitting the response required by law.

We believe this matter deserves prompt and thoughtful attention from county officials. At the very least, we expect the professional courtesy of a response acknowledging our concerns and outlining any steps that may be taken.

We will continue to keep the community informed as we receive updates.

Thank you for your continued support.

The Clayton Watch Team

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Letter to the CC Court and Board of Supervisor

June 17, 2025


Hon. Terri Mockler
Supervising Judge
Contra Costa County Superior Court
725 Court Street
Martinez, CA 94553

Peter Appert, Foreperson, 2024–2025 Civil Grand Jury
Contra Costa County Grand Jury
725 Court Street
Martinez, CA 94553

Re: Request for Oversight and Clarification Regarding Clayton Grand Jury Report

Dear Judge Mockler and Grand Jury Foreperson,

On behalf of concerned residents across Clayton, Clayton Watch writes to express serious concern and disappointment with the recent Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury report titled “Clayton: Small City, Big Concerns.” This report has raised significant alarm due to its sensational tone, factual misstatements, and potential political influence, factors that undermine public confidence in both the findings and the Grand Jury process.

From the outset, the title projected bias and sensationalism, rather than the impartial tone expected of a judicially supervised body. When political talking points begin to appear in official findings or rulings, it becomes a concern for all of us, as it weakens public faith in the integrity of the judicial system itself.

Unfortunately, the report includes multiple factual errors, misrepresentations, and misunderstandings that deserve immediate attention:

- Misrepresentation of Leadership Turnover: The report inflates the number of City Managers by counting interim and acting officials, an inappropriate method that falsely suggests instability.

- Financial Misstatements: Assertions of ongoing deficits contradict the City’s publicly available audited financial statements. How were these core financial facts overlooked?

- Brown Act Allegations: The claim of Brown Act violations appears based on a misunderstanding. Agenda-setting in Clayton is not conducted by any committee, standing or otherwise.

- Misunderstanding of Governance Structure: The report confuses the roles of standing committees versus ad hoc committees, reflecting a troubling lack of understanding of local government operations.

These issues raise serious questions about the diligence, fairness, and subject matter competence of the Grand Jury’s investigation.

Even more troubling are signs that the process may have been influenced by local political actors. Of particular concern is Tamara Steiner, owner of the Clayton Pioneer, who publicly called for an investigation and is reportedly connected to several individuals affiliated with the Grand Jury and Clayton politics.

Given these individuals’ visible involvement in local political matters, we request confirmation that no Grand Jurors held personal, political, or financial affiliations that would compromise impartiality. Transparency here is essential to protect the credibility of the findings.

We are also deeply concerned about apparent breaches of confidentiality:
In September 2024, former Councilmember Peter Cloven acknowledged receiving a Grand Jury letter and noted that similar letters were placed in all council members’ mailboxes.

In December 2024, Councilmember Holly Tillman publicly declared that residents would “soon be eating crow,” a remark that strongly suggests foreknowledge of the report. She repeatedly requested an investigation during council meetings in September, October, November, and December 2024 despite allegedly knowing one was already underway. Such actions distort public discourse, drain staff resources, and appear to be politically motivated.

Additionally, while several past and present officials were reportedly interviewed, no one from Clayton Watch, one of the most active nonpartisan civic groups in the city was contacted. Why was our perspective excluded? This omission further erodes confidence in the report’s fairness and neutrality.

Because your Court oversees the civil grand jury process, we respectfully request clarification and oversight on the following key issues:

- Conflicts of Interest - Were any Grand Jurors personally, politically, or financially affiliated with Tamara Steiner, Councilmember Holly Tillman, former Councilmember Peter Cloven, or former City Manager Bret Prebula?

- Report Title Authorization - Who approved the use of the report’s biased and inflammatory title?

- Financial Accuracy - What sources of financial data were used, and why were the City’s audited financials seemingly disregarded?

- Leadership Count Manipulation - Why were interim and acting City Managers included in the total count, when this practice is not standard?

- Governance Competency - Were jurors properly trained to understand public agency structures, including the distinction between standing and ad hoc committees?

We recognize that the 2024–2025 Grand Jury may have already been discharged. However, since your Court maintains jurisdiction over this process, we respectfully request that appropriate former jurors be contacted and asked to provide answers.

We also acknowledge that mistakes happen and that every city, including Clayton, can improve. However, releasing a report riddled with misinformation and bias does not build public trust. Instead, it divides our community, misleads the public, and diminishes confidence in the Grand Jury system.

Public trust depends on transparency, fairness, and accountability. We hope you will treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and offer the residents of Clayton the clarity they are entitled to.

Thank you for your attention to these concerns. We respectfully request a timely response.

Sincerely,

Gary Hood
Clayton Watch Political Action Committee

Cc: Clayton City Council and Staff
City Manager, City of Clayton
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors

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After waiting patiently for over 30 days without receiving any response, we issued a follow-up letter. As public officials, these individuals have a responsibility to acknowledge concerns raised by the community. Failing to respond is not only disappointing, it’s a disregard for the people they serve. Please see the follow-up message below.

July 15, 2025


Hon. Terri Mockler - Supervising Judge

Contra Costa County Superior Court

725 Court Street
Martinez, CA 94553

Peter Appert, Foreperson

2024 - 2025 Civil Grand Jury

Contra Costa County Grand Jury

725 Court Street
Martinez, CA 94553

Re: Follow-Up Request for Oversight and Clarification - Clayton Grand Jury Report

Dear Judge Mockler and Grand Jury Foreperson,

Clayton Watch is a registered political action committee representing residents of Clayton who share a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and public trust in local government. On behalf of our members and supporters, we are following up regarding the recent Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury report titled “Clayton: Small City, Big Concerns.”

On June 17, 2025, we submitted a detailed letter via certified mail, outlining several concerns related to the report, including factual inaccuracies, potential conflicts of interest, possible breaches of confidentiality, and questions of impartiality. To date, we have not received any acknowledgment or response.

We understand the demands on your offices and appreciate the complexity of Grand Jury matters. However, given the significance of the issues raised and their impact on public confidence in the Grand Jury process, we respectfully request a formal response. As public officials serving the residents of Contra Costa County, we trust you share our belief that open communication and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust.

If this matter has been referred to another agency or office for review, we would appreciate being informed.

We kindly request a reply by Friday, July 25, 2025, so that we may share any updates with our members and the broader Clayton community.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response and appreciate your service to the community.

Sincerely,

Gary Hood
Clayton Watch
Political Action Committee

cc: Clayton City Council and Staff

City Manager, City of Clayton

Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
Hon. Christopher R. Bowen - Presiding Judge
Sarah Lind - Court Executive Officer

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Still waiting for a reply from someone at the County.

A Call for Transparency and Accountability

Dear Clayton Community,

The following letter is being shared in the interest of transparency and community awareness. As an engaged and active voice in the community, Clayton Watch is committed to shedding light on the kind of political behavior that has long affected our town.

The author of this letter is an active member of Clayton Watch and a strong advocate for truth, accountability, and the end of divisive politics that have undermined our local values for years. We firmly believe that no one is above scrutiny, even if that means calling the judge and jury out when fairness is compromised.

We encourage you to read this letter with an open mind. The concerns raised are significant and deserve thoughtful consideration. Those involved in perpetuating or enabling such conduct should be held accountable for their actions.

Thank you for your time and commitment to ensuring Clayton remains a community of integrity.

Sincerely,

The Clayton Watch Team

__________________________________________________________________

June 17, 2025

Hon. Terri Mockler
, Supervising Judge
Contra Costa County Superior Court
725 Court Street
Martinez, CA  94553

Peter Appert, Foreperson, 2024–2025 Civil Grand Jury
Contra Costa County Grand Jury
725 Court Street
Martinez, CA  94553

Re: Request for Oversight and Clarification Regarding Clayton Grand Jury Report

Dear Judge Mockler and Grand Jury Foreperson,

On behalf of concerned residents across Clayton, Clayton Watch writes to express serious concern and disappointment with the recent Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury report titled “Clayton: Small City, Big Concerns.” This report has raised significant alarm due to its sensational tone, misstatements, and potential political influence, factors that undermine public confidence in both the findings and the Grand Jury process.

From the outset, the title projected bias and sensationalism, rather than the impartial tone expected of a judicially supervised body. When political talking points begin to appear in official findings or rulings, it becomes a concern for all of us, as it weakens public faith in the integrity of the judicial system itself.

Unfortunately, the report includes multiple errors, misrepresentations, and misunderstandings that deserve immediate attention:

Misrepresentation of Leadership Turnover: The report inflates the number of City Managers by counting interim and acting officials, an inappropriate method that falsely suggests instability.

Financial Misstatements: Assertions of ongoing deficits contradict the City’s publicly available audited financial statements. How were these core financial facts overlooked?

Brown Act Allegations: The claim of Brown Act violations appears based on a misunderstanding. Agenda-setting in Clayton is not conducted by any committee, standing or otherwise.

Misunderstanding of Governance Structure: The report confuses the roles of standing committees versus ad hoc committees, reflecting a troubling lack of understanding of local government operations.

These issues raise serious questions about the diligence, fairness, and subject matter competence of the Grand Jury’s investigation.

Even more troubling are signs that the process may have been influenced by local political actors. Of particular concern is Tamara Steiner, owner of the Clayton Pioneer, who publicly called for an investigation and is reportedly connected to several individuals affiliated with the Grand Jury and Clayton politics.

Given these individuals’ visible involvement in local political matters, we request confirmation that no Grand Jurors held personal, political, or financial affiliations that would compromise impartiality. Transparency here is essential to protect the credibility of the findings.

We are also deeply concerned about apparent breaches of confidentiality:

•  Just recently, in a social media post, former Councilmember Peter Cloven acknowledged receiving a Grand Jury letter in September 2024 and noted that similar letters were placed in all council members’ mailboxes. Interestingly enough, in December 2024, Councilmember Holly Tillman publicly declared that residents would “soon be eating crow,” a remark that strongly suggests foreknowledge of the report. She repeatedly requested an “investigation” during council meetings in September, October, November, and December 2024 despite allegedly knowing one was already underway. Such actions distort public discourse, drain staff resources, and appear to be politically motivated.

Additionally, while several past and present officials, including residents, were reportedly interviewed, no one from Clayton Watch, one of the most active nonpartisan civic groups in the city was contacted. Why was our perspective excluded? This omission further erodes confidence in the report’s fairness and neutrality.

Because your Court oversees the civil grand jury process, we respectfully request clarification and oversight on the following key issues:

Conflicts of Interest - Were any Grand Jurors personally, politically, or financially affiliated with Tamara Steiner, Councilmember Holly Tillman, former Councilmember Peter Cloven, or former City Manager Bret Prebula?

Report Title Authorization - Who approved the use of the report’s biased and inflammatory title?

Financial Accuracy - What sources of financial data were used, and why were the City’s audited financials seemingly disregarded?

Leadership Count Manipulation - Why were interim and acting City Managers included in the total count, when this practice is not standard?

Governance Competency - Were jurors properly trained to understand public agency structures, including the distinction between standing and ad hoc committees?

We recognize that the 2024–2025 Grand Jury may have already been discharged. However, since your Court maintains jurisdiction over this process, we respectfully request that appropriate former jurors be contacted and asked to provide answers.

We also acknowledge that mistakes happen and that every city, including Clayton, can improve. However, releasing a report riddled with misinformation and bias does not build public trust. Instead, it divides our community, misleads the public, and diminishes confidence in the Grand Jury system.

Public trust depends on transparency, fairness, and accountability. We hope you will treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and offer the residents of Clayton the clarity they are entitled to.

Thank you for your attention to these concerns. We respectfully request a timely response.

Sincerely,

Gary Hood
Clayton Watch
Political Action Committee
FPPC ID #1471612

cc: Clayton City Council and Staff
City Manager, City of Clayton
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
Hon. Christopher Bowen, Presiding Judge