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
__________________________________________________________________
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
June 17, 2025
Hon. Terri Mockler , Supervising Judge
Contra Costa County Superior Court
725 Court Street
Martinez, CA 94553
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
I am pleased you posted this letter and submitted it to the court. As you have stated, the entire report is riddled with biases and inaccuracies. I am fed up with the disruption that Tillman, Cloven, Wolfe, Prebula, Steiner, and CBCA have caused in the Clayton community. It is high time for this behavior to stop. Those who advocated for this report are toxic individuals who thrive on chaos and are dissatisfied with their own lives, which leads them to create misery for the entire city. The individuals mentioned must seek psychological help immediately!
ReplyDeleteI am really tired of the of these sick individuals trying to ruin our town. This has gone too far and must stop. Thank you Clayton Watch for sending this letter to the Grand Jury.
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteGreat letter. Thanks for standing up for the town of Clayton.
ReplyDeleteThe secrecy requirement appears to have been violated by Holly Tillman. Her supporters were very versed on this so called report from the instant it was released and had a prepared social media campaign. All these sad people want to soil the town of Clayton to promote Holly’s political career.
ReplyDeleteYou nailed it!
DeleteThank you for calling attention to this. Our town doesn’t need the petty bickering and power struggles between the City Council and the CBCA. I was recently informed that Tamara Steiner, aka the Clayton Pioneer, applied for a spot on the 25/26 Civil Grand Jury, and was rejected. In my opinion, it’s hard to understand what kind of person would seek a position on the Grand Jury while trying to pass themselves off as an unbiased reporter.
ReplyDeleteTamara never seems to report the news, she’s more focused on making it up. If you want to know more about her, just visit her Facebook page and check out her other social media posts. Honestly, her “newspaper” would make better birdcage lining than a legitimate source of information.
And we all thought politics in DC was bad. Thank you Gary for standing up for what is right. Please keep us posted if you receive a response. If you don't, maybe the local media should be contacted.
ReplyDeleteHoly smoke Gary. I call your letter to the Judge and the Grand Jury a home run. I moved to Clayton to get away from all the big city jerks. It looks like some little city jerks are trying to make up stuff so they can be big jerks in a little city. These losers need to go back to the big city. Clayton Watch keep the pressure on them.
ReplyDeleteThis appears to be sloppy work. We should keep in mind that these are volunteers, so the old saying “you get what you pay for” may apply here. Clayton Watch, keep the pressure on and continue demanding answers. Tillman, Cloven, Wolfe, Steiner, and others are deeply connected with individuals across the county. It’s the same old game: you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours. The judge needs to get to the bottom of this if she wants to maintain her credibility.
ReplyDeleteYou know the old saying about analytical reports, garbage in garbage out. This Grand Jury report is a perfect example.
ReplyDeleteIf you are a CBCA member, you need to question why the organization allows Tamara and few other politically motivated people to use it to get their people in to power. This whole thing about turnover and finances is about Bret Prebula and his intention to give CBCA as much power over city events as possible. This was also about Bret Prebula working to give CBCA the use of the city for free. If yo are a CBCA member, you need to contact your board and demand that Tamara be ejected along with the Tillmans. Are you a charity or a political party?
ReplyDeleteThey are a POLITICAL PARTY hands down!
DeleteThe CBCA must have its 501(c)(3) status revoked for violating IRS regulations by engaging in political activities. Despite their charitable status prohibiting such actions, Wolfe, Tillmans, Stiener, Cloven, Miller, and their associates continue to push a political agenda. This cannot be allowed to continue!
ReplyDeleteHoly moly. This site never ceases to amaze me. Complain complain complain. Keep doing this and this city will be in the gutter like many of the others here in California.
ReplyDeleteHoly moly indeed, Ed M. It's almost like people caring about their city and speaking up about real issues is… a bad thing? Wild concept.
DeleteIf pointing out problems and demanding better leadership sends a city “into the gutter,” then maybe the foundation wasn’t that solid to begin with. Spoiler alert: silence and cheerleading don’t magically fix broken policies.
But hey, if your idea of civic engagement is “smile and nod,” that might explain how some cities got where they are. Some of us prefer accountability over apathy — even if it ruins your day. Pete and Angie, Dana Hills
Hey Ed, didn’t you take money from the subject of this “SCATHING” article Tamara Steiner just published? https://pioneerpublishers.com/rainbow-center-staff-demand-board-members-removal-and-censure/
DeleteAll the gutters in California like LA, Antioch, SF, are run by progressives like your friend Holly, Ed! Show me a crappy city and I’ll show you a progressive mayor and council. If Holly was in charge, guaranteed downtown would be a homeless encampment and she would defang our police. One of her biggest supporters insists on the idea of Clayton getting annexed by Concord. Let’s become a big crappy city so she can get on that council! Then she can run for governor.
DeleteI will take every necessary action to guarantee that Holly never ascends to a higher office. Our political landscape is already filled with dishonest, deceitful, and divisive leaders. We absolutely cannot allow someone like Holly Tillman to take on a position of power!
DeleteWhile the story about the tainted grand jury report and Tamara Steiner’s involvement it’s important, it’s interesting that Tamara Steiner has turned on someone she, Holly Tillman, Peter Cloven and the CBCA all embraced to no end not too long ago. The subject of this “SCATHING” article Tamara published sent her a good sum of money a few years ago when she was in trouble! Here is a link to the SCATHING article: https://pioneerpublishers.com/rainbow-center-staff-demand-board-members-removal-and-censure/ Now a few years ago the person mentioned in this article was given all kinds of welcomes at CBCA, Holly Tillman was at his house every weekend, Tamara Steiner even gave him a column in her newspaper. So the question now is, why did she and all these other people turn on him? Is he no longer useful to advance their politics? This man came into Clayton and caused a lot division in his neighborhood and local politics and Tamara, Holly, Peter, and CBCA supported him. This man made viscous verbal attacks on Jeff Wan and of course Tamara and the gang loved him. But now, he is the subject of Tamara’s wrath and it looks like all those other folks, especially Holly are pretending not to know him. Why? Clayton Watch does need to look into this story. Tamara, Holly, Peter, CBCA, is this how you treat friends or is this what you do when a so called marginalized person doesn’t serve your purposes anymore? Or if the article is legit are all of you such poor judges of character? And with this example, why should we believe your opinions on the biased civil grand jury report?
ReplyDeleteI can't help but laugh. Wasn't it just a while ago that Tillman was on ND and FB, while Clayton residents engaged in heated arguments? And then Holly had the audacity to declare, “I don't make friends with horrible people.” It seems she protests a bit too much! Take a good look at yourself and your friends, Holly; you're all the very definition of horrible people.
DeleteYou might feel important associating with someone who calls himself a professor, but I think it’s wise to do a little background research before getting close to the wrong people. From what I’ve heard, this individual has caused problems in other communities where he’s lived.
DeleteThis story about the professor is too much! Tamara loved this guy. Holly Tillman was practically living at his house! People sold their homes in his neighborhood to get away from this guy as he was a bully who had the full support of two council people, Tamara Steiner and her newspaper and the CBCA. These are the same people who are behind the civil grand jury joke of a report. There’s got to be something else going on here.
DeleteHolly's professor buddy is nothing short of a hateful, mean-spirited man who relishes bullying anyone who dares to disagree with him. He has driven elderly neighbors to move away, having created such a hostile environment that they felt compelled to file an elder abuse lawsuit. Unfortunately, the judge dismissed it only because they relocated out of state. This professor has also harassed local realtors and council members in Clayton and neighboring cities, targeting those he disapproves of. He frequently posts vitriolic rhetoric on social media platforms like ND, FB, and IG, attacking residents he dislikes for no justified reason. While the professor and his associates—Tillmans, Steiner, Cloven, Millers, and Denslows—claim to champion love, acceptance, and diversity, it's clear they only embrace these values when they align with their narrow narrative.
DeleteIt sounds like someone is finally connecting the dots — and the story keeps getting more interesting as new details come to light.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Holly and Tamara can shed some light on the grand jury investigation, especially since they were involved in the initial complaint. After reading it, the whole thing reads more like a political hit piece than a serious, objective inquiry. It’s missing the impartiality you’d expect from something carrying that much weight.
Hopefully, both the judge and the grand jury get an earful for their roles in this. It would be helpful to know who they were connected to — and why they thought it was acceptable to push misleading information onto our community.
I was only made aware of this situation this morning via email. Thank you Clayton Watch for stepping up and doing the heavy lifting to flush things out. Your efforts are very much appreciated. Please keep me in the loop going forward so I can assist where needed.
ReplyDeleteJust got mine. Thank you Clayton Watch.
DeleteAfter reading the report, something smells fishy. Hopefully Clayton Watch will receive a response from the county. Maybe Fox News should be called in.
ReplyDeleteOr CNN if they are still in business.
DeleteI was told Claycord.com will be merging with Claytonwatch.org. Does anybody have any information on this.
ReplyDeleteYes, I heard the same thing down at the bocce courts on Monday night. If the merger goes through, it could be a real game-changer, definitely a force to be reckoned with.
DeleteClayton was never like this until certain people moved in and decided to bring their politics with them. These people need to go back where they came from and crawl into a hole. Progressive ideas have no place in our town. Thank you Clayton Watch for calling these people out. -Carol W
ReplyDeleteThe Tillmans, Clovens, Stieners, Millers, and Denslows must go!
ReplyDeleteThe goal of the Tillmans, Clovens, Stieners, Millers, and Denslows is to change Clayton. I was pretty happy with the way it was before they showed up.
ReplyDeleteYou will never be fooled by peoples words if you read them by their actions.
DeleteThe actions of the Tillmans, Cloven, the Professor, Denslows, Miller, Stieners, and Wolfe expose their true nature: they are nothing more than a group of hate-filled liars, willing to betray anyone in their pursuit of personal gain. Their disregard for others is clear and undeniable.
DeleteCan Clayton take 3.5 more years of this? Clayton Watch needs to start having everyone think about this. Tamara Steiner and Holly Tillman are determined to keep this up. They have no desire to work with anyone. It’s their way or else.
ReplyDeleteSomeone should really consider legal action against the newspaper and the individual(s) responsible for spreading false information. It’s now clear, we now know that the newspaper published many false statements of fact, that the statements harmed the communities reputation. If there are any attorneys reading this who want to help put a stop to this and do something good for the community, everyone in Clayton would truly appreciate your support.
ReplyDeleteThe legal bills alone would put the Clayton Pioneer out of business. From the size of the paper. . . they are already on their death bed.
DeleteAnd the paper should die a painful death!
DeleteDefamation by the press against a government entity does not exist. It must be towards an individual.
DeleteEasily not considered in the CGJ report and the Pioneer printed story are the facts. Why do they not use the facts? The facts prove many of their statements and posts are false. It ruins their whole attack. An apology with mis-statements listed and the factual corrections needs to happen. Intellectual integrity by those who continue to push falsehoods about the council and the work that they have done is no longer trusted.
ReplyDeleteCatV
Holly and Tamera’s querulous complaints have annoyed everyone in the city.
ReplyDeleteLet's start a Tillman recall now.
ReplyDelete