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
The Clayton Watch Team
I’m sorry to hear about Tamara’s illness, but I don’t wish ill on anyone. The downfall of the paper was entirely self-inflicted, driven by biased reporting and editorials that consistently favored Clayton's decline while excessively praising the Tillmans in every issue for the last six years. What kind of newspaper chooses to promote one individual or family in every publication? Tamara’s actions are her responsibility, and while I hope for her recovery, I’m pleased that the subpar content she produced will no longer be in circulation.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the fact that when you post something on Nextdoor you turn off the comments so no one could have their own rebuttal. Absolute Bush League of you. At least that other publication will be around a lot longer than you.
ReplyDeleteEd, be quiet please. You are beyond annoying behind that keyboard of yours.
DeleteEd M, this isn't the "bush league"—it's the big leagues. It's where petty politics are put aside, and serious conversations happen. If you want to keep playing those games, you're welcome to head back to Nextdoor. But if you have something meaningful to say, I’m sure we'd all appreciate hearing it here.
DeleteEd, it’s time for you to return to your sespool.
DeleteIt would be refreshing if Ed M would read the article and post intelligent comments. I don't recall seeing any rebuttal of opinions by Ed, only incorrect fabricated falsehoods he thinks makes a point.
DeleteSo sad. You really screwed it up Tamara!
ReplyDeleteI live just past Clayton city limits in Concord and have read the Pioneer for 20 years. I have tracked these controversies from both sides. I am not close enough to form an informed opinion.
ReplyDeleteBut I find it hypocritical that this article spent 90% of its words blaming politics for the Pioneer's demise and only at the end mentioned that this older (elderly?) woman has a major health issue, all the while saying the (next) paper need to focus on truth.
The article seems almost gleeful. You should be embarrassed.
Preventing Nextdoor comments speaks volumes. And it's certainly not the free speech our country was founded on.
Can you see your prejudice?. Can you show some level of compassion, or is it all about winning for you?
Personally I would rewrite your article or take it d9wn.
Ponder this please.
It’s impossible to not condemn Tamera. She has polarized the town with her Tillman Times newspaper. As they say, go woke, go broke. Apparently, she missed that memo.
DeleteCertainly no sane person wishes death on anybody. But her legacy will not heal with time.
"Preventing" Nextdoor comments as not free speech is a laugh and speaks volumes - all those folks are doing is directing news to this site at worst and at best spreading the viewership and opportunity for free speech on this event. It's OK if you only want to play only with the Nextdoor elite go ahead and post your own article. - Calling for a rewrite in also senseless and at its worst censorship. Again you have something to say and want it to be solely on Nextdoor then feel free.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteNo one is happy about Tamara's health issues. But there is no denying the paper appears to have been losing money for some time. And judging by how thin it got in the last 2-3 years when Tamara became so blatant with her politics, you can't conclude this was just her health. Advertisers left her paper. It's interesting that less and less candidates advertised in her paper during elections. In fact, only one did last election. In 2020, one candidate went as far as never responding to her candidate questionnaire. The rumor was the candidate didn't trust Tamara especially after she editorialized responses from two candidates in 2018 she didn't like. Those two candidates weren't members of the CBCA so they shouldn't have been running according to her. Tamara went as far as telling readers in 2018 that she was not objective when she endorsed her CBCA candidates and didn't care how it looked to the public. Tamara is a reflection of what media has become all over the country. Too many editors and reporters have politics that are way left of center. It's sad to see this local paper go out on the low note of the circus that was the civil grand jury. It looks like Tamara stayed open just long enough to try to make a spectacle of that issue but instead her paper goes out with a huge hit to credibility given her involvement in the complaint. The article on Clayton Watch isn't about winning, it's about the truth. Clayton needs to move on from the politics of the past that were controlled by Tamara and her friends at the CBCA.
DeleteIt was sad watching the slow self destruction of the Pioneer by Tamera over the last 23 years. What started off as a welcomed change from the Harry Green Pioneer days, is now a textbook case of how to destroy a local paper. Tamera was given many opportunities to change direction, but her warped political ideology clouded her editorial decisions. She was so obsessed with her dislike for some Clayton council members and community members she allowed it to take control over good journalism. The Pioneer will be missed as another chapter of Clayton's history comes to a close.
ReplyDeleteWow, couldn’t have said it better! Tamara stopped reporting the news and instead started targeting council members as citizens who didn’t share her politics. She says she is selling it? Sure, and I have a bridge for sale! It’s so tarnished no one would buy that rag now.
DeleteLooks like Ed wrote this as well. Just with the anonymous name. We see you Ed!!
ReplyDeleteActually I have no idea who Ed is. Unfortunate you can't actually listen to another person's point of view before returning to your echo chamber.
DeleteMaybe you should reread what I had to say.
It's time to seriously reevaluate your statements. Tamara's reporting is steeped in her own biases, reflecting prejudices against individuals in this community who aren't affiliated with the CBCA, along with her personal favorite causes. This has not only exacerbated the divisions within Clayton but also distorted the grand jury reporting with her undue influence. This is not journalism; it's a travesty of fairness and responsibility. Such one-sided commentary has driven her publication into the ground.
DeleteAs a long-time reader, it's disheartening to witness the downfall of a newspaper of local news journalism. The gradual shift toward editorial revisionism, the bending of facts to fit certain narratives, and an unmistakable tone of bias eroded its credibility. What was once a source of near balanced reporting became increasingly agenda-driven, leaving readers questioning the integrity of the content. In abandoning its commitment to objectivity, the paper lost the trust of its audience—and with it, its relevance and influence.
ReplyDeleteVery sorry to hear Tamara's dealing with the cancer battle. It's a tough fight and I wish for her success. I enjoyed reading the history of the Pioneer paper, thank you CW. Unfortunately the paper became entrenched in the progressive woke culture. "Once you go woke you go broke," as they say. The public demands truthful and balanced reporting. Any news outlets in our area going forward will be successful if they verify reports and fully cover all the related aspects in their reporting. The onesided culture fad has lost its appeal. - CatV
ReplyDeleteAgree. She did it to herself. End of story.
ReplyDeleteNow what will Holly do? Start the Tillman Times?
DeleteI don't know what all the fuss is about. Tamera ran her paper into the ground for 23 years and now it is gone. This is not a surprise. It happens all the time in business. I guess Tamara did not realize that when you are going full speed towards a cliff you should check you brakes before you reach the end of the road. Happy trails for the end of the Pioneer.
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestion. Where were all her friend when she was running off the trail? Oh, it forgot those were all the people that were getting deep discount on their ads.
DeleteEspecially Holly—she secured an unbelievable deal of just $300.00 for all the ads she ran throughout the entire election season. This exceptional offer was not extended to the other candidates. In contrast, prices for them began at $480 for only 30 days. What a remarkable bargain Holly managed to obtain. Meanwhile, Tamara was counting on making a profit from Rich, Jim, and Maria.
DeleteIt really makes me angry that Holly got a special deal to run her ads on the Pioneer for the entire election for only $300. If this deal was not offered to Rich, Maria and Jim, it could be a violation of state and federal election laws. I think there should be a Grand Jury investigation of Tamera and the Pioneer.
DeleteTamara got what she deserved. It's about time real accountability caught up with her. I’m looking forward to the day when a publication like The Diablo Gazette takes over her territory—finally, a break from all the grandstanding and blatant political bias.
DeleteImagine a space where people actually have a fair shot at being heard. No more games. No more gatekeeping. Just one reliable source for the truth: The Diablo Gazette.
Goodbye, Holly. Your era is over. - Kathy and John S -
Tamara Steiner is melting down on Facebook after getting called out for offering a discount to a city council candidate. If everything was above board, why the outrage?
DeleteMaybe because this wasn’t a one-time thing. It’s worth asking how many other “special deals” she’s handed out to advertisers she's friendly with. That’s what happens when you never learn to separate business from personal relationships, and now the consequences are piling up. It’s all starting to add up.
Admin Response
DeleteThe third reply above contains inaccurate information.
Today, a member of the Clayton Watch team personally visited Clayton City Hall and verified that the actual amount paid by Holly Tillman to the Clayton Pioneer for advertising during the 2024 campaign was substantially higher than what was stated by the commenter.
As required under California law, all campaign contributions and expenditures must be reported on Form 460, a public record available for review at Clayton City Hall.
We fully support free speech and open discussion, but commenters have a responsibility to ensure that information shared here is accurate.
Admin Team, Clayton Watch
Thank you Clayton Watch for investigating this serious accusation of campaign fraud. Looks like Holly dodged a bullet on this one. Keep up the good work CW.
DeleteWally and Eileen
Thank you for always seeking and reporting the facts.
DeleteFrom an Unhappy Resident
ReplyDeleteI didn’t realize just how biased and corrupt -The Pioneer- had become until the last two election cycles. I was shocked to see our town portrayed as racist, accused of encouraging police profiling, and even labeled a “sundown town.” And if that wasn’t enough, we’re apparently also a community in decline where no one wants to work?
Where is she getting this nonsense?
Oh wait, let me guess. Someone named Tillman? Suddenly, a lot of things are starting to make sense, including why that civil grand jury report was ultimately discredited.
Our town deserves better than this kind of agenda-driven reporting.
It’s time we stop giving platforms to people who tear our community down. Support news outlets that tell the full story, like , The Diablo Gazette.. And if you care about where we’re headed, speak up: show up to city council meetings, write your own letters, and let your voice be heard.
Enough is enough. As Tillman would say.
Antioch here we come!
DeleteMy family moved from San Francisco to Clayton over 45 years years ago. We love Clayton. However, it was such a shame to see the division in Clayton caused partially by the Pioneer biased politics the past several years. We wish Tamara well. On the other hand, hoping a non-biased journalism will take the place of the Pioneer. The Diablo Gazette is a much nicer local newspaper in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteAgree
ReplyDeleteI don’t agree 100%. Our family enjoyed reading the sports section when our kids were younger. That reporter Jay did a traffic job. He will be missed.
DeleteYou mean terrific.
DeleteSmall town politics can be so frustrating. Why is it so hard for people to just get along? My dad always said, “It takes two to tango,” so I’m not taking sides. That said, I’ve really been enjoying the updates on Clayton Watch, a much needed resource that was long overdue.
ReplyDeleteJust got back from vacation and read this article, it hit a nerve. On one hand, I’m hopeful that someone with real experience and integrity will step in to replace the Pioneer. On the other, it’s frustrating to watch things unravel due to weak leadership and distorted priorities.
ReplyDeleteThe media today is heavily biased and often more interested in pushing a narrative than reporting facts.
As for the protests in downtown Walnut Creek, it’s troubling to see people stirred up by stories they’ve heard without questioning their accuracy. Acting on half-truths or media spin only deepens division.
At the end of the day, there’s a clear line between right and wrong. If someone enters this country illegally, they should be held accountable and expected to follow the rules, just like everyone else. Without respect for the law, we lose the very structure that holds this country together.👏
I’m relieved that Tillman's mouthpiece is finally shutting down! After more than six years of relentless Tillman presence in every issue, it's about time it came to an end. Goodbye and good riddance to subpar reporting!
ReplyDeleteThe last issue showed up. Tamara went out with a whimper. Of course she gave Holly Tillman a last chance to write trash about Clayton. Holly is a bitter failing politician who just wants to fight with everyone. It comes out so clear that Holly is a miserable person. She insults all her colleagues, the staff and everyone else who serves the city. Then she wonders why no one wants to work with her. Some people are just miserable and arent happy unless everyone else is miserable too. The city is in great shape and headed for great things but according to Holly, Clayton is going broke and in a shambles. It’s about time Holly resigns!
ReplyDeleteHaving lived in Clayton for 50 years, I used to enjoy Tamara’s sense of humor and playfulness. I remember that she highlighted our neighbors trips, anniversaries, and accomplishments as well as the sports accomplishments of all the kids. It was heartbreaking to see all of that change over past few the years. Supporting an individual like Tillman who hates Clayton and works against its best interest was a big mistake! But maybe that’s what you do when you feel like you are no longer relevant … Create chaos!
DeleteAs for Tillman, what work has she done besides pushing her own political agenda and going to crab feeds? Have you noticed that Tillman is the only one that doesn’t get along with the rest of the council? Was it a good idea to go behind their backs and pull a stunt like the biased grand jury report? And then complain that no one wants to work with her!