That’s a Wrap - By Mayor Kim Trupiano

Mayor Trupiano

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/2025/12/Diablo-Gazette-Dec-25-D.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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By Mayor Kim Trupiano
Kim Trupiano Mayor, Clayton (kimT@claytonca.gov)

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since I became Mayor in the City of Clayton. It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the community I love so much. I want to thank everyone for all of their support, feedback, advice, and engagement this year. You helped make this year’s accomplishments that much sweeter.

I started off the year with quite a checklist of goals that I wanted to accomplish, and I am happy to say that the majority of my list has been completed as I end my term. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the support and hard work of our City staff, my fellow Councilmembers, and the support of the community.

Here are just some of the highlights from this past year:

• Approval of the City’s first two-year budget for 2025-2026/2026-2027

• Sixth Housing Element completed and submitted to HCD for final approval and certification

• Completion of our two-year, $2 million Climatec project: LED lighting, solar array, EV charging, HVAC, and irrigation controls.

• Successful City-sponsored events like Concerts in the Grove, 4th of July Parade, Classic Car Show, and Hispanic Heritage Day.

• A renewed collaboration with Clayton Business & Community Association (CBCA)

• Passage of Geological Hazard Abatement District assessment

• City Council Good Governance Training

• Hosted the Contra Costa County Mayor’s Conference in April

• Recognized the Unsung Heroes in our community each month

• Do The Right Thing Year: a yearround recognition, honoring students from Mt. Diablo Elementary (MDE) and Diablo View Middle Schools

• A continued partnership with the Parent Faculty Clubs (PFC) from both local schools

• Hosted two “Coffee with the Mayor” events to connect with the community

Let’s Talk Business Attention Dog Owners:

Clayton Station Shopping Center is welcoming a new business called Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming. If you haven’t been to their website yet, you must check it out, woofgangbakery. com. They hope to be open early next year. Keep an eye out for other announcements from the shopping center in 2026.

I want to congratulate Nick Maamari, the owner of La Veranda Café in Clayton, for opening his second restaurant in our downtowncalled Vinny’s Taqueria, named after his first grandson. Vinny’s had a soft opening in early November and will be announcing their grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony soon. What a nice addition to our downtown, and we wish them all the best.

In addition to Vinny’s, consider other dining options this holiday season like Moresi’s Chophouse, Enye Latin Table and La Veranda Cafe.

I also want to congratulate Cup O’ Jo for celebrating 20 years in business and the Village Market for 35 years in business. What a testament to the dedication and hard work of our business community.

Make It to Clayton for the Holidays!

Be sure to join us on Saturday, December 6, at 5:00 p.m., as the City of Clayton and the CBCA put on another exciting “Holidays in the Grove” program at The Grove Park in our downtown. Festivities include the performances by the CVCHS marching band, the MDE second-grade choir, the Merrie Olde Carolers, hot cider and donuts, Santa and Mrs. Claus including photos with Santa, and of course, the spectacular tree lighting.

The traditional Lighting of the Menorah will take place from December 14 to December 22, at the Corral Plaza in downtown Clayton. Thank you, Claude Heifetz, for organizing a beautiful ceremony all eight nights every year.

Ode to Mayor Kim Trupiano (Short, Sweet, and Beautiful)

I want to conclude my last Mayor’s column with a wonderful poem from the CVCHS Senior Class of 2025:

“Oh, Mayor Kim Trupiano, you’re simply the best,
With wit and charm, you pass every test.
Short and beautiful, you’re quick on your feet,
Fixing problems with smiles, no task you can’t beat.
From potholes to speeches, you’ve got it all,
You handle each challenge, standing tall.
With a twinkle in your eye, and laughter so sweet,
You make every town meeting an unforgettable treat.
You balance the budget with a flick of your wrist,
And no one can top your “Mayor’s list!”
So here’s to you, Kim, who leads with grace,
Making our town a much better place.”

Thank you, Class of 2025 (CVCHS)

Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season and remember, we’re stronger together!

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

By Kim Trupiano 

Mayor, Clayton 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other City News

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

Upcoming Events:

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

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

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

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

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

Clayton is on the move!

Kim Trupiano Mayor, Clayton (kimT@claytonca.gov)

Mayor Trupiano

Staffing 

By the time you read this, Clayton’s City Hall will be fully staffed with an unrivaled team of experienced employees that are committed to the community, to each other and to being results oriented. 

Thank you to our City Manager, Kris Lofthus, who has been hard 

at work building this outstanding team, by rightsizing the staff’s roles and responsibilities, vetting through hundreds of applicants and finding the best employees to support our City. 

We now have a new Police Chief, Jeremy Crone, a new Administrative Services Director, Dennis Bozanich, a new City Clerk/Assistant to the City Manager, Leticia Miguel, a new Administrative Clerk, Sklyer Aitken, a new Community Development Technician, Jason McKinely and a Community Services Leader, Janessa Torres and joining us on September 2nd, we will welcome our first Public Works Director/City Engineer and a new Senior Planner. These exceptional employees are ready to serve the needs of the residents of Clayton. 

Finances 

Over the last two years, many of us on City Council, along with City staff, have done the hard work of scrubbing the financial data, scrutinizing expense and revenue data, engaging the services of UBS to manage our investment account, implementing an accurate and updated Master Fee Schedule, making quality appointments to the Financial Sustainability Committee, attending monthly (sometimes bi-weekly) Budget & Audit committee meetings, tasked with reviewing budget projections, contract analysis, updating the City’s investment policy and bringing those recommendations back to the Council at large. 

In August, we held Part One of a multi-part series on revenue generating ideas and will be taking a deeper dive to determine the City’s needs and estimate what level of services we as a community can afford and supports, as it relates to major things like roads and paving, sidewalk repair and ADA improvements, special district funding, landscaping and maintenance and future staffing needs. 

City Projects 

At the end of this year, the City is embarking on Phase I of a three-part library refresh project with Contra Costa County Library and the Clayton Community Library Foundation. Phase I will include all new paint and carpeting, for both the library and Hoyer Hall, as well as some new furniture. We know this is the most cherished building in the community and our collective goal is to make even more inviting to the public. 

As one project begins, another is coming to a close this month and that project is in partnership with Climatec. The Climatec project was launched in 2023 and once completed will include all new irrigation controls, new HVAC systems, new interior and exterior LED lighting, a solar array panel that will provide energy to City Hall and the library, as well as a new two-vehicle EV charging station in the library parking lot. We hope to announce a “flip the switch” date and ribbon cutting soon. 

Housing Element 

After many years and even more meetings with our consultant and the Housing and Community Development Department (HCD), I am excited to share that both the Planning Commission and the City Council have approved the final version of the City’s Sixth Housing Element and we are awaiting final certification from HCD in the next 60 days. Thank you again to our City Manager for all of his work in getting us over the finish line. 

On the Horizon 

We will shortly be launching the 311 app, which will provide the community with an easy method for reporting issues they see needing attention throughout the City including but not limited to sidewalk repair, potholes, irrigation problems, graffiti and more. 

We are also reviewing new rental facility software for our city-owned buildings and parks, in order to make reservations and payments easy and seamless for the community. 

Save the Date 

Hispanic Heritage Day Event on September 20th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, at The Grove, to include food, music, dancing and lots of fun! 

Holidays in The Grove, in partnership with the CBCA, Saturday, December 6, at 5:00 pm at The Grove Park, downtown. 

Thank you to all who attended, volunteered, sponsored, performed and participated in our 18th Annual Concerts in the Grove. It was an outstanding season and we could not have been successful without everyone who made it happen. Here’s to season 19 in 2026! 

I will be hosting a State of the City Town Hall meeting November 5 at 6:00 p.m. in Hoyer Hall, with updates from myself, our City Manager, Kris Lofthus, and each of our department heads. It will also provide you, the community, with an opportunity to ask us questions, and field your concerns so we can understand what’s important to you now and for our City’s future. 

If you would like to reach me, you may contact me at kimt@claytonca.gov or at 925.673.7324. Remember, we are stronger together!

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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Mayor Trupiano

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.

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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Mayor Trupiano

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.

Clayton City Council - From the Desk of Kim Trupiano 6-1-25

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/2025/06/diablo-gazette-june-25/

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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Mayor Trupiano

Clayton Has a Host of Events This Summer

We’ve officially kicked off our 18th season of Concerts in the Grove. Coming in June are The Cheeseballs on June 14 and The Bell Brothers on June 28. Grab a blanket, some friends, and come dance the night away under the stars. Check out the full concert lineup here at: claytonca. gov/our-city/annual-events/ concerts-in-the-grove/. 

Our amazing sponsors who make this series possible year in and year out, including Republic Services, CEMEX, Conco, PG&E, Diamond Terrace, Ponderosa Homes, Tim McGallian State Farm Insurance, Travis Credit Union and many others. Please recognize and thank them. See a complete list of all of our sponsors on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ CityofClaytonCA/.

 Also, a special thank you to our City staff, Stephanie Cabrera-Brown, Janessa Torres, Jennifer Giantvalley, Skyler Aitken and our incredible maintenance team for their hard work behind the scenes. 

Clayton’s Fourth of July Celebration and Parade 

The City’s beloved 52nd Fourth of July Parade is going to be a spectacular celebration of community spirit. 

Our theme is “Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future” and is dedicated to the women of Clayton who have kept this parade going for decades. 

We are excited to announce our Grand Marshals this year: 

Jan Rubiales, the original spark behind our 4th of July parade; Gloria Utley, who for 26 years carried the torch and kept the parade going; Sandy Johnson, who has kept the tradition going for more than 10 years. 

We are thrilled to welcome back local Claytonian and incredibly talented Mechele Fong to sing the National Anthem and former Mayor, Carl wolf (CW) will Emcee. Our parade chair is Sarah Brinkman of the Clayton Valley Dance Academy. 

If you would like to participate in the parade this year, please visit us at https://claytonca.gov/our-city/ annual-events/4th-of-july-parade/. The deadline to register is June 29. No registration is necessary for the Kiddie Parade. 

Before the parade, enjoy pancakes. The Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise Rotary is hosting the Annual Pancake Breakfast from 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. at Endeavor Hall. Cost is $10 for adults / $7 for kids 12 and under. Parade volunteers are still needed before, during and after the parade.

 If you are interested in helping out, please email Sarah Brinkman at 5678.sbrinkman@gmail.com or contact me directly at 925.673.7324 to learn more. 

Classic Car Shows 

Every other Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on June 18, July 2, July16, and July 30, classic cars will gather in the parking lot right next to the Clayton Historical Museum. DJ Jeff Brown will be spinning the sounds of the 50s, 60s and 70s. 

Make a night of it and enjoy a dinner at one of our many fantastic options. Plus, coffee, sweets and ice cream are available at Cup O’ Jo and Sip N’ Sweet. 

Get Involved and Make a Difference: 

The City is currently filling open seats on several local and regional commissions including the Trails & Landscaping Committee, Planning Commission, County Office on Aging, Contra Costa Transportation Authority/Community Advisory Board. 

Find out more about each opening and how to apply at: https://claytonca.gov/city-clerk (click on Maddy’s Act). 

Finally, mark your calendars to attend the next City Council meeting on June 17. This month, we will be approving the new Chief of Police contract and finalizing the City’s first two-year budget – and your voice matters. 

Clayton is where community shines. Whether you are dancing in The Grove, cheering at the parade, cruising through classic cars or grabbing a bite in town, Clayton is prepared to excite your summertime. Remember, we are stronger together!

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

Kim Trupiano, Mayor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clayton City Council - From the Desk of Kim Trupiano 5-1-25

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/2025/03/Diablo-Gazette-MAR-25D.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.

------------------------------------------------------------

Mayor Trupiano

Budgeting for Clayton’s Future

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

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

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

A look at the upcoming Budget Workshop agenda and projects

• Revisit and reflect on Council goals, building on last year’s goal-setting efforts. 

• Review community feedback from last year’s survey and ongoing input. 

• Hear department updates and priorities for the next two years.

• Assess the City’s current financial status and projections, including the General Fund, the Landscape Maintenance District Fund, Reserves and long-term obligations, and Capital improvement and infrastructure needs. 

• Review results from our new Investment Advisory Services agreement with UBS, now managing the City’s investment portfolio. 

Current and Upcoming Projects 

• Roadway Paving for 2026 – Finalized at the April 1, 2025, City Council meeting. 

• Clayton Community Library Refresh Project – Scheduled to begin later this year or early next, in partnership with the County Library and Clayton Community Library Foundation. 

• Final Phase of the Climatec Project – Includes installation of a solar array and EV charging station to achieve a Net-Zero Energy site for the Library, City Hall, and Maintenance Facility— reducing energy costs and the City’s carbon footprint. 

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

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

Clayton City Council - From the Desk of Kim Trupiano 4-1-25

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/2025/03/Diablo-Gazette-APR-25-16pg-D1.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 Community Library Celebrates 30 Years 

Clayton Library

Thank you Joyce Atkinson, Jeanne Boyd (posthumously) and Diana Bauer for dreaming big and making the hope of a library in Clayton a reality over 30 years ago. These women, with the help of the Clayton Branch of the AAUW (American Association of University Women) decide in 1989 that the Clayton community needed to build a library. They formed a steering committee made up of many organizations across the community and in July of that year formed the Clayton Community Library Foundation, created to raise money for the project.

Over the next five years fundraising takes place, including book sales, crab feeds, and a multitude of grant applications resulting in one large grant of $2.8 million from Prop 85 in 1991. A groundbreaking ceremony happened on March 12, 1994, and later that year, the City approved $542,000 for book collection. After all of the demanding work, extraordinary vision and determination, on March 4, 1995, the Clayton Community Library opens its doors.

It is because of the efforts of these three women and lots of other volunteers and donors who supported the library then and continue to do so today, that we celebrate 30 Years of the Clayton Community Library this month.

Today the library is testament to the community and visited by thousands of people a year who will find, besides a vast assortment of books and publications, a variety of activities and classes including Tai Chi, Chair Yoga and Meditation, Story Time for children, Art Classes and Teen events, Book Clubs and so much more.

To coincide with the 30th Anniversary of the library, the City will be embarking on a refresh project later this year that will include new paint, carpeting, improved lighting, furniture and other design elements and CCLF is hoping to have some celebratory events throughout the year to commemorate the anniversary. Also, save the date for the next Book Sale, on May 17 and 18 (May 16 for members only).

The Clayton Community Library stands as a testament to the strength, commitment and caring that so many of our residents perform day in and day out to make our community a better place. Thank you Joyce, Jeanne and Diana for being shining examples of that.

Other City News

Each month the City is awarding an Unsung Hero Award to someone making a significant difference in our community. We honored Linda Pinder for the month of January and Paul Jordan for the month of February. For March, we will be honoring Joyce Atkinson, Jeanne Boyd (posthumously) and Diana Bauer. If you have suggestions about future Unsung Heroes, please feel free to contact me at 925.673.7324 or kimt@claytonca. gov.

Clayton City Council - From the Desk of Kim Trupiano 3-1-25

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/2025/03/Diablo-Gazette-MAR-25D.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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The City Of Clayton Kicks Off Full Events Calendar This Spring

Mayor Trupiano

There is so much happening in Clayton this spring including several events, a new restaurant, and outdoor activities, all right at our doorstep. 

“Noises Off” performed by Clayton Community Theatre runs March 13 – 24 at Endeavor Hall. 

The Art & Wine Festival sponsored by Clayton Business and Community Association returns April 26 and 27 to downtown Clayton. 

Concerts in the Grove kicks off its 18th season on May 17 and continues every other Saturday thereafter through August 23. Fan favorites like Pride & Joy and East Bay MUDD are back again this year at The Grove downtown Clayton. 

Take the Clayton Garden Tour, sponsored by the Clayton Historical Society & Museum on May 16 and 17. 

A new dining option at Enye Latin Table which just opened in February, explores the vibrant flavors of Latin America. It’s a wonderful addition to our downtown dining offerings. 

Our City has 27 miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails, five community parks, one dog park, and equestrian staging all on over 500 acres of open space. For a complete list of our trails, visit the City’s trail system page at Claytonca.gov. We also have maps available for the entire trail system for $2.00. 

Unsung Hero Award 

Each month the City is awarding an Unsung Hero Award to someone making a significant difference in our community. We honored Linda Pinder for the month of January and on March 4 we will have honored Paul Jordan for the month of February. If you have suggestions about future Unsung Heroes, please send them to me directly kimt@ claytonca.gov. 

In other City news: Our City is nearly ready to begin the recruitment process for a permanent Police Chief. At our February 18th City Council meeting, we reviewed and approved a new salary schedule for this position. We also agreed to make additional changes to that salary schedule if necessary when the recruitment process ends. 

Also, at our February 18th meeting, the Board of the Oakhurst Geological Hazard Abatement District (GHAD) selected a new Chair, Jeff Wan and Vice Chair, Richard Enea. 

After reviewing the annual engineer’s report, we determined that for the District to be able to make the necessary repairs, provide maintenance, and build a reserve, a ballot measure was in order to increase the assessment rates in the district. 

The board approved moving forward with a ballot measure this spring with a proposed schedule of new rates for district residents. There will be a community outreach program to address questions and concerns and increase awareness about the District funding challenges. More information on this will be coming in March. 

At the February Budget & Audit committee meeting, co-chairs, myself and Vice Mayor Wan, reviewed the City’s midyear budget and determined that there were several items that needed to be included in the presentation before it comes to the full City Council on March 4th, including an in-depth summary and analysis of where the City is and the anticipated financial outcome for the end of the year, ending on June 30, 2025. The City staff is also actively working on the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget and the Budget & Audit committee will review that soon. 

Finally, our job search for five open positions resulted in over 200 applications and our City staff is reviewing those now and getting ready to schedule interviews. Staff has remarked that there are some outstanding candidates amongst the applications and they are hoping to have all positions filled by May. 

If you would like to reach me, please contact me at 925.673.7324 or kimt@claytonca.gov. Stronger Together!

Clayton City Council - From the Desk of Kim Trupiano 2-18-25

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/2025/02/DiabloGazette-FEB-25D.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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Addressing the Needs of the City

Mayor Trupiano

As we embark on a new year in the City of Clayton, one of my highest priorities was to ensure that our City Administrative Team has the support that they need to be successful now and in the future. Many residents may be surprised to know that our entire City staff is made up of just 26.6 employees, 13 of which are employees in the police department (11 sworn officers, two civilian). That leaves just 13.6 employees to manage the City’s other departments: HR, Finance, Maintenance and Community Development. We have often supplemented our staffing by the use of consulting firms, which has had a short-term benefit but is not the same as having consistent, yearround, full and part-time employees.

Back in July, our then Interim City Manager proposed a reorganization of the duties of the staff and the creation of new positions including a new Assistant City Manager/ Administrative Services Director, who would oversee HR and Finance, elevating the positions of City Clerk to include Assistant to the City Manager and promoting our Accounting Technician to full time Accountant. The Council approved those changes, including the outsourcing of our Community Development Services until we could determine exactly what the needs of the department and community would be. 

After an extensive review process by the Budget & Audit committee and a number of City Council meetings and discussions, the Council unanimously approved the following changes to the city’s staffing line up on January 21, 2025: 

• Fill the full-time Administrative Clerk and part-time/hourly Community Services Leader (formerly Facilities Attendant) positions, both of which are already budgeted in Fiscal Year 2024-2025 

• Reclassify the Community Development Director and Assistant Planner positions with a Senior Planner 

• Add a Management Analyst position to support the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Accountant and City Clerk as needed 

• Add a Community Development Technician to oversee complaintbased code enforcement issues, handle temporary use permits, special event permits, park and facility rental applications, and aid the Senior Planner. 

Filling these positions will provide our City leadership team with the support that they need to be successful and to provide our residents and community with the services that they require. For a complete outline of the positions, job descriptions and salary schedules, please visit www.claytonca.gov/fc/ agendas/council/2025/01212025. In addition, our staff has diligently worked on getting these positions posted and they can be found here: Job Opportunities | Sorted by Job Title ascending | Clayton, City of (CA) Careers.

Officers Save Life - I would also like to recognize the outstanding work done by Officer Wiggins and Sergeant Enea of our Clayton Police Department. On January 25, they responded to a distress call by the husband of a woman who was in her car and had stopped breathing and had no pulse. They administered CPR until Con Fire arrived who resumed CPR until they could get a pulse. Because of their quick response and efforts, this woman is alive today. The City honored them with a Certification of Appreciation, for exceptional bravery, quick thinking and unwavering dedication to duty, exhibiting the highest standards of public service resulting in the saving of a life.

Remember, We are Stronger Together. 

Please feel free to contact me at kimt@claytonca.gov or 925-673-7324. 

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

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/2025/01/diablo-gazette-january-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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State of the City

Mayor Trupiano

Congratulations to all of the newly elected and re-elected Clayton City Councilmembers: Jim Diaz, Richard Enea and Holly Tillman. I look forward to working with each of them to achieve our goals this year.

My focus this coming year will be addressing the most pressing needs of the city including:

 

· Long-deferred infrastructure improvements
· Additional staffing needs
· Continued strong public safety
· Bringing the community together

Naturally, we will have other issues to address throughout the year including our mid-year budget review, continued review of our investment policy, hiring a permanent police chief and ensuring that our City Manager has the additional staffing needed to accomplish the City’s goals.

We are also planning on finalizing our infrastructure work with our partners at Climatec this year and that includes adding solar array panels, an EV charging station at the library and continued improved HVAC and irrigation equipment.

We are also embarking on a library refresh project in conjunction with the library’s 30th Anniversary and I will be updating the community more on that special project in the future.

I am looking forward to working together with my fellow councilmembers, our city staff and the members of our community to achieve these goals and I am hopeful that our effort will be respectable and collaborative in manner. We need to do this for the good of the community, for our city staff and for the people who elected us.

We are so fortunate to live in a city with a safe environment, natural beauty, great schools, a robust financial reserve and a strong community spirit, evidenced by the number of outstanding events that take place in our city throughout the year.

We have a busy year ahead of us and I look forward to achieving these goals and helping bring the community together because I truly believe that we are Stronger Together.

Here’s to a great 2025 and please feel free to contact me at kimt@ claytonca.gov or 925.673.7324.