Residents can weigh in on city manager requirements

In order to assist the City Council in hiring a new city manager and to provide residents an opportunity for feedback, a community survey is available from a link on the city’s website, ci.clayton.ca.us.

I encourage all residents to access the survey and provide input on the qualifications and characteristics that are important for a city manager in Clayton.

Recruitment is pending, with an application filing deadline of Aug. 26. You can also find a link to the brochure created by the recruitment firm on the city website.

Wildfire preparedness. We have seen several fires in the mountain and open space areas surrounding Clayton in the last month, including the smaller fire near the top of Mt. Diablo a few weeks ago and the most recent, and significantly larger, fire along the Marsh Creek area. Thank you to all of the firefighters and other emergency personnel at Contra Costa County Fire, Cal Fire and other fire agencies for their swift and professional actions in extinguishing these fires.

If residents are wondering whether they are prepared in case of a nearby wildfire, the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley is sponsoring a Wildfire Preparedness and Evacuation Workshop at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Heather Farm Park’s Lakeside Room, 301 N. San Carlos Dr., Walnut Creek.

What makes Clayton a community? As we approach the last concerts in the Grove for this season, it is amazing to think how many events and activities our small city and our residents organize, including the popular bocce league, many festivals sponsored by the Clayton Community and Business Association and various fundraising efforts.

Safety, a small town feel, great schools, a well-managed city and proximity to nature are some of the things that attracted many current residents to move to Clayton. However, the common themes behind the events, activities and other efforts that make Clayton special are volunteering for the benefit of greater good and a sense of community and belonging.

It is up to each of us individually to determine the best ways in which we can be involved and positively contribute to our community. However, when we work together, celebrating the diversity within us and being inclusive of all of our neighbors, we are without doubt a better and stronger community.

Mayor’s office hours. Have a question for me or want to chat? Stop by the farmer’s market on Saturday, Aug. 17, 9-10 a.m.

Contact me via email at catalano@ci.clayton.ca.us and follow me at facebook.com/councilmembertuijacatalano for more updates.