Lofthus joins Clayton as city manager

CLAYTON, CA (Sept. 23, 2024) – The Clayton City Council has appointed Kris Lofthus as city manager, beginning Sept. 16.

Lofthus comes from Suisun City, where he served as Recreation, Parks and Marina director/deputy city manager. Prior to Suisun City, Lofthus served with the city of Richmond as Community Services manager and Vacaville as recreation coordinator.

Lofthus has more than 26 years of public service, and he brings a breadth of experience and leadership to Clayton. Please extend a warm Clayton welcome to him.

The city also recognized several individuals who contributed to our wonderful community:

Sandy Johnson: For her exceptional and dedicated leadership in managing and coordinating Clayton’s July 4th Parade and associated activities. The 2024 July 4th events were noteworthy, as Clayton also celebrated its 60th anniversary of incorporation as a city. Well done, Sandy.

Lon Goetsch: Honoring his retirement as assistant fire chief with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District after more than 34 years in public service. Goetsch’s contributions also assisted Clayton in reopening Station 11 after the 2012 economic downturn forced the closure of several fire service facilities. Your City Council established a special committee to address the closing of Station 11, and the fire district appointed him to guide the committee in facilitating its reopening. Congratulations Lon upon your retirement and for your immense assistance to the city of Clayton.

Adam Politzer: For his leadership as Clayton’s interim city manager in returning Clayton to a strong fiscal position. He brought nearly 30 years of public service experience to put Clayton on “sound footing” and set the stage for our new city manager. Thank you, Adam. And best wishes to you.

The council also proclaimed September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Meanwhile, we granted a one-year extension to the Oak Creek Canyon Project, a planned residential development for six units on the north side of Marsh Creek Road at the intersection of Diablo Parkway. This extension supported the Planning Commission and the Community Development director.

Further, the council received an update on our Strategic Plan and its implementation.

As for city events, our 17th Concerts in The Grove season concluded on Aug. 31 with the East Bay Mudd band.

The final Classic Car Show is set for Saturday, Sept. 21, and will feature “low rider” cars. We also plan to have a mariachi band perform to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15-Oct. 15.

Again, as your mayor, I will continue to work hard to maintain Clayton’s small-town charm and character while running an open and transparent local government.

You can reach out to me directly with any questions or concerns at 925-673-7316 or JimD@claytonca.gov.