Clayton community spirit makes it happen
On Oct. 5-6, our downtown was packed with Oktoberfest participants. Behind the scenes, hundreds of volunteers, from students to the retired, worked long and busy hours making the festival possible and running smoothly.
Ever since I have helped organize adult volunteers for Oktoberfest and Art & Wine, I have had a front-seat view into volunteerism in our community. It is amazing how many people in Clayton volunteer their time to organize and be part of events sponsored by the Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA) and other groups. And no doubt, our city is better because of volunteers and our community organizations.
Congrats to Sgt. Enea
On Oct. 1, the City Council agenda included the swearing in of long-time Clayton police officer Rich Enea to sergeant. Thank you to Enea and the entire Clayton Police Department for keeping us one of the safest cities in California.
Downtown parcel and overall vision for downtown
The future of the city-owned parcel behind the Clayton Community Church office building downtown has been the topic of discussion for many years. That parcel, along with the entire downtown area, is subject to the Town Center Specific Plan. The plan has been updated periodically, but not recently. The City Council will be discussing whether to initiate a process to update the Town Center Specific Plan and how to fund a possible update to the plan at the Nov. 5 meeting.
If the council decides to proceed with updating the Town Center Specific Plan, the next question is how to best achieve an update that reflects the community’s vision. I am sure there are lots of ideas on the overall downtown vision as well as on the use of the city-owned parcel. E.g. should the vacant parcel be constructed with a building(s) containing retail uses? Residential uses? Something else? Should it be improved with a park or open space? Should we reserve it for seasonal activities (like a holiday ice rink) or more permanent recreation facilities (e.g. skatepark)? Should it be kept as it is today? How do we finance any possible improvements and/or on-going operational costs?
Before we get to the ultimate questions regarding the overall 2020 (and beyond) vision for our downtown, the council will need to decide how (and if) to proceed with the plan update. I believe any update needs to include engagement in a thorough and transparent community-wide discussion, which could be held in the context of City Council meetings but could also be part of consultant-led community workshops or a charrette process, along with input from all stakeholders – including existing downtown businesses and community organizations.
Making A Difference
We are looking for nominations for the next Making A Difference recognitions, for an exemplary community contributor, giver and/or benefactor. If you know an adult who fits the description, help us recognize them by submitting a nomination, with a brief description of the reasons your nominee is exemplary, by email to ClaytonMakingADifference@gmail.com.
Mayor’s office hours. If you have a question for me or want to talk, stop by 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Cup O’ Jo in downtown Clayton.
Contact me at tcatalano@ci.clayton.ca.us and follow at www.facebook.com/CouncilmemberTuijaCatalano for more updates.