CLAYTON, CA (Aug. 18, 2025) — Earlier this year and throughout the spring and summer, our city manager, Kris Lofthus, has been hard at work building his team at City Hall.

He has done a major reorganization of job roles and responsibilities and has hired outstanding staff. A few highlights include a new police chief, management analyst, administrative clerk, Community Development technician and a Community Services leader.

He is wrapping up final offers to a newly created Public Works director/city engineer, a new senior planner position and hiring a new city clerk.

City projects

Meanwhile, the city will embark on a library refresh project later this year in partnership with the county Library Commission and the Clayton Community Library Foundation. We are excited to launch Phase I of a three-phase project, and we will be sure to let you know when that begins.

As one project begins, our partnership with Climatec is coming to a close this month. We launched this project in 2023. Once completed, it will include new irrigation controls, new HVAC systems for city buildings, new LED lighting throughout the city, a solar array panel that will provide energy to City Hall and the library and the new two-vehicle EV charging station at the library. We hope to announce a ribbon-cutting date soon.

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The city is also delighted that Mt. Diablo Elementary School was chosen as one of three schools in the district for a modernization project, which was completed this month after 18 months. The Measure C GO Bond provided funding for the project, which included modernization of existing classrooms, offices and library with new flooring, HVAC units, new FRP doors, windows and furniture.

There is also a new emergency communications systems and upgraded electrical and data infrastructure. In addition, the campus received a full exterior painting and improved landscaping.

The school, which opened in 1955, serves more than 760 students and an amazing staff to support them. Congratulations to everyone at Mt. Diablo Elementary School.

As soon as our new Public Works director begins, we will be ready to launch 311 software that provides the community with the opportunity to report issues throughout the city – including but not limited to sidewalk repair, potholes, irrigation problems and graffiti.

On the horizon

The final Concert in The Grove will be 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, with Pride & Joy.

There will be a Hispanic Heritage Day event 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at The Grove, to include food, music, dancing and lots of fun.

Holidays in the Grove, in partnership with the Clayton Business & Community Association (CBCA), is set for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at The Grove

I also plan on having another Coffee with the Mayor soon and a Town Hall meeting in October. More details to come.

If you would like to reach me, you may contact me at kimt@claytonca.gov or 925-673-7324. Remember, we are stronger together.