Pioneer Letters to the Editor for Oct. 2020
The Concord Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 175 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. The following Letters to the Editor were published in the Oct. 16 issue of The Pioneer.
Bedecarré book great example
This is in response to your interesting article on John Bedecarré (9/18).
Mr. Bedecarré gave a copy of his beautiful family volume to the Heritage Collection, now located in the Walnut Creek Library. His book truly is a standout example of how one could compile a family history.
John also spent many hours in the Heritage Collection along with other volunteers who are needed to keep the collection separate while within the library system.
I look forward to the day when we can again spend time in the library, doing research and helping others to do theirs. I will be using John’s book as an example of how to compile a family history.
Thank you for your informative article. And all best wishes to John.
–Geri Willinger
Heritage Collection Volunteer
Mountaire speed issues
After reading the article (9/18) that mentions higher speed limits in Clayton, I wonder if anyone on the City Council lives in or uses any of the five areas cited. If they did, they may have a slightly different view of the need for greater speed reduction.
I live on Mountaire Parkway, which would be better named Mountaire Raceway. Many cars drive very fast (45-55 mph), and it’s irresponsible given the nature of the neighborhood and street conditions. Pulling into or out of your garage onto the street is a risky proposition.
Education is not the solution, since these drivers must be aware that they are greatly exceeding a safe speed. Traffic data is great, but more methods of traffic calming and enforcement are sorely needed.
I don’t believe that the council members have a realistic appreciation of the extent of the speed problem, since their view was to “ask the homeowners association to warn motorists to drive slower coming down the hill in Mountaire Parkway.” The problem is even greater going up the hill.
–M.J. Callahan
No to state mandates
This is one of the most important elections in Clayton’s history. We are at a crossroad, we either rollover and let the state force another 400 to 800 new high-density apartments down our throats or we fight them. On one hand, we have two council candidates, Catalano and Cloven that voted to approve a 3-story, 3-building apartment in historic downtown. We have three candidates, Catalano, Cloven and Tillman, that said they will support the state’s mandate of 400 to 800 new high density homes in Clayton-they said, no problem.
On the other hand, we have two candidates Diaz and Gavidia, that voted against this monstrosity in historic downtown. We have three candidates, Diaz, Gavidia and Miller, that will fight against the state’s draconian mandates.
The choice is simple, we either elect candidates that will fight or we elect candidates that will be advocates for the state destructive housing plan and let them destroy our little town-as they said, NO PROBLEM.
Please give Clayton a fighting chance and vote for Diaz, Gavidia and Miller
–Bill Walcutt
Bringing what’s best
We are thrilled to have 3 City Council candidates that we feel will represent, safeguard and move Clayton forward on a number of levels and issues.
Holly Tuija and Peter bring a willingness, sensitivity and desire to be inclusive on everything that they will be asked to deal with on the Council. They will work together, along with the rest of the Council members, to bring what’s best for our town. They will not always agree—that’s to be expected. However, they won’t divide or split us on the best way to serve Clayton. They have experience, capabilities and vision as unique as our town is. They all bring a tremendous amount of years of volunteerism and devotion with them.
We urge you to visit their websites for more individual information and VOTE for HOLLY-TUIJA-PETER
–Ernie & Patricia DeTrinidad
Local elections critical
In the midst of a national election quickly approaching and a volatile political landscape…sometimes local elections are an afterthought.
Please don’t let that happen. This election will prove to be of utmost importance for Clayton.
As a Clayton resident for 20+ years, I felt it was imperative to write a letter to support the 3 candidates who recognize the importance of protecting our essential services, who lead with facts not fear, who promote inclusivity and who can work effectively to find favorable outcomes for Clayton.
The future of Clayton, with our fantastic CBCA events, our beautiful open spaces and our limited resources, desperately needs smart, steady hands that will assure responsible use of our tax dollars. Let’s move forward with candidates who recognize what makes us special and acknowledge that we can do better.
I believe that is Holly Tillman, Peter Cloven and Tuija Catalano.
–Susan Halliday
Inclusion important for DTRT
As an eight-year resident of Clayton, I am very excited to see three city council candidates running this election cycle that represent all the reasons I moved to and remain a resident of Clayton. These three candidates truly embody the spirit of Clayton’s “Do The Right Thing” initiative and fully represent the city’s principles of integrity, responsibility, courage, kindness, self-discipline, and respect. As the city council works to add inclusion” as one of the principles of the aforementioned initiative, I am confident that these candidates will also work hard to represent this principle as our leaders. In addition to a monumental amount of community service to our city, each of these candidates have been involved in inclusionary efforts within our city including working toward flying the Pride flag and developing the webinar series “Clayton Speaks” that addresses racism within Clayton. I will be voting for Tuija Catalano, Letecia “Holly” Tillman, and Peter Cloven for city council and hope that many others will join me!
–Samanatha Sexton
No vote for Frank Gavidia
I’ve known Frank for almost 8 years. Frank hijacked planning commission meetings with his constant political views, and frankly, it did not look that he cared about the procedure, ignoring rules and regulations. Frank voted to eliminate the set entitlements extension for the Creekside project on Oak St. that would cost the City tens of thousands to start the process from zero. With his “stand up to Sacramento,” he is willing risk our funds, spending all city reserves on lawsuits and forcing us in penalties and fees to lose services. In his planning commission interview, Frank was for “UP Zoning Clayton” for high density.
We know that Clayton has some social issues. In his debate Frank totally denied the existence of racism in Clayton. Whenever you have a person denying the existence of racism, you have a person benefiting from it. With the slogan “Keep Clayton Clayton” Frank is playing to certain crowds.
If you are for spending city money, dividing Claytonians, ok with lies and misrepresentation then vote for Frank Gavidia.
–Bassam al Twal
Planning Commissioner
No to “just say no”
All Claytonians agree that we love Clayton and we want to retain its charm. But folks like Councilmember Jeff Wan and aspiring Councilmember Frank Gavidia, have taken a “just say no” approach to state law. Thus far, they and others have raised over $20,000 to “Save Clayton” but have only lined the pockets of lawyers happy to take their money. These groups exist in localities across the area and they aren’t winning ANY court cases! Our project was once 44 units and two stories. People fought it. Then 60 units and people fought it. We’re now at 81 units and THREE stories and fighting even more! The definition of insanity is doing the same thing time after time and expecting different results. We need to seize our destiny with a project that is RIGHT for Clayton! We also need to think about the biggest proponents of monstrous projects. Are they those trying to collaborate or those like Mr. Wan and Mr. Gavidia who will bring about a project that is even worse for our beloved little town?
–Scott Denslow
None want high-density
I am writing to encourage the people of Clayton to vote for Holly Tillman, Peter Cloven, and Tuija Catalano in the upcoming City Council election. If elected, these three candidates will work hard for inclusivity and transparency when doing all things regarding our community. All three of them have worked hard in these realms, promoting acceptance of all. We need more of that in Clayton.
As we all know, the hot-button issue for many is the potential for high density housing in downtown. None of the candidates want high density housing; a candidate who says anything different is trying to lead you astray. The issue is how to best deal with the development of the land – how to do so responsibly. These three candidates will do just that. They love our town just as much as we do, and they want what is best for everyone.
Holly Tillman, Peter Cloven, and Tuija Catalano will bring intelligent, inclusive, and transparent leadership to Clayton. On Nov. 3, PLEASE VOTE. And when you do, please vote for them.
–Liz Abbott
Keep Clayton’s Character
City Council members are elected to represent the interests of their constituents. We have gotten to know Peter, Tuija & Holly at various community events, like volunteering at Art & Wine or Oktoberfest, playing bocce and attending civic or school PFC meetings to name a few. We know that these candidates will listen to the voters and respect the desires of our community. We have discussed transparent communication, community participation, and fiscal responsibility with all three candidates and know that they will best represent Clayton’s interests. They will take the time to first learn about and then fully understand the matters set before them, and then make informed and nonpartisan decisions. They will look for new ways to engage the citizens of Clayton ensuring representation for all. They will promote diversity, equality, and inclusion in our small city. With strong leadership from the dynamic team of Tuija, Holly & Peter, we will see Clayton maintain its character and community!
–Amy and Chris Callaghan
All Letters to the Editor received by our October issue deadline appear on this page. The Concord Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. Letters should be 175 words or less. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print anonymous letters. Submit letters through the Letters to the Editor form or send an email to Editor@PioneerPublishers.com.