CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (June 1, 2025) — In a new report, the Contra Costa County Grand Jury found that the Clayton City Council routinely failed to follow its own guidelines, operated its agenda-setting process in a manner inconsistent with the Brown Act and consistently suppressed councilmembers’ ability to publicly request future agenda items.

Councilmember Holly Tillman, who previously called out the council majority for its actions, responded to the findings by saying: “It is essential to recognize that the status quo or burying our heads in the sand is a non-starter for me. I feel our council must end their deceitful games and roll up our sleeves to do the work I have advocated for and that we were elected to do.”

Meanwhile, Concord resident Randall Pfyl wrote in support of Pioneer Editor Tamara Steiner’s “timely and courageous attempt to get the City of Clayton (elected officials, city management, citizens) to wake up and act on this current dysfunction reported by the Grand Jury.”

Food for the soul: Through the Free Tomato Project, Concord resident Matt Davis aims to help grow the community. “I see senior citizens and single moms struggling to put healthy food on the table,” he notes. “This is my little way to offer up something for people who need it.”

A lifelong endeavor: Amal Shihabi’s artistic journey began in Baghdad and eventually led to Clayton. Along the way, she participated in juried shows throughout New Jersey. She particularly enjoys showcasing flowers in watercolor. “Flowers speak to me,” she says. “They’re fragile and bold at the same time – just like life.”

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More local news

Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered recently:

Local crime news: Arrest at Concord Immigration Court by ICE may not be the last; police locate refrigerated van stolen from White Pony Express; plus the latest reports from Concord and Clayton.

Clayton Pride: Residents rally at annual Gay Pride Parade.

Memorial Day: Pleasant Hill continues tradition of honoring the fallen.

In sports: Pioneer Athlete Spotlights on Gianna Gnusti of Carondelet and Thea Jeffress of Clayton Valley.

In the community: A big day for local volunteering.

For your pet: Taking stock of traditional pet foods.

Personal finance: Tap home equity to dump student debt.

In local real estate: Understanding a market in transition.

The Pulse of Concord: Weigh in to push ideas forward.

For your health: Don’t wait – take a vacation from your stress.

Obituary: Blanca Estela Lee.

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