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January 13, 2012
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Death of RDAs deals heavy blow to city PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer
For Clayton city officials, it’s almost as if the new year is beginning with a eulogy for a local treasure, a loss of what some might call the heart of the city. The victim
isn’t a person, however, but a decades-long state-funded agency that helped develop the city’s infrastructure and enhanced community pride. Last month, the state Supreme Court ruled that California had the right to strip local municipali-
ties of their redevelopment agencies and their accompanying funds, and Clayton isn’t the only community reeling. For more than half a century, redevelopment agencies throughout the state have been used to fight blight and fund improve-
ments for cities. Clayton’s RDA was formed in 1987. It’s been a year-long battle up in Sacramento since Gov. Brown announced in his 2011 budget that he was dismantling RDAs. After foes took the matter to the state high court, that body ruled that
the Legislature had the authority to raid redevelopment funding to bolster the state’s budget. Brown and his advisors claim that the money could be better used in the state coffers, helping to fund education and other hard-hit budget items.
Clayton is sweet on candy exhibit
City officials, however, tell a far different story. “It’s the death of a good thing,” said Clayton Mayor Howard Geller. “Not only do redevelopment funds help cities
See RDAs, pg 6
Charter School petition headed for approval by County Board DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer
HOWARD GELLER
MAYOR’S CORNER
Clayton did the right things in 2011 Looking back at 2011, Clayton fared pretty well. While other cities struggled financially, we began with a balanced budget and ended the year with a small surplus, some of which was added to our reserves. Once again, thank you to prior councils and city managers for the insight and integrity to “Do The Right Thing.” Here are a few highlights of Clayton’s accomplishments in 2011: Clayton was fortunate to see the completion of eight Eagle Scout community projects. We hired new attorneys, Best, Best & Krueger, to represent our city. We completed the Clayton Fountain landscape renovation. We hosted the Mayor’s Healthy Cook-off Challenge and produced 10 well-attended Concerts in The Grove Park. Our annual 4th of July parade was as popular as ever and we
See Mayor, page 14
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
THE CURRENT HISTORY OF CANDY EXHIBIT AT THE CLAYTON MUSEUM is a real kid-magnet, proving that museums aren’t just stodgy old places filled with stuff that looks like their grandparents’ garages. Sarah Barker, 9, granddaughter of museum docent Marj Ditzel, checks out the M&M artifacts and huge collection of Pez dispensers. The exhibit will be up through May. DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer
Does your chewing gum lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight? Can you repeat the phrase “blibber blabber” five times fast? Did you know that George Smith invented the first lollipop in 1908 and that
it was named after his favorite horse? Like peanut butter and party dresses, bubblegum and museum exhibits aren’t a combination that brings joy to the hearts of parents (let alone nearby museum curators). But the Clayton Historical Museum has a new exhibit, Yum Yum Bubblegum, about the history of candy, that’s sure to
attract sweeties of all ages. It turns out, the City of Clayton has not just one, but two connections to the candy business. George Cardinet of the Cardinet Candy Company lived in Clayton and was responsible for Abba-Zabba and the U-No bar. Yum!
See Candy page 8
By now, Clayton Valley Charter High School supporters will know whether or not they have the green light to get the school up and rolling by next fall, but they were heartened last week when the Contra Costa County Office of Education staff recommended that their charter petition be approved. The County Board of Education met on Jan. 11 to decide whether to adopt the staff recommendation. We did not have the results of their vote at press time. In its report, staff determined that, “the Petition represents a sound educational program, the budget is balanced, the financial and operation plan is realistic and the Petition contains reasonably comprehensive descriptions of the legally required elements.” The educational program and financial concerns were the top two reasons the petition was denied by MDUSD trustees Nov. 8. “We are encouraged and obviously appreciative of the work that the county staff has done,” said co-lead petitioner Neil McChesney.
See Charter, page 3
Clayton Counts Down keeps New Year’s Eve tradition alive
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
MAYOR HOWARD GELLER, called on the audience for help in judging the Clayton Counts Down Crazy Hat Contest on New Year’s Eve. Hannah McCauley’s extraordinarily detailed creation was named winner of the 10 and over division. Hanna, 11, and third from the right, is a student at MDES.
Clayton rang in 2012 in the now traditional way – with crazy hats, carnival games and a bounce house and slide. Every year, Clayton Counts Down draws several hundred to the Community Gym on New Years Eve for barbequed hot dogs and hamburgers and some good old-fashioned, high-energy fun. The photo booth had kids and parents waiting in line for an hour or more to mug for the camera, the “balloon lady” turned out swords and scabbards, unicorns, elephants and flowers. Kids crowded the crafts tables, working intently on their creations for the “Crazy Hat Contest,” where three youngsters took home Brendan Theatre tickets for their efforts. This was the ninth year for the free
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
event sponsored by the local organizations and merchants and chaired by Julie Pierce, Sandy Johnson, Laura Hoffmeister and Laci Peterson. Cost to mount the event runs around $6,500 and is entirely supported by contributions from the CBCA, Allied Waste, P2C Foundation, Comcast, Jim Webb, Travis Credit Union, Ed’s Mudville Grill, Clayton Club, Gary and Kim Napper, Dan and Sandy Lawrence and Endashiian, LLC with non-monetary contributions from All Out Sports League and the city of Clayton. “It’s such a fun, family event,” says Pierce. “The kids run off their holiday energy and the event ends early enough for the parents to still celebrate in their own way.”
Community Calendar . . . . . .12 CVHS Reporter . . . . . . . . . . .9 Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5 DVMS Reporter . . . . . . . . . . .9 Fashion Over 50 . . . . . . . . .15
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
CRAIG JOHNSON, HOWARD GELLER, DAVID SHUEY AND MARK MCCAULEY manned the grills at the annual Clayton Counts Down New Years Eve event.
Fit with Levity . . . . . . . . . . . .16 From the Chief . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Pioneer Photo Album . . . . . . .3
Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Weather Words . . . . . . . . . .13
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190