Weeds – It is that time of Year!
Recently there have been lively discussions in town about the state of landscaping and “weeds” in Clayton. Know that the city public works staff are aware of the weed challenges this year (as well as last year due to the pandemic). Excessive weed growth has been especially challenging for the past couple of years, since Clayton has prohibited the use of Roundup (and its primary ingredient, glyphosate). The city’s current pre-emergent replacement for Roundup is an herbicide that is four times the cost of Roundup and not as effective. Therefore, more effort is required to remove most weeds (e.g., need to be hand-pulled or trimmed) which puts a strain on our small staff resources.
City staff is diligently working on the weed challenges in city rights-of-way and parks on a scheduled, sequential basis to address areas of most significant visual concern. Due to staffing challenges, the city continues to seek temporary workers and crews to help address these issues within reason and budget. However, it is noteworthy that, like everything else, costs for hourly labor are much higher than in prior years, and finding laborers is challenging.
At the initiative of Vice Mayor Holly Tillman, nine newly appointed residents have joined the Trails & Landscape Commission. I am impressed with this committee’s diversity of experience and dedication to addressing our city’s landscaping needs. Committee members have been walking our trails, viewing our medians, and communicating landscaping challenges with our public works staff. They are a forward-thinking group that is focusing on developing an asset/sustainability plan for the future of Clayton
Who Loves a Parade?
Clayton will have two parades on back-to-back weekends. On Saturday, June 25th central Contra Costa County celebrates its first-ever Pride Parade in Clayton. The parade is being brought to Clayton by a non-profit group known as Clayton Pride (www.claytonpride.com) in conjunction with Concord’s Rainbow Community Center. It is anticipated that 350+ people and 40+ groups will be part of this parade including multiple non-profit organizations, small businesses, local and County dignitaries, and local churches.
After a two-year COVID hiatus, the Clayton 4th of July Parade is back.
I have missed the “Rockwellian” nostalgia of our 4th of July Parade tremendously. It brings back so many good memories of our town as I recall my own children in wagons and tricycles opening the parade with hundreds of other kids in the “Kiddie Parade” that begins the festivities. I am looking forward to seeing our stalwart entrants, including the Corvette Club, Clampers Drill team, Dana Hills Swim Team and others.
Both parades will start at 10 a.m. in downtown Clayton, with the Master of Ceremonies being Clayton’s own past mayor, and current Council Member, CW Wolfe. These will be fun and joyous occasions for the whole family and I hope to see you there!
Contact Mayor Peter Cloven at peterc@claytonca.gov or 925-673-7320.