News of a cherry stem annexation using streets and the Clayton home of Concord’s city attorney to access Cardinet Glen [the subdivision of homes near City Hall on Wallace and Cardinet] was seen in an obscure paragraph of the Oakland Tribune by Clayton’s Nan Wallace on March 3, 1963, who alerted Clayton residents and formed an incorporation study committee.

To delay the Concord annexation long enough to explore alternatives, shocked Claytonians immediately filed notice of intention to begin incorporation proceedings. Many residents circulated petitions and Eldora had the honor of delivering the papers to the county offices in Martinez to place it on the ballot. James Conley walked house to house collecting contributions for election expenses and ended up with enough extra money to buy a flag for city meetings. This time the proposed incorporation area excluded large properties whose owners, wanting Concord sewers, could be expected to withdraw their lands and defeat the attempt to bring incorporation to a vote. It was hoped that future residents would annex to Clayton later.

While exploring alternatives to incorporation, the Clayton Incorporation Committee managed to have the Concord annexation attempt withdrawn because of irregularities, but it seemed evident that annexation attempts would continue. Clayton residents decided to bring incorporation to a vote feeling that it must be done now or probably never.

At 8:00 pm on March 3, 1964, Sigrid Frank, a 69 year old Clayton old timer who was the poll inspector, stepped onto the front porch of Endeavor Hall, rang a brass bell, and in traditional style proclaimed, “Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The polls are closed.” The incorporation workers were tired but hopeful and euphoria built as the votes were tallied, with community “watchdogs” looking on. On top of the hill above town, Ken Byrd and Richard Hamb began ringing victory news across the valley with Clayton’s old school bell. The community had successfully declared its independence on March 3, 1964 in that historic vote.

Clayton’s first official meeting was March 18, 1964, when the council was sworn into office by Judge Wroy Renaghan with a large crowd in attendance. George Abbott and Al Liming drove to Sacramento to file the incorporation papers directly with the Secretary of State, to ensure prompt processing.

Maurice Huguet, Jr. was hired as city attorney and Marguerite Ellingson became the city’s part time clerk. Huguet was then the youngest city attorney in Contra Costa County.

Our inaugural Planning Commission consisted of Joe Wallace, chairman, Joe Swicegood, Beth Laurence, Charles Levine and Howard Sumerlin. William Walker, a professional accountant, was appointed the first City Treasurer. Clayton’s city letterhead, still in use today, was designed in 1964 by Bob Hoyer with art by Ray Hare, a Clayton Valley High School art student.

Clayton’s standing among other jurisdictions grew with its activity on county, district, and regional boards and commissions and in the League of California Cities. In 1966-67 Clayton’s mayor chaired the Contra Costa Mayors’ Conference, and Clayton’s part time clerk was Conference secretary. Clayton was represented at the 1967 National Mayors’ Conference in Honolulu (at no expense to Clayton). Clayton councilmen and appointees filled many key roles and influenced regional decisions affecting Clayton.

On Clayton’s first anniversary, the City received a resolution from the County Board of Supervisors commending the City on its first year and its efforts to comply with the wishes of its citizens in terms of community life, and for its forward looking actions related to balanced development. The resolution noted that Clayton was incorporated to maintain a careful balance between progressive development and preservation of one of the most scenic landscapes in the central part of Contra Costa County.