Newscaster Dan Ashley Helps Orchestrate Clayton Parade

He wasn't easy to recognize with the cowboy hat, black sunglasses and Rolling Stones T-shirt, but if the voice of the announcer at the Clayton Fourth of July parade sounded familiar, it was.

ABC news anchor Dan Ashley was the master of ceremonies for the 16th straight year at Clayton's Independence Day parade on Monday. He smoothly introduced each parade group to the crowd as they marched down Main Street.

When Ashley moved to the Bay Area to take the 5 p.m. weeknight anchor spot at ABC in 1995, he chose Clayton as his home.

"We were just looking for a calm, fun atmosphere and Clayton was the perfect fit," Ashley said.

He stayed in the city for nine years before moving to neighboring Walnut Creek, but Ashley, like so many others, said he loved Clayton's small-town feel.

"I've just always loved this community and it will always be near and dear to my heart," Ashley said. "I know it sounds sappy, but Clayton represents the best of what Bay Area and America has to offer."