September 2015
Welcome to the September edition of the City Manager's Update.
We are in the process of transitioning to a new subscription service managed through GovDelivery. If you click on the "Manage Subscriptions" link at the bottom of this newsletter, you will see a list of topics to which you can subscribe. Look for an expanded list of topics late this fall when we roll out our new website.
One important change is in how to respond to my updates. Instead of hitting "reply," please send your suggestions, questions or comments to CMUpdates@walnut-creek.org.
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Community Service Day 2015
Community Service Day embodies the best of Walnut Creek, when community members come together to help schools, non-profits and the City. From cleaning creeks to cleaning library books, there is something for every age, interest and ability. This year's event is set for Saturday, October 10. I'll be working at Sugarloaf Open Space upgrading the amphitheatre. Online registration just opened, and some projects are already full -- don't delay in volunteering for the project of your choice! Click here to sign up.
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Proposed winter nights shelter for the homeless
The non-profit Trinity Center would like to operate a temporary winter nights shelter in the National Guard Armory adjacent to east Civic Park. For the proposal to move forward, the City would need to (a) obtain a license from the State Military Department for use of the armory, and (b) negotiate a management agreement with the Trinity Center to operate the shelter. At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, the City Council will hold a special meeting to consider whether the City should enter into a license agreement with the State Military Department. The agenda will be available by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4 on the City’s Public Meeting page.
For background materials presented at a Council Subcommittee on Housing and Community Development meeting, click here.
Larkey Swim Center update
The Larkey Swim Center closed to the public in late August to allow for demolition and reconstruction of the 40-year-old pool at Larkey Park. Construction will begin this winter and is expected to last 12-18 months. When Larkey Swim Center reopens, it will include a kid-friendly splash playground, paid for in part by the Walnut Creek Civic Pride Foundation. Learn more about the splash playground, including its water-efficiency features, by visiting the Civic Pride Foundation’s “Make a Splash for Larkey” website.
Walnut Creek Police present Parent Education Nights
Kudos to School Resource Officers Raquel Cantillon and Drew Olsen for hosting three parent education nights this month at Heather Farm Community Center. At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, the topic is Social Media. On Sept. 9, the topics are marijuana, wax and vape pens. The Sept. 15 workshop will focus on alcohol and other popular drugs. Questions? Email Officer Raquel Cantillon.
Construction Coordinator Don Murphy
It should come as no surprise that Construction Coordinator Don Murphy is very busy these days. Don, who is part of Public Works’ Engineering Division, is responsible for coordinating all work in the public right of way. If a project involves public streets, sidewalks, or the ground underneath (think utilities and drainage), Don and his team of engineering inspectors are involved in making sure it’s done according to plan.
It’s not a 9-to-5 job; in August, Don worked nights for two weeks overseeing the paving of North Main Street. Other days, he’s in by 5:30 a.m. to get ready for an early morning inspection.
When he’s not overseeing construction, Don may be coordinating requests for special events that impact the public right of way (think the Twilight Parade on Main Street or Walnut Creek 1st Wednesdays on Cypress Street). These kinds of events require input from nearly every City department, a laborious process until Don developed a streamlined system that earned him the 2005 Employee of the Year title.
After 13 ½ years with the City, Don says it’s his co-workers that keep him motivated. “I have to work with a lot of different departments, and people here don’t say ‘that’s not my job.’ They say ‘Let me find out what I can do.’ That’s what I like best about working here.”
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Salsa dancing downtown on Wednesday, September 2
Join the "fiesta" from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, September 2 on Cypress Street between Locust and Main. Food trucks, salsa music, beer, wine and more - it's all part of the monthly Walnut Creek 1st Wednesdays street fest.
Labor Day concert in the park Monday, September 7
The Walnut Creek Concert Band performs a free concert in Civic Park on Monday, Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. Bring a picnic and enjoy!
Walk with Mayor Bob on Saturday, September 12
There are only 2 walks left in the 2015 "Walnut Creek Walks" series led by Mayor Bob Simmons. On Saturday, Sept. 12, join the mayor on a walk along the Briones-Mt. Diablo trail and then onto Geary Road, where you'll learn about some of the features included in this major roadway renovation project. For more information, and to get email alerts, visit the Walnut Creek Walks webpage.
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Walnut Festival Parade and Festival
The Twilight Festival Parade takes place on Main Street from Mt Diablo Boulevard to Civic Drive. 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. The Walnut Festival takes place at Heather Farm Park the following weekend. Visit the Walnut Festival Association website for details.
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