May 2016
The volunteer force is strong is Walnut Creek!
April 22-24, Volunteers for Outdoor
California (Vo-Cal) donated more than 570 hours re-routing a
steep, badly eroded section of trail in the Lime Ridge Open Space. The new
trail is on an easier grade, giving hikers a safer way to enjoy the spectacular
views from Lime Ridge. To learn more about Open Space volunteer opportunities, email Supervising Ranger Nancy Dollard.
Ready to get wet? Head for Civic Park on Saturday, May 14when the Friends of the Creeks
hosts the annual downtown
creek cleanup . Meet at the Civic Park gazebo at 9 a.m. Wear old clothes and sneakers - you will get muddy! Details, including a downloadable mandatory
waiver, are at www.friendsofthecreeks.org.
Questions, comments about this Update or anything else? Email me at CMUpdates@walnut-creek.org.
 Council gets first look at 2018-18 Budget
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The 2016-18 Budget goes to the City Council for
initial review Tuesday. As proposed, the budget continues all programs and
services currently in place, and invests more than $26 million in roads, buildings
and other infrastructure. The budget also proposes adding 6 positions over the
two-year period, including 2 police officers.
Detailed information is available
as part of the meeting Council agenda package (click here); the Council meeting begins at 6
p.m.
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Study session on aquatics at Heather Farm Park
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At 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, the
Council will discuss next steps regarding the future of aquatics at Heather
Farm Park. The Clarke Swim Center is reaching the end of its lifespan; the
Council is partnering with engineering and architecture firm Harley Ellis
Devereaux to help finance, construct, operate and maintain a new facility. Tuesday,
the Council will review HED’s proposed plan – or scope of work – to accomplish
that goal.
Detailed information is available in the staff report (click here); the study
session takes place in the 3rd floor conference room at City Hall.
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How do our (community) gardens grow?
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Community gardens may be headed for three
Walnut Creek parks, with the first being located at Heather Farm Park. Arbolado
and San Miguel parks are also being considered as sites for future community
gardens. The City Council on Tuesday will consider a recommendation by the
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission to move forward with a phased approach, with time for additional
community input and site evaluations of Arbolado and San Miguel parks. Click
here for the staff report.
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North Downtown Specific Plan committee being formed
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Thanks to the 40-plus people who attended an introductory
Open House on the North Downtown Specific Plan on April 18. We received
many comments and ideas, which will be considered during the planning process.
Based on community feedback, we’ve expanded the membership
eligibility for the North Downtown Advisory Committee to include residents,
property and business owners in adjacent neighborhoods. The deadline to apply for
the advisory committee is Friday, May 6. Click here for more information and
the application.
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Sign Shop makes sure we can always find our way
Go behind the scenes with Walnut Creek’s Sign Shop, and
learn what these dedicated employees do to make sure signs are clear and easy to
read. Click here to watch the video.
Arts + Rec summer offerings
Registration opens Monday (May 2) for summer Arts & Rec
programs and camps. There are plenty of choices for kids and adults when
it comes to classes, while the popular summer camps offer everything from fun field
trips to multiple team sports to engineering experiments. Classes begin May 31.
Click here for the Summer Guide to Arts + Rec.
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Cinco de Mayo - one day early
Cinco De Mayo comes to
Cypress Street on May 4 from 5-8 p.m. as
part of the free Walnut Creek Wednesdays street fest. Live music from Salsa
Caliente and special Mexican dance performances from Ballet Folkloric
Costa de Oro are sure to spice up the night, along with arts & crafts,
food trucks and more! Free parking in
City garages after 5 p.m. Click for more information.
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Mother's Day at Ruth Bancroft Garden
Make memories with Mom at the Ruth Bancroft Garden on
Sunday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 3.5-acre garden is filled with
thousands of unique drought tolerant plants. Bring a picnic, and learn
something new together on docent led tours at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Click here to learn more.
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Celebration of Champions
The Walnut Creek Aquanuts are taking the “Road to Rio” at
their synchronized swimming exhibition and fund-raiser, Saturday, May 21 from
4-9 p.m. at Clarke Swim Center. Aquanuts coach Mariya Koroleva - who will be representing the United States in
the Olympics this summer – and the entire USA National Team will perform at the
event. Tickets are $20; $25 at the door. Click for details.
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