July 2016
One of the most important policy decisions a City Council
makes is how to spend taxpayer dollars to meet community priorities. I’m pleased to report that the
Council on June 21 approved a balanced two-year budget that continues all
programs and services at current levels, adds six positions over the next two
years, fully funds the additional library hours previously paid for through a
now-expired parcel tax, and provides for an additional $27 million investment
in roads, buildings and parks.
Looking ahead this month, there are a number of important
issues coming before the City Council, from speed limits near schools to a
proposal for a winter nights homeless shelter. I encourage you to learn more
about these topics, and to voice your opinions!
Questions, comments about this Update or anything else?
Email me at CMUpdates@walnut-creek.org.
McDonald’s site development returns to Council
The
City Council on Tuesday, July 5 will consider two concepts for
development of the former McDonald’s property at 1380 N. California
Boulevard. Last May, RPC Development
LLC presented a six-story mixed-use concept. Based on feedback from the
Council, as well as discussions with representatives of Chevron, which
abuts the site, RPC Development is returning with two new concepts for
the City’s consideration. The meeting begins
at 6 p.m. More information will be posted on the City’s Public Meetings
webpage Friday afternoon.
Mobile app to pay for parking by phone goes live July 1
Beginning July 1, parking customers can pay for parking at
meters by phone, thanks to the free Park Mobile app. The app will alert parkers
15 minutes before their time limit is up. There is a $0.35 convenience fee each time the app is used. Look for new stickers with mobile payment information and
instructions at all meters throughout the City.
Special meeting on Heather Farm Park aquatics facility
The City Council and Park, Recreation and Open Space
Commission will hold a special joint meeting at 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 5 to
consider three alternatives for a new aquatics facility at Heather Farm Park. The
public meeting takes place in the 3rd floor conference room at City Hall, and will be televised/streamed live by Walnut Creek TV and recorded for future viewing on demand.
Council to consider proposal for winter nights shelter
The City Council on Tuesday, July 19 will consider a
proposal that would allow the Trinity Center to operate a temporary night-time
homeless shelter for up to 50 people at the National Guard Armory from Nov. 12
through March 31, 2017. The Trinity Center will hold an informational meeting
at 7 p.m. July 13 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Avenue. Details
were presented to the Council Committee on Housing and Community Development on
June 27. Click
here for the staff memorandum from that meeting.
Lowering speed limits near schools
Speed limits near Walnut Creek schools may be
lowered to 20 mph. The Transportation Commission unanimously recommended
lowering the speed limit near 12 public and private schools at its May 19
meeting. The City Council will consider the matter at its July 19 meeting. To
learn more, watch the video from the Transportation Commission by clicking here.
July 12 workshop on new electric energy provider
Did you know that Walnut Creek residents and businesses will be automatically enrolled to receive electricity from MCE unless they choose to opt out and remain with PG&E, starting this fall? MCE provides at least 50 percent renewable energy; the Council voted to join MCE to meet the City's Climate Action goals.
Learn more an informational workshop at 6:30 p.m. July 12 at City Hall. RSVP at http://goinggreenwc.eventbrite.com/.
Watch a short video about the MCE program options by clicking here. Or, visit www.mcecleanenergy.org/WalnutCreek.
  Learn how Walnut Creek's Traffic Operations Team, including the City's Traffic Engineer Rafat Raie, above, uses teamwork and technology to keep Walnut Creek moving safely and efficiently. Click here for the video!
 |
|
Chevron Family Theatre Festival
The Chevron Family Theatre Festival returns
Saturday, July 16 at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Free
activities take places throughout the day, and tickets performances are only $5
per ticket. At left is this year’s headlining act, Artrageous - an amazing team of
artists painting at electric speed right before your eyes. Go to leshercenterarts.org for a complete schedule and ticket information.
|
 |
|
First Wednesday Street Fest
Cypress Street becomes a “Country Carnival” on Wednesday, July 6 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Come listen to live music by Steel Rose Band, play carnival games and win prizes, and dine in style with Food Truck Mafia. The free event is part of the monthly "First Wednesdays Street Fests" sponsored by the Walnut Creek Downtown Business Association.
|
 |
|
Fourth of July Concert
Enjoy a musical Fourth with a free concert by the Walnut
Creek Concert Band. The music begins at 6 p.m. at Civic Park. Bring a picnic
and a blanket to sit on the grass, and enjoy!
|
 |
|
Outdoor Movies
The summer outdoor movie series moves to Heather Farm Park’s
ballfield #2 on Friday, July 29 with a screening of “Inside Out.” The movie
begins at dusk.Two more movies will be offered in August and September at Civic Park. For the complete schedule, call
925-943-5858 or visit WalnutCreekRec.org for details.
|
|
