September 2016
 Fall, with its cooler temperatures and "back to school" vibe, is an invigorating time. One of the best examples of this positive energy is the annual Community Service Day, when hundreds of volunteers join together to help a wide array of worthy local causes.
This year's Community Service Day is Saturday, October 8, and registration is in full swing. With more than 50 projects to choose from, there is something for every age, interest and ability. I invite you to join us in giving a half day to making Walnut Creek an even better place. For details and online registration, click here.
Questions, comments about this Update or anything else? Email me at CMUpdates@walnut-creek.org.
|
Special meeting: Laying the Groundwork for Priority-Setting
On Monday, Sept. 12, the City Council and its five Commissions will participate in a joint meeting designed to provide ideas and recommendations that will assist the City Council in setting priorities for the future. The workshop-style meeting will use the City's General Plan 2025 vision and principles as a framework for discussion. No decisions will be made at this meeting. The meeting is open to the public, and will start at 6 p.m. at the Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive. For background information, click here.
 |
|
Want to go solar? Interested in a zero-emissions vehicle?
Interested
in rooftop solar, zero-emissions vehicles, or both? The City of Walnut
Creek is hosting two free workshops, on September 13 and October 6, where the
community can learn more about the Bay Area SunShares discount program
which makes access to clean energy simple and affordable. Click here to learn more.
|
City Council approves Pedestrian Master Plan
Walnut Creek's first citywide plan to make walking in Walnut Creek safer, easier and more popular receive full support of the City Council this week. Two years in the making, with lots of public input, the Pedestrian Master Plan pays particular attention to improving access to schools, to
transit and within the Downtown, as well as to open space areas, parks
and neighborhood shopping centers. Check it out by clicking here.
Police chief to give update on Prop. 64 (marijuana legalization)
Police Chief Tom Chaplin will update the City Council on Prop. 64, which proposes legalizing marijuana, at a special Council meeting at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20. The purpose of the meeting is to review what is being proposed, and to understand the public safety and other implications to the community if the measure passes. The meeting will take place in the 3rd floor conference room at City Hall and is open to the public. It will be aired on Walnut Creek TV and taped for viewing on demand.
Trinity Center to operate night-time homeless shelter at Armory
Trinity Center, a Walnut Creek-based nonprofit that provides
services to homeless and working poor, will operate a nighttime
homeless shelter for up to 50 people this winter in the National Guard armory at 1800 Carmel Drive.
Shelter occupants will be pre-screened Trinity Center
clients. They will be
transported by van from Trinity Center to the Armory each evening, and transported back to the
Center in the morning. There will be no “in and out” privileges. For a fact sheet about the winter shelter, click here.
  Young REP: 43 years of inspiring young performers
#WalnutCreekWorks honored the work of Young REP, which celebrates its 43rd year
in 2016 and continues to train and develop students interested in the
theater arts. A number of of Young REP alumni have gone on to professional acting careers. Learn more in this heartwarming video.
 |
|
One City, One Book events
The Walnut Creek Library Foundation offers a number a number of free community events throughout September as part of the "One City, One Book" citywide book club. This year's selection is "The Martian," a gripping tale of an astronaut marooned on Mars. Read the book, then come to the special events! Click here for the events.
|
 |
|
Music and Movie at Civic Park
Come to Civic Park on Saturday, Sept. 10 for the final "Movie and Music Under the Stars," featuring a screening of "Toy Story." Live music begins at 7 p.m., with the movie starting at sunset. The free event is a perfect way to wrap up the summer. Bring a picnic and a blanket .. but please, leave pets and alcohol at home!
|
 |
|
"Sunday Funday" brings symphony outside
The California Symphony kicks off its 30th season by streaming live audio and video from the Lesher Center stage to the outdoor plaza. "Sunday Funday" kicks off at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 18 with pre-concert backstage interviews and a talk by Music Director Donato Cabrera, left, and at 4 p.m. will stream the first 30 minutes of the concert. Adding to the fun will be an instrument petting zoo, meet-and-greets with musicians, Pokemon Go stops and lures, and food trucks. For more on the symphony, go to californiasymphony.org.
|
 |
|
Bedford Gallery opens "ReTooled"
"ReTooled"
delves into the engaging and unexpected world of tools through more than 40
inspired paintings, sculptures, works on paper and photographs. "ReTooled" profiles 28 visionary artists from the Hechinger
Collection. An opening reception will be held at the Bedford Gallery Sunday, Sept. 18 from 3 to 5 p.m. "ReTooled" will be on exhibit Sept. 18 through Nov. 27.
|
 |
|
Here comes the Walnut Festival
September is Walnut Festival time in Walnut Creek. The fun kicks off on DATE with the Twilight Parade down North Main Street (get there early for the best spots to watch). Then, head to Heather Farm Park September 22 - 25 for family friendly fun, carnival rides, live music and more! Get details at thewalnutfestival.org.
|
|
