December 2016
Walnut Creek is the ideal place to be home for the holidays. Choices abound, from taking a winter's walk in the Open Space to taking in a festive show at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Some are listed in the "Events" section of this newsletter; for more ideas, check out the "Holiday Happenings" in the most recent edition of the Nutshell newsletter.
Here at City Hall, we are working on a number of interesting initiatives, but also preparing to close down for the winter holidays. Most City facilities, except for public safety, will be closed Dec. 23 through Jan. 2, reopening on Tuesday, Jan. 3.
Questions, comments about this Update or anything else? Email me at CMUpdates@walnut-creek.org.
 Take the North Downtown survey
Thanks to the 60 people who participated in the community workshop on the North Downtown Specific Plan. As we continue to plan for this important 180-acre area, it's important to get ideas from across the community.
That's why we've created an online survey that asks community members to share their ideas for the future of the North Downtown. Take a few minutes to share your vision! Click here for the survey.
|
Carondelet athletic complex proposal comes before Council
The City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29 to consider Carondelet High School's request to build a new athletic complex for the school on the site formerly occupied by Valley Vista Club Sport. The school would like to eliminate several existing tennis courts, expand the swimming pool, and construct a softball field and combination soccer/lacrosse field. Click here to read the agenda report and associated documents.
 Holiday hours extended for Free Ride
The all-electric trolley (also known
as County Connection Route 4) will be available until 10 p.m. through
Dec. 16, and again Dec. 26 - 31. From Dec. 12 through Dec. 23, trolley hours
extend until 11 p.m. (Note: extended hours are not offered on Sundays; the last
trolley leaves Walnut Creek BART at 6:20 p.m. Sundays).
The Free Ride Trolley loops between
Walnut Creek BART and Broadway Plaza, traveling along Locust and North Main
Street. Click here for a detailed route map.
|
Council to decide whether to scale back Crogan's hours
On Monday, Dec. 5, the City Council is expected to decide whether to uphold a Planning Commission recommendation that Crogan's Sports Bar and Grill stop serving and selling alcohol at midnight and close at 12:30 a.m. The Planning Commission found that Crogan's, as operated, constitutes a public nuisance and unanimously voted to scale back operating hours. The owner of Crogan's is appealing the Planning Commission decision, asking instead that it be able to serve/sell alcohol until 12:30 a.m. and stay open until 1 a.m. The Dec. 5 meeting is a continuation of a public hearing held before the City Council on Nov. 15. To watch the Nov. 15 meeting and read the background reports, click here.
 Daytime CERT training offered
For
the first time in many years, Walnut Creek is offering a daytime Commmunity
Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. The daytime class will take place from
9 a.m. until noon Wednesdays, Jan. 11 through Feb. 22 in Rossmoor and is open to the general public. There will be a final drill the
morning of Saturday, March 20. CERT
graduates play a valuable role in working with our first responders in the
event of a disaster. Come join the team! Click here to learn more.
|
Traffic alert! Half-marathon to loop on Ygnacio Valley, Treat
The
Walnut Creek Half Marathon starts at 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 at Civic Park,
and will make a loop from Treat Boulevard to Ygnacio Valley Road, returning to
Civic Park. Traffic may be impacted between 7 and 10 a.m. Visit www.runwalnutcreek.com for details.
 Go behind the scene with Walnut Creek seniors
 The Walnut Creek Seniors Club, based at Civic Park Community Center, is a hub of activity, camaraderie and services for people 50 and older.
See for yourself by watching the #WalnutCreekWorks video (click here to watch), or visit the Walnut Creek Seniors' Club webpage.
|
 |
|
Holiday Toy Drive
Spread the magic of the
season by donating new, unwrapped toys for underprivileged children. Bring the
toys to the donation bins in the lobby of City Hall, 1666 N. Main Street before
Dec. 15. The Walnut Creek Police Department will deliver the toys to the
Marines’ Toys for Tots program for distribution. For more information, call
Lauren Gehring, 925-943-5890.
|
 |
|
Handcrafted Holiday Sale
The Handcrafted Holiday
Sale at Center for Community Arts offers handmade ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber arts, photography, prints,
and much more – all by Community Arts teaching artists and students. An opening
reception on Friday, Dec. 2 from 5 to 9 p.m. offers live music, free craft
classes and demos. The sale continues from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 3 and 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Dec. 4. Click here for details.
|
 |
|
Holiday Puppet Show and Fun with Santa
Bring the kids to Heather Farm Community Center at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 for the "Itty Bitty Variety Puppet Show," pictures with Santa, holiday treats and crafts. Pre-registration is required. Tickets are $10 (free for siblings under 1). Register online - choose class #33495 - or call 925-943-5858.
|
 |
|
A Christmas Carol
Brimming with music and
dance, love and laughter, spectacular special effects and scary ghosts, it’s no
wonder the critics have called Center REPertory Company's production of the holiday classic “THE Christmas Carol to see in the Bay
Area.” December 8 - 18 at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Click here for tickets.
|
 |
|
Find holiday cheer on the ice!
The Ice Rink returns to Civic Park for the 12th year. Sponsored by the
Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce and Walnut Creek Downtown, the ice rink hosts
a number of special events, as well as birthday parties and skating lessons.
For more, go to walnutcreekonice.com or
call 925-935-7669.
|
|
