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April 2017
This weekend I had the privilege of participating in the 2017 Citizens Institute graduation. For seven weeks, Institute members came together to learn more about the programs and services the City provides, and to meet the people who provide those services. Now it was time for the grand finale!
We boarded a bus for the traditional "Neighborhood Showcase." The bus drove past each classmate's home, and he or she described what they loved about their neighborhood. In one case, a neighbor was celebrating her 100th birthday, and the bus stopped so she could climb aboard and hear our well wishes.
It was a wonderful day, and reminded me once again that the strength of a community lies in its people. I encourage you to get involved! There are many ways to do that, from attending a public meeting to volunteering for a worthy cause. This month's City Manager's Update may just give you a few ideas!
Questions, comments about this Update or anything else? Email me at CMUpdates@walnut-creek.org.
 How should marijuana work in Walnut Creek?
 The approval of Proposition 64 makes it legal for people
over 21 to possess, use and grow marijuana for recreational purposes. In
addition, Prop 64 opens the door to commercial marijuana operations such as
retail sales, commercial cultivation and processing facilities.
Under Prop 64, local governments have the ability to
regulate commercial marijuana operations, as well as aspects of personal use.
The City Council is interested in the community’s wishes as
it develops plans for implementation of Prop 64. Please join us at a workshop
on April 24 or 25th (details on our website) to learn more, and
share your opinion.
Want to weigh in now? Click here to take the survey!
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Preparing a plan for pension cost hikes
Like
most cities across California, Walnut Creek is facing steep increases in the
amount we are required to contribute toward the California Public Employees
Retirement Employees’ System (PERS). There are a number of reasons for the
increase, including lower-than-expected returns on PERS investments, and an
increase in the number of retirees drawing pensions as people are living
longer. Quite simply, PERS has less than it needs to cover estimated retirement
benefits, and cities like Walnut Creek will be required to pay more to close the
gap.
The City
is taking a proactive approach to tackling this challenge. First step: A
special workshop at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 18 at City Hall to review what’s been
done to date, and explore solutions. Please join us!
Want
more detail? Click here for background information presented to the Council
Finance Committee.
A community workshop on the future of North Downtown
 A community workshop on creation of a North Downtown
Specific Plan will take place Monday, April 17. Everyone is invited! Light snacks will be served.
At a workshop last fall, the community provided their
visions and ideas for North Downtown through the use of interactive displays
and maps. A key purpose of the April 17 workshop is to demonstrate how ideas
gathered at the fall workshop are being incorporated into the specific plan. For more information about the North Downtown Specific Plan,
visit walnut-creek.org/northdowntown.
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Sanctuary Cities and Walnut
Creek
With heightened interest in
Sanctuary Cities, it’s a good time to review Walnut Creek’s policy regarding
immigration status.
First and foremost, the City is
committed to protecting and serving the entire community and recognizing the
dignity of all persons, regardless of their immigration status.
Walnut Creek Police do not
contact, detain, or arrest people based on their immigration status. The WCPD
does not proactively seek immigration status, nor does the department engage in
sweeps to seek undocumented immigrants. In addition to our commitment to human
dignity, these kinds of actions cause problems in the relationship between the
community and the police.
For the safety of the community,
Walnut Creek Police retains the right to notify Immigration and Customs
Enforcement if a crime has been committed. In addition, the police must able to
work with ICE on issues like human trafficking, or major narcotic cartels. For a copy of the Walnut Creek
Police Department policy on Immigration Violations, click here.
 Host families needed for week of Aug. 14
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Host families for 10 Kita City, Japan teens are needed for
the week of Aug. 14. The teens, along with local students ages 14-18, will
participate in a week-long photography workshop through the City’s Center for
Community Arts. Those interested in hosting a Kita City student should contact
Mihoko Malian, mmalian@comcast.net. Learn more about Walnut
Creek’s partnership with Kita City by clicking here.
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Be a docent for the Walnut Creek Historical Society
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The Walnut Creek Historical
Society is seeking docents to lead tours of the historic Shadelands Ranch
Museum. The Shadelands Ranch house was built in 1902 for the Hiram Penniman family,
and is furnished with many items from these early settlers. Volunteer docents
share the fascinating history of the Pennimans and the Shadelands; training is
provided. Learn more at walnutcreekhistory.info or call 925-935-7871.
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Old Borges Ranch Day needs you!
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Old Borges Ranch Day is Saturday, May 13, and volunteers
ages 14 and up are needed. The day is filled with hands-on
activities and games, crafts and livestock demonstrations. Our Open Space rangers need as many extra
hands as they can get to make the day a resounding success. Morning and
afternoon shifts are available. Call Supervising Ranger Nancy Dawson Dollard at
943-5899 ext. 2135 or email her at dollard@walnut-creek.org.
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 Celebrate Earth Day in the Open Space
Celebrate Earth Day with Walnut Creek’s Open Space team on
Saturday, April 22. From fixing trails to learning how to care for farm
animals, there’s something for every age and interest. When the day is done,
head back to Hanna Grove for story telling around the campfire! All programs
require reservations. For a detailed list of programs, click
here.
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 Easter Brunch at Boundary Oak
Enjoy a delicious Easter Champagne Brunch at the Clubhouse at
Boundary Oak, featuring a prime rib and honey glazed ham carving station,
omelet station, and holiday dessert table. Reservations are available
from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 16. Prices: $40 for ages 13 and up; $20 for kids 6-12; free for children under 5 with a paying adult. Call 925-934-4775 ext. 20.
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Restaurant Week in Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek celebrates its vibrant and
ever-growing culinary scene with its fifth annual Restaurant Week. More than
two dozen restaurants will serve up specially priced lunch and dinner menus
showcasing their finest fare, April 23-30. Go to Walnut Creek Downtown's website to learn more.
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