This evening's City Council meeting will include a study session relating to the North Downtown Specific Plan Update.  The Plan has reached a critical milestone, with a final draft ready to present to the City Council.  This is the culmination of a 3-year planning process involving the community and a 15-member Advisory Committee. What does a specific plan do?  It will provide the 20-to-30 year roadmap for development of the North Downtown area, which extends from Civic Drive to Parkside Drive, and from Highway 680 to the Iron Horse Trail.  You're welcome to join us at the Council meeting to hear the latest, or watch on Walnut Creek TV or online.  The Plan is expected to come back to the City Council in October for final adoption.  You can view the agenda report and supporting documents for the study session by visiting the City's public meeting agendas webpage.  The August 6 meeting begins at 6:00 p.m.

This month, the City of Walnut Creek will begin making improvements to the medians on Tice Valley Boulevard. The project includes improving the irrigation system and replacing the plant material in the medians on Tice Valley Boulevard north and south of Rolling Hills Drive, as well as removing and replacing the existing Eucalyptus trees from these medians.  In addition, the median improvements will provide an area to install future green infrastructure, such as a bio-swell, to clean street water before it enters the storm drain.

Several factors informed the decision to remove the existing Eucalyptus trees, including that over the past few years, several of the larger trees have fallen, without any indication of decline or stress.  In addition, many of the trees lean towards the highly traveled public right of way, and Eucalyptus trees are known for dropping branches without showing any indication that they might do so.  The City will replace the Eucalyptus trees with approximately 100 new trees, most of which will be native species.

The median improvements are scheduled to begin with tree and plant removal soon.  Construction and replanting will begin by spring of 2020.

A few slots remain available for the Saturday, August 10th "2nd Saturday Spotlight" at the City's Public Works Corp Yard.  If you're curious how we manage our traffic flow, what upgrades to parks and facilities are on the horizon, or want to get up close to the big construction vehicles we operate, this Spotlight event is for you!  Our tour begins at 9:00 a.m. You can get all the details and register online at the Spotlight webpage.  

The City's popular "Citizens Institute" returns with a fall session that kicks off on Tuesday, August 27, and will offer local residents an opportunity to find out how the City operates.  Attendees will get behind the scenes tours of the Lesher Center for the Arts and the Police Department, find out how the City spends your tax dollars on programs and services, understand how we manage the flow of traffic and parking, and get a first hand view of how the City Council makes decisions that impact your community.  Registration will be available for remaining open slots starting Wednesday, August 7, at 9:00 a.m.  Find out more and register for updates at the Citizens Institute webpage.

The City of Walnut Creek is accepting applications for its Youth Leadership Commission. This group of fifteen high school students who live in Walnut Creek provides a vital youth perspective to the City Council on major issues in the community. Commissioners develop leadership skills, learn about local government and engage their fellow peers in making a difference in the Walnut Creek community. Applications are online, and being accepted throughout the summer. The City is looking to fill 10 spots on the Commission. Interviews and selection of new commissioners will be in late August.  Students interested in applying can contact Carla Hansen, Assistant to the City Manager.

Congratulations to Walnut Creek Police Officer Chris Solorio, who will be receiving a prestigious award from the California Peace Officers Association later this month.  Officer Solorio will be honored with the Association's "12 Under 12" award, which recognizes one individual with 12 years or fewer or service from each of the statewide Association's 12 regions.  The honored officers represent the best of the profession, and demonstrate a strong capacity for leadership.  Officer Solorio began his law enforcement career with the Houston Police Department, and since arriving in Walnut Creek has served on the SWAT team, K9 Team, Bomb Team and more.  He obtained his bachelor's degree while also holding down the full time police position, and is now working on his MBA.  Congratulations Officer Solorio!

Mark Mackay in Concert, Friday, August 9, 8:00 p.m.

The Diablo Regional Arts Association proudly presents songwriter, vocalist and guitarist Mark Mackay in concert at the Lesher Center for the Arts.  Mackay makes his mark at the crossroads of country music and rock & roll, and his live performances are captivating and energizing.  Tickets are available at the Lesher Center for the Arts website, or by calling 925-943-7469.

Music & Movies Under the Stars: Friday, August 16

Bring the family for "Captain Marvel" at Civic Park on Friday, August 16.  The movie will begin at dusk, around 8:00 p.m., but come early and enjoy live music from "The Fresh Makers" starting at 6:30 p.m. Next month's movie will be "Jumanji," also in Civic Park, on September 20.   This month's edition of the popular music and movie series is brought to you by the City of Walnut Creek, Walnut Creek Recreation, Walnut Creek Downtown, and Zocchi and Associates.  Get all the information at the Music & Movies Under the Stars webpage.

Grandparents Day at the Pool:  Friday, August 16

Calling all Walnut Creek grandparents!  Enjoy the wrap up of summer by bringing your grandchildren to the Larkey Pool Splash Pad for a morning of fun in the sun.  Light snacks and music will be provided in the picnic area near the splash pad.  Tickets are $5 per person, and Walnut Creek Seniors  Club members are free.  Call 925-943-5852 for details or tickets, or register online in advance.

One City, One Book:  The Library Book now available for free 

The Library's popular "One City, One Book" series returns, with a selection by Susan Orlean that will be the focus of a citywide read.  The Library Book draws readers in with an unsolved mystery: who set fire to the Los Angeles PublicLibrary in 1986, and why.  City residents can pick up a free copy, while supplies last, at the Walnut Creek and Ygnacio Valley libraries, read it during the month of August, and then participate in a wide variety of discussions and activities that connect to the book's theme throughout September.  Find out more at the "One City, One Book" webpage.

Arts After Dark: Friday, August 23, Shadelands Art Center

Don't miss the Center for Community Arts' Summer/Fall "Arts after Dark" event on August 23, from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Join us for a fun-filled evening of art making, dancing, music, food and drink.  This is an adult only event (over age 21) with a $10 admission fee.  $5 of that fee supports the Community Arts Foundation.  Find out more at the Center for Community Arts' webpage.