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At the City of Walnut Creek, we are always interested in your feedback about how we are doing. Since 2012, we have partnered with the National Research Center to conduct statistically valid surveys measuring your satisfaction with our services and programs, as well as seeking community input on priorities. A detailed roll-out of the results will be coming in January, but thank you to those who participated and shared your thoughts. The good news is that 9 out of 10 respondents rated the quality of life in Walnut Creek as excellent or good, with similar high marks for feeling safe in Walnut Creek and appreciating our parks and open space. Finding affordable housing remains a definite challenge, which our City leadership takes seriously.
Thank you again to those who participated, and from City Hall to your home, we wish you all happy holidays.
Questions, comments about this Update or anything else? Email me at CMUpdates@walnut-creek.org.
 Update on Walnut Creek's fiscal health
The California State Auditor has released a comprehensive new dashboard that allows people to compare financial statistics for the state's 471 cities. Drawing from factors that include revenue trends, pension costs, debt burden, general fund reserves and more, the online tool gives a data-filled look at which cities are on a path to financial distress. We are pleased to see that wise planning and sound financial policies have placed the City of Walnut Creek in the "low risk" ranking overall. The data was pulled from the fiscal year 2016-2017, and the City Council has since taken even more steps to improve our financial health, including creating a pension trust fund to ease future obligations. You can find the details and review conditions in Walnut Creek and other cities by visiting the Auditor's dashboard website.
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December traditionally brings about changes at City Hall, when a new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem are selected. That will take place in Walnut Creek this evening, December 3, at 6:00 p.m. In addition, we will be swearing in a new Planning Commissioner and Transportation Commissioner.
You are welcome to attend in person, watch online on the City's website, or on Walnut Creek TV. You can always find our meeting agendas posted on the public meeting webpage the Thursday before the scheduled Council meeting.
The Council will hold a special meeting on December 10 to discuss the "Your Parks, Your Future," project, and will meet again on Tuesday, December 17.
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Coffee with a Cop coming on December 13
Building relationships one cup at a time!
Plan to make part of your Friday morning on December 13 a time to pull up a seat, grab a cup of coffee and get to know your Walnut Creek Police Department. The PD will be hosting another round of its popular "Coffee with a Cop" events from 9:00 a.m. until noon at the Starbucks on Mr. Diablo and Locust.
Community policing has long been considered a framework for establishing trust between the community and the Police Department. Stop by and find out what's new with the Department, share your thoughts on public safety in your neighborhood, or just get to know our officers outside of their usual beats.
Follow the Police Department on Facebook to see pictures from the Coffee with a Cop event @walnutcreekpd.
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Look at what's new at the Civic Park Assembly Hall
If you haven't been in Civic Park lately, plan to make a stop to get an up-close view of the new mural livening up the streetscape of our downtown core. Bedford Gallery and the Walnut Creek Public Art Program are thrilled to announce that renowned Bay Area artists Monica Canilao and Xara Thustra were commissioned to complete the mural. The new public art piece taps the skills of Canilao, a multi-media artist from Oakland, and Thustra, a key player in San Francisco's "Mission School." You can view a video of the creation of the mural here.
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 Walnut Creek Police Department hosts Toys for Tots
Coming up this Saturday, December 7, you're invited to visit us at City Hall as the Walnut Creek Police Department hosts its annual "Toys for Tots" donation drive. Stop by the parking lot between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and bring a new and unwrapped gift that can be shared with kids whose holidays will be so much brighter as a result. Collection boxes are already in the lobby at City Hall if you want to drop off them off before the 7th.
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 Walnut Creek City Manager's Office Gives Back
I was proud to join some of my City Manager's Office team at the Assistance League of Diablo Valley last month, where we packed dozens of food boxes for families in need just in time for Thanksgiving. The Assistance League of Diablo Valley has been in our area since 2012, and operates a range of community programs. Find out more by visiting the League's website.
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Concert at the Library
Wednesday, December 4, 7:00 p.m.
Musicians Pawel Walerowski and Larissa Smirnova will perform a wide range of classical pieces in a special editing of Live! From the Library. They will also include some seasonal and holiday pieces as well; registration is available online. The concert will take place in the Walnut Creek Library's Oak View Room.
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Handcrafted Holiday Sale at Shadelands Art Center
Center for Community Arts will host its anticipated Handcrafted Holiday Sale on December 6, 7 and 8. Kicking off on Friday with an opening reception from 5pm - 8pm, featuring music, food, and craft making, you can find that special something for just about anyone this holiday season. The sale features work by Community ARts teaching artists and students, including ceremics, jewelry, prints, glass, paintings and more. For details, visit communityarts.org.
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Center REPertory Company's presentation of A Christmas Carol
December 12 - 22, Lesher Center for the Arts
Brimming with music and dance, love and laughter, spectacular special effects and scary ghosts, it’s no wonder the critics have called it “THE Christmas Carol to see in the Bay Area.” Join the thousands who make this theatrical event a part of their annual holiday traditions. Tickets available at Lesher Center for the Arts website or call 925-943-7469.
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Visit to the North Pole
December 13 - 22, Lesher Center for the Arts
Santa and Mrs. Claus are taking residence at the Lesher Center for the Arts this holiday season! Bring your family to enjoy an immersive live theatre experience, visiting with Mrs. Claus in her kitchen and Santa himself in his workshop. Your private family visit includes photos that will capture this very special experience. Tickets available at www.lesherartscenter.org or call 925-943-7469.
While you are visiting the Lesher Center for the Arts, make sure to see the holiday tree, proudly standing tall in the Hofmann Lobby. It’s a great backdrop for a photo opportunity!
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Boundary Oak Holiday Events
Holiday Gala and Fundraiser: December 19, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
This year's event will benefit The First Tee of Contra Costa, an organization devoted to bringing golf into the lives of young people who might not otherwise get a chance to hit the course. Come out for an evening of wine tasting, a buffet surf and turf dinner, dancing and a gift boutique. $50 per person cost includes entry into a raffle. For more information, call Mike Ash at 925-934-3600, ext. 12.
Cheers to a New Year 2020: December 31, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Ring in the New Year twice with two live ball drops and two DJ dance floors for you and your friends to have an evening of fun! Enjoy a delicious intercontinental buffet featuring prime rib and pork roast and decadent desserts. Tickets are $100 per person and include wine, beer and soft drinks. Space is limited so make your reservation early at 925-934-4775 x20.
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