Coronavirus Update from the Walnut Creek City Manager

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walnut creek city managers update - from the desk of city manager dan bukshi

May 15, 2020

Mid-May is often when those of us who are parents see the end of the school year in sight, and know our kids are gearing up for summer break.  It's hard to imagine what kind of a transition that will be this year, with so few end-of-school-year traditions such as Open House or school proms.  Schools have been struggling with what promotion and graduation ceremonies will look like, but the County Health Officer today opened the door for a "drive in" graduation option.  Please see details below.

We expect additional Health Order changes in the coming weeks, and will post information on our City website as they happen, in addition to including them in these updates.  Please forward this email to others who might want to receive our City updates, and encourage them to become subscribers.  The registration page can be found by selecting the eNotifications link on the upper right corner of our homepage

Questions, comments about this Update or anything else? Email me at CMUpdates@walnut-creek.org.

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City Council update: continuing financial challenges, and looking to the future

Zoom Council

The City Council will meet on Tuesday, May 19, with the City's finances being a key focus. The drastic drop in City revenue forced difficult decisions to close the budget gap in the current fiscal year than ends June 30.  We are gearing up for adoption of the budget to start July 1 with completely different assumptions and revenue forecasts than we were expecting just a few months ago.  Tuesday's meeting begins at 6:00 p.m.

On Thursday, May 21, the Council will hold a special meeting beginning at 1:00 p.m. to focus on the recovery side of the equation.  The Council will hear about efforts to jump-start our local economy in the midst of the pandemic.  Significant work is being done in the City and with our community partners to put Walnut Creek in the best position possible to get our economy moving in the right direction.

Your input on these issues is always welcome.  Our public meetings are now conducted using Zoom videoconferencing.  Public comments are encouraged both before and during our Council meetings.  Please visit our public meeting webpage to view the agenda and Council reports, to provide public comment in advance of the meeting, or to learn how you can participate during the meeting.


Census funding more critical than ever

Census family

Federal funding for social services, health services, infrastructure, school programs and so much more stems directly from the Census.  Every ten years, the nation's head count determines how much money flows to local communities, and we are seeing right now how important those resources are.  If you haven't filled out your household's Census form, please do so as soon as possible.  You can do it online or by phone in just about ten minutes.  Fill out your Census and get additional information on the U.S. Census website. 


Graduation, drive-in style! County Health Order Update on Vehicle Gatherings

The Contra Costa County Health Officer has issued a new order, effective on Tuesday, May 19, that will allow for large gatherings of vehicles to permit graduations, religious ceremonies and other events that can be safely moved outdoors.  There are guidelines and restrictions, but this is another result of residents successfully adhering to the Shelter at Home Order.  The County is using data indicators to guide decision making on when and how to ease restrictions.  Find out details on the new Order and more at the County's coronavirus website.  

class of 2020

Let our farmers market come to you

Farmers Market

Missing the experience of wandering through the Farmers' Market on Sunday and catching up with neighbors, friends and vendors?  Farmers' markets throughout the County are still operating, although with some changes.  Masks are required, and social distance monitors will be on the scene in Walnut Creek to make sure people are not crowding together.  Many of our residents aren't able to shop at our Farmers' Market at all these days.  In partnership with the Walnut Creek Farmers' Market, the City's Arts + Rec staff are coordinating with community volunteers from Neighbor Express to deliver pre-packaged boxes to residents.  Find out more at the City's coronavirus website.  


Call for an appointment to get tested: coronavirus testing available to all residents

drive through test

Key to knowing what success looks like in battling the coronavirus is vastly increasing the number of people tested in our region.  You can now schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 test without a doctor's referral or showing any symptoms.  Call 1-844-421-0804 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to make an appointment.  There are multiple drive through testing locations, as well as several walk-in ones.  A site will be opening next week at Tice Valley Gym.

You can also learn more about testing on the State's COVID-19 testing and treatment website.