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After more than a year of juggling school by Zoom, some attempts at hybrid learning, and more than enough frustration to go around for parents, teachers and kids, we are seeing the return of in-person school just around the corner. As parents, my wife and I have high hopes and some honest concerns, but we share with all Walnut Creek parents the wish that this school year brings some sense of normal for our kids, and an end to the pandemic that shifted their routine. If you're parents or grandparents of school age kids, best wishes to you and your family as the school year returns.
Questions, comments about this Update or anything else? Email me at CMUpdates@walnut-creek.org.
 What's next for our key park facilities?
Our City Council meets tonight, and a couple of key topics will be on the agenda. The Council identified management of our aging facilities and infrastructure as one of its key priorities for 2021 and 2022. This evening, the Council will consider the steps needed to develop a new aquatic facility and community center at Heather Farm Park. The Council will also hear about modifications needed to City regulations regarding accessory dwelling units because of changes in state law. And you'll hear from the new Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce CEO Bob Linscheid as the Chamber rolls out a new branding initiative. Our Council meeting begins at 6:00 p.m.; find out how to watch or participate on our public meetings webpage.
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Work coming to improve Ygnacio Valley Road
The City of Walnut Creek is scheduled to begin the Ygnacio Valley Road Rehabilitation Project in mid-August 2021. The project will begin at Civic Drive and extend to San Carlos Drive. The project is scheduled for completion in November 2021. During this time, sidewalk repairs will be made and the roadway will be repaved. Find out more at the Public Works website.
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Indoor mask mandate returns; Bay Area health officers issue new order to reduce coronavirus risk
Bay Area Health Officers, including representatives from Contra Costa County, took the step Monday of mandating mask wearing indoors beginning this morning. Although the vaccination is highly effective, the Delta variant of COVID-19 continues to spread at an alarming pace. This requirement will remain in effect until further notice. Visit the County's COVID-19 website for information, including links to testing and vaccination locations.
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 Welcome to City Police Chief Jamie Knox
The City is pleased to announce the hiring of Jamie Knox as our new Chief of Police. Knox joined the Department on July 26. His career began in the Placer County city of Roseville where he became a dispatcher, and later an officer in Rocklin. His next stop was in Novato, and most recently he was a Captain for the San Leandro Police Department. We had significant input from the community in helping guide our selection, and I'm looking forward to opportunities for our residents to get to know him. A community gathering for you to meet him will be held later this summer. Welcome Chief Knox!
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Walnut Creek Senior Travel Presentation
Walnut Creek Senior Travel is new, improved and has plenty to offer! Join us at Civic Park Community Center on Wednesday, August 11 at 11:00am to hear a presentation about improvements such as online registration and scholarships. Lisa Mittone of Travel Center Tours will showcase the upcoming day trips which are everything from local SF trips to Casinos, West Marin, skiing and more! Joan Thornton from Premier World Tours will then present on some exciting extended travel opportunities for both 2022 and 2023. Opportunity only for individuals 50+. Free but must pre-register to save seats.
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Arts Around August
Lesher Center for the Arts is proud to be part of Arts Around August, a month-long celebration of the Arts in Downtown Walnut Creek! Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble will be performing the family favorite, Cinderella, on the Rudney Plaza on Sundays August 15 and 22. And Movies On the Roof will feature Moana on August 21 and Jumanji-Welcome to the Jungle on August 28. Tickets and information on these events can be found at lesherartscenter.org.
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On view at Bedford Gallery: Reclaimed: The Art of Recology
Be sure to visit this family-friendly, educational show featuring work by forty-six artists who have participated in the Recology artist in residence program, creating astounding upcycled art from materials found at the San Francisco recycling center. Bedford Gallery is open Thursday – Sunday from 12pm-5pm and admission is $5 per person. Learn more at the Bedford Gallery website.
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