City Council Update
 The City Council recently adopted an outdoor dining policy aimed at streamlining many of the guidelines that were piloted during early stages of the pandemic. The new policy offers consistency surrounding use of outdoor structures, patios, sidewalks and parking lots. The Council also adopted an ordinance requiring safer storage of firearms in homes to limit gun injuries and deaths, particularly involving children who aren't aware of the danger. And the Council issued a proclamation last month recognizing Juneteenth and its significance; Juneteenth is now a national holiday. The next City Council meeting is on July 19. You are always welcome to attend our meetings, participate with your comments, or simply watch remotely on Zoom, our website, YouTube or Walnut Creek TV. You can get more information on the agenda and how to watch by visiting our public meetings webpage.
Community Development Launches New Website and Permit Hub
 Early on during the pandemic, the City’s Community Development Department retooled services to meet customers online and learned customers rely more than ever on digital services. To help homeowners, developers, and business owners with their projects, the Department has launched a new customer-centered web presence. Input from staff and over 120 community members helped shape every page of the new site.
The new site:
- Outlines which applications are required for a wide range of projects
- Features an improved Permit hub (walnut-creek.org/permits) which includes step-by-step instructions for permit submittals and related resources
- Provides ways to follow up with helpful City staff to discuss your project
- Hosts updated information on zoning, Building inspections, entitlements, development projects, and code enforcement
- Employs best practices in content design to surpass industry benchmarks for quality assurance, accessibility, and search engine optimization
We will continue to add resources to the site as we look for new opportunities to best serve customers.
PG&E Undergrounding Project Continues into July
Since early May, several trails in Lime Ridge have been closed due to PG&E undergrounding the existing power lines in the area. Moving the power lines through Lime Ridge underground is part of PG&E’s fire prevention efforts and is expected to reduce the risk of power lines causing a wildfire.
The construction project is scheduled to take a little more than two months and should be completed mid-July, 2022. The trail closures include portions of the Paraiso Trail, Ohlone Trail and the Timberleaf Trail.
For your safety, please avoid this area until the trails are reopened. If you have any questions please contact City of Walnut Creek Project Manager Don Murphy at 925-256-3591.
COVID Vaccinations available for younger children
 Many more children are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccines with the recent approval of both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for children as young as 6 months. While case numbers continue to be higher than we'd hoped, hospitalizations remain lower and treatments, plus vaccines and boosters, are making a difference.
Book an appointment or get more information at the County's COVID-19 website.
Recruitment underway for members of the City's Youth Leadership Commission
 The City of Walnut Creek Youth Leadership Commission is currently accepting applications! The YLC engages future leaders by encouraging youth to take an active role in their community and provide a youth perspective on issues to the City Council. Walnut Creek residents in 9th-12th grade may apply online by 5pm on August 19.
Join the Walnut Creek Concert Band on July 4
 Celebrate the 4th of July with the patriotic music from the Walnut Creek Concert Band under the direction of Harvey Benstein. Bring a blanket or chairs, and a picnic if you'd like, and enjoy an hour of incredible music. Mayor Matt Francois will be on hand to welcome the crowd, and there's a rumor that he might actually be making his band conducting debut! The Walnut Creek Concert Band always provides an enjoyable July 4th show.
Please remember that all fireworks are illegal in Contra Costa County. The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District has established a hotline for people to call to report illegal fireworks use. That number is 1-833-885-2021.
Summer Sounds concerts outside the Lesher Center
 Free outdoor concerts return to the Rudney Plaza outside of the Lesher Center! Held every Thursday in July, starting at 5:30 p.m.
July 7: Tom Rigney and Flambeau
July 14: T Sisters, pictured above
July 21: Sons of Soul Revivers
July 28: Meaghan Maples
Find out more information on the Lesher Center for the Arts website. You'll find details on the concerts at the Plaza, plus learn what is onstage inside the Center.
Movies Under the Stars return: Join us for Encanto on July 22.
 Walnut Creek Recreation is excited to bring back the popular community event Movie Under the Stars! Free to the community, Recreation will be showing Encanto on Friday July 22nd at Civic Park. Movie starts at sundown. Bring lowback chairs, snacks and blankets to enjoy this magical evening with your neighbors. Before the movie, sign up to meet Mirabel and enjoy games, ribbon dancing, art and more!
Cultural Currency now on view at Bedford Gallery
 Cultural Currency: Contemporary Art from the Riemer Collection explores innovative ways artists use currency as an art medium to expand its worth beyond a given denomination. Each of the artists featured in this exhibition investigates preconceived definitions of monetary value, meticulously repurposing bills and coins into exquisite, precise artworks. Universally relevant, humorous, and, at times, critical, Cultural Currency asks us to consider how the definition of currency can be reshaped into a multifaceted object steeped in meaning and intrigue.
Cultural Currency is on view at Bedford Gallery through September 18.
Artwork credit: Stacey Lee Webber, Craftsman Series: Claw Hammer, U.S. pennies, 11.5 x 5 x 1 inches; Craftsman Series: Back Saw, U.S. pennies, 5.5 x 16.5 x 1 inches. Photo courtesy of Shaun Roberts.
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