City Council Update
It has been a busy time with packed City Council agendas as the year winds down.
The Council met twice in November, with a number of important topics for discussion and action. The Police Chief's Community Advisory Board made a presentation, including a review of the history of the Board, and introductions of the current members. A recruitment will be underway for new members soon. There was also an important presentation on the economic and social impact of arts and culture in Walnut Creek. We are proud the City offers such a range of programs and events with something for everyone.
This coming Tuesday, December 5th, Mayor Cindy Silva will be handing over the gavel to the next Mayor in a ceremonial meeting that takes place every December. The new Mayor will preside over meetings and represent the Council at the many civic events in and around the City.
You can view agenda material and prior meetings on the public meetings agendas and videos webpage. As always, you're invited to attend in person, or watch live on YouTube, Walnut Creek TV, or on our City's website.
Measure O Update: Citizens' Oversight Committee members seated
One of the provisions of the voter-approved 1/2 cent sales tax increase is for provision of a Citizens' Oversight Committee to review the spending and audit reports for the revenue it brings to the City's budget. In November, the inaugural Committee members were sworn in and introduced at a Council meeting. The members are: Susan Hildreth, Jesse Smyers, Jonathan Bartlett, Molly P. Clopp, and Brian Mulligan. Hildreth and Smyers will serve four year terms. Bartlett, Clopp and Mulligan will serve two year terms.
Landmark countywide mental health program goes 24x7
Today marks a major milestone for the countywide program that will offer any person in Contra Costa County access to immediate support during a behavioral health crisis. Phone calls are now accepted around the clock, seven days a week, by calling the A3 Miles Hall Crisis Call Center at 844-844-5544. Help from trained behavioral health professionals will be available by phone, and crisis support teams can be dispatched to anywhere in the County.
The A3 program, which stands for "Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime," now responds to about 200 calls and dispatches 30 mobile teams per week. More than 2,900 callers were assisted in 2022, and the number is expected top 4,500 this year. The City of Walnut Creek has had a significant presence in the development of the program, and continues to provide support.
Give us your feedback: Sustainability Survey
The City Council adopted a new Sustainability Action Plan in July, which outlines how the City and the Walnut Creek community can collectively reduce our climate change-causing emissions, as well as improve our sustainability and resilience. To further understand how we can work together to achieve our goals, the City has prepared a short online survey, and is looking for input from the community. The survey will remain open through mid-January.
Holiday happenings in downtown Walnut Creek
In addition to the beautiful sparkling lights installed downtown already, tomorrow, Saturday, December 2nd, marks the return of an event that was a tradition in the City for many years. Bring your family and friends for the lighting of a holiday tree in Civic Park Saturday at 5:30 p.m. - with other surprises on hand to make the evening special.
'Tis the season at the Lesher Center!
The Lesher Center is decking its halls with a festive lineup of events and performances for the whole family to enjoy. From classic productions like Center Rep's "A Christmas Carol" to meeting Santa in a Visit to the North Pole, there's something magical happening every evening. Gather your loved ones and make merry memories at the Lesher Center for the Arts.
Find unique gifts at the annual Handcrafted Holiday Sale December 9th and 10th
Enjoy a weekend of holiday shopping at Shadelands Art Center with handcrafted items from Community Arts teaching artists and students in ceramics, glass, photography, painting, printmaking, jewelry, fiber arts and more! PLUS - children can shop for their grown ups in the designated kids shopping area, and Santa Claus will be popping by on Saturday (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) and Sunday (1- 3 p.m.) Proceeds from this sale benefit Center for Community Arts, the Clay Arts Guild, and the Community Arts Foundation.
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