City Council Update
In February, the City Council reviewed the annual legislative agenda, and received an update on progress made on the identified top 5 priorities, with forward movement being made on all of them. The Council priorities are revisited every two years to help staff align the budget and workplans to support the Council's primary issues.
The Council also had a detailed presentation and discussion regarding the facility design for the new aquatic and community center that will be built at Heather Farm Park, with architects showing two different schematics for the look of the community center. The Council gave feedback, and further drawings will be back before the City Council and stakeholders.
Coming up at our meeting next Wednesday, March 5, will be a closer look at options for the aquatic portion of the facility. The meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.
Later in March, the Council will be hearing a public safety update, and learning about progress made on the City's Housing element.
As always, you are welcome to attend in person, watch on Walnut Creek TV, YouTube Live, or video on demand through Roku, Amazon Firestick, and Apple TV. Find out more meeting details by visiting our public meetings and agendas webpage.
Expanded voting options in Walnut Creek
 Election Day is just around the corner, and the City has expanded ways for you to safely and securely vote. In-person voting will be available at City Hall today, March 1, until 6:00 p.m. On Saturday, the hours are 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., and on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until6:00 p.m. You can also use our convenient ballot drop boxes at City Hall, at the Ygnacio Valley Library, and at Grace Presbyterian Church. Those are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, with ballots securely locked. County elections staff clear them out several times per week. City Hall now has two boxes: the familiar one near the parking lot across from the Library, and a new larger one on the Main Street side. Thank you for voting.
New dashboard highlights progress made in the City's Sustainability Action Plan
The Sustainability Action Plan, adopted in July 2023, is the City's roadmap to a more sustainable future, with a goal of net-zero emissions by 2045. With more than 125 actions spread across near-term (by year-end 2023), mid-term (by year-end 2026), and long-term (by year-end 2030) timeframes, staff members are working diligently to meet City goals. In the near term, we've made significant progress in waste diversion, reducing the impacts of poor air quality, and establishing local resilience hubs. Key achievements include promoting the RE:Source tool for community reuse, enhancing Spare the Air messaging, and supporting emergency preparedness resources. If you want to dive deeper into progress on the short-term actions, check out the new Short-term Action Tracker on our E.C.O. website.
Spring Arts + Rec classes start March 24
Paint, line dance, roll sushi, take swim lessons, decorate cakes, or explore a new sport with Walnut Creek Arts and Rec. Registration is still open at WalnutCreekArtsRec.org and classes start at the end of the month. In addition to workshops and courses, Arts + Rec kicks off Spring After School Sports at Foothill Middle and Walnut Creek Intermediate. Call (925) 295-1490 to learn more about all offerings.
Spring Break Camps
Arts + Rec hosts Spring Break Camp options for ages 4 to 18 the first week of April. Whether the students in your life want to attend Ninja Camp or Artist Studio, there is an Arts + Rec experience for them this Spring Break. Call (925) 295-1490 for details or visit online.
New Public Art Matching Grant Announced
Mural by Mona Caron, Balsamorhiza, 2022
The City of Walnut Creek’s Public Art Program is pleased to announce a new mural matching grant program intended to award qualified applicants up to $5,000 in matching funds to execute a mural on an eligible, public-facing wall of their Walnut Creek business or building location. For more information on submission guidelines, visit the Public Art page of the Bedford Gallery website. And a reminder that an expansive exhibition is on display at Bedford Gallery, California Clay, featuring a wide range of highly creative ceramics. California Clay runs through the end of the month.
Adults 50+ Travel: introducing pop-up trips
The City's Arts + Rec Department is excited to introduce a new offering for travelers 50 years and older. Every 4-6 weeks, a new "pop-up" trip will be announced, with a wide variety of new destinations. Space will be limited, but you can subscribe for updates online, or you can call (925) 295-1490 for information.
Next up at Center REP
 Center REP’s season continues March 16 with the opening of The Great Leap. From San Francisco playwright Lauren Yee, the acclaimed new play tells the fictional story of a USF basketball team who travels to Beijing for an exhibition game in 1989. (A pivotal moment of history collides with the on-court drama while exploring the cultural and political risks of raising your voice and standing your ground.)
Find out more and purchase tickets online.
Lesher Center Presents College Notes
 March 8-9 sees the Headliner series producing College Notes, a two-night event where more than 70 university students from the top collegiate a cappella groups around the country perform in the Hofmann Theater. Visit the Lesher Center website for details and tickets.
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