 |
|
I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It's hard to believe we are already in December, and the holiday season is definitely here.
Our downtown spaces are being decorated and our shopping centers are getting busy. Thanks to Measure O, we now have five police officers dedicated to our downtown, helping to enhance your public safety. Speaking of Measure O, our Oversight Committee meets Wednesday afternoon. You can register in our Newsletter Sign Up section of the City website to receive those agendas automatically when they are available.
Happy holidays from all of us at the City of Walnut Creek.
Questions about this update or anything else? Email me at CMUpdates@walnut-creek.org
|
City Council Update
The City Council meets tomorrow evening at 6:00 p.m. This meeting is our annual re-organization meeting, and will mark the final meeting of 2024. Mayor Loella Haskew is retiring after a successful run, having been first elected to the Council in 2012. She previously served as Mayor in 2016 and 2020, and before being elected to the City Council, had a long record of community service. Thank you, Mayor Haskew, for all you have done to lead Walnut Creek.
Returning to the City Council following the November election will be Cindy Darling, currently Mayor Pro Tem, and Councilmember Kevin Wilk. New to the Council will be Craig DeVinney.
The City Council will hold its last business meeting of the year on December 17, with an update on Measure O, the Council's priorities and the Winter Shelter program.
In November, the City Council approved a grant program aimed at encouraging the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by offering rebates for new projects. You can find much more about the program on the City's website.
You are welcome to attend our meetings in person, or 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.
Apply to serve on the Police Chief's Community Advisory Board
The Police Chief has a Community Advisory Board that serves to advise on:
- Community policing strategy
- Increasing public awareness, engagement and transparency
- Identifying best practices
The Board provides a forum on a variety of community issues, and really serves as a sounding board for the Chief.
There are going to be approximately 6 slots opening up on the Board soon, and the Department is accepting applications through December 14. You can apply online.
Reminder - sandbag stations are now open in Walnut Creek
Cooler weather has arrived, and now is the right time to consider whether you'll need sandbags during the coming months. The City of Walnut Creek has filled up our 5 area stations, and will have empty sandbags at each location. You'll need to bring your own shovel, and it's much simpler to do with two people working together. Find out more about where our sandbag stations are located online.
Basketball and after school sports
|
Did you know Walnut Creek middle schoolers can join After School Sports through the Arts + Rec department? Since the school year began, students at Walnut Creek Intermediate, Tice Creek, and Foothill Middle schools have been enjoying inclusive, skill-building athletic experiences. The program continues to grow with support from the Positive Coaching Alliance and new sports on the roster. As Girls' basketball heats up and Boys' season approaches, there are plenty of chances to catch a game and cheer on these young athletes.
|
|
Winter break recreation camps
There are a few Winter Break Recreation Camps that run between December 23 and January 3 for two sessions. Arts + Rec has options for students interested in sports-based activities (including bounce house tag) or coding for game design, robot building, and 3D-printed goods.
Walnut Creek on Ice returns
The late November rains postponed the holiday tree lighting and opening of Walnut Creek on Ice, but the rink is now open and the tree looks beautiful. The rink will be open through January 12.
New this year at the rink, which is located in Civic Park, is an ice slide. For those who would rather watch than skate, there are fire pits for rental adjacent to the rink.
And we are so happy our Arts + Rec Department is able to offer a Sensory Friendly Skate Night this Friday, January 6, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Participants can skate or glide for free, with a family member or caregiver skating at the regular price. Find out all of the details about what's offered this year on the Walnut Creek on Ice website. Thank you to Walnut Creek Downtown for helping to make skating available in the heart of Walnut Creek.
Citizens Institute wraps up for 2024
The City of Walnut Creek was proud to be able to bring back the popular Citizens Institute this fall after taking a pause during the pandemic. I was happy to be there at the first session to do an overview of how our government operates, as well as at the final session where we congratulated the graduates. The Institute gives residents a chance to really go behind the scenes at various City locations. Participants took a backstage tour of the Lesher Center for the Arts, visited our Public Works Corporation Yard, and journeyed to parts of our Police Department not usually available to the public. Recruitment for 2025 will begin next summer. You can sign up for alerts on our website.
Holidays with Walnut Creek's Arts + Rec Department
Our Arts + Rec Department has you covered for the holidays with so many options:
Through December 6 Holiday Letters
Surprise a child in your life with a magical letter from Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, Mitzvah the Moose, or Elf on the Shelf. See www.walnutcreekartsrec.org/letters for details.
December 7 - 8: Handcrafted Holiday Sale at Shadelands Art Center
Shop local artwork from more than 50 student artists and teaching artists. A portion of the proceeds from this event benefit Center for Community Arts, the Clay Arts Guild, and the Community Arts Foundation.
December 12 - 22: Center REP presents A Christmas Carol at the Lesher Center
Brimming with carols, music, dance, spectacular special effects, and a multigenerational cast of nearly two dozen, Center REP’s annual production has been hailed by critics and audiences alike as “THE Christmas Carol to see in the Bay Area!” Reserve your seats today for the limited run of this fan favorite.
December 14 - 22: Visit the North Pole (via the Lesher Center)
Join Santa and Mrs. Claus in the North Pole, during this immersive, live theatre experience.
December 31: New Years Eve Celebration at Boundary Oak Golf Course
Get ready for a night filled with food, dance and games that will make the countdown to midnight unforgettable. Call (925) 448-5322 for reservations.
|
