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I’m sure many of you have been impacted by the wildfires in Southern California, whether you have family or friends in the area, or if you have been thinking about how you can help support the recovery efforts. You may also have been wondering if something like this could occur here.
I want to reassure Walnut Creek residents that the City has an emergency management plan to guide us during challenging times and that we review and practice the plan regularly. That said, fires of this magnitude are extremely challenging and require all of us to remember that preparation and prevention are the best lines of defense.
Visit the City's emergency preparedness webpage for more information and to sign up for critical alerts that the City would send out in the event of a disaster. Our thoughts are with those who suffered losses during the devastating Los Angeles fires.
Questions about this update or anything else? Email me at CMUpdates@walnut-creek.org
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City Council Update
The City Council's next meeting is tomorrow evening, February 4th. A proclamation will be issued to Margaret Campos, the City's coordinator for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT.) Campos has volunteered her time and experience to provide training and leadership to train residents to be prepared, and how to help one another during emergencies. We thank her for her service.
On February 11, the City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss and set the Council's strategic priorities for 2025 and 2026. The Council updates its priorities every two years, and staff provides progress reports quarterly. Find out more about the current City Council priorities online.
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.
Volunteer your time to help the City: recruitment underway for the Design Review Commission and the Board of Appeals
Civic-minded residents of Walnut Creek are encouraged to apply to fill vacant spots on the City’s Design Review Commission and the Board of Appeals. The current openings would fill terms that will end on February 28, 2028.
The Design Review Commission reviews and makes recommendations to the Planning Commission on applications for design review, takes action on applications for certain sign permits and/or master sign programs, and recommends to the Planning Commission and City Council standards and policies for the design of buildings, signs and other structures in the City. Anyone applying for the vacant Design Review Commission seat must be a registered architect.
The Board of Appeals is established to hear and decide appeals of notices, orders, decisions, or determinations made by the Building Official regarding the application and interpretation of the California Building Standards Code and the Municipal Code.
We appreciate our Commission members and all of the time they devote to City issues.
Contra Costa Transportation Authority Survey: share your thoughts on the future of transportation
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority is updating its countywide transportation plan, and is seeking input. The plan will identify future transportation system improvements for those who walk, drive, bike and take transit in Walnut Creek and throughout the County. Project-related investments that will guide the Transportation Authority through 2050 will be part of the plan. We all have an investment in the transportation options available to us, and I hope you will take a few moments to fill out the survey.
Registration underway for spring Arts + Rec camps
Spring into action with Walnut Creek Arts + Recreation's 2025 lineup. From engaging youth and adult classes to exciting camps, aquatics, and intergenerational programs, the City offers something for everyone. Scholarships are available. Highlights include:
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Spring Recreation Camps: Explore options like Ninja Camp, Robotics with LEGO, or our Tennis Camps for all ages.
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Enrichment Programs: Dive into youth theater, ceramics, music, and arts-integrated preschool experiences.
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Fitness & Sports: Enjoy aquatics, after-school sports, yoga, martial arts, and team volleyball.
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Specialized Recreation: Check out inclusive programs like improv for neurodiverse teens.
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Community Rentals: Host your events at our iconic venues and picnic sites.
Summer Camp registration discounts all month
Get ready for an unforgettable summer of fun, learning, and adventure with Walnut Creek's 2025 Summer Camps. From imaginative preschool activities to engaging STEM challenges, inspiring arts, and action-packed sports, the City's Arts + Rec department has something for every age and interest. Whether your child dreams of becoming an artist, a budding engineer, or a future star athlete, our camps offer expertly designed programs to spark creativity, foster friendships, and develop new skills.
Register early to take advantage of discounted pricing.
Visit the website to find out more and register, or call 925-295-1490 for assistance.
Center Repertory brings FROGGY to the stage
Center REP debuts the world premier of graphic novel noir thriller FROGGY to the Lesher Center February 9 through March 2. The sensory-rich rollercoaster of a thriller brings theater into the future, mixing styles of graphic novels, film noir, and today's virtual media. Visit the website to learn more about complementary cast and director chats, and a Pride pre-show mixer.
Headliners series continues at the Lesher Center for the Arts
Headliners will be making their way to the Lesher Center for the Arts this month, including the 6th annual College Notes A Cappella, with voices from top universities. In March, the internationally acclaimed Dance Theatre of Harlem will return for two nights. Check the Lesher website and purchase tickets early; Tony-winning Broadway star Mandy Patinkin's show later this month has already sold out.
Stitched: Contemporary Embroidery on view at Bedford Gallery through March 30
Artist credit: Art by Rosemarie Beck, image by Ben Krantz Studio.
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