City Council Update
 The City Council met twice in December. The first meeting was the annual reorganization ceremony. At the event, the Council appointed Kevin Wilk to serve as Mayor, and Matt Francois to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for 2026. Additionally, the Council recognized the passing of former mayor Gwen Regalia and her immense impact on the City of Walnut Creek.
On December 16, the City Council received financial overviews from 2025 and updates on new State housing laws that will take effect in 2026. Council also approved the Councilmember Assignments and Appointments for 2026.
The first regular Council meeting of 2026 will be on January 20.
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, or Apple TV. Find out more meeting details by visiting our public meetings and agendas webpage.
Recruitment for Walnut Creek Commissions Opens on January 5, 2026
 The biennial commission recruitment process will kick off January 5, 2026. Applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. January 28 for vacancies on the following City commissions:
- Arts Commission (1 seat vacant, must be a resident)
- Design Review (2 vacancies, registered architect and a landscape architect, need not be a resident)
- Park, Recreation and Open Space (2 vacancies, must be a City resident)
- Transportation Commission (2 vacancies, must be a City resident)
- Board of Appeals (1-2 seats vacant for Alternates, residency not required)
- Iron Horse Corridor Advisory Committee (1 vacancy, must be a City resident)
Applications and additional information will be available online once the recruitment opens on January 5, 2026. Contact City Clerk Suzie Martinez (smartinez@walnutcreekca.gov) with any questions.
The New Heather Farm Turf Fields are Open
 The new Heather Farm Turf Fields are now officially open thanks to Measure O funding and a partnership with Walnut Creek Soccer Club and UCSF. These upgraded fields will allow for safer play and year-round use, while needing less water and maintenance.
On December 1, City Council and staff celebrated the ribbon cutting for the new turf fields. Players from the Walnut Creek Soccer Club and Creakers softball league joined City staff, partners, and Councilmembers to mark this big moment.
Walnut Creek on Ice
 Walnut Creek on Ice
Walnut Creek’s frosty skating rink, slide, and more will be open until January 19, 2026. Check the rink’s schedule for hours and online tickets: View Schedule.
Low-Sensory Skate Night on 1/6 from 6-8 pm
The rink will be closed to the public during this time and reserved for individuals with disabilities and their family members. Participants can expect softened lighting, less noise, and sensory tools available as needed. Learn More
Skate and Create for Littles on 1/7 at 10 am
Let your little one’s imagination take center ice. Join us for a morning filled with color, creativity, and skating fun, hosted by the Walnut Creek Community Arts Preschool. Littles will enjoy hands-on art activities that bring the winter wonderland to life. Learn More
 Walnut Creek Arts + Rec offers a wide range of 2026 Summer Camps for ages 3–22, from classic day camps and swim days to arts, STEM, theater, sports, preschool enrichment, and more. Financial assistance, inclusion services, and payment plans are available.
Registration opens January 14, 2026, at 12:00 pm, with a 7% early bird discount through January 31 (applicable to Camp Community Arts and Walnut Creek Arts + Rec camps, not to contracted specialty camps). Explore the full guide and register at WalnutCreekArtsRec.org/Guide.
Teen artists ages 13–18 can also apply to the Young REP Theatre Lab, a four-week, professional-led theater program culminating in an onstage performance at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Applications are open now, with priority consideration by January 15, 2026. Apply today.
  Featuring world-renowned headlining performers, Center Repertory Company’s annual season of productions, and Bedford Gallery’s stunning visual arts exhibitions and events, Lesher Center Presents is our curated season of high-quality art. Don’t miss top jazz pianist Kenny Barron (Jan 10) and Peppa Pig herself at two Valentine’s Day concerts (Feb 14).
At the Bedford, Viola Frey: Foundations explores the formative years of the legendary Bay Area artist and is on view from January 10 – April 5, 2026.
 Viola Frey, Small World Civilization and Culture Box, 1975, photograph by M. Lee Fatherree; Chair, Pink Man (Slide 032), c. 1976, Viola Frey Archives, Artists' Legacy Foundation; Pink Man Apologue, 1976, photograph by M. Lee Fatherree; © 2025 Artists' Legacy Foundation, Oakland / ARS, New York.
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