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Monthly E-Newsletter / November 2025 |
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 Happy November, everyone!
This monthly newsletter includes updates on leaf collection, staff awards, recreation and library programs, City involvement in the community, and more. Please read on!
The City of Walla Walla is participating in this year's Toys for Tots holiday campaign by hosting donation boxes at City Hall, the Service Center, the Walla Walla Public Library, and Fire Stations 1 and 2. Staff and residents are invited to stop by and drop off new, unwrapped toys to be given to disadvantaged children in our community.
As a reminder for City utility customers, the November City Central newsletter is available to view or download at wallawallawa.gov/newsletter.
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 Leaf collection begins
Fall leaf collection in residential areas begins today, Nov. 3, in the “Wednesday” garbage pickup route. The leaf drop-off site at Mill Creek Sportsplex is also open. Visit the City website at wallawallawa.gov/leaves for complete details and to track the progress of the collection. Want to receive updates by text message or email when the crews move to a different collection route? You can sign up at wallawallawa.gov/GetNews.
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 Walla Walla-area delegation seeks support in D.C.
From left, Port of Walla Walla Executive Director Pat Reay, Walla Walla County Commissioner Todd Kimball, Walla Walla City Council member Rick Eskil, and City Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain made a legislative trip to Washington, D.C., last week. There, they met with Northwest senators, representatives, and committee members to raise awareness and seek federal support for projects that are important to Walla Walla Valley residents, including US 12, Phase 8 and the Mill Creek Project.
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The Washington State chapter of APCO-NENA celebrated the state’s Telecommunicators of the Year during its annual conference in October, and Walla Walla's dispatch center, WESCOM, was well represented. Dispatch Supervisor Tammy Smith (second from left) received the Supervisor of the Year Award and Dispatcher Amber Chinnery (third from left) received the Telecommunicator of the Year Award. Also shown here are, from left, Dispatcher Keri Abernathy, WESCOM Manager Esther Click, Police Chief Chris Buttice, and Rep. Mark Klicker.
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On Oct. 23, the Parks and Recreation Department hosted its annual Pumpkin Carving Contest at Heritage Square. Nearly 50 young residents participated in this popular annual event.
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The Fall Youth Soccer League wrapped up in October, with more than 1,000 youths participating this year. Registration is open now for co-ed Indoor Soccer for kindergarteners through 8th-graders. Sign up now through the Recreation Catalog, where you can find information on upcoming recreation programs for residents of all ages.
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On Oct. 4, residents in North Walla Walla came together for a neighborhood cleanup organized by City staff. The four drop boxes were emptied 14 times during the event, with 17.81 tons of waste collected, including more than 2 tons of tires. Residents expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to build pride in their neighborhood.
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On Oct. 15, the City hosted a second open house where residents could learn about the Comprehensive Plan Update project, share ideas, and help shape Walla Walla's future. The Comprehensive Plan serves as a roadmap for Walla Walla's growth and development, addressing elements that include land use, housing, transportation, and economic development.
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On Oct. 16, the Walla Walla Public Library hosted its monthly Mocktails and Mini Art program (top photo), featuring a “Wicked” mocktail to highlight the Oct. 27 “Wicked Fun Party and Movie Event" (lower photo). Visit the library's calendar for information on all upcoming events for kids, families, teens, and adults — and follow WWPL on Facebook for the latest updates.
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Walla Walla Police Department Detective Nick Klicker gave a fantastic K9 presentation to a full house at The Kids’ Place preschool last week. The co-star of the show was his partner, K9 Daze. WWPD staff enjoy these opportunities to connect with kids and create positive relationships with our community members.
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Walla Walla Fire Department, College Place Fire Department, and Walla Walla County Fire District 4 crews recently trained together at a house scheduled for demolition. Over the course of several weeks, the training teams practiced firefighter rescues, navigating potential collapse situations, ladder placement, and roof operations.
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In October, WWFD completed its yearly Safety Always Matters (SAM) Program in area grade schools. Fire Department personnel visited 170 classrooms in grades K through 5, bringing fire-prevention education to more than 3,400 local students.
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Visit GoWallaWalla.us for information on current, upcoming, and completed projects.
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Myra Road South Extension: On Oct. 30, the contractor began paving Taumarson Road (background of this photo), Highland Road (foreground), and a portion of the Myra Road extension (vertical center). The second lift of paving began on Friday, followed by striping work. Taumarson is expected to open by the end of November.
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Howard Street IRRP: The roadway reopened to traffic on Friday, Oct. 31.
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Sumach Street IRRP: The street reopened to traffic on Thursday, Oct. 30.
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In October, the Street Division paved the alley that provides access to the Christian Aid Center (CAC) between 4th Avenue and 5th Avenue. This project was a partnership with CAC and, along with the construction of the new men's shelter and meal complex, is a notable improvement to the area.
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The City's first Civics Academy began in October, with a cohort of 25 residents learning in depth about how our local government works. Weekly sessions thus far have included presentations by staff from five departments along with tours of the Water Treatment Plant, Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Sudbury Landfill.
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Walla Walla Police Department is currently hiring for Entry-level Police Officers. Interested in a career in law enforcement or corrections? You can start by taking the written exam and physical ability test, which will be offered on Nov. 15 at the Pasco Police Department. Complete details and registration are available here. More information about WWPD's benefits and hiring process are available here.
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The City's HR outreach team — Elizabeth Hernandez and Julissa Virrey Soto — shared internship opportunities with students during the Whitman College Job & Internship Fair in October. If you're looking for a paid position, the City is currently hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time workers, including Regulatory Compliance Specialist, Grounds Maintenance Worker, Dispatcher, Firefighters, Water Distribution Operator, and more. For details and to apply, visit the City's employment portal.
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Upcoming Events
Legislative Tips and Takeaways for Building in the City of Walla Walla
Noon-1 p.m. • Nov. 4 • Fulton Community Room, Walla Walla Police Department
Learn more about Walla Walla’s Comprehensive Plan. Free lunch and door prize sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Tri-Cities & Walla Walla.
City Council Work Sessions
4-6 p.m. • Nov. 3 and 17 • Walla Walla City Hall
View City Council agendas on the Agendas page on the City website.
City Council Regular Meetings
6:30 p.m. • Nov. 5 and 19 • Walla Walla City Hall
View City Council agendas on the Agendas page on the City website.
City facilities closed for Thanksgiving holiday
Nov. 27 and 28
Walla Walla Valley Hunger Relief Coalition
The WWVHRC is a new regional partnership that brings community organizations together (including the City of Walla Walla) to address food insecurity amid potential federal SNAP benefit disruptions. The coalition is mobilizing donations of funds and food to support local families. Community members can participate by donating directly, organizing food drives, or supporting partner stores’ local giving campaigns. Visit the coalition's website for more information and to learn how you can help.
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