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Monthly E-Newsletter / December 2025 |
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 Happy December, everyone!
Residents will notice "Team Sparkle" (our awesome Parks and Recreation staff) has again been busy installing festive holiday decorations at Pioneer Park and downtown. Read on for more updates from Parks & Rec, the library, emergency services, Public Works, and more!
As a reminder for City utility customers, this month's City Central newsletter is available to view or download at wallawallawa.gov/newsletter.
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 Annual holiday celebrations in the works
Last month, a team from Parks and Recreation harvested the 41-foot-tall tree that will sit at 1st and Main this holiday season. Join Parks & Rec and a choral group from Wa-Hi for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 6, then grab a spot for the Holiday Parade of Lights. For those who prefer a warmer place to watch the parade, the Walla Walla Public Library will be open from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
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 City begins operation of golf course
As of Dec. 1, the Parks and Recreation Department is now operating Veterans Memorial Golf Course, which had been leased to private (for-profit) operators since 2014, and previously from 1996 to May 2013. The change is expected to result in better service to the local golf community, improved upkeep, more resources to upgrade the grounds and facilities, and additional benefits. One immediate upgrade is that tee times can now be booked online through the City website.
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Breakfast with Santa will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6 at Fire Station 1. Three sessions are offered, and the cost is $10 per person. Tickets can be purchased online at the Recreation Catalog.
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At the Nov. 19 City Council meeting, Police Chief Chris Buttice presented an award to resident Francisco Chavez for his courageous actions in October. Mr. Chavez recently confronted an armed attacker, creating lifesaving distance between the victim and the assailant and preventing further harm. He is a true hero, and our community is safer because of his willingness to act.
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A kindergarten teacher at Berney Elementary shared this photo they took of students watching a leaf-collection crew during recess on Nov. 19. The teacher said the week's focus for the students was community helpers, "so it was wonderful timing. Our kiddos loved seeing this Walla Walla tradition in action. Thank you for being so friendly and engaging with our students."
Crews are currently continuing the first round of leaf collection. Visit the City website at wallawallawa.gov/leaves for complete details and to track their progress.
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The annual Indoor Soccer program will run from Jan. 12 to March 7, 2026, and registration is open for participants from kindergarten through 8th grade. Visit the Recreation Catalog to register and for information on upcoming recreation programs for residents of all ages.
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On Nov. 18, the City hosted a public workshop as part of the Watershed Resiliency Plan effort. The event featured family-friendly activities and interactive stations to inform about the plan's key details. There was a great turnout, with around 70 in attendance.
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November programs at the Walla Walla Public Library included a visit from the Go Team therapy dogs (shown here); a Humanities Washington talk titled "UFO Northwest: How Washington State Spawned the Men in Black"; Children's Picture Book Week with an author visit and art activities; and many more family-friendly activities. Visit the library's calendar for upcoming events for kids, families, teens, and adults — and follow WWPL on Facebook for the latest updates.
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Staff recently modified the ADA access signage at the City Service Center to better direct visitors to the rear parking area. New wayfinding signs were installed at the entrance, rear island, and along the access path. Additional signage will be attached to the main building's exterior in coming months.
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City staff brought food items to an employee recognition event in November, donating more than 260 pounds to the BMAC Food Bank to support residents in our community. Thanks to these employees for demonstrating the City's core values of Service and Community. Visit the food bank's website to learn more and find out how you can help.
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Walla Walla Fire Department's CARES team recently spent a week providing ACT (Antidote, Compressions, Tourniquet) training to health classes at Walla Walla High School. Approximately 130 students received this hands-on experience, and are now better prepared to act in emergent situations.
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The City's Facilities team recently installed a new alerting system at both fire stations and WESCOM (dispatch). It includes a softer alerting process to reduce the startling effects of the previous system, as well as unit selection dispatching, which reduces the need for personnel to wake up at night if their apparatus is not dispatched. The work is part of WWFD's process to promote a healthier working environment for firefighters.
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In November, WESCOM's 12 dispatchers attended training titled “Who will answer your call?" The training is focused around maintaining mental and physical wellness, as well as the well-being of dispatchers' families.
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Crews recently installed signs at the Sudbury Landfill featuring unusual speed limits. The signs are intended to catch drivers’ attention and encourage slower speeds, with the overall goal of improving safety for customers and staff members.
The landfill is currently operating under its winter schedule, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
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Visit GoWallaWalla.us for information on current, upcoming, and completed projects.
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Myra Road South Extension: With the new roundabout at the Myra/Taumarson Road intersection complete, Taumarson reopened to traffic on Nov. 26. There are barricades on Myra just north of Taumarson, keeping it closed. Highland Road will remain temporarily closed, with access only allowed for local traffic.
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In November, Development Services Department staff continued their public outreach regarding the Comprehensive Plan update at a presentation titled “Legislative Tips and Takeaways for Building in the City of Walla Walla.” Aimed at the Walla Walla building community, the event was a collaboration between Development Services and the Home Builders Association Tri-Cities/Walla Walla. The presentation was a success, with a large turnout and thoughtful questions from attendees.
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The City is currently hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions, including Grounds Maintenance Worker, Dispatchers, Firefighters and Paramedics, recreation positions, Police Officers, and more. For details and to apply, visit the City's employment portal.
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Upcoming City Events
City Council Work Sessions
4-6 p.m. • Dec. 1 and 15 • Walla Walla City Hall
View City Council agendas on the Agendas page on the City website.
City Council Regular Meetings
6:30 p.m. • Dec. 3 and 17 • Walla Walla City Hall
View City Council agendas on the Agendas page on the City website.
Cards and Gift Wrapping
All day • Dec. 23 and 24 • Walla Walla Public Library
Make cards and wrap gifts for everyone on your list until paper supplies run out — or bring your own.
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