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Monthly E-Newsletter / March 2026 |
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 Happy sunny March, everyone! This monthly newsletter includes construction updates, location changes for several departments, library programs for all ages, awards for City fire and police personnel, and more. Please read on!
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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At the Feb. 25, 2026, regular meeting, the Walla Walla City Council voted to appoint Emily Brown to fill the vacant Position #6. Councilmember Brown's first meeting will be the March 9, 2026, City Council work session.
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Work began in February to construct the new 81,000 square foot WinCo facility located south of Highway 125 on the Myra Road Extension, north of Highland Road. Work is expected to continue through the summer and be complete in the fall. Several pads around the new store will be developed separately and later occupied by other new businesses.
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The roundabout at the Myra Road and SR-125 intersection continues to take shape. Last week, the contractor poured curbs at the intersection and along the splitter islands to the east on SR-125. This week, concrete work will continue at the intersection. The roundabout curbing will be finished once traffic shifts to the south.
Visit GoWallaWalla.us for information on current, upcoming, and completed projects.
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The Parks and Recreation Department moved its headquarters from the City Service Center to Veterans Memorial Golf Course in February. The department now shares a facility with the course's Pro Shop and a cafe that is expected to open in the near future. Staff from Facility Maintenance and Technology Services worked with the Parks and Rec team to clear out the building and set it up for City use.
Visit the Recreation Catalog for information on upcoming recreation programs for residents of all ages, including the Father-Daughter Ball, St. Paddy's Day Dash, a soccer skills clinic, youth volleyball clinic, dance fitness, Pre-K teeball, and more.
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With Parks & Rec's former area in the Service Center vacant, the Development Services Department got an opportunity to expand. The new Permit Center office space provides full-size desks for technicians, who remain available to help customers through the service window or in the main lobby. This was another team effort, with staff from Tech Services, Water, and others assisting with the move.
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The City's game of musical chairs isn't done yet, with the Walla Walla Public Library preparing to move to a temporary space in the WaFd building at 115 W. Main St. Facilities and Parks staff are currently remodeling the area for library use. The final day of library service in its current building will be April 4, after which a major renovation project will begin, with construction expected to last around a year.
Access to in-person library resources and services in the temporary location will begin on April 22, with library hours remaining 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. Online resources will continue uninterrupted, including digital books, audiobooks, magazines, and streaming content through Libby, The Palace Project, and Kanopy.
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February programs at the library included a musical workshop with OKAN (shown here), a historical lecture, Valentine's Day card making, STEM challenge, and many other fun, family-friendly activities. Visit the library's calendar to see all the events coming up in March, including a knitting group, the Friends of the Library book sale, WSU Master Gardeners, and more recurring and special programs for kids, families, teens, and adults — and follow WWPL on Facebook for the latest updates.
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In February, the library’s capital campaign to support the upcoming renovation project received a $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and a $30,000 competitive grant award from Wildhorse Foundation. These funds will be used to ensure the library continues to serve our community for generations to come.
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Last month, the Water Treatment Plant received a shipment of batteries for its solar power system, which will provide backup power in the event of an outage. Currently, power losses require equipment to be manually restarted, which places additional wear and stress on critical components and can reduce equipment lifespan. The remaining system components will be installed in late spring, with the system expected to be operational by July.
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In February, Traffic Lead Bryan Rakestraw led a series of flagger certification classes for 37 employees from the Parks, Water Distribution, Streets, and Engineering divisions. This training is essential for ensuring the safety of residents and work crews, and providing direction to contractors.
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Walla Walla Fire Department personnel undertook technical rescue training in February, involving high-angle rope rescue and confined-space entry into simulated hazards. Members had to combine multiple disciplines to make the complex rescues. WWFD regularly trains for these high-risk, low-frequency operations to ensure they're ready to jump into action at a moment's notice.
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On Feb. 10, Firefighter/EMT Cesar Lopez (center) was awarded Firefighter of the Year for 2025 by the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce. Cesar went above and beyond his regular duties and assisted with multiple City-sponsored events last year, translating and serving as the host to ensure the City is meeting the needs of Walla Walla’s residents.
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WWFD's CARES team hosted a table at a career fair at Pioneer Middle School on Feb. 20. The event provided students with valuable opportunities to explore career paths and engage with professionals from various industries. The CARES program recently received a grant of up to $228,000 that will help support its mission.
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From left, Mayor Gustavo Reyna presented an Award of Valor to Walla Walla Police Department Detective Kevin Toon and College Place Police Department Sgt. Sal Diaz during the City Council meeting on Feb. 11. This award recognized the bravery and courage they demonstrated during an incident in August 2025 where they responded with mutual aid to assist during an active-shooter incident in Umatilla County. WWPD Chief Chris Buttice is at right in this photo.
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At the same meeting, Mayor Reyna presented a Life Saving Award to (left to right), Walla Walla County Sheriff's Office Deputy Ashley Daschofsky, and WWPD Detective Kristen Daschofsky, K9 Officer Eric Eastman, and Officer Sierra Roberts. The award recognized the efforts of these personnel — while off duty and on duty — to remove a victim who was trapped in a crashed, burning vehicle and move them to safety.
In February, WWPD Detective Daschofsky also was given the 2025 Officer of the Year Award by Blue Mountain Lodge #13 F&AM.
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Last week, WWPD hosted Real Talk, a youth town hall, in partnership with WWFD and ESD123. At the event, teens bravely shared their perspectives on substance use, mental health, and youth homelessness — speaking honestly about what they’re seeing, facing, and needing. Staff are proud of the young leaders who worked behind the scenes and those who took the stage to represent their peers.
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The City is currently hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions, including temporary jobs in Parks and Recreation, Fleet Technician, Police Officers, Firefighters/Paramedics, Engineer, and more. For details and to apply, visit the City's employment portal.
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Upcoming Events
City Council Work Sessions
4-6 p.m. • March 9 and 23 • Walla Walla City Hall
View City Council agendas on the Agendas page on the City website.
City Council Regular Meetings
6:30 p.m. • March 11 and 25 • Walla Walla City Hall
View City Council agendas on the Agendas page on the City website.
Community Nonprofit Featured Events
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Walla Walla Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization open houses for the Coordinated Public Transit–Human Services Transportation Plan: March 4 || 9-10:15 a.m. at the Valley Transit Center (108 W. Main St.); and 1:30-4 p.m. at the Walla Walla Public Library (238 E. Alder St.). A virtual open house is also available.
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Landlord-Tenant Laws Seminar: 5:30-7:30 p.m. on March 12 at Blue Mountain Action Council (8 E. Cherry St). Important legal updates and practical guidance for landlords. Get more info and RSVP here.
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