In a Nutshell ❖ May/June 2010

NNNNNOOOOO. 148. 148. 148. 148. 148 Official community newsletter of the City of Walnut Creek Official community newsletter of the City of Walnut Creek Official community newsletter of the City of Walnut Creek Official community newsletter of the City of Walnut Creek Official community newsletter of the City of Walnut Creek MMMMMAYAYAYAYAY/J/J/J/J/JUNEUNEUNEUNEUNE 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010

www.walnut-creek.org

Korean War focus of Memorial Day event

BUDGET NEWS, see page 6

Fiscal shortfallsdictate lean budget

Gary Pokorny

By Gary Pokorny, City Manager

By the end of June, the City willadopt its 2010-12 budget.

It won’t be an easyprocess. Withsubstantial shortfallsprojected over the nexttwo years, program cutsare inevitable. Many of youparticipated in lastyear’s two-part “Community Conversationon Balancing for the Future,” designed toinvolve the public in our budget processin a new way. Step 1 of the Conversation askedcommunity members to help define the sixGoals established by the City Council.The Goals are: A Safe Community;Culture, Recreation and LearningOpportunities; Economic Vitality; StrongNeighborhoods and a Sense ofCommunity; Stewardship of the Naturaland Built Environment; and EffectiveTransportation and Mobility Options. Step 2 of the Conversation invitedcommunity members to invest a virtual$500 among the goals/sub-goals theyconsidered to be the highest priority.Some 170 people participated in thissecond step; while not a large number,they were broadly representative of ourcommunity’s demographics. Culture, Recreation and LearningOpportunities received 24 percent of thevirtual dollars, followed by A SafeCommunity (21 percent) and EconomicVitality (18 percent). The StrongNeighborhoods, Stewardship andTransportation goals received 12 percent,13 percent and 12 percent, respectively.

They’re here! Public Services business manager Matt Huffaker stands by one of thenew pay stations installed in the City-owned parking garages. The pay stations usereusable plastic tokens instead of paper parking tickets, or customers may pay bycredit card. Get the scoop on parking in downtown Walnut Creek, from maps to avideo demo of the new pay stations, by logging onto www.walnutcreekparking.org.

Sixty years ago, in June 1950, theKorean War began. This year, theCity of Walnut Creek will give

special attention to remembering theveterans of that war at our Memorial DayObservance. As is tradition, the observance will alsohonor all service personnel who gave theirlives for our country. The Memorial Day Observance beginsat 10 a.m. Monday, May 31 at the Civic

Park gazebo, and will conclude with thelaying of a wreath at Veterans MemorialPlaza. The Walnut Creek Concert Band, underthe direction of Harvey Benstein, willperform. All veterans and active duty servicespersonnel and their families are especiallyinvited to attend. Please contact City ClerkPatrice Olds at 925-943-5819 orolds@walnut-creek.org.

Police volunteers offer free vacation house checks

As you’re making summer plans, don’tforget to request a free vacation

house check from Walnut Creek’sVolunteers in Police Services (VIPS). These trained volunteers perform athorough inspection of your propertywhile you are away. They act as an ‘extraset of eyes and ears’ on patrol to improve

neighborhood safety. This service isprovided to vacationers who are gone forat least 3 days, up to a maximum of 30days. To request your vacation house check,go to www.walnutcreekpd.com and clickthe vacation house check link. Or call 925-256-3525.

May/June 2010 ❖ In a Nutshellpage 2

City Event

Calendar

What’s Happening

May1-2Civic Arts SaleTime, locations vary(See What’s Happening)

31Memorial Day Ceremony10 a.m., Civic Park, free(see story, page 1)

June5-6Art & Wine Festival11 a.m. both days; freeHeather Farm ParkCall 925-934-2007

12Heritage Day11 a.m. - 4 p.m.Old Borges Ranch(see story, page 5)

City Meeting

Calendar

Dutch Impressionists featured at Bedford Gallery

Martin van Waning (1889-1972)Shell Fishers on the Beach

Back by popular demand,The Dutch Impressionists:

Selections from the BeekhuisCollection is the extraordinarycollection of Dr. Jan and Mrs.Mary Ann Beekhuis. The early 20th century was atremendous period of artisticcreativity and productivity inthe Netherlands. The paintingsrange in style and subjectmatter from muted paletteHague School interiors, landscapes and rural lifedepictions to the brighter colored works of the so-

called “AmsterdamImpressionists” and images ofurban life and work. Featuredartists include Johan HendrikMastenbrock, Jan SimonKnikker, Sr., Reiner SybrandBakels, Martin van Waning,and Jan Rijlaarsdam. The Dutch Impressionists:Selections from the BeekhuisCollection is on view at theBedford Gallery through June

27. For time, location and other details, go towww.bedfordgallery.org or call 925-295-1417.

Celebrate mothers - and fathers - May 7Come celebrate “country-western style” at theMother’s and Father’s Day Luncheon on Friday,May 7 at the Civic Park Community Center. The fun begins at 10:30 a.m. with line dancingled by Dennis McGuire, followed by a deliciousBBQ Chicken ‘n’Ribs lunch. Rob Smith and GaryPotteron of the country-western band “CaliforniaCowboys” will perform. $12. Call 925-943-5851.

Aquanuts’ ‘Night of Champions’ May 29The Walnut Creek Aquanuts synchronized swimteam will present its annual “Night of Champions”show Saturday, May 29, 2-6p.m., at Heather Farm Park.Enjoy an afternoon of breath-taking performances by someof the finest swimmers in theworld, including 2008Olympian Jillian Penner.Appetizers from top localrestaurants and a silentauction are included. $25 general admission; $50poolside VIP. Call 925-934-4792. For more aboutthe Aquanuts’ summer trainee program andsynchro camp for girls 6-12, go towww.aquanuts.org.

Come ‘fore’ the Mayor’s CupThe Mayor’s Cup returns to Boundary Oak GolfCourse on Friday, May 21. This low-key eventbenefits the First Tee and LPGA-USGA Girls Golfyouth programs. Entry fee includes green fee withcart, tee prizes, refreshments, lunch and dinner.Cost is $150 per player, $600 per foursome. Fordetails, go to www.playboundaryoak.com.

Gowns of days gone byProm dresses and accessories dating back to the1920s, including cotillion dance cards, will be ondisplay at the Shadelands Ranch Museum from

May 23 to June 30. The dresses represent thechanging styles and fashion over the years andillustrate how the Cotillion Ball has evolved to thehigh school prom of today. The museum, at 2660 Ygnacio Valley Road, isopen 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays.Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for under 15.

Miniature horse show at Equestrian CenterThe Janet ReadMemorial MiniatureHorse Show comes tothe Equestrian Centerat Heather Farm Parkon Saturday, May 22,10 a.m. to 3 p.m. andSunday, May 23, 9a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission is free. Children can learn how to groomand lead these gentle companions during a hands-on demonstration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days.Cost is $1. Call 925-939-2929.

Wine & Roses at Gardens at Heather Farm“Wine & Roses,” a benefit event in support of TheGardens at Heather Farm, will be Friday, June 4from 6-9 p.m. A champagne garden stroll starts theevening, followed by wine tastings sponsored byWine Thieves, live music, a silent auction and horsd’oeuvres prepared by the area’s finest caterers. Advanced reservations required. $40 per person.Call 925-947-1678, or go to www.gardenshf.org.

Shadelands Antiques Show slated June 13Over 80 dealers will be selling their antiques andcollectibles at the Shadelands Antiques Show onSunday, June 13, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on theShadelands Ranch Historical Museum grounds,2660 Ygnacio Valley Road. The event benefits theWalnut Creek Historical Society. Admission is free.Call 925-935-7871 for more information.

City CouncilMay 4, 18; June 1, 157 p.m.City Council chamberCity Hall, 1666 N. Main St.

Planning CommissionMay 13, 27; June 10, 247 p.m.; Council chamber

Arts CommissionMay 174:30 p.m.; Council chamber

TransportationCommissionMay 20, June 177 p.m.; Council chamber

Design Review CommissionMay 5, 19; June 2, 167 p.m.; Council chamber

Park, Rec & Open SpaceCommissionMay 3, June 77 p.m.; Council chamber

Council meetings arebroadcast on WalnutCreek TV, which is onComcast Channels 28and 26 (Rossmoor);Astound Channel 29;and AT&T U-VerseChannel 99. Forstreaming video ofmeetings, go towww.walnut-creek.org.

In a Nutshell ❖ May/June 2010 page 3

Amazing artwork onsale April 30 - May 2

Find beautiful, one-of-a-kind artworkat the Civic Arts sale, Friday, April30 – Sunday, May 2.

Ceramics, pottery, sculpture,dinnerware, stoneware and more will beavailable at Civic Park, 1365 Civic Dr. At the Shadelands Arts Center, finddrawings, glass, gourds, jewelry,paintings, pastels, photography, pottery,textiles, sculpture and more. Refreshments and live music will be atboth locations Friday. Hours are Friday, April 30, 5-9 p.m.;Saturday, May 1, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., andSunday, May 2, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (6 p.m. onSunday at the Shadelands location.)

Take to the sidewalks of downtown andenjoy these events sponsored by the

Walnut Creek Downtown BusinessAssociation: • Bouquets & Bubblies on Saturday,May 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy flowersand champagne tastings at participatingbusinesses as you stroll through thedowntown! Check in at SkinSpirit, 1647 N.California Blvd. Stroll and receive a flowerat all participating downtown stores. $8 inadvance, $10 day of event. • Semi-Annual Sidewalk Sale onSaturday and Sunday, June 12 and 13during participating store hours. Comefind great bargains and super savings. • Downtown Wine Walk onWednesday, June 23, 6 to 9 p.m. Fordetails, call 925-933-6778 or go towww.walnutcreekdowntown.com.

Downtown doingsGeographic Informations System analyst Phil Beilin, right, chats with a young job-seekerduring the annual Teen Job Fair held on March 4.

Center REP’s 44th season announced

❖❖❖❖❖ She Loves MeSept. 3 – Oct.10,

❖❖❖❖❖ DraculaOct. 22 – Nov. 21

❖❖❖❖❖ Charles Dickens’A Christmas CarolDec. 9 - 19

❖❖❖❖❖ Boeing-BoeingJan. 27 - Feb. 26

❖❖❖❖❖ To Kill a MockingbirdMarch 31 - April 30

❖❖❖❖❖ Blues in the NightMay 19 – June 25

Off Center season:Off Center season:Off Center season:Off Center season:Off Center season:

❖❖❖❖❖ Becoming BritneyOct. 28 - Nov. 14

❖❖❖❖❖ The Lady with All the AnswersApril 28 – May 15

The 2010-11 season:The 2010-11 season:The 2010-11 season:The 2010-11 season:The 2010-11 season:The City’s professional theatrecompany, Center REPertory, isgetting ready to raise the curtain

on its most diverse season yet, saysArtistic Director Michael Butler. “Two musicals—one a classic and onea celebration of the classics, a Frenchfarce, a great American classic, a re-imagined thriller and the second season ofour new Off Center series with tworegional premieres,” Butler said. “Three of our offerings are set inanother period of economic stress: the1930s. Yet all three present a unique andhopeful take on tough times in whichresilience and character triumph overdespair. It’s thoughtful entertainment.” Butler will direct Bram Stoker’s gothicthriller Dracula as well as Harper Lee’stimeless American classic To Kill aMockingbird. Director and ChoreographerRobert Barry Fleming returns to open andclose the season with two musicalfavorites, She Loves Me and Blues in theNight. Charles Dickens’ “A ChristmasCarol” will return for its 13th year, fol-lowed by the Tony Award-winningcomedy “Boeing-Boeing.” “It’s a season that celebrates strength ofcharacter and strength of the individual,”added Butler. “Atticus Finch stands up tosociety, Georg stands up to his boss, evenif it means jeopardizing his job during theDepression, and the women in Blues in the

Night all stand up to that ‘no good snakeof a man.’” The 2010-11 Off Center seasonpresents the West Coast premiere of theNY Fringe festival hit “BecomingBritney” and Kerri Shawn as Ann Landersin the Bay Area premiere of “The LadyWith All the Answers.” A variety of subscription packages,ranging from $128 to $522, can bepurchased by calling 925-943-SHOW.

The San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers willperform a benefit concert to raise

money for Civic Arts Education’s ‘pianofund’ on Sunday, May 23 at 7 p.m.In the past, Sherman Clay Pianos hasloaned pianos to the Community MusicProgram of Civic Arts Education.Unfortunately, they are no longer able toloan the pianos, but have offered to sellthem at extremely reduced rates. Proceedsfrom the May 23 concert will be used tobuy the pianos. The concert will be at the ShadelandsArts Center auditorium, 111 N. WigetLane. $20 suggested donation.

Fiddlers for pianos

May/June 2010 ❖ In a Nutshellpage 4

Walking tours highlight public art

The Second Saturday walking toursof Walnut Creek’s key public artworks have returned with the sun.

Grab a friend for some exercise, art andcivic pride. Tour routes rotate each month.

The May tour will cover the area northof the Walnut Creek BART station andincludes Fletcher Benton’s Folded SquareAlphabet G. Bedford Gallery docents aretrained by public art specialists and canoffer information and insight appropriatefor all ages. Other tour stops offer an up-close view of works by Stephen DeStaebler, Bruce Beasley, and Josh Keyes,as well as the Veterans Memorial Plaza byCliff Garten and a recent installation at theMercer building by artist Martin Webb.

Tours start every second Saturday at11 a.m. The 45-minute tour departs fromthe front of the Lesher Center for the Arts,corner of Locust and Civic. Tour participa-tion is $5 and includes entry to theBedford Gallery. Reservations are sug-gested. Call 925-295-1417. Special grouptours are also available for groups of 15 ormore, by reservation only. Remember towear comfortable shoes and sun protec-tion.

Art enthusiasts can also venture ontheir own to hunt for animal sculptures inBroadway Plaza, and works at Heather

Docent Jane Emanuel gives background onan interesting piece of public art during aSecond Saturday Walking Tour.

Farm and Shadelands Park. A printableWalking Tour Map is available online atwww.bedfordgallery.org

Bedford Gallery is a program of the Cityof Walnut Creek and is located inside theLesher Center for the Arts. Call 925-295-1417 or go to the website for informationabout exhibits, hours and special events.

— Ann TrincaBedford Gallery

Civic Arts Ed’s Youth Theatre Company’sTeen Theatre won four top awards at theMusical Competitions of America in LosAngeles Feb. 12 – 15. YTC’s Teen Theatre winners includeGabe Blake, Best Male Dancer in anEnsemble; Audrey Lamb, Best FemaleDancer in an Ensemble; Jonathan Miller,Best Male Vocalist in an Ensemble; andJonathan Miller and Francesca Blake, BestDuet, for their rendition of “Follow YourHeart” from Urinetown. The Youth Theatre Company offersstepping-stone programming in theater forchildren ages 5 – 18. For more information,call 925-943-5846 or go towww.YouthTheatreCompany.org

Teen theater dancesaway with awards

What are your kids going to do thissummer? Enroll them in one of the manycamps offered by the City of Walnut Creek. From Lego camps to sports camps, andarts camps to traditional day camps,complete with swimming and other fun-filled excursions—there’s something foreveryone! See www.walnutcreekrec.org to view theSummer Camp Guide or call 925-943-5858.

Get ‘em while they last!Camp spots still open

Host families sought forteen exchange studentsAYUSA International, a non-profit youthexchange organization, is seeking familiesin the area who are interested in hostingan outstanding high school student fromEurope, Asia and elsewhere. Host families will have the opportunityto broaden their horizons and make apositive impact on global youth. E-mail Lauren Ross, AYUSA’s EastBay Community Representative:laureng24@comcast.net, or go towww.ayusa.org.

WC Swim Club openingsThe City-sponsored Walnut Creek SwimClub invites youths ages 4 to 18 to jointhe team this summer. The 49-year-old club offers excellentcoaching, supervised social activities andswim meets. Visitwww.walnutcreekswimclub.org.

Now playing on Walnut Creek TVWalnut Creek TV, the City’s govern-

ment access channel, has added UCTV toits program offerings.

UCTV is produced by the University ofCalifornia, and brings the tremendousrange of knowledge, culture and dialoguegenerated in UC classrooms into WalnutCreek living rooms. Programs explore abroad spectrum of subjects, includingscience, health and medicine, public affairs,humanities, arts and education. Currently,UCTV programming is being shown onWalnut Creek TV from 1-4 p.m. weekdays.

“UCTV seemed like a perfect fit for ourcommunity, which values education sohighly,” said Community RelationsManager Gayle Vassar, who managesWalnut Creek TV.

Launched as a pilot program inNovember 2009, Walnut Creek TV broad-casts City Council and Planning Commis-sion meetings, and produces programs that

highlight Cityservices andprograms,making whatgoes on in CityHall visible tothe communitywe serve. Inaddition, non-profit groupsserving theWalnut Creekcommunity may submit Public ServiceAnnouncements for airing on the channel.To submit PSAs, emailcommunity@walnut-creek.org or call LizPayne at 925-943-5899 ext. 2136.

Walnut Creek TV is shown on Comcastchannels 28 and 26 (Rossmoor); Astoundchannel 29; and AT&T U-Verse channel99. Program schedules and streamingvideo are at www.walnutcreektv.org.

In a Nutshell ❖ May/June 2010 page 5

Celebrate City’s pioneer beginningsat Heritage Day at Borges Ranch

History comes alive on Saturday, June12 as the city celebrates HeritageDay at Old Borges Ranch from 11

a.m. to 4 p.m. Private cars won’t be allowedon the road to Borges that day, but justjump on the shuttle bus at Northgate HighSchool, 425 Castle Rock Road, for a quickride up to the ranch. Admission is free;shuttle is $5 per family. Once at the ranch, choose from manyactivities. Step into the carriage barn formovies from the Niles Essanay SilentMovie Museum or see Andreas Koch’svideo presentations on how our westernway of life is being preserved in Alamedaand Contra Costa counties. At the historicBorges Ranch house, you will see homecrafts being demonstrated by the Treadlesto Thread spinning group and quilting withthe Contra Costa Quilter ’s Guild.Storytelling from the Delta Word Weavers,dancing demonstrations from the DiabloMountain Cloggers and the folk andchildren’s music of Big Foot will entertainyou, make you laugh and take you back intime. Many local community organizations willbe on hand to share information ongardening, beekeeping, and a variety ofoutdoor activities. Members of the PleasantHill 4H will do presentations about the

animals that live at Borges Ranch and RangerBruce will be entertaining and educating inthe Blacksmith Shop. Don’t forget to allow time for children’spony rides provided by Castle RockArabians. There will be old-time games anda variety of crafts for children to enjoy forvery low cost. Food will be available forpurchase or bring your basket for a familypicnic at the adjacent Hanna Grove picnicarea and Bob Pond. Rain? It wouldn’t dare.

— Nancy Dawson DollardSupervising Open Space Ranger

Ranger Bruce Weidman and a young helperat the Blacksmith Shop.

Helpers needed forCreek Clean Up DayIt’s time for our three downtowncreeks to get their annual “springcleaning.” Volunteersare needed to helpremove a year’s worthof debris during theCreek Clean Up Dayon Saturday, May 8.

Sign up by 9:30 a.m.at Civic Park, corner ofCivic Drive and NorthBroadway. Don’tforget to pick upplastic trash bags atthe check-in station! Afree continental breakfast will beoffered at 8:45 a.m.

This event is co-sponsored by theCity and Friends of the Creek. CallLesley Hunt at 925-937-6791.

Rotary Club leads IronHorse Trail clean-upThe Diablo View Rotary of Walnut Creekinvites the community to participate in acleanup of the Iron Horse Trail on Satur-day, May 8. The day will begin at 9 a.m.with a kick-off meeting at Civic Park,complete with coffee and snacks. Volun-teers will clean until 1 p.m., and then joinone another for a BBQ at the park. All participants must register prior tostarting the cleanup. To pre-register,contact Kyle Taylor at 510-729-7110 ext.9122 or kyle@shredworks.com. Bike-to-Work Day is

May 13. “EnergizerStations” (or bike rest stops)will be available in themorning and evening at thefollowing locations: cornerof California and YgnacioValley Road; NewellAvenue and Magnolia; theIron Horse Trail/Canal Trail by WholeFoods Market; the Canal Trail at N.Wiget; and Encina Bicycle Shop. Visitwww.511contracosta.org for moreinformation. If you, your organization, family,school or business would like to host anEnergizer Station, call 511 Contra Costaat 925-969-0841 ext. 208. 511 ContraCosta provides all of the supplies you’llneed to host an Energizer Station. If you want to make sure your bike is

Bike to Work Day pedaling our way“road ready” before May13, Sports Basement inWalnut Creek is offeringfree bike safety checksApril 26 – May 7, and willhost bike clinics on May 4and 6 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.Encina Bike Shop alsooffers safety checks on

May 1, 2, 8 and 9. And, have you tried the City’s newBikeLink eLockers, located at 1666 N.Main Street? These electronicallycontrolled lockers will keep your bikesafe and dry. Get your free BikeLink cardat 511contracosta.org 511 Contra Costa programs are paid forthrough the Bay Area Air QualityManagement District’s TransportationFund for Clean Air and the Contra CostaTransportation Authority.

Prune trees wisely —it’s the law!Did you know that the City’s MunicipalCode requires that trees be pruned usingindustry best practices? How does one know what those bestpractices are? The websitewww.treesaregood.com offer a variety ofpamphlets on caring for trees, as well aslists of certified arborists and tree workers. Alway verify that the tree company youhire has the proper insurance, and, if theysay they are certified by the InternationalSociety of Arboriculture, ask to see thecertification card. Questions? Contact City Arborist JohnDavis at 925-943-5899 ext. 2281 orjdavis@walnut-creek.org.

May/June 2010 ❖ In a Nutshellpage 6

LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD 2010 Citizens Institute members Catherine Finn, left, andCynthia Mercado get an inside look at a police car during a Citizens Institute tour of thePublic Services Corporation Yard. The 2010 Citizens Institute class graduated on March 27.To date, 435 community members have participated in the Institute, which seeks toincrease citizens’ understanding of the City’s programs and services, and to foster collabora-tion between City staff and residents. To be placed on the interest list for the 2011 CitizensInstitute, email community@walnut-creek.org.

Roadwork onYgnacio ValleyRoad and La

Casa Via in preparationfor the opening of JohnMuir Health’s new five-story hospital tower isexpected to continuethrough November. Thestreet improvements arebeing done to improvetraffic flow around the medical center. To reduce the impact on motorists,work will be limited to one lane closure ata time between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. onweekdays. Work on weekends and atnight will be limited to critical traffic

Ygnacio Valley roadwork paves way forJohn Muir Health expansion

transitions and is expected tobe minimal. Work schedules will becommunicated to neighbors,homeowner associations andbusinesses on an ongoingbasis.John Muir Health has alsolaunched a web sitewww.johnmuirhealth.com/roadwork to provide

information about the improvements, ageneral phasing and outline schedule, a“look ahead” at upcoming work that maydisrupt traffic and the specific schedulesof these impacts, and contact informationfor concerns or questions.

BART tracks between Walnut Creekand Pleasant Hill will be closed from 9 p.m.Friday, May 28 to 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, June1 to accommodate installation of newcrossover tracks. BART will provide free bus servicebetween Walnut Creek and Pleasant HillBART stations while the tracks are closed.

WC to PH BART tracks closed May 28 - June 1Passengers should allow up to 20additional minutes for the bus detour. The Central Contra Costa CrossoverProject is expected to allow more trains tobe run between Pleasant Hill and SanFrancisco, providing more seating duringpeak commute hours. For more, go to www.BART.gov.

Two new commissionersnamed to 3-year terms The City Council on March 2appointed two new commissioners tothree-year terms. Michael Fotheringham was appointedto the Design Review Commission and JoeStadum joins the Parks, Recreation andOpen Space Commission.

At the same time the community wasweighting the Goals, staff was taking eachof our programs and scoring it against itseffectiveness in achieving each Goal.

The staff scores and communityweighting were then merged to created aranked list of programs.

The list is available on our website witha detailed description of the prioritizationprocess.

Prioritization is one tool we are using inpreparing the budget, but it is not a magicbullet. It does not mean that all low-ranking programs will be cut nor that allhigh-ranking programs are untouchable.

Continued community involvement isimportant as we work together to find theright balance between the resources wehave, the programs we want, and maintain-ing the quality of life that makes WalnutCreek so special.

I encourage you to stay informed andinvolved throughout this process.

There will be a number of Councilbudget meetings and study sessions overthe next two months. For the most currentmeeting information, go to www.walnut-creek.org.

BudgetFrom front page

Open Space programsabound this spring

Our Open Space is a treasure thateveryone should enjoy. Open Spacerangers have an array of programs forevery interest, age and ability.

Ranger Dan Bylin’s “Frog Fanatics”takes folks on an evening stroll aroundBorges Ranch and Bob Pond on May 1 insearch of amphibians, while May 16 findsRanger Art Janke teaching how to harvestand sample fresh honey at Howe Home-stead. To get a list of Open Space pro-grams, call 925-943-5899 ext. 2135 or checkout their Facebook page!

In a Nutshell ❖ May/June 2010 page 7

Citizens can now report certaintypes of crime to the WalnutCreek Police Department

simply by logging on to the Internet. The CopLogic program can beused to file reports of vandalism, theft,lost property, identity theft, vehicletampering, harassing telephone calls,non-injury accidents and crime tips. Emergencies should always bereported by calling 9-1-1. And non-emergency criminal activity that doesnot fit the criteria for online reportingshould be reported by calling 925-943-5844. A report can be filed online if thefollowing criteria are met: The crimeoccurred within the city limits ofWalnut Creek; the suspect isunknown; the reported incident is notan emergency; and, the report is oneof the types of crimes allowable foronline reporting. Once police have reviewed anonline report, the reporting party will

Citizens able to report crimes on-linereceive an email copy with anassigned WCPD case number. Thereport will automatically merge intothe police department records system,where it will receive the sameinvestigative and statistical analysis asa report filed by a police officer. Filing a report online means nothaving to wait until an officer canrespond. Walnut Creek police officershandle an average of 30,000 incidentsper year. While the average responsetime to the scene of an emergency isless than four minutes, during periodsof peak demand, the response to non-emergency calls may be delayed. Victims benefit from onlinereporting by not having to wait for apolice officer, and public safety isenhanced when police man-hours aresaved, freeing officers for otherduties. To access the program, go towww.walnutcreekpd.com.

Have a safe summer!Emergency prep fairto be held June 3 Get prepared for any disaster byattending a freeEmergencyPreparednessFair on Thursday,June 3 from 5-8p.m. in the LasLomas High School gymnasium. Fair participants include the WalnutCreek Police, Contra Costa FireDistrict, animal disaster responseexperts and more! There will be free food and prizes,hands-on demonstrations andemergency supplies for sale. The fair is co-sponsored by theCity’s Citizen Corps Council andCommunity Emergency ResponseTeam program, which seeks to “helppeople help themselves prevent,prepare and prevail in event ofdisaster.”

— Sue GarciaWCPD

May/June 2010 ❖ In a Nutshell

Tess Wendler and John Haithcock

2009 Employees ofthe Year honored foroutstanding service

*

*****ECRWSS**POSTAL CUSTOMER

1666 North Main StreetWalnut Creek, CA 94596

NutshellIN APRESORTEDSTANDARD

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

WALNUT CREEK CAPERMIT # 282Published bi-monthly and mailed to

Walnut Creek residents and businesses

Editor:Gayle Vassar

We welcome your comments and questions.Please call 943-5895

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For past issues, go online at www.walnut-creek.org

CITY COUNCILSue Rainey, Mayor*Cindy Silva, Mayor pro temBob SimmonsKish RajanGary Skrel

For appointment: Call 256-3504*

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICESLorie Tinfow, Director/Assistant City Manager

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTSandra Meyer, Director

ARTS, RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICESBarry Gordon, Director

POLICEJoel Bryden, Chief of Police

PUBLIC SERVICESHeather Ballenger, Director

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFFCITY MANAGER

Gary PokornyCITY ATTORNEY

Paul Valle-RiestraCITY CLERK

Patrice OldsCITY TREASURER

Ronald Cassano

Tess Wendler and John Haithcock,well-known for their positive energythroughout the organization and

with the public, are the 2009 recipients ofthe Rosie Coan Award, honoring them asthe City’s Employees of the Year.

Tess joined the City’s HumanResources Division in 2000, and currentlyserves as the Risk Managementadministrative analyst. “She approachesevery undertaking with the utmostintegrity and commitment to excellence,”said City Manager Gary Pokorny inannouncing the award.

John joined the City in 1979 as part ofwhat was then the Cultural Servicesdepartment and was instrumental in the

early success of the Lesher Center for theArts. He worked in a variety of positionsbefore finding his niche in the PoliceDepartment, where he coordinates trainingand Volunteers in Police Services.

“John’s can-do attitude and positiverecognition of volunteers serves tostrengthen relationships that areimmeasurable in their benefits to thePolice Department and the City as awhole,” said Gary.

Lecture looks at U.S. presidents and foreign policy KGO Radio talk show host JohnRothman is the featured speaker for theEmeritus College Distinguished Lecture,“The Presidency & Foreign Policy.” Thelecture will be Sunday, May 16 from 1-3p.m. in the Performing Arts Center, DiabloValley College. Rothman, a political and foreign policyconsultant specializing in the United

States, the Middle East and the formerSoviet Union, will address the impact ofU.S. Presidents on foreign policy sinceWWII. Tickets are $20. Call 925-685-1230ext. 2388. Emeritus College offers not-for-credit,short-term, affordable classes. There areno tests and no homework! For a list ofclasses, go to www.dvc.edu/emeritus.

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