🌳 Issue #121

Woodlands Traffic Solutions, New Café, and New Assistant City Manager

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Walnut Creek! Here's your latest scoop: Walnut Creek Open House to Address Traffic Hot Spots in Woodlands. In exciting news, Prologue Coffee, an Asian fusion café, is now open at the Walnut Creek Library. Additionally, the City of Walnut Creek has announced Charles Ching as the new Assistant City Manager, starting July 31. Hang in there—it's almost Friday!

In today’s Walnut Creek Spotlight:

  • Walnut Creek Open House to Address Traffic Hot Spots in Woodlands

  • Prologue Coffee: Walnut Creek Library’s New Asian Fusion Cafe

  • News Release: City of Walnut Creek selects new Assistant City Manager -- Charles Ching to begin July 31

- Walnut Creek Spotlight Team

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Walnut Creek Open House to Address Traffic Hot Spots in Woodlands

The Walnut Creek staff is organizing an open house to discuss traffic calming in the Woodlands neighborhood. This event, called "Neighborhood Streets," will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the Ygnacio Valley Library. Residents are encouraged to drop by any time between 6 and 8 PM to share their feedback on traffic safety concerns, including problem areas and potential solutions.

The open house provides an opportunity for residents to learn about different traffic calming options, the materials used in neighborhoods, and traffic enforcement measures. Light refreshments will be available, and there will be a children's activity station to keep young attendees entertained.

Residents planning to attend the event are encouraged to RSVP through the (link). The meeting room is located on the south side of the library at 2661 Oak Grove Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598.

Prologue Coffee: Walnut Creek Library’s New Asian Fusion Cafe

Prologue Coffee, a new Asian fusion cafe, has opened in the Walnut Creek Library. Owned by Thuy Nguyen, the cafe features unique drinks such as Binggrae banana milk coffee and Salato foam lattes, along with "superfood" lattes and Lotus Plant Energy drinks. The menu includes Vietnamese banh mi, turkey and avocado sandwiches, and various toasts and sweet treats. The cafe operates Monday to Saturday with varying hours. Read full article (link)

News Release: City of Walnut Creek selects new Assistant City Manager -- Charles Ching to begin July 31

The City of Walnut Creek is pleased to announce the hiring of Charles Ching for the position of Assistant City Manager. Charles is currently the Director of Economic Development, Housing and Sustainability for the City of San Pablo. A national search was conducted for the position, with more than 220 applicants. A thorough review process followed, including four rounds of interviews for final candidates.

“I am thrilled Charles is joining Walnut Creek,” said City Manager Dan Buckshi. “We had a very competitive recruitment and he stood out amongst a field of impressive candidates. Charles will be a positive addition to our City team, and his leadership and ability to connect with people will enable him to help our organization and the City flourish.”

As the Assistant City Manager, Charles will be part of the City’s Executive Team, and will be responsible for overseeing the Economic Development, Communications, City Clerk, Sustainability, Emergency Management and Risk Management divisions of the City Manager’s Office. Additionally, he will oversee projects of citywide significance and help manage major development issues.

"I am deeply honored and excited to be part of the Walnut Creek team,” Ching said. “I am committed to serving our community with dedication, transparency, and integrity. I look forward to collaborating with our City Council, staff, and residents to achieve our shared vision for a thriving and inclusive City.”

Charles began working at the City of San Pablo as an Assistant to the City Manager in 2014. Subsequent positions there included Community and Economic Development Director, and Assistant City Manager. He managed a large portfolio of responsibilities and projects, including leading the City’s budget team, DEI efforts, and major capital projects, including a new City Hall and Police Headquarters and Training Facility. He previously managed many Economic Development programs and services in Fairfield. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Economics and Management from De La Salle University in the Philippines, an MBA from Saint Mary’s, and is a graduate of the Senior Executive Institute for State and Local Government at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Media Contact: Communications Manager Betsy Burkhart, [email protected]

GoFundMe for Lemongrass Farms

The Walnut Creek Farmers' Market has launched a GoFundMe for Lemongrass Farms to support medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost income for two members critically injured in a DUI accident on June 2nd on Locust Street. (link)

EVENTS

Theatre

Summer Sounds: Tom Rigney and Flambeau | July 11, 2024 | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Free | Enjoy a high-energy, uplifting music concert at Rudney Plaza. Featuring Tom Rigney and Flambeau, renowned for their infectious grooves and rich soloing. No ticket required.

La voix humaine - Dido & Aeneas | July 12-14, 2024 | Check event listing for times | Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Check event listing for ticket prices | A double-bill of short operas exploring love and betrayal. Experience "La voix humaine" and "Dido & Aeneas" with powerful performances and emotional depth.

All the World's A Stage (Young Actors Studio) | July 12, 2024 | 6:30 PM - 7:10 PM | Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Check event listing for ticket prices | Enjoy a performance by young actors from The Ballet School Performing Arts, featuring Broadway songs and favorite stories. Approx. 40 minutes, no intermission.

Best of San Francisco Stand Up Comedy | Lesher Center for the Arts | 6/15 - 8/31 on Saturdays | New generation of comedic talent with the "Best of San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy" tour, featuring some of the hottest up-and-coming acts in the Bay Area.

Community

Bingo Drop-In (Seniors) | Civic Park Community Center | Thursdays at 12 PM | 50+ Drop-in activity. Try your luck and have fun!

Native Plant Growers | July 12, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Civic Park, 1375 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Free | Join the Native Plant Growers at the Native Wildflower Garden in Civic Park. Volunteers who like to garden are welcome. Meets weekly on Fridays.

Farmer’s Market Walnut Creek | Locust St | Sundays at 9 AM | The Walnut Creek Market, open Sundays 9 am-1 pm year-round on Locust Street, offers local produce, supports sustainability, and provides free first-hour parking at Grower’s Square; only certified service animals are allowed.

Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market | Shadelands | Saturdays at 9 AM | Located in Walnut Creek's Shadelands Business Park, the Diablo Valley Farmers' Market, open Saturdays 9 AM to 1 PM with over 40 vendors, features fresh Brentwood produce, a Kid’s Craft Corner, and is a family favorite, having been voted #1 in America’s Favorite Farmers’ Market contest.

Kids

Family Storytime | Thursdays at 10:15 AM | Ygnacio Valley Library

Toddler Storytime & Play | Thursdays at 10:15 AM | Walnut Creek Library | Join us for songs, stories, and movement! Stay after the stories to play! Most appropriate for ages 0-3, but all ages are welcome.

LIVE MUSIC & DANCE

Line Dancing Lessons | Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday at 8 PM | Bourbon Highway | Watch Video

Thursday

Throwback Thursdays | Thursday July 21 | 9 PM | Dan’s Irish Sports Bar | 90s and 00s with DJ Rich Era

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