[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6617222,"mediaKeyId","2842614-3012460598b0aee6b933c3fb4c93b996","parentId",2842614,"title","Council directs staff to return with 'flexible demand' parking minimums after Right‑Size Parking study","audioSeconds",3665,"startMs",2731000,"endMs",6396000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842614-3012460598b0aee6b933c3fb4c93b996&start=2731&end=6396","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842614-3012460598b0aee6b933c3fb4c93b996/thumbnail_2731000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6617222/Walnut-Creek-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Council-directs-staff-to-return-with-flexible-demand-parking-minimums-after-RightSize-Parking-study","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617222-5715607569f8aaaf0f11884019236951/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179974&Signature=BbCwIY8ZttGGT~QljxOoE7eOQP-ySZjGWuapZaMSB86Ra7RviOru7fiZSQ3EyspENq4e-0b-jKAPq3GHHlmfRt5-fSgqdZEvbvI4O1~0KnQ2HoxrC-GgouaBbj~1NbMKzHkLzjjZUO2VF2zGp1XZfN14rEVeBDA1-bV5Ndfhtm1Ib3FoFIuFLEURa32fyViFBmNO5Ko-zwAizadYgwE59k~cZVeYpjQ~6o5ntn~yLJ6wS-7fxXhFoT6ewRTtD7zxxPytazQO7CG4F5C2zm1n9mEg-07c53i2cy2W8BtjyjpkHyhZQU9ozszQ1cddsp~E2dX6eoCQI~gr19c0-kHW4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Walnut Creek, CA","date","2025-04-02T04:20:51.42Z","article","The Walnut Creek City Council reviewed expanded analysis from the Right‑Size Parking study and directed staff to return with a draft ordinance based on the study’s \"flexible demand\" policy option (option C), which staff summarized as roughly 0.5 parking spaces per studio, 1 space per one‑bedroom and 1.25 spaces per two‑plus‑bedroom unit, and to reflect existing objective design standards that allocate 10 percent of required on‑site parking for guest spaces.

Planning staff told the council the study expanded data collection from nine large multifamily complexes in 2023 to 17 sites in 2024 (1,132 housing units and 1,595 parking spaces measured). The late‑night, weeknight counts used occupied units to estimate parking demand and showed average utilization (occupied spaces divided by supply) of about 74 percent across the study sites outside the state‑defined transit proximate half‑mile around Walnut Creek BART. The presenter said, \"Parking utilization overall is much lower than our existing supply and much lower than our existing requirements.\"

Staff and council discussed policy tradeoffs: the fiscal and construction cost of extra structured parking (staff referenced a 2020 estimate of about $23,000 per parking space as a conservative figure), the role of unbundling parking from rent, guest parking design, and whether lower minimums could push spillover onto neighborhood streets. Staff noted AB 2097 (state law) already prevents local minimums within a half‑mile of BART, so the study and proposed changes apply outside that area.

Council direction and vote: After public comment (none) and lengthy council exchange, the council voted to ask staff to prepare a draft ordinance based on the flexible demand option (option C). The council clarified that the city’s objective design standards already reserve 10 percent of required parking for guest spaces; staff will reflect that in the ordinance. The direction passed on roll call (Mayor Mary Darling, Mayor Pro Tem Wilk, Councilmember DeViney and Councilmember Silva voted aye).

Why it matters: The move changes the minimum parking floor for new multifamily and mixed‑use residential development outside BART proximate areas, lowering the required on‑site parking supply the city will expect developers to build. Staff said matching observed demand could free up construction costs currently spent on unused parking stalls and has implications for housing affordability, street parking, and future development patterns.

Ending: Staff will return with a noticed hearing and a draft ordinance implementing the flexible demand minimums and will include the council’s requested clarifications and analysis.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Walnut Creek City Council: 4/1/25","oneSentenceSummary","After a multi‑hour presentation and extensive council discussion of data from 17 multifamily sites, the council directed staff to prepare an ordinance based on the study’s 'flexible demand' option (option C) — roughly 0.5 spaces per studio, 1 per one‑bedroom and 1.25 per two‑plus bedrooms — and to include the city’s 10% guest‑parking standard.","taxTitle","Walnut Creek City, Contra Costa County, California","taxId",5541,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617225,"Council adopts FY26 assessments for Downtown Walnut Creek Business Improvement Districts",185,3846000,4031000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842614-3012460598b0aee6b933c3fb4c93b996&start=3846&end=4031","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842614-3012460598b0aee6b933c3fb4c93b996/thumbnail_3846000.jpg","/articles/6617225/Walnut-Creek-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Council-adopts-FY26-assessments-for-Downtown-Walnut-Creek-Business-Improvement-Districts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617225-0320ddda90d8c395cf5f921ed8cda354/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179974&Signature=MPnmpirQsJ3KNwJSol6sElnQPhlq-g31K9cYBW93KHpnoAZekUT3WT7aGgOE6yQB9l46UxwjOzjV8y0MeBjdPbVeWxxYOlR2aDtkG4LJr2gEN5fRivhdmmnbxjZFggcHZzEAX9KEqDSDp1uYevMN~KwUxW6Pnc4jq73BqWQ4hAfQzW5yvCVRwwG9OqI0oZU3P6gScJiPQoiu5O4xPHDHhYU9uoDD1VywSqAvPiLOdZYqt890ALmFovpQFtP8xa~sxFppFpIAFpqF6pulA9xALcSpSWFJgC26iHoI3NpiYcWrWMAwx-XxBLCuW4B5lZSMOBbYAg60KVt1O2yV4d-3-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Walnut Creek City Council held a public hearing and adopted resolutions levying annual assessments for the Downtown Walnut Creek Business Improvement District (BID) and the Downtown Walnut Creek South BID for fiscal year 2025–26.

Economic development manager Mike Neiman presented the assessment report and noted that a two‑step process was followed; the council received the annual report on March 18 and this public hearing concluded the process. The city clerk reported no written protests had been received before the hearing.

Staff recommended the council adopt the resolutions setting the annual assessment rates with a 3 percent increase for FY26. On roll call, Councilmember Silva, Councilmember DeViney, Mayor Pro Tem Welt and Mayor Mary Darling all voted aye and the council adopted both resolutions.

Why it matters: The adopted assessments fund the BID programs in downtown areas and the process included the statutorily required public hearing and an opportunity for protests; staff found no majority protest.

Ending: With the resolutions adopted and no protests filed, the city will levy the FY26 assessments as approved by the council.","After no written protests were received, the council adopted resolutions levying FY26 assessments for the Downtown Walnut Creek Business Improvement District and the Downtown Walnut Creek South Business Improvement District, each with a 3% increase.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617230,"Council authorizes $187,500 agreement with Pemberley Productions for The Woman in Black after debate about season funding",760,1946000,2706000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842614-3012460598b0aee6b933c3fb4c93b996&start=1946&end=2706","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842614-3012460598b0aee6b933c3fb4c93b996/thumbnail_1946000.jpg","/articles/6617230/Walnut-Creek-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Council-authorizes-187500-agreement-with-Pemberley-Productions-for-The-Woman-in-Black-after-debate-about-season-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617230-9bdb40588b1b184ee4767551594fe452/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179974&Signature=KVpahCJAsz2iaoLxdwWEi1M2Sjr876cmL~UsHkazysx5JodzbcdtrjSz3HAbpimjoYnjaYC4N8Tndcx-oxHWCJUvpYOsG4DM52Fh1UwS0aCbAomqMX2lfGx7ubIZfnlaLkxYnBaJOKZzxpVYcP83XThLnhZjKXbeeRi-HEtr6IcDPwlZ8zrRqBnLAnOoSzDMOGdrGhnKGXpSiX3EBAogVyClrjGyVEIohjU8OHEipWj2afU4zyw7uvquAVDoy9ORgGkFPY2n~ELY8YY4NbqgQ7TgUxLm0HgiN6DuyEJIiNyyYetD~K1Utt6Xl4q1k-lnJzfVkhCZK4Pd6whKEchO4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Walnut Creek City Council voted 3–1 to authorize the city manager to execute an agreement with Pemberley Productions for the presentation of The Woman in Black, in an amount not to exceed $187,500.

Carolyn Jackson, city staff overseeing Lesher Center programming, told the council the contract amount triggers council review under the city's purchasing policy because a single vendor is providing the acting company and production services. Jackson said about $15,000 of the deposit is in the current fiscal year and the remainder is in FY27; she also said the department expects to request additional funds in the FY26–27 budget to address rising labor and material costs.

Council discussion centered on whether to approve the single‑vendor co‑production before council saw the full 2025–26 season and amid citywide budget constraints. Councilmember (opponent) said, \"without seeing the full season schedule, I'm reticent to approve funds for this\" and added, \"I can't in good conscience do that.\" Other council members said waiting until the season announcement would delay the production and that the contract is within typical production costs; staff projected ticket sales would exceed production costs by roughly $10,000.

Vote and outcome: The motion to authorize the city manager to execute the agreement for an amount not to exceed $187,500 passed on a roll call vote (Silva: yes; Mayor Mary Darling: yes; Councilmember DeViney: yes; Mayor Pro Tem Welt: no). The packet and staff comments said the production will be staged in the 300‑seat Margaret Lesher Theatre.

Why it matters: The council authorization commits the city to a sizable single‑vendor production and sparked a broader council discussion about Lesher Center budgeting, local casting and the timing of season announcements amid anticipated budget pressures.

Ending: Councilmembers asked staff to return with budget and strategic plan context for the Lesher Center in upcoming budget meetings.","The council authorized the city manager to execute a contract with Pemberley Productions to present The Woman in Black in the Margaret Lesher Theatre for an amount not to exceed $187,500; the 3–1 vote followed debate over season costs and local casting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617235,"Council awards roughly $800,000 slurry‑seal contract and approves safety improvements in Larkey/Buena Vista area",182,1656000,1838000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842614-3012460598b0aee6b933c3fb4c93b996&start=1656&end=1838","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842614-3012460598b0aee6b933c3fb4c93b996/thumbnail_1656000.jpg","/articles/6617235/Walnut-Creek-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Council-awards-roughly-800000-slurryseal-contract-and-approves-safety-improvements-in-LarkeyBuena-Vista-area","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617235-4239bfa08a81725d66052b0bc12aa1ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179974&Signature=lDqS89YmuO0kTbp6nm9tunIBMp4BrO-uqGoF3nk0HM6HBtW1L9B0E2OamMR8UvmQ9uv5jya5dG1FRuXlkvTmqmyyTvHHmeZiCHDlhEgjVxAqEESOwW6BawvB9sDfFMBtVZ4H1ZlLzmEBviT3kYBI4QLV4gambz~dkL9-a74yQ7xrPU-0-KLxjx8OEflYLCNuES3t7qnDng32sSL2Kplbh6Nc6Vc2L0-6HX2az~Kz5p8Djtg9DYHFmED4RyVVp0G0g9fjjXeZJOs6BLZoo3luoc1rRPOsQa5vm1T52rnNRKlpAbY9HnPs3qGIqq7Ab12HG2SkbGki84Usm3daNLBwmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Walnut Creek City Council voted unanimously to award the city’s 2025 annual slurry seal contract, authorizing just over $800,000 in expenditures for pavement preservation work.

City staff described slurry seal to the council as a surface treatment that \"preserves the asphalt\" and helps prevent cracks from widening, reducing longer‑term repaving costs. \"Slurry seal is a treatment we put on streets. It's part of the pavement management program,\" the city engineer said during a question period.

Council members also asked about accompanying safety work scheduled in the Larkey and Buena Vista area. Staff said the package will include high‑visibility crosswalk striping at trail crossings and near Buena Vista Elementary, a new stop sign at Alvarado and San Juan intersections, new edge‑line striping on First, Second and Third Avenues and bike facilities extending into Lancaster Avenue. The engineer said ADA improvements required for the project were completed last year.

Vote and outcome: Councilmember Silva, Mayor Mary Darling, Councilmember DeViney and Mayor Pro Tem Welt voted aye on roll call; the motion passed unanimously to award the contract to the low bidder for the 2025 slurry‑seal project.

Why it matters: The slurry seal work is part of the city's pavement management program intended to extend roadway life on roughly 38–40 roads scheduled for treatment each year; staff said slurry seals typically have an expected service life of 10 to 12 years.

Ending: The council approved the contract by roll call and moved on to the next consent item.","Walnut Creek City Council approved the award of the 2025 annual slurry seal contract (just over $800,000) and heard staff describe accompanying pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements planned for the Larkey and Buena Vista area.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617240,"Walnut Creek officials celebrate National Library Week, Cleaner Contra Costa and dispatch workers",207,0,207000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842614-3012460598b0aee6b933c3fb4c93b996&start=0&end=207","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842614-3012460598b0aee6b933c3fb4c93b996/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6617240/Walnut-Creek-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Walnut-Creek-officials-celebrate-National-Library-Week-Cleaner-Contra-Costa-and-dispatch-workers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617240-4021f889f5a3e4c4c9282600fdccd32b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179974&Signature=GX0Kaw~TGK-qrxjR6-4AzcBHHBlD1MefksD8TLG9X0H2NCzLMm~Y9qPw8FyD-Q5S7gbrABavJqMxLIJrDz11axEphPPvOqUmQVIV78cCA5EQveeDDYdzCQSigJdEOcMlcFSsZwhWzJyXKJMne0cFjamDrrD4eR70jvXkNMNGgf7J2YPTBK-A-MzYdrhghIrhJqahKG2wKlFjRgbuYzvV1ap71vK9O2KWnjygauQ6-skcVEsJcqmjsYgjDd9TTEZwcwf91LjMzO0tO9BdehKJ80FNkpWoX4ZOJGAyhNeySxF2YH08Q98Kyd8p4KVQBP9w0U0tkYfdKfvxZ7O-2aAb9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Mary Darling presented a proclamation recognizing National Library Week and invited Contra Costa County Library managers to brief the council on library use and programs.

The presentation said circulation and virtual use are rising across the county and highlighted services and outreach at Walnut Creek’s two branches. Ally Bernback, manager of the Ignacio Valley Library, and Addie Spambach, manager of the downtown Walnut Creek Library, told the council the county’s circulation grew about 4 percent in the past fiscal year and e‑book circulation was up 18 percent over FY 2022–23. \"Libby is one of our ebook providers. It is completely free with your library card,\" Bernback said.

The managers described recent and planned local programs: the Rolling Reader outreach vehicle, summer reading participation, a bilingual Farsi story time at Ignacio Valley that will begin April 4, the Insiders program for adults with developmental disabilities, a teen advisory board that ran a diaper and wipe drive, and planned senior and cultural programming tied to AAPI Month and Juneteenth. Spambach said the downtown library opened in July 2010 and the branch’s 15th‑anniversary celebration is planned for the summer.

Why it matters: The library presentation gave the council a snapshot of usage and outreach tied to National Library Week (April 6–12) and underscored the libraries’ community role in literacy, digital access, and lifelong learning.

Sustainable Contra Costa report

Tina Neuhausl, executive director of Sustainable Contra Costa, accepted a proclamation for the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge and described countywide participation and results since 2019. \"Together, we've helped thousands of people learn how to make changes to save water and energy, reduce waste, and build a healthier, more connected community,\" Neuhausl said. The council packet noted 930 Walnut Creek households participating in the program had collectively saved greenhouse gas emissions and water; Neuhausl also cited countywide totals.

Dispatch proclamation

The council also recognized National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and invited dispatch supervisor Tori Maxfield and lead dispatcher Shamika Riley to accept the proclamation. Riley thanked the council and said the week \"allows us to put a focus on those that are behind the scenes,\" noting telecommunicators’ training and the work that originated in Contra Costa County in 1981.

Ending: Council members joined presenters for photos after the proclamations and the meeting proceeded to the consent calendar and other agenda items.","Mayor Mary Darling and library managers from the Contra Costa County system marked National Library Week; Sustainable Contra Costa highlighted local climate savings; dispatch staff accepted a proclamation recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council directs staff to return with 'flexible demand' parking minimums after Right‑Size Parking study

Council adopts FY26 assessments for Downtown Walnut Creek Business Improvement Districts

Council authorizes $187,500 agreement with Pemberley Productions for The Woman in Black after debate about season funding

Council awards roughly $800,000 slurry‑seal contract and approves safety improvements in Larkey/Buena Vista area

Walnut Creek officials celebrate National Library Week, Cleaner Contra Costa and dispatch workers