[{"_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",6602489,"mediaKeyId","3001277-82f84a60f97f10ef366b762a22039957","parentId",3001277,"title","Council backs AUHSD Measure T parcel tax in consent calendar vote","audioSeconds",111,"startMs",2781000,"endMs",2892000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3001277-82f84a60f97f10ef366b762a22039957&start=2781&end=2892","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3001277-82f84a60f97f10ef366b762a22039957/thumbnail_2781000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6602489/Walnut-Creek-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Council-backs-AUHSD-Measure-T-parcel-tax-in-consent-calendar-vote","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602489-b5d297d48f0cf15a407ea39554bcbd39/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194528&Signature=ghlxIQixt4hAjm5Pmf2zeE81UOi3gYusqluJNramGmcpVFfM4p2aG6PJHJdTOXpcH3gK0tCoGktaIRYXaRnQihVn7274q853ytwVuwIySdQuRmyV3skAyFzb6ScoBRl6q-6OS9fk53c2rM5-VUCyIYJg1UZOl4vykewiBkeSPt5G3m~AAXRMoHidrn3pLR3P2I~72y6qrbvIJOXGHjvj1CvH1s1ipkyXaXYzLAyIka8G3WS-3gNVj2ODE83FM7OcbmtkzSBzrpQUdym-2VaLqGGVgbgM8jYHIhiHizOh7C75zVtWy7W7hdPCFXhOUNCiuxg0HuJF9escGcERpS15IQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Walnut Creek City","date","2025-04-16T04:25:19.057Z","article","The Walnut Creek City Council on April 15 adopted a consent‑calendar resolution declaring support for the Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) Measure T parcel tax.

A Walnut Creek resident, Stacy Schweppe, spoke during the meeting in favor of the council adopting a resolution of support. Schweppe said Measure T would advance academic programs, help the district retain qualified teachers, maintain class sizes, and preserve library, counseling and career‑training services. She noted Walnut Creek has two of the five AUHSD campuses and argued that strong schools help preserve the city’s attractiveness.

The consent calendar—items 2A through 2I—was approved by roll call without any item pulled for separate discussion. Roll call votes were recorded as unanimous (ayes from Mayor Pro Tem Wilk, Councilmembers Silva, Devinney, Francois and Mayor Darling). The resolution’s text and supporting documents were posted to the city website as part of the meeting record.

The adoption was procedural; the council’s resolution expresses local support for the school district measure but does not change city finances or authority over school district decisions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Walnut Creek City Council: 4/15/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Walnut Creek City Council adopted a consent‑calendar resolution expressing support for the Acalanes Union High School District’s Measure T parcel tax; a resident spoke during public comment in favor of the measure.","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},6602494,"City staff brief council on Builders Remedy, state housing timelines and local implications",896,5756000,6652000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3001277-82f84a60f97f10ef366b762a22039957&start=5756&end=6652","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3001277-82f84a60f97f10ef366b762a22039957/thumbnail_5756000.jpg","/articles/6602494/Walnut-Creek-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/City-staff-brief-council-on-Builders-Remedy-state-housing-timelines-and-local-implications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602494-83edb13d10db81c8adfd5ebefbbefb70/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194528&Signature=emsKuYjjeSYoGU255mCO6JbUjbdLVEZu-XchcpCIbcGVenjD00PSGB4WewQaNTwRfLghKHuQ4B95BXSJzJIhEthrN0dRSebt93KLAhjsxJ95jakBJi~H9BYTiQpwmGbNsS5zmL~jWIGFXeCPqjfShsskZ5QneMxQgbRckxQeBmekugDv-ATBKMjoLpQIOuhKmqwiaUSMHzOe769ppvS99O~IY2kRvpqa1ZwMohTFHRbgYMGvQogphAOgtLJrg6WivD85M8uRxunmeT5umoki8co~TODSNYI0wOezbECVjOYmFTGALkPS46hhoJepG1lj-4hGWFGlJ-nvhXDOqgHNBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and the city attorney’s office briefed the Walnut Creek City Council on April 15 on the Builders Remedy provisions of California housing law, the Housing Accountability Act, and related statutes and court decisions that determine when a local housing element is “substantially compliant.” The meeting was framed as a policy briefing; staff said the session was not a public hearing on any specific project.

Community Development Director Erica Vandenbrand outlined the statutory framework. She said Builders Remedy is a provision of the Housing Accountability Act that allows certain housing projects to proceed under a streamlined standard if a jurisdiction lacks a substantially compliant housing element; historically those projects required a share of affordable units (previously 20%, lowered in 2024 to 13% in state law). Vandenbrand and city legal counsel emphasized that a jurisdiction may only lawfully find a housing element substantially compliant if either the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) issues a letter of substantial compliance or a court determines substantial compliance. The staff presentation cited recent related legislation — including SB 330 (streamlining and preliminary application vesting), and AB 1886 (clarifying when an adopted element is “substantially complete” for Builders Remedy purposes) — and noted that the 2023–24 cycle had novel procedural complications.

Assistant City Attorney Claire Lai and City Attorney Steve Mattis discussed the city’s local timeline. Staff described a multistep review with HCD, including initial submission before the January 31, 2023 deadline, subsequent HCD comments, council adoption (the city adopted an amended element on Aug. 1, 2023) and an October 24, 2024 HCD letter finding the housing element in substantial compliance. Staff explained how the statutory deadlines, HCD review windows and the SB 330 preliminary‑application vesting rules combined to create the period in which the city was potentially exposed to Builders Remedy filings.

Council members asked detailed procedural questions about timing, HCD communications, whether the city could have pursued a court determination earlier and how the council could participate in a Builders Remedy review if one legally applied. Staff explained that in Walnut Creek the entitlements required for a Builders Remedy application (planning and subdivision approvals) are typically decided at the planning commission level with appeal rights to the council; the council may become involved on appeal or via other legal avenues. Multiple council members and the mayor expressed frustration with the state review process and noted ongoing legislative efforts to clarify timelines and standards.

During public comment, two speakers urged judicial review of the city’s August 1 adopted element as the operative certification date, asserting that a court could find the element substantially compliant as of the council adoption date. Staff reiterated that the briefing was informational and that any specific Builder’s Remedy project would follow its own entitlement and environmental review process, including design review, planning commission hearings and the public CEQA process.

Staff recommended that the council accept the briefing and monitor proposed state legislation and legal developments affecting Builders Remedy and housing‑element compliance.","City staff and legal counsel explained the Builders Remedy, Housing Accountability Act, SB 330 vesting rules and recent state guidance — and how those laws affected Walnut Creek’s housing element timeline and exposure to a Builders Remedy application.",{"_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},6602497,"Council approves resolution for CMFA bonds to finance 699 Ignacio Valley Road affordable housing (Civic Crossing)",213,4325000,4538000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3001277-82f84a60f97f10ef366b762a22039957&start=4325&end=4538","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3001277-82f84a60f97f10ef366b762a22039957/thumbnail_4325000.jpg","/articles/6602497/Walnut-Creek-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Council-approves-resolution-for-CMFA-bonds-to-finance-699-Ignacio-Valley-Road-affordable-housing-Civic-Crossing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602497-f3c739bedd0c7b8ffa5f528958a150d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194528&Signature=MNmPA3bSoIgbKorwnuKZkSzZlNO72ejAu5o0J0hx6ULrhiK9aPdBxQqFzjFysmWKbwPHEv6FUjwuYKhY58JHMsYg7lcKjd159eHwy2CrL-D6z6Xtp4fij3nan~X32dZignzJwBmm9AFEM~pvdzxFzaiSQDY5-0yeRn6Mqu0H18teRVY3YSmQKsoYFdomf4tq-EzkOUvz9rqE12m74muRem9dUNHiVINKi1yFk5XS78NerntegIGwT4RSmj9iWqxnNa8DrOBi5MxbZgePD4Sor6PlGwYTWqSSHJEmt78CBjsfiuUuYB~QB0KHK6V0fDVSCjlzIJWXL9okK2e8uULhfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Walnut Creek City Council on April 15 adopted a resolution approving the issuance of tax‑exempt revenue bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA) in an amount not to exceed $65,000,000 to finance acquisition and construction for an affordable rental project at 699 Ignacio Valley Road, referred to in staff materials as Civic Crossing.

Jennifer Yamas, the city housing analyst, introduced the item and said the hearing was conducted pursuant to the federal Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) and California Government Code procedures for joint powers authority bond issuances. Jared Suzuki, financial advisor with CMFA, explained that the issuer is a joint powers authority that helps local governments and nonprofit organizations issue tax‑exempt and taxable debt; he emphasized that the city bears no legal or financial obligation for repayment and that bond documents include a disclaimer that repayment is not an obligation of the city.

The resolution approves CMFA’s proposed issuance of bonds for the benefit of RCD Housing (RCDGP LLC / YVR LP) to finance a qualified residential rental project of up to 93 units, with a not‑to‑exceed bond amount of $65 million. City staff reported a financial closing date scheduled for May 15, 2025 and said construction would start shortly thereafter.

Council members voted unanimously to adopt the resolution. The record indicates the city’s action was solely to satisfy TEFRA public‑hearing requirements; the project’s financing and construction will proceed under CMFA and the project sponsor’s schedules. Norma Guzman, project manager for Civic Crossing, was in the chamber to answer project‑specific questions if needed.","The council adopted a resolution under TEFRA approving the California Municipal Finance Authority’s issuance of tax‑exempt revenue bonds—up to $65 million—to finance Civic Crossing, a 93‑unit affordable rental project at 699 Ignacio Valley Road.",{"_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},6602499,"Walnut Creek council introduces zoning changes to cut multifamily parking minimums",224,5245000,5469000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3001277-82f84a60f97f10ef366b762a22039957&start=5245&end=5469","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3001277-82f84a60f97f10ef366b762a22039957/thumbnail_5245000.jpg","/articles/6602499/Walnut-Creek-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Walnut-Creek-council-introduces-zoning-changes-to-cut-multifamily-parking-minimums","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602499-3a28e25211ae8e8959a4ccdb0284b101/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194528&Signature=PxCsyHHez9kF-PgFA3tM1zO4KYGuKUSMCMnDpf6Knz2EdrhhUpUYnXuPGi-dzqTI4tNMbRN-8LsEqY-Ihu1oiFO9CJiDr9CpAyn14PWwrVRVfpdQ8f9593-tDTox53TKCM8LspBy5GNa37HusVsKOHv7FmgOOpkOvV3mSYB4GAIIjfAPg8oGOpJIfq0iDuIfOaBj3WNURAobOp1h~gvSfFQLavr5LJN3eRdddpPFlR-84tHWn7SPHBvGkk984y0Z5zvr7412E987Ig-BATdFkVk6n12-FF6I9TfCNrUsVhNyjj54x9oiGwGvVEi2Mt6QXAb4PH5AgpSu0G9dx-yZvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Walnut Creek City Council on April 15 waived the reading and introduced an ordinance to amend the zoning code’s off‑street parking and transportation demand management provisions for multifamily residential development.

Staff presented a rightsizing study and four policy options. The council directed staff at an earlier meeting to proceed with “Option C — Flexible Demand.” Under the proposed ordinance introduced April 15, the new minimums would be 0.5 parking spaces for studio units, 1.0 space for one‑bedroom units, and 1.25 spaces for units with two or more bedrooms for multifamily developments not within half‑mile transit‑proximate exemptions.

Transportation planner Henry Rood told council the rules were built from on‑the‑ground occupancy surveys at multifamily sites around the city, and the flexible‑demand option was designed to align new minimums close to observed parking demand while allowing developers some additional flexibility. Rood said the city’s existing requirements would have required roughly 1,150 spaces to be built at the study sites while observed occupancy was about 765 spaces, indicating significant excess in required parking under current code.

Council members described the change as an opportunity to encourage redevelopment of underused surface parking into housing. The ordinance was introduced by council motion and will return for a second reading and potential adoption on May 6. Staff said units sited within a half mile of major transit (e.g., BART) remain subject to state exemptions that already limit local parking minimum authority.

The council’s action was limited to introducing the ordinance; design and entitlement review for specific development proposals will follow separate public processes.","The City Council waived further reading and introduced an ordinance to lower multifamily off‑street parking minimums under a ‘flexible demand’ option, reducing required spaces for studios, one‑bedroom and multi‑bedroom units and setting a second reading for May 6.",{"_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},6602501,"Contra Costa Water District and East Bay MUD brief Walnut Creek council on supply, infrastructure and resilience",790,478000,1268000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3001277-82f84a60f97f10ef366b762a22039957&start=478&end=1268","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3001277-82f84a60f97f10ef366b762a22039957/thumbnail_478000.jpg","/articles/6602501/Walnut-Creek-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Contra-Costa-Water-District-and-East-Bay-MUD-brief-Walnut-Creek-council-on-supply-infrastructure-and-resilience","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602501-55432b155e766ea486d878241269eed8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194528&Signature=bCGZSKQ9IEvz8EyWb5qKH05ksG2e5-bwXoFpofc4zqtpoLHtENqdHQ0TcHrX5-YCaEOPSOGWPauHeNEwIwtblZRfcycaNXFw9o8F6v2UdhbSbK4ETHUJT58FSn9fZnwemzxgWvJCLdW9n-rOz4qYFmdutgE4tkCTEV1H4b1CdkPTh6VQz5SIjz5WALA6b24RiiII9FiAdzcpFnvEK9ffmZtQotlQw6~3eHWCZlKH9cAu8NZlraDDhlbINKGLcuit-9DIBRDYzSmHW~aX-tVcf0qth3M3HeS61Pqn5cxTC65xZaEDifZZCi~W38ysv4UP-mCiNlP237QEt1fuxW4H4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ernesto Avila, president of the Contra Costa Water District, and Luz Gomez, Ward 2 director for the East Bay Municipal Utility District, briefed the Walnut Creek City Council on April 15 about regional water supply, infrastructure projects and emergency planning.

Avila told the council that Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) supplies treated water across the region and that “we get about 99% of our water from the Bureau of Reclamation” via the Central Valley Project. He said CCWD serves about 520,000 people in its service area and that Los Vaqueros Reservoir and Lake Shasta are key supply indicators. Avila described an aging open‑channel Contra Costa Canal — roughly 80 years old — as driving current planning and financing needs, and estimated the canal replacement program could top $1.5 billion. He said CCWD has already piped nearly five miles of the first reach and runs a pipeline renewal program replacing about three to four miles of pipeline each year.

Gomez, who represents Ward 2 on East Bay MUD’s board, said East Bay MUD serves about 1.4 million customers, maintains roughly 4,200 miles of pipe and operates seven reservoirs and six treatment plants. “Right now, we’re doing really well, thanks to a robust rainy season. We are at about 103% of the average amount of fullness for all of our system,” she said, noting the agency expects reservoirs to remain near full through the end of the water year on Sept. 30.

Both speakers described climate change effects on water operations. Avila said Delta inflows are increasingly episodic — heavy bursts rather than steady rain — forcing managers to capture water when it arrives and to operate multiple intakes and pumps. Gomez described impacts to water quality from wildfires and algal blooms and identified the Walnut Creek Water Treatment Plant pre‑treatment project as the district’s major local investment; she said Phase 1 construction is planned to begin in 2027, and that Phase 2 would expand capacity if future demand and quality trends require it.

Avila outlined CCWD preparedness steps taken since 1995, including about $130 million on seismic and reliability improvements, redundancy between treatment plants and coordination with fire agencies and refineries. He said the canal has significant operational challenges — landslides during big storms and an estimated roughly 10% water loss along the open canal due to leaks — and that piping the canal would be a multi‑generational project meant to reduce losses and improve safety.

Gomez described East Bay MUD emergency measures including backup power for facilities, a fleet of portable generators to respond to Public Safety Power Shutoffs, watershed management (grazing, fuel breaks and prescribed burns) to reduce wildfire risk, reservoir pre‑filling on red flag days for firefighting, and testing and maintenance of about 31,000 hydrants. She also noted invasive species risk after the golden mussel was found in the Delta; East Bay MUD has closed boat ramps and urged public reports to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Both agencies discussed alternative supplies. Avila said CCWD currently provides about 10% recycled water regionally and expects recycled water to grow toward roughly 15% over 15–20 years; Gomez said East Bay MUD participated in a regional evaluation of desalination and is watching direct potable reuse regulations. Gomez also said East Bay MUD’s recent cost‑of‑service study indicates modest rate increases are likely: “The median single family residential water bill will increase by about 12¢ per day, in fiscal year 26, and by about 14¢ per day in fiscal year 27.”

Council members asked about groundwater use (both agencies said groundwater is a very small share of local supply), how the CCWD canal replacement would affect the canal right‑of‑way (pipeline alignment will reduce the footprint but require continued maintenance access), and why Walnut Creek is served by two separate districts (a historical pattern of earlier service boundaries and mergers). Both agencies encouraged public tours of treatment facilities and provided web addresses for rebates and conservation programs.

The presentation closed with council members thanking the agencies for the update and noting follow‑up opportunities on rate and project details as those items move through the agencies’ public processes.","Representatives from Contra Costa Water District and East Bay Municipal Utility District gave the Walnut Creek City Council an overview of current water supplies, major infrastructure projects and emergency preparedness, including a multi‑billion‑dollar canal replacement and local treatment plant upgrades.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council backs AUHSD Measure T parcel tax in consent calendar vote

City staff brief council on Builders Remedy, state housing timelines and local implications

Council approves resolution for CMFA bonds to finance 699 Ignacio Valley Road affordable housing (Civic Crossing)

Walnut Creek council introduces zoning changes to cut multifamily parking minimums

Contra Costa Water District and East Bay MUD brief Walnut Creek council on supply, infrastructure and resilience