Public speakers urge volunteers for food drive; Aquatics Foundation reports $655,000 pledged toward new aquatic center

Several community speakers used the public‑comment portion of the Sept. 16 Walnut Creek City Council meeting to promote volunteer and fundraising efforts tied to local service and the proposed aquatic center.

Diane Young, co‑chair of Walnut Creek Community Service Day, said the 2025 food drive is set for Sept. 27 and asked for volunteers to staff collection sites at local grocery stores and other collection points. Young said the drive will again support Contra Costa Food Bank and reminded residents that every dollar donated buys roughly two meals.

Jim King, chair of fundraising for the Walnut Creek Aquatic Foundation, told the council the foundation’s campaign to raise $3 million toward the cost of a new aquatic center has secured about $655,000 in pledges and cash — roughly 22% of the stated goal. King said donations to date range from $100 to $300,000, that three naming opportunities have been claimed and that the foundation plans continued outreach to major donors and grant‑making institutions. He encouraged council support and public participation in upcoming events and noted the foundation’s website, wcaquatics.org, for contributions.

Representatives from Assemblymember Avila Farias’ district office, Kayla Trenage and Sofia Kleeman, introduced themselves as new field representatives and listed several upcoming district events including a fall harvest festival and a turkey giveaway; they urged collaboration between the assembly office and the city.

Separately during the meeting, council members presented a proclamation recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month; Francisco Rios of Monument Crisis Center accepted the proclamation and provided statistics on the nonprofit’s clients and programs.

Council members responded to the public speakers with thanks and information about volunteer sign‑ups and future opportunities for comment and participation.