Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Walnut Creek City Council Gets Major Pay Increase

Spotted on the Walnut Creek calendar: The Science And Art Of Conversation

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Good morning Walnut Creek! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Walnut Creek council approves big pay raise after 24-year freeze
  • How state housing laws let Walnut Creek projects soar past height limits
  • When and where can you catch Smuin Ballet in Walnut Creek?

Also on today's calendar: The Science And Art Of Conversation and 11 more events.

Today's riddle: Where do math teachers go on vacation? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Areas of low clouds, then sun, with a high of 81 and low of 55 degrees.
  • Sunday: Areas of low clouds, then sun, temps: high: 79, low: 54.
  • Monday: Areas of low clouds, then sun, with a high of 91 and low of 57 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

1. Walnut Creek City Council Gets Major Pay Increase (patch.com) — Walnut Creek residents will see a significant change in how their City Council is compensated, with members approving an increase from $650 to $1,600 per month starting in December. Officials say the first raise in nearly 25 years is meant to better reflect the 80 to 100 hours of monthly work and make serving on the council more accessible to working residents, parents, and younger community members.
   

2. How Can Developers Legally Build Giant Buildings That Break the 925's Local Zoning? Bay Area Telegraph (bayareatelegraph.com) — Walnut Creek residents are seeing taller, denser housing projects because state laws now let qualifying developments exceed the city's usual height, parking, and zoning limits. This explainer walks through the 89-foot Mt. Diablo Boulevard project and the Mitchell Townhomes builder's-remedy case, showing how affordable units unlock big bonuses and how much control the city has actually lost over new housing.
   

3. Smuin kicks off season in Mountain View with 'French Kiss' (losaltosonline.com) — Smuin Contemporary Ballet is bringing its three-part program "French Kiss" to Walnut Creek on September 18 and 19, giving local audiences a chance to see new and revived works without heading into San Francisco. The evening features a colorful Paris-themed ballet, a world premiere exploring thought through movement, and the emotional "Stabat Mater," all designed to feel fresh and accessible to modern viewers.
   

4. Contra Costa County: What were the best deals for residential properties sold the week of July 27? (eastbaytimes.com) — If you're watching Walnut Creek's housing market, several local properties just changed hands between about $1.14 million and $1.2 million, with prices topping $850 per square foot. This countywide roundup highlights Beacon Ridge Lane, San Miguel Drive, and Mendota Way sales, giving a snapshot of what similar three- and four-bedroom homes are actually closing for now.
   

5. AAA: Labor Day on Track to Set Record at the Pump (tahoedailytribune.com) — Heading into Labor Day weekend, Walnut Creek–area drivers are paying some of the highest gasoline prices ever for this time of year, with California's average at $5.78 per gallon. AAA says high crude oil costs and tight supplies are keeping prices elevated statewide, while also sharing how electricity rates for EV charging compare in California and across the country.
   

📸 Around Walnut Creek

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Sprite/sesame, a dog who went missing in Walnut Creek, CA, has been safely reunited with their family after 2 hours, 15 minutes. Message from Owner:… (Nextdoor Walnut Heights)
  • This official looking sign in the Trader Joes Lafayette parking lot, is it enforceable?
    I saw an elderly woman getting told to move her car by someone in Kabab Burger. I felt bad for her. I thought signs like this need to referencea… (Nextdoor Contra Costa Centre)
  • Walnut Creek School District posted a job opening for Custodian (Evening Shift) - Walnut Creek School District, Northern California - Tice Creek School in Walnut Creek. Apply here.
  • Acosta posted a job opening for Product Demonstrator PT in Walnut Creek. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Walnut Creek here.

Ok Walnut Creek! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Times Square (Thank you Jean K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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