CINDY’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS & PRIORITIES
Cindy worked to improve public safety for ALL by better training WCPD, fully funding services and implementing an alternative 24/7 mental health response program.
Walnut Creek brought in additional officers, crime analysts and technology to help keep our city safe. And to improve customer service and quality of life, WCPD now has a customer feedback program so anyone interacting with officers can weigh-in on their service. 90% have reported they were treated with respect and 85% held a positive view of the department.
Public safety requires the city to continue strengthening its partnerships with businesses, residents, non-profits, and our first responders. Here are some of the great things that are underway in Walnut Creek:
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL: The city is completing an inventory of Safe Routes to School which will prioritize traffic safety measures around schools. Its recommendations for additional traffic control and calming measures will be a high priority.
PROACTIVE CRIME PREVENTION: WCPD is planning to provide extra patrols to deter organized retail theft during the holiday shopping season while also using tools to monitor activity to both foil thefts before they happen and to apprehend suspects. This proactive response will also track and respond to crime trends.
IMPROVED COMMUNICATION: Walnut Creek’s vibrant downtown night life needs to remain safe for everyone. This requires regular communication with our businesses so they can work with WCPD as part of the team keeping our residents and visitors safe.
TRAINING & INNOVATION: As part of our commitment to fostering a modern and healthy police culture, Cindy will work with WCPD as they to look for training opportunities and innovative assignments so that our officers can continue to develop their skills.
Public Safety
Cindy helped implement a new climate sustainability plan, while keeping MCE Clean Energy rates below those of PG&E-powered cities, reducing carbon pollution by the equivalent of over 3 million gallons of gas.
Walnut Creek also expanded electric vehicle charging, encouraged diversion of waste from the landfill, banned gas powered leaf blowers and implemented innovative projects such as the Transit Signal Priority project and the free downtown shuttle, making it even more convenient to go from BART to downtown.
But there is more to be done! Some of the exciting things Cindy hopes to bring to Walnut Creek include:
RECYCLED WATER: Our climate sustainability plan calls for the city to work with East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) and the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District to offer recycled water for use on parks and golf courses. Cindy is will work in partnership with these agencies, using her long-term relationships with them, and her experience as an environmental scientist, to identify potential recycled water projects.
ASSISTANCE: Helping homeowners and small businesses make their buildings more efficient and switch to greenhouse gas-free electric appliances will take teamwork. Cindy is working to secure grants for local nonprofits to reach out and inform these groups on the economic benefits of these changes. She is also helping MCE develop innovative approaches that make the changes easier. For example, if your gas water heater quits on you, contractors can provide a temporary loaner gas water heater while you do the research and decide if a heat pump water heater would be an improvement.
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS: Many exciting, innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are being developed. They range from old-fashioned tree planting in our open space, to innovative battery storage solutions that save energy during the day and release it at night after the sun goes down. What we learn from these projects should be tracked and integrated into the city’s green programs.
Sustainability
Cindy helped fund and recruit a full team of social workers to assist our homeless, helping them to move out of encampments and into supportive housing and jobs programs.
Since most offices are located far across the Bay, Walnut Creek needs to attract good jobs, while encouraging responsible development that provides a place for working families to live. Cindy has worked hard to attract new businesses, revitalize our downtown, balance the city budget (with strong reserves!) and improve long-term fiscal sustainability and oversight with Measure O.
Walnut Creek has a reputation for being a great place to live, work, and play — but there is always more that we can do to help our residents and our businesses. Here are some of the coming efforts:
STREAMLINED PERMITTING: As we attract new businesses, we must continue to refine and adapt our permitting processes so that navigating it is easier and more efficient. Applicants should be able to get the help they need on a timely basis.
HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION: While Walnut Creek is regularly recognized as a leader in dealing effectively with our homeless, there are gaps such as weekend services and year-round shelter that we need to see if we can fill. We want to be there when folks reach out to get off the streets.
A STRONG GENERAL PLAN: In the coming years, Walnut Creek will be embarking on a general plan update to define how and where it will grow and change in the future. The general plan will be an opportunity to see what we want to preserve and what we’d like to change. Cindy is committed to working in partnership with our residents, neighborhoods, businesses, and future residents so that all voices are heard so we can set Walnut Creek on the path to success.
RECREATION INFRASTUCTURE: Funds from Measure O have made exciting new infrastructure projects possible including lights at Tice, turf at Heather Farm, and of course, the new aquatics and community center coming to Heather Farm. While we work together to implement these exciting new projects, we also need to address current challenges such as finding a long-term home for our pickleball players so they can enjoy the sport they love.