Check Out The Citizens Institute

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The City of Walnut Creek is bringing back a popular initiative this Fall: the Citizens Institute. I learned a lot about the city when I did it. Participants in the Institute can learn about city operations, tour facilities not often open to the public, and meet City Council Members and key staff.

Applications are being taken through September 20 and the first session will take place on October 8. There is a City Council meet-and-greet TOMORROW (Sept. 11) at my house in Parkmead. My address is 190 Arlene Drive. Please be sure to come by and take advantage of this opportunity. See more below.

Sessions will take place:

  • Tuesday, October 8
  • Saturday, October 19
  • Tuesday, October 22
  • Tuesday, October 29
  • Wednesday, November 6
  • Wednesday, November 20

Anyone who lives or works in Walnut Creek and has an interest in local government is invited to sign up for the Institute. Each class is designed for 25-30 students to encourage discussion, involvement, and interaction.

Candidate DeVinney at San Dai

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Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a “Meet the Candidate” event at San Dai Restaurant on Main St. with Craig DeVinney, who is running for Walnut Creek City Council. He is supportive of Walnut Creek’s pickleball scene and moving our courts from Rudger Park to Tice Creek. He is an ER doctor with a fresh perspective and is supportive of small businesses in Walnut Creek.

It was interesting to attend and to hear his approach! I believe we need to be aware of what our local politicians stand for, as their policies are ones that affect us in a very local way, so ask your favorite candidate how you can support them. Money is always helpful, but you can also help distribute flyers, put up a yard sign, etc. Get out and vote!

On top of all that, I had the chance to experience San Dai. It’s a chef-driven, ingredient-driven menu with local, seasonal produce. Their inspiration comes from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia – all well-known for intense, rich, and spiced food. The Chef, Nora Haron, draws from that region’s influence and contrasts it with Northern California styles to make for really unique meals. We had some appetizers and wine and it made me want to experience their dinner.

The website has some great pictures of the food they serve with some really interesting selections of food, like satay, corn ribs, ceviche, and several entrees of all types of meat. There was also a little coffee bar attached to the side (another coffee bar), but it was closed at that time of day (I’ll try it next time they are open and I’m in the area!). Have you tried San Dai? If so, I would love to hear your feedback.