Go 'Behind the Scenes' in Walnut Creek

Oakland Tribune, Sep 17, 2008 by Theresa Harrington

Walnut Creek families are invited to meet the mayor, sit in police vehicles, check out the jail and go backstage at the Lesher Center for the Arts during the city's "Behind the Scenes Day" on Saturday.

At the same time, the city will hold a "Get Involved" volunteer fair featuring 40 different nonprofit groups doling out information about what they do in the community and how residents can help. The city is coordinating this with the Volunteer Center of the East Bay.

"Please come," Mayor Gwen Regalia said during Tuesday's council meeting. "There's no charge."

Regalia, who will step down from the council in November, came up with idea for the open house, said public information officer Brad Rovanpera. Last year, then-Mayor Sue Rainey championed the city's "Going Green" summit.

The city held its first "Behind the Scenes Day" in 1996. Subsequent city open houses have been held intermittently, in 1997, 2001 and 2004, according to Rovanpera.

This year, more than 60 city employees will greet the public, answer questions, give demonstrations and lead facility tours. Historical displays and a sustainable light bulb display will also be set up in City Hall.

The first 200 children who complete special event "passports" by visiting four different locations will be given free ice cream. In addition, free city pins will be given to the first 150 open house visitors.

"The idea behind this event is to let Walnut Creek residents see what happens 'behind the scenes' at City Hall and the Lesher Center for the Arts and to see what the city does on their behalf," Regalia said. "It will be fun for people of all ages and we encourage families to come down and visit me in my office on the third floor of City Hall, see what the inside of a police car looks like and even experience what it's like to be in a jail cell."

Police will also display their bomb truck and robot, SWAT truck, K-9 dog unit, Harley Davidson motorcycle and Police Service Operations vehicle (commonly referred to as a "meter maid" vehicle). The Public Services Department will show off its street sweeper and vacuum truck, which sucks debris out of clogged storm drains, Rovanpera said.

And for people wondering how to use the city's new "pay stations" replacing parking meters, city employees will explain the nuances, which include the ability to "plug the meter" from any pay station downtown, instead of returning to your parking stall. Visitors will also be able to learn about Civic Arts Education programs in the City Council chamber and practice golf putts in the City Hall third floor conference room.

At the volunteer fair, the non-profits include groups that work with youth, seniors, the environment, hospitals, emergency preparedness, and more, said Gayle Vassar, Walnut Creek's community relations manager.

"(There will be) a wide array of opportunities," Vassar said, "with the hope that at least one will fit every fairgoer's passion."

Regalia hopes Walnut Creek residents will take advantage of the special day.

"It will be an unparalleled opportunity to find out how you can help your community," Regalia said. "I hope to see a lot of people at these events."

Reach Theresa Harrington at 925-945-4764 or tharrington@bayareanewsgroup.com.IF YOU GO:

"Behind the Scenes" open house and "Get Involved" volunteer fair

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: City Hall at 1666 N. Main St., and the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek

INFORMATION: www.walnut-creek.org