Arts + Rec Safety Protocols

Per the CDC and Contra Costa Health Services recently updated COVID guidance, if you have tested positive for COVID, isolation can end after day 5 if you are symptom and fever free. You must continue to wear a mask through day 10 but no longer need a negative test to end isolation. 

Please see updated guidance here: 

https://www.coronavirus.cchealth.org/for-covid-19-patients

Volunteers/Aides age 18+

ANY volunteer or one-on-one aide* age 18+ who is working with youth, elderly or disabled populations (at risk or highly vulnerable populations) must comply with the City of Walnut Creek’s background screening and mandated reporter training requirements. Any volunteer or aide is required to check in and check out with Walnut Creek Arts + Rec staff.

Background Screening Requirements:

• Must have proof on file of having passed a background screening from the Sterling Volunteers agency within the last year or during their current employment with the agency.
  • The parent or responsible adult for the minor participant is responsible for having their volunteer/aide request a background screening with the coordinator of the program. Walnut Creek Arts + Rec is not responsible for starting the background screening process, which is the responsibility of the parent or responsible adult and the volunteer/aide.
  • The volunteer/aide are required to include their full name and email address in their request to the coordinator of the program.
  • All background screenings must be completed at least 3 weeks prior to the start of the program to provide for enough time to approve and verify information.
  • Due to processing time at the Department of Justice and FBI, it can take multiple weeks to receive results. If possible, request a background screening ASAP even if the start of the program is far out.

Mandated Reporter Training:

• To complete mandated report certification, please visit https://mandatedreporterca.com/training/general-training
• Once completed, please send a copy of your certificate to the coordinator of the program
• Must have proof on file of having attended and completed a mandated reporter training within the last 1 year
  • Please note; certificates from mandatedreporterca.com have an expiration window of two years. To fulfill the City requirement of annual renewal you will need to click “Add Course” and select “General Training” to complete training and certification every year.
• If no proof is available, individual must attend a Mandated Reporter training and provide proof to City of Walnut Creek.
  • Mandated Reporter training can be provided by Walnut Creek Arts + Rec and takes approximately 2 hours to complete either online or in person. The aide does not need to pay for access to the training, but they will not be paid for their time to take the training.

* A one-on-one aide is a person who is at a camp, class or program and only assisting with a specific participant. These aides are usually paid for and supplied by the family of the participant. This aide must show proof of background screening and mandated reporter training before the start of any program they attend. Walnut Creek Arts + Rec must maintain on file contact information, emergency contact information, proof of fingerprinting clearance & certification of having successfully completed the mandated reporter training prior to the one-on-one aide being on site.

** reputable is defined as being a respected and legitimate business or organization, such as the school district, a social services organization, nonprofit or otherwise. A non-reputable agency is something that is completely unaffiliated with any sort of community service, recreation or leisure service.

Limited Exception:
For “one off” volunteers age 18+ working in the above setting, as long as another staff member who is background screened and has completed Mandated Reporter training is physically present at all times with the volunteer, that volunteer can assist for a limited amount of time.

• For example, assisting in a camp activity for 1 day, reading a story during preschool, a parent coming in to support their child during an activity, etc.

Youth Volunteers/Aides (under age 18)

For any minor volunteer/aide, background screening and mandated reporter training are not required. It is highly encouraged that the youth go through a background screening process through Sterling Volunteers.       

• Walnut Creek Arts + Recreation must maintain on file contact information, emergency contact information, and pick up/drop off logistics for any youth volunteers.

For the latest policies and information, visit Lesher Center for the Arts.

Arts + Recreation will monitor the current air quality index (AQI) using www.AirNow.gov, along with several other sources when classes and programs are in session. AQI is monitored before the start time of programs and throughout the day.

The following index is provided by AirNow. Air quality can be checked by visiting the website and entering your zip code. The website will provide a map of the area and past, current and predicted air quality.

When the AQI is 101 and above (ORANGE and beyond), programs and classes for participants with increased health risks and seniors will be moved indoors (if possible). If programs cannot be moved indoors, they will be rescheduled or cancelled.

When the AQI is 150 and above (RED and beyond), all outdoor programs and classes will be moved indoors (if possible), rescheduled, or cancelled.

City swim centers and sports fields will be closed and all programs rescheduled or cancelled at AQI 150 and above (RED and beyond). Wind and ash will also be assessed with the AQI and closures may take place before the index reaches AQI 150 if deemed appropriate by staff. Closures will extend until air quality improves.

Aquatics facility closures will be posted to Aquatics.

Sports fields facility closures will be posted to the field hotline at 925-256-3574 and online at Field Conditions.

When AQI is 100 and below (YELLOW and below) outdoor aquatics programs are safe to run. We support outdoor user groups/renters in their decision to cancel their programs if levels are in the YELLOW range.

We will monitor AQI using AirNow, along with several other sources. When the AQI is 101-150 (ORANGE) programs for participants with increased health risks, seniors, and preschool age youth should be rescheduled, moved indoors (if possible) or cancelled. We will cancel all aquatics programs and close the swim centers at AQI 150 and above (RED and above). Wind and ash will also be assessed with the AQI and closures may take place before the index reaches AQI 150 if deemed appropriate by staff.

Staff will monitor the AQI throughout the day. Even if there is a decision to reopen for a certain timeslot, staff may close the facility again if AQI rises above 150.

On the weekends if the AQI rises above 150 at any point the facilities will be closed for the day.

If programs are running as scheduled or able to be moved indoors, no refunds or credits will be offered for lack of participation due to weather.

If programs are closed/cancelled and unable to be rescheduled, participants will receive a prorated credit for pre-paid fees for impacted classes, lap swim reservations, and events for program cancellations due to air quality. Staff will process credits within 72 hours of closures.

When the AQI reaches 200, the Course will close tee times for the duration of the day as well as the driving range. While golfers will be on the course we will offer a raincheck to them as they complete the first 9 holes or let them complete their round. If air quality is trending up to 200, staff will be prepared to call, text or email golfers with tee times yet to be played that day and advise them we are closed due to AQI. This is subject to change based on conflicting conditions that do not align with AQI readings, i.e., nearby fires, ash, winds and PG&E.

Arts + Recreation staff may close indoor facilities if the AQI is 200 and above (PURPLE and beyond) if appropriate. The air quality will be monitored by staff before the start of programs.

If the AQI is under 200 (RED and below) before the start of a program, indoors programs will run as scheduled. If the air quality index shifts to above 200 (PURPLE and beyond) during the hours a program is running, staff will remain onsite and continue the program until the scheduled end time. Staff will contact participants and / or parents with the AQI information and the choice to leave the program early.

If the air quality index is 200 and above (PURPLE and beyond) before the start of a program, indoor programs will be rescheduled or cancelled. Participants will be notified by email and all closures will be listed on our program websites.

If programs are running as scheduled or able to be moved indoors, no refunds or credits will be offered for lack of participation due to weather.

If programs are closed/cancelled and unable to be rescheduled, participants will receive a prorated credit for pre-paid fees for impacted classes, lap swim reservations, and events for program cancellations due to air quality. Staff will process credits within 72 hours of closures.

If the outage is a planned PSPS or power outage, participants and any other facility groups will be notified of the affected facility(ies). Notices will also be posted on each of our facilities of the planned outage.

If the outage is unannounced or immediate, our priority will be to communicate immediately affected groups of the impacted facility(ies), as well as upcoming groups who may be impacted. Notices will also be posted on each of our facilities of the current status of the outage.

If the outage is a planned PSPS or power outage, we will relocate all appropriate programming to unaffected facilities as possible. If all facilities are affected, all programs will be suspended. 

If the outage is unannounced or immediate,  we will relocate all appropriate programming to unaffected facilities as possible. If all facilities are affected, all programs will be suspended. 

If the outage is a planned PSPS or power outage, participants will be offered a refund depending on if classes were cancelled or if a make-up date is offered.

If the outage is unannounced or immediate, and we are not able to move the programming to a appropriate facility, impacted participants will be offered a refund depending on if a make up date can be offered.

If the outage is a planned PSPS or power outage, updates and communication will be broadcast via social media, websites, and other channels of communication. If the event must be postponed, communication will be sent to impacted registrants on rescheduling. Refunds can be issued for tickets purchased to performances or other paid events. 

If the outage is unannounced or immediate, oupdates and communication will be broadcast via social media, websites, and other channels of communication. If the event must be postponed or cancelled, refunds will be issued for tickets purchased to performances or other paid events.