Good morning and happy Friday, Walnut Creek! Today is our 100th issue, and we have an exciting mix of news and events to celebrate. Get the latest updates on charges filed against the suspected driver in the recent hit-and-run accident, and mark your calendar for the "Rock the Plaza" free live concerts in Lafayette every Friday evening. Plus, we've added even more weekend events and tons of live music for you to enjoy. Thank you for being part of this journey with us—here's to the next 100 issues! We also have a surprise for Monday’s issue 🤫

In today’s Walnut Creek Spotlight:

• Charges filed against suspected driver in hit and run accident

• Rock the Plaza: Free Live Concerts in Lafayette Every Friday Evening!

• Even More Weekend Events Added

• Tons of Live Music

- Walnut Creek Spotlight Team

P.S. Remember our birthday shoutouts when you refer one person to our newsletter! 🥳

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Charges filed against suspected driver in hit and run accident

Two victims remain hospitalized

Walnut Creek Police on Wednesday presented the case from Sunday’s hit-and-run accident to the District Attorney’s office, and the DA filed significant charges against a 33-year-old man from Vallejo, Jose Chavez.  Chavez is charged with two counts each of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing serious bodily injury, hit and run causing serious bodily injury or death, and an enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury or death during the commission of a felony.  Chavez remains in the Contra Costa County Jail with bail set at $260,000.

The charges stem from an incident on Sunday, June 2, prior to the regular opening of the Farmers Market in downtown Walnut Creek.  Around 5:15 that morning, Walnut Creek Police received a call of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident in the area of Locust St. near Cole Avenue. When officers arrived on scene, they located the two people who had been struck by an SUV and sustained major injuries. They were transported to the hospital, where they remain in critical condition.

The suspect vehicle was located by an officer, and Chavez was arrested at the scene. This case continues to be under investigation, and the names of the victims are not being released at this time. 

If you or someone you know has information about this case, please contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-943-5844 or call the Anonymous Tip Line at 925-943-5865.

Further details:

Case Number:  24-15390

Media Contact: Lt. Bruce Jower, [email protected]

Arrested:        Jose Chavez, 33 years old, Vallejo

Charges:         CVC 23153(A)- DUI Alcohol: Causing serious bodily Injury- 2 counts

                       CVC 20001(A)- Hit and Run causing serious bodily injury or death- 2 counts

                       PC 12022.7(b)- Enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury or death during the Commission of a felony - 2 counts   

Rock the Plaza: Free Live Concerts in Lafayette Every Friday Evening!

Join the excitement every Friday evening in downtown Lafayette for the Rock the Plaza FREE LIVE Concert Series. The event is perfect for families and music enthusiasts alike, with live performances from 6pm to 8pm at Lafayette Plaza, located at the corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Moraga Road.

Concert Lineup:

• June 7: Other People’s Money

• June 14: Midnight Flyer

• June 21: Bay Bridge Beat

• June 28: Lamorinda Idol Finalists

In addition to the music, there are fun activities for children provided by i9 Sports on June 7 and All Ages Recreation Downtown on June 7, 14, and 21. Enjoy complimentary popcorn from The Park Theater Trust on June 14 and 21, and capture the memories with photography by BlueGoo Photography on the same dates.

Don’t miss out on learning about various community programs, such as the early bird discount for October’s Lafayette Res Run for Education and the Summer Bike Challenge by 511 Contra Costa. Stay updated on events at the Town Hall Theatre and other city news and programs from the City of Lafayette.

The Rock the Plaza Concert Series serves as a prelude to the renowned Lafayette Art & Wine Festival. Mark your calendars for this year’s festival on September 21 and 22. For more information, visit the official website.

EVENTS

Theatre

Chicken, Chitlins and Caviar | 6/8 - 6/9 | Lesher Center for the Arts | This 90-minute musical review celebrates African American culture through a blend of jazz, classical music, and gospel, offering an emotionally rich experience.

Best of San Francisco Stand Up Comedy | Lesher Center for the Arts | 6/15 - 8/31 on Saturdays | New generation of comedic talent with the "Best of San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy" tour, featuring some of the hottest up-and-coming acts in the Bay Area.

Cabaret | 5/26 - 6/23 | Lesher Center for the Arts | Don't miss Center REP's season finale, the Tony Award-winning musical Cabaret, set in 1920s Berlin with its provocative storyline, scintillating choreography, and acclaimed score

Community

Backyard BBQ Neighborhood Party | Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church | Saturday 6/9 | Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church will host a free Backyard BBQ Neighborhood Party on June 9, 2024, from 4 to 7 PM. The event includes live music, children's crafts, an inflatable slide, dancing, and a raffle. Two Off the Grid food trucks will provide meals, and attendees can participate in a food drive by donating Pop-Top hearty soups at the Welcome Table.

Farmer’s Market Walnut Creek | Locust St | Sundays at 9 AM | The Walnut Creek Market, open Sundays 9 am-1 pm year-round on Locust Street, offers local produce, supports sustainability, and provides free first-hour parking at Grower’s Square; only certified service animals are allowed.

Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market | Shadelands | Saturdays at 9 AM | Located in Walnut Creek's Shadelands Business Park, the Diablo Valley Farmers' Market, open Saturdays 9 AM to 1 PM with over 40 vendors, features fresh Brentwood produce, a Kid’s Craft Corner, and is a family favorite, having been voted #1 in America’s Favorite Farmers’ Market contest.

Shadelands Ranch Classic Car Show | Sunday 6/9 | 10 AM | The Walnut Creek Historical Society is hosting the annual Shadelands Ranch Classic Car Show on Sunday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Shadelands Ranch Museum, featuring stunning classic cars, live music, food, and tours of the historical site; admission is free.

Meditation hosted by the Divya Babaji Sushumna Kriya Yoga Foundation | Fridays at 10:30 AM | Walnut Creek Library | The meditation will be simple, effective, and designed for contemporary times to suit the needs of our community’s Holistic health – Physical, Mental, Emotional, Social health and Spiritual well-being. Meditation will take place seated in chairs and there will be time for questions after the session. No registration is required and beginners are always welcome.

👉 CLICK TO SEE OUR FULL CALENDAR 👈

LIVE MUSIC & DANCE

Friday

40oz TO FREEDOM (Sublime Tribute) + FIRE PEACH (90s Rock Covers) | Retro Junkie | Friday 6/7 | 6 PM | Two great bands, one great night! 

Spazmatics | Friday 6/7 | 9 PM | Dan’s Irish Sports Bar | Live Music Friday

Saturday

BOMBSHELL BLONDIE (Blondie Tribute) & HORMONES (Ramones Tribute) | Retro Junkie | Saturday 6/8 | 6 PM | PLUS after- show party w/ DJ J ESPINOSA Spinning 80s, 90s + early 00s at 10:30pm

Live Music | Saturdays at 5 PM | Mike Hess Brewing

My So Called Band | Saturday 6/8 | 9 PM | Dan’s Irish Sports Bar | Live Music Saturday

Dance the Night Away with Live Tunes at La Fontaine's Twilight Lounge

La Fontaine in Walnut Creek is hosting a live music event this Saturday from 6-9 PM, featuring @alesa_star and @epstarproductions. The evening includes delicious dishes and continues at the Twilight Lounge from 9 PM with craft cocktails, bites, and music by @djadamcova. Secure your table here.

REAL ESTATE

*Email us if you want a home or rental featured in this new section.

Become A Walnut Creek Spotlight Sponsor

Are you a brand new or established business looking to reach people in Walnut Creek? We are looking for locally owned businesses that would like to become a Walnut Creek Spotlight sponsor. Contact our sales team today about our powerful ad options to reach over 4,100 Walnut Creek locals.

We Could Use Your Help

We have big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in the Walnut Creek East Bay and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Walnut Creek Spotlight with them! It’s simple!

👇👇👇

Thank you for reading Walnut Creek Spotlight today! If you enjoyed it, please share it with someone who might appreciate it too.

Don't forget to check us out on Instagram and Facebook for more updates and community highlights.

I love hearing from you! If there's anything you'd like to see more or less of, please reply to this email and let me know.

Was this email shared with you? Sign up here

Want to advertise to over 4,300 locals? Reply to this email.