Good morning, Walnut Creek! We're thrilled to share the latest Walnut Creek City Manager’s Update, including new California laws on rental deposit caps and the junk fee ban. 🎉 Plus, we're celebrating 5,000 subscribers of Walnut Creek Spotlight! 🎉 Check out the fresh weekly events on our calendar and have an amazing day!

In today’s Walnut Creek Spotlight:

• Walnut Creek City Manager’s Update

• 🎉 Celebrating 5,000 Subscribers of Walnut Creek Spotlight! 🎉

• New California Laws: Rental Deposit Cap and Junk Fee Ban Among Highlights

- Walnut Creek Spotlight Team

P.S. We are looking for more advertisers. Do you want to get your business in front of 5,000+ locals daily?

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Walnut Creek City Manager’s Update

Independence Day is almost here, and City Manager Dan Buckshi invites everyone to celebrate with two free concerts by the Walnut Creek Concert Band on July 4. The first concert at 12:45 p.m. is for Rossmoor residents, followed by a 6:00 p.m. performance at Civic Park open to all. Remember, fireworks are illegal in Contra Costa County, so consider attending professional shows in the Bay Area. For questions, email [email protected].

In June, the City Council reviewed its five strategic priorities and introduced a zoning amendment to allow two accessory dwelling units on religious properties. The Council also declared June as Pride Month, recognized Gun Violence Awareness Day, Juneteenth, and celebrated the 50th anniversary of the bond measure that secured 3,000 acres of open space for the city. The next council meetings are on July 18 and July 23, which you can attend in person or watch online.

With hot weather expected, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District urges residents to prepare for fire season by creating defensible space around properties and registering for emergency alerts through WCAlerts and the County's Community Warning System. Marin Clean Energy (MCE) has also allocated $5 million to help households and businesses manage energy costs during high temperatures.

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is asking residents to complete a survey to help develop an integrated transit plan. This plan aims to improve connectivity, reliability, and the overall transit experience. The survey is open until July 15 on the CCTA website.

July will see the return of popular events at the Lesher Center for the Arts, including the Summer Sounds concert series on July 11, 18, and 25, and Fiesta Cultural from July 16-20. The Bedford Gallery will also open its new exhibition, Cut Past Create: The Art of Collage, on July 6.

The Boundary Oak Golf Course is enhancing its driving range with a new Top Tracer Ball Monitoring System and a 7,000 square foot putting green. The Golf Course, Taphouse, and Clubhouse remain open during renovations.

Residents can beat the heat at Larkey Park pool and Clarke Swim Center. The City offers swim lessons, inflatable fun, poolside picnics, and more. Wednesdays in July feature half-off youth admission at Clarke Swim Center.

Starting this fall, the City will offer enrichment afternoons for Transitional Kindergarten (TK) students at the Center for Community Arts - Civic Park, complementing morning TK classes with hands-on learning and play.

The City is accepting applications for the Youth Leadership Commission, which engages 9th to 12th graders in community leadership and provides a youth perspective to the City Council. Applications are due by 10:00 p.m. on August 18.

Read Full Update (link)

🎉 Celebrating 5,000 Subscribers of Walnut Creek Spotlight! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce that we have reached a major milestone – 5,000 subscribers of Walnut Creek Spotlight! To celebrate this special occasion, we have teamed up with Handel’s Ice Cream in downtown Walnut Creek to give away a $100 gift card to one lucky reader.

In the summer heat of 1945, Alice Handel created the sweetest of legacies in Youngstown, Ohio. Using fresh fruit from her backyard garden and her own personal recipes, Alice lovingly made ice cream that quickly became a neighborhood favorite. Handel’s, and a commitment to quality, was born. To this day, Handel’s upholds the traditions Alice started all those years ago. From making each batch fresh daily to using her original methods and recipes, we’re still sharing our homemade ice cream and serving the communities we love so much one scoop at a time.

Visit Handel's at 1273 Locust Street, Walnut Creek, California 94596, or call (925) 951-6555.

To enter the draw, simply refer a friend to Walnut Creek Spotlight by clicking the navy blue button below and sharing your link (it contains your personalized referral code).

Once they’ve signed up, you’ll be entered & we’ll then pick a name at random and announce it Monday 7/8. Good luck! 🤞

New California Laws: Rental Deposit Cap and Junk Fee Ban Among Highlights

Lower Security Deposits for Renters:
Assembly Bill 12 now limits security deposits for unfurnished residential properties to one month’s rent. This new law aims to ease the financial burden on renters. Small landlords with one or two properties are exempt.

Ban on Hidden Fees:
Senate Bill 478 prohibits hidden fees in the advertised prices of hotel reservations, sports tickets, car rentals, and more. This ensures consumers know the total cost upfront, although restaurants may be exempt pending further review.

Tax on Firearms and Ammunition:
Assembly Bill 28 introduces an 11% tax on all firearm and ammunition sales. The funds, estimated at $160 million annually, will support gun violence prevention and education programs.

Suspension Limits in Schools:
Senate Bill 274 bans suspensions for "disruption or willful defiance" in grades K-12. This change addresses concerns about disproportionate impacts on students with disabilities and students of color.

Date-Rape Drug Testing in Bars:
Bars and nightclubs must now provide drug-testing kits and display signs informing patrons of their availability. This measure aims to enhance safety in nightlife settings.

Menstrual Products in Schools:
Assembly Bill 230 expands the requirement for free menstrual products to be stocked in restrooms for students in grades 3 through 5, in addition to grades 6 through 12. This applies to both public and charter schools.

Right to Repair Act:
A new right to repair law requires manufacturers to provide tools, parts, software, and documentation for devices costing over $100 for seven years after production. This empowers consumers to perform their own repairs.

Workplace Violence Prevention:
Senate Bill 553 mandates that businesses create workplace violence prevention plans. These plans must include hazard assessments, emergency protocols, and employee training, with detailed documentation of incidents.

These new laws aim to improve transparency, safety, and fairness for all Californians. Read Full Article (link)

GoFundMe for Lemongrass Farms

The Walnut Creek Farmers' Market has launched a GoFundMe for Lemongrass Farms to support medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost income for two members critically injured in a DUI accident on June 2nd on Locust Street. (link)

NEW EVENTS ADDED

Cut Paste Create Opening Party | July 6, 2024 | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Bedford Gallery, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Free | Join the opening party of "Cut Paste Create: The Art of Collage" and explore a fascinating visual interplay of textures, colors, and forms.

EVENTS

Food & Drink

Trivia + Karaoke Night | Wednesdays at 6 PM | Retro Junkie | Join us for a fun-filled night with free admission, starting at 6 PM with happy hour, followed by pop culture trivia at 7 PM, and karaoke from 8 PM to 1 AM—no RSVP needed!

Trivia | Wednesdays at 6 PM | Mike Hess Brewing | Free to play! Test your knowledge and bring out some loved ones.

Geeks Who Drink Trivia | @ Rotator Taproom - Wednesdays at 6:30 PM

Karaoke Wednesday | @ Bourbon Highway - Wednesdays at 8 PM. Watch Video

Theatre

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.

Cut Paste Create Opening Party | July 6, 2024 | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Bedford Gallery, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Free | Join the opening party of "Cut Paste Create: The Art of Collage" and explore a fascinating visual interplay of textures, colors, and forms.

Community

Hooked on Books | Civic Park Community Center | 1st Tuesday of each month at 12:30 PM | A different book is discussed monthly. 1st Tuesday of the month, 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Qi Gong Drop-In (Seniors) | Civic Park Community Center | Wednesdays at 12 PM | Slow meditative stretching. No experience is needed. Weekly, Wednesdays from 11:50 - 12:10 PM. Civic Park, Assembly Hall.

Mah Jong Drop-In (Seniors) | Civic Park Community Center - Wednesdays at 1 PM

Bingo Drop-In (Seniors) | Civic Park Community Center | Thursdays at 12 PM | 50+ Drop-in activity. Try your luck and have fun!

Yoga in the Park | July 6, 2024 | 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Civic Park Gazebo, 1375 Civic Drive at Broadway, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Free | Join an all-levels, free yoga class at the Civic Park Gazebo. Register online.

Native Plant Growers | July 5, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Civic Park, 1375 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Free | Join the Native Plant Growers at the Native Wildflower Garden in Civic Park. Volunteers who like to garden are welcome. Meets weekly on Fridays.

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.

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.

Kids

Peek-A-Book Storytime | Ygnacio Valley Library | Tuesdays at 10:15 AM | Peek-A-Book Storytime is a playful event for ages 0-2 at Ygnacio Valley Library in Walnut Creek, CA, featuring books, songs, and activities to enhance early literacy skills.

Baby Storytime | Walnut Creek Library | Tuesdays at 12 PM | The Walnut Creek Library hosts Baby Storytime. Parents and caregivers with babies aged 0-1 are invited to enjoy stories, songs, and interactive activities. No registration is required for this engaging and nurturing experience designed for the youngest attendees.

Family Storytime | Thursdays at 10:15 AM | Ygnacio Valley Library

Toddler Storytime & Play | Thursdays at 10:15 AM | Walnut Creek Library | Join us for songs, stories, and movement! Stay after the stories to play! Most appropriate for ages 0-3, but all ages are welcome.

👉 CLICK TO SEE OUR FULL CALENDAR 👈

LIVE MUSIC & DANCE

Salsa Tuesdays | Tuesdays at 6 PM | Retro Junkie | Join Salsa Tuesdays at Retro Junkie for $10, featuring salsa lessons, DJ, and open dancing. Watch Video

Line Dancing Lessons | Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday at 8 PM | Bourbon Highway | Watch Video

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