In this Walnut Creek Spotlight Issue…

 ❓ Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Walnut Creek, CA Weather - Clear 71 Degrees High

 🇲🇽 Who Has The Best Mexican Food In Walnut Creek? (Last Day To Vote)

 📅 Weekend Events For All Ages

 🔥 California May Say Goodbye to Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in Schools with New Food Dye Ban

☘️ St. Patrick's Day Feast at Bounty Hunter: A Weekend of Culinary Delights!

 🌼 Art and Joy Spring Forth: A Celebration of Global Cultures in Walnut Creek

🗓️ Know of Some Local Events not Listed? Send Us The Details!

 📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

 😂 Viral Meme

 🏢 Support Walnut Creek Local Businesses

Upcoming Local Events

Friday, March 15th

• NO DUH (No Doubt Tribute) + MY SO-CALLED BAND (90s Rock Covers) @ Retro Junkie - 6 PM

• Line Dancing & Live Music @ Bourbon Highway - 8 PM (Click For Video)

• Ray Charles & Friends @ Lesher Center for the Arts - 7:30 PM (Buy Tickets)

Saturday, March 16th

• Family Art Day @ Shadelands Art Center - 10 AM

• Story Time @ Ruth Bancroft Garden - 10 AM

• Line Dancing & Live Music @ Bourbon Highway - 8 PM

• THE BUTLERS (Vintage 70’s Rock) + ROCK THE NATION (Sammy Hagar Tribute) at Retro Junkie - 6 PM

• Mozart Serenades @ Lesher Center for the Arts - 7:30 PM

• The Great Leap @ Lesher Center for the Arts - 7:30 PM

• Saturday Live Music @ Mike Hess Brewery - 5 PM

• Line Dancing & Live Music @ Bourbon Highway - 8 PM (Click For Video)

• Best of San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy @ Lesher Center for the Arts - 8:15 PM

Sunday, March 17th

• ST. PATRICK’S DAY BASH w/ U2 + The Cranberries Tributes, Food Truck + More! @ Retro Junkie - 1 PM

• The Great Leap @ Lesher Center for the Arts - 2:30 PM

• Mozart Serenades @ Lesher Center for the Arts - 4 PM

👉 CLICK TO SEE OUR FULL CALENDAR 👈

Add Your Event: https://bayareabizfinder.com/events/community/add/

California May Say Goodbye to Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in Schools with New Food Dye Ban

In an ambitious legislative stride, California legislators are scrutinizing Assembly Bill 2316, a proposal poised to dramatically alter the landscape of snack options available in public school environments. This bill specifically targets the eradication of foods containing certain artificial dyes from school premises, placing a spotlight on popular snacks such as Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. At the heart of this legislative effort are synthetic dyes along with titanium dioxide, substances long criticized for their potential health risks, urging food manufacturers to pivot towards natural alternatives for coloring their products.

The motivation behind Assembly Bill 2316 mirrors a deeper, statewide concern regarding the health and nutrition of California's youngest residents. It seeks to realign the nutritional content of school food offerings with the growing body of evidence suggesting the negative impacts of artificial additives on children's health. This bill is part of a broader, concerted effort to purge harmful ingredients from foods accessible to students, dovetailing with recent legislative actions aimed at eliminating "toxic" components in snacks and beverages set to take effect in 2027.

The bill has sparked a vigorous debate among various stakeholders. Critics, advocating for a more science-based approach to food regulation, argue that the measure might undermine the integrity of the nation’s food safety system. They stress the importance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s role in ensuring food safety and question the exclusion of certain dyes without substantial scientific consensus on their harm. On the flip side, supporters of the bill, including environmental and consumer advocacy groups, argue for the necessity of this legislation. They highlight the availability of viable natural coloring alternatives, such as beet juice, turmeric, and pomegranate juice, that could easily replace synthetic dyes without compromising the aesthetic appeal of food products.

This debate underscores a larger conversation about food safety, public health, and the responsibility of educational institutions in fostering a healthy lifestyle among the youth. It positions Assembly Bill 2316 not merely as a legislative proposal but as a catalyst for reevaluating the standards of school nutrition and the role of governmental oversight in safeguarding the well-being of children across California.

St. Patrick's Day Feast at Bounty Hunter: A Weekend of Culinary Delights!

In Walnut Creek, CA, Bounty Hunter is set to host a vibrant St. Patrick's Day celebration this weekend, from March 15th to 17th. Attendees can look forward to an exclusive menu crafted specially for the occasion, including innovative Ruben Egg Rolls, flavorful Corned Beef Sliders, and the indulgent Corned Beef Mac-Attack. Complementing the culinary delights, the establishment is offering a festive drink special: a shot of Jameson paired with a pint of Guinness for just $10. This St. Patrick's Day, Bounty Hunter invites everyone to join in on a weekend filled with delicious food and spirited toasts.

Art and Joy Spring Forth: A Celebration of Global Cultures in Walnut Creek

Join the vibrant celebration at Shadelands Art Center this coming Saturday, March 16th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, as we embrace the Festivals of Spring from around the globe. This enriching day dedicated to art and culture is set to honor the diverse ways spring is welcomed and celebrated worldwide, including Nowruz, Purim, Holi, Easter, St. Patrick's Day, and Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day). The event promises an array of arts activities, captivating performances, and an educational journey through springtime festivities, ensuring an engaging experience for families and participants of all ages.

Activities and Performances

• 10:10 AM: Experience the vibrant beats of Iranian Percussion, setting an energetic start to the festivities.

• 10:30 AM: Marvel at the powerful rhythms of Diablo Taiko, showcasing traditional Japanese drumming.

• 11:00 AM: Join the Contra Costa Library for an enchanting Storytime, featuring tales that celebrate the spirit of spring.

• 12:00 PM: Be moved by the Berkeley Attan Dance Group's presentation, a fusion of dance and cultural storytelling that promises to be a highlight.

• A special appearance by the Easter Bunny will add a magical touch to the day, delighting children and families alike.

Community Partnerships

The event is brought to life with the support of our esteemed community partners, including Azam Rasuli, Nariman Assadi, Berkeley Attan Dance Group, Diablo Taiko, Civic Park Community Center, Contra Costa Library, Bedford Gallery, Clay Arts Guild, and B'nai Shalom, all contributing to a rich tapestry of cultural representation.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, March 16th, 2024

• Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

• Location: Shadelands Art Center, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek, California 94598

• This FREE family-friendly event is a perfect opportunity to explore and appreciate the cultural diversity of spring celebrations. Don't miss this day of art, education, and community spirit!

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