Issue #057

Leadership Change in Walnut Creek, Native American Art at Bedford, & Shrek Musical Madness!

April 08, 2024

In This Walnut Creek Spotlight Issue… 

Walnut Creek Seeks New Leadership as Assistant City Manager Heads to Arizona

 Re-Discovering Native America: A New Exhibition at Bedford Gallery

 Shrek and Friends Take Walnut Creek by Storm in Youth-Led Musical Extravaganza

🗓️ Know Of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send Us The Details!

 📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

Question: Which renowned garden in Walnut Creek is celebrated for its collection of unique succulents, cacti, and drought-tolerant plants from around the world, and is recognized for its founder's pioneering work in drought-tolerant gardening?

A) The Walnut Creek Botanical Garden

B) The Ruth Bancroft Garden

C) The Heather Farm Garden

D) The Diablo Foothills Garden

(See bottom of the newsletter for the answer.)

Partner With Us To Reach Our Local Audience

Advertising Opportunities: [email protected]

Walnut Creek Seeks New Leadership as Assistant City Manager Heads to Arizona

After nearly six years of impactful service in Walnut Creek, Assistant City Manager Teri Killgore is transitioning to a new role as the Economic Development Director for Scottsdale, Arizona. During her tenure in Walnut Creek, Killgore played a pivotal role in the city's economic development initiatives, notably leading the transition to outdoor dining amid the pandemic and addressing significant business community issues. Her departure marks the end of a period where she leveraged over 18 years of management experience across various cities to contribute to Walnut Creek's growth. City Manager Dan Buckshi has lauded Killgore's contributions and announced that the search for a new Assistant City Manager will commence shortly, aiming to fill the void left by Killgore's departure.

Re-Discovering Native America: A New Exhibition at Bedford Gallery

The Bedford Gallery invites the public to the opening of "Re-Discovering Native America: Stories in Motion with The Red Road Project" on April 13, 2024, from 12:30 to 2:30 PM. This exhibition showcases the vibrant narratives and resilience of contemporary Indigenous communities through the lens of The Red Road Project. Visitors can look forward to engaging with the stories of modern Native American cultures, viewing impactful portrait photography by Carlotta Cardana and Danielle SeeWalker, and appreciating sculpture from renowned Native American artists. The event promises an enlightening experience with light refreshments and opportunities to meet the project's cofounders.

Shrek and Friends Take Walnut Creek by Storm in Youth-Led Musical Extravaganza

In a delightful return to the stage, "Shrek the Musical JR" is set to enchant audiences at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, California. Scheduled for performances on April 11th and 12th, 2024, this amusing theatrical experience promises to immerse families in a "big bright beautiful world." The beloved ogre Shrek takes the lead in a whimsical journey alongside a band of fairytale outcasts, all in a quest to save a princess and seek acceptance. This production uniquely features the talented young actors from the Moraga Parks & Recreation department and St. Perpetua School, making it a showcase of budding talent.

The show is a family-friendly affair, offering an array of humorous characters, dynamic dance numbers, and catchy tunes that are sure to leave the audience singing long after the curtains close. With a runtime of approximately 75 minutes and no intermission, it's an ideal outing for the entire family. The performances are divided between the two groups, with St. Perpetua School taking the stage on April 11th at 5:00 PM and April 12th at 7:30 PM, while Moraga Parks & Recreation will perform on April 11th at 7:30 PM and April 12th at 5:00 PM.

Community

Tai Chi: @ Walnut Creek Library - Mondays at 10:15 AM Learn More

Hooked on Books: @ Civic Park Community Center - 1st Tuesday of each month at 12:30 PM Learn More

Qi Gong Drop-In (Seniors): @ Civic Park Community Center - Wednesdays at 12 PM

Bridge Drop-In (Seniors): @ Civic Park Community Center - Wednesdays at 12:30 PM

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

Native Plant Growers: @ Civic Park Community Center - Fridays at 11 AM

Farmer’s Market Walnut Creek: @ Locust St - Sundays at 9 AM. Learn More

Kids

Peek-A-Book Storytime: @ Ygnacio Valley Library - Tuesdays at 10:15 AM Learn More

Baby Storytime: @ Walnut Creek Library - Tuesdays at 12 PM Learn More

Family Storytime: @ Ygnacio Valley Library - Thursdays at 10:15 AM Learn More

Toddler Storytime & Play: @ Walnut Creek Library - Thursdays at 10:15 AM Learn More

Arts & Crafts

Food & Drink

Trivia + Karaoke Night: @ Retro Junkie - Wednesdays at 6 PM

Trivia: @ Mike Hess Brewing - Wednesdays at 6 PM

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

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

Live Music/Dance

Salsa Tuesdays: @ Retro Junkie - Tuesdays at 6 PM. Watch Video

Line Dancing Lessons: @ Bourbon Highway - Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday at 8 PM. Watch Video

ROSES N’ GUNS (Guns N’ Roses Tribute) + MAIDEN UNITED (Iron Maiden Tribute) @ Retro Junkie- 4/6 at 6 PM. Learn More

Theatre

The Great Leap: @ Lesher Center of the Arts - 3/16 - 4/7. Tickets

Best of San Francisco Stand Up Comedy: @ Lesher Center of the Arts - 2/24 - 8/31 on Saturdays. Tickets

Please Support Our Walnut Creek Businesses 👇

Hi-Definition Barbershop

Cardona Landscaping

Elevate your wellness journey with TruMobility's unparalleled training and rehab services —beginning with a complimentary movement assessment for all new members.

Become A Walnut Creek Spotlight Sponsor

Are you a brand new or established business looking to become known in our Walnut Creek community? We are looking for locally-owned businesses that would like to become a Walnut Creek Spotlight sponsor! Sponsorships can include:

  • Hero or Section banners

  • Logo

  • Video

  • Print

  • Spotlight Directory

  • & More…

Reach out to us at [email protected]

We Want To Spotlight Local Businesses!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Walnut Creek area residents in an upcoming issue of Walnut Creek Spotlight? Apply Here. Not a business owner, but love a local business? Tell us all about it - send us an email at [email protected]

The Answer to the Walnut Creek Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇

B) The Ruth Bancroft Garden

The Ruth Bancroft Garden stands out as a world-renowned 3.5-acre garden, notable for its extensive collection of succulents, cacti, and plants that thrive in arid conditions. Its founder, Ruth Bancroft, lived to the impressive age of 109 and was a trailblazer in the field of drought-tolerant gardening. The Garden is open to the public year-round, showcasing stunning blooms in every season and offering a variety of educational programs and workshops​ (Tripadvisor)​​ (Bae Area and Beyond)​.

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!

👇👇👇

How Did We Do In This Issue Of Walnut Creek Spotlight?

How did we do on today's issue?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.