TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Walnut Creek! As the sun peeks over the hills and the day begins to unfold, I'm here with your essential morning brew of news, tips, and local highlights. Whether you're sipping your coffee or gearing up for a busy day, take a moment to catch up on what's happening around town and beyond. Let's make today fantastic!

In today’s Walnut Creek Spotlight:

• Show Mom Love with a Handcrafted Tote: Join Walnut Creek's Creative Workshop!

• Handel's Homemade Ice Cream Debuts in Walnut Creek Today

• April Oversight Committee Meeting Highlights Progress on Measure O Fund Allocation

• Walnut Creek Celebrates Community Champions and Proclaims Important Initiatives

- Walnut Creek Spotlight Team

WEATHER

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FEATURED EVENT

Show Mom Love with a Handcrafted Tote: Join Walnut Creek's Creative Workshop!

Walnut Creek's Landa Ruen Art is hosting a delightful event for Mother's Day—a Tote Bag Decorating Workshop. This creative affair is designed to give children an opportunity to make something special for their moms or any beloved figure in their life. During the event, the kids will decorate tote bags with screen printing ink and stamps, making each creation unique and personal. Aimed at fostering a fun environment, the workshop is a drop-in event suitable for children aged five and older. Participants can arrive anytime between 3 PM to 5 PM, and they can expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour crafting their special gift.

Landa encourages early registration as space may be limited, ensuring every young artist gets a chance to make their one-of-a-kind tote bag. The event is priced at $35 per child, and all materials are provided. It’s an ideal setting for children to express their creativity and affection, resulting in a heartfelt gift just in time for Mother's Day.

Here's a condensed summary of the event:

• Mother's Day Tote Bag Decorating Workshop at Landa Ruen Art Studio.

• Suitable for children 5+.

• Drop-in between 3 PM and 5 PM on April 26th.

• Kids create personalized tote bags as gifts.

• $35 per child with materials included.

• Advance registration recommended.

Landa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landaruenart/

LOCAL NEWS

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream Debuts in Walnut Creek Today

Thank you Steven “Shags” Shagrin for sharing the picture.

Don't forget, Walnut Creek! Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is opening its doors at 1273 Locust St. today, April 25th. Step back in time to 1945 with Alice Handel’s original fruit-filled frozen treats, freshly made daily. Join the excitement and taste why Handel’s is considered a top-notch ice cream destination. See you there for a sweet trip down memory lane!

CITY NEWS

April Oversight Committee Meeting Highlights Progress on Measure O Fund Allocation

In the latest special meeting of the Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee, significant strides were made in ensuring the transparency and efficacy of Measure O funding. Kirsten Kasey, the Administrative Services Director, chaired the session which saw the election of new leadership roles and a deep dive into the city’s financial strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership Updates: The committee welcomed new chairs, setting a precedent for annual rotation similar to the city council’s practices.

• Fiscal Overview: The discussion centered around the allocation of Measure O funds—a half-cent sales and use tax approved by voters to enhance city infrastructure and services. The committee scrutinized the projected budgets and planned expenditures, particularly for public safety, environmental initiatives, and major capital projects like park improvements.

• Public Engagement: Community members participated actively, asking insightful questions about the management and allocation of funds, highlighting a strong public interest in how city funds are utilized.

The committee remains dedicated to overseeing the proper management of Measure O revenues, ensuring they align with the community’s growth and sustainability objectives.

Walnut Creek Celebrates Community Champions and Proclaims Important Initiatives

The Walnut Creek City Council held a celebratory ceremony on April 16th, 2024, where they honored several outstanding individuals and teams for their contributions to the community. Among the awardees, Matt Redmond stood out as the 2023 Rosie Coan Employee of the Year. He was recognized for his innovative solutions in addressing traffic issues and his dedication to enhancing community well-being through his work in the Public Works Department.

In a similar vein, the Human Resources Recruiting Team received accolades as the 2023 Team of the Year. Their diligent efforts significantly lowered the city's vacancy rate and attracted top-tier talent, thereby enhancing public service quality in Walnut Creek.

Furthermore, the City Council officially recognized National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, honoring those critical staff members who serve as the essential communication link between the community and emergency services, ensuring public safety.

Additionally, the council declared April as Fair Housing Month, emphasizing Walnut Creek's ongoing commitment to ensuring equal housing opportunities and fighting against housing discrimination.

These recognitions underscore Walnut Creek's dedication to public service excellence and community support.

EVENTS

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

Theatre

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

"My Dearest Love," an improvised French comedy-of-intrigue by Synergy Theater, runs from April 18 to 28, 2024, at Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, CA. This fully spontaneous performance draws on audience suggestions to weave a tale filled with scandalous letters, deceit, and revenge, questioning whether innocence can overcome guile. Recommended for ages 10 and up, the show lasts about 1 hour and 55 minutes with an intermission. Tickets are available for purchase here.Community

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

Participants will learn the basic movements of Tai chi which are a series of postures done in sequence, that looks like a slow-motion dance. Participants will learn the basic movements of Tai chi which are a series of postures done in sequence, that looks like a slow motion dance.

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

A different book is discussed each month. 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.

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.

The Walnut Creek Market, open Sundays 9 am-1 pm year-round on Locust Street between Cole and Lacassie streets, is easily accessible with proximity to BART. It features local produce and goods, supports sustainability, and offers free first-hour parking at Grower’s Square on Sundays. Only certified service animals are allowed. For more information, visit their website here.

Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market @ Shadelands - Saturdays at 9 AM

Located in Walnut Creek's Shadelands Business Park, the Diablo Valley Farmers' Market is a lively community gathering with over 40 vendors. Open Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM, it offers fresh produce from nearby Brentwood and features a Kid’s Craft Corner, making it a popular spot for families. Voted #1 in America’s Favorite Farmers’ Market contest, it's a cherished local destination. For more information, visit their website.

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. Held on Tuesdays from 10:15 AM to 11:15 AM. Learn More

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

The Walnut Creek Library hosts Baby Storytime every Tuesday from April 9 to April 30, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM. 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. 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

Know an event for arts & craft? Email us [email protected]

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

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

Thursday

Retro Junkie

Dan’s

Friday - coming soon

Saturday - coming soon

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