Issue #079

Your Wellness Wednesday, Theatrical Magic, Walnut Creek PD Welcomes Belligan, FLiRT’s Rise, TikTok’s Battle

May 08, 2024

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Walnut Creek! Rise and shine to a sun-drenched day ahead! Today promises bright skies with a high of 81°F and a gentle northern breeze—perfect for a midday stroll or lunch in the park. As night falls, enjoy the clarity of the stars with a cool low of 58°F. Whether you're out and about or enjoying the comfort of home, it's a beautiful day to make the most of our wonderful city. Let’s make today great! 🌞

In today’s Walnut Creek Spotlight:

  • Wellness Wednesday

  • Enchanting Tales of Peter Pan Unfold in “Peter and the Starcatcher” at Lesher Center

  • Officer Alexis Belligan Joins Walnut Creek PD, Brings Diverse Law Enforcement Skills

  • FLiRT Variants Become Dominant as New COVID-19 Strains Spread in the U.S.

  • ByteDance Strikes Back: TikTok Sues Over U.S. Ban Threat

- Walnut Creek Spotlight Team

P.S. We have a new referral program. Share the newsletter with two people and get a free birthday shoutout. See the bottom of the email for your referrals.

WEATHER

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WELLNESS WEDNESDAY

LOCAL NEWS

Enchanting Tales of Peter Pan Unfold in “Peter and the Starcatcher” at Lesher Center

The Ballet School's Teen Production Workshop is set to enchant audiences with its upcoming presentation of "Peter and the Starcatcher." This captivating play, infused with music, will be staged at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, California, from May 9th to May 11th, 2024. The Tony Award-winning adaptation delves into the origin story of Peter Pan, portraying his transformation from a forlorn orphan into the iconic Boy Who Would Not Grow Up. Crafted with imaginative flair, the play combines the creative talents of directors Roger Rees and Alex Timbers and writer Rick Elice, based on the popular novels by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. With music by Wayne Barker and originally produced by an impressive lineup including Disney Theatrical Productions, the play features a cast of talented youth performers. It promises a journey through a world of pirates, jungle tyrants, and unexpected heroes, exploring themes of friendship, duty, and love. Buy Tickets.

Officer Alexis Belligan Joins Walnut Creek PD, Brings Diverse Law Enforcement Skills

The Walnut Creek Police Department marked a significant addition to their team on May 6th with the induction of Officer Alexis Belligan. The ceremony, which saw Belligan take the oath of office, was attended by her family, friends, and several police department colleagues. With a rich background in law enforcement from a Police Department in the South Bay, Officer Belligan brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Her previous duties have been diverse, including roles such as a Homeless Liaison Officer, a Drone Pilot, a member of the Peer Support Team, and a Field Training Officer. The Walnut Creek Police Department expressed excitement about having Officer Belligan on board, looking forward to her contributions to the community.

OTHER NEWS

FLiRT Variants Become Dominant as New COVID-19 Strains Spread in the U.S.

The FLiRT variants, new COVID-19 strains detected in the U.S., are causing concern among health officials due to their prevalence and potential for increased infectivity. The KP.2 variant is now the dominant strain, affecting about 25% of current cases. The CDC has updated its guidelines to reduce isolation times and emphasizes preventive measures against respiratory viruses. Vaccination uptake remains low, with less than a quarter of adults vaccinated for the current season. Read More.

ByteDance Strikes Back: TikTok Sues Over U.S. Ban Threat

In a bold move against impending U.S. regulations, TikTok has filed a lawsuit to contest a new law that demands its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sell its U.S. operations or face a ban. The legislation, propelled by national security concerns over data privacy, stipulates a stringent timeline for divestiture, failing which TikTok could disappear from American app stores. This legal battle highlights a pivotal struggle over digital rights and international trade, underscoring the broader geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China over cybersecurity and data sovereignty. As this legal drama unfolds, it could set precedents affecting global tech operations and user freedoms across borders. Read More.

EVENTS

Featured Events

Comedy at the Greenery | Wednesday, May 8 | 7:30 PM | The Comedy Night at The Greenery on May 8, 2024, in Walnut Creek, features headliner Bob Zany and comedians Pat Giffin and Lester Ransom from 7:30 to 9:00 PM, with tickets available at the door for $20; early arrivals can enjoy food and drinks.

Art Unveiling at Tice Valley Gym | Tuesday, May 9 | 4:30 PM | Join us at Tice Valley Gym for the unveiling of "Where's Walnut Creek?"—a new public mural by Nigel Sussman Illustration, from 4:30 to 6:00 PM. Organized by the Bedford Gallery, the event offers a chance to meet the artist, enjoy refreshments, and mingle with the community.

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

Community

Tai Chi | Mondays at 10:15 AM | Walnut Creek Library | Participants will learn the basic Tai chi movements, a series of sequential postures resembling a slow-motion dance.

Hooked on Books: @ Civic Park Community Center - 1st Tuesday of each month at 12:30 PM | 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, offers local produce, supports sustainability, and provides free first-hour parking at Grower’s Square; only certified service animals are allowed. Visit their website for more information.

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. Visit their website for more information.

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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Hi-Definition Barbershop

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

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Trivia Answer:

D) Golden eagle

The Lindsay Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek is notable for its wildlife rehabilitation and educational programs. Among its residents, the Golden eagle stands out as a particularly rare and fascinating exhibit. This center serves as a sanctuary for injured or orphaned wildlife, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about native species, including the majestic Golden eagle, which is seldom seen in close proximity due to its typically remote and rugged natural habitats. This makes the Lindsay Wildlife Experience a crucial facility for wildlife conservation and education in the region.

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