Happy Tuesday, Walnut Creek! Cherry-picking season is upon us, and it's time to "pick" the best spots in Brentwood! Whether you're aiming for a cherry-topped dessert or just looking to cherry-pick your weekend plans, we've got the ultimate guide to the top U-pick farms in the Bay Area. Get ready to fill your baskets (and your bellies) with the juiciest cherries around! 🍒🌞

In today’s Walnut Creek Spotlight:

• Brentwood's Cherry U-Pick Farms Open for the Season

• Walnut Creek Seeks Community Input on Federal Funding Allocation

• Stars Shine Bright in the 2024/25 Headliner Series at the Lesher Center

- Walnut Creek Spotlight Team

P.S. Remember our birthday shoutouts when you refer two people to our newsletter! 🥳

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Walnut Creek Seeks Community Input on Federal Funding Allocation

Walnut Creek is collaborating with nearby cities and the County to decide how to utilize millions of dollars in federal funding for various community needs. This funding can enhance or build community centers and parks, upgrade infrastructure like roads and handicap access, support local small businesses, provide job training, develop or refurbish affordable housing, and offer a range of services for low-income families and homeless individuals.

To gather input, Walnut Creek is hosting a focus group for residents aged 50 and above. The meeting will take place this Friday, May 24, 2024, at Civic Park Assembly Hall, located at 1375 Civic Drive. The session will begin at 10 AM. Interested participants can register here.

Attendees can enjoy free parking at the event. Temporary parking passes are available at the community center. If transportation assistance is needed, please indicate this on the registration form.

For those unable to attend the focus group, feedback can also be provided through two surveys: one focusing on housing and homelessness, and the other on general services for low-income individuals and public facilities.

Survey Links:

• Housing & Homelessness Survey - English

• Non-Housing Survey - English

Stars Shine Bright in the 2024/25 Headliner Series at the Lesher Center

The 2024/25 Headliner Series at the Lesher Center for the Arts features a diverse array of performances, including Broadway legends, jazz icons, dance troupes, and more. Specialty ticket packages offer savings up to 25%. Highlights include Rita Moreno, 360 ALLSTARS, Ms. Monét, Stella Cole, Mandy Patinkin, College Notes A Cappella, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Terence Blanchard, Miguel Zenón, and Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles. Read More…

Brentwood's Cherry U-Pick Farms Open for the Season

Cherry U-pick season is in full swing in Brentwood, the cherry U-pick capital, offering diverse farm experiences. Visitors can enjoy picking cherries at multiple locations with various amenities and payment options. Most farms provide ladders, though a few suggest bringing personal ones. Organic cherries and multiple payment methods are available at selected farms, ensuring a delightful and convenient outing for all.

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

Grease Musical Brings Nostalgic Fun to Walnut Creek

Poison Apple Productions' "Grease" will be performed by teens aged 13-18 at the Lesher Center for the Arts from May 23 to May 26, 2024. The show, featuring classic songs and a story that has captivated audiences for decades, promises an entertaining and nostalgic experience. Tickets

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.

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.

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]

👉 CLICK TO SEE OUR FULL CALENDAR 👈

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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