Happy Monday, Walnut Creek! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend. As we dive into a new week, I have some exciting updates to share with you. Chip, our beloved new cookie haven on 2335 Oak Grove Road, had a grand opening over the weekend, and it was a sweet success! If you haven't stopped by, visit and indulge in their delicious treats.

In addition to satisfying your sweet tooth, plenty is happening around town this week to keep you entertained and energized. From outdoor yoga sessions to exciting community events, Walnut Creek has something for everyone. So, grab your morning coffee, and let's start the week with all the latest news and events!

In today’s Walnut Creek Spotlight:

• Early Morning Hit-and-Run in Walnut Creek Injures Two, Leads to Market Closure

• Hearing to Consider Updates to Zoning Ordinance

• Mount Diablo State Park to Enhance Safety with 22 New Bike Turnouts

• New Real Estate Section

- Walnut Creek Spotlight Team

P.S. Remember our birthday shoutouts when you refer one person to our newsletter! 🥳

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Early Morning Hit-and-Run in Walnut Creek Injures Two, Leads to Market Closure

A man has been arrested for a hit-and-run incident that left two people critically injured near the Walnut Creek Market. The accident occurred early Sunday morning at the intersection of Locust Street and Cole Avenue.

Emergency services, including firefighters and police, responded to the scene around 5:15 a.m. The two victims, struck by an SUV, sustained severe injuries and were transported to a hospital, where they remain in critical condition. Authorities quickly located and apprehended the suspect, whose identity is currently being withheld.

The collision led to the temporary closure of the Walnut Creek Farmers Market on Locust Street for the day. However, the market is expected to resume operations next Sunday.

Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at (925) 943-5844 or the Anonymous Tip Line at (925) 943-5865.

Hearing to Consider Updates to Zoning Ordinance

From The City of Walnut Creek:

As part of the City’s ongoing 2023-2031 Housing Element implementation, on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 6 p.m., the City of Walnut Creek’s Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider updates to the Zoning Ordinance to conform to state requirements for the following special needs housing types:

• Emergency Shelters for the Unhoused

• Low Barrier Navigation Centers (Housing First, service-enriched shelters focused on moving people into permanent housing),

• Transitional housing (developments providing assistance for up to 6 months to help individuals move into permanent housing)

• Supportive housing (housing linked to on-site or off-site services that assists residents in retaining the housing, improving their health status, and maximizing their ability to live and, when possible, work in the community). 

The Housing Element is the City’s plan for meeting its housing needs at all income levels. The Planning Commission will only be making recommendations to the City Council (not decisions) on the above items. On July 23, 2024, the City Council will hold a public hearing to consider the Planning Commission’s recommendations and decide whether to introduce these amendments for adoption on August 6, 2024. 

The City invites your input on these amendments. To provide feedback or for further information, please contact Aaron Sage, Principal Planner, at [email protected] or 925-943-5899, ext. 2232. Further details including draft ordinances will be provided in the agenda staff reports, which will be available no later than Friday, June 5 at the City’s Meeting Agendas page. 

Mount Diablo State Park to Enhance Safety with 22 New Bike Turnouts

Mount Diablo State Park is gearing up to enhance safety for cyclists and drivers by installing 22 new bike turnouts. This project aims to make the park's winding roads safer and more accommodating for all visitors.

Construction Timeline

• Start Date: Today, June 3rd

• Phases:

  • Phase 1: South Gate Road (5 weeks, weekdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

  • Phase 2: Summit Road

  • Phase 3: North Gate Road

Closures & Access

• Weekday Closures: All traffic, including vehicles, cyclists, equestrians, and hikers.

• Weekend Access: Park remains open; trails and fire roads accessible.

• Camping: Allowed only on Friday and Saturday nights in adjacent campgrounds.

Celebratory Event

A special event will be held to celebrate the completion of these safety improvements. Check the park's official website for details on road closures and the celebration event: parks.ca.gov/MountDiablo.

Safety Measures Implemented

The park has been proactive in ensuring visitor safety with:

• New road striping

• Designated passing areas

• Repaving

• Enhanced safety signage

• Existing bike turnouts

Visitor Tips

• General: Share the road, check weather conditions, bring water, dress in layers, apply sunscreen, follow park regulations, park in designated areas, inform others of your plans.

• Drivers & Cyclists: Adhere to speed limits, stay in lanes, avoid passing on double yellow lines, ensure clear view before passing.

• Hikers: Hike with a companion, carry ample water, wear sturdy footwear, stick to designated trails.

• Wildlife: Observe from a distance, do not feed or touch animals.

Stay safe and enjoy your visit to Mount Diablo State Park!

Chip Grand Opening (click to view video👇)

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.

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 monthly. 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.

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.

Family Storytime | Ygnacio Valley Library - Thursdays at 10:15 AM

Toddler Storytime & Play | Walnut Creek Library - Thursdays at 10:15 AM

Arts & Crafts

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

👉 CLICK TO SEE OUR FULL CALENDAR 👈

LIVE MUSIC & DANCE

Salsa Tuesdays | Tuesdays at 6 PM | Retro Junkie | Join Salsa Tuesdays at Retro Junkie for $10, featuring salsa lessons, DJ, and open dancing. Watch Video

Line Dancing Lessons | Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday at 8 PM | Bourbon Highway | Watch Video

REAL ESTATE

*Email us if you want a home or rental featured in this new section.

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