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- Issue #065
Issue #065
A Portal to Mexico on Main Street: Discover Walnut Creek's Craft Haven
Walnut Creek Spotlight
April 18, 2024
Good morning, Walnut Creek. We hope everyone enjoyed the new format. We got a lot of positive feedback. Some responses were asked about the trivia section. Reply and let us know if you want the trivia question and whether you prefer Walnut Creek related trivia or general trivia to get the blood flowing in your brain.
In today’s Walnut Creek Spotlight:
Notes of Generosity: Walnut Creek Jazz Night
A Portal to Mexico on Main Street: Discover Walnut Creek's Craft Haven
Public Invited to Shape Future of Housing and Infrastructure in Walnut Creek
New Live Music Events
— Walnut Creek Spotlight Team
WEATHER
1 degree warmer than yesterday but partly cloudy. Beautiful day, nonetheless.
Cardona Landscape
Landscaping services in Walnut Creek and the surrounding East Bay.
FUN
Notes of Generosity: Walnut Creek Jazz Night
The Walnut Creek Jazz Band will host "An Evening of Big Band and Vocal Jazz" on April 18, 2024, from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, CA. This benefit concert will support the City of Walnut Creek's Arts + Rec scholarship program. Celebrating over two decades of performances, the band will play a variety of jazz styles, featuring both vocal and instrumental pieces. The event will last approximately 90 minutes, including an intermission. Tickets are available for purchase here.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
A Portal to Mexico on Main Street: Discover Walnut Creek's Craft Haven
Portal Artesanal in Walnut Creek serves as a colorful and cultural hub, showcasing an array of handcrafted Mexican goods, from clothing and jewelry to home decor and seasonal items. Founded by Erika Pantoja and her sister, the store originated from modest beginnings at local markets, where the idea of selling Mexican crafts was first realized. This endeavor transformed from a sideline to a full-time occupation after Erika's contract as a Food Pantry Coordinator concluded.
Located at 3091 N Main St, Portal Artesanal stands out not only for its unique and authentic products but also for the vibrant ambiance that replicates the lively markets of Mexico. This connection to Mexican heritage is deeply important to Erika, as it provides her with a tangible link to her roots and offers a way to share her culture with the local community.
The interior of the shop is carefully curated to transport visitors to Mexico through its explosion of colors and meticulously arranged displays. This distinctive setting enhances the shopping experience, making visitors feel as though they are on a journey through a Mexican bazaar, resonating with customers who have visited Mexico and evoking fond memories of their travels.
Beyond its commercial endeavors, Portal Artesanal is actively involved in the local community, particularly in supporting school events through fundraisers. This engagement reflects the founders' dedication to giving back and enriching their community.
Looking ahead, Portal Artesanal is excited to introduce a special collection for Mother’s Day, beginning May 10th. This event is tailored to celebrate mothers with unique, handcrafted gifts that embody the spirit and craftsmanship of Mexican artisans.
Overall, Portal Artesanal is more than just a shop; it's a cultural gateway that offers Walnut Creek residents and visitors a slice of Mexico, filled with artisanal treasures and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that keeps the community coming back. See Etsy Shop
CIVIC NEWS
Public Invited to Shape Future of Housing and Infrastructure in Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek, part of the Contra Costa Consortium, is preparing its FY 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan to manage $60 million in federal funding. The funds are intended for affordable housing, public facilities, infrastructure, and support services. The community is encouraged to participate through surveys and an upcoming meeting to ensure comprehensive community feedback and involvement.
For more information, including links to the surveys in different languages, please visit the County's website:
SURROUNDING NEWS
Concord Youth Baseball League Faces Major Setback with $15,000 Equipment Theft
The Junior Optimist Baseball League (JOBL) in Concord, California, was robbed of $15,000 worth of equipment essential for field maintenance, including an ATV and other tools. This incident poses a severe setback as the league, having been inactive for four years due to the pandemic, was preparing for a full season return. The league has started a fundraising campaign to replace the equipment and is committed to continuing the games despite the challenges. Read More
EVENTS
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.
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 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]
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
The Dance Theatre of Harlem is set to perform at the Lesher Center for the Arts on April 20-21, 2024, presented by the Lesher Center and Diablo Regional Arts Association. This illustrious ballet company, known for its diverse and innovative repertoire, celebrates Black culture through the fusion of classic and contemporary ballet. The company's legacy began in 1969 and has since expanded to include a studio school and a broad community outreach impact, continuing to inspire audiences globally with its artistic excellence.
"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.
Best of San Francisco Stand Up Comedy: @ Lesher Center of the Arts - 2/24 - 8/31 on Saturdays. Tickets
Add Your Event: https://bayareabizfinder.com/events/community/add/
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
Thursday
Dan’s Bar | Throwback Thursdays with DJ Rich Era | 9:30 PM
Friday
Retro Junkie | Kimdracula and Rage on Parade | 7 PM
Dan’s Bar | My So Called Band | 9:30 PM
Bourbon Highway | Shelby Cobra
Saturday
Retro Junkie | Red Corvette and Black Stone Funk Revival | 7 PM
Dan’s Bar | Salvage Title | 9:30 PM
Bourbon Highway | Bryan James
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