Issue #066

Good morning, Walnut Creek! Today's Walnut Creek Spotlight is all about the exciting $77 million upgrade approved for Heather Farm Park. This project promises to revolutionize our local recreation with a state-of-the-art aquatic and community center. Funded by Measure O, the construction is set to begin in summer 2025, but the design phase starts this September.

In today’s Walnut Creek Spotlight:

  • A New Era for Heather Farm Park: City Council Greenlights $77 Million Project

  • Walnut Creek's Earth Day Fest: Live Music, Eco Education, and Family Fun!

  • Melo's Pizza & Pasta Teams Up with Cancer Support for Successful Fundraiser

  • Reggae Vibes @ Rotator Taproom

Walnut Creek Spotlight Team

Trivia: Walnut Creek's Iron Horse Trail was originally what type of transportation route?

(See bottom of newsletter for answer)

NEW EVENTS ADDED

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.

Rotator Taproom is gearing up for an evening of rhythmic relaxation with its upcoming event, "Reggae Vibes." This Saturday, 4/20, from 6 to 9 PM, patrons will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the chill, vibrant sounds of reggae music. The evening promises to be even more special with the musical stylings of the renowned DJ Bukue One, who is also affectionately known as Mr. Generous. Attendees can look forward to a laid-back atmosphere where there's no cover charge, just pure, unadulterated good vibes.

WEATHER

Are you ready for the warm weather or do you prefer the mix of 60s and 70s? I prefer the warmer sunnier weather when I can get some Vitamin D.

Cardona Landscape

Landscaping services in Walnut Creek and the surrounding East Bay. Call Arnold and tell him Walnut Creek Spotlight sent you!

LOCAL NEWS

A New Era for Heather Farm Park: City Council Greenlights $77 Million Project

Big news from the Walnut Creek City Council meeting this week! They have unanimously approved moving forward with a $77 million overhaul of Heather Farm Park into the design/development phase. This exciting development is made possible thanks to the voter-approved Measure O in 2022, which increased the city’s sales tax to fund projects just like this.

The new Aquatic and Community Center Facility at Heather Farm Park is set to replace the existing community center and swim center with a cutting-edge combined aquatic and community center. Here’s what you can expect: an 18-lane, 50-meter competitive lap pool and a family-friendly 25-meter recreational pool. This recreational pool will feature a beach entry, a fun slide, and a children's water spray device, making it a perfect spot for families to enjoy a sunny day.

What’s more, the entire pool space will cover more than 35,000 square feet and be configured to World Aquatics standards, ready for top-notch competitions. Adjacent to the pool, the new 23,400-square-foot community center will not only serve as a vibrant hub for our community activities but will also function as an emergency operations center for the city. This is a significant upgrade from the current emergency operations center, which is just a conference room at City Hall.

And don’t worry about losing your favorite community spots during construction. The existing community center and Clarke Memorial Swim Center will remain open while the new facilities are built. Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2025 and last about 20 months, with the design phase kicking off this September and wrapping up by April 2025.

As for the site of the current swim facility, it will be demolished and filled in, with discussions about future uses like bocce courts still ongoing. No decisions have been made yet, but we’re excited about the possibilities!

Stay tuned for more updates as this project progresses. Your continued engagement and support are what make these developments possible.

Do you support the $77 million overhaul of the Heather Farm Park Aquatic and Community Center?

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FUN

Walnut Creek's Earth Day Fest: Live Music, Eco Education, and Family Fun!

Get ready to honor Mother Earth in the heart of Walnut Creek this April 20th, with a vibrant Earth Day celebration at Civic Park, from 11 AM to 4 PM. This festive event is set to showcase a commitment to eco-conscious living, filled with an array of live music, games, and educational delights suitable for the entire family. An artful touch is added with the EcoCircus Entertainment at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, promising both laughs and learning through the captivating EarthCapades performances.

Tune enthusiasts can revel in the melodies of Michael Sullivan strumming his Eco Guitar, scheduled to perform at 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM. The little ones can immerse themselves in the Kids Zone, open all day, offering sustainable crafts, games, and activities that merge fun with environmental stewardship.

The day's events will resonate with music from Ukulele/UU Ukes & Friends at 12:30 PM, followed by the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation by the APAPA Orchestra at 1:00 PM. Not to be missed is the eco-chic Trashy Fashion Show at 2:00 PM, orchestrated by SparkEllie, where fashionistas will strut the runway in styles crafted from recycled products, illustrating that sustainability can indeed be fashionable.

This event is a perfect opportunity to engage with the community, enjoy cultural performances, and celebrate our planet's natural beauty and resources.

UPLIFTING

Melo's Pizza & Pasta Teams Up with Cancer Support for Successful Fundraiser

The recent Hope Walk/Cancer Support Fundraiser, organized in collaboration with the Cancer Support Community, achieved remarkable success, raising an impressive $15,234. The event, fueled by enthusiastic participation, surpassed expectations and set a new goal of $18,000 for next year's gathering. The community is still buzzing with excitement, and there's still an opportunity to join the upcoming 5K Hope Walk scheduled for Saturday, May 18th.

In addition to supporting a noble cause, the local favorite, Melo's Pizza & Pasta, invites patrons to enjoy the finest pizzas and pastas in the Bay Area. Whether opting for dine-in, takeout, or delivery, Melo's offers a variety of ways to indulge in their delicious offerings. Orders can be conveniently placed online at www.melospizzapasta.com or by a traditional phone call for those who prefer a more personal touch.

The Melo's Family and the entire Cancer Support Community extend their heartfelt gratitude to all participants and donors. They eagerly anticipate even greater success at next year's event and look forward to welcoming the community again soon.

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.

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 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

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 | 8 PM

Saturday

Retro Junkie | Red Corvette and Black Stone Funk Revival | 7 PM

Dan’s Bar | Salvage Title | 9:30 PM

Bourbon Highway | Bryan James | 8 PM

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Answer: The Iron Horse Trail in Walnut Creek was originally a railroad track before being converted into a multi-use trail.

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