TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Walnut Creek! Welcome to Tasty Thursday! As Mother’s Day approaches, why not celebrate with a special treat? Head over to Melo’s and savor authentic Italian cuisine paired with delightful mimosas made just for moms. As you plan your Sunday, we’re curious: what are your plans for Mother’s Day? Whether you’re going out or celebrating at home, share your plans with us and let’s make it a day to remember.

In today’s Walnut Creek Spotlight:

• Tasty Thursday

• Savor Authentic Italian Cuisine and Mimosas for Moms This Mother’s Day at Melo's

• Northgate Dominates Alameda to Secure Spot in NCS Championship

• Higher Wages, Higher Prices: The New Reality for California's Fast Food Industry

- Walnut Creek Spotlight Team

WEATHER

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TASTY THURSDAY

The Hangout in Walnut Creek

LOCAL NEWS

Savor Authentic Italian Cuisine and Mimosas for Moms This Mother’s Day at Melo's

Celebrate Mother's Day at Melo's Italian Table in Walnut Creek, where Chef John Paul Piccolo offers a taste of authentic Italy. Enjoy homemade focaccia, pizzas, and lasagna, and treat your mom to a complimentary mimosa. Reservations are available through OpenTable for a special Italian dining experience.

LOCAL SPORTS

Northgate Dominates Alameda to Secure Spot in NCS Championship

In an exhilarating showdown during the semifinals of the North Coast Section (NCS) playoffs, Northgate High School clinched a decisive 3-0 victory over Alameda High. This triumph propels Northgate into the championship finals, where they are set to compete against Campolindo High. The final match is eagerly anticipated by fans and is scheduled for tomorrow, May 9th, at 7 PM at Northgate's home court.

OTHER NEWS

Higher Wages, Higher Prices: The New Reality for California's Fast Food Industry

Since the implementation of a $20 per hour minimum wage for fast food workers in California, there has been a noticeable increase in menu prices at various fast food restaurants across the state. In Alameda, customers have observed a price surge of up to 10% at their favorite eateries.

The wage adjustment, effective from April 1, has led to differing responses from restaurant chains and owners. While some franchises stress the independence of small business owners in setting prices, others, like the president of In-N-Out, have publicly committed to minimizing cost increases. Despite these efforts, managers like Sanjeet Kumar from Carl's Jr. have not only raised prices by 7-8% but also cut worker hours to manage costs.

Further complicating matters, Pamela Mejia, a McDonald’s employee in San Jose, reports that despite the wage increase, her working hours were reduced, mitigating the financial benefit of her raised wage. Managers are now considering alternatives like automation to reduce staffing costs, with some locations introducing order kiosks.

The economic adjustment has sparked discussions among stakeholders about sustainability and profitability in the face of rising operational costs. Meanwhile, economic analysts suggest it is premature to predict the long-term effects of the wage increase on the fast food industry. Employees, meanwhile, hold onto a cautious optimism as they adapt to these changes. Learn 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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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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