Good morning Walnut Creek! Join us on Memorial Day, May 27 at 11:00 a.m. in Civic Park to honor our fallen heroes with music and moving stories. Plus, stay tuned for exciting news on significant transportation upgrades in Contra Costa County and catch up on local happenings, including live music events this weekend. Dive into today’s issue for all the details!

In today’s Walnut Creek Spotlight:

• City of Walnut Creek Commemorates Memorial Day

• Contra Costa County Secures $10.2 Million for Transportation Upgrades

• Boy Known to Police Allegedly Sets Fire in Walnut Creek Library

• Tons of Live Music and Dance This Weekend

- Walnut Creek Spotlight Team

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

News Release: City of Walnut Creek Commemorates Memorial Day

Annual ceremony to take place in Civic Park, Monday, May 27, 11:00 a.m.

Plan to spend part of your Memorial Day in Walnut Creek for the City’s annual tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m., and will feature remarks from Mayor Loella Haskew and the music of the Walnut Creek Concert Band.

This year, the City is focusing on stories from those who have a personal connection to Memorial Day. Whether it was a lost loved one or friend, of perhaps someone in your family history whom you never had a chance to meet, you’ll hear thoughts from community members as narrated by the City Council.

Patriotic music will be provided by the Walnut Creek Concert Band under the direction of Matt Sadowski, with members of VFW Post 8063 presenting the Colors. The invocation will be offered by Pastor Bart Garrett from Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, and the blessing will be given by Rabbi Jennie Chacon from Congregation B’nai Tikvah.

The ceremony, free to the public, will be held in Civic Park at the corner of Civic Drive and North Broadway in downtown Walnut Creek. All are welcome; the event is not limited to residents of Walnut Creek.

The commemoration will end with a procession across the street to the Veterans Memorial outside of City Hall, and the playing of Taps and lowering the flags to half-staff. North Broadway will be closed to traffic between Civic Drive and Cypress Street during the hour-long ceremony. Chairs will be provided, although visitors are welcome to bring blankets or their own chairs.

Contra Costa County Secures $10.2 Million for Transportation Upgrades

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has approved $1.9 billion in funding to enhance the state's transportation infrastructure. This substantial investment will support improvements to bridges, roadways, transit systems, and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, reinforcing California's economic strength.

The funding includes nearly $430 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) and $740 million from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

In Contra Costa County, specific allocations include:

• Interstate 680: $3.6 million for pavement rehabilitation, guardrail upgrades, and ADA-compliant facilities in San Ramon and Danville.

• BART Rail: $6 million for expansion and contraction of steel rail to address track conditions in the county.

• Morello Avenue: $83,000 for sidewalk gap closure, including new curb and gutter and an ADA curb ramp.

• Pavement Resurfacing Project: $500,000 for pavement rehabilitation, ADA curb ramp improvements, vehicle detection sensor restoration, and green infrastructure enhancements.

Boy Known to Police Allegedly Sets Fire in Walnut Creek Library

A young boy, familiar to police for previous offenses, is suspected of starting a fire in the Walnut Creek library men's restroom on May 7. Identified through surveillance footage, the boy was seen throwing a backpack with a lighter into bushes. Read More…

EVENTS

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

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.

👉 CLICK TO SEE OUR FULL CALENDAR 👈

LIVE MUSIC & DANCE

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

Friday

The Inflatables | Friday, May 24 | 9 PM | Dan’s Irish Sports Bar | Live Music Friday

Margaret Niles | Friday, May 24 | 8 PM | Bourbon Highway | Live Country Music

TOOLBOX (Tool Tribute) + EYES OF A TRAGEDY (A Perfect Circle Tribute) | Friday, May 24 | 6:00 PM | Retro Junkie | Pop & Rock Hits

Saturday

TICKET TO RIDE (The Beatles Tribute) TROUBLE WITH MONKEYS (Monkees Tribute) | Saturday, May 25 | 6:00 PM | Retro Junkie

Dustin Heer | Saturday, May 25 | 8 PM | Bourbon Highway | Live Country Music

Xstatic | Saturday, May 25 | 9 PM | Dan’s Irish Sports Bar | Live Music Saturday

DJ Rich Era | Saturday, May 25 | 9 PM | La Fontaine Restaurant | Twilight Lounge

Sunday

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