Hello again Walnut Creek! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☀️
Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Walnut Creek PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Association of Fundraising Professionals Golden Gate Chapter Lamorinda Meet-up and 19 more events.
Today's riddle: What's black, white, and blue? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Weather forecast:
1. Shanell Smith killed in wrong-way crash on Interstate 680 (newsline.com) — A deadly wrong-way crash on northbound I-680 near Treat Boulevard in Walnut Creek killed a 42-year-old Antioch woman and injured seven others late on May 1. Investigators say the Dodge Charger was traveling the wrong way and the driver showed signs of impairment. CHP continues to investigate while legal experts highlight potential criminal charges and civil options for affected families.
2. Meet Fantasia, Frank, Penny, Serena and Emperor: East Bay pets of the week for May 15 (eastbaytimes.com) — Several adoptable pets across the East Bay are looking for homes, including cats featured at Community Concern for Cats’ weekend adoption events at Pet Food Express and their Newell Avenue location in Walnut Creek. If you’re considering a new furry family member, you can meet animals in Walnut Creek, Dublin, Oakland, Alameda, and Richmond through local shelters and rescue groups.
3. Indian techie dies in California after rare fungal infection damaged his lungs: What is Valley fever and how dangerous is it? (thehealthsite.com) — A 37-year-old tech professional died in Walnut Creek on May 5 after a severe case of Valley fever destroyed his lungs following nearly a month in intensive care. His illness began with flu-like symptoms that were later diagnosed as this rare fungal infection. The article explains how Valley fever spreads, who is most at risk, and current prevention limits.
4. New Report Urges Stronger State Oversight Over Schools (patch.com) — A new statewide education report, datelined from Walnut Creek, argues California may need stronger state oversight of K‑12 schools to keep improving student outcomes. Researchers highlight big gains in funding and achievement, but say fragmented governance and uneven local performance remain problems. They outline options like shifting more authority to the State Board of Education and investing further in teachers and support programs.
5. Keith Law has SF Giants taking Walnut Creek native with No. 4 pick in 2026 MLB Draft (aroundthefoghorn.com) — A rising MLB pitching prospect who was born in Walnut Creek is being widely projected as a top target for the San Francisco Giants with the No. 4 pick in the 2026 draft. Jackson Flora, now starring at UC Santa Barbara, is considered the class’s top pitcher and could become the next Bay Area–bred arm in the Giants’ system.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
Ok Walnut Creek! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A sad zebra (Thank you Mary K. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Share to NextDoor Share to Facebook
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Walnut Creek, CA Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.