Not many people in the world who are not afraid of the death. However everyday life allows us escape from this reality and we are able to move on and not plan our lives around the fact that actions you take today may effect whether you are here tomorrow. But unlike the rest of us,  people infected with HIV/AIDS don’t have that luxury. Their mortality confronts them everyday from the antiviral medication to the dangers of simply being close to any person ever again.

            But life goes on. People go on dreaming, working and above all still loving and allowing themselves to be loved. That is one of the many messages of the legendary Broadway production of RENT that is playing at the Lesher Center for the Arts from August 20^th until September 4^th in a limited time special engagement.

            The curtain rises and the audience is greeted by Mark Cohen – the musical’s narrator and a documentary film maker. As Mark is shooting a documentary in his loft Roger walks in. Roger is a song-writing musician who is HIV positive and an ex-junkie.  His girlfriend committed suicide once they both found out that they had HIV. The experience left deep scars, scars the begin to show signs of healing once Roger meets his neighbor Mimi -  an exotic dancer and junkie who is also HIV positive. The attraction proves too strong for Roger. He realizes that he cannot keep his emotial walls up as long as he is getting closer to Mimi. And although he doesn’t leave Mimi for long, he is confronted with his own realities upon seeing her again. But this time denial is replaced by acceptance.

For more information please go to : http://www.lesherartscenter.org/onstagenow/ccmt1011

It started with a jaunt down Main Street. It was a warm evening, about a month ago; I was done with the gym and in the mood for gelato. Driving around downtown for over 30 minutes failed to produce a vacant parking space, but did provide the realization that I’d stumbled upon an outdoor summer concert event. Dotting Main Street were a variety of live musicians surrounded by intent listeners. I turned my car stereo off, and rolled the windows down. As I traversed downtown Walnut Creek, I sampled a spectrum of music – from piano to alt rock. I vowed to return.   Every weekend since, my post-work(out) Friday ritual has involved parking my car at 555 YVR and sauntering down the main drag to check out Sounds Around Town. Two Fridays ago, every single musician appeared to be on break till I reached Barnes and Nobles. There, a young man with closely cropped hair played his guitar while a model-type in an impossibly short skirt – and impossibly high heels – photographed him.   This past Friday, jazz was the mood du jour.  I sat al fresco at one of the  eating establishments and savored a Central Coast Pinot followed by grilled chicken marinated in spices, yogurt and lemon. I watched the dog-walkers, couples on dates, and hipsters with skateboards amble by. Later, I walked into my favorite Gelateria and walked out with a waffle cone overflowing with dark chocolate, salted caramel and burnt caramel gelato. I may have come for the live music, but the exquisite food on offer was (equally) music to my ears.   If you have not yet checked out Sounds Around Town, 8/20 is your last chance before Fall arrives.
  

Colin F 555YVR Resident Blogger

Curled-up in a warm blanket Timmy looked up at the ceiling, yawning and wondering how he was going to fall asleep. His bedroom door would open, his mother walking in with a glass of warm milk. She told him to drink it all – it will help him sleep and it’s good for his health and as she left his lids began to grow heavy…..

 Not everyone had such idyllic childhood memories associated with milk, but many have heard of the benefits associated with drinking it – strong bones, good skin,  and if you were a German milkmaid in the 18^th century, immunity from smallpox! These days, milk seems to have suffered a fall slight from grace, or at least competition from everything from colas to sports drinks to Sunny D. But fear not, the GOT MILK? Mootopia team will be in Downtown Walnut Creek this weekend,Friday, Aug. 13 through Sunday, Aug. 15. Mootopia team will tout everything from milk’s biologic benefits and reminding us why milk builds strong bones, teeth, hair and muscles, to what makes the perfect milk-almond masque. Mootopia’s team will also demonstrate milk’s many uses with hair and manicure stations (plus an arm-wrestling station for those looking to show off their milk-powered strength.)

 Rediscover the many benefits and uses of milk at the Mootopia this weekend.  Even if you don’t become a dairy convert, the fun educational lesson and free swag including (T-Shirts and chocolate chip cookies courtesy of GOT MILK?) might be worth the trip downtown.

The canary yellow flyers, strategically posted in the metal clad elevators, were a pleasant surprise. The invitation was appealing:

Yesterday was another perfect 80 degrees in Walnut Creek — the sun was out and a cool breeze blew through town – ideal weather for the Diablo Magazine’s Los Lobos record listening party at 555YVR. The new Los Lobos release, “Tin Can Trust” played from start to finish with some additions from the Grateful Dead and other crowd favorites along a similar vein.

 Guests were greeted in the landscaped 555YVR courtyard, by two beaming girls offering, “Red or white [wine]?” while beer was distributed by two equally enthused gentlemen pouring a red mini-keg. Maria Maria, the local downtown restaurant (address here) which catered the event, served up tasty  finger-friendly crispy chicken flautas.

 The turnout ranged from young families to a few experienced rock fans,  with the highlight of the festivities being the food, drink, model condos and Sky Lounge, showcasing stunning views of Mt. Diablo.           

 The Diablo team created a winning event with the idea of a relaxing party where people can listen to a freshly minted record from start to finish while enjoying food, scenery and drinks. The result was a mostly just-off-work mixed crowd of 80 folks looking to unwind amidst the Sky Lounge views — but not get crazy on a Wednesday night. Judging from the success of this event, I’m definitely looking forward to the Diablo magazine’s next promotion.

The Lesher Center for the Arts presents, “Lucia de Lammermoor,” the most famous work of prolific Italian composer Geatano Donizetti, August 7, 10.13.15. A story of love, loss and tragedy, “Lucia de Lammermoor” details the star-crossed loves, Lucia and Eduardo in Scotland. As Lucia’s powerful brother realizes that Lucia is in love with his arch enemy – the last living member of a powerful rival clan – he devises a way to get rid of the nuisance. The result is tragedy and loss of the very things he is trying to protect.

Joining the roster of other arts and musical events in Downtown Walnut Creek, “Lucia de Lammemoor” gives local residents the chance to experience a world class opera. This, plus the debut of the new public library, is part of a cultural explosion in downtown Walnut Creek. Downtown Walnut Creek is the type of place you can go out and have fun, shop,  dine and watch the opera. All this in a safe, friendly environment, perfect for a summertime stroll.    

For tickets go to http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?orgid=23939&event_val=FES2.

One of the best things about Downtown Walnut Creek is the friendly attitude of locals and businesses towards pets. You’ll be hard-pressed to turn a corner and not see someone getting a bite on a restaurant patio with their furry companion by their side. Many pet lovers like to stay involved in activities  to benefit animals; however, many people haven’t the time to devote a cause. If you are a pet lover and want to do something to benefit Contra Costa County animals, the upcoming White Kitty Foundation benefit is the purrrrrfect event. Head to Downtown Walnut Creek and stop by the Pyramid Alehouse (with or without your pet) this Saturday, July 24 from 3-7 p.m. The tickets are only $20  for adults ($10 for 12 and under). Appetizers and Pyramid’s refreshing craft beer will be served. Come downtown and enjoy great food and company for a good cause. Click on the following link for ticket information and more details:  http://www.whitekittyfoundation.org/events.html

The brand new Walnut Creek Public Library is joining the long list of reasons why convenience is another reason to choose the 555YVR lifestyle. Join Walnut Creek residents this Saturday, July 17 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), for a day of literary fun in the brand new library filled with activities for the entire family! From please see attached link for more details.http://www.wclibrary.org/events/walnut-creek-library-grand-opening/

Tomorrow, stop by 555YVR for a guided tour with one of our friendly sales staff on your way to “Sounds About Town,” an exciting live music series right in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek – just a few minutes walk from 555YVR. Starting this Friday, July 16 and each Friday until August 20^th enjoy the sounds of Bay Area musicians while discovering all that 555YVR’s downtown Walnut Creek neighborhood has to offer.

Not everyone can be a decorating expert when it comes to arranging your new home. That’s why 555 YVR is having the interior design gurus at EQ3 take that stress off your hands by partnering for a pop-up showroom in one of 555’s innovative live-work units. 

 Style, comfort and convenience are the main reasons why people from all over the Bay Area are inquiring about purchasing a 555 YVR home. We would like to make it easier for you to decorate that home by offering a $1000 gift card for EQ3 to buyers who purchase a home with 555YVR.  Let 555 YVR and EQ3 show you how a beautiful, functional home inside and out will simplify your life. Remember this will only last until July 26th. We look forward to seeing you there!