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Lunar New Year at Bishop Ranch
Traditional Chinese dancers and performers will be putting on a show at San Ramon’s City Center Bishop Ranch as part of this year’s Lunar New Year celebration on Sunday, Feb. 22.
The free cultural performances, which take place from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Alexander Square inside Bishop Ranch, will include an “energetic lion dance and an interactive kung fu demonstration,” that will symbolize the transition from the year of the snake to what is now the year of the horse.
“In Eastern culture, the horse symbolizes action, freedom and breakthrough, signaling a year defined by momentum and new opportunity,” according to a City Center press release. “These themes are reflected throughout the event, from the programming to the festive Lunar New Year decor that transforms the plaza into a lively gathering place for families and friends.”
Stone Valley Road closure canceled
The Stone Valley Road on-ramp to southbound Interstate 680 in Alamo will not be shutting down this Friday (Feb. 13), Caltrans announced.
According to a Thursday press release from the agency, the full closure, which was supposed to last for most of the day Friday, was canceled at the last minute. However, workers did shut down the on-ramp on Thursday, as originally planned.
“Caltrans appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as we work to maintain and improve California’s state highway system,” the agency stated. “Motorists are encouraged to check real-time traffic information by visiting QuickMap.dot.ca.gov or following @CaltransD4 on social media for the latest updates.
Unclaimed funds notice
The Superior Court of Contra Costa County will be acquiring over $1.163 million in uncashed refund checks that the court has issued for overpayments in the past by April 3 unless individuals file a claim to obtain their money thanks to a process known as escheatment.
This process allows the county to take over accounts with unclaimed balances, with the caveat that it must first allow for account holders to claim those funds, according to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Except as otherwise provided by law, any money, excluding restitution to victims, that has been deposited with a Superior Court, or that a Superior Court is holding in Trust for the lawful owner, in a court bank account or in a court trust account in a county treasury, that remains unclaimed for three years shall become the property of the Superior Court or the State of California if, after published notice pursuant to this section, the money is not claimed or no verified complaint is filed and served,” according to a press release from the court.
The county has published legal notices and sent letters to the potential owners of these funds and is asking any individuals who believe they are entitled to funds, to complete and submit a Claim Affirmation Form and Claim for Money Held.
“If no claim is filed by April 3rd, 2026, the money will become the property of the Court or the State,” according to the superior court press release. “If a claim or claims are filed and approved for a portion of the money, any remaining unclaimed portion will become property of the Court or the State of California.”
Individuals can submit these forms and supporting documents to the superior court’s financial services department or by emailing UnclaimedFunds@contracosta.courts.ca.gov.
Contra Costa job fair
Contra Costa County’s Office of Education will be hosting its Spring Job Fair next Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Pleasanton Hill Middle School from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for individuals seeking employment in education-related fields.
According to a press release from the office, representatives from 18 school districts and charter schools will attend the fair and conduct interviews for a range of teaching and administrator positions that are either available now or that will be available in the 2026-27 school year. University and college representatives will also be on site to share information about credential programs for those interested in continuing their education.
“Our Spring Job Fair is an important opportunity to connect talented educators with the schools and students who need them most,” Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said in the press release. “As districts continue to navigate staffing shortages, this event provides a welcoming, in‑person setting for job seekers to explore multiple pathways into education and learn about the supports available to help them succeed.”
Those interested in attending the free event can fill out this interest form or contact CCCOE Human Resources executive assistant Morgan Broshar at (925) 942-3489.
San Ramon student wins orchestra competition
A San Ramon middle school student was recently announced as the winner of the Diablo Symphony Orchestra’s 2026 Yen Liang Young Artist Competition and will be set to perform with the orchestra in spring.
According to a press release, 12-year-old Ellie Xuan — a seventh grader at Gale Ranch Middle School in San Ramon — won the competition on Jan. 10. Xuan has been studying the piano for the last five years and is a student of Chia-Lin Yang, a renowned concert pianist who currently teaches at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
“I love expressing myself through music with other people,” Xuan said in the press release. “It brings me joy, and I’m so excited for this opportunity with the Diablo Symphony Orchestra.”
In addition to a $1,500 award, Xuan will be playing alongside the Diablo Symphony Orchestra during two performances in March as part of the orchestra’s “Joy of the Symphony” concert.
Restaurant Week
Visit Tri-Valley is getting ready to host its sixth annual Taste Tri-Valley Restaurant Week, which will run from next Friday (Feb. 20) through March 1.
The 10-day food event will highlight the region’s best restaurants, wineries and breweries and offer food lovers exclusive deals, special events and unique menus to showcase the Tri-Valley’s diverse culinary cuisine, according to the destination marketing organization.
This year’s Taste Tri-Valley will officially kick off with an opening dinner at Pippal, an Indian restaurant in Dublin, on Thursday (Feb. 19) from 6-7 p.m.
For more information on Taste Tri-Valley and participating locations and offerings throughout the 10 days, go to visittrivalley.com/restaurantweek.
