The controversies are all the more shocking because they hit popular politicians who have been riding high on Virginia’s recent Democratic surge. The party’s gains in recent state elections nearly wiped out a generation-long GOP majority in the House of Delegates, and Democrats have been confident about regaining control of the legislature this fall, when all 140 General Assembly seats are on the ballot. The scandals have opened up raw nerves on issues of race and unresolved issues about Virginia’s past as the capital of the Confederacy and a hub of the slave trade. They come as Democrats nationwide are clamoring for more accountability in areas of past racial and sexual conduct, and are consuming a generation of Virginia’s top Democratic leaders.

Art History Group: Led by Kathy Kelley, author of “Art History Through the dance, ballet, pencil, graphite, drawing, pointe, 8x10, charcoal, original, artwork, girls room, dancer, shoes, handmade, teache Ages.” Meets the second Monday of every month, 3-4:30 p.m, Adult Recreation Center, 208 E, Main St., Los Gatos, Free to 55 Plus Program members; non-members $5 per meeting, Free parking, 408-354-1514, lgsrecreation.org, Newcomers and Friends: A women’s social club with the purpose of developing friendships through monthly social events and activities, Open to women living in Los Gatos, Monte Sereno or Saratoga, Club coffees are held the last Thursday of each month at 10 a.m, Email newcomerslgmss@gmail.com for the location, newcomersoflosgatos.com..

Milpitas: A positive note. When we first came here in 1961, there were many empty fields. for this little town was not yet done!. Through the years, it grew by leaps and bounds;. we saw Calaveras widen and a steady stream of urban sounds!. A new City Hall was built, and a library too. A Senior Center where friendships are made anew. Milpitas, once a little, unknown (laughed-about) town. is now a busy, resourceful place. where happiness can be found. As the sun climbs over the knolls and hills from the east and hovers over Milpitas.

There’s a Motown invasion taking place right now on Berkeley stages, Aurora Theatre Company is performing Dominique Morisseau’s play “Detroit ’67,” with Motown acts a frequent topic of discussion, not long after Berkeley Rep produced Morisseau’s Broadway-bound Temptations musical “Ain’t Too Proud.” And now Berkeley Playhouse opens its 11th season with “Dreamgirls,” the 1981 musical about an R&B vocal trio with more than a passing resemblance to the Supremes, With lyrics and book by Tom Eyen and music by Henry Krieger, “Dreamgirls” proves to be a great choice on dance, ballet, pencil, graphite, drawing, pointe, 8x10, charcoal, original, artwork, girls room, dancer, shoes, handmade, teache a number of levels, It’s a big and energetic musical with a large, predominantly African-American cast, The Motown-style R&B numbers are catchy and fun, accentuated by the synchronized dance moves choreographed by director Brendan Simon, Berkeley Playhouse is primarily known for family-friendly fare, so the occasional drug references may raise an eyebrow, but they play a much smaller part in the story than in the 2006 feature film version..

Fireworks & Festival: Pancake breakfast 8:30-10:30 a.m., City Hall parking lot. Parade begins at 11 a.m. West Second and E streets. Festivities at the Contra Costa Fairgrounds, 1201 West 10th St., from 4-10 p.m. Car show, live entertainment, kids games, family games, prizes and fireworks. Free. www.celebrateantioch.org. World’s Shortest Parade: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Aptos Village Park, Soquel Street and State Park. Parade at 10 a.m. followed by party in the park, noon-4 p.m., with food, vendors, music, and activities. Free. Pancake breakfast 7-9 a.m., in burger.Aptos parking lot. www.aptoschamber.com.