A noted Italian composer living in the US, found reassurance amidst the chaos of contemporary Oakland when he discovered Peralta Hacienda, so he composed a piece about it.

Luciano Chessa's Come un'infanzia for guitar, violins, cello and viola, with theatrical elements, will fill the air and sizzle the stage at Peralta Hacienda Historical Park in Fruitvale on June 11, 3:30-4:30 pm, in a free concert for the community sponsored by the Clorox Foundation.

"I could have not written a piece that would not look, hopeful, at Fruitvale now. Half a meditation on history and half a gentle utopia, Come un'infanzia is a piece on Oakland's infancy, on my infancy, on infancy, period,"

After all the fireworks of the last two weeks, you might find yourself craving some sun, sky and quiet.

Thankfully, July is National Recreation and Parks month. The East Bay is home to some amazing parks - courtesy of the city, county/regional and state parks systems - and several of them are celebrating important anniversaries this year.