Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
In July, we learned that the Canadian teen retailer Garage would be coming to Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek where Soma used to be, and their “We’re Coming” signage is now up. Check out their online selection here.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
In July, we learned that the Canadian teen retailer Garage would be coming to Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek where Soma used to be, and their “We’re Coming” signage is now up. Check out their online selection here.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that the jewelry store Brilliant Earth is coming to Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek. Check out their online selection here.
From their website:
We strive to use 100% recycled precious metals to minimize our footprint and help diminish the negative impacts of metal mining. Precious metals can be recycled repeatedly without degrading their integrity, which means we don’t compromise quality or beauty to make sustainable jewelry.
1372 Locust St, Walnut Creek
De Afghanan “Authentic Kabob House” has triumphantly returned to downtown Walnut Creek, to the very spot where they opened late 2019. Then, in 2021, Onigilly Japanese Kitchen opened in its place, but despite my love of onigiri rice balls, apparently, it wasn’t enough, and they closed rather quickly, which allowed De Afghanan to reopen here. I look forward to trying the kebabs out soon!
Plaza Escuela, Walnut Creek
Last November, we learned that Planet Fitness would be coming to Plaza Escuela where Cost Plus used to be, and they have now opened. Check out details on their Walnut Creek page here and membership plans here. How can they offer a $10 monthly plan? Is this typical?
1520 Locust St, Walnut Creek
In September we learned that Pleasanton-based Elia would be coming to downtown Walnut Creek where Lokanta used to be, and they have now opened. Check out their Pleasanton menu here.
Newell Promenade, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that San Ramon-based Andaman Thai is coming to Newell Promenade in Walnut Creek. Check out their San Ramon menu here.
1545 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that the sneaker store Bottom Bunk Sneaker House opened recently in downtown Walnut Creek where Buon Vino used to be. It looks like they sell highly sought after-market sneakers. Only one shoe is displayed, shrink-wrapped, with a QR code that can be scanned for the price. According to their Insta, it was founded by an ex-inmate and is, “focused on providing resources for formerly incarcerated people that are in need of direction.”
1501 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek
Over four years ago, Star Method Boxing opened in downtown Walnut Creek and they are now relocating to a larger spot a few blocks away. This bigger spot will have a boxing ring and they will also offer personal training and small group classes. Find out about the coaches here.
From their website:
Star Method Boxing is a personalized boxing experience that focuses on proper boxing technique and functional athletic training!
1501 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek
The wine bar Buon Vino, which closed in downtown Walnut Creek in May, has now reopened in a new downtown spot where Impulse Room used to be. Check out their website here.
Rudgear Park, Walnut Creek
As pickleball becomes more and more popular, so has sound and parking issues increased at Rudgear Park, home of the Walnut Creek Pickleball Club. I recently checked out the park and was surprised to see the tennis courts essentially deserted. However, I could hear a lot ping ponging nearby and as I rounded the corner, I couldn’t believe my eyes as I saw dozens upon dozens of people playing or waiting to play pickleball. To those unfamiliar with the fastest growing sport, pickleball is played on what looks like miniatures tennis courts, and is like a combination of tennis, ping pong and badminton.
Neighbors living on Dapplegray Lane, right across from the courts, have been complaining about noise, parking and other problems and it looks like Walnut Creek is listening as they are considering locking the courts on weekdays, directing players to indoor courts at Tice Valley Gym instead.
Do the neighbors’ goal of peace and quiet override the enjoyment of pickleball players at a park? When I visited, I saw people of all ages enjoying socializing while playing pickleball, no doubt improving their health and well being. I was particularly amazed by the agility of retired people as they diligently hit net shots, easily keeping up with younger players through their finesse play.
Is closing these outdoor pickleball courts and moving them indoors an equitable solution to the pickleball community? Would introducing parking restrictions and bathroom signs in addition to sound dampening features be a reasonable solution for neighbors instead?