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.
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.
Plaza Center, Lafayette
I was surprised to see the distinctive Cuesta Antiques truck by Whole Foods at Plaza Center in Lafayette, and sure enough, in the back is Cuesta Antiques, relocated from their former spot in La Fiesta Square.
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!
Rheem Valley Shopping Center
The Cal-Mex restaurant Casa Turing opened at the Rheem Valley Shopping Center in Moraga where New Delhi Bistro used to be. Check out their menu here and catering menu here.
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?
Check out the latest Bedford Gallery exhibit Works on Paper, through December 18th in downtown Walnut Creek:
Bedford Gallery presents The Harmon & Harriet Kelley Collection of African American Art: Works on Paper, an exhibition that celebrates 54 African American artists and their tremendous contributions to U.S. art and culture. Curated from the extensive collection of Harmon and Harriet Kelley, featured artists include Grafton Tyler Brown, the first documented professional graphic artist on the West Coast, and contemporary printmakers like Margo Humphrey. The works on paper – spanning the 20th and early 21st centuries – consist of drawings, etchings, watercolors, pastels, and color screen prints that chronicle the lives of Black Americans through scenes of family and community, urban and rural workers, poverty and success, cultural pride, and political turmoil.
