Beyond the Creek

Mitchell Canyon Visitors Center and Trailhead
Mt. Diablo State Park, Clayton
Friday, July 1st, 2016
7:00pm – 10:30pm | $6 (per car – exact change)

Denise Wright leads this three mile hike listening to birds of the early evening on the hike to Red Road. As twilight approaches, hikers near the upper portion of White Canyon, listening for the Common Poorwill and local owls. The returning hike in the dark may turn up some interesting wildlife. Dress in layers and bring snacks, liquids and flashlight. Be prepared for ticks and poison oak.
Reservation required.

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Blondie’s Pizza Opens in Pleasant Hill

June 27, 2016 11:30 am

1035 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill

Thanks to a reader for sending word that Blondie’s Pizza has finally opened in Pleasant Hill next to Rasputin Music. A new “market” section will be opening up inside as well, next to the pizza section as can be seen in the below photo.

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Hanna Andersson Opens in Broadway Plaza

June 27, 2016 8:30 am

Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek

Several shops in the recently opened backside section of Broadway Plaza are ones that have relocated within the plaza or from downtown Walnut Creek, but one completely new one is the children’s clothing store Hanna Andersson. Interestingly they also carry women’s clothing. Check out their website here.

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Master Harold …and the Boys Playing at Aurora Theatre Company through July 17th in Berkeley

June 24, 2016 4:30 pm

Master Harold …and the Boys:

Aurora Theatre Company
2081 Addison St, Berkeley
Friday, June 17th – Sunday, July 17th, 2016

An ordinary rainy afternoon in 1950’s South Africa turns into a profound and lifechanging experience for a white teenager and the two black men employed by his family. At once a coming of age drama and a scathing indictment of inequality, this modern masterpiece by Athol Fugard (Blood Knot, My Children! My Africa!) continues to speak to the world’s many racial injustices as well as its hopes for reconciliation.

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Teavana Opens in Broadway Plaza

June 24, 2016 11:30 am

Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek

Starbucks-owned Teavana has opened next to of all places, Starbucks, in Broadway Plaza at their recently opened location across from Macy’s in downtown Walnut Creek. This is no ordinary Teavana though and is one of the few concept stores to focus on loose leaf teas where there are even mixing bowls to combine one’s loose tea selection. In addition to hot tea samples there is also an iced tea sample area with four sweetened iced teas. When I mentioned to them it might be nice to offer one unsweetened iced tea they said they have been directed to use only sweetened teas. OK, then, sweetened teas it is.

Photos of the mixing bowls and iced tea section after the jump…

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Friday Question of the Day – What do you think of the New Broadway Plaza?

June 24, 2016 8:30 am

The main part of Broadway Plaza reopened at the end of last year with several new stores moving in (NYX Cosmetics, Vince Camuto, Madewell and more), as well as several relocations and this week the backside of Broadway Plaza reopened, also with new stores opening and others relocating such as GAP from downtown Walnut Creek. It’s still a work in progress as stores open up over the next few months, not to mention Zara coming to the former location of the Macy’s Men’s store.

How do you think the Broadway Plaza redevelopment turned out? Do you like the lounge areas? Of all the stores I like the GAP design the best. Now I’m waiting for Boudin and True Kitchen to open… What are you looking forward to opening?

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FLUX Exhibition Preview & Workshop at Bedford Gallery on June 25th in Walnut Creek

June 23, 2016 4:30 pm

Photo provided by Bedford Gallery

FLUX Exhibition Preview & Workshop:

Bedford Gallery
1601 Civic Drive
Saturday, June 25th, 2016
3:00pm – 5:00pm | $90

Tickets can be purchased online at crystalwagnerflux.eventbrite.com or in person at the gallery during open hours.

Preview Crystal Wagner’s FLUX exhibition with an artist talk and hands-on workshop. Participants will explore X-acto knife drawing techniques to create stunning stencils and a layered print based on their own aesthetic sensibilities.

Workshop fee includes materials, participants are asked to bring their own self healing cutting mat or purchase one from the gallery. You can add a cutting mat to your ticket order at check out, which will be available for pick up at the gallery on the day of the event.

Ages 16 and Up. No refunds.

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Lamorinda Idol Finalists Performing at Rock the Plaza at Lafayette Plaza on June 24th

June 23, 2016 4:30 pm

Lamorinda Idol Finalists Performing at Rock the Plaza:

Lafayette Plaza Park
Moraga Road and Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Friday, June 24th, 2016
6:30pm – 8:30pm | Free

Get ready to Rock the Plaza! Join us at Lafayette Plaza Park – intersection of Moraga Road and Mt. Diablo Blvd. for live bands each Friday in June from 6:30pm-8:30pm.

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Almanac Opening Soon in Danville

June 23, 2016 11:30 am

500 Hartz Ave, Danville

Back in February we learned that Amber Bistro closed in Danville and a new “farm to table” restaurant called Almanac is close to opening in this spot. Check for updates on their Facebook page here.

From their website:

A place to gather with family and friends – old and new.

Our cuisine is inspired by the freshest and finest ingredients sourced from local purveyors. A farm to table experience that celebrates the bounty of Northern California.

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Uh oh, is that what I think it is at the Broadway Plaza Parking Garage?!

June 23, 2016 8:30 am

The new Broadway Plaza garage behind Macy’s is looking great in downtown Walnut Creek. But has anyone noticed these boxes at the entrances? I hope that’s not what I think it is, but it sure does look like parking tolls to me. A valet parking attendant mentioned that Broadway Plaza will start charging in the new year. Anyone know what’s going on?

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