Spotted at the Willows shopping center in Concord. Glad to see new bike racks added throughout.
Spotted at the Willows shopping center in Concord. Glad to see new bike racks added throughout.
Ygnacio Valley Rd. & Oak Grove Rd, Walnut Creek
Last July we learned about updated plans for Walgreens and Whole Foods at the Encina Grand shopping center in Walnut Creek and construction has now begun on the new Walgreens and is expected to open by October, 2015 according to the owner Regency Centers. This is also when the old Walgreens will close. Note that although Walgreens and Safeway will occupy newly constructed buildings, the small buildings in-between will not be demolished. There will only be a new facade added to the front. Thanks to a reader for sending updated construction photos.
Lafayette Library Amphitheatre
Saturday, April 11th, 2015
10:00am – 1:00pm | FreeLove dogs? Don’t miss Lafayette Dogtown Downtown. Dogs invited. Parade starts at 10am. Registration begins at 9am at the Library Amphitheatre, located at First St. and Golden Gate Way. Click HERE to register for this event.
Long considered a pet friendly town, Lafayette is giving top billing to its canine community for its second annual Dogtown Downtown event, scheduled for Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is an event about – and for – dogs and dog lovers.
Designed to be a fun and festive canine-focused event, Lafayette Dogtown Downtown includes outdoor demonstrations, fun dog competitions, and other activities for dog lovers of all ages. Pet adoptions will be available and animal rescue group representatives will be on hand, as well as other dog-related vendors.
Admission and related activities, including the presentations, are free.
3454 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Back in January we learned that the restaurant Vitality Bowls featuring Acai bowls would be coming to Lafayette in the Merrill Gardens senior housing project and the coming soon sign is now up. They will be located in a large corner section closest to downtown.
2073 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek
A couple of months ago a fire gutted Mt. Diablo Tile and Stone on Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Walnut Creek and apparently a Lafayette-based hair salon is planning to relocate to this location. Anyone know which hair salon?
Photo by Flickr user Tarantuland
Baby Tarantula & Wildflower Hike:
Mitchell Canyon Visitor
Mount Diablo State Park
Saturday, April 4th, 2015
3:00pm – 5:00pm | $15Explore the habitat of local tarantulas along the north face of Mount Diablo with Jim Holmes, an experienced naturalist. Spring is the time for newly hatched baby tarantulas to emerge from their burrows. Additionally, experience the vast array of wild flowers in bloom. Hikes start from Mitchell Canyon Visitor’s Center at Mount Diablo State Park and cover a distance of 2 miles. Hiking shoes and bottled water are highly recommended. Additional costs: $6 for parking at the Visitor’s Center. Map and directions will be sent after registration completed.
376 Park St, Moraga
According to a sign in the window of the Mediterranean restaurant Shish Kabab Show in the Rheem Shopping Center in Moraga an application for ownership change has been submitted with the name Graze. Stay tuned…
1357 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
The Ballet School is expanding in downtown Walnut Creek off N. Main St. in the covered passageway where boutique Norf London and the barber shop Amplify are located. There will be a few small rooms available for private pilates and music classes.
From their Facebook page:
Exciting News! We are expanding!!!! We will have 2 music rooms for private voice and piano lessons with Mr Vince. As well as a new room for Miss Kelley to have her private and duo Pilates Reformer lessons!! It’s a great space in the alley by our friends Norf London and Threads!!!!! This means a wonderful new viewing area lobby for our downstairs studio.
Lafayette Library and Learning Center
3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Wednesday, April 1st, 2015
6:30pm – 8:00pm | $5Evie Michon will teach us the folk art of Pysanky, Ukrainian Egg decorating. Each person will get to dye and decorate an egg. All Ages / Families Welcome!
1552 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Back in February we learned that the Japanese restaurant Izakaya Jun stopped development after a stop work order was issued by the city but that has been resolved and when I looked inside recently the extensive wood paneling looked completed. According to Diablo Dish they are planning to open late April. The contractor told me they expect to finish within a couple of weeks.
Izakaya, as explained by Wikipedia:
An izakaya (居酒屋) is a type of informal Japanese drinking establishment that serves food to accompany the drinks. They are casual places for after-work drinking.
Izakaya food is usually more substantial than tapas or mezze. Many items are designed to be shared.
Yakitori – grilled chicken skewers
Kushiyaki – grilled meat or vegetable skewers
Sashimi – slices of raw fish
Karaage – bite-sized fried chicken
Edamame – boiled and salted soybean pods
Tofu
Hiyayakko – chilled silken tofu with toppings
Agedashi tofu – deep fried tofu in broth
Tsukemono – pickles
I look forward to yakitori with an Asahi when this place opens!