Ygnacio Plaza, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for pointing out this Business Times article that reports that Fresh & Easy will be closing in Ygnacio Plaza in Walnut Creek. Employees have been telling people that April 2nd will be the last day. I noted the eventual closure way back in April of 2013, and the time has finally come so stock up on those British food items ASAP.
The children’s birthday and fun center Smile Tu has closed in the Encina Grande Shopping center in Walnut Creek due to the eventual construction of the new Whole Foods store right next door where Safeway currently is. However, according to a sign in the window they are, “switching gears and going mobile with a service that can come to you.”
From their website:
We will be working on constructing a new mobile bus that can bring the party to you. For any questions or requests please email us @ smiletuinc@gmail.com
The Terrible Two are coming! Yes, it’s Mac Barnett & Jory John!!:
Lafayette Library and Learning Center
3491 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Thursday, March 26th, 2015
3:30pm – 5:00pm | FreeMac Barnett is back and he’s bringing his friend Jory John with him! Don’t miss this special opportunity to meet the terrific team behind the New York Times bestselling The Terrible Two.
The Storyteller Bookstore will have copies of the book available for purchase and signing. Be prepared to laugh yourself silly!
Encina Grande, Walnut Creek
Last week we learned that The Orchards development (across the street from the Encina Grande shopping center in Walnut Creek) has been delayed which led to speculation by some that Safeway, which was supposed to relocate there from Encina Grande, was trying to renegotiate their lease at Encina Grande. However, that is definitely not going to happen as Whole Foods has a signed lease and will be opening at Encina Grande around October, 2016. Construction on the new Whole Foods store will begin in October, 2015, with Safeway closing a month earlier in September, 2015.
The empty Orchards plot is below:
Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek
Friday, March 20th, 2015 – Sunday, April, 2015
An All-American Institution!Fast-talking con man Harold Hill sells instruments and uniforms to the naive Iowa townsfolk, promising to train the members of a new boys’ band – without giving music lessons. Plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the librarian who gives him a lesson in moral responsibility. Funny, warm, romantic and touching – Family Entertainment at its best.
3616 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
The long anticipated Spanish, Mexican, and native Californian restaurant Rancho Cantina is set for a private soft-opening sometime next week. Featuring wood-fired Rancho cuisine, I was able to get a sneak peek of the restaurant which looks great and has a warm feeling throughout. The bar area is below. Check out their menu here.
Plenty of outdoor seating:
I’ve been following the progress of the Old Yellow House in Orinda for a while; Last night there was a talk about the house by the owner who refurbished it in an environmentally friendly way. I enjoy visiting the Shadeland Ranch Museum in Walnut Creek (see above photo) which features various historical artifacts. What other historical places are there to visit in the East Bay? Which one is your favorite?
Moraga Commons Park
Saturday, March 21st, 2015
9:00am – 12:00pm | $10Hosted by Moraga Juniors Women’s Club and the Town of Moraga
Saturday, March 21, 9 am-12 pm
Rain or Shine! at Moraga Commons Park
Admission: $10-children 8 and under.
Admission includes:
One Egg Hunt promptly at 10 am or 11 am, Games, Face Painting, Crafts, and Pictures with the Bunny!Tickets can be purchased online (below), or at Hacienda de las Flores, 2100 Donald Drive, Moraga. Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Proceeds benefit the Contra Costa County Crisis Center
Check out all Lamorinda Easter Egg hunts here.
Looks like the new owners of The Orchards shopping center in Walnut Creek have put the kibosh on development as no work has been done for a while now. According to Supermarket News, last December, “Safeway said it has completed the sale of its real estate development assets to Terramar Retail Centers.” Since the 24 acre plot located in the Shadelands Business Park at the corner of Ygnacio Valley and Oak Grove was owned by Safeway’s “Property Development Centers”, this means that the new owner is Terramar Retail Centers, not Safeway.
I’m speculating but what if Safeway is able to renegotiate their lease at Encina Grande across the street before Whole Foods takes over? That could mean that if Terramar eventually decides to restart The Orchards development with different stores then Whole Foods could move in to The Orchards!
