Encina Grande, Walnut Creek
Back in April we learned that the stores between the new Whole Foods/Safeway and the new Walgreens anchoring the other end would not be demolished but would rather be getting a facelift. As you can see in the above photo the stores remain open while the redevelopment takes place on the front exterior. The second level where ACE is located is just for decoration though.
School is out today and with summer fast approaching the onslaught of the big blockbuster movies begins. As a huge fan of Jurassic Park I was eagerly anticipating Jurassic World and still plan on watching it despite mixed reviews. What movies are you looking forward to watching this summer?
Tamara Ireland Stone Book Launch and Reception:
Lafayette Library and Learning Center
3491 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Sunday, June 14th, 2015
4:00pm – 6:00pm | FreeJoin Orinda-based YA author Tamara Ireland Stone for the launch of her newest novel: ‘Every Last Word.’ Refreshments will be served, and books will be available for sale – and signing by Stone.
‘Every Last Word’ tells the story of Samantha McAllister who looks just like the rest of the popular girls in her junior class. But hidden beneath the straightened hair and expertly applied makeup is a secret that her friends would never understand: Sam has Purely-Obsessional OCD and is consumed by a stream of dark thoughts and worries that she can’t turn off…
This is a free event and no registration is necessary. Come join the fun, and meet this popular local author!
Sign spotted in downtown Walnut Creek in front of Cheesecake Factory:
Don’t flush your cat litter.
Throw it out!
Every time you flush your cat
litter at least one sea otter gets
infected with toxoplasma
bondaii
I believe this is referring to toxoplasma gondii, which is a “parasite [that] infects one-third of the world’s population”.
Last month I lamented the fountains being turned off in downtown Walnut Creek but they are back in action as you can see at both the Wowhaus Geologica fountain in front of Wells Fargo and the Fountain Head a block away on N. Main St.
When I first glanced at the sign I wondered why a French organization, Saveour H2O was involved with water conservation. Only later did I realize that it’s Save Our H2O!
Kids Day Special Olympics Fundraiser:
Rheem Theatre
350 Park St, Moraga
Sunday, June 14th, 2015
10:30am – 2:00pm | $5 (movie)The event is sponsored by the Moraga Police Officers Association and is a “Kids Day” that consists of a special screening of a kids movie at the New Rheem Theatre in Moraga, followed by a festival of fun activities outside (staffed by Moraga Police Officers) that includes a bounce house, carnival games, face painting, and more. The event will take place on 6/14/15 with the movie at 10:30am, followed by the festival from 12pm-2pm. All of the proceeds go to Special Olympics Northern California
Spotted at the now closed McCovey’s Restaurant in downtown Walnut Creek, this door handle may be replaced soon to make way for the burger and beer joint Slater’s 50/50 which will be opening in its place.
489 Moraga Road, Moraga
Plenty of residential development going on in Moraga these days. Last year we saw the story poles, and now we see that a new 18 single family home development called Via Moraga is coming to downtown Moraga, directly across from the Rheem Shopping Center. Lot sizes will range from 2,610 – 4,123 square feet with house sizes varying 2,066 to 2,568 square feet. The 2-story houses will reach a bit less than 28 feet high. Check out the developer website here.
Of all the places in Moraga, being located across from a shopping center and next to commercial buildings seems to be an ideal spot for condos. Why are single family houses being built instead?
Via Moraga rendering
Photo from roybookbinder.com
Mighty Fine Guitars
85 Lafayette Cir, Lafayette
Friday, June 12th, 2015
8:00pm | $15 – $20Roy Book Binder. The man’s a legend, and he’s coming to Mighty Fine Guitars this Friday night, June 12.
“Musically, Roy Book Binder is equally difficult to fence in or categorize. His eclectic repertoire includes blues, country tunes, bluegrass, folk, and popular songs that originated on Tin Pan Alley,” says his promo material. “The real deal,” says pal and recent MFG crowd-pleaser Ray Bonneville.
[VIDEO]Show starts at 8:00pm. Doors at 7:15. This will be a pass-the-hat party with a Suggested Donation of $15 – $20 per person.
Last month the Lafayette Juniors held their annual kitchen tour of six incredible Lafayette homes to help out several non-profit organizations, (see the first kitchen of the day from the tour here). Find out more about the beneficiaries here.
This kitchen and home is located in the Happy Valley neighborhood in Lafayette and hosted the luncheon in a magnificent backyard featuring a pool, hot tub with numerous patio and entertaining areas throughout. The highlight for me was the spacious outdoor entertaining areas adjacent to the kitchen through a glass door. At first glance the photo above looks like it could be an indoor dining room, but notice the heat lamps on the ceiling; it’s inside-outside living at its finest! Backyard barbecues taken to a whole new level. Another highlight was seeing beehives in front of the house! Sure, plenty of houses have chicken coops (including this home), but bee hive boxes in the front yard? Amazing.
From the Lafayette Juniors description:
The classic kitchen has a bohemian twist. This newly-built home was constructed with classic, elegant finishes. What makes this kitchen unique is that the homeowner’s personal, bohemian style shines through to create a warm, welcoming family kitchen. Stainless steel countertops surround the room and two expansive calacatta marble islands encourage guests to linger in the kitchen while allowing plenty of prep space. Plus, an adjacent butler’s pantry with a playful tile backsplash makes this kitchen party-ready. The kitchen and great room flow easily into an outdoor living room and kitchen to extend the entertaining outdoors.
More photos including the pool, beehives and more after the jump…