Lyric, Walnut Creek
In March, we learned that a restaurant called Lita’s would be coming to the Lyric apartment complex in downtown Walnut Creek and there is now signage up indication a January, 2022 opening with a slight name change, Lita. Check for updates on their website here.
Last week, we learned that a giant mob ransacked Nordstrom in downtown Walnut Creek while it was open, stealing hundreds of thousands in merchandise while terrorizing employees and shoppers. In response, the Walnut Creek City Council has authorized $2 million dollars to hire more officers, install security cameras, and even “flying a tether drone over Broadway Plaza” according to this NBC Bay Area article.
Does anyone remember when the Broadway Plaza remodel was in planning stages and they wanted to convert the street to pedestrian-use and were rejected? Does anyone regret that decision now?
Would money be better spent on monitoring and surveillance so police could be made aware before mobs strike? Could Contra Costa county organize a strike force that could be called in by local cities to fortify existing police departments during potential mob scenarios? It seems like social media has changed what’s going on and more creative solutions need to be developed than simply hiring a few more police officers and flying a drone. What should Walnut Creek do to protect downtown businesses and shoppers?
A couple of weeks ago we saw progress of an incredible mural going up in downtown Walnut Creek and the mural is now complete. As noted previously, you can see several downtown Walnut Creek art pieces portrayed on the mural, such as, Hand of Peace, Fountainhead, Bullman and Bulldog. I also see Mount Diablo. What other Walnut Creek representations do you see that I missed? Check out the artist Berk Visual insta here.
City Center Bishop Ranch, San Ramon
Marugame Udon is coming to City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon spring, 2022. Check out their California menu here. Although I enjoy ramen and soba, I really love udon for some reason so I look forward to checking this place out!
From their website:
Marugame Udon provides hand crafted udon bowls, tempura, and beverages from a theater kitchen, allowing guests to watch as their food is prepared. Our udon noodles are made to order to ensure that you are getting the best tasting Japanese food around.
1372 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Over the summer, we learned that Onigilly Japanese Kitchen would be coming to downtown Walnut Creek, and they are now open. As a big onigiri fan, I had to check it out and wasn’t disappointed. The miso tuna onigiri was delicious, and I look forward to trying more flavors including natto, ume, unagi and more. Check out their menu here.
1129 S. Main St, Walnut Creek
In May, we learned that LensCrafters would be coming to downtown Walnut Creek where Apple used to be, and you can see they’re closer to opening with stained wood slats displayed across the upper part of the store. Check out the Walnut Creek LensCrafters page here.
Artwork Credit (Front to Back): Ariel Strong, J. Wayne Shipman, Jane Fisher, Louis Goldman, Celena Peet, Mark Knize, Michelle Mongan, David Morris, Brian M. Condran, and Andrew Messer
Check out the latest Bedford Gallery exhibit If A Tree Falls: Art Of The Boundary Oak, through October 17th in downtown Walnut Creek:
If a Tree Falls: Art of the Boundary Oak memorializes the City of Walnut Creek’s signature Valley Oak, which tragically fell during a massive windstorm in October 2019. As a tribute to the tree’s long life and rich history, which spanned 325 years, the artists in the exhibition created artworks from its wood, offering this monumental being a second life.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
We’ve all heard stories about group crime sprees taking place but I think this takes the cake as an 80 person mob ransacked Nordstrom in downtown Walnut Creek Saturday night. Terrible.
From the WCP PR:
Three people are under arrest today following an organized theft at the Broadway Plaza Nordstrom in Walnut Creek last night. Police are investigating what was clearly a planned event, with the initial calls coming into the department about cars driving recklessly in the area shortly before 9:00 p.m. Nordstrom employees began calling 911 when approximately 80 people entered the store and immediately began stealing merchandise.
Two employees were assaulted and one was pepper sprayed by the suspects. Officers arrived on the scene quickly, stopping one of the cars and arresting two people, one of whom was in possession of a firearm. Another person was arrested nearby a short time later in possession of stolen Nordstrom property. The remaining participants in this criminal mob fled from the area in cars at high speeds.
1511 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Earlier this month, we learned that Limon Salon would be coming to downtown Walnut Creek, and another salon called Le pelle “Beyond the Skin” will also be opening in the new building, towards the back. Check out their treatments here.
Photo by Unsplash user lingerphotography
Despite a Contra Costa health order mandating indoor masking in most public places, including retail shops such as Target, I was surprised to recently see maskless people at the Walnut Creek Target. These weren’t masks hanging below their face people either, absolutely no masks. Considering the amount of employees milling about I was curious how these people could freely shop. So at the register I asked what the policy was and one employee told me they, despite the indoor mask order, can only suggest that people wear masks. That’s all.
The take away I came away with was that if you enjoy going maskless, Target is the place to shop at!