Spotted at the Pleasant Hill shopping center, I wonder if this is a real U.S. Army sidecar. Must be fun to ride in!
Spotted at the Pleasant Hill shopping center, I wonder if this is a real U.S. Army sidecar. Must be fun to ride in!
A few weeks ago I posted a preview of the 1500 N. California development in downtown Walnut Creek and on Tuesday the Walnut Creek City Council approved this development of 141 apartment rentals along with 18,000 square feet of retail space. The Contra Costa Times notes ‘that city leaders called [this] a “game-changer” and a new vision for what Walnut Creek can become’. Having lived right around the block from here in an apartment complex several years ago I’m not sure how this is a ‘game changer’ but I look forward to seeing which shops open up. As for apartment living, the location is great since you can walk to BART, Safeway, the movie theater and be right in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek.
Photo by Flickr user Daniel M. Reck
Yesterday’s news that the Boy Scouts will allow gay scouts to participate in scouting was rather contentious with 60% of the scouting organization supporting the decision. I thought the bay area would show broad support for allowing gay scouting especially considering what recently happened to a gay Moraga teen who was denied being made an Eagle Scout. However one Walnut Creek scout master called it, “a sad day for America’s youth” according to this article from the Contra Costa Times.
So for the Friday question of the day, do you support the decision to allow gay boy scouts?
Photo by Flickr user davidyuweb
Civic Park
Corner of North Broadway and Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
Monday, May 27th, 2013
10:00am | FreeThe City of Walnut Creek will honor the memory of fallen service men and women, with a special focus on those lost during the Vietnam War, during its traditional Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at the gazebo at Civic Park, corner of North Broadway and Civic Drive.
Brigadier General Barton J. Gilbert, U.S. Army (Retired) will be the keynote speaker. General Gilbert joined the Army the day after his 17th birthday, and retired with more than 40 years of Army and Reserve service. His military duties have taken him to Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Central America. He served as a Captain in combat assignments with the First Infantry Division in Vietnam during 1968 and 1969.
Between 2007 and 2011, General Gilbert was recalled to active duty each year to serve at the Pentagon as a member of the Army Chief of Staff Retiree Council.
His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medals, Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.
Other highlights of the Memorial Day Ceremony include music by the Walnut Creek Concert Band under the direction of Harvey Benstein.
Chaplain Dwane Michael of John Muir/Mt. Diablo Health System will give the invocation and blessing, and the U.S. Navy Color Guard will present the colors and close the ceremony with the traditional laying of the wreath at the Veterans Memorial Plaza.
North Broadway between Civic Drive and Lincoln Avenue will be closed during the ceremony.
A couple of weeks ago L & L Hawaiian BBQ closed in the Pleasant Hill shopping center at 60 Crescent Dr. You’ll need to travel to Pleasanton or Martinez for the closest locations of L & L.
Pot, meet kettle. Yesterday Berkleyside reported that the owner of Cream in Berkeley is requesting that the city “revoke the permit for a new ice cream take-out window” located across the street from Cream in Berkeley. According to an appeal filed in February, one of the reasons given is “a second nearby business selling ice cream and cookies would mean market saturation and be detrimental to Cream”.
Cream in Walnut Creek is opening a block away from Lottie’s Creamery and within a short walking distance to Gelateria Naia and San Francisco Creamery.
Over the past year it seems as if every baby store has closed in downtown Walnut Creek and Lafayette. Day One, Giggle, Tulip and The Right Start have all closed. I was worried what might happen to the toy store Five Little Monkeys in downtown Walnut Creek but it turns out that Walnut Creek is their second highest grossing location after their Albany location and they plan on opening a new store in Burlingame.
Located at 1366 N Main St. in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek, Five Little Monkeys offers a huge selection of high quality toys at all price points. Having two small kids I’ve shopped here a lot and have always found interesting toys to get with the help of the employees. For birthday party gifts I just tell them whether it’s for a boy or girl and the age and they know exactly the types of toys to recommend. As a special offer to readers, mention “Beyond the Creek” through May 31st, 2013 and you can receive 15% off your purchase, may not be combined with any other offer and is only valid for the Walnut Creek location.
Check out the inside:
Photos of the old school toys and baby section after the jump…
Heather Farm Park
301 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek
Saturday, June 1st – Sunday, June 2nd, 2013
11:00am – 7:00pm (6:00pm Sunday) | FreeIt’s official! Slap on some sunscreen, bring your boogie and get your grove on. Experience the sights, sounds, and scents of the art & wine festival voted “best outdoor event” by the contra Costa Times. The summer season officially kicks off at Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek on June 1 & 2 with the 32nd Annual Walnut Creek Chamber Art & Wine Festival. Feel the vibe…two stages of live music, over 200 arts & crafts booths, food to please any pallet and the coolest kids area ever…along with free admission and free parking…what are you waiting for?
Last week I had the opportunity to check out six kitchens on the Lafayette Juniors Kitchen Tour so I have decided to make Kitchen of the Day posts to show off some of these gorgeous kitchens around Lafayette. Held every year in May, the Lafayette Juniors Kitchen Tour is incredibly well organized with volunteer helpers stationed throughout. For those embarking on a remodel of their own homes or are curious how nice homes in this area can be, this tour is a must-see! In addition there are several charity recipients such as New Day for Children so it’s for a good cause.
This kitchen in located on a hillside in Lafayette and has amazing views of Mt. Diablo. As you can see from the above photo, there is plenty of island seating and prep areas. Some of my favorite parts of this kitchen are the marble countertops and pendant lighting which you can see in the photo below.
Photos of the dog food bowl drawer and view outside after the jump…
Hallmark is closing at the Moraga Shopping Center at 1460 Moraga Rd by the end of June so stop by for discounted items throughout the store. I’ve never seen so much floor space devoted to greeting cards in my life.