Beyond the Creek

Mighty Fine Guitars
85 Lafayette Circle
Friday, March 29th, 2013
8:00pm | $15 donation

Teja Gerken and Doug Young team up for a fabulous evening of fingerstyle guitar. Teja is an editor at Acoustic Guitar Magazine, and Doug Young is a frequent contributor there and an author in his own right, but having read them, here’s your chance to HEAR them. You will be mightily pleased. I guarantee it. Solo stuff and duo stuff. Fingerstyle. Several cool guitars to tickle your eyeballs and lots of cool alternate tunings to tickle your earballs, as well. RSVP stevie@mightyfineguitars.com

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Ike’s Sandwich Shop in Walnut Creek is Hiring

March 26, 2013 11:30 am

Ike’s sandwich shop is opening very soon in downtown Walnut Creek and a job sign has been posted in their window. Check it out. They also have a menu posted. I can’t wait! Read the story of Ike’s here.

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Walnut Creek Neiman Marcus Fins are Back

March 26, 2013 8:30 am

Back in the beginning of the month I noted that the Neiman Marcus metal fins were missing from their storefront but they are now back. This time you can see a distinctive skelton-like backbone which presumably protects them as they swivel back and forth from the wind. Take a look at the photo below to see what they looked like on opening day one year go.

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Guided Walk with Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation on April 13th

March 25, 2013 4:30 pm

Behind the Scenes Exploration of Walnut Creek:

Walnut Heights Elementary School
2064 Walnut Blvd. Walnut Creek
Saturday, April 13th, 2013
9:00am – 10:30am | Free

DESCRIPTION: April’s Second Saturday Spotlight shines on the work of the Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation with a guided walk to three restoration projects, plus a visit to a native-rich area used as a source for restoration project plants.

Learn how to create “dead shade” to help plants make it through the long, hot summer. Get tips on the art of seed gathering and weed killing. Hear how the Foundation chooses restoration sites, and the process they follow to plant, grow and care for native plants at those sites. (Note: Activities may vary depending on time and weather conditions).

DETAILS! The program begins promptly at 9 a.m. promptly and will be done by 10:30 a.m. The walk takes place on unpaved trails and uneven ground; wear sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Bring water and dress in layers.

Total distance is about 1.25 miles, with stops along the way.

BONUS WALK! There will be an optional hike at the end of the tour along Indian Creek, where Foundation guides will point out native plants and share more information about how they identify seed sources and decide what to plant in restoration areas. This extra walk is about 3/4 of a mile.

PARKING AND CHECK-IN WILL BE AT WALNUT HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 4064 Walnut Boulevard.

Just click here for a simple on-online registration form

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The Ice Cream Truck is Coming…

March 25, 2013 11:30 am

Spotted at Civic Park in Walnut Creek. When I hear the Mister Softee jingle screeching from the ice cream truck while watching my kids play at the park I have fond memories of chasing after that truck on hot summer days with the neighborhood kids while growing up on the east coast. My kids don’t have that same Pavlovian response that I had which I suppose is a good thing, although I kind of feel they’re missing out on something. Come to think of it, I don’t notice kids playing outdoors on their own these days where I live anyway. Must be due to all those organized sports etc. Too bad.

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Merrill Gardens Assisted Living Apartment Complex Opening in Lafayette Spring 2014

March 25, 2013 8:30 am

Back in January I noted that a new apartment complex for seniors called Lafayette Senior Housing was being built on Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette. What I didn’t realize is that the other apartment complex being built less than a block away will also offer apartments to seniors.

From the Merrill Gardens website:

The apartment-style community will offer all of the amenities of a home without the work. Imagine a life without household chores, yard work or home maintenance. Invite guests to a meal, special event or social outing. With an on-site Active Living Director, scheduled transportation and Anytime Dining program – there will be opportunities to make new friends or entertain old ones right outside your front door when the community opens Spring 2014.

You may have noticed the massive yellow construction crane driving down Mt. Diablo Blvd. to get on the highway.

It’s huge:

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West Side Story Screening with Guest Rita Moreno at New Rheem Theatre in Moraga this Sunday

March 22, 2013 4:30 pm

West Side Story:

New Rheem Theatre
350 Park St. Moraga
Sunday, March 24th, 2013
2:00pm | $15

This weekend we are very excited for our special guest ; Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony recipient, Rita Moreno. On March 23rd, we will be screening “Singin’ in the Rain” at Orinda Theatre, 7pm. On March 24th, we will be screening “West Side Story” at the New Rheem Theatre, 2pm. Ms. Moreno will be doing a Q&A at both screenings, and signed copies of her new memoir will be available for purchase. Tickets are available on our website for $15.

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Orinda Resident Charged with Molesting Boy

March 22, 2013 2:30 pm

Orinda resident and former high school baseball coach Joel Kaufman has been charged with molesting a teenage boy as well as secretly filming another in the East Bay. According to ABC News Kaufman has disappeared and police are searching for him.

From the ABC News article:

Kaufman owns Triple Play Batting Cages in San Leandro. He is the head coach of California Smoke Baseball Club, a travelling high school club.

Kaufman also coached at Bishop O’Dowd High School between 1999 and 2005. The Oakland Diocese said Thursday that no parents have come forward to say their son was abused, but police think there could be more victims.

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Judging Restaurants – Lettuce in Walnut Creek

March 22, 2013 11:30 am

The restaurant Lettuce has been open for several years now in downtown Walnut Creek at 1632 Locust St. near the Lesher Center and I can’t believe this is my first time trying this place out. It’s independently owned with only one location and I will definitely be back for lunch. I ordered the Mission and Soho salads to-go and it was quite yummy. Check out their menu here. They also offer soups and sandwiches. Has anyone tried the sandwiches? What are the must-try items?

This is where you order the salads, they are big!

Big menu and nice looking interior:

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Vote for Diablo Magazine’s Best of the East Bay 2013 Issue

March 22, 2013 10:00 am

It’s that’s time of year again. Yes, there is one more week left to vote for Diablo Magazine’s Best of the East Bay issue. To vote for your favorite restaurant, store, fun spot etc. click here. One lucky voter will win a three night stay at the Silverado resort in Napa if you vote in 20 or more categories. Deadline is March 29th, 2013.

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