From the City of Walnut Creek webpage:
Learn how to compost from certified Master Gardeners at a free 90-workshop sponsored by the Contra Costa County Solid Waste Authority from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5 at the Heather Farm Community Center, 301 N. San Carlos Dr. The workshop will cover basic backyard composting, composting with worms, mulching and other topics. Reservations are required. 925-906-1801 ext. 306 orwww.wastediversion.org
Back in June I noted the opening of the new Lafayette Farmer’s Market in the BART parking lot which was supposed to be open year-round, but instead will be closed until May due to poor attendance. Thanks to a reader for pointing this out. So what happened? Is it due to not knowing about the market? Or something else like higher prices or less variety? Read the reader’s note about the Lafayette market:
Just a quick email to lament the seasonal closing of the Lafayette Farmer’s Market, which was new to the city in its expanded form and location at the back parking lot of Lafayette Bart. It was really a very high quality farmer’s market with excellent vendors and prepared foods. The original intent was for it to stay open year round, but because it was so poorly patronized, they decided to close up shop for the winter and it will now reopen in April. When it opened in June, the entire parking lot was full of vendors from end to end. By the time it closed, I’d estimate about 2/3 or maybe 1/2 of the vendors remained. All of the vendors my family regularly patronized said that it just wasn’t drawing the crowd they needed to justify staying open year round. One vendor said that the city of Lafayette prohibited signage that would have encouraged people to wander in off the street. However, I never really saw a lot of advertising effort from the market’s promoters in publications or city associations that I’m familiar with, so I’m not sure what the reason is for the low turn out
I am so disappointed about this because it was really a stellar market and a great Sunday morning family activity — head and shoulders above the Orinda and Moraga markets. In my opinion, it ranked up there with the Claremont DMV market in Oakland. I thought it brought a level of sophistication to Lafayette that wasn’t there before in large part, and it made me miss living west of the tunnel a little less. I do really hope that people patronize it in droves come spring time, so we don’t lose it altogether.
The Christmas tree is now up at Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek. Same decorations as last year but fun to see this time of year. More Broadway Plaza events are listed below:
Venture Men’s Goods is hosting an open house on Thursday, November 29th from 7pm – 9pm featuring the founders of Taylor Stitch, “makers of well-crafted shirts and jeans made in San Francisco. We will have libations and bites to kick off the holiday season.” Venture is located at 3571 Mt. Diablo Blvd. a few doors down from Patxi’s Pizza.
Last week I noted the appearance of popup kiosks in Liberty Bell Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek where the restaurant Il Forniao is located, across the street from Nordstrom, and the kiosks are now open. According to the popup website, the kiosks are from:
Danville Chocolates
Alicia Klein
Folkmanis Puppets
Mill Valley Candle Works
Cover-Up Accessories
The photo above is the Alicia Klein kiosk selling handbags and “Taxi” wallets.
Check out the goods from Danville Chocolates:
According to their website you can get a free caramel apple on your birthday for registering your cell phone number.
This kiosk is selling Folkmanis Puppets (Emeryville)
and this one, Mill Valley Candle Works:
Two kiosks were not open over the weekend. According to the popup website one of them is Cover-Up Accessories so I’m guessing one is vacant for now. I like how small, locally produced items are being sold not available nearby. Of all the kiosks I would most like to try something from Danville Chocolates. What do you think of the offerings?
Being that downtown Walnut Creek is becoming an East Bay fashion and salon mecca, Phoenix Salon & Day Spa is getting remodeled to keep up appearances. This looks great, love the wood accents.
I hope everyone has a very happy Thanksgiving day today! If you’re traveling this holiday stay safe and have fun. If you see me at the Walnut Creek Turkey Trot say hi!
Looks like the yogurt institution Yogurt Castle in downtown Walnut Creek at the corner of N. California Blvd. and Bonanza St. has served its last dessert as it’s been closed for about a month now. The yogurt machines are still inside but I’m not optimistic Thanks to a reader for pointing this out who writes, “It has been there for years, back when the Festival Cinema was where McCovey’s is now and before all the other yogurt options hit town.” Who misses Yogurt Castle? Where is the best frozen yogurt in Walnut Creek?
Check out the machines still inside:
The baby store The Right Start is closing in downtown Walnut Creek. Located across the street from the Container Store on Botelho Dr, they offered baby goods targeted to babies up to 18 months. They still have a store in San Francisco in Presidio Heights. Apparently the lease was going way up so they’re bailing by the end of the year.
Now for some interesting news. Word on the street is that this will be the new location for the stationery store Paper Source! Possibly opening this coming April. Stay tuned…
If you’re looking for some baby goods drop by as there should be sweet sales:
From the City of Walnut Creek website:
Ring in the season with the Walnut Creek Concert Band at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27 at the Lesher Center for the Arts. In addition to seasonal favorites, carols and Yuletide classics, the concert will feature Annie Guo perforning George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” Tickets are available at the Lesher Center for the Arts box office or online. Cost is $17 per adult; buy an adult ticket and get a student ticket for half-price ($6).