Beyond the Creek

Retail Shopping Slowly Opening Back up in Downtown Walnut Creek

June 9, 2020 8:30 am

Broadway Pointe, Walnut Creek

The one-two punch of the Covid-19 pandemic with recent looting in downtown Walnut Creek meant lots of closed and boarded up stores over the weekend but there are signs of retail shopping slowly opening up. Out of curiosity I checked out Williams-Sonoma which was open. A warning out front asking people to wear a mask and not to come in with a cough or fever was accompanied with touchless shopping signs inside the store. A few other people were inside as well, but frankly, it’s going to take a while to get used to shopping.

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Outdoor Patio Dining Now permitted in Contra Costa

June 8, 2020 11:30 am

Outdoor dining is now permitted in Contra Costa county, and as you can see in the above photo many people jumped at the chance to dine out at Modern China Cafe in downtown Walnut Creek. Quite a few other downtown spots were also quite busy and I’m sure it’s going to pick up further with summer approaching, as long as Covid-19 infections remain stable. Do you plan on eating out anytime soon?

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Question of the Day – What is on your Summer Reading List?

June 5, 2020 8:30 am

With summer soon here, and the situation the way it is, what better time to relax at home or outside nearby with a good book! What are you planning to read this summer?

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What’s going on with the Broadway Pointe Parking Garage in Downtown Walnut Creek?

June 4, 2020 8:30 am

I noticed this “CREDIT CARDS ONLY” sign at the Broadway Pointe parking garage in downtown Walnut Creek. The toll booth was open but does anyone know how much they’re going to charge and whether there will be any free parking included like the three hours that Broadway Plaza offers? Or are they going to choose what La Fiesta Square did in Lafayette and offer NO free parking whatsoever? Is this the end of the road for free parking in downtown Walnut Creek?! 🚗🚘🚗🚘

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Fashion in the Age of Coronavirus

June 3, 2020 8:30 am

Strolling through Downtown Walnut Creek I couldn’t help but notice mannequins at Labels consignment boutique wearing fashionable face masks. A sign of the times.

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Protests during Day, Curfews at Night – East Bay adjusts to More Changes

June 2, 2020 8:30 am

In response to the George Floyd killing by a police officer in Minneapolis last week, protests have replaced shelter in place life in many cities and towns across the United States and East Bay. In Lafayette, seen in the above photo, protesters took up spots at the corners of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Moraga Rd. with some cars honking in support. Due to the looting that happened in Walnut Creek the other day, curfews have taken hold not only in Walnut Creek but also surrounding towns including Danville, Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda for the next several days. Stay safe!

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The Mean Streets of Walnut Creek

June 1, 2020 8:30 am

Downtown Walnut Creek

Yesterday a woman was shot in downtown Walnut Creek with looters targeting Broadway Plaza, Target and other stores according to SFGate, with a curfew in effect from 8pm to 5am each night through June 8th. I saw many shops being boarded up a few hours earlier including the Apple store, Main Street Kitchen & Bar, Williams-Sonoma, Zara, Camera West, Warby Parker, Sasa and elsewhere. The videos of the looters show how brazen they were. Unbelievable.

From the City of Walnut Creek:

Due to incidents of vandalism, theft and violence, the City of Walnut Creek has issued a curfew to be in effect overnight.

The City Manager, as Director of Emergency Services, imposed a citywide curfew through 5:00 a.m. on Monday, June 1. The curfew will be in place from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. each evening through Monday, June 8. It requires residents, visitors and workers within the City of Walnut Creek to stay indoors during those hours. Exemptions include public safety personnel, health care providers, people traveling to and from work, and media representatives.

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What is your Favorite Takeout Restaurant?

May 29, 2020 8:30 am

Restaurants are probably going to open for outdoor dining sometime next month, but in the meantime, takeout has become very popular. Over time, I’ve noticed improvements picking up food with some even taking it straight to my car after I check in from an app. Very convenient and safer. Although, lately I’ve been having food delivered straight to my house via DoorDash. Contactless delivery is the best!

What is your favorite takeout restaurant?

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Apple Opens at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek

May 28, 2020 11:30 am

Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek

Over the weekend I saw a large presentation happening inside the Apple store at Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek and according to their page they are now open from 11am, with special measures in place:

To ensure a clean, safe environment, we’re taking these extra measures:

Limiting store occupancy

Face coverings (will be provided)

Touchless temperature checks

Social distancing

Continuous deep cleaning

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Venture Quality Goods Reopens in Lafayette

May 27, 2020 8:30 am

Lafayette Clocktower

Venture Quality Goods is now fully open in Lafayette since they stock Patagonia provisions like wild sockeye salmon, smoked mussels, various snack bars and other food in front. While you’re there (limit five people in the store at one time), check out their clothing and other meticulously selected goods. You can also shop online at their website here.

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