Featured – Page 5 – Beyond the Creek

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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What kind of Masks do you Wear?

May 22, 2020 8:30 am

Photo by Unsplash user llanydd

Over the past month I’ve been ordering masks at varying price points to see which ones I like the best. So far I use N95 masks (left over from last year’s fires) at the grocery store, and basic two layer cloth masks everywhere else, when needed. When we’ll need to return to work, I’ll soon be getting sturdier cloth masks with filter inserts for intermediary protection.

Do you have a favorite brand of mask you wear? How much do they cost? Do they fog up your glasses? What do you like most about them?

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The Find Open for Business in Danville

May 21, 2020 11:30 am

312 Railroad Ave, Danville

In March, we got a sneak preview of the Napa-based wine tasting lounge/store The Find in Danville, and although they were only open for ten days before the coronovirus pandemic caused them to close, when I dropped by over the weekend, I found they were open for wine orders via no contact curbside pickup. Check out their wine list here, and schedule a 30 minute Zoom-based virtual shopping session here.

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Shopping at Farmers Market during the Pandemic – Don’t Touch the Produce!

May 20, 2020 8:30 am

Over the weekend I had a chance to check out two farmers markets, one in Danville and the other in downtown Walnut Creek. It was interesting to compare and contrast the signage and people at each market. Danville had the most varied signage informing people not to touch the produce and to wear masks, while the Walnut Creek signs focused on social distancing. The Walnut Creek market was really packed, comparable to what I’d normally see before the coronavirus pandemic.

I ended up buying a bunch of strawberries and cherries. Over the week I’ve been enjoying both, but about 50% are absolutely delicious, and the other half leave a lot to be desired. Unfortunately, I don’t know which place I bought the good ones from! 🍒🍓🤔

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Gingerlily Closes Retail Store in Danville – Online Shop is Open

May 19, 2020 8:30 am

120 West Linda Mesa, Danville

The home decor and gift shop Gingerlily recently closed their retail store in Danville at the restored Austin Root house but their online shop remains open here.

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Aozora Opening for Takeout in June at Danville Livery

May 18, 2020 8:30 am

Danville Livery

Last August we learned that the Japanese fusion restaurant Aozora would be coming to Danville Livery where Jules Thin Crust Pizza used to be and they are now getting ready to open next month with a special menu available for takeout. I was able to get a preview of the inside which you can see below. There will also be an outdoor dining patio (seen in the above photo on the left). This will be a great place to enjoy Japanese fusion, with a full bar available, including whiskey, and in the meantime, be sure to order takeout to try something new, and support local businesses. Check for updates on their website here and Insta here.

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