Author Archives: Beyond the Creek

Walnut Creek International Short Film Festival June 7th – 9th in Walnut Creek

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Walnut Creek International Short Film Festival:

Century 14 Cinemark Movie Theater
1201 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Friday, June 7th, 2013
$12 – $75

The Walnut Creek International Short Film Festival will launch it’s inaugural event this summer beginning on Friday June 7th, running through the 9th with over 75 short films screening throughout the three day event.

The festivities begin on the Red Carpet and the Opening Night screening as local celebrities, filmmakers and other VIPs join us as paparazzi shoot photos and conduct interviews on this incredible community event.

Friday Question of the Day – What are Fun Things to do with Older Kids?

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Lamorinda Skate Park

Although my kids are young, I pass by the Lamorinda skate park in Moraga every now and then which got me wondering what there is to do for older kids around here. Walnut Creek has a skate park as well in Heather Farm Park next to the Clarke Swim Center. Check out the details here.

There’s the movie theater in downtown Walnut Creek. Swim clubs abound almost everywhere. What else is there to do if you’re a teenager around here?

Chalk Paint Workshop this Sunday at The Bloom Space in Lafayette

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Chalk Paint Workshop:

The Bloom Space
3391 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Sunday, May 19th, 2013
9:00am – 12:00pm, 1:00 – 4:00pm | $95

(bring a small piece to practice with)
This is an introductory level class. We learn three techniques: smooth, rustic and color wash in the first half of the class.  In the second half, we work on individual samples brought from home.

Credit Card Skimming Devices Found on Gas Pumps in Walnut Creek

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From the Walnut Creek Police:

On 5/14/13, Walnut Creek police officers were dispatched to the Chevron gas station at the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and N. Main St. for a credit card skimming device found inside a gas pump by an alert clerk. Officers seized the device and at this time believe it had been installed only hours before. The pump was returned to normal operation by mid-morning.

Yesterday afternoon, 5/15/13, officers were called to the Valero gas station at Ygnacio Valley Rd. and N. Broadway for another skimming device found attached to a pump. This device was of the same design and construction as the one found on the Chevron pump. Officers seized the device and believe it was installed within the previous 24-36 hours. Video from both stations is being obtained.
Both skimming devices were installed inside the pump with no external indications they were attached. The Walnut Creek Police Department is asking patrons of these stations who saw any suspicious subjects tampering with the pumps to contact the department at 925-943-5844. We are also asking for citizens to report any suspicious subjects, who do not appear to be gas station employees, tampering with gas pumps at any gas station.

Recent patrons of the above stations should monitor their credit reports for any unauthorized credit activity. The Police Department has contacted all gas stations in Walnut Creek and advised them of this activity. The stations have been asked to check their pumps on a regular basis.

Root Beer Float Showdown – Lottie’s Creamery vs. Cake

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Lottie’s Creamery root beer float

Last month at Lottie’s Creamery grand opening in Walnut Creek I learned that root beer floats were going to be offered and was excited to see how they tasted. It turns out that Cake in Lafayette has decided to get into the ice cream business as well, albeit on a smaller scale and also offers root beer floats with home made organic ice cream. Being the root beer float loving guy I am I had to try them both out.

Both Lottie’s and Cake offer one scoop of home made vanilla ice cream in a glass of root beer. Vanilla beans were visible in both floats, yeah! Lottie’s comes with a massively wide straw to slurp the ice cream through while Cake comes with a spoon. Lottie’s uses bottled Jones root beer while Cake uses Devil’s Canyon root beer on tap. Lottie’s ice cream is hard while Cake uses soft serve ice cream that is chilled so it’s not too soft. (Cake will be offering soft serve ice cream for sale very soon!) Price-wise a Lottie’s float will run you $5.50 and is available in black cherry and orange cream, while a Cake root beer float comes to $4.50.

As for taste, it’s even-steven, they are both incredible!

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Cake root beer float

Walnut Creek Political Blog Now Online – Up Nut Creek (without a paddle)

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Cartoon by Tom O’Brien

Walnut Creek resident Tom O’Brien AKA obiwan has started a new blog focusing on Walnut Creek state of affairs called Up Nut Ceek (without a paddle) that includes commentary on the local Walnut Creek political scene as well as cartoons. Looks interesting and the cartoons are quite funny, check it out here!

Recently Opened – True Waxology in Walnut Creek

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A bit late on this one but True Waxology has opened in Walnut Creek at 2400 Olympic Blvd. in the Olympic Village Shopping Center at the intersection of Boulevard Way / Tice Valley Blvd. Check out their services here.

From their website:

True Waxology & Skincare offers the habit forming waxing and facial treatments you need to have silky smooth and healthy skin.  With every visit, our expertly trained staff is focused on making your experience luxurious, fun and efficient.

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