Walnut Creek

Friday Question of the Day – Do you Support the Decision to Allow Gay Boy Scouts?

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Photo by Flickr user Daniel M. Reck

Yesterday’s news that the Boy Scouts will allow gay scouts to participate in scouting was rather contentious with 60% of the scouting organization supporting the decision. I thought the bay area would show broad support for allowing gay scouting especially considering what recently happened to a gay Moraga teen who was denied being made an Eagle Scout. However one Walnut Creek scout master called it, “a sad day for America’s youth” according to this article from the Contra Costa Times.

So for the Friday question of the day, do you support the decision to allow gay boy scouts?

Memorial Day Observance on May 27th in Walnut Creek

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Photo by Flickr user davidyuweb

Memorial Day Observance:

Civic Park
Corner of North Broadway and Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
Monday, May 27th, 2013
10:00am | Free

The City of Walnut Creek will honor the memory of fallen service men and women, with a special focus on those lost during the Vietnam War, during its traditional Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at the gazebo at Civic Park, corner of North Broadway and Civic Drive.

Brigadier General Barton J. Gilbert, U.S. Army (Retired) will be the keynote speaker.  General Gilbert joined the Army the day after his 17th birthday, and retired with more than 40 years of Army and Reserve service. His military duties have taken him to Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Central America. He served as a Captain in combat assignments with the First Infantry Division in Vietnam during 1968 and 1969.

Between 2007 and 2011, General Gilbert was recalled to active duty each year to serve at the Pentagon as a member of the Army Chief of Staff Retiree Council.

His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medals, Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

Other highlights of the Memorial Day Ceremony include music by the Walnut Creek Concert Band under the direction of Harvey Benstein.

Chaplain Dwane Michael of John Muir/Mt. Diablo Health System will give the invocation and blessing, and the U.S. Navy Color Guard will present the colors and close the ceremony with the traditional laying of the wreath at the Veterans Memorial Plaza.

North Broadway between Civic Drive and Lincoln Avenue will be closed during the ceremony.

Cream in Berkeley Upset that New Ice Cream Store Opening Nearby

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Pot, meet kettle. Yesterday Berkleyside reported that the owner of Cream in Berkeley is requesting that the city “revoke the permit for a new ice cream take-out window” located across the street from Cream in Berkeley. According to an appeal filed in February, one of the reasons given is “a second nearby business selling ice cream and cookies would mean market saturation and be detrimental to Cream”.

Cream in Walnut Creek is opening a block away from Lottie’s Creamery and within a short walking distance to Gelateria Naia and San Francisco Creamery.

Judging Toy Stores – Five Little Monkeys in Walnut Creek

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Over the past year it seems as if every baby store has closed in downtown Walnut Creek and Lafayette. Day One, Giggle, Tulip and The Right Start have all closed. I was worried what might happen to the toy store Five Little Monkeys in downtown Walnut Creek but it turns out that Walnut Creek is their second highest grossing location after their Albany location and they plan on opening a new store in Burlingame.

Located at 1366 N Main St. in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek, Five Little Monkeys offers a huge selection of high quality toys at all price points. Having two small kids I’ve shopped here a lot and have always found interesting toys to get with the help of the employees. For birthday party gifts I just tell them whether it’s for a boy or girl and the age and they know exactly the types of toys to recommend. As a special offer to readers, mention “Beyond the Creek” through May 31st, 2013 and you can receive 15% off your purchase, may not be combined with any other offer and is only valid for the Walnut Creek location.

Check out the inside:
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Photos of the old school toys and baby section after the jump… Continue reading

Art & Wine Festival June 1st and 2nd at Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek

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Art & Wine Festival:

Heather Farm Park
301 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek
Saturday, June 1st – Sunday, June 2nd, 2013
11:00am – 7:00pm (6:00pm Sunday) | Free

It’s official!  Slap on some sunscreen, bring your boogie and get your grove on.  Experience the sights, sounds, and scents of the art & wine festival voted “best outdoor event” by the contra Costa Times.  The summer season officially kicks off at Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek on June 1 & 2 with the 32nd Annual Walnut Creek Chamber Art & Wine Festival.  Feel the vibe…two stages of live music, over 200 arts & crafts booths, food to please any pallet and the coolest kids area ever…along with free admission and free parking…what are you waiting for?

Smuin Ballet Spring Bouquet May 31st and June 1st at Lesher Center

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Smuin Ballet Spring Bouquet:

Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
Friday, May 31st – Saturday, June 1st, 2013

Join Smuin Ballet for Spring Bouquet, our Spring Dance Series, featuring an invigorating lineup of fresh choreography.

The West Coast Premiere of Helen Pickett’s effervescent Petal, danced to music by Philip Glass and Thomas Montgomery Newman, was lauded as “the perfect piece for spring” by Atlanta Magazine.

Bay Area audiences will also get their first look at Darrell Grand Moultrie’s JAZZIN’, a sultry ballet driven by the tunes of jazz greats Wynton Marsalis, Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, and Andy Razaf.

Romance blooms anew with Michael Smuin’s Chants d’Auvergne, a series of pieces set to charming French folk songs arranged by Joseph Canteloube.

Antique & Craft Show at Shadelands in Walnut Creek on June 9th

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Festival at Shadelands:

Shadelands Ranch Museum
2660 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek
Sunday, June 9th, 2013
9:00am – 4:00pm | Free

This annual event will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2013. Dozens of dealers offer a fascinating variety of antiques, art, and crafts for sale on the grounds of the Museum. In addition, various food and beverage vendors will be on the grounds. Admission and parking are free. It’s a fun outing for the entire family!

 

Scuttlebutt Confirmed – Pinkberry Opening Soon in Walnut Creek

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Back in February I posted some scuttlebutt about the frozen yogurt shop Pinkberry opening in downtown Walnut Creek right near The Cheesecake Factory. Based on the photo below as well as a UPS notice addressed to ‘Pinkberry’ and it’s obvious this indeed will be a Pinkberry.

Any Pinkberry fans out there? I love Pinkberry and since I also love Greek yogurt I can’t wait to try their new Greek Yogurt selections! I also think this cements this area as being the fast food mecca of Walnut Creek. Ike’s, Bukhorn Grill, Chipotle, Panera, Starbucks and now Pinkberry.

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