May 2012 – Page 5 – Beyond the Creek

Thurs. Afternoon Rental Option – Town Center Apts (Lafayette)

May 17, 2012 2:30 pm

This rental is located at Town Center Apartments in downtown Lafayette right next to the Lafayette Bart station.

From the Craigslist ad:

We have a 2bdrm/2bath apt on notice that will be ready for move-in on June 9th. This unit is located on the 2nd floor featuring 9ft ceilings with crown molding, full-size washer & dryer included (private laundry), master walk-in closet, and balcony overlooking creek below.

Sign a 13mos lease by June 9th and the monthly rent is $2,800. **We also have shorter lease term options. Prices change daily so hurry!**
Security Deposit: $500
Pet Friendly; call for details.

Our property is the youngest in Lafayette (built 2001), located in the heart of downtown, and host to a creek-side walking trail directly to the entrance of the Lafayette BART station. Secured garage parking is available and we have elevators to all levels.

Location-wise this is great as long as the sound from Bart is not too loud. I like how there’s a W/D in the apartment as well. Does that make it worth the $2800 rental price?

4 Comments

Judging Restaurants – Babushka in Walnut Creek

May 17, 2012 11:30 am

Earlier this month I profiled the Russian grocery Babushka in Walnut Creek, noting that they also had a restaurant with the same name in the back. There’s also a separate entrance around the side which is nice looking. You can look at their menus here.

There is small stage at front with live music for parties:

Has anyone eaten here? How’s the borscht? Any must order items?

4 Comments

“The Old Yellow House” Getting Restored in Orinda

May 17, 2012 8:30 am

One of the oldest houses in Orinda, known as, “The Old Yellow House”, despite its faded pink color, has been bought by architect James P. Wright who plans on having it restored by his firm Net Zero Homes, which will be documented on their Facebook page.

The house, built in 1894, is located at 209 Moraga Way, and had been on the market for many years before finally selling for $335K in March. At the end of 2007 it was listed at $875K. You can find out more about the house in a October, 2007 article in the Orinda News.

In addition to restoring the house itself, this looks like it’s a great marketing opportunity for Net Zero Homes due to the historical significance, and it being on a well-trafficked road. I look forward to checking up on the progress of this restoration.

6 Comments

Meet SF Giants Infielder Brandon Crawford at Giants Dugout in Walnut Creek

May 16, 2012 4:30 pm

What: Meet SF Giants Infielder Brandon Crawford
When: Friday, May 18th, Noon
Where: Giants Dugout – 1231 S. Main St., Walnut Creek

**First 300 fans receive autograph**

0 Comments

Dear Creekville – What to do about Home Solicitors?

May 16, 2012 2:00 pm

Photo of actual solicitor in Lamorinda neighborhood

Dear Creekville,

Recently a door-to-door salesperson came by my house trying to sell an alarm system. They sounded so convincing that I gave my name, number, address and told them to check with my husband. Is this legitimate or should I have told them to go away?

You’re not the only one getting these solicitors going door to door trying to sell things. Driving by the other day I found a swarm of solicitors walking around one neighborhood with clipboards and blue shirts (see above photo). Personally, when it comes to alarm systems I would tread very carefully because they may be casing your home trying to find out what kind of security you have. What I would say is that you already have an alarm system (even if you don’t), and “no thank you”. Even if they are legitimate, how would you know? Better to get recommendations from friends or go with a larger, more reputable company that doesn’t need to go door-to-door. The Walnut Creek Police Department recently put out a press release about what you can do:

As summer starts we historically see an increase in solicitors in our community. The police department consistently receives calls regarding solictors from the public. It is legal for a person to solicit others at their homes as long as they obey the Walnut Creek Municipal Code’s rules and regulations governing solicitors (http://www.codepublishing.com/ca/walnutcreek/).

The common violations of solicitors are failing to obtain a permit from the City, disobeying a no solicitor sign, soliciting outside of the hours allowed and being too agressive with citizens.

A common misconception is to believe a solicitor with a permit from the City has gone through a criminal background check or some other means have been done to ensure this person is a “safe” person to be soliciting. This is not true. Our current Municipal Code does not allow for a denial of a permit based on prior criminal history or failure to disclose criminal history.

Check out suggestions on what to do after the jump…

2 Comments

Opa! Authentic Greek Cuisine get Signs

May 16, 2012 11:30 am

The Greek restaurant Opa! will be opening in downtown Walnut Creek in mid June, and the signs have now gone up! Opa! is located right next to Prima’s Ristorante at 1532 N Main St. Lunch and dinner menus are here.

I noticed there seems to be an apartment above the restaurant. I wonder who will live there. Looks very nice.

1 Comment

Naracamicie Opening Soon in Broadway Plaza Walnut Creek – Italian Blouses & Shirts

May 16, 2012 8:30 am

A few months ago I noted that the cosmetics store PureBeauty had closed in Broadway Plaza, and now the Italian fashion line Naracamicie will be taking its place, probably opening up next week. There’s already a store near Union Square. Take a look at the inside that’s getting set up.

From a Naracamicie press release:

Naracamicie is a fashion brand headquartered in Milan, Italy, and is quite familiar to Italians. The designers bring out 150 styles in 2 seasons a year, Highlights of the brand are its Made in Italy tag, and the range of dressy styles for women including classic button downs, silks, and longer styles with asymmetrical closures, both in white and luxurious colors. Men’s shirts are available in both slimfit and traditional cuts. All fabrics and design are Italian, yet carry a relatively modest $150 average price tag.

4 Comments

Sasa 1st Annual Golf Tournament – July 16th

May 15, 2012 4:30 pm

Sasa Restaurant in Walnut Creek is holding their 1st Annual Golf Tournament:

What: Sasa Golf Tournament
When: July 16th
Where: Boundary Oak Golf Course (3800 Valley Vista Rd. Walnut Creek)
Price: $165 through May 31, $190 June 1st – July 2nd
Beneficiary: Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland

“Reception will feature a mouth-watering selection of sushi and savory dishes from chef Phillip Yanf & Chef Sam Castro”

0 Comments

Tangelo Frozen Yogurt Opening in Moraga

May 15, 2012 11:30 am

Tangelo Frozen Yogurt is opening this summer in Moraga in the Rheem Shopping Center, next to Lamorinda Pizza. From their website:

Bringing premium frozen yogurt to Lamorinda in a festive
and community-friendly environment where customers of
all ages can create their own yogurt masterpieces from
numerous yogurt flavor and topping options.

It’s a relief that Moraga is getting a frozen yogurt store this summer. Tangelo is located at 384 Park Street in Moraga.

0 Comments

Stage 3 of Amgen Bicycle Race Passing Through Walnut Creek 2pm Today

May 15, 2012 10:30 am

Photo by Flickr user ren_norman

From the Walnut Creek Police Department:

On May 15, Stage 3 of the Amgen Bicycle Race will pass through a 4-mile section of Walnut Creek in the Northgate area. The route includes North Gate Road, Oak Grove Road and east bound Ygnacio Valley Road beginning at Oak Grove.

Roads along the route could be closed as early as 1:00 p.m.; drivers should anticipate possible delays between 1 and 3 p.m.

Cyclists will enter Walnut Creek on North Gate Road from Mt. Diablo State Park. They will turn right onto Oak Grove Road and then right onto Ygnacio Valley Road.

Racers are expected to take about 9 minutes to cover the 4-mile distance.

The California Highway Patrol is handling road closures. Roads will open immediately behind the end of the race.

Walnut Creek PD will have an extra team of officers assigned to the race. Two officers will be stationed in the neighborhoods east of Oak Grove Road in advance of the race to handle any emergency calls.

City staff members have been working with Amgen Tour organizers to minimize the impact on the community. Principals at Northgate High School and Foothill Middle School have been contacted and asked to share the race information with their students and their parents, and message boards alerting residents to the upcoming race will be place in the affected area.

The City does not have the authority to deny use of public streets for the race.

0 Comments