Allen Edmonds Signage Up in Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek

May 9, 2016 8:30 am

Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek

The men’s shoe store Allen Edmonds, which we learned would be coming to Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek last October, is getting ready to open soon as you can see by the newly revealed storefront signage. This is one of the last locations remaining to open in the newly developed front section. (Nespresso is the other remaining spot opening soon). Then there is the backside of Broadway Plaza with a whole new slew of stores getting ready to open over the summer.

Find out more about Allen Edmonds on their website here.

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Family Arts Festival in Walnut Creek on May 7th

May 6, 2016 4:30 pm

Family Arts Festival:

Shadelands Art Center / Civic Park Studios
Walnut Creek
Saturday, May 7th, 2016
10:00am – 2:00pm | Free

It’s raining, but don’t worry! We’ve moved all of our wonderful activities inside.

We invite all youth and adults to make, create and explore at our Family Arts Festival! This event features activities for all ages, including live demos, art-making stations, vendors and music. Join us, it’s FREE and OPEN to the public!

SHADELANDS (111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek)
In addition to the art-making stations, enjoy music, vendors and a community art sale, make a baseball pennant or jersey with the Bedford Gallery, munch on popcorn, lunch at Street Dogs Food Truck, let the kids enjoy the bounce house and view our Youth Art Exhibition on display at the Shadelands Art Center.

Open Studio and Demonstration Schedule @ Shadelands
• Printmaking Studio (All Day)
• Anime and Cartooning Studio (All Day)
• Glass Making Demonstration (All Day)
• Calligraphy Studio (10:00am to 12:00pm)
• Mixed Media Collage Studio (12:00pm to 1:30pm)

CIVIC PARK (1365 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek)
Head over to Civic Park Studios to watch a LIVE throwing demonstration with Studio Manager Gregory Byard, a handbuilding studio with Rana Nassar and more!

Attendants who visit both locations will be entered to win a tote bag full of goodies!

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Pieces of Chocolate Closes in Danville

May 6, 2016 11:30 am

Danville Livery

Although the gourmet chocolate shop Pieces of Chocolate closed back in January in Danville Livery, they have relocated to Napa Valley and now offer a monthly club membership. Find out more on their website here.

From their Facebook page:

It was the hardest decision to make for a business owner, moving from brick and mortar to online sales. ‪#‎piecesofchocolate‬ has closed the doors to our ‪#‎danville‬ location and moved the operation straight to ‪#‎napavalley‬.
Chef Barnes and Noelia would like to thank all of our loyal customers, dear friends and business partners for years of support and love. This is not the end of #piecesofchocolate, only a new beginning in the heart of America’s ‪#‎winecountry‬. Thank you, Danville!

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Friday Question of the Day – Favorite Farm to Table Restaurant?

May 6, 2016 8:30 am

Thsi week we learned that “farm to table” restaurant Urban Plates is opening this month in Pleasant Hill. True Food Kitchen is opening this summer in Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. Tender Greens has been open for several years in downtown Walnut Creek. What is your favorite “farm to table” restaurant that focuses on locally sourced ingredients? Which restaurant are you most looking forward to opening?

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Celebrate National Public Gardens Day at Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek on May 6th

May 5, 2016 4:30 pm

Celebrate National Public Gardens Day:

The Gardens at Heather Farm
1540 Marchbanks Dr, Walnut Creek
Friday, May 6th, 2016
10:00am – 3:00pm | Free

The Gardens at Heather Farm is proud to announce participation with American Public Gardens Association for “National Public Gardens Day” on Friday, May 6, offering a schedule of free activities throughout the day. The Gardens invites visitors to share in this valuable community resource and experience the wonders of nature provided by its six-acre public garden and wildlife habitat nestled on a picturesque hillside in Walnut Creek.

According to the National Wildlife Federation, “fewer Americans have a connection to nature than ever before in the history of the U.S.” Public gardens, such as The Gardens at Heather Farm, exist to bridge that gap and help local communities share in the wonders of our natural world. The Gardens offers a place to learn about and enjoy an inspiring variety of flowers, trees and wildlife. A Youth Education Program provides natural science classes to over 15,000 local students, while an Adult Education Program offers lectures and workshops perfect for home gardeners and nature lovers. A series of garden beautification projects have recently been completed, with plans on the horizon to build a greenhouse that will enrich the garden and expand teaching opportunities.

Bring a picnic lunch, learn more about The Gardens’ organization and celebrate the wonderful world of gardening on National Public Gardens Day!

On Friday, May 6, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., visitors to The Gardens will enjoy the following free activities:

● 10-11 a.m. Spring Floral Arranging Demonstration by popular designer, Najat Nicola, using roses and fresh floral cuttings from The Gardens property

● 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Guided garden tours by trained volunteer docents

● 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Crafts & activities for kids

● Expert gardening advice from GHF Garden Manager, Brian Larsen

● Chance to win prizes including fresh floral arrangements, potted plants, membership, classes & more

● Complimentary refreshments

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Turquoise Mediterranean Grill Closes in Orinda

May 5, 2016 11:30 am

70 Moraga Way, Orinda

Turquoise Mediterranean Grill, open since 2008, has closed in Orinda on Moraga Way. According to the alcoholic beverage control notice a new restaurant called Reem’s Steaks will be opening in this location. Stay tuned…

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Bike Lane of the Day

May 5, 2016 8:30 am

Check out the newish bike lane on Olympic Blvd. in Walnut Creek heading to Highway 680. The bright paint job is definitely an improvement but would you feel concerned riding between two car lanes so close?

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Container Gardening and Growing in Small Places at Walnut Creek Library on May 7th

May 4, 2016 4:30 pm

Container Gardening and Growing in Small Places:

Walnut Creek Library
1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek
Saturday, May 7th, 2016
10:30am – 11:30am | Free

Presented by UC Master Gardener Terry Lippert.

Please join us as Terry inspires you to grow your own fruits and vegetables even with limited space. Terry’s presentation will cover building and preparing raised beds, conventional to unique containers for container gardening, and espaliered fruit trees. There will be time for questions and answers after the presentation. The talk is free and open to the public. Advance registration is not required, although suggested.

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April 2016 Lamorinda Home / Condo Sales

May 4, 2016 2:00 pm

Photo by Flickr user danmoyle

Thanks to local broker Brendan Moran with the Moran Group at Keller Williams Realty for the monthly real estate updates for Beyond the Creek.

Click the links below for a complete list of home and condo sales in Lamorinda (Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda) for last month, April, 2016:
Lamorinda April sales (Acrobat Reader .pdf)
Lamorinda April sales (Excel)

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Urban Plates Opening this Month in Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center

May 4, 2016 11:30 am

Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center

Urban Plates, the Southern California-based “farm to plate” restaurant is opening mid-May according to their web site. As you can see in the photo below they are almost finished. Check out the Pleasant Hill menu here. I’m looking forward to trying this out!

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May 2016