Gourmet East Bay 2011 Sold Out

November 2, 2011 4:30 pm

For those who waited to sign up for the 2011 Gourmet Easy Bay event on Saturday, November 5, unfortunately it’s sold out. Although they mention it’s possible to get on the waitlist, it looks like that option is now gone as well.

It runs from 7 – 10 pm in Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek and features top restaurants from around the East Bay. From the sponsor’s website:

Thirty of the top restaurants throughout the East Bay will be featuring premier tastings; wineries from Livermore, Napa, and Lodi will feature tastes of great wines, premier spirits vendors will be pouring signature cocktails and more! We’re thrilled to announce this year’s entertainment will be provided by Northern California’s premier party band, Pop Fiction. From Donna Summer to Journey to Lady Gaga and everything in between, Pop Fiction delivers non-stop dance hits and packs dance floors wherever they go.

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Wednesday Rental Option – Downtown Walnut Creek

November 2, 2011 1:28 pm

This rental is located at 1315 Alma Ave:

View Larger Map

From the Craigslist ad:

Bedrooms 2

Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial

Sq Footage 965

Parking 2 dedicated

Pet Policy Conditional

Deposit $2,700

Located in the Montecito, adjacent to Alma park and in the heart of Walnut Creek, this lovely downtown condo is just steps from the east bays best shopping, dinning, and entertainment .

The Montecito was constructed in 2002 and this unit was first sold in 2004. The prior owner completed a minor remodel with wood (laminate) in the entry and kitchen, granite counter tops and stainless appliances.

As it is currently occupied by a tenant in the move-out process, it will be available to show in mid-November with occupancy available December 1st. Unfortunately, there aren’t pictures of the actually unit interior, but the photos shown are of the same floor plan with nearly identical upgrades.

These apartments are next to Alma park and walkable to downtown but I’d be concerned about noise from 680.

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Bench of the Day

November 2, 2011 11:30 am

Located right next to last week’s bench of the day, this one is directly in front of Main St. Rags. Not only is it a bench, there are flowers growing underneath to boot. Pretty cool.

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Craft Fest coming to Bedford Gallery

November 2, 2011 8:30 am

The Bedford Gallery, located in the Lesher Center, will be hosting the 4th annual Craft Fest on Saturday, November 19th from 11AM – 5PM. According to their site the following vendors will be there:

Bee Parade
Blushie Bath & Body
Ceci Bowman Designs
Dechen Designs
Festive Home Décor
Jim Hafft Photography
Harmani Jewelry SF
Lucia Tsang
Mark Poulin Jewelry
Maureen Shields
Mediums to Masses
Melinda Mae Designs
Michael McConnell
Modify’d
Multiflasking
Napa Farmhouse 1885
The Oakland Chocolate Company
OhMay Designs
Potluck Pals
Quilts for Children
Robert Nolan
Shimmer Jewels
Unpossible Cuts
Vintage Fusion Jewelry

It looks like the Kung Fu Tacos food truck will be there serving up some tacos as well.

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Sufism Reoriented Meeting

November 1, 2011 3:52 pm

The Contra Costa Planning Commision is holding a meeting on the Sufism Reoriented building project. According to the land use permit:

This is a request for a Land Use Permit to allow construction of a new sanctuary on approximately 3.12 acres. The proposed project includes: (1) a 66,074 square foot sanctuary building that includes a prayer hall, administrative offices, a library, classroom, archives, art and music program space, and related ancillary uses. Approximately 46,074 square feet of the building would be located below ground, including the administrative offices, bookstore, art studio, art storage, chorus rehearsal, video and audio production, music mixing and scoring, reception area, multi-purpose room, film/video and photo library, a music, drama, and dance studio, a coat room, women’s and men’s restrooms, and a kitchen. The 46,074 square feet includes approximately 13,800 square feet as open areas referenced as a rotunda, plaza, and east and west galleries (hallway) and a grand staircase; (2) a request for parking reduction based on a Transportation Demand Management Program (TDM) which includes the promotion of carpool, shuttle service, pedestrian and secure bicycle parking; (3) the removal of approximately 58 trees and the planting of at least 165 new trees; (4) the excavation and removal of soil (approximately 40,000 cubic yards of soil) an estimated 3,300 truck load of soil to be exported; and (5) demolition of three existing single family residences.

Crazy in Suburbia explained the issues in detail here, here with her latest posting here. It will be interesting to hear what happens in this latest meeting.

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Sculpture of the Day

November 1, 2011 11:30 am

Titled Bronze Alligator, it’s located right across from Boudin Bakery in Broadway Plaza.

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Locust St. Post Office Closing

November 1, 2011 8:30 am

The post office located on Locust Street will be closing on Friday, November 18, 2011. It’s somewhat unfortunate as it was possible to stroll down there while on the way to the movies etc, but the one on North Broadway will still be open. The question is, what will replace the post office?

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Caffe Delle Stelle becoming Cafe of the Stars

October 31, 2011 4:30 pm

Remember Caffe delle Stella on the corner of N. Main and Lincoln, next to Prima’s? Well, I’ve been asking around and it looks like it’s being replaced by a new restaurant called, Cafe of the Stars. When I peeked through the black mesh covering I did see some nice butterfly doors similar to Prima’s so this could be a nice remodel.

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Walnut Creek talks Broadway Plaza Expansion Tomorrow

October 31, 2011 3:18 pm

The Contra Costa Times reports today about Broadway Plaza expansion plans:

Macerich may seek to build 200 residential units at its site. The plan may also call for the demolition of an existing 200,000 square feet of retail space, then rebuild that along with an additional 200,000 or 300,000 square feet of retail space, according to an meeting agenda report.

Macerich also seeks close off most of Broadway Plaza street to create a promenade and plaza.

I think blocking off the street through Broadway Plaza would be a smart move on their part. Hardly any auto traffic moves through there currently, and the extra space available to make it nicer for shoppers and pedestrians would improve foot traffic and time spent at nearby stores. Adding some restaurants wouldn’t be so bad either. As much as I like Nordstrom Cafe, Boudin Bakery and P.F. Chang’s, a little more diversity wouldn’t hurt.

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Meet Walnut Creek’s Harley Lovin’ Dog

October 31, 2011 11:30 am

His name is Diamond, and was spotted in Civic Park in Walnut Creek riding on the swings over the weekend. If you have any fun or interesting animal/pet photos please send an email to btcreek@beyondthecreek.com with your pet’s name and what neighborhood you’re from.

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Beyond the Creek