Spotted at the Ygnacio Center in Walnut Creek.
Yesterday we learned that Rainbow’s End Thrift Store was closing in downtown Walnut Creek and that got me thinking what other good thrift shops are out there? Sure I like browsing album covers but there’s plenty of other things to check out as well. So what is your favorite thrift shop?
A couple of days ago I asked for help identifying this giant lizard spotted in a local garage and thanks to readers for pointing out that this is a California Alligator Lizard. Based on photos here that is definitely what it is.
From the website:
This is a lizard that is often seen in yards and garages in Southern California.
Even though this isn’t Southern California its close enough!
With a Tesla showroom opening this week in Broadway Plaza I’ve been wondering how many people would buy a Tesla if money were no object. If you had $70K that you had to spend on a car would you buy the electric Tesla with a 250 mile range or would you stick with a more traditional car like BMW, Lexus etc? I’d be tempted to go with the Tesla myself.
Over the past few months we’ve been hearing sounds coming from the garage. Tiny footsteps and noises. I immediately thought rat and promptly laid a trap, without success. Then over the weekend my kid told me there’s something in the garage. I asked her what and when she couldn’t explain I imagined it was a dead rat unable to move.
That’s when I spotted this giant foot-long lizard. I couldn’t believe it. I’ve seen plenty of chameleons but not something this big, does anyone know what it is? Did its tail get cut off or is that some kind of stinger? I tried shooing it outside but it crawled inside a pipe and is still inside unfortunately.
What’s the strangest animal you’ve found in your garage or attic?
Spare the Air alert for today:
A Spare the Air Alert is in effect for Tuesday, May 13, in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Concentrations of ground-level ozone pollution are forecast to be unhealthy tomorrow.
Residents are encouraged to drive less and reduce their energy use tomorrow and every day to keep pollution levels lower, preventing health alerts when temperatures are high.To help prevent smog this summer, please:
– Bike to work or around town
– Take public transit
– Telecommute
– Carpool and link your errands to reduce driving
– Avoid using gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers
– Reduce household energy use
– Don’t use lighter fluid on the barbecue
– Avoid using aerosol spray cleaners, paints and hairsprayHigh levels of ozone pollution are particularly harmful for young children, seniors, and those with respiratory and heart conditions. Vigorous outdoor exercise should be undertaken only in the early morning hours when ozone concentrations are lower.
To plan your commute online, visit 511.org.
To see air quality forecasts, visit sparetheair.org
The Walnut Creek Route 4 Free Ride has relocated in Broadway Plaza. The new stop is, “located down Broadway Plaza Street, in front of Macy’s for Men”.
Angel Island
I recently had the opportunity to spend a couple of days at Angel Island, located a short ferry ride from Tiburon in the North Bay and was blown away by the 360 degree views, surrounding nature and history (for info see WIkipedia here.) Definitely one of the more memorable trips I have taken. What is your favorite Bay Area state park?
A reader writes:
They’re cutting down trees on Contra Costa Blvd in Pleasant Hill across from Sun Valley Mall…lots of them.
