Spunk by Zora Neale Hurston Playing Now through July 29th at Cal Shakes in Orinda

July 10, 2012 4:30 pm

From the California Shakespeare Theater website:

Our 2012 season continues with a wild, bluesy wail—three stories by the great Harlem Renaissance writer Zora Neale Hurston, adapted into a staggeringly theatrical play by George C. Wolfe, who won an Obie for its 1989 off-Broadway premiere production. A trio of vignettes of African-American life in the first half of the 20th century, Spunk is a raucous, charming, blues-infused look at love, revenge, jealousy, and the fine art of the hustle.

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS: Spunk contains mature subject matter. Click on the INFORMATION FOR PARENTS tab below for more details.

Running time: 90 minutes, no intermission

Originally Developed at the Mark Taper Forum, Los Angeles, California
Originally Produced at Crossroads Theatre Company, New Brunswick, New Jersey
Original New York Production by New York Shakespeare Festival, Joseph Papp, Producer

Click here to get directions to the California Shakespeare Theater, located in Orinda. Tickets are available here. Has anyone been to a performance at Cal Shakes? How is it?

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Things to Do – Tilden Park Steam Trains in Orinda

June 29, 2012 11:30 am

When you think of Tilden Park, Berkeley is probably where you think it is, but part of it is actually located in Orinda, including one of the coolest attractions, the steam trains AKA Redwood Valley Railway.

This is their summer schedule:

Weekends (Year Around)

Open From 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Or Dusk)

Weather Permitting

Holidays

Open from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Or Dusk)

Upcoming Holidays include:

January 1st

January 17th

February 20th

May 28th

Summer 2012

Open weekdays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Starting June 11th

Labor Day Weekend

If you have kids this is a must-see!

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Rare Homicide in Orinda – Man Turns Self In

June 28, 2012 11:30 am

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KTVU recently reported on the murder of a woman by a man living with her for over ten years:

Their records show officers had been called to this house in the past. Jennings said that the killing is Orinda’s first homicide since 2002.

The murder that took place in 2002 was the infamous Susan Polk case in which she murdered her husband at their Orinda home. I found out about this when their house came up for sale at a steep discount sometime later. I remember thinking the pricing to be quite low, and sure enough, that’s what happens when a murder happens on a property. I imagine the same will happen with this house in the future.

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Brian Moran Jazz Trio Performing at Orinda Summer Concert this Evening

June 12, 2012 4:30 pm

photo by Flickr user Steve Snodgrass

The Brian Moran Jazz Trio, with vocalist Rebecca Faiola will be performing at the first Orinda Summer concert of the season this evening, June 12th from 6:30 – 8:30pm at the Orinda Community Center Park. More music to follow each Tuesday evening during the summer as well. The other bands that will be performing in future concerts are listed here.

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Barbacoa Opening June 5th in Orinda

May 30, 2012 4:00 pm

Last month I noted that the hotly anticipated wood-fired Mexican Grill Barbacoa would be opening sometime in June and I have now learned that it will open next Tuesday, June 5th for dinner. Lunch service will follow sometime in the future. How cool is that sign?

Check out the awesome outdoor patio in front:

With Table 24 (same owners) and Shelby’s nearby, Orinda Theater Square is becoming a great dining destination. I can’t wait to try this place out.

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Slow Down Lamorinda – June 1st Through Aug. 31st

May 25, 2012 10:00 am

Photo by Flickr user Thomas Hawk

From the Moraga-Orinda Fire District website:

The Chiefs of Moraga, Orinda, and Lafayette Police Departments, with support from Chief Bradley of the Moraga-Orinda Fire District, have agreed to share resources to address traffic safety this summer. The “Slow Down Lamorinda” program was initiated in 2007 by then Moraga Mayor Mike Metcalf in reaction to two fatal collisions involving juvenile drivers. The program was a great success and Mayor Metcalf listed the program as a Town Council goal this year.

One day each week, police from all three departments will saturate areas of concern within one city, and rotate among the cities weekly. The goal of the program is not to issue hundreds of citations, but to increase traffic safety awareness by targeting speed, distracted driving, and other violations. Banners will be displayed at local Fire Stations and free bumper stickers will be available at police and fire stations. The program will begin on June 1 and continue through August 31.

All Lamorinda residents are also asked to sign THE LAMORINDA SAFE DRIVING PLEDGE and submit it to your local police department. The pledge form will be available at locations with the bumper stickers and on our Town website. The pledge is intended to remind each of us to be safe and tolerant drivers to make our communities safe for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

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Judging Cupcake Shops – Republic of Cake in Orinda

May 24, 2012 11:30 am

With news that Loot Antiques is closing in Lafayette, possibly to be replaced with a cupcake shop, I thought it would be good to make a post on another cupcake shop nearby, Republic of Cake in Orinda. How does this compare to Kara’s Cupcakes in Walnut Creek, or the Teacake Bake Shop in Lafayette?

Republic of Cake is located at 2 Theatre Square in Orinda. You can see their menu here. Any fans?

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Lawn Decoration of the Day

May 21, 2012 11:30 am

Spotted across from Miramonte High School in Orinda on Moraga Way. The owners really went all out decorating with numerous bear sculptures, a bench, and other animals over the past couple of years. Great job!

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“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.

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Judging Art Galleries – aMFa in Orinda

May 10, 2012 8:30 am

With Orinda Theatre Square coming alive lately, the aMFa art gallery, located next to the soon to be opened Barbacoa Mexican restaraunt is in a great location to take advantage of visitors dining out or shopping. In addition to art by the owner Allison McCrady, other artists are represented as well:

The piece at left, which I was immediately drawn to, has already been sold by the way, but there are plenty of other exciting pieces available so drop by if you have the chance.

aMFa also offer art classes for $300 per term. Occasionally they display (and paint) outside the gallery/studio in Orinda Square which makes for a pleasant experience while strolling around downtown Orinda.

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