Spotted on Mt. Diablo Blvd. in downtown Walnut Creek. I love the color of this Chevrolet. Anyone know the year?
Spotted on Mt. Diablo Blvd. in downtown Walnut Creek. I love the color of this Chevrolet. Anyone know the year?
Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning Request the Pleasure of your Company:
Swan’s Fine Books
1381 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Thursday, March 26th, 2015
7:30pm | FreeRoberto Palumbo, playwright and Professor Emerita (Holy Names University), will present the story of the secret courtship of young, robust Robert Browning and older, frail Elizabeth Barrett, including several of Elizabeth’s famous sonnets: from her desire for death to her acceptance of life with Robert – certainly a story of “love gone good.”
Seating will be limited, so please RSVP to hold a space. There is no charge to attend and light refreshments will be served.
Ygnacio Plaza, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for pointing out this Business Times article that reports that Fresh & Easy will be closing in Ygnacio Plaza in Walnut Creek. Employees have been telling people that April 2nd will be the last day. I noted the eventual closure way back in April of 2013, and the time has finally come so stock up on those British food items ASAP.
The children’s birthday and fun center Smile Tu has closed in the Encina Grande Shopping center in Walnut Creek due to the eventual construction of the new Whole Foods store right next door where Safeway currently is. However, according to a sign in the window they are, “switching gears and going mobile with a service that can come to you.”
From their website:
We will be working on constructing a new mobile bus that can bring the party to you. For any questions or requests please email us @ smiletuinc@gmail.com
Encina Grande, Walnut Creek
Last week we learned that The Orchards development (across the street from the Encina Grande shopping center in Walnut Creek) has been delayed which led to speculation by some that Safeway, which was supposed to relocate there from Encina Grande, was trying to renegotiate their lease at Encina Grande. However, that is definitely not going to happen as Whole Foods has a signed lease and will be opening at Encina Grande around October, 2016. Construction on the new Whole Foods store will begin in October, 2015, with Safeway closing a month earlier in September, 2015.
The empty Orchards plot is below:
Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek
Friday, March 20th, 2015 – Sunday, April, 2015
An All-American Institution!Fast-talking con man Harold Hill sells instruments and uniforms to the naive Iowa townsfolk, promising to train the members of a new boys’ band – without giving music lessons. Plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the librarian who gives him a lesson in moral responsibility. Funny, warm, romantic and touching – Family Entertainment at its best.
Looks like the new owners of The Orchards shopping center in Walnut Creek have put the kibosh on development as no work has been done for a while now. According to Supermarket News, last December, “Safeway said it has completed the sale of its real estate development assets to Terramar Retail Centers.” Since the 24 acre plot located in the Shadelands Business Park at the corner of Ygnacio Valley and Oak Grove was owned by Safeway’s “Property Development Centers”, this means that the new owner is Terramar Retail Centers, not Safeway.
I’m speculating but what if Safeway is able to renegotiate their lease at Encina Grande across the street before Whole Foods takes over? That could mean that if Terramar eventually decides to restart The Orchards development with different stores then Whole Foods could move in to The Orchards!
Broadway Plaza rendering
A new “gateway feature” rest area is planned for Broadway Plaza at the corner of Newell Ave. and S. Broadway in Walnut Creek where the new parking garage is being built. This is directly across from Whole Foods and looks like it will be a nice area to take a break.
Broadway Plaza rendering
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
The Broadway Plaza beauty supply store Sephora is expanding slightly on one side as the outside undergoes a facelift but they are still open.
1321 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Last month we learned that a new coffee shop, called, appropriately enough, Coffee Shop, will be opening in downtown Walnut Creek where Lift Lounge used to be and they are now planning for an April opening. According to their Facebook page they are now hiring. Check out their latest updates here.
From their website:
Located at 1321 Locust Street, in Downtown Walnut Creek. CS is a celebration of coffee creativity and an exploration into coffee roast styles from around the world. Whether you’re on the fritz and need a fix or if you are insanely coffee curious, we should have something for you.
Browsing their Instagram photos makes my mouth water, I can’t wait to check this out!
