Back in February I noted that Master Diamond closed in downtown Walnut Creek and now the Contra Costa Democratic Headquarters will take over this prime location with a grand opening on August 2nd from 4 – 7 pm at 1372 N. Main St (next to Papyrus). Looks like the president and first lady are already celebrating.
From a Walnut Creek Police Department press release:
On Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at approximately 5:30 am, Walnut Creek Police Officers stopped a vehicle on Lancaster and Lancaster Court for a vehicle code violation. Officers quickly learned the vehicle had been stolen from Antioch. The driver of the vehicle, Ashley Freitas was arrested for possessing and driving a stolen vehicle. Her passenger, Jesse Zupancic was arrested for possession of a loaded firearm, ex-felon in possession of loaded firearm, violation of probation and several warrants. Officers found suspected stolen property inside the vehicle and are attempting to identify the owners. No one was injured during the arrest.
Freitas and Zupancic were both booked into Contra Costa County Martinez Detention Facility for the above charges.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at (925)943-5844.
Props to the cops for the arrest. Not that it’s relevant, but I was thinking that it must be somewhat confusing if you live on Lancaster Ct. and have to give directions. “Go down Lancaster and make a left at Lancaster.”
Registration for the Walnut Festival Run For Education on September 9th is now available here. From their website:
When: September 9, 2012
Start Time: 8:00 A.M. (but arrive early)
Distance: 5k & 10k
Where: Downtown Walnut Creek
1201 Main Street at Lululemon
The cost is $25 for elementary and middle school kids and $35 for everyone else. The theme this year is “Running in 1975” so “wear your best 70’s costume and win prizes”.
The frozen yogurt shop Coco Swirl is now offering bubble tea in tea, milk tea and yogurt freeze concoctions. Some of their flavors include taro, lychee, passion fruit, jasmine and more. They offer the tea and milk tea with a “regular or less sweet” option. Check out the lychee tea “less sweet” option below (which I still thought was very sweet, but good, especially on a hot summer day!).
Coco Swirl is located next to the Century Movie Theater in downtown Walnut Creek.
After months of anticipation, the Greek restaurant Opa! has finally opened. You can check out their menus here. Anyone have a chance to check this place out yet? How is it? How does it compare to nearby Silk Road or Pomegranate?
I spotted this Statue of Liberty Barbie at the Second to None consignment store on Locust St. in downtown Walnut Creek.
Diablo View Rotary Club is holding their annual charity poker tournament at Pyramid Ale House in downtown Walnut Creek. Tickets are $50 (includes lunch) and may be purchased here.
Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A chicken restaurant is spreading out far and wide these days, and construction of a new restaurant is well under way in Walnut Creek as can be seen by the photo above at the old concrete plant on N. Main St. Here’s what president Dan Cathy said about its support of traditional marriage:
“Well, guilty as charged.”
“We are very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit,” Cathy said. “We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.
I’ve heard good things about the chicken at Chick-fil-A, but have never eaten there myself. This reminds me of the Palestinian Chicken episode on Curb Your Enthusiasm:
If you’re pro-gay marriage, would you ever check out Chick-fil-A? Has anyone ever eaten there? How’s the chicken?
Last Friday I noted that the Ruth Bancroft Garden was holding their summer sale over the weekend and I stopped by to pick up some drought-resistant plants, including this beauty called Agave gentryi “La Encantada” which can be seen in front of the Ruth Bancroft garden. If you look closely you can see a hand at right, which is the gardener preparing to detach the offshoot from the mother plant. You can see the offshoot which I took home below:
There were plenty of docents, gardeners and volunteers to help out answering questions and offering suggestions. I highly recommend checking out the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek to check out the amazing showcase of drought resistant plants.
From the Ruth Bancroft Garden website in Walnut Creek:
Our Summer Plant Sale is Saturday, July 21!
Summer is the best time to plant succulents! Although drought-tolerant perennials need occasional water for the first year to become established, succulents thrive in the dry heat of our California summer. Our biggest Plant Sale event of the year features these sculptural easy-care gems at the height of their growing season displayed next to mature Garden specimens.
This is the Only Event with 30% Off Retail Prices on Selected Plants!
Members Only Preview Sale, Silent Auction, Coffee & Bagels: 9 – 10amMemberships for Sale at the Garden EntrancePublic Sale: 10am – 3pmFree Admission, Garden Open until 4pm