Update on Walnut Creek Homicide Investigation

December 15, 2011 4:50 pm

The Contra Costa Sheriff’s office has put out an update on the Walnut Creek homicide investigation previously reported:

The suspect in the Monday night homicide in unincorporated Walnut Creek has been released from custody.

48-year-old Shannon Mitchell Alexander of Walnut Creek was released from custody on December 14, 2011 pending further investigation.

It has been determined that this incident occurred in the city of Walnut Creek. Therefore the investigation has been handed over to the Walnut Creek Police Department.

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Colton Piano Gallery Grand Opening

December 15, 2011 2:29 pm

Colton Piano Gallery opened its doors last Friday on 1539 N. Main St. next to Radio Shack, replacing the sports memorabilia store Sports Gallery. Walnut Creek is now home to three piano stores within walking distance, Music Exchange and Sherman Clay. They carry all types of pianos from high-end Schimmels to more reasonably priced ones as seen below, as well as digital models.

Some of you may be thinking, wait a minute, Colton Piano used to be next to The Ballet School a few blocks away, but it turns out that the Colton Piano that closed had licensed the Colton name but was not part of the Colton Piano Gallery company that has been in business since 1955. So if you’re in the market for a piano, stop by the real Colton Piano Gallery and check out what they have to offer.

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Sculpture of the Day

December 15, 2011 8:30 am

A previous Sculpture of the Day post featured the “Concrete Totem” right next to this, and according to a Smithsonian description of the sculptures, there are three of them, “One depicts an owl; another a fox; the third, a variety of animals”.

So which one is this?

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Walnut Creek Homicide Investigation

December 14, 2011 4:30 pm

The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s office is looking for information about a homicide in unincorporated Walnut Creek where 48-year-old Jeffrey Mead Patterson of Hayward died of blunt trauma to his body. The cause of death is pending. They reported that:

While at the scene, Deputy Sheriffs arrested 48-year-old Shannon Mitchell Alexander Sr. of Walnut Creek. Alexander was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for homicide.
He is being held on $1 million bail.

Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at
(925) 313-2600.

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Neiman Marcus Gala to be Held March 8th

December 14, 2011 11:30 am

According to this press release, Neiman Marcus will be holding a grand opening store gala on March 8th to benefit 4 local charities:

Also noted is that this is the 7th Neiman Marcus store to open in California, tying Texas and Florida for most stores in a state.

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Ace Hardware Christmas Decorations

December 14, 2011 8:30 am

Who knew that a boring shopping trip to Ace Hardware in Walnut Creek could be so fun? First we’re greeted by two giant toy soldiers guarding the entrance. Then upon entering, there is a huge train set ABOVE the store that wraps all the way around. Note that even the Golden Gate Bridge is included. I think every single kid in that store was mesmerized by it, not to mention quite a few adults as well, yours included. Props to Walnut Creek Ace for putting together such a great display for the winter holidays.

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Winter Ice Gala Jan. 14th

December 13, 2011 4:30 pm

From the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce:

Please join us for this very special evening as we celebrate a wonderful season with the new Ice Rink and our 7th year in operation at this first Winter Ice Gala.

Formal cocktail attire – 21 and over, please.

The event will be fully tented and heated.

Valet Parking

Reservations are required on a first-come, first served basis as seating is limited.

6:30pm: Wine, beer and champagne

Enjoy our jazz ensemble featuring Jack Pollard’s Party of Two, Ice Sculpting and Silent Auction

7:45pm: Welcome, Seating for dinner

Dinner is catered by Scott’s Seafood Grill & Bar

8:45pm: Ice Dancing performance by Award Winning U.S. Skaters

Brittany Gray: ISI Freestyle 6 / USFS Gold Medalist

Kayla de Groot: USFS Junior Ladies / USFS Gold Medalist

Sonja Chen: ISI Freestyle 4 / USFS Pre-Preliminary

Belize Combs: ISI Freestyle 4 / USFS Pre-Preliminary

9:00pm: Featured Skaters

Dance and Adagio Pairs Laura Carreon & Luke Munana

Ice Dancing Performance by ABC Channel 7 newscaster, Dan Ashley and his skating partner, Paulette Bleam

9:30pm: Performance by the band Push

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A Gun Tattoo Story

December 13, 2011 11:30 am

Photo by Photog*Phillip

Recently one evening I was picking up tickets at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek, and while waiting for the light to turn green at the corner, a man approached me with an Irish or English accent asking where Tiki Tom’s was. Although I now know it’s located at 1535 Olympic Blvd (across from Urban Outfitters), at the time I didn’t know and told him so. The light was still red, and he mentioned he was from New York. I asked him where he was from originally, trying to figure out the accent. He again said New York. Assuming he was joking, I asked again, and added, “Do you have an Irish accent? You’re from Ireland right?” He was adamant that he was from New York, this time mentioning upstate New York. At this time I noticed he had a gun tattoo on his neck, pointed at me. I thought to myself, I should probably move on, apologized that I couldn’t help him find Tiki Tom’s, and quickly crossed the street.

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A Christmas Carol Playing at Lesher Center through Dec. 18

December 13, 2011 8:30 am

From the Lesher Center Christmas Carol info page:

December 8, 2011, curtain 8pm
December 9, 2011, curtains 11am & 7:30pm
December 10, 2011, curtains 2pm & 7:30pm
December 11, 2011, curtains 2pm & 7pm
December 13, 2011, curtains 9am & Noon
December 14, 2011, curtain 9:30am
December 15, 2011, curtains 9:30am & 7:30pm
December 16, 2011, curtain 7:30pm
December 17, 2011, curtains 2pm & 7:30pm
December 18, 2011, curtain 2pm

Brimming with music and dance, love and laughter, spectacular special effects and scary ghosts, it’s no wonder the critics have called it “THE Christmas Carol to see in the Bay Area.” Join the thousands who makethis theatrical event part of their annual holiday traditions.

It will be performed at the Hofmann Theatre, one of three theatres located at the Lesher Center at 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. Has anyone been to this performance before? If so, how was it?

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Peak Inside Dirito Brothers New Showroom

December 12, 2011 4:30 pm

Previously I reported that the Dirito Brothers Volkswagen Walnut Creek showroom would be opening by Thanksgiving. Looks like it’s been slightly delayed, but when I took a look inside of the showroom I was blown away. It looks stunning. I’m not a betting man but if I were I’d bet that Dirito Brothers Volkswagen sales will be increasing signficantly in 2012.

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