Now that it’s springtime and getting warmer out I’m tempted to take out the bike for a ride. Where is your favorite place for a bike ride?
Now that it’s springtime and getting warmer out I’m tempted to take out the bike for a ride. Where is your favorite place for a bike ride?
Lamorinda ShortDocs Film Fest:
Lafayette Library and Learning Center
3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Sunday, April 15th, 2018
3:00pm | $10 ($15 at door)This documentary film festival provides local filmmakers of all ages an opportunity to create new work as well as showcase it in a community screening. A reception follows the screening with light refreshments and a “red-carpet” photo opportunity.
This year’s event includes films from the informative to the poetic. Some will educate about historic figures and local organizations; others will be emotionally moving visual tapestries. This year’s largest categories of entry were surprisingly Adults and Elementary School Students. While filmmaker eligibility was expanded this year to include Lamorinda’s neighbors in Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, and Concord, the majority of entries still represent the Lamorinda Community.
1358 N. Main Street, Walnut Creek
Last May we learned that Main Street Kitchen would be expanding next door in downtown Walnut Creek and they are currently closed while the remodeling is going on. Look for a full bar, pizzeria and rotisserie when they reopen. Check for updates on their Facebook page here and their brunch, lunch and dinner menus here.
San Miguel Dr, Walnut Creek
21 new “Stoneyridge” homes are being built by Landsea Homes on San Miguel Drive, right off Mt. Diablo Blvd. in downtown Walnut Creek. As you can see from the photo below, prices start “from the high $900,000s” and according to their website most have already been sold. They are 2-3 bedrooms and range in size from 1,378 to 2,253 sq. ft. Check out the plans, availability and some pricing here and features here.
Todos Santos Plaza
2175 Willow Pass Rd, Concord
Saturday, March 31st, 2018
12:00 – 4:00pm | $40 ($50 at gate)We are very proud that this year’s event is again a benefit for the TSBA Arts Foundation, which helps fund the summer music program in Todos Santos Park, as well as youth music programs around Concord.
Unlimited tasting from over 60 craft breweries, live music and great food.
The Veranda, Concord
Popbar “coming soon” signage is up at the Veranda shopping center in Concord near the IMAX movie theater. Check out their gelato on a stick menu here and gelato sandwich on stick menu here. They also carry sorbet, frozen yogurts pops and shakes. This is going to be great come summer!
3566 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
A new electronic cigarette shop called Blazin Jayz Smoke Shop recently opened next to Learning Express Toys in Lafayette. They sell e-cigarettes, hookahs, vape juices with flavors such as apple e-juice, grape, banana cream, Hulk Tears, and more.
Considering the location, next to a toy store of all places, some Lafayette residents are not happy with this. One Lafayette resident emailed:
I’m extremely disappointed about the decision to approve a smoke shop directly next door to our beloved toy store. We’ve already chatted about this as a family so my elementary school daughter understands the concern about locating the two stores together. I love Lafayette and, though I don’t smoke, I understand that there might be demand for a smoke shop in Lafayette. There are many open storefronts in the city, though. I wish the town has been more thoughtful in its approach; the placement of the smoke shop makes Lafayette seem motivated by profit. This hits the wrong note for me.
Should a smoke shop offering kid-friendly vape flavors be allowed to open next to a toy store? Aren’t there city ordinances prohibiting this? If not, shouldn’t there be?
Photo from Lafayette Juniors
Lafayette Juniors 2018 Annual Kitchen Tour:
Lafayette
Saturday, May 19th, 2018
10:00am – 3:00pm | $50 ($65 + lunch)Tour six beautiful Lafayette homes for a great cause, with masterfully designed unique, elegant and awe-inspiring kitchens. The Tour benefits No One Left Behind, Girls Inc., City Slicker Farms, White Pony Express, and Contra Costa Crisis Center. Tickets are $50, box lunch available for $15. Purchase tickets at www.lafayettejuniors.org or Premier Kitchens in Lafayette.
Village Square Shopping Center, Orinda
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Village inn Cafe, which closed earlier this year after 30 years in business, has reopened with new owners. According to an employee the menu is slightly different and they no longer offer French toast.
Willows Shopping Center, Concord
These days the Willows shopping center in Concord just can’t catch a break with Aaron Brothers Art & Framing being the latest store to close or move in recent months, possibly in June. According to Pasadena Star News most locations will be folded into Michael’s stores (same owner) with a few remaining open in Texas.
