Spotted in Orinda on Moraga Way.
350 Park St, Moraga
At the beginning of the month we learned that Rheem Theatre would be closing due to a 60% increase in rent, partly in response to Moraga passing a historical preservation ordinance. However, a Go Fund Me Save the Rheem Theatre page was established which raised over $5,000 and announced, “the New Rheem Theatre will be operating for another 60 days to give time for the formation of a new nonprofit foundation within the Moraga community”.
According to the Town of Moraga website:
the community expressed overwhelming support to keep The New Rheem Theatre operating as a theatre. With a generous and cooperative spirit, the property owner and operator agreed to continue the Theatre’s current operations to allow time for all parties to resolve several key issues, including: terms to prevent the building from being demolished; a process to quickly work with the property owner, as the Town does with others, to determine appropriate development options for the remainder of his property absent an historic designation for the Theatre; and the formation of a Community Foundation to assist with funding for the Theatre.
According to this Lamorinda Weekly article, the long term vision would not have a historic preservation ordinance. “While the property owner can develop other areas of the property, Puri agreed not to demolish the theater building, so the need for the ordinance goes away, she [Town Manager Jill Keimach] said.”
What’s not clear to me is how does the property owner agreeing to not demolish the building mean there is no need for a historical preservation ordinance? It seems like a reasonable possibility that while the property owner remains the same, the rent will remain low, and when it’s eventually sold without a historical preservation ordinance, the new owner will tear down the theater for redevelopment. Or will the Moraga community foundation be able to raise enough money to purchase the property to preserve it as a movie theater?
Lamorinda Music
81 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette
Thursday, June 18th, 2015
7:30pm – 10:00pm | $5Come and play with Synergy Theater
at our next Third Thursday Improv Jam! Mix it up with awesome improvisers from all over the area, learn new formats, share some of your own, and have a freakin’ blast! Just $5.00 to play or watch. Only 20 spots available so reserve your place by emailing Kenn Adams at Kenn@SynergyTheater.com
Last November we learned that a new home development featuring “26 high-end single family homes” called Harvest Court was coming to Moraga off Camino Ricardo and construction has begun in earnest with residents noting the massive lines of trucks clogging roadways hauling dirt away. The new completion date is “early 2016” according to the project website.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
In March we learned that the beauty supply store Sephora was expanding in Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek and the expansion and facelift are now complete with a much more impactful black and white design evident at front. Stay tuned for more Broadway Plaza news to come…
The Ruth Bancroft Garden
1552 Bancroft Rd, Walnut Creek
Friday, June 19th, 2015
5:30pm – 8:30pm | $50
Join us as we unveil this year’s Sculpture in the Garden Exhibit and Sale. Enjoy a glass of champagne while you chat with the artists and discover the inspiration behind the wonderful and imaginative pieces displayed in the Garden.
Please remember to wear comfortable shoes!
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
J.Crew is planning on relocating across the street within Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek right across from Banana Republic. According to my source, there will be a separate men’s store located next to the women’s and children’s store. Although the Broadway Plaza J.Crew store used to carry men’s clothing they no longer do so it’s good to see that men’s clothing will be sold once again.
City Hall
1666 N. Main St., Walnut Creek
Wednesday, June 17th, 2015
6:00pm – 9:00pm | $30 ($40 at the door)Enjoy a special wine tasting event throughout
Downtown Walnut Creek!Receive a complimentary wine glass and map at the
starting location-City Hall Walnut Creek, 1666 N. Main St.
and begin your tour of your favorite wineries!The Wine Walk features wine tastings in downtown shops,
restaurants, and businesses, and fun prize drawings.Enjoy the beauty and unique experience of
Downtown Walnut Creek, all at your own leisurely pace!Must be 21 or older to participate.
Online ticket sales will go live on May 1st at 7:00am.
Online ticket sales will END June 17 at 11:00am.
376 Park St, Moraga
In March we learned that a new restaurant called Graze would be replacing Shish Kabab Show in the Rheem Valley Shopping Center in Moraga and Graze has now opened. For now they will be open for lunch Wednesdays through Saturdays and after July 4th they will also open for dinner, noon through 8pm. The owners used to have a restaurant called PAU in Hawaii serving the same dishes (besides the pizza), using fresh, local ingredients. Check out their lunch menu here and drinks menu here. Beer and wine will be available.
