Thanks to a reader for sending this photo of the Smitten nitrogen tank getting filled.
1375 N Main St, Walnut Creek
Last August we learned that Adib’s Persian Rug Gallery would be moving to 1424 S. Main St. Walnut Creek and now the owner is redeveloping this location, splitting it into two separate spaces, one on each floor, which will include an elevator.
A couple of days ago I asked for help identifying this giant lizard spotted in a local garage and thanks to readers for pointing out that this is a California Alligator Lizard. Based on photos here that is definitely what it is.
From the website:
This is a lizard that is often seen in yards and garages in Southern California.
Even though this isn’t Southern California its close enough!
With a Tesla showroom opening this week in Broadway Plaza I’ve been wondering how many people would buy a Tesla if money were no object. If you had $70K that you had to spend on a car would you buy the electric Tesla with a 250 mile range or would you stick with a more traditional car like BMW, Lexus etc? I’d be tempted to go with the Tesla myself.
David Ewing Duncan “When I’m 164” Talk:
Lafayette Library
3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Thursday, May 22nd, 2014
6:30pm – 7:30pm | $22When I’m 164: The New Science of Radical Life Extension, and What Happens if it Succeeds?
David Ewing Duncan, Author, When I’m 164, Columnist, Newsweek; Chief Correspondent, NPR Talk’s Biotech Nation
The average life expectancy of Americans is approximately 78 years, but how long do you really want to live? Today, scientists at universities and research institutions across the globe are discussing and working on anti-aging treatments that could possibly extend the average life span of humans by decades. In his book When I’m 164, David Ewing Duncan – award-winning science journalist and author of the bestseller Experimental Man explores the science of radical life extension and the new technologies that may alter the limits of human life. Join Duncan for a discussion on these advances in biotechnology and the impact and implications of being able to live to age 164 or beyond.
Cost: General: $22 non-members, $12 members, $7 studentsTo register call: (415)597-6700 or go to: www.commonwealthclub.org
3545 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
The anticipation is great as Smitten Ice Cream is finally opening in downtown Lafayette next Wednesday, May 21st in La Fiesta Square in downtown Lafayette. Check out their menu here. This will be Smitten’s fourth location (their original location is in Hayes Valley in San Francisco). The Lafayette location is about 1300 square feet with a 1500 liter visible liquid nitrogen tank, can’t wait to try this ice cream out!
Back entrance:
Fiesta Ln, Lafayette
Amphora Nueva Berkeley Olive Oil Works, a Berkeley-based shop featuring, “single varietal extra virgin olive oils, master blends, and aged balsamic vinegar” is opening their second location in downtown Lafayette next to the recently opened Cooperage restaurant. According to Diablo Dish they are planning to open in late summer.
From their website:
Amphora Nueva features the largest, freshest selection of single varietal extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars on tap. Family owned & operated, we have had a presence in the olive oil oil industry for the past 90 years. We work in close partnership with farmers in both hemispheres to deliver fresh, high quality products to our customers all year long. We personally source all of our products and never deal with middlemen.
Assuming the earlier scuttlebutt is correct about the upscale men’s salon 18/8 opening a couple of doors down that leaves one more available spot in the recently redeveloped Fiesta Lane section where the Cooperage opened.
Over the past few months we’ve been hearing sounds coming from the garage. Tiny footsteps and noises. I immediately thought rat and promptly laid a trap, without success. Then over the weekend my kid told me there’s something in the garage. I asked her what and when she couldn’t explain I imagined it was a dead rat unable to move.
That’s when I spotted this giant foot-long lizard. I couldn’t believe it. I’ve seen plenty of chameleons but not something this big, does anyone know what it is? Did its tail get cut off or is that some kind of stinger? I tried shooing it outside but it crawled inside a pipe and is still inside unfortunately.
What’s the strangest animal you’ve found in your garage or attic?
1372 N Main St. #204, Walnut Creek
A new e-cigarette shop called VapeSmart is opening in downtown Walnut Creek above CREAM. They will also do cell phone and tablet repairs.
Centennial Celebration of Heritage Day at Borges Ranch:
Borges Ranch
1035 Castle Rock Rd, Walnut Creek
Saturday, May 17th, 2014
10:00am – 4:00pm | $7.50 (advance)Families of all ages are invited to celebrate Walnut Creek’s early ranch days – and enjoy performances by country singer and “American Idol” star Matt Rogers – at the Centennial Celebration of Heritage Day at Borges Ranch, set for Sat., May 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are now available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
heritage-day-at-borges-ranc h-tickets-10622493163. First 150 tickets purchased receive VIP event passes.
To volunteer at this event, visit this link – http://
wcserviceday.volunteerhub.c om/Events/Index A Season 3 “American Idol” finalist, Rogers will perform at both 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The first 150 ticket purchasers will receive VIP event passes for a special mid-day meet-and-greet event with the country star.
A Heritage Day highlight for children will be a Ranch Days Costume Parade, where children will “parade” their favorite early 1900s ranch attire. The Costume Parade will start at 10:30 a.m.
The day’s activities also will feature:– Performances by local folk/blue grass groups and the Diablo Mountain Cloggers
– Farm animal demonstrations
– Pony rides
– Children’s games and crafts
– Silent films
– Short walking tours in the Shell Ridge Open Space
– Ranch house visits with the Borges Family
– Heritage home-arts demonstrationsTickets
Children (2-17) — $5
Adults — $7.50 (advance) or $10 (day of event)
Ticket price includes all entertainment, demonstrations,
tours, and shuttle transportation. A small additional fee will be charged for craft supplies. Food and beverages are available for purchase. No refunds.PLEASE NOTE – Parking
Parking at the ranch is limited so only those with disabled placards my drive to the ranch on Heritage Day. All other guests must park at Northgate High School (425 Castle Rock Rd.) and take the shuttle buses to the ranch. First shuttle leaves Northgate High at 9:45 a.m.