Back in April I noted that Sherman Clay Pianos would be closing in Walnut Creek and it turns out that Steinway & Sons has purchased Sherman Clay Bay Area locations and will transition the Walnut Creek and San Francisco stores to Steinway & Sons stores according to this press release. According to a Steinway & Sons employee I contacted plans are for the store to reopen under Steinway & Sons in June. Great news for piano lovers!
Gold Coast Chamber Players Presents Transcendent:
Lafayette Library and Learning Center
3491 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette
Saturday, May 11th, 2013
7:30pm – 9:00pm | $35Through the bleakness of World War II comes Olivier Messiaen’s sublime Quartet for the End of Time. Keynote speaker Rebecca Rischin reveals the circumstances under which the Quartet was created.
Quartet for the End of Time for clarinet, violin, cello, piano – Olivier Messiaen
Musicians
Kay Stern, violin (Concertmaster, San Francisco Opera)
Tony Striplen, clarinet (San Francisco Opera)
Christopher Costanza, cello (St. Lawrence String Quartet)
http://slsq.com/bio/christopher-costanza
Yana Reznik, piano, www.yanareznik.comGeneral Admission $35.00, Senior $30.00, Student $10.00
Order tickets by calling (925)283-3728 or online at: www. gcplayers.tix.com
Back in September I noted that a new cafe would be opening and now Fraedo’s Cafe has finally opened in downtown Walnut Creek at Growers Square, across the street from the Lesher Center.
Walnut Creek City Council
The Contra Costa Times recently reported that five former Walnut Creek mayors criticized, “council members’ handling of an investigation into employee knowledge of alleged child sex abuse at the Lesher Center.”
From the article:
In a letter sent to the City Council, city manager, city attorney and the Contra Costa Times, former mayors Gwen Regalia, Sue Rainey, Kathy Hicks, Charlie Abrams and Gary Skrel say they are “dismayed” that information has leaked to the press from City Hall. They question why the council hasn’t investigated the leaks and say they were “astonished” to read in this newspaper negative comments about the city manager following a closed session council meeting.
The article goes on to mention that the Contra Costa Times obtained a police memo detailing the “alleged failure of employees to report suspicions of child abuse.” and the former mayors are “shocked” that an investigation has not been called to find out who leaked it.
Having followed national news I know there are leaks all the time by Congressional staff, Presidential staff and other governmental entities to national newspapers such as the New York Times and Washington Post. I remember that when leaks affect national security the President and others start taking things more seriously but I didn’t realize people care about leaks at the city level.
While other cities publish police reports publicly for all to see, both Walnut Creek and Lafayette keep reports private while at the same time allowing certain entities such as the Contra Costa Times access to information. Given this insider access and relationships between police staff and reporters, is it any wonder that a police memo would also be be passed to them as well? Not surprising at all.
What do you make of this standoff between former Walnut Creek mayors and the city council? Should Walnut Creek and Lafayette follow the lead of cities like Seattle by making most police reports publicly available?
Walnut Creek Yacht Club
1555 Bonanza St, Walnut Creek
Sunday, May 12th, 2013
11:30am – 3:00pm & 5:00pm – 8:00pm | $30Join us Sunday May 12th for Mother’s Day. Although normally closed on Sundays we’re going to be open especially for you moms!
Lunch: 11:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Dinner: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
In addition to our regular menu, we will be offering a special 3 course $30.00 Mother’s Day menu
Sunday May 12, 2013Mother’s Day Menu
$30.00
Bonfire Pizzeria in the Orinda Theatre Square has closed according to a sign in the window (see below). When they first opened I was a big fan of their pizzas although I think their ingredients changed over time. Word on the street is that a new pizzeria will be opening in this location over the summer. Stay tuned…
The Treasure Trove is moving from their location next to where Petar’s used to be in downtown Lafayette to a new location behind Peet’s Coffee in the Lafayette Plaza Center where Whole Foods is. The address is 3506-H Mt. Diablo Blvd.
From their website:
The Treasure Trove is a custom interiors studio specializing in window treatments, wallpapers, upholstery, bed coverings, decorative pillows, slipcovers, cushions, carpeting, and other home furnishings.
Music and the Brain Lecture by Daniel Levitin:
Mighty Fine Guitars
85 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette
Friday, May 10th, 2013
8:00pm | $25Daniel Levitin is an award-winning scientist, musician, author and record producer.
He is the author of two books: the international bestsellers “This Is Your Brain on Music” and “The World in Six Songs.” He is also the James McGill Professor of Psychology and Behavioural Neuroscience at McGill University in Montreal, where he runs the Laboratory for Music Cognition, Perception and Expertise. Needless to say, I am thrilled to have him speak to us Mighty Fine folks.
This private party will sell out. Please email RSVP ASAP: stevie@mightyfineguitars.c
om $25 Suggested Donation, payable at the event.
Last week I noted that A.G. Ferrari Foods closed in downtown Lafayette and according to the La Fiesta Square Facebook page Roam Artisan Burgers will be opening up in this spot. With two locations in San Francisco, this will be their first East Bay location. Check out their menu here. Has anyone tried their bison burgers? I can’t wait to try this place out!
From their website:
From pasture to plate, Roam Artisan Burgers offers delicious burgers, sides, shakes and sodas crafted from fresh quality ingredients that have been carefully sourced from a select group of purveyors.
Roam is committed to utilizing sustainable meats and produce, as well as other high-quality ingredients in its menu, which begins with 100% grass-fed beef, free-range turkey, all-natural bison and an organic veggie burger. Roam features burgers that include the Sunny Side, French and Fries and Tejano, and also offers the option of customizing. The burgers pair perfectly with Roam’s lineup of Straus Family Creamery shakes, house-made sodas, wine and kombucha on tap, and local brews.
