Beyond the Creek

Remodel of Downtown Safeway in the Works

May 18, 2012 11:30 am

Walnut Creek Magazine noted recently that the downtown Walnut Creek Safeway located across the street from Nordstrom is planning on tearing down the current building to be replaced with a much larger supermarket within the next 3 years. The new supermarket, (55,000 square feet) would be built over the current parking lot with cars being able to parking inside the building, below the shopping area (but not underground). The photo above shows the view from Mt. Diablo Blvd. and S. Broadway. Looks pretty sweet to me.

Please note that these are only the initial renderings, and will probably change over time. For example, the city is recommending access from Iron Horse Trail, removal of the landscape walls, and more landscaping to make it more pedestrian friendly.

This is the current Safeway supermarket:

There would be umbrella tables for eating:

Check out more photos after the jump

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Friday Question of the Day – Should Home Soliciting be Illegal?

May 18, 2012 8:30 am

Photo by Flickr user robotson

There’s been lots of complaints lately about home solicitors as summer approaches, and even police departments are sending out notices on what to do and their legality. Turns out it is legal to blanket solicit homes with a permit, but there are things you can do to limit yourself like posting a “No Soliciting” sign on your door, or saying, “no thank you” without even opening your door. However, such soliciting can be used to case homes for future burglaries, or worse.

So do you think it should be illegal to solicit homes for commercial purposes?

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First Batizado (Capoeira) Celebration in Walnut Creek on May 19th

May 17, 2012 4:30 pm

From the Capoeira Equilibrio website:

WHEN: May 19, 2012
WHERE: Assembly Room, Civic Park, Walnut Creek, CA

SCHEDULE
10:00am-11am Jr. Capoeira Workshop
10:30am-11am Besourinhos Workshop
11:00am-11:30am Samba Dance Workshop for Beginners (For guests, parents and capoeira students)
11:30am-1pm Batizado and Roda

Cost: $10 for spectators and guests from other schools, $50 for adult students being promoted, $100 for Jr. and Besourinhos being promoted. Any student being promoted will be given pre sale tickets to to equal the cost of their promotion.

In case you were wondering what capoeira is, from their website:

Combining elements of self-defense, acrobatics, dance, music, and games, Capoeira has all the seriousness and discipline of the well-known martial arts traditions, with the addition of a uniquely playful element. Dating back to the 16th Century, Capoeira’s origins are a matter of debate. It is thought by many to have started as a fighting style disguised by the façade of dance. Capoeira’s roots span ancient African combat techniques to early Brazilian folk dance.

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Thurs. Afternoon Rental Option – Town Center Apts (Lafayette)

May 17, 2012 2:30 pm

This rental is located at Town Center Apartments in downtown Lafayette right next to the Lafayette Bart station.

View Larger Map

From the Craigslist ad:

We have a 2bdrm/2bath apt on notice that will be ready for move-in on June 9th. This unit is located on the 2nd floor featuring 9ft ceilings with crown molding, full-size washer & dryer included (private laundry), master walk-in closet, and balcony overlooking creek below.

Sign a 13mos lease by June 9th and the monthly rent is $2,800. **We also have shorter lease term options. Prices change daily so hurry!**
Security Deposit: $500
Pet Friendly; call for details.

Our property is the youngest in Lafayette (built 2001), located in the heart of downtown, and host to a creek-side walking trail directly to the entrance of the Lafayette BART station. Secured garage parking is available and we have elevators to all levels.

Location-wise this is great as long as the sound from Bart is not too loud. I like how there’s a W/D in the apartment as well. Does that make it worth the $2800 rental price?

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Judging Restaurants – Babushka in Walnut Creek

May 17, 2012 11:30 am

Earlier this month I profiled the Russian grocery Babushka in Walnut Creek, noting that they also had a restaurant with the same name in the back. There’s also a separate entrance around the side which is nice looking. You can look at their menus here.

There is small stage at front with live music for parties:

Has anyone eaten here? How’s the borscht? Any must order items?

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“The Old Yellow House” Getting Restored in Orinda

May 17, 2012 8:30 am

One of the oldest houses in Orinda, known as, “The Old Yellow House”, despite its faded pink color, has been bought by architect James P. Wright who plans on having it restored by his firm Net Zero Homes, which will be documented on their Facebook page.

The house, built in 1894, is located at 209 Moraga Way, and had been on the market for many years before finally selling for $335K in March. At the end of 2007 it was listed at $875K. You can find out more about the house in a October, 2007 article in the Orinda News.

In addition to restoring the house itself, this looks like it’s a great marketing opportunity for Net Zero Homes due to the historical significance, and it being on a well-trafficked road. I look forward to checking up on the progress of this restoration.

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Meet SF Giants Infielder Brandon Crawford at Giants Dugout in Walnut Creek

May 16, 2012 4:30 pm

What: Meet SF Giants Infielder Brandon Crawford
When: Friday, May 18th, Noon
Where: Giants Dugout – 1231 S. Main St., Walnut Creek

**First 300 fans receive autograph**

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Dear Creekville – What to do about Home Solicitors?

May 16, 2012 2:00 pm

Photo of actual solicitor in Lamorinda neighborhood

Dear Creekville,

Recently a door-to-door salesperson came by my house trying to sell an alarm system. They sounded so convincing that I gave my name, number, address and told them to check with my husband. Is this legitimate or should I have told them to go away?

You’re not the only one getting these solicitors going door to door trying to sell things. Driving by the other day I found a swarm of solicitors walking around one neighborhood with clipboards and blue shirts (see above photo). Personally, when it comes to alarm systems I would tread very carefully because they may be casing your home trying to find out what kind of security you have. What I would say is that you already have an alarm system (even if you don’t), and “no thank you”. Even if they are legitimate, how would you know? Better to get recommendations from friends or go with a larger, more reputable company that doesn’t need to go door-to-door. The Walnut Creek Police Department recently put out a press release about what you can do:

As summer starts we historically see an increase in solicitors in our community. The police department consistently receives calls regarding solictors from the public. It is legal for a person to solicit others at their homes as long as they obey the Walnut Creek Municipal Code’s rules and regulations governing solicitors (http://www.codepublishing.com/ca/walnutcreek/).

The common violations of solicitors are failing to obtain a permit from the City, disobeying a no solicitor sign, soliciting outside of the hours allowed and being too agressive with citizens.

A common misconception is to believe a solicitor with a permit from the City has gone through a criminal background check or some other means have been done to ensure this person is a “safe” person to be soliciting. This is not true. Our current Municipal Code does not allow for a denial of a permit based on prior criminal history or failure to disclose criminal history.

Check out suggestions on what to do after the jump…

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Opa! Authentic Greek Cuisine get Signs

May 16, 2012 11:30 am

The Greek restaurant Opa! will be opening in downtown Walnut Creek in mid June, and the signs have now gone up! Opa! is located right next to Prima’s Ristorante at 1532 N Main St. Lunch and dinner menus are here.

I noticed there seems to be an apartment above the restaurant. I wonder who will live there. Looks very nice.

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Naracamicie Opening Soon in Broadway Plaza Walnut Creek – Italian Blouses & Shirts

May 16, 2012 8:30 am

A few months ago I noted that the cosmetics store PureBeauty had closed in Broadway Plaza, and now the Italian fashion line Naracamicie will be taking its place, probably opening up next week. There’s already a store near Union Square. Take a look at the inside that’s getting set up.

From a Naracamicie press release:

Naracamicie is a fashion brand headquartered in Milan, Italy, and is quite familiar to Italians. The designers bring out 150 styles in 2 seasons a year, Highlights of the brand are its Made in Italy tag, and the range of dressy styles for women including classic button downs, silks, and longer styles with asymmetrical closures, both in white and luxurious colors. Men’s shirts are available in both slimfit and traditional cuts. All fabrics and design are Italian, yet carry a relatively modest $150 average price tag.

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