photo by Flickr user uzvards
A few weeks ago I noted that the the Walnut Creek city council was considering the display of the sculpture titled, “Hand in Peace”, by California-based artist Beniamino Bufano in Civic Park, and now it’s official; For the next 25 years the sculpture, as seen in the photo above, will be displayed in Civic Park, enhancing Walnut Creek’s status as not only a shopping and dining mecca, but one that is also focused on the arts.
From the Walnut Creek Police:
On May 1, 2012 at approximately 11:35 A.M., Walnut Creek Police Officers responded to the 2800 block of Mi Elena Circle in Walnut Creek for a report of an in-progress residential burglary. The suspect fled the house in a white Honda Civic. A Walnut Creek Police Officer spotted the vehicle fleeing the scene and attempted a traffic stop. The suspect (later identified as Keith Patrick Buchanan) actively attempted to elude the officer with his vehicle and a pursuit was initiated. The officer pursued Buchanan onto Oak Grove Road and then onto eastbound Ygnacio Valley Road into Concord. The pursuit was cancelled for public safety reasons. The Concord Police Department located Buchanan’s vehicle abandoned on the 5300 block of Green Meadow in Concord and started a search for Buchanan. Citizens reported Buchanan had hopped over several fences in the neighborhood. A short time later a Walnut Creek Detective Sergeant caught Buchanan on Murchio Street near St. Dustan in Concord. Buchanan was positively identified as the suspect in the residential burglary and the evading of a police officer. He was arrested for residential burglary, evading a police officer and probation violations. He is currently in-custody with the Contra Costa Sheriff Office on a $170,000 bail.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Walnut Creek Police Department Detective Moorhouse at (925)943-5877.
A garden tour fundraiser, “Life in the Walnut Creek Garden”, will take place this Saturday May 5th, 11am – 4pm to support various local charities. From their website:
What:
A Garden Tour Fundraiser benefitting various local charities. Tickets purchased on our website benefit Hospice of the East Bay (click here). To purchase tickets benefitting the Quincy Lee Foundation go to www.quincylee.org. To purchase tickets benefitting Contra Costa County Guide Dog Raisers call Elaine Whiteley at (925) 698-2460. To purchase tickets benefitting The Urban Farmers, call Siamack Sioshansi at (415) 806-7005.When:
Saturday, May 5th – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PMWhere:
Five Private Residential Gardens in Walnut CreekTheme:
• Fundraiser – Donating to Hospice of the East Bay, the Quincy Lee Foundation and various local charities
(minimum donation of $25 per person)
• Exclusive Tour – Each project is designed by Landscape Architect John MontgomeryHighlights:
• Chat with John Montgomery about his designs
• Nibble tasty goodies from professional chefs
• Live Music
• Self guided garden tour of several Walnut Creek gardens
photos courtesy of The Jam Brothers
Imagine you’re the former bassist for Metallica, and you need to pick up a new guitar. Where are you going to get it? San Francisco? Berkeley? Guitar Center? How about right here in Walnut Creek! The Jam Brothers music store (next to Morucci’s deli) recently celebrated their 1st anniversary in Walnut Creek and offer a huge selection of high quality guitars as well as drums and other instruments. The owner, Shawn Steen used to work for Gibson Guitar.
Private guitar lessons are available for both children and adults and you can even pick up a new guitar there for $69 to start off.
Check out their cool guitar wall:
In addition to lessons they occasionally host small performances in their store. Word is that the next gig will be sometime this summer. Stay tuned… The Jam Brothers is located at 1208 Boulevard Way in Walnut Creek. If you’re in a band or want to start playing the guitar definitely check them out.
Oh, and the former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted bought 2 guitars and an amp there.
Handlebar Toys in Lafayette has closed. A sign posted in the store window says:
After 42 Historic Years, HANDLEBAR TOYS has closed its doors. Thank you to all our loyal customers over the years…
Lamorinda Weekly has an article about the closing here.
Photo by Flickr user starwarsblog
The Lafayette Library and Learning Center is hosting a Star Wars party for elementary and middle school kids tomorrow, May 1st from 3pm – 4:30pm. From their website:
Hang out with Star Wars reenactors, eat Cheetos (don’t be a Hog!), dance the Twist, and have fun like it’s the PTA Fun Night at McQuarrie Middle School. Celebrate finishing “The Strange Case of Origami Yoda”! For 4th-6th graders.
Rochester Sport for Big & Tall Men closed last week in downtown Walnut Creek. They were located in a prime spot next to Spitz Jewelers, across the street from Starbucks. Being neither big nor tall I never stepped inside this store, but for those missing it you can go to their San Francisco location at 700 Mission St.
Back last November I mentioned that the Greek restaurant Opa! was coming to downtown Walnut Creek. They have announced on their website that they will be opening mid June. You can check out their menus here.
Check out the progress of the interior:
Take a look at the floor. Hardwood floors? Actually, it’s concrete made to look like wood. I look forward to checking this place out once it opens.
Spotted in front of Nordstrom in Walnut Creek over the weekend, this is a Packard Eight automobile from the 1930s. This car was in mint condition; I have never seen so many people staring and taking pictures of a car on a street before. This may deserve the car of the year post.
Check out the hood ornament:
Spare tire:
Has anyone seen this car in Walnut Creek before?
