1425 Duncan St, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Jamba Juice closed their downtown Walnut Creek location recently. I wonder if they were affected at all by iTea opening last spring right next door? The other Walnut Creek spot in the Countrywood Shopping Center on Bancroft Rd is still around.
1129 S. Main St, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for pointing out that a new mural of koi fish has appeared on the old Apple store location in downtown Walnut Creek. If you walk around the corner and down towards the outdoor Va de Vi patio behind the giant oak tree you’ll be able to view a really cool koi pond built by the developer. There are also a few turtles waddling around the pond. If you haven’t visited before, the next time you’re in downtown Walnut Creek be sure to check it out!
Artist Statement:
This painting was inspired by what I consider to be a “hidden jewel” of Walnut Creek – the Koi pond behind Va de Vi. My grandson and I frequently enjoy visiting this secret, intimate space with the constant ongoing mini-drama of the colorful koi, waterfall and beautiful maple trees encircling the pond.
I am so very grateful to add my own special “something” to the exciting, inviting atmosphere of Walnut Creek. It is very satisfying to me knowing that my artwork for this storefront might brighten someone’s day.
Kahni Horton, local artist
1523 Giammona Dr, Walnut Creek
It’s been over a year since we first learned about a new Japanese restaurant coming to downtown Walnut Creek called Tozai Izakaya from the owner of nearby Ramen Hiroshi and as you can see in the above photo the signage is up. They will be located between Skipolini’s Pizza and Bourbon Highway. For a while I didn’t notice anything going on inside but lately there has been a lot of activity going on so I expect this open soon!
Walnut Creek on Ice opens this Friday, November 9th in Civic Park in downtown Walnut Creek. Check out pricing and the schedule on their website here. Information on group lessons can be found here. The Children’s Winter Festival will take place on November 10th with “free admission and skates for the first 250 guests; $5 admission until 5 p.m”
The Veranda, Concord
Puesto Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar, which we learned would be coming to the Veranda shopping center in Concord, is opening early next week Sunday, November 11th right next to the IMAX theater. Check out their Santa Clara menu here.
In addition to ballot drop off boxes you can also vote early in downtown Walnut Creek at City Hall today from 11am – 7pm. There was quite a line over the weekend so I’m glad I filled it out at home and just dropped into the box. Get your vote in early!
From the City of Walnut Creek voting information page:
If you would like to cast your ballot in person before the November 6 General Election date, you can do so at one of 3 different locations throughout the County, including Walnut Creek City Hall. County Elections staff will be on hand to assist you as they would at any regular polling place on Election Day. The hours are as follows:
· Monday, November 5: 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Just as you would on Election Day, bring your sample ballot or Voter Information Guide to help you make your selections. Give your full name to the staff at the sign-in table. Proceed to an open voting booth and mark your ballot. Each early voting site has an accessible ballot-marking device as well. When you finish, seal and sign the envelope and place it in the secure ballot box.
1537 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
Last spring we learned about the possibility of a children’s bookstore coming to Walnut Creek and it turns out that the bookstore, called Flashlight Books, will be opening in downtown Walnut Creek in early December where a children’s clothing store used to be on N. Main St. Check for updates on their Instagram page here.
From their website:
Flashlight Books will be an independent bookstore dedicated to promoting a sustained love of reading in children – particularly in their teen and pre-teen years, when they most need the messages of empathy and the diverse viewpoints that books provide. We will be a space that is community-focused and celebrates curiosity, passion, and learning. In addition to being a store for books, we will host events, create a tutoring space, and run programs for kids and teens. Flashlight Books will aim to be a place where families feel welcomed, kids feel safe, and young adults feel supported.
3629 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
In between Diablo Foods and Trader Joe’s in Lafayette is a small donut shop straight out of the 1970’s called Johnny’s Donuts. I’ve walked by dozens of times and for some reason it’s always been closed. Recently however, the stars aligned just right and I noticed it was open. So of course I had to drop in for a donut. I kept things simple and got the plain, powdered sugar one. They even threw in a donut ball. Nice gesture. The donut was tasty. Of course all donuts taste good to me. Dunkin’, Krispy Kreme, Voodoo (in Portland). There’s just something about the texture, smell and sweet, sweet taste that I can’t resist. For health reasons it’s imperative that I stay far away from donut shops.
Compared to the modern, hipster spaces opening left and right this shop is a nice throwback to an earlier era. Any fans of Johnny’s Donuts? What do you like most there?
355 Hartz Ave, Danville
AR Worskhop, the DIY creative studio which opened last spring, now has a Drink Bar offering a selection of beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages in the back section of their studio. This allows children and others to work on their projects in front at the same time as those who want to enjoy a glass of wine or beer in the back. Check out their schedule here and follow updates on their Facebook page here.
La Fiesta Square, Lafayette
Thanks to everyone who sent word that The Shade Store is coming to La Fiesta Square in Lafayette where Smitten used to be. Check out their online gallery here.
From their website:
We’re a wholly curated custom window treatment service – bringing the best to your windows and providing the kind of high-end design assistance and support that can only come with three generations of expertise.