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12/29/08
Celebrate an early New Year's Eve with your kids at one of these balloon drops in the East Bay.
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12/26/08
President-elect Barack Obama has nominated Steven Chu, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist and director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, to be his energy secretary.
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12/24/08
Want to vent about the recent economic turmoil? Have a question for our experts? Or do you just want to see how your fellow East Bayers are weathering the storm? Check out our community forum on Staying Sane in an Insane World.
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12/19/08
Every December, Diablo honors outstanding community volunteers with our Threads of Hope Awards. In 2001, we recognized Myke Judd, an instructor at the Xonphon Therapeutic Horse Riding Center in Orinda. That center just received some impressive national awards, including 2008 horse of the year, Cocoa, and youth equestrian of the year, Anthony Fusaro. Fusaro, sadly, passed away in May. We wish the best to his family and to the folks at Xenophon. Information from the press release below. Orinda’s Xenophon Therapeutic Horse Riding Center
Receives Multiple Prestigious National Awards
NARHA Youth Equestrian of the Year, Horse of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year
ORINDA, CA -- December 18, 2008 –...
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12/16/08
It’s December, and for some of us this translates to “get out the ski gear”. With several inches of fresh powder on the mountain, it's time to hit the slopes Here are some of the best deals at 10 of Tahoe’s top ski resorts: Alpine is currently offering $25 off any season pass ordered online. Heavenly is offering a season pass for full time (12 credit) students for $269, and will give $40 in on-mountain cash for each referral purchase.
Kirkwood has a kid skiing special on Sundays, which includes two free child (12 & under)...
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12/16/08
Every year, the Diablo Black Men’s Group gathers for a holiday party to recognize the significance of African Americans in Contra Costa County. Their numbers are small—just about 2 percent of the total population in the San Ramon Valley, where their organization is based, but their members are active—as professionals, parents, and community volunteers.
“Because there are so few African-Americans living in the Danville and San Ramon area, the DBMG holds similar events throughout the year to give African-Americans a venue to socialize and be among other people like themselves,” said Robert Bogle, chair of the organization. “Eighty percent of our membership lives along the Interstate 680 corridor, and because we are a small minority in this...
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12/15/08
I'm a big Star Wars fan—I was seven-years-old when the first movie came out—so I have a soft spot for most things Star Wars. Clayton Books is having a fun promotion for holiday shopping, offering a free Star Wars collectible with every purchase of a Star Wars book, pop-up book, or audio book, while supplies last. I can definitely recommend Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy. I received it as a gift last year, and its pretty awesome (and focuses on the original trilogy). Clayton Books, 5433 Clayton Rd., Ste. D, Clayton, (925) 673-3325,
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12/12/08
Come and enjoy fabulous costumes, shows, food and Christmas cheer as the Great Dickens Christmas Fair transforms the San Francisco Cow Palace into the streets of Victorian London. Wandering Christmas Carolers, hot apple cider, quaint storefront shops, and appearances by Santa Claus himself make for a fun filled family experience.
Some might say that our current economic situation has become reminiscent of a Charles Dickens story, but The Great Dickens Christmas fair reminds us that even when times are tough, the Holiday Season can still be thoroughly enjoyed.
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Time: 11am-7pm
Dates: Sat. Dec 20 – Sun. Dec 21
Place: In the Cow Palace Exhibition Halls
2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City, CA 94014
For...
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12/12/08
Members of the Oakland Raiders and the Raiderettes will be attending to kick off the holiday event
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12/12/08
This month the Bedford Gallery in Walnut Creek honors the Civic Arts Education program by exhibiting the works of fifty artists who have taught in the program. Since it began in 1963, the Civic Arts Education (CAE) foundation has educated children, youth, and adults through professional-level classes and programs. In its 45 years, the CAE has experienced tremendous growth: the few painting and ceramics classes they offered in 1963 have grown to educate over 16.000 people last year alone. Most of the pieces are for sale. The exhibition closes December 21, 2008. More info available at www.bedfordgallery.org
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12/12/08
Danville Girls Chorus is taking us around the world on Saturday, December 13. Well not literally, but the chorus will be performing seasonal music from all over the world. The concert, “Let There Be Peace” is the group’s first concert of the 2008/2009 season with two more in March and June, so this is a great chance to check them out. The chorus is directed by Ken Abrams and consists of 160 talented young girls ranging from 3rd – 8th grades. It should be a great concert. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. It is being held at the Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church at 9015 South Gale Ridge Road in San Ramon. For more information click here....
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12/12/08
Santa Paws is Coming to Town, an event by Wags Whiskers Pet Boutique, Walnut Creek, will take photos of your pet with Santa on Sunday, December 14, 11am – 4 pm. The photo sitting by Tonya Perme Photography is $15 and includes one print. Proceeds will benefit the White Kitty Foundation, which seeks to shelter, rehabilitate, and nurture animals, and ultimately find them a home where they can flourish. Sounds like an activity that will make you happy and make your pet proud of you. Wags Whiskers Pet Boutique, 1528 Locust Street, Walnut Creek, 925.935.BARK (2275)
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12/12/08
This Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm Danville is having its 4th annual Holiday Home Tour. They have 5 fabulous homes from around the area lined up for the trip. Many of the homes have amazing views and the owners have renovated each home into something special. One house has an infrared sauna in its guest bathroom, another a running creek, there is a completely renovated 1917 cottage and more. The Danville-Alamo AAUW is donating profits from the event to local scholarships and Tech Trek, a residential summer camp for middle school girls interested in math and science. If you are interested in attending the event tickets may be purchased at Leku Eder 178 E. Prospect Ave., Danville. Questions, call Mary at 925.831.1784.
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12/11/08
During the holidays, I’ve always loved buying my gift-wrapping paper at Cost Plus. The reasonably priced paper never looked drug-store kitschy but artsy, a little bohemian, and definitely original. Every year, I also like picking up a new Christmas tree ornament or two. Many of the ornaments remind me of the locally handmade wood, metal, or cloth chotchkies I’d see for sale on the streets of Thailand (where I lived for three years) and other parts of Asia. So, it had been disappointing to hear that the Oakland-based retailer, with about 290 stores, including six in the East Bay, started going through tough times even before the global economic crisis struck in September. It was more distressing to read a recent online news report that Cost Plus, celebrating its 50th...
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12/11/08
Looking for holiday fun that won’t break the bank? Willows Theatre in Concord is offering a 2-for-the-price-of-1 special for their Holiday Shows. Mame, the story of spirited Auntie Mame who takes in her 10-year old nephew during the 1920s, plays through December 28. Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical, which promises “Nunsense humor” and “an uproarious take on Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet,” plays through December 21. To take advantage of this office, call the box office at (925) 798-1300 and mention the code “Holiday Musicals.” Call today because this offer is on a first-come, first-served basis. Purchase one ticket at the full adult price, receive one ticket for free. Offer only valid for...
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12/10/08
This Sunday, December 14, Hospice of the East Bay ’s Tree of Lights is having a tree lighting ceremony at Oak Alley behind Va de Vi restaurant in Walnut Creek. The lighting will start at 5 p.m. and will include a speaker telling his experience of having a child cared for by Comfort For Kids, and music by Muirwood Elementary School Chorus. Each light on the tree will represent a life of a child in honor of all the wonderful children cared for by Hospice and all this program does. If you would like to purchase a light on the tree, please send a check for $20 per light to Hospice Foundation of the East Bay , 3470 Buskirk Avenue , Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. To pick out a tree or for more information
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12/10/08
Pleasanton Middle School is asking the public to help out the Zuffa family, whose home was destroyed by a fire Monday morning, and whose mom is being treated for second- and third-degree burns in a San Francisco hospital burn unit.
The younger of the two Zuffa sons is a seventh-grader at Pleasanton Middle School; the older brother is a student at Amador Valley High school. Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department officials say the family pretty much “lost everything” in the fire, reported the Pleasanton Weekly. And 40-year-old Deonna "De" Zuffa, the only person home at the time of the fire, was initially listed in critical condition at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley. The...
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12/10/08
A great deal on books from local publisher Chronicle Books end tonight!
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12/05/08
Tired of the same old Friday evening? The Kevin Milligan Gallery is hosting a grand opening this Friday evening from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Many of the artists whose exhibits are being unveiled will be at the opening as well. It looks like a great chance to hear about the vision behind the art. There will be a variety of mediums to view as well. When you have seen enough art, check out a few other places in the neighborhood also hosting opening celebrations. Mangia Mi, Iron Horse Furniture, Sweet Magnoila and the Daily Method are also opening. The gallery is located at 408 Hartz Avenue in Danville. Check it out!
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12/05/08
The days to the Holiday Season are getting fewer and fewer as the malls get fuller and fuller, why not give your loved ones the gift of original art? It’s one of a kind, and right under your nose. Leave the mall behind, grab your shopping bag, and get the lowdown on the art underground. Oakland Art MurmurOn the first Friday of every month, be sure to check out the Oakland Art Murmur. The Oakland Art Murmur is a coalition of art venues that have joined together to encourage the public to appreciate the arts. Take a walking tour of these unique galleries, beginning at Telegraph and 23rd street, 7-9 pm. Some of the participating galleries include: Rock Paper ScissorsOne of the murmur’s founding galleries, this charming, colorful, co-op...
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12/05/08
Meet legendary Harlem Globetrotter Curly Neal at Oakland’s Oracle Arena – for free! Former Harlem Globetrotter Neal will be making a special appearance this Sunday, December 7th at the Oracle Arena in Oakland. Basketball fans across the Bay Area will get a chance to participate in a Q&A session, take photos and get autographs – a great way to spend a day with family and friends! Fred “Curly” Neal is recognized as being the best dribbler in the entire history of the Globetrotters, which dates back to the 1920’s. Earlier this year, it was announced that Neal would be inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Doors open at 1:10 pm and the event begins at 1:30. Admission is free. Bring your own memorabilia for...
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12/04/08
Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat, and it’s time to start sticking those Christmas cards and family photos in the mail. If you’re tired of the same-old boxed cards and photo cards, check out Emeryville-based Cardstore.com, an online source for creating personalized, modern cards. Cardstore’s chic, hip cards with tons of variety – nearly 50 different collections and designers – are sure to spice up your holiday greetings. No need to be in the market for Christmas cards to try out Cardstore.com; the wealth of cards include invitations, birthday cards, anniversaries cards, and with the personalization options, any card you can create.
Personalizing your cards is incredibly easy:...
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12/04/08
Thursday, December 4, 2008, will be a big night for Broadway Plaza shoppers. The Shopping Center will be celebrating its annual Holiday Parade of Lights, Merchant Open House and Community Tree Lighting. The Merchant Open House begins at 6 pm, followed by the parade down Broadway Plaza Street at 7 pm, and ending at the Community Tree Lighting following the parade. Special activities will include a grand arrival of Santa, face painting, One Warm Coat Drive, and goodies distributed by select retailers in the area, making this an event for the whole family. Visit www.broadwayplaza.com for more information about this event and others.
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12/03/08
Oakland author Jan Stites will be reading from her debut novel Edgewise this Saturday at Orinda Books (276 Village Square, Orinda, 925-254-7606, www.orindabooks.com) reading at Orinda Books is this Saturday, December 6, at 3 p.m. While you're their, you might want to do some holiday shopping for your favorite bookworm—Orinda Books is having some killer sales on hardcover books for adults. Edgewise is about two women in an inner-city hospital wrestle with their pasts and racial/class differences as each struggles to avoid self-destruction. Wally Lamb calls the novel “courageous, heartfelt, and unforgettable.” Jan Stites taught in the San Ramon Valley School District for thirteen years, Hayward for...
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12/03/08
Pet lovers, check out the new website of Tony La Russa’s ARF! The new website is much different from the old one, and only for the better. The latest .com for Walnut Creek’s Animal Rescue Foundation brings the foundation’s valuable information to viewers’ fingertips better than ever. Complete with pictures of each furry pet waiting for a new home, the sites homepage now helps better highlight pets available for adoption. There is also a new link named “Press Room” that contains virtual press kits, logo’s, and the latest information released by the foundation. ARF now needs help more than ever due to a large increase in deprived animals. Visit www.arf.net and find out how...
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12/03/08
This event looks like a good way to warm up through the increasingly chilly holiday season: the San Ramon Bah Humbug 5K Run and Walk commences this Saturday, December 6th at 9:00am, and is an annual fun-run that benefits San Ramon Parks and Community Services. The good news (to some) is that the majority of this course is flat. Runners and walkers can dress up in holiday costume (Santa, The Grinch, etc.) and will receive a free Bah Humbug long-sleeve tee and lots of goodies before and after the race. Check-in and race-day registration both begin at 7:30am. Admission for the 5K (3.1 miles) is $30. Medals will be given out to the top male and female finishers, as well as three medals per age group and awards for costume contests (Most Grinch, Best...
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12/01/08
The East Bay is a literary heaven, and Clayton Books is doing a great job making sure all the hottest books get noticed. They’ve had recent events with Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Chabon and B-movie star Adrienne Barbeau. And they have some big stars coming through this week, including Harry Potter wiz, Dumbledore (Thursday, December 4), Bizarro cartoonist Dan Piraro (Saturday, December 6), and Santa Claus himself (Saturday, December 6).
Clayton Books, 5433 D Clayton Rd., Clayton, (925) 673-3325, www.claytonbookshop.com.
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12/01/08
Don’t let the economy put a damper on your winter getaway plans; instead, check out this bargain deal at Napa Valley’s Silverado Resort. During “Suite Season,” the resort offers guests 40% or more off the price of junior, one- and two-bedroom suites.
Saving on the ticket price doesn’t mean you’ll be skimping on things to do. While the surrounding area of Napa Valley offers many wineries and restaurants, Silverado Resort boasts two of its own award-winning restaurants: the Royal Oak and the Grill at Silverado. The resort’s two championship golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, fitness facility, jogging trails, and mountain bikes for rent will keep you active, and when you are ready to relax, the 16,000-square-foot spa and...
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12/01/08
Today's Flickr Pic of the Day features an infrared photograph of the abandoned Byron Hot Springs Resort, shot by David Hohler.
Link to photographer's profile:
www.flickr.com/people/26995707@N08/
To submit photos to Diablo magazine's Flickr group, go to
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12/01/08
It’s something that Walnut Creek residents have been craving for a long time: a downtown hardware store. Walnut Creek Hardware Co. opened this past week on Mount Diablo Boulevard, filling a need among locals who missed a convenient place to pick up just the right nail, pipe, faucet, or cordless power drill.
The 12,500-square foot store, on the site of the former Good Guys, is part of the Ace Hardware cooperative. However, it is independently owned by two long-time Walnut Creek residents, Lee Abramson and Kevin Fisher. Like a lot of locals, Abramson and Fisher missed the loss of Simon’s on California Boulevard to the Plaza Escuela development.
“People have just walked through the door and just started clapping,” says Abramson. ...
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12/01/08
“My heart is pounding. I have some knowledge of what is going on behind me but it doesn’t register with my senses until I hear the sound: Bang. Rata tat tat. Bang, bang. This is a hostage situation.”
So writes Sara Sidner, former KTVU news anchor and now a CCN international correspondent, about standing outside Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Tower and Palace Hotel last week. In her CNN blog (http://inthefield.blogs.cnn.com/tag/sara-sidner/)
and in her live TV news reports, she describes the horrors of the three-day terrorist siege in India’s...
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12/01/08
Lafayette Town Hall Theatre opened its new act during the holiday weekend. The theatre is showing the classic Miracle on 34th Street through Christmas Eve. For those not familiar with the story, it is the tale of a working mother who hire’s a new Santa Claus for her employer, Macy’s, and it appears this Santa may be the real deal. Audiences attending 2:00pm matinees on 12/14 12/20, 12/21, 12/23, and 12/24 will also get to enjoy carolers in the theatre’s lobby. For more information and tickets visit http://www.thtc.org/.
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