 |
10/31/08
New feature! Diablo wants your photos for an online Flickr Pic of the Day feature. Today's Flickr Pic of the day features two rattlesnakes facing off at the Round Valley Regional Preserve in Brentwood. The photographer found them while hiking on the Hardy Canyon Trail.
The photo was shot by "Ilikethenight" Marc Crumpler.
To submit photos to Diablo magazine's Flickr group, go to http://flickr.com/groups/diablomagazine/
|
10/30/08
Just heard that Prima at 1522 North Main in walnut Creek will be giving a free Halloween cocktail to any adult (21 and over) who shows up to the bar in costume, from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, October 31. So if you were thinking about wearing a costume to work, here's more incentive to do it. By the way, Prima was one of Diablo's award-winning restaurants in our current issue.
|
10/30/08
Let’s first acknowledge the topical premise of Doubt: A Parable, which is being presented by Center Repertory Company at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts through November 22. It involves a priest who is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student at a parish school. But Doubt, which won both the Pulitzer and Tony Awards, goes far beyond addressing the headline-grabbing sex abuse scandals that have plagued the Catholic Church in recent years. It speaks to profound human truths about how to live with uncertainty.
Many of us would agree that this theme speaks to our times. The global economy is in turmoil, and our country has mounting debt while waging an unpopular war in Iraq. We’ve also just lived...
|
 |
10/30/08
In an interview with Diablo, Michael Butler, artistic director of Center Repertory Company, discusses the profound human truths raised by Doubt: A Parable, which the company is presenting at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts through November 22. For more information about tickets and show times, click here.
Diablo: What do you think the play is trying to say?
Michael Butler: There’s the context of sex abuse scandals that are so prevalent now that have their origins back in 1964, when the play is set. But that’s not really what the play is about. I don’t know if you could get that from reading the play, but it really is the context—just like the...
|
 |
10/30/08
In the fall of 2003, Eva and Simon Krueger, then 6 and 4, noticed what many of us see when we’re in downtown Walnut Creek, shopping in Broadway Plaza or stopping in at Starbucks for coffee. They saw a homeless person.
Riding in their car on their way to Simon’s preschool, they noticed a man standing by the side of the road, holding a sign they couldn’t read. They wanted to give him a ride, or food or money. They worried he might die.
Their concern for this one man inspired the start of Creek Kids Care. For this Walnut Creek-based nonprofit, kids and teens apply their artistic skills to creating stationery, touchstone magnets, knitted items, and framed art to sell. The money they earn benefits Fresh Start, a respite and service center in...
|
 |
10/30/08
Kids of all ages love Halloween, and there's heaps of Halloween fun to be had in the East Bay. From storytime for youngsters to costume parties for grown-ups, here's our harum scarum list of East Bay Halloween actvities. Storytime with the Farmer at Forest Home Farms
Calling all little Halloween farmers! Have a spooktacular time at Forest Home Farms, hearing stories, singing songs, doing a craft and enjoying some refreshments. After the program you can visit the pumpkin patch
Thursday, October 30, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, but only children need to register. Pre-register by calling the San Ramon Community Center at (925) 973-3200 or online at
|
 |
10/30/08
Kids 10 and under can get a bagfull of candy from businesses in downtown Walnut Creek from 2– 6 p.m. this Halloween—and still make it home to or trick or treat in their neighborhood. Info below. Downtown Walnut Creek Halloween Trick-Or-Treat
The Walnut Creek Downtown Business Association and Broadway Plaza are proud to announce the first-ever downtown Trick-or-Treat. Come and get as much candy as you want at all participating locations around downtown Walnut Creek—just remember to wear your costume!
Friday, October 31, 2008
2pm – 6pm
Downtown Walnut Creek
This event is only for kids 10 and under. All children MUST be accompanied by a parent.
Starting point is Mechanics Bank, located...
|
 |
10/27/08
Diablo editors love this time of year. The leaves are changing, fall is in the air, and food in the East Bay seems to taste better than ever. This week, our annual November Food Issue hits mailboxes and newsstands, and we get to highlight all the best things about the East Bay dining scene. Click here to see which restaurants received our annual food awards—selected from reader nominations and judged by a panel of experts. Bon appetit!
|
10/24/08
After years of planning, Pleasanton’s new Alviso Adobe Community Park opens to the public with a daylong family-friendly event this Saturday.
From the settlement of the Ohlone Indians, to the cattle-herding Spanish ranchos, to the turn-of-the-century Meadowlark Dairy, this seven-acre patch of land has a lot of history to tell. The park will do just that through special exhibits and interpretive programs developed by the city, the Amador Livermore Valley Historical Society, and the Museum on Main, and hands-on activities such as making adobe rocks, churning butter, and weaving baskets.
Peek into the past with a tour the 150-year-old adobe, a state historic landmark and one of only a few adobes still standing today, or recreations of the dairy-era milking...
|
 |
10/24/08
Of course, this headline is a joke. Actually, Beane, Gingrich, and Kerry are the co-authors of an op-ed in today's New York Times about how Beane's Moneyball business methods might be the way to fix our heath care system. This is the second surprising Beane-related story this week. The other involved Brad Pitt playing the A's general manager in a...
|
 |
10/24/08
Pleasanton has stepped back into time with its recent completion of the seven-acre Alviso Adobe Community Park. The park, which opens this Saturday, has been constructed specifically to illustrate the history of California, not to mention show off California’s hottest-known accessory – adobe. The park begins its Grand Opening on Saturday at 10:00am until 4:00pm and will have bird walks hosted by the Ohlone Audubon Society, authentic Californios music and dance, tours, lectures, and games and crafts happening all day.
The site has been transformed into an historical, interpretive park, with a section that features a recreation of the Meadowlark Dairy Milking Barn and Bunk House as well as a Native American grinding rock. Feel free to...
|
 |
10/24/08
There's lots of early Halloween fun to be had this weekend at the Oakland Zoo. The Zoo's Boo at the Zoo events include watching the animals get their trick or treat feedings and a free ride ticket for every child wearing a costume. More information the press release below! Boo at the Zoo 2008!
Calling all ghosts, ghouls, goblins, princesses, and super heroes to the Oakland Zoo's family friendly Halloween celebration! The Oakland Zoo presents Boo at the Zoo Saturday, October 25 & Sunday, October 26 from 10:00am to 3:00pm. This Halloween themed event will feature activities throughout the Zoo. So, wear your costumes and strut your spooky stuff!
Activities...
|
 |
10/22/08
Bedford Gallery's curator Carrie Lederer will be showing her own paintings at Blankspace Gallery as part of Double Exposure, an exhibition of ten Bay Area artists who are also curators, gallery owners, and administrators. Check out the artist's reception this Saturday, October 25, from 6-9p.m. Other artists include Michelle Mansour, Kevin Chen, Jen Elia, Narangkar Glover, Eleanor Harwood, Nicole Neditch, Margaret Tedesco, Peter Glover, and Daniel Healey. The exhibition will run from October 25 –November 17, with a First Friday Reception on November 7th from 7-10 p.m. Blankspace is located at 6608 San Pablo Ave, Oakland. 510-547-6608; blankspacegallery.com.
|
10/22/08
Shoppers take your marks! This Thursday at Danville's new Rose Garden center, the eco-chic boutique Olive will host a ladies night sale from 6–9 p.m. Deals include 20 % off all of Olive merchandise, organic wine pourings, and 30 % off summer dresses. Plus, check out new pieces from: Covet, Kris Nations, Edun, and Modaspia. 730 Camino Ramon Ste. 130, Danville, (925) 362-0767, www.shopoliveboutique.com.
|
10/21/08
Let me get this straight: I get to taste wine, eat some hors d’ oeuvres, and it helps find shelter for homeless animals? Twist my arm! Fleming's Prime Steakhouse in Walnut Creek is hosting a "Wine Down Wednesday" tasting and fundraiser for the White Kitty Foundation on wednesday October 22, at 5 p.m. Its a great idea: a nice way to let people check out this swank steakhouse and wine bar in downtown Walnut Creek, with 100% of the proceeds going to an outstanding charity. Information in the press release below: On Wednesday, October 22nd, friends and supporters of the White Kitty Foundation are invited to “Wine Down” at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, while raising funds for the organization. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the...
|
 |
10/21/08
Get ready to taste, sip and boogie at the 5th annual Gourmet East Bay on Saturday, November 1, at Walnut Creek’s Broadway Plaza from 7 to 10 p.m.
The event will benefit three East Bay food organizations that provide vital programs and services around the community: Alameda County Community Food Bank, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, and Project Open Hand.
This year is supposed to be the best ever, with a record 30 East Bay restaurants, wineries, and breweries providing food and wine tastings—scroll down to see participating restaurants and what they will be serving! Live entertainment and dancing, a silent auction, and a raffle will top it all off.
Tickets are $70 in advance or $75 at the door, open to partygoers 21 and over
|
10/20/08
Tune into CBS 5's Eye on the Bay tonight at 7 p.m., to see Diablo food writer Kathryn Jessup and senior editor Pete Crooks talking about the Best of the East Bay. Host Liam Mayclem hangs with us as we let him know what Diablo readers and editors picked as the best children's museum, happy hour, new nightlife scene, etc. We taped the show a few weeks back and were all set for it to air in September, but we were pre-empted by a football game. D'oh! For more info, click here
|
10/17/08
Easy 925 is the latest addition to Danville’s nightlife. The lounge held an opening celebration Thursday, October 16th and we were there to give you the scoop. While a little difficult to find due to its location—the same spot where Six80 Lounge and Blend used to reside—the Easy has potential as a hidden treasure. The building is somewhat unapproachable as it is set in the shadows behind Marcello’s Italiana Cocina, but friendly staff members greet clientele at the door.
Once inside, the club gives off a very intimate setting. With trendy décor of chocolate walls backlit with fiber optic’s illuminating satirical quotes, fireplace, and flat screen TV’s displaying sport channels, the club is uptown, yet casual. The full bar offered...
|
10/17/08
On October 19, experience free art and fun for the entire family during the Target Family Day.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., four museums within the Yerba Buena Neighborhood will open its doors, free of charge, to everyone.
Participating museums include the Contemporary Jewish Museum, Museum of African Diaspora, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), and Zeum.
In addition to the regular exhibits, there will be hands-on art making activities throughout the day. There will also be special family-friendly performances at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
All museums are accessible by BART, MUNI, Golden Gate Transit and Caltrain. There is also ample parking available.
Target is a sponsor of numerous free-admission events at museums and performing arts institutions across...
|
 |
10/17/08
Depression-era musical shines in Contra Costa Musical Theatre revival.
|
 |
10/15/08
Great sale, great cause: The Betsey Johnson store in Walnut Creek's Broadway Plaza is having a big sale this Thursday, October 16, with 10% of all proceeds for the day going to the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund. Many of the store's denims, dresses, tops, and handbags are discounted by 30%-70%, so its a great time to get the goods from designer Betsey Johnson (a breast cancer survivor ) at a great price, and help an important cause. Betsey Johnson is open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., at 1198 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, (925) 947-2946, www.betseyjohnson.com.
|
10/14/08
Art is love. And free theater tickets are something to love as well: Theatre Bay Area and tixbayarea.com are offering 7,000 free tickets to theater performances all over the bay area. They’re giving away the goods in order to further promote their Free Night of Theater campaign. A few shows are already sold out, but there are still plenty more to win, such as UC Berkeley’s Measure for Measure, available for a performance on 10/19, and Berkeley Rep’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, available 10/22 for a show on 11/2. Classics – like Fiddler on the Roof and Death of a Salesman—are also featured around the area, too.
Go to www.tixbayarea.com/free,...
|
10/10/08
For a relaxing weekend wrap-up, Nibblers Eatery & Wine Bar in Pleasant Hill is the place to be. This Sunday evening, October, 12, the Deb Cash Trio will be showcasing their “sultry tones and musical stylings” while you sip a glass of wine and savor ethnic fare. The theme of Nibblers' menu changes
monthly, highlighting the cuisine of a different ethnic region, and this month Nibblers is featuring Punjab cuisine. Seating begins at 5pm; the musical set begins at 6pm.
Nibblers Eatery & Wine Bar, 1922 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill
www.nibblerseatery.com , (925) 944-0402
|
10/10/08
Sure, the economy’s caught a cold, but let’s not get totally depressed. Celebrate the arrival of football season, toast to whatever’s left in your 401k, or just drink to the bargain. Back by popular demand, The Peasant & The Pear, Danville, is hosting its Second Sunday Wine Spectacular on Sunday, October 12th.
Here’s the deal: During lunch and dinner at the restaurant, you’ll get 50% off the price of any bottle of wine that normally list for $80 or less; 25% off the price of all bottles of wine that normally list for over $80. The special offer applies to bottles of wine only, not wines sold by the glass.
Gather a group of friends, grab your latest issue of The Wine Advocate, and sip until the bottles are turned up....
|
 |
10/09/08
I love learning about the architecture around the Bay Area, and this event sounds a fun night out before the weekend starts, maybe after grabbing dinner somewhere in Piedmont. The Oakland Heritage Alliance is sponsoring an illustrated lecture this Thursday night, October 9th from 7:30pm – 9:30pm at the Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland that will be given by award-winning journalist Therese Poletti. Poletti will be discussing the renowned Bay Area architect Timothy Pflueger and his designs, which include the Deco masterpiece, the Oakland Paramount Theatre, a National Historic Landmark.
Pflueger was also the chief consulting architect for the Oakland San Francisco Bay Bridge and designed the famous Castro Theatre as well.
Poletti, who just released...
|
 |
10/08/08
Diablo gave Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year for 2008-2009, Mark Morello of Bristow Middle School in Brentwood a quick calk to chat about his award and his love for teaching music.
Diablo: Congratulations to you on being selected as Teacher of the Year!
Mark Morello: Thank you! It was very exciting! It was actually my 35th birthday the night I received the award, so that made it even more special.
Diablo: What are the grades you teach, and what subjects?
Mark Morello: I teach sixth through eighth grades: sixth grade band and a combined seventh and eighth grade band. I also teach a jazz band that meets before schoolthat consists of seventh and eighth graders, as well as a sixth through eighth...
|
10/07/08
Toe-tapping jazz with your foie gras? But, of course, and you need only head to Chevalier, the new Lafayette restaurant owned by Chef Philippe Chevalier. Every Wednesday between 7 and 10 p.m., Duo Gadjo plays classic French jazz. Known around these parts for their upbeat style and impressive musicianship, Duo Gadjo will have you transported to Paris in two four-beat measures. While on your Parisian staycation, bon appetit! Some of you may remember Chevalier from La Salamandre in Danville, where he wowed diners as head chef.
Chevalier, 960 Moraga Rd., Lafayette, (925) 385-0793, www.chevalierrestaurant.com
|
10/02/08
22 local artists are gathering together to show their artwork celebrating the many historic buildings of Danville’s 150 years of history at the Alamo Danville Artists’ Society (ADAS) Pioneer Art Gallery and Studios in downtown Danville. The exhibit, “Another Look: 150 Years of Danville,” will commence this Saturday, October 4 with a reception from 5-8pm.
Danville’s history is rooted in the land, rising from a small group of miners and farmers who raised cattle and sheep, grew wheat, barley, pears, plums and walnuts, and established churches, schools, farmers’ unions and fraternal lodges. Throughout its 150-years, Danville’s rich heritage has been beautifully preserved, especially through the historic buildings of the town....
|
10/02/08
People all across the country are gathering together to watch Joe Biden and Sarah Palin address the issues in what is being considered to be one of the most anticipated Vice Presidential debates of all time. Contra Costa and Alameda counties are no exception, as the East Bay is playing host to a number of “viewing parties” from Berkeley to Livermore, most in private homes opening up their doors for democracy.
To find viewing parties that are Pro Obama/Biden, go to:
www.my.barackobama.com and click on the “events” section on the right hand side. You will be prompted to enter your zipcode.
To find viewing parties that are Pro McCain/Palin, go to:
|
 |
10/02/08
Concord rocks country style today when Darryl Worley plays at noon in Todos Santos Plaza, sponsored by “95.7 The Wolf”. Worley hit it big in 2003 when his single “Have You Forgotten?”, about the September 11th attacks, climbed to the top of the charts. His newest album, “Here and Now” was released in 2006.
Time: 12:00 pm, Oct. 2
Address: 1900 Mt. Diablo Street, Concord, CA 94520
|
