Around Town
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Bob Brittain May 19, 2013 at 08:29 pm
@ Jessica Nokes & Jana Baker,
Yes, I do like the piece and I have seen many people taking…Read More photos of their children touching the Fountain Head. However there are other important points here. The City funding was from funds dedicated to art works that could not be used to provide other services (not even new Art Police). Also, some of the funds were from local businesses like Mechanics Bank and Wells Fargo Bank (for their own art fountains). Fortunately, Walnut Creek requires that a small portion of each new development be dedicated to art exhibits. I really like most of them and don't care for a few.
Jim Caroompas (Editor) May 15, 2013 at 07:07 pm
Hi William,
You are absolutely correct. Bonus points if you can tell me which floor...
Trenton Gregory May 14, 2013 at 12:57 am
If someone....really thought the property was maintained so badly they would want nothing to do with…Read More Dicks , think you all got played and would thank them for anything! Ha Ha
Opinion8d May 13, 2013 at 11:51 pm
I wish people on this page would look into the ways that "property rights" have been…Read More trumped by the American value of preserving historic landmarks time and time again throughout our land.
Respect for our history trumps property rights sometimes - and if Vierra hadn't slithered in so quickly to destroy the Dome, just because he could, he'd have found that out. Of course, that's why he demolished it before anyone could make a move.
Judy Karll April 23, 2013 at 09:05 am
Aaron I first heard your special story watching the A's vs Sox game last nite! If u can be of any…Read More help to your family during your healing in Boston it would be my pleasure!
Judy Karll, Braintree, MA
Deborah Donovan March 29, 2013 at 02:37 am
Also, MDUUC, Mt Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church in Walnut Creek has a 9:30 am Easter family…Read More service with a Easter Egg hunt at approximately 11 am for the children and their families then a 11:30 service.
Fritz 'Congodog' Stoop April 23, 2013 at 12:01 am
CN. As boys reach puberty generally between 11 to 13 years of age and the qualifying ages for…Read More Scouting is between 11 and 18, it seems that most of the sexual predators that lurk in Scouting are technically "ephebophiles" (preference for post-pubescent victims) rather than pedophiles.
I have looked into this and it appears the most vulnerable are boys between 11-13. Reaching puberty does not disqualify a boy from innocence. I feel that the vast majority of young males,(11-17) scouts or not, are sexually naive and immature in terms of the attendant emotions and are thus easy targets for these disgusting criminals. Add in the paramilitary elements of rank progression and the unquestioned authority of those in control, and the predator has an embarrassingly easy environment to act out their aberrant behaviors when they find they are trusted without question.
However you want to classify these perverted aberrants, the facts are that scouting has failed miserably to honor and protect the innocent trust and safety of these young people by creating an environment that sets them up for attacks. For years BSA would not even recognize there was a problem and when they did, they attempted to cover it up instead of prosecuting the perpetrators and setting up guidelines designed to make such behavior difficult to accomplish.
They only acted when they were forced to, and what does that say about their integrity and character.
Allens April 19, 2013 at 01:47 am
So glad you and Kristin are home safe & sound. -eryn & alexander allen
Kimberly Crosslan April 18, 2013 at 07:24 pm
Cousin Ray, your family in Michigan praises God that you and Kristen are safe and sound back in CA.…Read More We love you both very much. Kim and Dan Crosslan
Ralph Hoffmann April 17, 2013 at 08:19 pm
Welcome back Ray. All of us here at The Mercer were really worried about you.
Triple Canopy April 12, 2013 at 06:05 pm
That's a great addition to Walnut Creek. Child care with educational programs are sorely needed in…Read More our area. The neighbors should be excited about close, convenient, and quality child care being so close by!
Maria April 12, 2013 at 04:38 pm
This pro-Obama, non-biker, indie/foreign film buff will sorely miss coming out of the Dome and…Read More walking past the folk at the biker bar. I sincerely wish the owners and patrons of Loaded Hog Saloon the best of luck in finding a new place. Maybe we'll all be lucky and be neighbors once again if we get another venue for our films near wherever you find a home.
Carol Hess April 12, 2013 at 03:20 pm
How does being pro-Obama have anything to do with how you feel intimidated when you walk past the…Read More bar?
Triple Canopy February 1, 2013 at 12:28 am
Tony Dudum is an "elderly man"???? He's in his 30s. And Tony doesn't own McCovey's... it's…Read More the other side of the family that runs that joint.
Your lack of accurate information is significant and makes your comments have little, if any, credibility.
The homeless will not disappear in California due to the strong support of vagrants by liberals and socialist local governments like San Francisco.
Jim January 31, 2013 at 02:27 am
My good friend, Tony Dudum, was recently assaulted by a homeless man in front of his restaurant…Read More McCoveys. Tony is a warm and generous man and his family has done a lot for Walnut Creek. All I know is our downtown has become inundated with aggressive transients over the past 3-4 years. These are not down and out working people but rather intoxicated, pushy, drugged out lawbreakers that make people not want to come downtown. I'm frustrated with the lack of attention the City Council places on issues like this and public safety overall. Their inattention and cuts to the police department have led to the ever worsening environment downtown where an elderly man can be assaulted in broad daylight outside his own business. Wake up city leaders or resign and make way for someone who can do the job right!
Brad Crooker April 22, 2013 at 12:41 pm
Michael,
Your point is well taken. Thanks for your reply. :^)
michael frederick April 15, 2013 at 05:44 pm
Brad,
There is nothing wrong with you expressing what you like.
Your suggestions appear…Read More reasonable; they only suffer amongst those who live here. There's no point ticking-off the points -- I appreciate you are trying to be reasonable. Suffice it to say, it's "appropriate" for WC residents to express WC concerns on WC Issues on WC Patch.
Brad Crooker April 15, 2013 at 03:44 pm
Michael . . . You seem to be very upset about all of this. . . and I do think you can and should…Read More take your concerns to those in charge, or to local government authorities who can enforce laws and cite infractions. Although I think your point of view is a valid one, and I don't deride your vehement expression, I don't think this publication is trying to "make up goofy stuff to quiet child abuse concerns." That recent news item is not what is being addressed here. (You apparently think this little Patch article is trying to cover up that event, by distracting the readers?)
I am not accusing you of a "crime": "evading the question," and no wagons are circling you. I'm just surprised that some readers choose to jump into a perfectly innocent discussion and stir up drama. I, too, am concerned about the furtive acts of pedophiles within the arts community, and the negligence in accountability, but I can still enjoy simple discussions about plays.
Although I might not agree with the politics of the Arts Center in general, nor the source of the political funding, nor with its collective values, I go to the occasional play for my own enjoyment. Period. It's better than anything on TV! If it promotes laughter, catharsis, personal reflection, enjoyable music and drama, is there anything wrong with my view?
Betty J. Cherene April 10, 2013 at 07:46 pm
I owe you an apology. You seem like a nice person and I was a little snarky. Your experiences were…Read More not good in the small theatre. I don't think we were in that flat floored theatre. As for going to the other side of 680, we don't like that scene as it has become like Walnut Creek and anywhere USA. It's too much of a hassle and we can't just get up and go at the last minute because it takes so long to get a place to park. You make excellent points about where art films are going - to Berkeley and San Francisco. Too much hassle for a film less than 2 hours. Staying home, but we have to clean up our own popcorn spills.
Captain Bebops April 10, 2013 at 03:34 pm
Betty, I keep up on the local theater scene and I know that since the last time I was at the…Read More Cinearts there have been no renovations. They wanted to do some but the landlord wouldn't allow it (from article in the CC Times). Only the dome had true stadium seating and these domes were probably the first to offer such in the Bay Area.
I watch movies on a big screen all the time. I've had a home theater since 2000. Did you know that 55" TVs are going for less than you paid for that 27" TV in the late 1980s? Pair that with some a reasonably priced surround system and you'll have a decent home theater complete with pause and rewind. You don't get those in a theater. And I don't get some dummy putting his stinky sneakers up on the top of the seat next to me or talking to his girlfriend all the way through the movie. Rude patrons have driven away many people from theaters. I saw "Olympus has Fallen", not an arts film but something I was curious about and couldn't believe that some idiot kept taking calls and checking his smartphone throughout the movie.
And BTW did you know that some of the more popular foreign and independent films often play on one of the screens across the freeway and also the one in WC? I'm sure CineMark will continue to do so. Also here in Martinez the Contra Costa Cinema occasionally shows some too.
Betty J. Cherene April 9, 2013 at 08:35 pm
Well, while you were sitting at your computer, we were in front of the theatre - standing around…Read More talking to each other as if we were old friends. It was more of a cocktail party without the liquor. It was peaceful land heart fulfilling to be with one's "kin". We were not keeping people out of the theatre, yet the city had a peace officer there. Strange how a few gentle people can be so misunderstood. Will we see you there on Saturday?
Napoleon Solo April 10, 2013 at 12:55 pm
Hey Napolean, you stole my name. Tonight when I get home I assume you will be in my kitchen getting…Read More a beer out of my fridge? Tomorrow is garbage day so don't forget to put out the containers. I agree they are making way too much out of this but I do not have a dog in this fight. Only opinion from me is that we already are rather full of sporting goods stores and these things are springing up like Starbucks. It might just end up in a couple of years as another Ace Hardware like that Golf and waffles or whatever store I think that was on Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Napolean Bozo April 10, 2013 at 12:14 pm
Let's commerorate with a snow globe/dome like memento. Instead of snow it can rain down asbestos to…Read More remind us of what an outdated eyesore this building really is.
One more time with feeling April 3, 2013 at 02:37 pm
The Creeks Master Plan plan already exists, this meeting is irrelevant.
If funding is not available,…Read More this meeting is unnecessary.
The "butterfly habitat" and "Creek Walk" renovation was substantially funded by grants. Not the City.
From my observation/participation in various Creek clean-up efforts ("Creek Clean-up", not "Community Service" day), the section north & south of the Contra Costa County Library downtown Walnut Creek branch that is "natural" has a good amount of trash. The source of the trash is not always known, but as the creek gets easier to access, more trash will enter the riparian habitat.
Your sound bite of returning to a riparian habitat benefiting the business environment is generally propagated by the entities funding and designing the project to justify the expense. This is similar to claims made in Walnut Creek that certain amenities are a draw for local business when common sense (and direct observation) show they are not (i.e., downtown Library, Lesher Center).
I think it would be awesome to return to riparian habitat the stretches of creeks that currently run under the Broadway Plaza parking garage on Main St all the way through and beyond Liberty Bell Plaza along with the stretch South of Macy's heading north through and beyond Liberty Bell Plaza. However, doing so would basically wipe out Broadway Plaza and be a detriment to downtown business.
Steven Mehlman April 3, 2013 at 01:49 am
Many, many years ago, when the City ran budget surpluses, the City funded and adopted a Creeks…Read More Master Plan for the creeks throughout the downtown area. Except for small sections of pathways and some butterfly habitat near the playing field across the bridge from Civic Park, almost nothing has ever been done to implement that plan. Contrary to what "One More Time With Feeling" states, where similar creek amenities have been adopted, like in San Luis Obispo and many cities outside of California, the creek trails and re-establishment of riparian habitat in a manner consistent with flood protection, have benefited the business environment and the creek environment for fish, while also providing recreation opportunities. However, given that continued fiscal restraint is needed due to City deficits, and there are many other higher priority projects that are currently not being funded, it is unlikely that any significant progress in implementation of the adopted plan will occur at this time. What the City should do, is encourage businesses to consider the adopted plan when contemplating improvements, and the City should not take actions which will create further impediments to completing other sections of the creeks master plan as opportunities arise in conjunction with private development.
One more time with feeling April 1, 2013 at 07:48 pm
The US Army Corps of Engineers is absent from the list. The installed canals were designed to…Read More quickly remove water because Walnut Creek flooded - a lot - before their work completed. They do a great job. If USACE is not included expect the flooding to return.
I've never met a "designer" who cared about, or planned for, the ongoing maintenance after their "vision" is installed. That responsibility remains with those who live and work at the site of the vision. This is a *very* optional expense. I'd much rather fund fixing the streets that have been ignored for many years. Once we do this "riparian environment", we'll need to maintain it. Where is that funding?
Has no one paid attention to the news of the last few years? We're in a crummy economy. The City of Walnut Creek is in a deficit budget position for the next several years.
The flaw in the stated design is making this more inviting to people. With that we can expect more trash. And likely more folks wanting to ride the rapids.
I wish I did not have to, but today, all I can imagine is no trash getting stuck in trees, no trash being washed downstream and into the Bay and my tax dollars being used in a prudent, fiscally responsible, manner.
The correct design makes this *less* inviting for people and to keep people far away. With any luck, the salmon and trout return.
mark crosby April 15, 2013 at 03:23 pm
this is not ionizing radiation. The lack of scientific knowledge is alarming because it leads to…Read More poor public policy. If you believe it is ionizing radiation then take out your wireless routers, turn of your plasmas, and even turn off your Marcoi era radios!
3rd generation in the WC April 2, 2013 at 06:39 pm
Hi Annabelle: There's a reason my patch name is 3rd generation in the WC, and that's because I…Read More really am the 3rd generation in my family to have lived in Walnut Creek. I know Saranap very well, even back to the days of when Morucci's deli was just a counter within LaRossa's market and not a stand alone.
Since that time, there's been a lot of good progress in the WC, and some not so great progress- notably the dome. For what it's worth, I personally sent e-mails to the supervisor and county because even though the glowing dome isn't in my back yard...I really felt it had no place in any residential neighborhood and it was my responsibility to share my thoughts as a voter and a tax payer.
Unfortunately we lost that one, and every time I drive by that site I am more than angry about it. But that doesn't mean I will just give up on my civic duties and accept this tower because it's better than something else the church might "cook up".
We need to let the county and the city continue to know the will of the people and make our voices heard. The generations to follow are counting on us.
Bill Goodwin April 2, 2013 at 05:01 pm
A 70' tower (Even if disguised as a tree) would not fit well in that residential neighborhood.. It…Read More seems to me that a Verizon tower would only help Verizon customers within the small range of said tower.. do those benefits outweigh the detractions for all other affected residents?? If so, put it in, if not, don't allow it.. The concerns that once in place the now "Established" tower would have a greater chance of being bastardized in the future! BTW, will the church share the income with the adjoining residents?? I think not...
Jason Elder April 1, 2013 at 12:37 pm
Lance Howland (Editor) March 29, 2013 at 06:08 pm
VB You are so right. Gable did scenes for 'Sporting Blood' at Heather Farm in 1931.
-- Lance…Read More Howland, Patch editor
Lance Howland (Editor) March 29, 2013 at 06:06 pm
Julie: Thanks for correcting that. We have corrected it in the article. -- Lance Howland, Patch…Read More editor
Livermore Cowboy March 28, 2013 at 02:52 pm
I just the saw the "protesters" on Tassajara road... All 3 of them, one carrying a huge…Read More gay pride flag.
These people need jobs.
Mary Anne Clark March 30, 2013 at 01:29 am
Rossmoor with its own natural beauty, does not need to compete with any senior communities. Most of…Read More us came to Rossmoor because we loved what we saw not because of the lure of a South Coast Plaza in the middle of the valley. If you love it so much, move to Orange County. I wouldn't dispute the fact that the buildings could use some renovation but it needs to be done in a tasteful way. Not only is the house historic, 3500+ people feel the Stanley Dollar House has value, or haven't you been following the news? Your senses must be dulled if you think Rossmoor needs more of a "wow" factor! and I won't even begin a debate with you, about whether or not the GRF legislates in a democratic manner; that is too absurd for words!
Philip Neff March 29, 2013 at 07:34 pm
I was against the event center too, but I don't think Rossmoor is undemocratic. We elect officials…Read More and they run things. The event center was put into plans years ago and was approved then. The board followed through with the plans.
As to whether the center is worthwhile, needed etc. the best argument I have heard for it is that Rossmoor must compete for customer (new residents) with many newer fancier senior communities. Many of these places have fabulous club houses. Our tired old buildings can't compete. So we need as much "Wow" factor as possible. Creekside (new construction) is a start. The event center will help more. It all part of keeping Rossmoor marketable in the future.
Not everyone thinks the old Dollar House is of value. A fire or mold would be a fitting end to a junky old building.
Bob Brittain March 29, 2013 at 06:18 pm
Thanks for your conspiracy theories Mary Anne. No, I'm not a golfer and I'm not ashamed for pointing…Read More out that deer will not starve because of the construction of the Rossmoor event center.
The Art Is Outdoors at the Annual Bancroft Garden Gallery
0 Recommend Jim Caroompas (Editor)