Planning Commission unanimously approved a 96-foot, 104-unit tower at 1532 Mt. Diablo Blvd. replacing a downtown parking lot, with 14 units reserved as affordable. The vote resolves the debate this brief flagged last week.
The branch closes Sept 9 through May 2027 for HVAC, roof and lighting work. Existing holds must be picked up by Sept 8; use any other Contra Costa County branch meanwhile.
Registered nurses picketed 1425 S. Main St. Tuesday, 2:30-4:30pm, one of 22 statewide Kaiser sites in the California Nurses Association's contract fight over safe staffing and AI in patient care.
🗓️ Events worth leaving the house for
Friday · Sep 4
Walnut Creek Aquanuts, "Viva Las Vegas"
Fri–Sun Sept 4–6, doors 7pm, show 8pm @ Clarke Memorial Swim Center, 1750 Heather Dr
Synchronized swimming with lights, props and a 3-D stage, 57th year.
Sunday · Sep 6
Center REP opens "The Glass Menagerie"
Opens Sun Sept 6 @ Lesher Center, runs through Sept 27
Season opener for the Tennessee Williams classic; call the box office at (925) 943-7469 for curtain time.
Monday · Sep 7
Labor Day ParKoncert with the Walnut Creek Concert Band
Mon Sept 7, 6–7pm @ Civic Park
Technically a Monday, but it's Labor Day, so we're counting it as part of the long weekend.
Bedford Gallery, "CALeidoscope: Evolving Reflections of California"
Open Wed–Sun, 12–5pm @ Lesher Center, closing soon
70+ artists, Pay What You Can admission.
🛍️ Open, closed, worth knowing
Yardbird closes in Downtown Walnut Creek
The outdoor-furniture store at 1406 N. Broadway has shut its doors with no reason given; the online store is still running.
Four new murals brighten Broadway and Main.
ABG Art Group worked with six local artists this summer on new walls downtown, including "Confluence" and "Creek Dwellers" near Zebra Tattoo & Body Piercing at 1419 N. Broadway.
Bacio di Latte gelato still aiming for a September opening
The Italian chain is still targeting this month for its 1500 Mt. Diablo Blvd. shop, no firm date yet.
Lettuce Restaurant remains closed, still no rebuild timeline.
The Locust St. restaurant has stayed shut since the Aug 19 fire; owner Dave Bowie has said he'll rebuild but hasn't set a date.
Salt & Lime is replacing Oyama Sushi on North Main
The modern-Mexican, full-bar concept at 1521 N. Main St. is holding open interviews Tue Sept 8, 1-5pm, a sign an opening is getting close. No date confirmed yet.
🏙️ Local news that matters
What's actually on the Nov. 3 ballot.
The senior housing rezoning near BART is Measure U; a separate measure, Measure T, would make the elected City Treasurer an appointed position instead. Vote-by-mail ballots go out Oct 5, registration closes Oct 19.
A new ballot drop box is coming to Shadelands.
Four 24/7 drop boxes open Oct 5: a new one at Shadelands Art Center, 111 N. Wiget Ln. (added while Ygnacio Valley Library is closed), two at City Hall, and one at Grace Presbyterian Church.
📌 Mark your calendar
Joybound Around Town on Broadway
Sun Sept 13, 11am–3pm @ Broadway Plaza. 26th annual pet festival: the Paw-rade walk, a best-dressed pet contest, adoptable animals and kids' activities.
+ Add to Google Calendar
Mountain Shadow's 12th Annual Short Film Competition
Sat Sept 19, identical screenings 3:30pm and 7:30pm @ Las Lomas High School Theater. Finalists drawn from 474 submissions, with filmmaker Q&As. Tickets $14, advance purchase recommended.
+ Add to Google Calendar
Walnut Creek Oktoberfest
Fri Sept 25, 5–10pm and Sat Sept 26, noon–9pm @ Civic Park East. Free admission; biergarten, live music and a kids zone. "The Nut" merch is expected back at a booth too.
+ Add to Google Calendar
That's the week. Got a tip, an event we missed, or a favorite spot we should know about? Just hit reply. We read everything.
Know someone else in Walnut Creek who'd want this in their inbox? Forward this email, or send them to thenutlist.com to sign up.