January 2008

06/02/08

Lakers vs. Celtics at the Stadium Pub

I'm lying in bed in a hotel in Memphis, TN, watching an ESPN classic game from the 1980s, Lakers vs. Celtics. It's not hard to be excited about the upcoming NBA championship matchup between these two teams. The series starts this Thursday, and I thought I should throw a shout out to the Stadium Pub in Walnut Creek as a great place to watch a game or two. The Stadium Pub has been an institution in downtown WC for many years—they have a nice menu of pub food, tons of great beers, and big screen TVs on every wall. It's a really fun sports bar.

Stadium Pub, 1420 Lincoln Ave. (Lincoln and Main St.), (925) 256-7302

Posted at 04:25 PM in Best Of Editor Picks | Permalink | Comments

05/29/08

Green-friendly activites this Sunday!

The Green Thing is here to stay, as more cities and communities are making an effort to highlight environmentally friendly programs and initiatives. This Sunday, June 1, there are two interesting green-themed events. The first is athe East Bay Green Home tour, focusing on Alameda and Contra Costa homes that have eco-conscious designs, solar paneling etc. Find more information at: www.builditgreen.org/green-home-tours/eastbay08

Second is the Green Arts and Jam celebration at Civic Arts education's ShadelandsCampus. The event run from 11 a.m.-4 pm, and its free. More information here: In step with the City's "Going Green" initiative while promoting arts education, this...

Posted at 01:33 PM in Best Of Editor Picks | Permalink | Comments

05/27/08

Harden vs. Halladay this Wednesday

The Oakland A's are off to an amazing start this season, and are coming off a three game sweep over the world champion Boston Red Sox. If you haven't been to a game this season, Wednesday night's match-up against Toronto is a good one. First thing to notice is the pitching match-up. The A's will send Rich Harden—who, when he's healthy, has great stuff— to the mound against the Blue Jay's former Cy Young winner Roy Halladay. Second, this is the first series in which A's slugger Frank Thomas faces his former Jays teammates, since leaving the team earlier this season in an ugly fallout with management. The A's signed Thomas for a steal, and it would be extra sweet to see him do some damage against his former team. Third, every Wednesday at the Coliseum is Double Play Wednesday, meaning...

Posted at 01:31 PM in Best Of Editor Picks | Permalink | Comments

Hawaiian Airlines now flies out of Oakland

05/19/08

Hawaiian Airlines now flies out of Oakland

I was surprised—and a little sad—when Aloha Airlines closed for business on March 31. Just a few years ago, I flew on Aloha's first flight out of Oakland International Airport, and had a lovely stay on Oahu's spectacular North Shore. While stuck in 680 traffic, I often dream of hopping on another such flight, catching some waves and basking in the lush, tropical air.

Fortunately, I can still act on that fantasy if I want to. So can you. This month, Hawaiian Airlines filled the void left by Aloha by offering daily service from Oakland to Honolulu. Everyday at 9 a.m., Hawaiian's Flight 47 departs Oakland, landing in Honolulu at 11:05 a.m. Similarly, Flight 48 departs Honolulu daily at 1:30 p.m., and lands in Oakland at 9:25 p.m.

Fun facts: Hawaiian Airlines has...

Posted at 11:31 PM in Best Of Editor Picks | Permalink | Comments

Animal lovers convene at Broadway Plaza this Sunday!

05/16/08

Animal lovers convene at Broadway Plaza this Sunday!

Meteorologists are predicting the current heat wave will break by Sunday, May 18—which is perfect, because that's the day of the annual pooch parade in Broadway Plaza. Here's the 4-1-1 about Animal Rescue Foundation's annual Animals on Broadway event, from www.arf.net:


Animals on Broadway: Sunday, May 18, 2008

Broadway is not just for CATS anymore, it’s for dogs, birds, rabbits, and even potbellied pigs! No, we aren't talking about the theatre, we are referring to “Animals on Broadway”, a festival for people and pets alike to join together and spend the day celebrating their animals on Broadway — Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek, that is.

Join us on Sunday, May 18, 2008 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. as we...

Posted at 01:10 PM in Best Of Editor Picks | Permalink | Comments

05/13/08

Golf with the A's for a good cause

I'm a huge Oakland A's fan, and it's looking like this is a great season to be able to say that. The A's are surprising all of baseball with a hot start through the first quarter of the season. But win or lose, it's nice having the A's in the East Bay—as a family-friendly entertainment option, and because the team contributes to the community in lots of interesting ways.

Thursday May 22, the A's are hosting their Community Fund Golf Classic at Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton, to raise money for a wide variety of local charities and non-profit programs. If you're a golfer and a baseball fan, this is a must-do event: A's players and coaches and broadcasters are distributed into foursomes with regular Joes for a day on the greens. A cocktail reception and auction...

Posted at 02:32 PM in Best Of Editor Picks | Permalink | Comments

05/12/08

May is the month for teachers to eat at Lark Creek, Yankee Pier

Governor Schwarzenegger's budget cut has hit California classrooms the hardest, leaving teachers's careers hanging by a pink slip. Well, the Lark Creek Restaurant Group wants to ease some of that hardship for local teachers, who, lets face it, get treated worse than 13-year old babysitters.
Throughout the month of May, every restaurant in the Lark Creek group, including Lark Creek Walnut Creek and Yankee Pier in Lafayette, will offer
teachers $10 off their bill when they show their teacher ID card. The best part? There is no limit to the number of times a teacher can receive the discount, nor is there a minimum beyond $10. Normally $11.95, the Tamale Pancakes with Shredded Barbecue Chicken, Avocado Salad, and Tortilla Strips at Lark Creek Walnut Creek could go for less than a...

Posted at 01:52 PM in Best Of Editor Picks | Permalink | Comments

Dog lovers! Check out this book signing at George

05/08/08

Dog lovers! Check out this book signing at George

File this one under too cute to be true. San Francisco author Vivienne Flesher's new book, Alfred's Nose, introduces dog lovers to Alfred the Bulldog, a good looking pooch with a penchant for wearing costumes. See, Alfred is self-conscious about his nose, so he tries on a variety of fake noses, masks, and other accoutrement to change his look.  The color photography is gorgeous and the book's message is very sweet—a great gift for a little one, or, any bulldog owner.

In the spirit of full disclosure, author/photographer Flesher is a freelance artist who Diablo has used many times for illustrations, and couldn't be a nicer person—we wish her the best of luck with her adorable new book! Flesher will be hosting a book signing at the terrific 4th Street...

Posted at 12:12 PM in Best Of Editor Picks | Permalink | Comments

05/03/08

SPCA Dog-Friendly Bay Cruise

I'm a huge animal lover, like so many Diablo readers. I love the events that ARF offers, and try to cover them in the magazine as often as possible. Another amazing animal rescue and pet friendly organization is th San Francisco SPCA. From their Bark and Whine Ball to myriad other events, there's a commitment to fun, education, and animal rescue here that deserves some attention. They're having another cool party tomorrow on a Hornblower Cruise. Check it out:


Ahoy Furry First Mates!
The San Francisco SPCA and Hornblower Cruises & Events
Present the 4th Annual
‘DOG DAY ON THE BAY’ ~ Sunday, May 4, 2008
********************************************************************

WHAT: Set sail with your canine...

Posted at 10:30 AM in Best Of Editor Picks | Permalink | Comments

05/01/08

Changes Salon and Day Spa supports the Wellness Community

Changes Salon and Day Spa is putting on a fabulous event this Friday, May 2 from 6–9 p.m. to support the Wellness Community. Looks like there will be some great food and wine—and with Changes recent remodeling, this is a great place for a party! Information is as follows:



The Beauty of Wellness

Join Changes as we support The Wellness Community

An evening of Celebration, New Beginnings and Hope.

Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting, Spa Tours, Raffle, VIP Area and much more.

Friday May 2, 2008
6:00–9:00 P.M.

About The Wellness Community
The Wellness Community provides support, education and hope for people with cancer at over 100 locations worldwide including 24 U.S.-based and two international...

Posted at 06:08 PM in Best Of Editor Picks | Permalink | Comments