Issue #054

Senior Living Expansion, Chick-fil-A Plans Stir Debate, and City Manager Insights

In This Walnut Creek Spotlight Issueโ€ฆ

๐ŸŒค๏ธ Walnut Creek, CA Weather

 ๐Ÿ“ฐ Local News

The Glen at Heather Farm: A New Chapter in Senior Living Coming to Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek Residents Divided Over Chick-fil-A's Expansion Plans

Inside Walnut Creek: Updates and Events with City Manager Dan Buckshi

 ๐Ÿ“… Lots Of Events

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Know Of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send Us The Details!

 ๐Ÿ“ฃ We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

 ๐Ÿ‘€ How Did We Do?

Question: What significant cultural development in the 1990s put Walnut Creek on the "international map" and established it as a major cultural and economic hub?

A) Launch of the annual Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival

B) Opening of the Broadway Plaza Shopping Center

C) Inauguration of the Walnut Creek Civic Arts Education Program

D) Opening of the Lesher Center for the Arts with renowned entertainers

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter)

Partner With Us To Reach Our Local Audience

Advertising Opportunities: [email protected]

The Glen at Heather Farm: A New Chapter in Senior Living Coming to Walnut Creek

Glen at Heather Farm independent living complex, rendering by KTGY

Walnut Creek is set to witness the rise of The Glen at Heather Farm, an ambitious senior living complex development by Spieker Senior Development Partners. Located at 850 Seven Hills Ranch Road, this project will transform a previously undeveloped tract of land into a vibrant community for seniors. Approved by the County Board of Supervisors in November 2022, the development faced initial delays over a small parcel of city-owned land but has since moved forward with the filing of multiple building permits.

The Glen at Heather Farm will feature a comprehensive continuing care retirement community, offering 354 dwelling units. This includes 302 apartment units designed for independent living and 52 villas for those seeking a more individualized living experience. The apartment complex will also house a 410-car garage, ensuring ample parking space for residents and visitors. Adding to the appeal, the development promises a two-story health center, equipped with 100 rooms dedicated to assisted living and memory care, emphasizing the well-being and comfort of its residents.

Designed by KTGY, with landscape architecture by Gates + Associates, the project showcases a mix of farmhouse-style single-family homes and a modern apartment complex. The architectural harmony blends stucco, fiber cement shingles, brick, stone veneer, and wood trellises, presenting a visually appealing environment. Its location, surrounded by the natural beauty of Walnut Creek and near key transport links, underscores its desirability for senior living.

Construction is anticipated to span two to three years, marking a significant period of development that promises to enrich the Walnut Creek community by providing a thoughtful and well-structured living space for seniors.

Walnut Creek Residents Divided Over Chick-fil-A's Expansion Plans

In Walnut Creek, California, a proposal by Chick-fil-A to establish a new location has sparked a mix of anticipation and concern among residents. The Georgia-based fast-food chain, known for its chicken sandwiches, is considering opening a second outlet at the corner of Oak Grove Road and Citrus Avenue, where an 8,276-square-foot Bank of America building currently stands. This new 5,363-square-foot establishment, however, has drawn the ire of local citizens worried about the potential for increased traffic and safety issues, given its proximity to numerous schools and businesses.

The controversy emerged in earnest during a city council meeting on March 14, where it was revealed that the proposed site would not include a drive-thru but would offer dine-in and take-out services. With the location near a bustling shopping center and amid a heavily trafficked area, opponents fear the additional strain on traffic could exacerbate safety concerns. Despite these objections, the plan has its supporters, including nearby business owners who believe Chick-fil-A could attract more customers to the area.

The debate has been further complicated by the chain's historical controversies over its donations to anti-LGBTQ groups and its leaders' conservative Christian beliefs, which have made the restaurant a contentious symbol in some communities. In response to concerns, Chick-fil-A has engaged in community outreach and promised $30,000 for traffic improvements, yet the project awaits a definitive decision from the Walnut Creek City Council, with an appeal set for hearing in the near future.

Do you want a Chick Fil A in the Woodlands neighborhood?

Yes or No?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Inside Walnut Creek: Updates and Events with City Manager Dan Buckshi

Get the latest on Walnut Creek Recreation's Transportation Program, the Walnut Creek Jazz Band Benefit Concert, upcoming Lesher Center performances, and more from Walnut Creekโ€™s City Manager, Dan Buckshi.

Community

City Council Regular Meeting @ Walnut Creek City Hall - 4/2 at 6 PM See Agenda

Tai Chi: @ Walnut Creek Library - Mondays at 10:15 AM Learn More

Hooked on Books: @ Civic Park Community Center - 1st Tuesday of each month at 12:30 PM Learn More

Qi Gong Drop-In (Seniors): @ Civic Park Community Center - Wednesdays at 12 PM

Bridge Drop-In (Seniors): @ Civic Park Community Center - Wednesdays at 12:30 PM

Mah Jong Drop-In (Seniors): @ Civic Park Community Center - Wednesdays at 1 PM

Bingo Drop-In (Seniors): @ Civic Park Community Center - Thursdays at 12 PM

Native Plant Growers: @ Civic Park Community Center - Fridays at 11 AM

Farmerโ€™s Market Walnut Creek: @ Locust St - Sundays at 9 AM. Learn More

Kids

Peek-A-Book Storytime: @ Ygnacio Valley Library - Tuesdays at 10:15 AM Learn More

Baby Storytime: @ Walnut Creek Library - Tuesdays at 12 PM Learn More

Family Storytime: @ Ygnacio Valley Library - Thursdays at 10:15 AM Learn More

Toddler Storytime & Play: @ Walnut Creek Library - Thursdays at 10:15 AM Learn More

Arts & Crafts

Food & Drink

Trivia + Karaoke Night: @ Retro Junkie - Wednesdays at 6 PM

Trivia: @ Mike Hess Brewing - Wednesdays at 6 PM

Geeks Who Drink Trivia: @ Rotator Taproom - Wednesdays at 6:30 PM

Karaoke Wednesday: @ Bourbon Highway - Wednesdays at 8 PM. Watch Video

Live Music/Dance

Salsa Tuesdays: @ Retro Junkie - Tuesdays at 6 PM. Watch Video

Line Dancing Lessons: @ Bourbon Highway - Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday at 8 PM. Watch Video

Red Hot & The Saltines + The Great Space Coaster! 70s-90s Rock (Free Tix!) @ Retro Junkie- 4/4 at 6 PM. Learn More

ROSES Nโ€™ GUNS (Guns Nโ€™ Roses Tribute) + MAIDEN UNITED (Iron Maiden Tribute) @ Retro Junkie- 4/6 at 6 PM. Learn More

Theatre

The Great Leap: @ Lesher Center of the Arts - 3/16 - 4/7. Tickets

Best of San Francisco Stand Up Comedy: @ Lesher Center of the Arts - 2/24 - 8/31 on Saturdays. Tickets

๐Ÿ‘‰ CLICK TO SEE OUR FULL CALENDAR ๐Ÿ‘ˆ

Please Support Our Walnut Creek Businesses ๐Ÿ‘‡

Hi-Definition Barbershop

Cardona Landscaping

Elevate your wellness journey with TruMobility's unparalleled training and rehab services โ€”beginning with a complimentary movement assessment for all new members.

Become A Walnut Creek Spotlight Sponsor

Are you a brand new or established business looking to become known in our Walnut Creek community? We are looking for locally-owned businesses that would like to become a Walnut Creek Spotlight sponsor! Sponsorships can include:

  • Hero or Section banners

  • Logo

  • Video

  • Print

  • Spotlight Directory

  • & Moreโ€ฆ

Reach out to us at [email protected]

We Want To Spotlight Local Businesses!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Walnut Creek area residents in an upcoming issue of Walnut Creek Spotlight? Apply Here. Not a business owner, but love a local business? Tell us all about it - send us an email at [email protected]

The Answer to the Walnut Creek Spotlight Hook Trivia Question ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿ‘‡

D) Opening of the Lesher Center for the Arts with renowned entertainers

On October 4, 1990, Walnut Creek significantly enhanced its cultural and economic landscape with the opening of the Lesher Center for the Arts. This event was marked by the performances of celebrated entertainers such as Bob Hope, Joel Grey, Vic Damone, and Diahann Carroll. The Lesher Center for the Arts, named to honor Dean S. Lesher, the first major private benefactor of the Center and publisher of the Contra Costa Times, has since become a cornerstone of the community. Hosting about 900 events and welcoming over 250,000 patrons each year, the Center has played a pivotal role in making Walnut Creek a major destination for arts and entertainment in the Bay Areaโ€‹ (Walnut Creek Historical Society -)โ€‹.

We Could Use Your Help

We have big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in the Walnut Creek East Bay and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Walnut Creek Spotlight with them! Itโ€™s simple!

๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿ‘‡

How Did We Do In This Issue Of Walnut Creek Spotlight?

How did we do on today's issue?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.