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- Issue #054
Issue #054
Senior Living Expansion, Chick-fil-A Plans Stir Debate, and City Manager Insights
In This Walnut Creek Spotlight Issue…
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
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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)
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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? |
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 Creek’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
Farmer’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 N’ GUNS (Guns N’ 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
Add Your Event: https://bayareabizfinder.com/events/community/add/
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The Answer to the Walnut Creek Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
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 Area (Walnut Creek Historical Society -).
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How Did We Do In This Issue Of Walnut Creek Spotlight?
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