The Shadelands Scene
Community news, updates, and insights
IN CELEBRATION OF SHADELANDS!
As 2020 comes to a close, we can't help but look back at the potential that greeted us in January, and then the challenges that took us by surprise and stopped us in our tracks, replacing hugs, handshakes, and business as usual with shelter in place, working remotely, and distance learning.

Throughout the crisis, the Shadelands community has continued to demonstrate professionalism, creativity, and resiliency. In the past year, The Shadelands Scene team has covered the innovative spirits, compassion for fellow humans, and ability to find joy and enthusiasm despite challenges and fear of the unknown.

Mike Hess Brewing pivoted to produce hand sanitizer, Fairy Tailors set aside alterations to craft quality masks of all designs and sizes, Calicraft created a festive outdoor beer garden, and Axiom Intelligence developed a COVID-19 rebound product using AI to give businesses options for reopening effectively and in compliance.

Since September 2017, The Shadelands Scene has been publishing monthly, sharing stories that demonstrate the vitality and diversity of the Shadelands community. The Team has covered groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, grand openings, and relocations.

We have showcased businesses that call Shadelands home and profiled employees who represent the quality and character of our community. We have announced awards and acknowledgements; activities, classes, clinics, and craft faires; and special events open to the public—in person, and now virtually.

We dedicated the March 2019 issue solely to Shadelands' innovative and comprehensive medical services & technologies and health & wellness centers that serve to heal the body, mind, and spirit.

We have covered the big stories and the more intimate ones, and we have introduced you to your Shadelands neighbors who work up the street, down the block, and around the corner. Every issue informs and inspires.

By way of review and in case you missed it, check out a few of the high profile and most popular stories of the past three years.

In the following items, blue highlights link to the month's entire issue.
Happy reading! And Happy Holidays, however you celebrate with family and friends.

Thank you for joining us!


The Shadelands Scene Team
THE ORCHARDS
Opened in early 2018, The Orchards at Walnut Creek is a vibrant 25-acre community retail and lifestyle center with shops, services, and dining, as well as open park space, cozy seating areas, a children's playground, a community meeting room, and an open air amphitheater and gathering space, which were the site of the 2018 Shadelands all-community block party, Made in the Shade! Read about The Orchards' amenities, expansions, and businesses that define this distinctive shopping center.
SHADELANDS RIBBON CUTTINGS & GRAND OPENINGS
Ribbons, refreshments, and colorful balloons have been in full view the past several years as Shadelands welcomed dozens of new businesses and expansions. A small sample:

• RagaYoga

At The Orchards:
• Safeway
PROFILES OF PEOPLE AND PLACES OF SHADELANDS
Do you know a person or a business you'd like to see profiled in The Shadelands Scene? Let us know at [email protected].

Below are a few of the individuals and organizations introduced through the newsletter that make up the fabric of the Shadelands community.

UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, Sports Medicine Center for Young Athletes, helped a young injured soccer player return to the soccer field.

Dr. Fernando Otero, BASS Medical Group, volunteers his time and services with Operation Access.

Kenny Oei loves his work at American Swim Academy.

Marriage and family therapist John Kravitz helps individuals and couples in crisis.

Family Formation Law Offices specializes in adoptions and surrogacy to form families and lasting, loving relationships.

Mike Hess Brewing released its Beet Cancer brew to raise awareness and money for pediatric cancer research.

Neuropsychologist Keiko Miller opened Aspire Neuropsychological Services to help people dealing with a variety of brain-behavior issues including autism, learning disabilities, ADHD, and cognitive impairments.

Carollo Engineers, Inc., is the largest environmental engineering firm in the United States dedicated solely to water and wastewater engineering.

In May 2020, Object Edge, a digital commerce consulting agency, launched CurbSpot, a seamless solution for fast, safe, easy, and contactless curbside pickup.

Financial planner Gary LaMusga, The LaMusga Company, is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst who works with clients and attorneys through divorce proceedings as they deal with complex financial issues.

Shadelands eateries Z's Cafe and Deli Delight are open during the pandemic. Owners Gabe Zumot and Victor Chow, respectively, look forward to welcoming you for a bite to eat away from the office.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Bradley Crow, Muir Orthopaedics Specialists, and his physician assistant wife Emily volunteered on an orthopedic mission to the island nation of Palau in Micronesia in partnership with Canvasback Missions.

SF Giants broadcaster Duane Kuiper joined the fun with a litter of puppies for Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation fundraising activities that help support ARF's foster program for cats and dogs.
GROUNDBREAKINGS, MAJOR CONSTRUCTION, EXPANSIONS, AND RELOCATIONS COME TO SHADELANDS
Exciting news for the Shadelands SportsMall, the premier, state-of-the-art, multi-sports super center, when all ten athletic tenants opened to the public by January 2020. The Shadelands Scene followed the SportsMall's construction and openings in several installments. For the full stories about this distinctive athletic facility and its tenants, check out the following issues. During the pandemic, many organizations are holding classes and clinics. Contact each organization for its hours of operation and protocols.

Viamonte at Walnut Creek senior living broke ground in May 2018, and we've been following its progress toward its 2020 opening.

In April 2019, Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), broke ground for its innovative Pets and Vets Center, headquarters for ARF's Pets and Vets Program, which trains shelter dogs as psychiatric service animals for veterans.

BASS Medical Group opened its Advanced Urgent Care in Summer 2019, and continues to expand its medical technologies and services footprint in Shadelands.

Muir Orthopaedic Specialists opened its innovative Orthopaedic Express by MOS in December 2018, a comprehensive urgent care center that specializes in orthopedic injuries and conditions.

After 90 years in Oakland, LN Curtis and sons, a premier provider of emergency responder equipment, educational material, and service, purchased a building on Lennon Lane and moved its headquarters to Shadelands in 2019.

In early 2018, Easter Seals Northern California moved its headquarters, operations, and employees from Pleasant Hill to its new home in Shadelands' Walnut Creek Executive Park.

Look for more updates in future issues on construction activity, relocations, expansions, and reopening of offices and retail as restrictions are lifted.
SHADELANDS ACHIEVEMENTS, ACCOMPLISHMENTS & GOOD NEWS
In April 2018, the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce named Calicraft Brewing Company and founder Blaine Landberg its 2018 UXL Business of the Year. Calicraft was also named 2018 Best of the East Bay by Diablo magazine and 2018 Senate District 7 Small Business of the Year by Senator Steve Glazer.

In June 2019, in a jubilant ceremony held at the Lesher Center, the Contra Costa School of Performing Arts graduated its first senior class, the Class of 2019.

Shadelands was featured in the Spring 2019 issue of Walnut Creek Magazine, with an article titled "A Shade in the Right Direction," an engaging look at Shadelands' growth the past five years and the exciting opportunities still on the horizon.

In July 2020, Del Monte Foods, Inc., was named 2020 Research and Development (R&D) Team of the Year by Food Processing Magazine.

In Summer 2020, the NBA G League chose Shadelands and the John Muir Health Ultimate Fieldhouse as the new home of its league team Ignite. This is exciting news for the Ultimate Fieldhouse, Shadelands SportsMall, City of Walnut Creek, and basketball fans around the region!
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THE DIABLO VALLEY FARMERS' MARKET CONTINUES TO OFFER FRESH, ORGANIC PRODUCE EVERY SATURDAY, 9AM-1PM
Certified Farmers' Markets are considered essential food outlets and the Shadelands Saturday Diablo Valley Farmers' Market has remained open during the health crisis, with signage and safety measures in place. Enjoy the bounty of fresh, organic, in-season produce picked at the peak of ripeness.
WALNUT CREEK IS HELPING BUSINESSES REBOUND
The City of Walnut Creek launched its Rebound Program mid-May to help businesses rebound and re-open during the pandemic by relaxing restrictions and providing expanded operating spaces, free and expedited permitting for temporary changes, and simplified processes.

Since the May launch, the City has made significant additions and updates to the Rebound Program, which you can access here.

Collette Hanna
Economic Development Manager
1666 North Main Street, City Hall
Walnut Creek
925.943.5899 x2145
EXPERT ADVICE FOR
GETTING BACK TO BUSINESS
In 2020, the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau hosted and recorded Back to Business webinars that focused on critical economic issues and impacts of the health crisis.

• Retail

Generally 2nd & 4th Tuesday
+Bonus Tuesdays
9–10am, via Zoom
Visit Walnut Creek Chamber for details and registration for upcoming webinars. Topics, agendas, and dates are subject to change.
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