Station House, Walnut Creek's former train station on the Union Pacific (and also former Vic Stewart's), was renovated years ago and then mostly sat empty. There's signs of life now, with Kalos, a DEXA scan company, coming in. Maybe a sign that tenants will finally start filling the space? https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/06/30/whats-going-on-with-walnut-creeks-long-empty-former-train-station/
Milky Flakes will go into the former A1 Shoe Repair building on Main street in downtown WC. Not much is known about Milky Flakes yet, except the fact that it's an ice cream place. Freezers and display cases are being installed in the storefront, per building permits. No opening date yet but they finally have an Instagram. https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/06/29/a-mysterious-new-ice-cream-shop-is-opening-soon-in-walnut-creek/
I've always been curious RE the Grand Hyatt SFO and finally tried it. It's right at the airport, on the Airtrain, so you can roll out of bed and be at the terminal in about 15 mins. Some rooms (pricier) have runway views, but you can also go to the lobby and plane-spot from the lounge area there. Very fancy onsite restaurant. My room had a strange entry hallway but a very nice bathroom with a soaking tub. It's expensive, but for a 6am flight traveling with 3 kids it was ideal. My full writeup: https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/06/19/review-grand-hyatt-sfo-the-only-hotel-at-san-francisco-airport/
There's a new Vietnamese restaurant at Shadelands, J's Pho and Cafe. They've got the traditional Vietnamese noodles, soups etc. but also interestingly a full cafe menu with lots of Vietnamese drinks. https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/06/16/a-brand-new-vietnamese-restaurant-just-opened-in-walnut-creek/
Just learned that Bacio di Latte gelato is coming to Walnut Creek. It's going into the former Vineyard Vines spot. I love the one down in Newport Beach--it's awesome gelato! https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/06/03/one-of-americas-best-gelato-shops-is-coming-to-walnut-creek/
Rodney Worth's new restaurant, the Golden Pear, is open in Rossmoor. It replaces the Creekside Grill, and follows a multi-hundred-thousand dollar renovation. Residents tell me they like the food so far. https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/05/29/rossmoors-golden-new-restaurant-is-finally-open/
I got to attend the press preview for Marufuku before it opens to the public today. It's much smaller and more intimate than any other Marufuku--probably room for less than 50 people. Beautiful interior with an open kitchen. They've got A5 Wagyu skewers and solid cocktails. Tried the tonkatsu ramen and A5 Wagyu Ramen, which they cook tableside with a blowtorch--both were excellent. Really good kid's meals for only $10. The wait here will be insane. Full writeup: https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/05/27/first-look-the-hugely-anticipated-marufuku-ramen-in-walnut-creek/
Anonymous listings show a Vietnamese restaurant in Lafayette for sale. The person who posted the listings is an officer on the company that owns Pho Benny, and photos on the listing look like the interior of the restaurant. It's one of the 925's only Vietnamese places. https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/05/24/a-unique-lafayette-restaurant-appears-to-be-for-sale/
Workers are now actively tearing out the interior of the old Genova Deli, which is becoming a MIXT. A bit sad to see that happening! https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/05/21/construction-is-underway-at-the-restaurant-replacing-genova-deli-in-walnut-creek/
You used to be able to fly from Lafayette to SFO for $5.50, pre BART. There was a heliport right in downtown Lafayette. After crashes and anger from neighbors, it shut down. But lots of longtime locals still remember it. https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/05/14/lafayette-once-had-a-heliport-with-daily-flights-to-sfo/
Marufuku Ramen in Walnut Creek has officially announced May 27 as its opening date. Here's more details: https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/05/12/marufuku-ramen-in-walnut-creek-has-officially-confirmed-its-opening-date/
There's a new, non-profit play space in downtown Lafayette that's totally free. It's open limited hours, but has pool tables/foosball for teens, an art display, mahjong for seniors on Wednesdays, and a toddler art table. A look inside: https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/05/11/lafayettes-free-downtown-play-space-and-art-space-is-now-open/
They've lived through the invention of the airplane, both world wars, and the rise of the Internet. One is named OJ. https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/05/07/the-tortoises-at-the-oakland-zoo-are-shockingly-old/
EBMUD is shortening the tower by 40 feet. The work officially begins next week, with the main demolition happening in June. There's upcoming road closures as they stage equipment, etc. https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/04/30/ebmud-will-cut-40-feet-off-the-lafayette-reservoir-tower-starting-next-week-what-to-know/