My wife and I enjoy a night at the theater, but living out in the Clayton Valley area it can be…read morequite a trek to visit the more prominent theaters in the City (pricey tickets, aside) - and as a result we love East Bay community theater. So we were delighted (and surprised) to see an advertisement for a play in Clayton put on by a local theater company - the Clayton Theater Company. Community theater in Clayton? We had to check this out! With a super convenient location, we chose a weeknight evening showing. A short drive to the theater, free diagonal parking literally across the street from Endeavor Hall in Clayton, reasonable ticket prices - this definitely was not a San Francisco or Berkeley theater experience! We were fans before the show even started. This was true community theater. Much work was done by volunteers, people giving their time to foster arts in their community. Talking to some people involved in the production, rehearsals went on for a couple months beforehand, actors and musicians rehearsing hours into the night after working a full day. The play was "Radio Hour", a dramatization of a 1940s radio variety hour production. The play was wonderful, and featured a marvelous blend of drama, singing, dancing and music. The live music really made the show. As a bonus we took away insights and an appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work of early radio productions. Endeavor Hall has constraints as to stage size and we admired the creativity behind the stage setting and production to optimize what they had. Unbeknownst to us, the Clayton Theater Company has been putting on productions since at least 2013, typically at least a couple a year. Past productions have included Arsenic and Old Lace, Urinetown, Rumors, and You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. They won several 2017 Shellie Awards. Community theater fans in the area owe it to themselves to check out the Clayton Theater Company.

It honestly breaks my heart to have to give this place a negative review. I had such high hopes in…read morethe beginning. As someone who is newly out after years of religious trauma, they were who I turned to first. I had wanted to volunteer there. I received no response even though I reached out on several occasions. When I tried to sign up for women of the rainbow, it was questioned why someone my age would need their help. I was told they were not a dating service. I wish I never would have gone there. It's hard knowing that this was my first attempt at belonging and I was so horribly rejected. I really hate to say this, but I would say queer women 25 to 49 should steer clear of this place. Especially if you are overweight and nuerodivergent. There has to be a safe place for us. I'm still looking for my place, but it's for sure not here.

So, six years ago, I stopped by this place and they rejected me, saying there's nothing available…read morenow for me. I'm not interested in forcing myself on anyone, so I just left. Six years later (2025), I went by to post a 3x5 card and I was told that I needed to register, which meant I would get emails about events they are holding. Seemed reasonable I guess, and I was hoping the atmosphere had improved, so I registered. I made the mistake of attending two of their senior womens meetings. These meetings are supposed to be open to anyone in the community. While the first was okay, but the second was horrible. At the second one, a new attendee, a lesbian, who seemed in a bad mood, started on a tirade against transgender people. Five minutes of bile and hate later, I was hoping someone would object, but to my amazement the other two lesbians in the group there encouraged her and supported her. I should have objected but I felt the hatred expressed was too overwhelming and I decided there just was no advantage to objecting and I just left. I did not believe anything I said would be received well as I there was three of them and one of me, and they were all in agreement As far as I am concerned this place is a bastion of hate and bigotry and I have no interest being anywhere near them. Rainbow my eye....

Attended an event for the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce that took place last week at the…read moreConcord Elk's Lodge new location on Clayton Road. The venue is large and spacious with lots of tables for sitting and several TVs on the wall (perfect for watching a heart-wrenching NBA finals game #6). There is a bar for adult-beverages (they didn't have any iced tea, but did have a variety of cocktails). Food was brought in from outside and was able to be served to our social group. Really liked the location of the Lodge but it did take me a minute to recognize it was inside the old Bank of America branch on Clayton Road.

I was initiated into this Lodge as a member this month. These are a really good group of people…read more They are very nice, they have a lot of good activities and provide very important services inside the community. If you want to be a part of something special, this is a good place to start.

Mrs. Robbins is truly exceptional! After trying out three different piano teachers, I decided to…read moregive her a try, and I'm so glad I did. The booking process was easy and flexible, which made things stress-free from the start. From the very first lesson, I knew she was the right fit. She has a special way with children, making piano lessons fun and engaging rather than a chore. After each lesson, she notes everything you worked on and encourages practice at home. We feel incredibly fortunate to have found her--my son's progress has been remarkable!

Mrs. Robbins is truly a gem! She works with my 11 year old and my 8 year old. She is positive and…read moreadaptable to all abilities! I have been very impressed by how quickly my kids have picked up what they learn each week. They have fun and do a variety of things each lesson! They practice at home 3-4 times a week for about 10-30 minutes and it's all very manageable for my kids, which I find key to getting them to practice! We highly recommend Mrs Robbins!

This is an onsite daycare on the Walnut Heights elementary school campus. It is awesome. All the…read moreteachers are excellent and Annette the director is incredibly compentent and passionate about the kids. Highly recommend.

What a beautiful event they held here. I love this place is still going strong. I came here as a…read morekid (& I'm old as h#@$) Nice & clean inside. Spacious & friendly staff. Thank you for hosting this mural unveiling! It's gorgeous & a wonderful message.

The following is a shameless plug for a very worthy youth charity that deserves the community's…read morecontinued support. The Boys and Girls Club of Martinez (aka Diablo Valley) is a "home away from home" and a positive place for for kids. It offers various programs including character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sports. My Site Manager and her husband have been personally involved with this very worthy organization for years. My company is also a long time supporter and many of my colleagues volunteer many hours of their own time (including some periodic food bank work). At one time many years ago, I served on their Board of Directors. However, I have had no direct involvement with the Boys and Girls Club of Martinez for several years. I just got busy with other charitable activities closer to home. The Boys and Girls Club of Martinez also organizes various fund-raising events throughout the year. These have included, a Crab Feed, the annual Auction, the Pete Ginocchio Memorial Golf Tournament, Power Lunch, and the Day for Kids. These events are not only enjoyable, but are attended by various interesting and very caring members of the greater Diablo Valley community.

Valley Vista Racquet Club is a great member-run tennis club in Walnut Club. We have 6 lighted…read moretennis courts, an outstanding tennis pro in Marc Moran, USTA teams, East Bay Ladies League teams, clinics, and tennis socials. Our teams have gone to sectionals and nationals over the years. The dues are extremely affordable - the best bang for your tennis buck around! Check us out!

The Valley Vista Racquet Club operates 6 lighted tennis courts located on the grounds of the…read moreCarondelet Athletics Complex across the street from the Boundary Oaks Golf Course in Walnut Creek. It is a small, member-run club with low monthly dues and a casual, intimate atmosphere. The grounds are immaculately maintained and an online reservation system for members is easy and convenient to use. The teaching pro, Marc Moran, is exceptional.

This is a well-preserved mid-century structure, both clean and bright. Many friendly people were…read morethere that are members of the Elks Lodge. They were very happy that they joined the Elks in order to help with youth activities, i.e., the Car Show, the Challenger Baseball jamboree, the Haunted House and the Hoop Shoot free throw contest. They also support the Veterans and First Responders. I will be filling out an application for membership very soon!

very cool social quarters. nice open room. Here for 2024 Central District Jamboree, rib and chili…read morecook off. Friendly welcoming lodge, great people, easy access.