Category Archives: Walnut Creek

Free Admission to Bay Area Attractions

Posted on February 28, 2017 | Leave a comment

The San Francisco Bay Area has a big and broad collection of top-notch museums, and nearly all of them can be visited for free! Below is a current list of all San Francisco Bay Area museums, art galleries and public gardens along with their free-admission days.

Before you go on a free day: Be prepared for crowds. Because of capacity limitations, admission is not guaranteed, so it’s best to arrive early. If you’re planning a group visit, check with the museum first; some museums limit or prohibit group visits on their free days. We HIGHLY recommend calling ahead to make sure the facility is still open for free admission day listed below since some policies do change without notice.

Asian Art Museum
Free – first Sunday of every month.
Autodesk Gallery
Free – always.
Bay Area Discovery Museum
Free – first Wednesday of every month.
Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive
Free – first Thursday of every month.
Berkeley Botanical Garden
Free – first Wednesday of every month.
Cable Car Museum
Free – always.
California Academy of Sciences
Free – check calendar, SF resident days vary check calendar.
Cantor Arts Center
Free – always.
Cartoon Art Museum
Pay What You Wish – closed for relocation.

chabot

Chabot Space & Science Center
Free – first full weekend of every month for Bank of America Card Holders
$5 – after 6pm first Friday of every month.
Children’s Creativity Museum
Free – check calendar.
Chinese Historical Society of America
Free – first Sunday of every month, ages 12 & under always.

Conservatory of Flowers
Free – first Tuesday of every month.
Contemporary Jewish Museum
Free – first Tuesday of every month, check calendar, first full weekend of every month for Bank of America Card Holders.
$5 – after 5pm every Thursday.
de Young
Free – first Tuesday of every month, first full weekend of every month for Bank of America Card Holders.
Discover & Go
Free – always, Public Library card holders reserve free and discounted passes to local museums and cultural institutions.
Exploratorium
Free – check calendar.
International Art Museum of America
Free – always.
Japanese Tea Garden San Francsico
Free – every Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9-10am.
LACIS Museum of Lace and Textiles
Free – always.

legion

Legion of Honor
Free – first Tuesday of every month, first full weekend of every month for Bank of America Card Holders.
Lindsey Wildlife Museum
Free and open to the public every third Friday of the month.
Musee Mecanique
Free – always.
Museo ItaloAmericano
Free – always.
Museum of the African Diaspora
Free – check calendar.
Museum of American Heritage
Free – always.
Museum of Anthropology
Free – closed until 2017 for renovations.
Museum of Craft and Design
Free – first Tuesday of every month.
Museum of Performance and Design
Free – always.
Oakland Museum of California
Free – first Sunday of every month, ages 18 & under every Friday 5-9pm.
Half Price – every Friday 5-9pm.
Randall Museum

ruth

Ruth Bancroft Gardens
Free first Tuesday of the month.
San Francisco Art Institute
Free – always.
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Free – every morning 7:30-9am, second Tuesday of every month, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years.
San Francisco Fire Department Museum
Free – always.
SF Camerawork
Free – always.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Free – ages 18 & under.
SFO Museum
Free – always.
San Francisco Railway Museum
Free – always.

SF-Zoo

San Francisco Zoo
Free – check calendar (residents only).
San Jose Museum of Art
Free – check calendar, first full weekend of every month for Bank of America Card Holders.
$5 – after 5pm third Thursday of every month.
San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art
Free – always.
San Mateo County History Museum
Free – first Friday of every month.
Sake Museum
Free – always.
Tech Museum of Innovation
Free – first full weekend of every month for Bank of America Card Holders
Half Price – last hour of every day.
Third Thursdays in Yerba Buena
Free – third Thursday of every month, 5-10pm, Yerba Buena museums and neighborhood venues.
Wells Fargo History Museum
Free – always.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Free – first Tuesday of every month.

Did you see one we missed? Tell us in the comments section below! What’s your favorite museum? Art gallery?

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Posted in California News, Danville, Walnut Creek

Caring for an Aging Family Member – Walnut Creek

Posted on February 27, 2017 | Leave a comment

eldercare

ElderCare Services is holding a free workshop on caring for an aging senior. This workshop will address the fears of Alzheimer’s disease and other issues associated with aging. Groups are led by Eldercare Services Certified Professional Care Managers

Support Group Benefits:

Get helpful tips on how to reduce the strain of care giving.
Learn new ways of caring for yourself.
Feel empowered to take care of yourself so you can continue to lovingly care for your family member.

*No fee and no registration necessary.

The workshop will be held on Thursday, November 12th from 5:30-7pm at Eldercare Services 1808 Tice Valley Blvd. Walnut Creek, CA 94595.

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Posted in Walnut Creek

FREE Pancakes For National Pancake Day – Mar 7

Posted on February 18, 2017 | Leave a comment

ihop-national-pancake-day

On Tuesday, March 7^th from 7 am – 7 pm — with select locations offering extended hours until 10 pm — celebrate National Pancake Day^® at IHOP^® and get a FREE short stack of our Original Buttermilk Pancakes!

In return, IHOP is asking that you consider making a donation to their charitable partners. Every stack served helps us reach our goal of raising $3.5 million for children battling critical illnesses.

For more information, visit IHOP FREE Pancake Day Website.

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Posted in Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg / Bay Point, Walnut Creek

Mudslide Safety Tips – Stay Warm & Dry!

Posted on February 17, 2017 | Leave a comment

The Fire Marshall over at Contra Costa County Fire Protection District has some quick tips and information on mudslide safety! Everything is super wet and slippery out there so stay safe!

Mudslides occur during periods of intense rainfall or rapid snowmelt. They usually start on steep hillsides, liquefy and accelerate down the hill. The debris flow ranges from watery mud to thick, rocky mud that can carry large items such as boulders, trees and cars. (The picture on the right was taken at the corner of Pleasant Hill Road and Deer Hill Rd.) Always listen to the radio, television, or check your local weather websites, for the latest information and instructions for your area.

Before Severe Storms:
• Have a disaster plan.
• Have emergency supplies on hand, food, water, flashlights, and batteries.
• Become familiar with the land around you. Find out if you’re in a mudslide prone area.

During Severe Storms:
• Stay alert, and keep a watchful out eye throughout the night.
• Listen to the radio or watch TV for warnings about intense rainfall or for information and instructions from local officials
• If you live in mudslide prone areas, consider leaving if it safe to do so. If you can’t, go to the highest level of your home.
• Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking each other. These may indicate an approaching landslide or mudslide.
• Be aware of any sudden increase or decrease in water level on a stream or creek.
• Be alert, especially if you have to go out and drive. Watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks and other indications of a possible debris flow.
• If you see a landslide or mudslide starting, quickly move away from the path of the slide. Getting out of a mudslide is your best protection. Move to the nearest high ground in a direction away from the path. If rocks and debris are approaching, go to the nearest shelter and take cover (under a desk, tale, or other piece of sturdy furniture.

During Mudslides:
• Quickly move out of the path of the mudslide.
After Mudslides:
• Stay away from mudslide areas. Flooding or additional slides may occur after a landslide or mudslide.
• Listen to the radio, TV or internet for emergency information.
• Check for injured or trapped people near the affected area, if it is possible to do so without entering the path of the landslide or mudslide.
• Watch out for flooding which can happen after a mudslide.
• Report broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities.
• Check the foundation of your home, chimney and surrounding land for damage.

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Posted in Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg / Bay Point, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Pablo, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, World News

Wishing Our Readers Happy Valentine’s Day!

Posted on February 14, 2017 | Leave a comment

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As you are probably already aware, today is Valentine’s Day – a day set aside for people to show their love and affection to that special someone in their lives. The DiabloReporter team is all about spreading the love and people looking out for one another so this February 14th, we’d like to wish all our readers a very happy and loved-up Valentine’s Day!! The cynical among you might feel like these days Valentine’s Day is all about consumerism and it’s a fair enough argument. But for many, it isn’t about the money spent on flashy gifts or expensive dinners, but rather the sentiment behind it. So whatever you do people, make sure you enjoy it and let that special someone in your life know you care!

Happy Valentine’s Day!! XOXO

PS. If you’re looking for someone to love, Animal Services is offering FREE cat & dog adoptions through Valentine’s Day. Click here for more information.

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Posted in Antioch, Brentwood, California News, Clayton, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, National News, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg / Bay Point, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Pablo, San Ramon, Walnut Creek

Rainy Day FREE Movie Rentals From Redbox

Posted on February 10, 2017 | Leave a comment

Looking for something to do on a rainy day? Redbox is coming to the rescue.

Redbox Codes are the way to get free DVD rentals from Redbox. Redbox and their partners create these codes to get more people into their stores and use their services.

You simply need to enter the coupon code from the main screen or just before checkout at your local Redbox kiosk. When you do, you will receive a one-day free rental. Any additional days you keep the movie will be charged at the usual $1/day.

As you find new codes that work (or that don’t), report them here so that all users can benefit from them. Your help is what makes this community work. Also, our code tracking and movie tracking systems will help you know what codes you have used and what movies you have seen.

For more information on Redbox Codes and more, read the Inside Redbox FAQ here.

Use these codes for your free rental:

MPW32BK29DB7
DVDONME
DG835GCP
DVDATWAG – Walgreens only
CODE
NMSPER24
CHILL07
REDBOX – New customers
JXMZ4DZ3
HWP4L4M5
R97G8FEU
K4FU5S6L
SEDN6ZLE
GWNS439R
4QSDJUR3
PLKMP982
9GT87HT5
1994G387
TIPPIT
PTCJ16
KS7B62E9
BREAKROOM
7CAJV76H
7ZFD9GZX
KHVWYUVE
MOVIE
EH7U7Y4D
PUSH
WORKERROOM
MPW32BK29B7
XA82MFJ8
MPE33BK29DB7
GY6LE5DY
MFYNW3WP
4PMZ7LVQ
HARRIS217
0331223
JOSE396
FREEBIES
3VHJ2V3M
D5EC4NLK
34HTCNXM
N6KRTHFW
17366
RENTONME
APPNOW
PHX8CEWN
GXJ79KLR
93SUXL8Y

4SA4RFV3

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Need Help Paying Your PG&E?

Posted on February 9, 2017 | Leave a comment

need-help

Sometimes, especially in this economy, most of us will experience moments of economic hardship. Families who need help paying their PG&E bill may benefit from a variety of organizations and programs who offer assistance in paying for utilities such as electric and gas. These organizations and programs offers economic assistance that, unlike loans, do not require repayment. There are many programs to choose from and you can qualify for multiple assistance programs at the same time. This programs are only available to U.S. Citizens.

LIEAP Program

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Block Grant is funded by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and provides two basic types of services. Eligible low-income persons, via local governmental and nonprofit organizations, can receive financial help to offset the costs of heating and/or cooling dwellings, and/or have their dwellings weatherized to make them more energy-efficient. This is accomplished through these program components:

The Weatherization Program provides free weatherization services to improve the energy efficiency of homes, including attic insulation, weather-stripping, minor housing repairs, and related energy conservation measures.
The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) provides payments for weather-related or energy-related emergencies (including PG&E bill payments).

In order to qualify for help through the LIHEAP program, applicants must meet basic guidelines. Interested applicants may apply directly through their local Department of Health and Human Services or click here for more information.

Salvation Army – REACH

The Salvation Army, working in a direct partnership with PG&E, has established a program to help low-income families pay their electric bills. The program, Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) offers help to people who are in danger of losing their gas or electric services as a result of non-payment. In order to qualify for help through the REACH program, applicants must have experienced an unforeseen and unavoidable hardship, such as a major illness or involuntary job loss, which has prevented them from being able to make their payment.

The Salvation Army determines if customers are eligible for REACH help. To qualify for REACH, an applicant’s must meet basic guidelines. Generally, recipients can receive REACH help only once within a 18-month period, but exceptions can be made for seniors, the physically challenged and the terminally ill.To apply for REACH assistance in your area contact the Salvation Army at 1 (800) 933-9677 or click here for more information.

CARE Program

PG&E offers help to low-income and medically needy people through a program that allows qualifying families to receive a discount on the costs of their electric bills. The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program gives economically qualifying families help in paying their electric bill through discounted rates and payment extension arrangements to help avoid disconnection of services due to inability to pay. To qualify for the CARE program, applicants must meet basic guidelines. Interested residents can apply for this program directly through PG&E. To learn more click here.

To apply, click here if you are a residential single family customer.

FERA – Family Electric Rate Assistance Program

Families whose household income slightly exceeds the low-income energy program allowances will qualify to receive FERA discounts, which bills some of their electricity usage at a lower rate. FERA is available for customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

Click here if you are a residential single family customer.

Energy Savings Assistance Program

PG&E’s Energy Savings Assistance Program provides income-qualified renters and homeowners with easy, free solutions to help manage their energy use and save money on their monthly energy bills. To see the basic qualification guidelines, click here.

You may be eligible for the following services provided by PG&E:

Improvements to your house, apartment or mobile home including compact fluorescent lights, caulking, shower heads, minor home repair and much more.
Replacement of your old refrigerator, furnace and/or water heater¹.
Energy savings tips.

Medical Allowance – PG&E Program

If you or any full-time resident of your household requires the regular use of a medical life-support device that is essential to support the life of a full-time resident of the household, or if a full-time resident of the household is a paraplegic, hemiplegic, or quadriplegic person, and/or if a full-time resident of the household is a multiple sclerosis/scleroderma patient, you may be eligible for a special medical allowance that may lower your monthly electric bill. For more information, check PG&E’s website.