🧭 Lunar New Year Celebrations, Text Scams, and Dumplings!

This Week’s Explorations:

• Lunar New Year Event Listing

• Don’t Fall For These Text Scams

• First Bite: New Dumpling Restaurant in Pleasanton

• Last Call for The Last Word?

• Poll: Who Has the Best Burrito in the Tri-Valley?

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_{Sponsored by Da Boccery}

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Celebrate Lunar New Year in the Tri-Valley!

Lunar New Year (or Spring Festival) remains the most important event in the Chinese calendar. Marked by the arrival of Spring, it also celebrates the end of one Chinese zodiac and the beginning of the next. The Year of the Snake begins on January 29th, and the Tri-Valley is alive with festive celebrations! From music and crafts to lion dances and cultural performances, here’s where to join the fun—free for all ages:

Pleasanton:
January 25th, 1-3pm at Pleasanton Senior Center
Enjoy an afternoon of storytelling, music, performances, and crafts brought to you by Firehouse Arts Center.

Dublin:
January 25th, 1-3 PM at Hacienda Crossing
Lion Dance, Taiko Drumming, face painters, balloon twisters, and more! Candy bags and crafts while supplies last.
February 2nd, 3-5pm at Dublin Senior Center
Experience the Year of the Golden Snake Celebration concert with a vibrant mix of traditional Chinese and Western music, folk dances, and special guest performances.

Livermore:
February 2nd, 10 AM-2 PM at Bankhead Plaza
Celebrate with demonstrations, performances, and arts for the whole family.

San Ramon:
February 2nd, 2-4 PM at Bishop Ranch
Welcome the new year with Chinese dancers, live music, a Bian Lian “face changer,” a mesmerizing contortionist, and the iconic dragon dance.

Join the Tri-Valley in celebrating this rich and vibrant tradition! 🐍

Text Scams are on the Rise in the Tri-Valley!

Text scams are on the rise, and even the savviest among us can fall victim. Scammers often disguise themselves as trusted entities to steal your personal information. Here are three common examples making the rounds:

• Fastrak Scams: These texts claim you have unpaid tolls and urge you to click a link to avoid fines. Especially prevalent in the Tri-Valley and greater Bay Area, where toll roads and bridges are common, these scams prey on local commuters. Remember, Fastrak never asks for payment through unsolicited text messages.

• Amazon Scams: A fake message might alert you to a "problem" with your account or a suspicious order. Teens, often inexperienced with Amazon purchases, and the elderly, who may be less tech-savvy, are frequently targeted. Amazon will never text you for sensitive information or account updates.

• USPS Scams: These texts might say there’s an issue with your delivery and request payment for redelivery. Remember, USPS does not send texts about payment or delivery changes and will never ask for your address over text.

To protect yourself, avoid clicking on links in unexpected texts. Instead, visit official websites or call customer service directly to verify the claim. Stay vigilant!

First Bite: Papa’s Dumpling in Pleasanton

If you’re a fan of authentic northern Chinese cuisine, you’ve likely already heard of Papa’s Dumpling. After years of winning hearts at local farmers markets, the family-owned business recently opened their first brick-and-mortar location in downtown Pleasanton—and it’s already a hit.

Specializing in dumplings, Papa’s Dumpling serves up a menu packed with bold, flavorful dishes that are perfect for sharing. Our top picks? Start with the pan-fried Pot Stickers and Pork Belly Bao, then dive into the Zha Jiang Noodles and Wontons in Spicy Chili Oil. And speaking of Chili Oil… it’s some of the best we’ve ever had!

Whether you’re planning a foodie outing with friends or just craving exceptional dumplings, Papa’s Dumpling is a spot you’ll want to visit again and again. Head over to Pleasanton and see what all the buzz is about!

Click here to check out their website for more details and menu.

The Last Word Closes…a New Story Begins!

Last week, downtown Livermore favorite The Last Word sent shockwaves through social media with the sudden announcement of their closure in just five days. Known for their expertly crafted cocktails, tasty tapas, and the hugely popular R&B Brunch, the news left fans heartbroken, particularly in the Livermore Rants & Rave Facebook group.

Speculation quickly swirled, with some group members hinting that the closure might not be permanent. According to those with inside knowledge—and later confirmed by a family member of the owners—The Last Word plans to reopen soon with an exciting new concept.

While we bid farewell to this beloved spot as we know it, there’s no need to despair. As The Last Word closes its chapter, something new and exciting is already in the works. Stay tuned for updates on what’s next!

Who has the Best Burrito in the Tri-Valley?

Submit your answer HERE as we’ll be doing a feature post very soon on the best Burritos in the Tri-Valley!

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This Week’s Forecast

More of the same this week - Dry & Sunny with Chilly Mornings!