Valorie S.

Apple Store

Located in Broadway Plaza, in Walnut Creek, CA. I love this place. It is a very inviting and casual environment. Almost like a family type store. You can go in and try everything from the Apple desktop computers to the new IPOD nano. There is plenty of staff on hand. They are friendly and helpful. They have what is called a "genuis bar", where you can go and get your questions answered. There is also a small area that looks like a theater and you can watch small clips about new products. There is a childrens table with computers and small chairs. Really a nice store to visit. The best thing is that the prices are very good and competative.

PROS: Casual, friendly environment, Hands on demos, Expert help.
CONS:

Century 14

2 Levels of theatres! Free parking next door for 4 hours. Surrounded by wonderful cafes, shopping, banking and more. It is located 2 blocks from Walnut Creek Broadway Plaza.
There are concessions on both the upper and lower levels. They have Starbucks along with the other concessions. There is an elevator and stairs. The staff is friendly and helpful.

Mount Diablo Medical Center

Located in Concord, CA, Mt. Diablo Medical Center provided world class care. Unfortunately I suffered a heart attack, but the care I recieved was incredible. The nurses were not just performing a job, but they genuinely cared for me. I appreciated every single employee I came in contact with. After my surgery, I spent 24 hours in recovery where the care was 100%. Then I was transferred to a huge private room. I had everything I needed and more. I met volunteers who visited. I was visited by the nurses who cared for me on the previous floors. They even have a website where you can find all about the hospital and friends and family can send e-cards to loved ones who are patients. This hospitals specialty is heart care.

PROS: Great staff, clean, professionals and more.
CONS:

Dr. Donald Lai MD

I met Dr. Lai in Mt. Diablo Emergency after suffering a heart attack. He was very dilligent in getting a diagnosis. He made sure to expedite the testing and get me into surgery ASAP. I have seen him 3 times after my surgery, (the surgery was performed by a surgeon Dr. Lai referred). Dr. Lai's after care is very professional and thorough. I highley recommend Dr. Lai.

PROS: Pays great attention to detail and very thorough
CONS:

Rolf G. Sommerhaug

Dr. Rolf G. Sommerhaug is a most excellent Cardothoracic Surgeon. I was blessed to have him perform my bypass surgery after a heart attack. A+ for beside manner, very down to earth and not only speaks with his patients regarding your health but takes time to just talk to you. As a woman of 47 years old, I took note that he was careful to make the incisions very neat and the large incision most men have on their legs, he made small and hidden for me. I am very pleased with him as well as his staff. They are professional and caring. I highley recommend Dr. Sommerhaug.

PROS: Great beside manner, sensitive to needs of the patient
CONS:

Pilot Travel Center No 237

We traveling from the Bay Area to Lompoc, this is our mid-point. Not just a gas station. Arbys, and T. J. Cinnamons. The store itself has everything a traveler would need and more. You can purchase grocery items, hot food, coffee, snacks, all types of car operated gadgets, coolers, radios, tv's and more. The staff is friendly. They have many programs for truck drivers and even a flyer of promotions. The gas prices are competitve, and there many locations. If you want a neat place to stop for gas, there is something for everybody at Pilot Travel Centers.

PROS: Not just a gas station but a travel center, food, gas and more.
CONS: Can be busy at times.

U S Bank

A small people friendly branch. 3 or 4 teller stations available, 4 customer service desks available. When opening an account, the rep. is the most informative I have ever experienced. She made sure to explain everything and to ask if I had questions on everything. She spent a good amount of time with me, not because it took so long, but because she took the time I needed to understand everything.

PROS: Small personal, people friendly bank
CONS: Not sure how many branches are available.

Grand Prix Auto Wash

This is more than just a carwash. You can choose between approx. 5 or 6 different services, from $11 - 99. Drive your car in and select your wash combination of services. The attendant gives you a reciept and you pay inside. Then just simply wait. I generally takes at least 20 minutes, but they do a thorough job on your vehicle, inside and out. Inside the store there are snacks, accessories for your car, and novelties to purchase. They always have a coupon for $1 off or for discounts on the other packages. First they vaccumn, and clean the inside, then your car goes thru the wash, once thru the wash the attendants do a detailing service depending on the package y ou selected. They clean all of the inside, the windows, mirrors, tires and chrome. They even give you a selection for a fragrance. Customers generally tip the attendants at the end of the wash. They have a policy that if it rains within 3 days of your wash, the next one is free. This is a great service!

PROS: Great service, great prices, guarantee
CONS: Closed for cold or rainy weather.

Yoshis Japanese Restaurant & World Class Jazz House

I'd just like to talk about the Jazz House. This is a neat little place to go to hear the best live Jazz. Located in Jack London Square in Oakand, CA. I get regular email updates as to who will be performing. It' neat and cozy, a great place for couples to enjoy. I recommend Yoshi's.

PROS: Live music, great atmosphere
CONS:

The Vitamin Shoppe Store 153

Along with their name brand supplements, The Vitamin Shoppe carries a full line of vitamins, herbal supplements and natural products. This is a store where the employes are knowledgeable about the products and can offer suggestions for customers. They always have some kind of perks or incentives for buyers. The prices are very affordable.

PROS: Full line of vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies affordable
CONS: