A Later Last Call, Pet MRIs: Up For Review Thursday At Planning Commission

WALNUT CREEK, CA — The Walnut Creek Planning Commission will consider two separate proposals on Thursday. The first is a specialized veterinary imaging facility offering MRI services and a request from a downtown restaurant to extend alcohol service hours on weekends. The second involves a restaurant and hi-fi lounge in downtown Walnut Creek that is seeking approval to serve alcohol later on Fridays and Saturdays.

Animal Hospital

The Walnut Creek Planning Commission will consider a request for a specialized animal hospital providing MRI imaging services.

The Lafayette-based Pacific Veterinary Hospital wants to build a two-story, 5,008-square-foot commercial space at at 1079 Boulevard Way, where animal hospitals are conditionally permitted.

The facility would offer appointment-only MRI services from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, serving animals transported to and from the hospital’s main Lafayette location. No animal boarding or walk-in services are proposed for the Walnut Creek MRI site, according to a city staff report.

The proposal includes building a 112-square-foot exterior enclosure to house an MRI chiller, with no other changes there. A parking study found that dedicating seven on-site spaces is adequate, given limited staffing and no public access.

Longer Last Call Hours

The request for longer last call open hours is coming from Stereo 41 — a collaboration of 5 local restauranteurs including Victor Ghaben and Berk Gibbs (partners at World Famous Hotboys); Natalie Alkire (Ghaben's wife); and Sofia Ghaben-Sabet and her husband, Helmy Sabet, of the Caribbean club, Lita — that opened in November 2025.

Stereo 41 started with a license to serve alcohol until 11 p.m., rather than the 2 a.m. service sought by the group.

Police support the longer weekend hours during a one-year trial, citing a review of calls for service at Stereo 41 and other restaurants operated by the same owners, according to a Walnut Creek staff report.

The Walnut Creek Police Department reviewed the applicant’s request and evaluated calls for service associated with Stereo 41 and other restaurants operated by the owners, including Lita’s and Hot Boys. Based on this evaluation, the department supports allowing Stereo 41 to extend alcohol service hours on Fridays and Saturdays only.

Under the request, alcohol sales and service would end at 12:30 a.m., with consumption permitted until 1 a.m., while on all other days—including outdoor dining—sales and service would stop at 11 p.m.

The hours would remain in effect for one year from the effective date of the permit and can be reviewed at that time by the chief of police and the community development director. If issues or calls for service are insignificant, the Chief and Director may extend the later hours up to seven days per week.

City staff recommends Planning Commission approval, noting the restaurant’s security measures, required staff training, and location among similar downtown establishments with late-night hours.

If you go:

DATE: Jan. 22, 2026
TIME: 6 p.m. regular meeting
LOCATION: Council Chamber, 1666 North Main St.