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Friday, August 28, 2025 | What’s Doing in Lafayette?

News From the City Manager’s Corner

This week’s updates from City Manager, Niroop Srivatsa highlight:

• Join Us in the #BeKind21 Challenge!
• Successful Traffic Enforcement Saturation Effort
• Call for Artists
• What’s Happening at the Library in September
• Meet Andy Comly, the City’s Emergency Services Coordinator
• Planning Commission Meeting Tuesday Night
• Roadwork Advisories

Join Us in the #BeKind21 Challenge!

“Be Kind 21” in the City of Lafayette Starts on September 1

Build a habit of kindness by doing something kind for yourself and others every day for 21 days this September.  

Since 2019, the City of Lafayette has participated in the 21 Days to Be Kind Challenge. Also known as #BeKind21, the challenge encourages everyone (young and old) to build habits that foster kindness and promote the strength and wellness of their communities. Inspired by the idea that habits are formed by repeating an activity for 21 consecutive days, the challenge calls on participants to practice an act of kindness each day from September 1 to September 21, which is the U.N. International Day of Peace.

We invite everyone to participate in the challenge by being kind to their neighbors, friends, family members, fellow residents, themselves, and their community. It’s easy to participate: 

• Follow along with Lafayette’s printable kindness calendar or check out our stories on Facebook and Instagram @LoveLafayette

• Make a contribution to the Food Bank of Contra Costa in support of #BeKind21. Drop off your donation of non-perishable food at the Main City Offices (3675 Mount Diablo Blvd., #210), the Community Center (500 St. Mary's Rd.), the Lafayette Library and Learning Center (3491 Mt. Diablo Boulevard) or other donation locations around town. Review the list of most needed food items.

We’d love to hear from you! What does kindness look like to you? How will you share your 21 days of kind actions? Let us know your thoughts on #BeKind21 by emailing the City of Lafayette at socialmedia@lovelafayette.org. You can also reach us on social media using the tag @lovelafayette on Facebook or Instagram. Please put "#BeKind21" in the email subject line or in your social media post. 

Last Wednesday, August 20, you might have seen a large police presence in Lafayette. That’s because officers from Orinda, Danville, and Lafayette conducted a coordinated traffic enforcement operation throughout the city. They focused on school zones and various neighborhoods in an effort to address ongoing traffic-related concerns. As a result, officers conducted 103 vehicle stops and issued 91 citations. These enforcement efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to maintaining roadway safety, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity and school-related traffic.

Call for Artists

Visit www.lovelafayette.org/PublicArt for details about how to apply for these two opportunities for local artists:

• September 15 Deadline for Artists to Apply to Exhibit in our Downtown Galleries

  Brighten the winter season with your artwork! The Lafayette Public Art Committee invites local artists—including 3D artists—to apply for our upcoming winter exhibitions. Artwork will be featured downtown in the Library’s Community Hall Gallery, Homework Center, and Public Art Display Case, as well as Town Hall Theatre’s Lobby Gallery. Applications are now being accepted

• Calling All Poets: Be Part of Poetry for the Ages on October 7

  The Lafayette Public Art Committee and the Lamorinda Arts Council invite you to be part of Poetry for the Ages—a noontime, salon-style poetry reading featuring the voices of local poets. Join us on Tuesday, October 7, from 12–1:30 pm at Town Hall Theatre for an intimate literary café experience celebrating the power of poetry in community.

Are you a passionate poet eager to share your original work? Apply now to be a featured reader! Selected poets will perform live in our cozy salon setting at Town Hall Theatre.

More Than a Library! What’s Happening in September

The Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation offers engaging programs, rental opportunities and various ways you can support the Foundation. Click on the graphic below to find out more about: 

Meet Andy Comly, the City’s Emergency Services Coordinator

August is National Emergency Management Awareness Month, so we are pleased to shine a spotlight on the City's Emergency Services Coordinator, Andy Comly! Andy oversees the planning and coordination of emergency management and preparedness projects within the City of Lafayette including how the City responds to a disaster as well as helping individuals and households in Lafayette increase their emergency preparedness.

Andy coordinates multiple areas of the City’s preparedness. Activities include training staff on the details of how to respond to a disaster, working closely with the community to build its resilience against a disaster, and building relationships with other cities, agencies, and businesses that we would work with in a major event.

Andy has also been involved in several activities at the County and State level, including participating in wildfire workgroups and providing input to draft legislation that affects Lafayette.

“Working with the community and with City employees is the most interesting part of emergency services. If a major event occurs in Lafayette, we will need everyone – including all 25,000 residents – involved in our response.  Helping everyone learn how to respond to and recover from a disaster could make a big difference in the protection of life and property someday in the future.”

Andy has over 15 years of experience in emergency services. He joined the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Emergency Services Support Unit in 2010, both on the Search and Rescue Team and in the Reserve Deputy Program. He is still involved with both programs today. In 2014, Andy joined the Lafayette Police Department as a Reserve Officer and was a motorcycle officer in town for 8 years. He was a Code Enforcement Officer for several years and assisted the City with a variety of special projects. He helped establish and currently runs the Slow Down Lafayette program focuses on reducing serious injury collisions on our roadways.  Earlier this year, he took on the position of Emergency Services Coordinator.

Before his emergency services career, Andy held executive roles in technology companies and earned degrees in engineering.

City Meetings & Events 

Planning Commission Meeting on Tuesday Night 

Due to the Labor Day holiday, the meeting will be held on Tuesday starting at 7pm including: 

• Public Hearing on a request by Owner for a Lot Line Revision to adjust property lines between three vacant parcels at 4123 Happy Valley Road

See the full agenda for more information.

Other Top Meetings This Week

• Transportation & Circulation Commission meeting on Sept. 2 has been cancelled
• Public Art Committee – Sept. 3 at 4pm

See the full meeting calendar. To receive email or text notifications when the meeting agendas are posted, please subscribe using the e-notifications tool on the City's website.

Join Lafayette Senior Services on Wednesday, September 3 from 10:30 to 11:30am in the Cedar Room at the Lafayette Community Center for a free presentation on wildfire preparedness led by Andy Comly, the City's Emergency Services Coordinator, and Stephanie Bontemps, Emergency Preparedness Commissioner. Sign-up in advance to attend: Go online to www.lafayetterec.org, call Lafayette Senior Services at (925) 284-5050 or send us an email.

Brush Clearing Along Evacuation Routes

Contra Costa Fire will trim trees along key evacuation routes in Lafayette next week, likely Wednesday through Friday from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Please drive with caution when near the crew and obey all traffic control signs and instructions from flaggers.

Connect with the Lafayette Police Department at Peets on Saturday, September 13 from 10 to 11am. Officers/Staff will be available to answer questions, listen to concerns, and have a great conversation over a cup of coffee. We can't wait to see you there!

Updates on Major Roadwork Projects

Please drive with caution and obey all traffic control signs and instructions from flaggers in construction zones.

• City Road Paving on St. Mary’s Road - This week, our Contractor completed the installation of the asphalt berms on St Mary’s Road. They also made corrections to berms that had been damaged by vehicles last week. All the metal guardrail sections on St Mary’s between Rohrer Drive and Glenside Drive (North) have been replaced to new safety standards.
  • The pathway on the east side of St Mary’s between Rohrer Dr and Lucille Ln is temporarily closed so pedestrians should use the west side pathway between Rohrer Dr and Lucile Ln. while it is being regraded, and new header boards are installed.
  • Next week there will be no work on Monday due to the Labor Day Holiday. After the holiday, the contractor will continue the adjustment of utilities boxes on the repaved road, and repave the pathway that has been regraded this week. During this work, a lane closure will be in place. Please plan for a 5-minute delay in your travel time.
  • After the east side pathway is repaved, the contractor will move next to the pathways at the corner of Lucile Ln and the ones around the Glenside Dr (South) intersection.

    Visit our website for the Project Update for full details.

• Central San’s Sewer Replacement Work on Upper Happy Valley Road - Central San’s contractor continues doing odds and ends to wrap up their work. Expect intermittent lane closures and some travel delays. Please follow instructions from flaggers and/or signs in the area.

• EBMUD Roadwork in Reliez Valley neighborhood - Next week, EBMUD crews will continue working on private roads with minimal delays on Reliez Valley Road.

Other Community News & Events

AUHSD Transition to By-Trustee Area Election System Public Hearing on Sept. 3

Acalanes Union High School District Governing Board will hold a public hearing to discuss four draft map options on Wednesday, September 3. 

Numerous school districts and other public agencies throughout the state, now including AUHSD, have been targeted by private law firms for alleged violations of the California Voting Rights Act ("CVRA"). In response, the District is initiating its transition to "by trustee" area elections for future Governing Board elections. Currently, the District has an at-large election system, switching to by-trustee elections will require the District to create five geographic trustee areas of equivalent populations within the District, each assigned to one seat on the Board. Voters within each trustee area will vote only for candidates who reside in that same trustee area.

Friends Corner Book Shop is Having a Half-Price Sale

Next Saturday, September 6, every book in the shop will be 50% off.  Shop hours are 10am to 4pm. Proceeds support the collection, programs, and services of the Lafayette Library. More details at www.lllcf.org/friends-book-shop

Alabaster at Town Hall Theatre Through Sept. 6

This prize-winning play is a deeply moving and surprisingly funny reminder that even after the storm, new beginnings are always possible. Pay-What-You-Can tickets are available for all performances at the door (starting at $2). For the play synopsis, show times, and for tickets, visit Town Hall Theatre’s website.

International Film Showcase Presents: The New Year That Never Came

This September, the International Film Showcase is bringing the Romanian historical tragicomedy film, The New Year That Never Came, to the Bay Area. The film follows six individuals as tensions rise during the Romanian Revolution in 1989. The streets are alive with demonstrations, students mock the regime through art, and New Year’s shows glorify Ceausescu. Yet, behind closed doors, families grapple with personal conflicts and the omnipresent Secret Police. Six seemingly disconnected lives intersect in unexpected ways. As tensions reach a boiling point, an explosive moment brings them together, culminating in the dramatic fall of Ceausescu and the communist regime.

The film will be playing at the Orinda Theatre from September 5 to September 12. Contact the theater or check their website for updated tickets and screening times. To stay tuned on film updates, be sure to follow IFS on Facebook (International Film Showcase) and Instagram (@international_film_showcase).

Next All Ages Recreation Downtown Pop-up Play will be Sept. 5

All Ages Recreation Downtown will be back again on September 5 with fun for all ages.

Next Series of CERT Classes Starts Sept. 11 – Register Now

Register now for the next CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) class series to help you be prepared for wildfire or other disasters. During this series, classes will be held Thursday nights at the Orinda Community Center. The curriculum is FEMA-based but tailored to the specific needs and features of the Lamorinda area.

Public Hearing on Contra Costa County Urban Limit Line (ULL) on Sept. 15

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has initiated work on a 2026 ballot measure to renew the County’s Urban Limit Line. The Urban Limit Line, initially established in 1990, prevents sprawl and preserves open space by establishing a boundary beyond which no urban land uses can be designated. The Initial Study of the proposed renewal of the Urban Limit Line, including adjustments to the Line, is now available for public review with comments due by October 9. There will be a public hearing on Monday, September 15 at 3:30pm about the Initial Study. Read more at EnvisionContraCosta2040. 

Mindful Littles’ 7^th Annual Peace & Kindness Festival on Sept. 18

In honor of the International Day of Peace, Mindful Littles is thrilled to announce the 7^th Annual Peace & Kindness Carnival on September 18 as part of the Orinda Concert in the Park show at the Orinda Community Park, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda, from 6 to 8pm. Register now. 

Join East Bay Regional Park District on Coastal Cleanup Day is Sept. 20

East Bay Regional Park District is hosting a giant Volunteer Day for Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 20. More details at Coastal Cleanup Day | East Bay Parks

How Should the County Spend its Community Impact Fund? Attend the Upcoming Town Hall on Sept. 24 AND Fill Out the Survey to Have Your Say

Join Supervisor Andersen for a series of town hall meetings to learn more about Contra Costa County’s Community Impact Fund and to provide your input about how the Board of Supervisors should spend $1 million of “Community Impact Funds” in District 2. Lamorinda residents are invited to share their thoughts and ask questions on Wednesday, September 24 from 6 to 8 pm at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center (3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd.). You are also encouraged to take a short survey to help the Board of Supervisors better understand the priorities for how these one-time funds should be allocated to address the most important needs in the community.

Background: The source of the county’s Community Impact Fund goes back to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding received during the pandemic. In June, the Board allocated $1 million per Supervisorial District ($5 million total) for community-driven initiatives which might include things like infrastructure (roads, streets, bridges, etc.); broadband/digital access; public transportation; affordable housing; public safety; childcare; health and wellness; senior services; parks and arts; food security; economic development; or youth services.

Save the Date for the Annual Senior Symposium!

The Community Foundation of Lafayette is hosting its 16th Annual Senior Symposium on September 27 at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center. The free event is centered on the theme "Building a Stronger Community for Seniors," highlighting the importance of social engagement for seniors' wellness, dignity, and quality of life. The symposium will provide valuable resources to help older adults and their caregivers by featuring expert speakers and information booths on health, wellness, and local programs that promote independence and community connections. In addition to empowering seniors, the event showcases the work of grantees who receive Excellence Grants from the Community Foundation to provide vital programs and services to the community. For more information or to register, visit the Community Foundation of Lafayette website.

Theme Announced for This Year’s Lafayette Res Run for Education

The Lafayette Chamber is excited to announce the theme of the 2025 Lafayette Res Run for Education, “From acorn to oak tree, Lafayette is age friendly.”  Theme and T-shirt design by All Ages Recreation downtown Vice President Eden Hall. Learn more and sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Lafayette/LafayetteReservoirRun.

Looking for more upcoming happenings around town?

Visit the Chamber’s Community Events Calendar online.

Miscellaneous

Lafayette Art & Wine Festival is Happening Sept. 20 & 21: The 2025 Lafayette Art & Wine Festival will enliven downtown Saturday, September 20, 10am to 7pm and Sunday, September 21, 10am to 6pm in Downtown Lafayette (along Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette Circle and La Fiesta Square) will feature local artists, local food and drink and local entertainment. Check out the maps and music schedule to plan your weekend at https://lafayettefestival.com. Downtown road closures start Friday evening, Sept. 19.

Unlock up to $15,000 in Rebates for Building a New ADU: Lafayette homeowners who obtain permits and finish construction of an ADU between July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026 may be eligible for a rebate through the ADU Accelerator Program.

Know Your Rights Regarding ICE: Read resources compiled on Stand Together Contra Costa’s website and the County’s Employment & Human Services Department website.

Curious about Development Around Town? Information on major planning projects can be found on the Major Development Projects webpage.  You can navigate the map or scroll through the list of projects in the sidebar. Projects are populated to the page after submission of a complete application and the project is heading into the review process.  If you are interested in large and small project applications submitted to the Planning Department, visit the Planning Applications Received webpage.

Sign up to receive City notifications: Sign up for meeting agendas and Lafayette’s publications at bit.ly/LafayetteNotifications. Also, find out how to follow us on social media at https://www.lovelafayette.org/connect

Contact Us: To contact a City Department or Staff member, refer to our online Staff Directory. For information on contacting an individual City Council member, see the City Council webpage. You may also email the entire City Council at cityhall@lovelafayette.org. Comments regarding a City Council agenda item should be sent to cityhall@lovelafayette.org  by noon on the day of the public meeting.  Comments received by noon on the day of the meeting will be included as part of the agenda packet, while those received after the deadline will be distributed to the Council on the following business day.

Cultural Observations and Celebrations

Celebrate our diversity by learning more about these upcoming cultural observations and celebrations! The City Council has proclaimed September as "Be Kind 21 in Lafayette" and Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-0ctober 15)

Sept 1               Labor Day Holiday - City Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1.

Sept 1 to 21      BeKind21 in Lafayette

Photo for the Week

Two New Works of Public Art Coming This Fall! Wowhaus’ stainless steel totemic sculpture was recently delivered to the construction site at The Brant by Lennar. It is one of two new works of public art currently being installed as part of the mixed-use development that is under construction on Mt. Diablo Blvd. at Dolores Drive:

• Aileen Barr, an internationally-recognized mosaic tile artist, designed handmade tile mosaic panels for the planter boxes that line a public walkway and a mosaic tile design for the stairway leading from the walkway to the public trail behind the property. The artist’s designs reflect the hills and trails behind the structure with their curved lines, and the natural elements of Lafayette through stylized imagery of leaves, grasses and a flight of Brant birds, for which the development is named.
• Wowhaus, a leading Bay Area-based art and design team, designed a laser-etched stainless steel totemic sculpture inspired by a flock of brant birds in flight. It features a low energy LED lighting component that illuminates the pattern of migratory birds.

We can’t wait to see these beautiful pieces soon! For a preview, check out the renderings in this report.

Quote for the Week

The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.

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The Weekly Roundup is prepared for the Lafayette Community, City Council and Staff. If you have thoughts about this week’s Roundup, a contribution for a future edition or a photo to be considered for the “Photo of the Week”, please email the City of Lafayette's Communications Analyst/Public Information Officer, Suzanne Iarla.

Did you know that we also offer a curated list of news headlines on issues facing our community? If you are not already, subscribe now to receive the to the Almost Daily Briefing on most weekday mornings.  

Subscribe to the Weekly Roundup and learn more about Lafayette’s publications and social media sites here.