Latest News

Friday, October 31, 2025 | What’s Doing in Lafayette?

News From the City Manager’s Corner

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

• Changes to Chaney Infield Underway
• Join the Planning Commission
• What Parents of Young Ebike and Electric Motorcycle Riders Should Know
• Voting Options for the Statewide Election on Tuesday, Nov. 4
• More Than a Library! What’s Happening in November
• Planning Commission Meeting Monday Night
• Reminder to Check Your Smoke Alarms When You Change Your Clocks
• Fall Art Reception on Monday, November 10
• Coffee with the Cops on Saturday, Nov. 15
• Tea Dancing for Seniors – Every Wednesday

City Council Moves Forward with Infield Modifications at Buckeye Fields

On Monday night, the City Council approved staff’s recommendation to move forward with capital improvements at Buckeye Fields, including removal of the grass infield at Chaney Field to accommodate softball play as recommended by the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Commission. Read the Staff Report or watch the meeting.

The City has worked closely with local sports user groups to ensure compliance with state law while balancing limited land, funding, and facility availability. Lafayette continues to face long-standing challenges stemming from a shortage of quality sports fields, a need first identified as the community’s top recreational priority in the 2009 Park Facilities Master Plan.

The hours-long meeting on Monday night included a number of public speakers, including young athletes and members of the softball and rugby teams at St. Mary’s College, as well as youth and parents who have been involved in local sports organizations. We are so grateful for all the community members who took the time to comment on this item.

During their deliberation, Councilmembers acknowledged and thanked both Lafayette Little League and Lafayette Moraga Youth Association for their ongoing contributions to our community and for the opportunities they offer young people.

Facing high demand for both baseball and softball fields, the City Council decided to proceed with the conversion of the Chaney Field infield to allow use for both softball and baseball. This upholds the August decision by the City’s Parks, Trails, and Recreation Commission’s and will bring the City-owned facility into compliance with the California Fair Play Act.

The City Council acknowledged that there is strong community support to expand sports facilities and committed to having future discussions.

The decision follows months of collaboration between the City, Little League and LMYA to address inequities in field access and to meet the community’s recreational needs. After receiving Council’s green light, City staff started removal of the grass infield at Chaney Field on Tuesday and scheduled contractors to come in to assist later in the week. The work is being done swiftly in order to take advantage of a break in the reservation schedule, as well as complete the project ahead of winter rains and before the start of the new softball and baseball season in the Spring.

Next, staff will work with the user groups to determine the appropriate new 70/30 infield mix and set a schedule to spread the material. Concurrently, all four fields at Buckeye Fields and Community Park are also being re-seeded and starting November 3 and will be closed through January.

Calling All Restaurateurs and Restaurant-Goers!

The City’s Environment Task Force (ETF) is currently working to develop an ordinance that would reduce single-use plastics at restaurants. Are you a restaurateur or a restaurant-goer? Then we’d love your input! Please attend the upcoming ETF meeting on November 13 at 7pm or send comments to Nichole Zittel. To stay in the know and receive meeting notifications, please sign up for ETF agendas using e-notifications.

Consider Joining the Planning Commission

The City Council is seeking volunteers to serve on the Planning Commission. Read the Planning Commission Work Plan. The Planning Commission meets twice per month to review development applications. Visit www.lovelafayette.org/volunteers or call the City Clerk’s Office for more information about applying to serve on the Planning Commission or a different advisory body.

What Parents of Young Riders of Ebikes and Electric Motorcycles Should Know

 Recently, Lafayette Police Department impounded an electric motorcycle after reckless driving by the rider; the same youth had previously fled from the officer.

 If reasonable for the situation, our officers will often provide education and a verbal warning; this may also include calling their parents if the rider is a youth.

• Serious offences may result in impounding the vehicle.
• If a rider is ticketed with a misdemeanor, it may include a 2-year license suspension; If that person is underage and unlicensed, it could mean their drivers’ license application could be suspended for 2 years.
• eBikes without pedals, those modified to go faster than their original design limits, and dirt bikes (including Sur-Ron or Talaria electric motorcycles) are not street legal – they are prohibited on streets and trails.
• Parents can be held liable for damages or injuries caused by underage riders.
• Read the eBike Trifold Brochure for information about the different classes of ebikes v. electric motorcycles v. off-road vehicles.

Voting Options for the Statewide Election on Tuesday, Nov. 4

For more information about Prop 50 including a summary with arguments for and against the measure, read your Voter Information Guide.

• Vote-by-Mail ballots must be postmarked on or before November 4

• You can also drop your ballot in the secure Contra Costa Dropbox in front of the Lafayette School District Office (3477 School St.)

• Regional in-person Early Voting locations are available

• Polling places will be open on Election Day, November 4 (7am to 8pm)

Did you know? You can sign up to track your ballot WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov.

Questions about voting? Contact the Contra Costa County Elections Office, your trusted source of nonpartisan election information, at ContraCostaVote.gov, or call 925-335-7800.

More Than a Library! What’s Happening in November

Not To Be Missed! November Programs at the Lafayette Library - Visit the Lafayette Library and Learning Center this November for two unforgettable programs. Acclaimed speaker and writer, Wajahat Ali, visits the Lafayette Library and Learning Center on November 4 for a compelling conversation on the state of our democracy. On November 18, join renowned mycologist and viral social media sensation Dr. Gordon Walker as he discusses his new book, Passport to Kingdom Fungi. Purchase your tickets at LLLCF.org/fungi

Programs:

Dr. Gordon Walker - Passport to Kingdom Fungi on November 18 - Join acclaimed mycologist and social media personality, Dr. Gordon Walker (@fascinatedbyfungi) for a captivating discussion on foraging, sustainability, cooking practices, and so much more! 

At the Library:

3D Printing Expo on November 1 - Visit the Lafayette Library for an afternoon of 3D fun! See 3D printers in action and enter a special drawing for a 3D printed prize. Learn more on the library’s website.

Indigenous Tales & Songs- Storyteller Alicia Mary Retes on November 25 - Celebrate Native American Heritage Month! Listeners will be given the opportunity to play ethnic rattles & will be taught a Pan-American song. Learn more on the library’s website.  

Holiday Closures

• Veterans Day: All Contra Costa County Libraries will be closed on November 11 for Veterans Day.
• Thanksgiving: All regularly open Contra Costa County Libraries will close at 6 p.m. on November 26 and all day on November 27

Reminder: New California Building Code Goes into Effect January 1

The updated California Building Code will go into effect on January 1, 2026. In order for your project to be reviewed by the County under the current code, a building permit must be reviewed and approved by the City in time to submit it the County before January 1, 2026. Please make every effort to submit your building permit to Lafayette Planning for review as early as possible, such as October or November 2025. For more information, visit https://www.lovelafayette.org/planning, call us at (925) 284-1976 or email planner@lovelafayette.org.

City Meetings & Events 

Planning Commission Meeting

The Planning Commission meeting on Monday night starts at 7pm and includes:

• Appeal of the Zoning Administrator's denial of request from Hui-Tong (Owner) for Design Review Permit and Variance to condition an existing barn into a single-family home
• Request by Robinson Family Trust (owner) for lot line revision to move the property line between two parcels under common ownership and variance to allow a 120 sq.ft. garden shed to be located near the northern property line at 19 Springhill Lane & 20 Springhill Lane

See the full agenda for the staff reports as well as information about how to participate in or watch the meeting. Information is also available at www.lovelafayette.org/calendar.

Other Top Meetings This Week

• Emergency Preparedness Commission - Nov. 3 at 10am
• Transportation & Circulation Commission - Nov. 3 at 7pm
• Public Art Committee - Nov. 5 at 4pm
• Senior Services Commission - Nov. 6 at 3:30pm

More information is available at www.lovelafayette.org/calendar

Reminder to Check Your Smoke Alarms when you Change Your Clocks  

Daylight Savings Time Ends at 2am on Sunday, November 2. Changing your clocks is also a good time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Be sure to change replaceable batteries if needed. Smoke alarms save lives! Working smoke detectors alert you more quickly in the event of a fire and provide you and your loved ones with more time to escape safely. 

ONE LAST LOOK Fall Art Reception on Monday, November 10

Join the Public Art Committee for One Last Look, a closing reception celebrating our Fall Art Exhibitions! Enjoy light refreshments, meet the artists, and take one final look at three inspiring shows before they close at the end of the month. The reception will be held in the Community Hall Gallery at the library (3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.) from 5 to 6:30pm.

Now on View:

• Hidden Gems: Revealing Geometry in the Landscape by Jenna Hobbs — On view in the Community Hall, this series blends abstraction and representation to uncover the quiet elegance of geometry woven into the natural world.
• Bottles to Blues by Fergus Folan — Featured in the Library Display Case, this exhibition celebrates the harmony of clay and music through wheel-thrown porcelain guitar slides that bring the blues to life.
• Building Portraits by Laura Heinrich — On view in the Library Homework Center, these works explore landscapes of renewal, capturing the haunting beauty of abandoned structures alongside the vibrancy of revitalized spaces.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy one last look before the exhibitions close on November 30.

Coffee with the Cops on Saturday, Nov. 15

Connect with the Lafayette Police Department at Lafayette Public House on Saturday, November 15 from 9 to 10am. 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!

Tea Dancing for Seniors – Every Wednesday

The Tea Dance takes place every Wednesday from 11:30-1:30 in the Live Oak Room at the Community Center. Free to Senior Services Members (join for $15 a year)/$10 per dance for non-members. Come join the fun! Questions? Call Lafayette Senior Services at (925) 284-5050. Below is a photo from this week’s Lamorinda Tea Dance Halloween celebration.

Other Community News & Events

White Pony Express (WPE) County-wide Food Drive Through November 30

To support neighbors affected by the suspension of CalFresh (food stamps) benefits, WPE is calling on the entire community—residents, schools, faith groups, and businesses—for donations of shelf-stable foods to help offset the impact of the federal funding freeze and ensure that no one in Contra Costa County goes hungry. WPE currently supplies food to 110 local nonprofits that distribute the food to those in need. Download the food drive flyer to post on social media or share.

What to Donate: This drive prioritizes protein-rich items, including:

• Canned tuna, chicken, or salmon
• Nut butters
• Beans and lentils
• Shelf-stable milk
• Canned soups and chili

Other shelf-stable foods are also welcome.

Drop-off location:

Monday through Friday 7am-3pm; Weekends 7am to 2pm

White Pony Express, 2470 Bates Avenue, Suite D, Concord, CA 94520

Lafayette Restaurants are Transitioning to Washable, Reusable Food Service Ware

Oasis Café, 360 Gourmet Burritos, and The Rising Loafer have already made the switch by partnering with RecycleSmart, Lafayette’s Solid Waste Authority, and ReThink Disposable, to switch from single use throw-away food service ware to reusable food service ware, such as plates, cups, sauce cups, and utensils. There is limited funding available for Lafayette food establishments. Contact RecycleSmart for information at authority@recyclesmart.org. You can also email them to share your tips or experiences using reusables to reduce waste at restaurants.   

Friends Corner Book Shop is Having a Half-Price Sale on Saturday

Saturday, November 1, every book in the shop will be 50% off.  Shop hours are 10am to 4pm. Proceeds from the Friends Corner Book Shop supports the collection, programs, and services of the Lafayette Library.

Caldecott Tunnel Overnight Closure November 3 through 5 for Maintenance

Starting Monday, November 3 through Wednesday, November 5, from 10pm to 4:30am each night, Bore 2 of the Caldecott Tunnel (eastbound) will be closed for tunnel washing and maintenance. During the work, all other bores in each direction will remain open.

Dining with Moraga Rotary Fundraiser at La Finestra Restaurant on November 12

Take out dinner of penne pasta with Italian sausage and mushrooms from La Finestra Restaurant. Last day to place orders is November 10 by 5 pm. Select your pickup time on Nov 12 when you place your order at moragarotaryfundraiser.com. The cost per meal is $40 ($25 for food, and $15 donation). Orders $80 and over include one free bottle of wine (Must be 21+ years of age to pick up). Your donation will continue to help support local youth projects by Moraga Rotary.

28^th Annual Pre School Faire on November 12

The Preschool Fair is designed to help local parents find a preschool for their children, organized by Lamorinda Moms. Free to attend. The Faire will be held 5 to 7pm at the Oakwood Athletic Club Gymnasium (4000 Mount Diablo Blvd., Lafayette).

Lafayette Chamber Business Seminar on Nov. 14: From Vision to Action

The Lafayette Chamber invites business professionals to attend their fall seminar From Vision to Action on November 14, 9am to noon at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center in the Don Tatzin Community Hall (3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd). This 3-hour business seminar is free for all current Lafayette Chamber Members and is $30 for guests and non-members. The interactive seminar will be broken into three sessions during which participants will learn how to create a compelling vision, translate it into an actionable growth plan, and use AI tools to accelerate execution. Registration required at https://lafayettechamber.org/seminars.

Get your Tickets Now for Lafayette Chamber's 46^th Annual Community Thanksgiving Breakfast on Nov. 18

Join the Chamber for this annual event filled with inspiration and gratitude that highlights the power of design, compassion, and community collaboration. Hear a presentation by Sunflower Hill  on Designing Dignity – Inclusive Housing for Neurodivergent Communities

• Explore the transformative vision behind Sunflower Hill at 949 Moraga Road, Lafayette's upcoming Permanent Supportive Housing project —a pioneering development designed to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
• Representatives from Sunflower Hill, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit co-developing affordable and inclusive housing since 2012, will share how thoughtful architecture, supportive services, and genuine community partnership can redefine what home means for everyone. 

Businesses, organizations, residents and community leaders are invited on Tuesday, November 18 for breakfast at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center from 7 to 8:30am. Please note: this year we are meeting on Tuesday morning! Please use this Registration link  Cost is $45. More information is at lafayettechamber.org/breakfast

Looking for more upcoming happenings around town?

Visit the Chamber’s Community Events Calendar online.

Miscellaneous

Hamlin Parkland is envisioned as a place where residents will be able to explore native habitats, connect with nature, and enjoy scenic views of Lafayette’s hillsides. Learn more about the project and how you can get involved at www.lovelafayette.org/hamlinnaturepark.

If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity: Use this map from the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to find free food locations or call them at 855-309-FOOD (3663). To find out if you qualify for grocery assistance, learn more about CalFresh. For additional information and referrals, call 2-1-1 (from within Contra Costa or 800-833-2900 if calling from outside the local area) or text HOPE to 20121. Referrals to community services are available 24/7 in multiple languages.

Want to help people facing food insecurity? Consider donating to local food distribution organizations such as the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano  |  White Pony Express.org  |  Monument Crisis Center

Know Your Rights Regarding ICE: Read resources compiled by the County’s Employment & Human Services Department and Stand Together Contra Costa. Stand Together Contra Costa’s Rapid Response hotline is 925-900-5151.

Is Your Neighborhood Firewise? Every year millions of homes across the United States are at risk of being impacted by a wildfire. The primary threats to these homes are embers—burning pieces of wood and/or vegetation that are carried away from the main fire by wind—and small flames from surface fire carried directly to the home. Learn the steps you and your neighbors can take to help protect your property from wildfire by joining Firewise. Refer to our new interactive map to see if your neighborhood is already participating!

Reduced ADU Development Impact Fees: The City has temporarily reduced the development impact fees charged for new Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by 50% through 2026. And, if you finish construction by September 30, 2026, you may be eligible for a rebate through the ADU Accelerator Program. Learn more about all the current incentives.

Discover Lafayette Artists on Instagram: Follow and like our new account @LoveLafayetteArtists and use the hashtag #LoveLafayetteArtists in your Instagram posts about local art and artists!

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 15 to October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month and the month of October as Global Diversity Awareness Month.

October is also Filipino American History Month | German American Heritage Month  | Italian American Heritage Month  | Polish American Heritage Month | LGBTQ History Month | National Disability Employment Awareness Month | ADHD Awareness Month | Down Syndrome Awareness Month  | Learning Disabilities Awareness Month

31           Halloween

1              All Saints’ Day (Christian)

1-2          Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead (Mexico)

11           Veterans Day – City Administrative Offices will be closed in observance of this holiday

Photo for the Week

Mural Production Underway in downtown Lafayette! Artist Rachel Perls has returned to her hometown to create the first mural commissioned through Lafayette’s Public Art Program. Production began on Monday, and it is a pleasure working with Rachel, whose enthusiasm and professionalism are matched by her artistic vision. Follow the Public Art Committee on Instagram @lovelafayetteartists for updates and images!

Quote for the Week

What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.

- Helen Keller

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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.

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