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Edited 5:08pm on November 7, 2025

Friday, November 7, 2025 | What’s Doing in Lafayette?

News From the City Manager’s Corner

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

• Food Assistance Resources
• City Council Meeting Monday Night
• Fall Art Reception Also on Monday Night
• Reducing Single-Use Plastics at Restaurants
• Hamlin Parkland Feedback
• Coffee with the Cops Next Saturday 

For anyone who needs to find food resources during the federal disruption to CALFRESH benefits, visit the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano’s Find Food in My City webpage or call (855) 309-FOOD (3663). Additional Resources include:

• California Food Banks website
• Contra Costa Crisis Center website (also call 988 or (800) 273-8255; or text “HOPE” to
• 20121)
• 211 Contra Costa Database which has a comprehensive database of local health and social services for Contra Costa residents.
• County Employment & Human Services Department website for County updates related to the federal government shutdown.

Want to help people facing food insecurity? Consider donating to local food distribution organizations such as:

• Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano – donation barrels are located at Main City Offices (3675 Mount Diablo Blvd., #210), Lafayette Community Center (500 St. Mary's Rd.), Lafayette Library and Learning Center (3491 Mt. Diablo Boulevard)
• White Pony Express.org – Drop off donations at White Pony Express, 2470 Bates Avenue, Suite D, Concord, CA 94520 Monday through Friday 7am-3pm; Weekends 7am to 2pm
• Monument Crisis Center - host a drive at your office, school or neighborhood
• Local Scouting America Scouting for Food Drive - collection day on Saturday, November 15

Fall Art Reception on Monday Night

Join the Public Art Committee for One Last Look, a warm and welcoming closing reception celebrating our Fall Art Exhibitions by Jenna Hobbs, Fergus Folan and Laura Heinrich. This is a great opportunity to meet members of the Public Art Committee, ask questions about how public art takes shape in our town, and enjoy one final viewing of works by three talented local artists before the shows close at the end of the month.

On Monday (Nov. 10) from 5 to 6:30pm, come enjoy light refreshments, connect with artists and neighbors, and experience the creativity that continues to shape Lafayette’s cultural landscape. The reception will be held in the Community Hall Gallery at the library (3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.). We hope to see you there!

Our Environmental Task Force Wants to Reduce Single-use Plastics at Restaurants – Join in the Conversation

The City’s Environmental 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 signup for ETF agendas using e-notifications.

Missed the Hamlin Parkland Workshop?

If you weren’t able to attend the Hamlin Parkland Subcommittee Workshop on October 29, you can still share your thoughts on the future of Lafayette’s newest parkland. You can review the workshop materials and complete a brief online survey before Monday, November 17, 2025. Your feedback will help guide trail alignments, access points, and amenities for the Hamlin Parkland site.

Consider Representing Lafayette on the Mosquito & Vector Control District Board

The City Council is seeking volunteers to serve as Lafayette’s representative to the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District, a tax-funded special district responsible for the county wide control of mosquitoes, rats, skunks, and ground nesting yellowjackets. Their Board of Trustees meets on the second Monday evening of every other month. Committees meet approximately twice a year or as needed. Contact the City Clerk’s Office for more information about applying to serve on the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District Board or a different advisory body.

Roadwork on Tuesday to Repair Guardrails on Reliez Station Road

This coming Tuesday, November 11, the City’s contractor (Sonnikson) will repair damaged guardrails on Reliez Station Road near Andreasen/Beechwood (south of Olympic). Message boards have been placed in the neighborhood. A lane closure will be necessary, so flaggers will be in place to control traffic. Please expect some delays.

Police Department Statistics for October

City Meetings & Events 

City Council Meeting

The City Council meeting on Monday night starts at 6pm with a closed session. The open session starts at 7pm and includes:

• Introduction of new Accounting Technician
• Crime Prevention Commission Annual Update
• Emergency Preparedness Commission Annual Update
• Update on Connecting Lafayette: Downtown Pathways and Schools Safety Project – 65% Design and Landscape Plans

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

• Lafayette Youth Commission - Nov. 10 at 6pm
• Design Review Commission - Nov. 10 at 7pm
• City Council Legislation Committee - Nov. 12 at 5pm
• Parks, Trails & Recreation Commission - Nov. 12 at 7pm
• Environmental Task Force - Nov. 13 at 7pm (mentioned above)

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

Coffee with the Cops Next 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!

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.

Other Community News & Events

Registration is now open for the next Lamorinda CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) class

Learn how to best prepare for a wildfire, earthquake or other disaster! If you are not already CERT-ified, you are encouraged to register for the winter class series starting January 8, 2026 in Moraga. The winter class series will be on Thursday nights from through March 5 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at the Hacienda de las Flores. Spaces are filling up fast. To register go to:  https://classes.lamorindacert.org

The CERT class includes:

• personal and home preparedness for all-hazard emergencies
• hazardous materials and fire safety
• disaster medical response
• light search and rescue
• Incident Command System
• disaster psychology
• terrorism
• radio communications
• pet preparedness.

Acalanes Chapter, NSDAR, Honors Veterans at the Lafayette Library
In recognition of Veterans Day, the Acalanes Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution invites the community to visit its tribute display inside the Lafayette Library. The exhibit honors veterans and celebrates their service and sacrifice through photos, books, and information about the upcoming Wreaths Across America ceremony at Lafayette Cemetery on Saturday, December 13 at 12 noon (rain or shine). The display at the library is on view through November 21.

Story Games at Town Hall Theatre on Monday, November 10

Collaborative Storytelling for Creative Minds! Step into a world where everyone helps create the story - Story Games blend improv theatre, imagination, and tabletop play—no scripts, no game master, just shared creativity. Together we’ll dream up new worlds, surprising twists, and unforgettable characters—all in one evening. Perfect for writers, performers, gamers, and anyone who loves stories. No experience needed—just bring curiosity. Monday, November 10 from 6:30–9:45pm at Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School St. Free. Donations welcome to support Town Hall Theatre 

Place Your Order for Dining with Moraga Rotary Fundraiser at La Finestra Restaurant

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. Your donation will continue to help support local youth projects by Moraga Rotary.

Caldecott Tunnel Overnight Closure November 10 through 12 for Maintenance

Starting Monday, November 10 through Wednesday, November 12, from 10pm to 4:30am each night, Bore 3 of the Caldecott Tunnel (westbound) will be closed for tunnel washing and maintenance. During the work, all other bores in each direction will remain open.

Tree of Lights Ceremony Hosted by Hospice East Bay 

For thirty-nine years, Hospice East Bay’s Tree of Lights ceremonies have offered community members a way to honor the lives of their friends and loved ones. You are invited to the Lafayette tree lighting at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, November 11 at the Round Up Saloon parking lot (3553 Mount Diablo Blvd.).

Hospice East Bay provides compassionate end-of-life care to terminally ill patients, while offering emotional, spiritual, and grief support for the entire family, as well as bereavement services at no cost to the entire community.

Veterans Day Beacon Lighting

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 75 invites everyone to the Veterans Memorial Building in Danville (400 Hartz Ave) at 5pm on Tuesday for the annual Mount Diablo Beacon Lighting ceremony.

Lafayette Library WOW Program Features Avril Angevine

On Wednesday November 12 at 2pm in the Don Tatzin Community Hall at the Library, the Friends of the Lafayette Library WOW program will host popular art lecturer Avril Angevine with her new lecture about MacArthur Foundation award winner Kara Walker and her current installation at SFMOMA, Fortuna and the Immortality Garden (Machine). With wit and elegance, Walker’s fantastic automatons confront troubling histories of race and gender and transmit the power of the human soul. Inspired by medieval mechanical icons, dolls, Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower, and situated in a field of black obsidian from Lake County’s Mt. Konocti, the installation is free to view in the Roberts Family Gallery until Spring 2026. Register for this event at tinyurl.com/wow-nov2025

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). Come learn about the City’s Tiny Tots Preschool Program and other local preschool choices.

Protect Yourself from Scams

In light of the approaching holiday season, and the increase in scams driven by technological advances, Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan's office is taking steps to raise awareness and help protect the community. She will be hosting a presentation by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation titled "Protect Yourself from Scams".

Scams are everywhere these days from phishing emails to fake investment opportunities. In this free workshop presented by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation and hosted by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan's Office, you'll learn how to spot the latest tricks scammers are using and what you can do to protect yourself and those around you. Topics covered will include the most common types of scams, red flags to watch for, and simple, practical steps to help you stay safe in today's digital world. Register for the seminar being held on Wednesday, November 12 from 9:30 to 10:30am at the San Ramon Community Center, Terrace Room (12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon).

Lamorinda Arts Council Events

• Join Lamorinda Arts Council at the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library for a free Artist Reception Nov. 15, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. celebrating the November show. The current exhibit features works by Anne Goldmann, Ania Lesela, Marnia Johnston and Nicole Reader. There will be several demonstrations of sculptor Marnia Johnston's robotic rovers during the reception. View the current show online at https://lamorindaarts.org/galleries-2

   

• Lamorinda Arts Council's Virtual Gallery is now live! The Virtual Gallery is a free resource for local artists to showcase their work. The Virtual Gallery is currently featuring evocative paintings by artist Kiley Ames. View the current show online at https://lamorindaarts.org/current-exhibits-library-gallery/. Interested in exhibiting your own work in the Virtual Gallery? Apply online.

Lafayette Business Women Affinity Group

Lafayette Chamber’s Lafayette Business Women Affinity Group will meet for their final networking event of the year at Pillar Cowork on Wednesday, November 12, 5:15 to 6:30pm. Registration is required. No cost for Lafayette Chamber members.  Guests welcome to attend the first meeting for free, then we encourage guests to join the Lafayette Chamber or pay the $20 guest fee during registration. Learn more and register at https://lafayettechamber.org/lbw.

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.

LPIE’s 2^nd Annual Community Crawl Next Saturday, Nov. 15.

There will be several activities (face painting, rock painting, lawn games, a petting zoo, etc.) for families to enjoy throughout Downtown Lafayette and admission is free. More details at www.lpie.org/crawl.

Also, tickets are now on sale for the LPIE Gala on March 7 featuring comedian Tom Papa. 

Save the Date! A Roadmap to Kindergarten & Transitional Kindergarten

Do you have a child entering Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten next year? If so, plan to attend this parent-only presentation, A Roadmap to Kindergarten & Transitional Kindergarten on Tuesday, December 9, from 6 to 7 pm at Lafayette Elementary School, Multi-Purpose Room (950 Moraga Road, Lafayette).

New student Pre-enrollment for grades TK–5 in the upcoming 2026–2027 school year opens January 7, 2026, at 9 a.m. at www.lafsd.org.

Looking for more upcoming happenings around town?

Visit the Chamber’s Community Events Calendar online.

Miscellaneous

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.

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.

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 November as Native American Heritage Month.

November is also National Adoption Awareness Month.

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

13-20    Transgender Awareness Week & Day of Remembrance

Photo for the Week

Lafayette Youth Commission’s Spooky Walk: Even with the unfortunate cancelation on Sunday due to the rain, last week’s annual Spooky Walk was still a huge success! See more photos from the event on their Facebook page.

Quote for the Week

The end of all knowledge should be service to others.

– Cesar Chavez

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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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