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The Weekly Roundup, November 21, 2025
Friday, November 21, 2025 | What’s Doing in Lafayette?
Editor’s Note: We are truly thankful to each reader of this e-newsletter. We hope it helps you stay informed and engaged with the City and broader community. We will be taking next week off due to the Thanksgiving Holiday and will back in your inbox in December!
News From the City Manager’s Corner
This week’s updates from City Manager, Niroop Srivatsa highlight:
- Lafayette Community Day will not be held in 2026
- Updating Design Standards for New Development
- Tree Safety Reminders
- Mural Comes into Bloom Downtown
- City Council Meeting Monday Night
- Thanksgiving Holiday
- “It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette” Holiday Celebration
If you have feedback for us about these topics, send an email to lafayettelistens@lovelafayette.org.
Organizers Announce Lafayette Community Day will not be held in 2026
This week, together with our event partners, the Community Foundation of Lafayette and the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, we are announcing that Lafayette Community Day will not be held next year. A lot goes into hosting an event such as this, and unfortunately, we do not have either the financial or human resources to undertake Community Day in 2026. We are truly grateful for the past sponsors, project hosts, and the many volunteers who made this event such a success over the past four years. We hope to revisit the concept of Community Day in the future as circumstances allow. You can submit feedback to us at hward@lovelafayette.org.
Updating Design Standards for New Development
This week, the Design Review Commission hosted a community meeting to hear community input about Objective Design Standards (ODS) regarding building form, design, and site layout for future development of multi-family, commercial, and mixed-use residential development. If you missed it, you can watch the consultant’s presentation at the DRC meeting.
Next, the Planning Commission will review the ODS updates at their December 15 meeting and make a recommendation to the City Council regarding adoption. For more information, visit www.lovelafayette.org/ods.
Tree Safety Reminders
Early on Tuesday morning, a large tree fell on Olympic Boulevard (near Olympic Oaks) blocking both lanes. Our hard-working Public Works crew responded to help get the roadway cleared within a few hours. Because of the location of the tree, East Bay Regional Park District and the County also assisted with clearing and removal. Thank you to all the responders who helped out.
During the wet months, trees can fall down due to strong winds or saturated soil. Please assess the safety and need for maintenance of your trees.
- Trees on private property (including within the right of way adjacent to private property) are the maintenance responsibility of the property owner.
- Please follow the City’s Tree Ordinance and tree permit requirements regarding significant trimming or removal of protected trees. Read more at https://www.lovelafayette.org/city-hall/city-departments/planning-building/do-i-need-a/tree-permit
- If a tree has fallen in the roadway and is blocking traffic, on weekdays, call Public Works 925-934-3908; Afterhours or on the weekend, call Police non-emergency dispatch at 925-284-5010. Note: the property owner will be mailed a bill for the crew's time to clear the roadway.
Mural Comes into Bloom Downtown
Artist Rachel Perls is putting the finishing touches (weather permitting) on a mural featuring beautiful native Matilija poppy flowers on the wall of Zahra Boutique Salon in downtown Lafayette. Come take a look!
City Meetings & Events
City Council Meeting
The City Council meeting on Monday night starts early at 6pm with a closed session. The open session starts at 7pm and includes:
- Rehabilitation of the four fields at Buckeye Fields and Lafayette Community Park
- Request from the Park Theater Trust for relief from payment of encroachment permit fees related to the Park Theater Renovation
- Request for State funding for wildfire mitigation
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 Meetings This Week
- Design Review Commission - cancelled
More information is available at www.lovelafayette.org/calendar
It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette Holiday Celebration on Dec. 7
Next Sunday, December 7, join us from 4 to 6pm at Lafayette Plaza for the annual, free, family-friendly holiday celebration filled with festive fun, including:
- Free Lafayette Express train rides
- Santa photo ops & kids’ crafts
- Live entertainment
- Free hot chocolate & holiday treats
- Tree lighting at 5:30pm
Presented by the Lafayette Chamber, sponsored by Dana Green Team, Branagh Development, and the City of Lafayette. Learn more at lafayettechamber.org/holiday
Other Community News & Events
Over the River and Into the Woods Performances Tonight & This Sunday
The Diablo Women’s Chorale (DWC) presents a joyful concert celebrating the wonders of nature, devotion, and true love. From No Roots to Cry Me a River to Bridge Over Troubled Water, DWC brings to life autumn’s warmth, hues, and harmonies. Performances are tonight Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 pm and Sunday, Nov. 23 at 3 pm at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church. Founded in 1942, the Chorale has been a beloved East Bay tradition for more than 82 years. Tickets are available at diablowomenschorale.org.
Contra Costa versus Solano Holiday Food Fight
The Holiday Food Fight is an annual friendly competition between Contra Costa and Solano Counties to raise funds for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. You can make a donation by December 31through Supervisor Andersen’s office (District 2).
Each month, the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano distributes enough emergency and supplemental food to provide 2.7 million meals.
Vote by Nov. 30 on Local Waste Reduction Projects
Republic Services and RecycleSmart are awarding one local waste-reduction project a $3,000 community grant — and your vote will decide the winner! Learn more and cast your vote at www.ContraCostaRecycles.com.
Save the Date for the Lafayette Chamber Holiday Mixer & Vendor Fair on Wednesday Dec. 10
On December 10, join Lafayette Chamber members and the community for an evening of networking, community connection, and local business discovery - including holiday shopping! Select vendors will be showcasing their products, some for purchase. Free for Lafayette Chamber Members & Friends of the Chamber; Guests - $10 in advance and $20 at the door includes complementary non-alcoholic beverages and no-host bar. Wednesday, December 10 from 5 to 7pm at the St. Perpetua Church - The Great Hall, 3454 Hamlin Road, Lafayette. Details on the Chamber website.
Ready...set.... ACTION!
The renovation of the Park Theater is about to get underway! Hours of Construction will be Monday through Saturday 8am to 6pm with the first sign of activity the removal of the iconic tower's neon Novial glass tubing for safe storage and subsequent restoration. Fundraising remains a critical component of progress as The Park Theater Trust works diligently to keep construction costs in check during industry-wide increases in materials and skilled labor, and the uncertainty of tariffs. Please check www.parktheatertrust.org for construction updates and to learn how you can support this exciting and important civic project.
County Urges Immigrants Eligible for Medi-Cal to Enroll Before the End of 2025
Contra Costa County strongly encourages adult undocumented residents without health insurance to enroll in Medi-Cal this year while they are still eligible. Read more on the County’s website. In Contra Costa, residents can call EHSD at (866) 663-3225 for information about enrolling in Medi-Cal or apply online at BenefitsCal.com.
Looking for more upcoming happenings around town?
Visit the Chamber’s Community Events Calendar online.
Miscellaneous
Hear about the Work and Accomplishments of the City’s Crime Prevention Commission and Emergency Preparedness Commission: If you missed their recent annual updates to the City Council, you can watch the presentations on our YouTube Channel.
New California Building Code Goes into Effect January 1: For more information, visit https://www.lovelafayette.org/planning.
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.
Lamorinda CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) - Winter class series starts January 8 in Moraga. To register go to: https://classes.lamorindacert.org
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 and Lung Cancer Awareness Month
November is also National Adoption Awareness Month.
Nov. 27 Thanksgiving - City Administrative Offices will be closed on Thursday Nov. 27 and Friday Nov. 28
Nov. 28 Native American Heritage Day
Dec. 1 Rosa Parks Day: Illuminating Our Path to Civil Rights
Dec. 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Dec. 6 St. Nicholas Day
Photo for the Week
Cheers to 90 years of the Roundup Saloon!
Lafayette’s hometown hangout since 1935, when horses got carrots and riders got beer! From Lou Borghesani’s hitching post to today’s shuffleboard showdowns, generations of locals and visitors have gathered here to swap stories, forge friendships, and soak up that unmistakable Roundup spirit. Our thanks to the current owners Karen and Mike Johnson who keep its charm alive. The Roundup remains a treasured piece of Lafayette history—and a place where the good times still roll. Happy 90th to Lafayette’s oldest continuously operating business and a true community icon! (Photo credit: Lafayette Chamber of Commerce)
Quote for the Week
Each day brings new opportunities, allowing you to constantly live with love—be there for others—bring a little light into someone's day. Be grateful and live each day to the fullest.
- Kyo Maclear
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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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