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Friday, December 5, 2025 | What’s Doing in Lafayette?

Edited 12/6/25 at 7:30am

News From the City Manager’s Corner

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

• Register for Winter/Spring Recreation Programs and Classes
• “It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette” Holiday Celebration
• Lafayette Planning Commission to Review New Building Design Standards on Dec. 15
• Public Comments on Plan Bay Area 2050 Due By December 18
• Police Department Statistics for November
• More Than a Library! What’s Happening in December
• City Council Meeting Monday Night

If you have feedback for us about these topics, send an email to lafayettelistens@lovelafayette.org.

Register for Winter/Spring Recreation Programs and Classes

Registration opens THIS SUNDAY, December 7 at noon for winter/spring recreation programs for all ages. The 2026 Winter/Spring Rec Guide is available online and reaching mailboxes soon.  If you haven’t taken a class with us before, you can create your account now and build a ‘wish list” to refer to when registration opens. 

If you need help registering for a class or program, send an email to recreation@lovelafayette.org or call us at 925-284-2232.

It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette Holiday Celebration Sunday Evening

Join us on Sunday (December 7) at Lafayette Plaza from 4 to 6pm for the Chamber’s 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

Learn more at lafayettechamber.org/holiday

Lafayette Planning Commission to Review New Building Design Standards on Dec. 15

The City of Lafayette is in the process of updating our Objective Design Standards (ODS). Join the Planning Commission at its upcoming review of standards relating to building setbacks and step backs, where to put parking, building design styles, articulation, fenestration, and more! Display boards with clear explanations will be available for review at 6:30pm (30 minutes ahead of the 7pm meeting). No previous background or experience discussing architecture required - come to learn! For more information, visit the ODS webpage.

Public Comments on Plan Bay Area 2050 Due By December 18

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) are accepting public comments on their Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ and the Plan Bay Area 2050+ Draft Environmental Impact Report through 5pm on Thursday, December 18. 

Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ charts a course for the future of the Bay Area over the next 25 years and will shape growth and investment across the region’s nine counties and 101 cities. You can  

Read and comment on the draft plan online at planbayarea.org/draftplan.

Written comments will be accepted via:

• Mail: to MTC Public Information Office, Attn: Plan Bay Area -or- Draft EIR Comments, 375 Beale Street, Suite 800, San Francisco, CA, 94105
• Email: info@planbayarea.org for Draft Plan Bay Area 2050 or eircomments@bayareametro.gov for the Draft EIR.
• Phone: (415) 778-2292  

Comments will be reviewed by officials from both ABAG and MTC as they consider the adoption of Final Plan Bay Area 2050+, slated for early 2026. 

Questions? Visit planbayarea.org, email info@planbayarea.org or call (415) 778-6757. 

(Note: On Monday night, the City Council will discuss sending comments on the Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ and related EIR.)

Police Department Statistics for November

More Than a Library! What’s Happening in December

Programs:

• The Crossword Show with Zach Sherwin and KQED December 11 is sold out.

At the library:

• The Grinch Search and Find - The Grinch has stolen the holiday decorations! Help find them all. They are scattered about the Children's Area. Complete the search-and-find and receive a prize!
• Noon Years Eve Celebration on December 31 - Celebrate New Years before bedtime! We will read stories, sing songs, and welcome our very special guest, Mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie! Learn more on the library's website.

 Holiday Closures:

• Christmas - All Contra Costa County Libraries will be closed on December 24 and 25 for Christmas Eve/Day.
• New Years - All regularly open Contra Costa County Libraries will close at:
• 5 p.m. on December 31 and all day on January 1

Click on the image to visit the LLLCF website:

City Meetings & Events 

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

• Presentation of Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
• Annual Update from the Senior Services Commission
• Annual Update from the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Commission
• City Council Reorganization (including thanks to Mayor Candell for her leadership this past year!)
• Comments on MTC/ABAG’s Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+

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
• Youth Commission – Dec. 8 at 6pm
• Parks, Trails & Recreation Commission – Dec. 10 at 7pm
• Environmental Task Force – Dec. 11 at 7pm

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

Winter Art Exhibitions at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center

The Public Art Committee is pleased to feature three compelling exhibitions this winter season, each offering a unique perspective and medium:

• Lois Reynolds Mead – On the Table | Homework Center

  Lois’s collages explore the textures, colors, and personal connections of family table-top still lifes, reflecting on gatherings missed during the pandemic.

• Stephen Elbert – Lines. Planes. Volumes. Shapes. | Community Hall

  Stephen’s photography captures geometric patterns and urban structures, highlighting the graphic qualities of human-made environments.

• Suzanne Rogge – Swerving In and Out of My Lane | Display Case

  Suzanne’s jewelry blends traditional metalsmithing with experiments in diverse materials, reflecting her playful exploration of form and technique.

These exhibitions are on view at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center from December 2, 2025, through February 1, 2026.

Year End Office Closure

The Main City Offices and Police Department Administrative Offices will be closed Wednesday, December 24 to January 1, reopening on Friday, January 2, 2026, while the Parks & Recreation main office will reopen on Monday, January 5. See more information about the Year End Office Closure.

Other Community News & Events

Friends Corner Book Shop is Having a Sale

It’s a wonderful opportunity to take care of some of your holiday shopping! On Saturday, December 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. Details at www.lllcf.org/friends-book-shop

Wreaths Across America at Lafayette Cemetery on Dec. 13

This December, the Acalanes Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is honored to remember Lt. William Andrew “Bill” Jackson—World War II veteran, Bronze Star recipient, and longtime Orinda history teacher whose influence shaped generations of students.

By attending or sponsoring a wreath, you help ensure that every veteran resting at Lafayette Cemetery is remembered with dignity and gratitude. The wreath laying ceremony will be held on Saturday, December 13 at noon (rain or shine) at the Lafayette Cemetery, 3285 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

Lamorinda Arts Council Events

Join Lamorinda Arts Council at the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library for a free Artist Reception this Saturday, December 6 from 2:30 to 4:30 pm celebrating the December show. This exhibit features Tom Franco, Alan Chin, Kate Chenok, Karen Sanford and Judith Feins and presents “Serendipity”, with paintings by MaryLou Correia, Flora Baumann, Stephen Berry, Jessica de Jesus, Marian Harris and Nancy Roberts. 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 intricate painting by artist Stephenie Bushra Khan. 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 at https://lamorindaarts.org/how_to_exhibit/ 

A Roadmap to Kindergarten & Transitional Kindergarten on Tuesday Night

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 to 5 in the upcoming 2026–2027 school year opens January 7, 2026, at 9 am at www.lafsd.org.

WOW Lecture on Wednesday at the Library About Japanese Art Forms

On Wednesday December 10 at 2 pm in the Don Tatzin Community Hall at the Library, the Friends of the Lafayette Library WOW program will host a speaker from the Asian Art Museum. The lecture will explore the variety, complexity, and beauty of traditional Japanese art forms including Kimono, netsuke, swords, lacquerware, screens and scrolls. Register at tinyurl.com/wow-dec2025

Lafayette Chamber Holiday Mixer & Vendor Fair This Wednesday Dec. 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.

County Survey about Getting Involved in County Government

The Contra Costa County Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice is preparing three community workshops in 2026 to help residents learn how county government works and how to have their voices heard. Before they plan the details, they would love to hear from YOU:

What topics or skills would be most helpful? What would make it easier for you to attend? What local issues matter most to you right now? Your ideas will help design the workshops. Take the survey by December 12.

Learn About Water Conservation Rebates

Register for EBMUD's virtual office hours on Dec 16 from 12 to 1pm to ask questions about EBMUD rebate programs, offer project advice, and answer your rebate questions. Learn more at ebmud.com/rebates.

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.

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

Learn how to best prepare for wildfire and other disasters by taking the CERT class series! You can register for the winter class series starting January 8, 2026 in Moraga. The winter class series will be on Thursday nights through March 5 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at the Hacienda de las Flores. The subjects covered in the class include: 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 and pet preparedness. Spaces are filling up fast, so register now at https://classes.lamorindacert.org

Looking for more upcoming happenings around town?

Visit the Chamber’s Community Events Calendar online.

Miscellaneous

Holiday Safety Tips: Here are a few simple steps to keep your home, mail, and vehicles secure this holiday season:

• If traveling, ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home, pause mail and newspaper delivery, and ensure windows, doors, cameras, and outdoor lighting are all functioning properly.
• To prevent package and mail theft, track deliveries closely, avoid leaving packages on your porch, and consider using signature-required delivery or a locking mailbox.
• When out shopping, don’t leave valuables visible in your vehicle, always lock your doors, and park in well-lit areas.

New California Building Code Goes into Effect January 1: For more information, visit https://www.lovelafayette.org/planning.

Senior Wellness Center Drop-in Program: The SWELL Center at the Lafayette Library is open to anyone 65 and older. Drop in 10 am to noon on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for a casual get together at the library. Have a cup of coffee and a pastry or join in a board game! Senior SWELL is offered in partnership with Lamorinda Village.

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!

Dec. 6                          St. Nicholas Day

Dec. 8                          Bodhi Day (Buddist)

Dec. 8 to 12                National Inclusive Schools Week

Dec. 10                                 Human Rights Day

Dec. 14 to 22                      Hanukkah (Jewish)

Starting Dec. 16               Las Posadas (Christian/Mexico)

Starting Dec. 21          Yule (Pagan)

Dec. 24                       Christmas Eve (Christian)  - Start of City’s Year End Office Closure

Dec. 25                        Christmas (Christian)

Dec. 26                       Kwanzaa

Photo for the Week

This photo is from last year’s It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette Holiday Celebration. We hope to see you at Lafayette Plaza on Sunday for this year’s event.

Quote for the Week

I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.

 - Rosa Parks

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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.

 Learn more about Lafayette’s other digital publications and social media sites here.