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Friday, January 9, 2026| What’s Doing in Lafayette?

News From the City Manager’s Corner

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

• Resolved to Get More Involved in Your Community? Join an Advisory Body and Share your Passion and Expertise with the City Council
• City Council Considers Reinvestment in Critical City Facilities in Current-Year Budget
• City Council to Give Feedback on Recommended Updates to Objective Design Standards for New Development
• Public Art Committee Updates
• Volunteer for the 2026 Contra Costa Homeless Point in Time Count
• Undeck the Halls: What to Do with Trees, Lights and More
• Beware of Scam Invoice Emails Claiming to be From the City
• Police Department Statistics for December

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

Resolved to Get More Involved in Your Community? Join an Advisory Body and Share your Passion and Expertise with the City Council

If you are interested in areas of civic life related to planning/development, creeks and environmental stewardship, crime prevention, senior services and more, visit www.lovelafayette.org/volunteers for more information about applying to serve on an advisory board, committee or commission.

City Council Considers Reinvestment in Critical City Facilities in Current-Year Budget

On Monday night, the City Council will have the opportunity to re-affirm their priorities as:

1. Wildfire Prevention, Preparedness/Responsiveness and Utility Safety

2. Mt. Diablo Corridor Plan

3. Focus on Fiscal Sustainability

They will also be presented with final FY25-26 budget and the recommendation from the recently completed Capital Facilities Assessment, which spotlights the amount of money that needs to be put away each year to maintain City buildings, parks and trails) over the next 20 years.

The City continues to practice prudent fiscal management and restraint and therefore remains in overall good financial health. The passage of the Measure H Sales Tax (1/2 cent) by voters has given the City much needed breathing room to continue to provide services at existing levels for at least the next six years until the temporary tax expires. However, the Capital Facilities Assessment study identified four key findings:

• The Community Center has reached the end of its useful life
• Other City facilities also require significantly higher contributions to pay for to future capital repairs, replacements, or upgrades.
• Community Park and Buckeye Fields each require major capital projects within the next 3 to 6 years.
• Near-term trail costs will outpace current funding.

While this assessment provides the City with a clear roadmap for addressing deferred maintenance needs for buildings, parks, and trails, it does not include roadway- and pathway-related infrastructure such as traffic signals, streetlights, rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs), pedestrian pathways (e.g., Springhill), and retaining walls along roadways

As a result of the study, the City Council Finance Subcommittee has made some budget recommendations prioritizing funding the City’s long-standing deferred maintenance needs over reserve accumulation.

City Council to Give Feedback on Recommended Updates to Objective Design Standards for New Development

Also on Monday night, the City Council will hear a presentation about the proposed updates to the City’s Objective Design Standards (ODS) that are being recommended by the Planning Commission and Design Review Commission.  The City Council will review and give feedback to Staff, who will return with an adoptable draft in the future.

ODS provide detailed, predictable design standards that strive to preserve community character while enabling new housing. The Phase 2 updates will apply to multi-family, commercial, and mixed-use residential development and address building form, design, and site layout. This effort implements programs in the City’s certified Housing Element and supports compliance with recent state housing laws (e.g., SB 330). For more information, visit the ODS webpage.

Public Art Committee Updates

Join Us at the Winter Art Reception on Monday, January 12 - Join the Public Art Committee for One Last Look, a warm and welcoming closing reception celebrating our Winter Art Exhibitions by Stephen Elbert, Lois Reynolds Mead, and Suzanne Rogge. Enjoy one final viewing of these works before the shows close at the end of the month. Come meet the artists, connect with neighbors, enjoy light refreshments, and learn more about how public art takes shape in Lafayette. Drop by the Community Hall Gallery at the Lafayette Library (3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.) on Monday evening from 5 to 6:30 pm.

Call for Artists – Application deadline: Wednesday, January 21 - Artists are invited to apply for Spring Exhibits! We are seeking local artists — photographers, painters, sculptors, woodworkers, and ceramists — interested in presenting a solo show (8 to 10 works) in Lafayette’s downtown galleries and the Town Hall Theatre lobby. Share your art, reach new audiences, and be part of our growing arts community.

Volunteer for the 2026 Contra Costa Homeless Point in Time Count

Volunteers are needed to be part of a one-day, county-wide project to count unsheltered people in Contra Costa. The Point in Time (PIT) Count is a snapshot of the number of families and individuals experiencing homelessness in Contra Costa on ONE night. Volunteers work in pairs and either drive or capture data on an iPhone-based app. You need to be available between 5:30 am and 9 am on Thursday Jan. 29 and also complete an IN PERSON volunteer training next week. Learn more and then register at https://arcg.is/a0jya. Questions? Email PITcount@cchealth.org or call/text 925-464-0152.

Undeck the Halls: What to Do with Trees, Lights and More

Republic Services will pick up unflocked holidays trees from homes and multifamily properties the week of January 12 and January 19. Remove lights, ornaments and tinsel. Cut trees taller than 6’ in half. Place your tree at the curb on your scheduled week on your regular garbage collection day. Have other unwanted décor? Read this article from Republic Services about how to dispose of ornaments and other seasonal items.

Beware of Scam Invoice Emails Claiming to be From the City

Unfortunately, today, we were made aware of scam emails that impersonate City departments and request fraudulent payments. These fraudulent messages may appear official, using logos or language meant to look authentic, but they are not from the City.  These scams are particularly convincing because they use publicly available information and mirror the timing and language of legitimate City processes.

Example of the Invoice Scam 

Emails have been sent from Planning.LafayetteCityCA@usa.com or similar, falsely claiming to be from the City of Lafayette or Planning Commission. The messages reference a real property address and project type, pulled from public information, and included a fake invoice PDF attachment for various fees such as: 

• Application Review & Processing 

• Zoning & Compliance Assessment 

• Legal & Administration 

• Public Notification & Documentation 

The emails instruct the recipient to reply for wire transfer instructions and to return a signed invoice and payment receipt via email. Emails also falsely claim that payment is required to proceed with next steps on the application. 

What to Do 

If you receive a similar email: 

• Do not reply, click links, or send payment. 

• Verify sender addresses carefully: Official City emails end in @ci.lafayette.ca.us or @lovelafayette.org.
• Contact the City directly using trusted phone numbers or websites listed below. 

The City of Lafayette will never request payment by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Legitimate City invoices and payment requests are sent only from official City email addresses, and staff are always available by phone or in person. When online payments are offered, they are processed through secure platforms such as Square. While this scam is currently targeting applicants to City departments, similar tactics are used in many types of fraud. Scammers often use techniques designed to pressure or confuse recipients. To protect yourself, keep the following red flags in mind: 

How to Spot a Scam – General Scam Awareness Tips 

• False sense of urgency: Scammers may claim your account is at risk or urgent action is required to push you into quick decisions. 
• Unusual payment methods: Any demand for wire transfers, cryptocurrency or gift cards is a strong sign of fraud. 
• Requests for sensitive information: A legitimate business will never ask for your password, PIN, or one-time codes via phone or text. 
• Suspicious language: Watch for spelling errors, awkward phrasing, or inconsistent formatting. These are common clues that the email is not legitimate. 
• Unrecognized senders or links: Verify the sender’s email address carefully and avoid clicking links if anything looks unusual. 

While this scam is currently targeting applicants to City departments, similar techniques are used across many types of fraud. Reviewing these general warning signs can help you recognize and avoid scams in other contexts as well.

If you receive any suspicious communication claiming to be from the City, do not respond or send payment. Instead, contact the City directly using verified phone numbers or our official website. Sharing this information helps protect our entire community.

City Website:             www.lovelafayette.org

Main Offices:             (925) 284-1968

Planning Department:  (925) 284-1976, planner@lovelafayette.org

Public Works & Engineering Department:   (925) 284-1951 

Library January Preview

Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation Programs 

• All January programs are sold out! Tickets for February programs are now available on our website, LLLCF.org

At the Library 

• Homework Help on Tuesdays - Now including reading help! Children in grades K-12 can sign up for a homework or reading help session, and a library homework helper will assist them with an assignment after school. Call or visit the info desk to schedule an appointment. 
• Stuffed Animal Sleepover Storytime on January 14 - Bring your stuffed animal to Storytime and they’ll spend a night at the Library! You’ll receive a mini photo album of their library adventures. Learn more on the Library’s website.

Spotlight

• Book Your Next Event at the Library! The Lafayette Library and Learning Center is a centrally located, versatile meeting place for corporate events and special occasions alike. With onsite support staff and free parking, the Library is a sought-after venue for business, private and non-profit groups from across the region. Hosting your meeting, celebration, recital, seminar, or other event here helps our Library thrive. Proceeds from rentals support the programs, technology, resources and extra hours at the Lafayette Library! Learn more at LLLCF.org/rent-a-room. 

Police Department Statistics for December

You can also look up events reported to the Police Department last week on this online Community Crime Map

Meetings & Events 

City Council Meeting

The City Council meeting on Monday night starts early at 6:15pm with a closed session. The open session starts at 7pm and includes:

• Presentation by Chair of the Public Art Committee on Lifelong Learning and the Arts
• Presentation of the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
• Confirm the City Council Priorities for FY25-26
• Adopt the Final Budget and Workplan for FY25-26 as recommended by the Finance Subcommittee
• Discuss findings and recommendations from the Facilities Assessment study whichevaluated the capital needs for the City’s buildings, parks, and trails over the next 20 years.

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:

Youth Commission – January 12 at 6pm

Design Review Commission - cancelled      

Parks, Trails & Recreation Commission – January 14 at 7pm

Other Community News & Events

Half-Price Sale at Friends Corner Book Shop This Saturday  

On Saturday, January 10, 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 https://www.lllcf.org/friends-book-shop

Lamorinda Arts Council's latest updates:

• Lamorinda Arts Council presents "Enamored With Canvas and Clay" featuring the Bay Area Studio Artists (BASA) at the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library, with works by Sharon Tama, Marcy Wheeler, Ellen Reintjes, Pam McCauley, Suzun Almquist, Ruth Stanton and Lassie Coleburn and ceramicists Nan Chrostek, Diana O'Byrne, Anne Shulenberger, Barbara Ward, Gorden Ward, Barbara Wheat and Bonnie Fry. Attend the Artist Reception this Saturday, January 10 from 2:30 to 4:30pm. More information online at https://tinyurl.com/LACJAN26
• 23rd Annual High School Visual Arts Competition: Registration is now OPEN for the 23rd Annual High School Visual Arts Competition! This annual competition and exhibit celebrates student artwork in four categories: 2D, 3D, Photography, and Digital Art and features an awards ceremony with cash prizes. Submissions are open to all high school students who live in or attend school in Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, or any of the Acalanes Union High School District schools. Registration is open through February 21st, 2026. Detailed information and other important dates are available at https://lamorindaarts.org/vac

Project LPIE Judges Needed

Project LPIE is returning to Acalanes High School and Stanley Middle School! This project-based competition gives students the opportunity to submit work they’re most proud of, while receiving thoughtful, professional feedback from judges in each category.

LPIE is currently seeking community members with professional experience or training in art, writing, acting, music, STEM, digital design, or video production. Most judging (except for acting and music) is completed online, so the time commitment is small, but the impact is huge. Visit lpie.org to learn more about Project LPIE, and contact Colleen Byrd at colleen@lpie.org if you’re interested in helping. 

Story Games at Town Hall Theatre – This Monday

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! Step into a world where everyone helps create the story at Town Hall Theatre (3535 School St.) on the second Monday of each month from 6:30 to 9:45 pm. Free, with a suggested donation to the theatre

Lafayette Chamber News & Upcoming Events:

Lafayette Business Persons of the Year Dinner on Jan. 29 A dinner honoring Lafayette’s 2026 Business Persons of the Year, Erin and Ford Andrews, is scheduled for the evening of Thursday, January 29 at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa. The dinner will also include the introduction of the 2026 Lafayette Chamber Board of Directors. Erin and Ford Andrews are the owners of Sideboard Lafayette and longtime Lafayette residents. More information about them and how you can attend the dinner is available at lafayettechamber.org/bpoy.

Nominate Lafayette’s Next Citizen of the Year! Do you know someone whose heart, dedication, and quiet leadership make Lafayette a better place to live? Now is the time to shine a light on the neighbors who lift our community every day. The Lafayette Chamber is seeking nominations for the 2026 Lafayette Citizen of the Year—an honor reserved for residents who embody the very best of our city.

The Chamber is looking for individuals who:

• Give generously of their time, talents, or resources to strengthen our community
• Lead with integrity, kindness, and exemplary character
• Bring people together and inspire pride in Lafayette
• Support local organizations, youth, seniors, businesses, or nonprofits
• Work behind the scenes without seeking recognition
• Champion collaboration, inclusion, sustainability, or innovative solutions

Nominees must be current Lafayette residents. Preference is given to those whose impact has been felt over many years and across multiple groups. Submit your nomination and help honor the next great name in Lafayette’s proud tradition of community champions.

Lafayette Business Women will meet on Wednesday, January 14 from 8:45 to10:00am at HOLISTIKA, located at 3416 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Suite B, Lafayette. The speaker will be Cari Jacobs-Crovetto from Brave Directions. Cari guides individuals in their self-growth and offers meditation classes, retreats, executive and life coaching. She also provides organization facilitation, workshops, and training. Register at https://lafayettechamber.org/businesswomen. No cost for Lafayette Chamber members. Guests are 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.

Candidates for State and County Offices in the June Election Can Begin Collecting Signatures

Candidates interested in running for State and County offices that will appear on the June 2, 2026 Primary Election can obtain forms from the Contra Costa County Elections Office at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez for circulating petitions to secure Signatures-In-Lieu for all or part of the filing fee. This is an optional filing process to assist candidates who wish to collect signatures to offset the filing fee to run for office and runs through February 4.   

The nomination period for the June 2 election opens February 9, 2026. For further information on this Primary Election and key dates, go to www.contracostavote.gov or contact the County Elections Office at (925) 335-7800 or via email at candidate.services@vote.cccounty.us.

Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center Offers Business Classes in East Bay

• Entrepreneurial Mindset, starting Jan. 12
• New Year, New Strategies, starting Jan. 13

Looking for more upcoming happenings around town?

Visit the Chamber’s Community Events Calendar online.

Miscellaneous

Register for Winter/Spring Recreation Programs: We have something for all ages and interests. See the 2026 Winter/Spring Rec Guide then register online. If you need help registering for a class or program, send an email to recreation@lovelafayette.org or call us at 925-284-2232.

Help Lafayette Solve the Single-Use Plastics Problem: Across California, single-use food packaging (like take-out cups, lids, utensils, and wrappers) is now one of the largest sources of pollution. A Bay Area study found 67% of litter comes from take-out food and drink—most of it plastic. The Environmental Task Force (ETF) aims to raise awareness among local restaurants and consumers about practical ways to reduce unnecessary waste. To learn more, visit the EFT’s webpage. Take a survey and provide us with your input. 

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!

January is Poverty Awareness Month

1          New Year

14        Mahayana New Year (Buddhist)

6          Epiphany (Christian)

7          Orthodox Christmas Day (Orthodox Christian)

14        Orthodox New Year (Orthodox Christian)

18        World Religion Day (Bahá'í)

19        Martin Luther King Jr. Day – In observance of the holiday, City Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19.

Photo for the Week

Have you spent time out in nature this new year? Share photos of what you see around town, and we might share one as an upcoming “Photo for the Week”!

Quote for the Week

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.

- Albert Einstein

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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.