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Friday, January 16, 2026| What’s Doing in Lafayette?

News From the City Manager’s Corner

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

• Last Call for Artists to Apply for Spring Exhibits
• Downtown Mural Unveiling on January 26
• Hello Lafayette Event to Welcome New Residents
• Update from the City Council Meeting
• Reminder: Curbside Pick-up of Holiday Trees

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

Last Call! Deadline for Artists to Apply for Spring Exhibits is Wed., January 21

We’re seeking photographers, sculptors, painters, collage artists to apply to showcase a solo show (8 to 10 works) in Lafayette’s downtown galleries and Town Hall Theatre lobby. Share your art and help us build a vibrant arts community. Apply on our website.

Downtown Mural Unveiling on Monday, January 26

Celebrate the unveiling of the first mural in the Lafayette Downtown Mural Program! This vibrant new work, created by artist Rachel Perls, reflects our commitment to creativity and public art. The Public Art Committee extends a big thank you to Rachel Perls, Julie Del Santo and Dudum Real Estate Group for providing the wall, ABG Projects for bringing the mural to life, and Lafayette residents for their continued support of the arts.

Come and join this special celebration:

Monday, January 26 at 5pm

3578 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette

Hello Lafayette Event to Welcome New Residents

If you recently moved to Lafayette (in the last year or so), you're invited to join a welcoming event hosted by the City, Lafayette Juniors and the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation.

Hello Lafayette!

February 3, 2026 
Drop by 6 to 8 pm
Lafayette Library and Learning Center - Don Tatzin Community Hall
3491 Mount Diablo Blvd, in downtown Lafayette

This family-friendly event is designed to help you get connected with the most important resources in town—saving you the time and stress of searching on your own. Enjoy light refreshments as you explore tables hosted by key community partners and local organizations.

Meet friendly representatives and neighbors who can help you:

• Learn about activities, programs, and services in Lafayette
• Find opportunities to meet people, get involved and engage with the community
• Problem-solve home and neighborhood questions

This is a drop-in event. RSVP encouraged. More information is on our website at www.lovelafayette.org/NewResidents

Update from the City Council Meeting

On Monday night, the items related to the Facilities Assessment Study as well as the FY25-26 Final Budget and Workplan were postponed to the next City Council meeting.

The City Council reviewed the draft Objective Design Standards, heard public comment, and gave staff and the consultant feedback on the document. Objective Design Standards (ODS) for multi-family, commercial, and mixed-used residential development govern building form, design, site layout, and more. Staff will update the draft document based on this feedback and bring an adoptable draft to both Planning Commission and City Council in the future. Once meeting dates have been set, meetings will be noticed and the ODS webpage on the City’s website will be updated at that time.

The City Council also heard a presentation about Public Art in Lafayette – you can watch it on our YouTube Channel.

Reminder: Curbside Pick-up of Holiday Trees

Republic Services will pick up unflocked holidays trees from homes and multifamily properties on your regular garbage collection day during the week of January 19. Rember to remove lights, ornaments and tinsel. Trees taller than 6’ must be cut in half.

Meetings & Events 

• Planning Commission cancelled
• Transportation & Circulation Commission cancelled
• Creeks Committee – January 21 at 7pm
• Senior Services Commission – January 22 at 2:30pm

Get Tickets Now for the Middle School Dance and Family Dance Events

• Tri-City Middle School Dance on January 23 – Teens! Get ready for the ultimate star-studded party at our “Night on the Red Carpet” dance! This isn’t just any dance – it’s packed with great games/activities and an awesome DJ playing all your favorite hits to keep you dancing all night long! Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebrity-style fun. Bring your energy, your friends, and your best red-carpet moves! 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Students only. Buy tickets now.
• Family Sweetheart Dance on February 6th - Join us for a heartwarming evening filled with love and laughter. This special event promises a delightful celebration for all ages, complete with music, dancing, and cherished moments. Create lasting memories with your loved ones in a joyous atmosphere. Register now.

Call (925) 284-2232 with questions. Both events held at the Lafayette Community Center (500 St. Mary's Rd., Lafayette).

Other Community News & Events

Board of Supervisors 48th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony

On Tuesday, January 20 at 11am, honor Dr. King’s enduring work and vision with the County Board of Supervisors. The hour-long Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony will include the introduction of the 2025 Humanitarian of the Year and the Student Humanitarian of the Year. Can’t make it to Martinez? Watch the ceremony live online at contracostatv.org. It will also be broadcast on Contra Costa Television (CCTV).

Lamorinda Volunteers Needed for Point in Time Count

Contra Costa County is seeking volunteers from Canyon, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda and Walnut Creek for the annual Point in Time (PIT) Count, a one-day, countywide effort to count individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This HUD-required count helps determine critical funding for homelessness services in our County. Volunteers work in pairs to collect data using a mobile app and may either drive or assist with data collection. The count itself will be held on Thursday, January 29, from 5:30 to 9am. To learn more, register, or share this opportunity, visit the Point in Time Count Hub or Volunteer Registration page.

Lafayette Chamber News & Upcoming Events:

Lafayette Chamber Connectors Meeting on Wednesday, January 21 – Meet Chamber members to learn about their business and grow your professional network. The group will meet at Creekside Commons on Wednesday, January 21, from 8:15-9:30am at 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. No cost for Lafayette Chamber members. Guests welcome to attend their first Lafayette Chamber event/meeting for free, then we encourage guests to join the Lafayette Chamber or pay the $20 guest fee during registration. Register at https://lafayettechamber.org/connectors/

Lafayette Chamber Young Professionals Meeting on Thursday, January 22 – This affinity group builds authentic relationships and supports personal growth for early- and mid-career professionals and business owners. The group will meet at Beasts of the Bay Strength on Thursday, January 22 from 5:30-7pm at 1041 Stuart St, Suite A, Lafayette. Light refreshments will be served. Our January theme is "Reset & Rise." Start the year with clarity, energy, and community. Reset your physical wellness, and personal and professional goals with intention—so you can rise in your career and life. We will have networking opportunities and feature four speakers:

• Dr. Chris Brown, The Specific Chiropractic Centers 
• Tommy Burns, Beasts of the Bay Strength
• Emily Yarman, Neutral Massage and Wellness 
• Kate Mason, Lafayette Chamber Director of Membership Engagement, and Executive Coach 

Register at https://lafayettechamber.org/yopros/. Guests are welcome to attend their first meeting for free and then may join the Lafayette Chamber or pay a $20 guest fee per event.

Tickets Available for 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. More information about the honorees 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. Deadline to submit your nomination is noon on Friday, February 6. Help honor the next great name in Lafayette’s proud tradition of community champions!

Learn About Water Conservation Rebates

Get Answers About EBMUD's Rebate Programs during virtual office hours from 12 to 1pm on Jan. 20 or Feb. 3. Find out about EBMUD’s Water Conservation programs that can help save water and money. Details at ebmud.com/rebates.

The Menopause Monologues Pop-up on January 25

The Menopause Monologues: Unplugged is coming back to Town Hall Theatre on January 25 at 3pm featuring some of the original monologues created for the premier here in Lafayette in 2024, along with some new pieces from 2025, to create a pared down, interactive afternoon of entertainment. The show will also feature a Q&A with Dr. Lee Christianson of Lamorinda Gynecology & Surgery who will answer any and all pertinent questions from the audience.

Lamorinda Arts Council's 23rd Annual High School Visual Arts Competition

Submissions are open to local high school students 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. Registration is open through February 21. More information is available at https://lamorindaarts.org/vac

Share Your Professional Expertise - Judges Needed for Project LPIE

LPIE is currently seeking community members with professional experience or training in art, writing, acting, music, STEM, digital design, or video production to judge Project LPIE. Most judging (except for acting and music) is completed online, so the time commitment is small, but the impact is huge.

This project-based competition gives students at Acalanes High School and Stanley Middle School the opportunity to submit work they’re most proud of, while receiving thoughtful, professional feedback from judges in each category. The Project Showcase will be held on April 10 at the Lafayette Library, where winners are announced. Visit lpie.org to learn more about Project LPIE, and contact Colleen Byrd at colleen@lpie.org if you’re interested in helping. 

Second Annual Truck Sign Art Contest

Young artists in Lafayette can help create the highly visible educational truck signs on the Republic Services recycle, compost, and garbage trucks! Students in 3^rd through 12^th grade are invited to participate in the truck sign art contest that highlights any or all the Five R’s – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot – to raise awareness and encourage everyone to prevent and reduce waste. Artwork submissions are due March 27, 2026. For submission guidelines visit: www.recyclesmart.org/truck-sign-art-contest.

Looking for more upcoming happenings around town?

Visit the Chamber’s Community Events Calendar online.

Miscellaneous

Beware of Scam Invoice Emails Claiming to be From the City: We are 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.  If you receive any suspicious communication claiming to be from the City, do not respond or send payment. Instead, contact the City directly using trusted phone numbers. Read more on our official website.

Help Shape Your Community’s Future: Join an Advisory Body: 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.

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

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

Recently, we hosted an outing to a Warriors game and our youth were invited onto the court during the National Anthem - What a memory!

Quote for the Week

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

– Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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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.