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Friday, January 23, 2026| What’s Doing in Lafayette?

News From the City Manager’s Corner

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

• Join us at the Downtown Mural Celebration on Monday Evening
• Recently moved to Lafayette? Plan to Drop by the Hello Lafayette Event on Feb. 3
• Reminder: Don't Use Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers 
• Independent Review of City’s Finances Receives Clean Audit
• Volunteers Needed for Early Morning Point in Time Count on Jan. 29
• Deadline to Nominate Lafayette’s Citizen of the Year is Next Friday, February 6
• Announcing the Passing of former Lafayette School District Governing Boardmember Kenny Tuckerman
• City Council Meeting on Monday Night

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

Join us at the Downtown Mural Celebration on Monday, January 26

Join us on Monday evening to celebrate the completion of the first mural in the Lafayette Downtown Mural Program from 5 to 5:30pm at 3578 Mt. Diablo Blvd., (west-facing wall of Zahra Boutique Salon).

Created by Lafayette native and artist Rachel Perls, the vibrant mural celebrates Lafayette’s natural beauty through a bold, contemporary interpretation of the native Matilija poppy. More information about the artist and the program are online at www.lovelafayette.org/murals

Recently moved to Lafayette? Plan to Drop by the Hello Lafayette Event on Feb. 3

If you are new to Lafayette (in the last year or so), we hope you will drop by our family-friendly event, which is designed to help you get connected with the most important resources in town. Hello Lafayette is hosted by Lafayette Juniors, the City, and the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation. Enjoy light refreshments as you explore tables hosted by key community partners and local organizations. There will also be games/activities for kids. RSVP encouraged but not required. More information is on our website at www.lovelafayette.org/NewResidents

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

Reminder: Don't Use Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers 

Operating a gas-powered leaf blower is not allowed in Lafayette as they pollute the air, are harmful to operators and bystanders, and create high levels of noise. Property/homeowners are responsible for all violations where gas leaf blowers are used on their property.  If a gas leaf blower is observed being used, it may be subject to citation. Citations (issued to the property/homeowner) begin at $100 and can increase up to $1,000 after a third offense. Electric leaf blowers are still allowed (only from 7am to 10pm). Here’s a video about our Enforcement Approach.

To talk with your landscaper or neighbors about the gas leaf blower ban, download and print a brochure or flyer (bilingual).

To report gas leaf blower use, submit a complaint on our website or via the City's app. It’s very helpful to us if you are able to include a photo as well as the schedule of when the landscaper is typically at that location.

• Website link: www.lovelafayette.org/maintenancerequest (select "Code Enforcement")

• Or, download the My Lafayette app on your smartphone - it's available in the Apple App Store and Google Play - Android Store. The app is operated by GoGov, Inc.

For background on the ban, which went into effect in July 2024, visit https://www.lovelafayette.org/leaf-blowers

Independent Review of City’s Finances Receives Clean Audit

At the January 11^th City Council meeting, Financial Services Manager Tim Przybyla presented the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year 2024/2025. While the City’s annual budget is a plan for the upcoming fiscal year, the ACFR details the actual results of the prior year's financial activities. Tim reported that the independent auditing firm of Badawi and Associates issued a “clean” audit opinion confirming that our financial statements accurately represent our true financial position and complies with accounting standards. He also noted that the City continued to strengthen its financial position in Fiscal Year 2024/2025, which was an exceptional year, as the City’s General Fund increased its fund balance by $5.35 million. The largest part of that increase was the recognition of $3.46 million of remaining funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. Although the ARPA funds were received back in 2021 and 2022, they could not be recognized as revenue until the funds were expended.

The ACFR is available the City’s website. The transmittal letter is a great place to read the general overview of the audit and the City’s financial situation. You can delve deeper into the numbers and:

• Read about last year’s revenues and expenditures
• See a snapshot of the City’s financials, including debt
• Compare the actual revenue collected and spent to the budget
• Read statistics about Lafayette

Volunteers Needed for Early Morning Point in Time Count on Jan. 29

Contra Costa County is still 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 29th, from 5:30 to 9am. To learn more, register, or share this opportunity, visit the Point in Time Count Hub or Volunteer Registration page. Questions? Contact contracostacoc@cchealth.org

Reminder: Deadline to Nominate Lafayette’s Citizen of the Year is Next Friday, February 6

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 by noon on February 6. Nominees must be current Lafayette residents and not hold any elected position. Preference is given to those whose impact has been felt over many years and across multiple groups. Submit your nomination at: https://lafayettechamber.org/coy.

Announcing the Passing of former Lafayette School District Governing Boardmember Kenny Tuckerman

Kendall (“Kenny”) Tuckerman passed peacefully last week following a battle with metastatic melanoma. Kenny was an active volunteer in the Lafayette School District and had a particular interest in supporting and advocating for students with special needs, including serving on the Board of the SEED Foundation. He subsequently served for more than two years as a member of the Lafayette School District Governing Board. He was also a dedicated volunteer with Canine Companions, having helped and raised five litters of puppies for service dog training.

Before moving up to Washington in 2021, Kenny and David Tuckerman were long-time residents of the Lamorinda area, first in Orinda and later in Lafayette. A memorial service is planned for spring 2026, with the location to be determined. To receive notification of the event, please provide contact details to Jean Follmer at jeanfollmer@yahoo.com. In lieu of flowers, the Tuckerman family suggests that charitable donations be made in Kenny’s memory to the Melanoma Research Alliance.

Meetings & Events 

City Council Meeting

The City Council meeting on Monday night starts early at 6pm with an Emergency Preparedness Training for the City Council on the Incident Command System (ICS). The meeting continues at 7pm and includes the following items:

• Discussion of the Lafayette Plaza Holiday Display Policy
• Confirmation of the City Council Priorities for FY25-26
• Findings and recommendations from the Facilities Assessment study which evaluated the capital needs for the City’s buildings, parks, and trails over the next 20 years.
• Adopting the Final Budget and Workplan for FY25-26

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

• Design Review Commission cancelled
• Crime Prevention Commission – January 27 at 6pm

Family Sweetheart Dance on February 6

Join us for a heartwarming evening filled with love and laughter at the Lafayette Community Center. 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.

Other Community News & Events

Contra Costa Accepting Applications for Civil Grand Jury Service

Contra Costa County Superior Court is now accepting applications for Civil Grand Jury service for FY 26-27. The Civil Grand Jury is made up of 19 members who serve for one year, July through June, to monitor, review and report on city and county governments, special districts, and school districts. Every effort is made to ensure that the Grand Jury reflects the makeup of the residents of the county. Interested? Contact the Office of the Civil Grand Jury at (925) 608-2621 or visit their website.

Seeking Nominations for Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame

Contra Costa County is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Youth Hall of Fame Awards, honoring outstanding county residents ages 12 to 18. Nominees should demonstrate exceptional character in one of six areas:

• Good Samaritan
• Volunteerism
• Teamwork
• Leadership and Civic Engagement
• Perseverance
• Innovation and Empowerment

For more information and the application to nominate youth in our community, click Nomination Form. Nominations must be received or postmarked by February 20.

County Offers Free COVID-19 Test Kits

As winter respiratory illnesses rise, Contra Costa County is expanding access to free at-home COVID-19 test kits. District 2 residents can now pick up kits at Supervisor Andersen's Danville Office, 309 Diablo Road, Danville (Phone 925-655-2300).

County Health officials remind the community that at-home testing is an easy way to identify infections early, especially for those with symptoms, visiting vulnerable individuals, or returning to work or school.

Contra Costa Health also continues to share guidance on staying healthy, including staying home when sick, frequent handwashing, and seeking care if symptoms worsen. By making testing more accessible, the County aims to help residents stay safe and informed throughout the winter season. 

The Menopause Monologues Pop-up on January 25

The Menopause Monologues: Unplugged is coming back to Town Hall Theatre this Sunday at 3pm featuring some of the original monologues 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.

Lafayette Chamber Nonprofit Network Meeting on Thursday Morning

This session, led by Ann Appert, will focus on “Grant Application Strategies,” including, best practices and common mistakes to avoid. Thursday, February 5 from 8:30-10:00am at Creekside Commons, located at 1035 Carol Lane in Lafayette. Registration is required at:
https://lafayettechamber.org/nonprofits/ 

The Chamber’s Nonprofit Network encourages and guides nonprofit organizations as they fulfill their essential role within our community. Meetings foster collaborations, share expertise, and promote best practices among seasoned nonprofit professionals from large organizations and foundations, as well as small and newly launched nonprofits. Guests are welcome to attend their first meeting for free. After that, participants may join the Lafayette Chamber or attend for a $20 guest fee per event.

Contra Costa Poetry Out Loud Competition on February 7

Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country. In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, this year’s program will focus on poems that celebrate the rich tapestry of American history and culture. The Contra Costa competition will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 11am to 1pm at Pinole Valley High School, 2900 Pinole Valley Rd, Pinole, CA

Volunteer as a Project LPIE Judge

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. Visit lpie.org to learn more about Project LPIE and contact Colleen Byrd at colleen@lpie.org if you’re interested in helping. 

Need Help with Utility Bills?

Did you know? PG&E and EBMUD provide several customer assistance programs to help low-income households and those experiencing financial hardships.

• EBMUD offers eligible residential customers a 50% reduction on their bimonthly water service charge and a 35% discount on wastewater charges through their Customer Assistance Program (CAP), with additional support available through the Water Lifeline program for emergency situations.
• PG&E helps manage energy costs through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, which provides a 20% or more monthly discount on gas and electric bills, and the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program for households with three or more people. For severe hardships, PG&E offers the REACH program (Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help), which provides up to $800 in one-time grants to pay past-due bills, while also providing debt forgiveness through the Arrearage Management Plan (AMP).

Both utilities offer flexible payment plans, and income-eligible residents can often qualify for assistance from both companies simultaneously. 

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 people recently receiving scam emails that impersonate City departments and request fraudulent payments. 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.

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 February as Black History Month.

Feb. 1-2           Tu BiShvat  (Jewish)

Photo for the Week

Have you seen our lawn signs around the Springhill School neighborhood reminding drivers to drive safely? Traffic safety continues to be a top priority in the City of Lafayette, with the goal of reducing injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers/passengers. We are pleased to work with local school PTAs to share these lawn signs around town throughout the year. Did you know that speed is the most critical factor that affects the severity of injuries? For more information and safety tips, visit www.lovelafayette.org/slowdown

Quote for the Week

Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

- 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.