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Friday, February 20, 2026| What’s Doing in Lafayette?

News From the City Manager’s Corner

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

• Police Department Fills Youth Services Officer Position
• Public Meeting Monday Night on Proposed Residential Project at 949 Moraga Road
• Construction on Long Awaited BART Bike Station/Pathway Project Starts Monday
• Congratulations to Lafayette’s 2026 Citizen of the Year, Carol Singer!
• City Council Meeting Monday Night

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

Police Department Fills Youth Services Officer Position

The Lafayette Police Department recently filled the Youth Services Officer (YSO) program to strengthen partnerships with local schools, parents, and community organizations. The YSO will enhance campus safety, provide proactive education and mentorship, and serve as the primary liaison between the Police Department and schools in Lafayette.

YSO Tanner Blank will work closely with school administrators to assess and respond to potential threats and campus emergencies. Officer Blank will also deliver age-appropriate presentations on topics such as personal safety, substance abuse awareness, e-bike safety, and responsible social media use.

Reinstating the Youth Services Officer program reaffirms the Lafayette Police Department’s commitment to proactive policing, early intervention, and strong, collaborative partnerships with our schools and community, as well as fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and Lafayette’s youth.

When you see Officer Blank around town or at your child’s school campus, be sure to wave or say hello!

Public Meeting Monday Night on Proposed Residential Project at 949 Moraga Road

The City is in partnership with non-profit developers, Sunflower Hill and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) to support the development of 48 supportive housing units at 949 Moraga Road (the City-owned parking lot across from Lafayette Elementary School). The City has pledged to contribute the land for the development, conditioned on the project acquiring full funding.

On Monday night, the Design Review Commission and Planning Commission will hear public comments on the Project; review the proposed development and provide advisory comments regarding building design, site planning, landscaping, and applicable Downtown Objective Design Standards; and provide a recommendation to the City Council. Read the agenda packet for the staff report, renderings, and information about how you can participate in the meeting.

SAHA/Sunflower Hill are proposing to build a four-story residential building with 48 units of supportive housing for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). The project will provide 100% affordable units, comprised of a mix of two and three-bedroom units as well as on-site amenities for residents. The application is being processed pursuant under State Density Bonus Law and as a 100% affordable housing project, the project qualifies for ministerial review without discretionary review.

Construction on Long Awaited BART Bike Station/Pathway Project Starts Monday

The BART Bike Station/Pathway Project will increase safe access for pedestrians and bicycle riders to the station, encourage alternative modes of transportation in and around Lafayette’s downtown, and create a welcoming entry to our downtown. The project consists of four primary components:

• Improving the existing Town Center pathway segment between the Lafayette BART station and the Downtown core.
• Creating a new public plaza to serve as a community gathering place and safe pedestrian-oriented transition between the Town Center Pathway and the BART station. 
• Creating a new secure Bike Station with space for up to 82 bicycles
• Installing a new piece of public art: Dandelion Seeds, by Kinematics Lab, which will feature 15 giant, hand-formed, stainless steel dandelion seeds suspended above the new pedestrian plaza that will gently bob and turn in the wind.

Starting on Monday (Feb. 23), the City’s contractor will begin work on the project.  As part of this work, approximately 50 reserved parking spaces in the area south of the Lafayette BART station (Lot A) will be closed (see diagram). The project will permanently remove 19 BART parking spaces to create the plaza and vehicle turnaround.

Read more about the project and sign-up for weekly construction updates sent directly to your email inbox on the project webpage.

Congratulations to Lafayette’s 2026 Citizen of the Year, Carol Singer!

The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce longtime resident and civic leader Carol Singer as the 2026 Citizen of the Year, honoring more than 50 years of dedicated service to the community. A deeply influential volunteer who has served for four decades on the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Commission, Carol has played a pivotal role in shaping Lafayette’s parks  and trails. Carol has also been a champion of civic engagement through her work on other City advisory groups as well as with the Lafayette Homeowners Association, Friends of the Lafayette Library, the Age-Friendly Action Plan, and decades of involvement in local campaigns. Known for her thoughtful, research-driven approach and respectful collaboration, Carol’s impact is felt across the city.

We’ll celebrate her remarkable legacy at the Citizen of the Year Dinner (hosted by the Lafayette Chamber) on March 19 at 6pm at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa. To learn more about Citizen of the Year, and register for the dinner, visit https://lafayettechamber.org/coy.

Meetings & Events 

City Council Meeting on Monday Night

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

• Presentation by the Public Art Committee (Annual Update on Goals and Accomplishments)
• Resolution to Adopt the 2025 Building Standard Code, as modified by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
• Resolution to Adopt electronic filing requirement for campaign finance disclosure statements

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.

Road Repaving Project Detailed at Community Meeting This Wednesday

The City is hosting an informational meeting about this summer’s road paving projects. Join us online on Wednesday, February 25 at 7pm to learn how these projects may impact existing frontage improvements as well as street access and traffic flow during construction, etc. More information, including the list of streets to be rehabilitated this summer (approx. June through September) is available on our website.

Lafayette Senior Services in partnership with the Lafayette Police Department is offering the Age Well/Drive Smart Workshop on Thursday, Feb. 26

Ready to stay sharp and save money behind the wheel? CHP’s “Age Well/Drive Smart” program will be offered in the Elderberry Room at the Lafayette Community Center on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 10:00am – Noon. This free, interactive workshop is designed for adult drivers of all ages to help you drive longer and safer. You’ll get the inside scoop from officers with the Lafayette Police Department and the California Highway Patrol on everything from distracted driving and new vehicle technology to pedestrian safety and calculating transportation costs. Plus, if you're over 55, your Certificate of Attendance could qualify you for a Mature Driver Discount on your auto insurance, helping you fight back against rising rates. Don’t miss this chance to brush up on your skills and secure your independence. Advance registration required and spots are filling up. Sign up with the link or email seniors@lovelafayette.org to save your spot.

Other Top Meetings This Week

• Design Review Commission Joint Meeting with the Planning Commission - February 23 at 7pm (mentioned above)
• Crime Prevention Commission - February 24 at 6pm
• Public Art Committee - Special Meeting - February 25 at 4pm

Other Community News & Events

“Press Start” Performed by Burton Valley Elementary Students at Town Hall Theatre February 20 & 21

PRESS START transports us inside the bright, pixelated world of video games! When the famous characters we know and love run out of lives, they decide to put on a musical fundraiser to help them raise gold rings and play on. Through hilarious and heartfelt musical numbers, we see the heroes, villains and sidekicks like we’ve never seen them before. But when things go terribly awry, it’s the quiet sidekick Little Mushroom who must find the hero within to help save the day!

Buy tickets on Town Hall Theatre (THT)’s website. Performed by Burton Valley Elementary students as a part of THT’s Education Residencies program. 

Roadwork in 3900 Block of Mt. Diablo Blvd

Starting Monday, crews will be working to install a new sewer line to the Cancer Support Community building at 3939 Mt Diablo Blvd. This work may periodically impact traffic, so drive with extra caution in the construction area.

Last Chance to Purchase Tickets - Emily Almanza at the Lafayette Library 

On Tuesday, February 24, join the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation for a captivating conversation with attorney and former public defender, Emily Galvin Almanza. Almanza will be joined by Neil Chase, CEO of Cal Matters, to discuss her latest book The Price of Mercy-- a book weaving hard data, unforgettable stories, and compelling evidence to tell us the truth about what’s really going on behind the closed doors of America’s criminal courts. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.lllcf.org/special-events.

Rotary Club of Moraga’s Lunar New Year Dinner – Order by Feb. 21

On Wednesday, February 25. Golden Palace Restaurant ,  will provide meals that include 3 Vegetable Egg Rolls, 3 Chicken Potstickers, 3 Sesame Balls, Vegetable Fried Rice, 1 bottle of Tsingtao Beer, Mandarin Orange, and Laysee (red envelope with gold chocolate coin). The cost per meal is $40 ($25 for food, $15 donation). The last chance to place your order is February 21 by 5 pm.  More details online at www.moragarotaryfundraiser.com. Your donation will continue to help support Rotary Club of Moraga’s local youth projects.

LPIE Gala Punchlines with Purpose Online Auction Opens Monday

Ready, set, bid! Support public education by bidding on exclusive experiences, local favorites, and one-of-a-kind items in the Punchlines with Purpose online auction. The online auction Opens 9am on Monday, February 23 and closes at 7pm on Saturday, March 7. Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE) is a community-driven fundraising organization and all proceeds help fund people, programs, and classroom enrichment across all six Lafayette public schools. Learn more & bid online.

Join the Lafayette Chamber Young Professionals at Papillon Gourmet Coffees on Thursday Morning

Lafayette Young Professionals (YoPros) are early and emerging career professionals who want to build connections, grow professionally, and engage with Lafayette’s business community.  The group will meet at Papillon Gourmet Coffees from 9 to 10am on Thursday, February 26 at 67 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette, where participants can purchase coffee and refreshments if they wish. Discuss 2026 goals and progress towards them, as well as do general networking.

Registration required. There’s 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.

EBMUD Lafayette Reservoir Tower Upgrade Project Update: Community Meeting Online Thursday Evening

EBMUD’s Lafayette Reservoir Tower Upgrade Project is getting underway. EBMUD will host a community meeting on February 26 at 6pm via Zoom to share what park visitors can expect during construction, discuss the anticipated construction schedule, and answer questions from the community. Community members should register for the meeting on the Lafayette Reservoir and Water System Upgrades project webpage.

More links:

• EBMUD webpage on Lafayette Reservoir Tower Upgrade Project including renderings of the new tower during high, average and low water elevations
• City webpage on Lafayette Reservoir Tower Redesign including more background on the topic and the community effort to advocate to retain the height of the iconic tower that has symbolized Lafayette for decades.

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 receiving scam emails that impersonate the City 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 verified phone numbers or our official website, www.love.lafayette.org.

• Do not reply, click links, or send payment. 
• Verify sender addresses carefully: Official City emails end in @ci.lafayette.ca.us or @lovelafayette.org. We DO NOT USE the domain “@usa.com”
• Contact the City directly using trusted phone numbers:
  • Main Office:                (925) 284-1968
  • Planning Department:  (925) 284-1976
  • Public Works & Engineering Department:   (925) 284-1951

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.

Coyote Awareness: You may notice increased coyote activity during their winter mating season. To reduce potential conflicts with our wild neighbors, residents are reminded not to feed wildlife, secure trash and other food attractants, and keep pets leashed, especially small dogs. If encountered, remain calm, make yourself appear large, and encourage the animal to move away. For more information please visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website https://wildlife.ca.gov/HWC/Coyotes 

Know Your Rights Regarding ICE: Access 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. 17 – March 18     Ramadan

Feb. 20     World Day of Social Justice

Feb. 21     International Mother Language Day

Photo for the Week

Congratulations to Carol Singer on being named Lafayette’s 2026 Citizen of the Year! Thank you for all you have done for our community. (Photo credit: Lafayette Chamber)

Quote for the Week

You must go on adventures to find out where you belong.

 - Sue Fitzmaurice

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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.