Friday, March 6, 2026| What’s Doing in Lafayette?

News From the City Manager’s Corner

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

• Coffee with the Cops on Tuesday
• AARD’s Downtown Recreation Space Opens
• “ Virtual Coffee” with the Mayor and Vice Mayor on Friday
• Community Display in the Plaza Recognizing Ramadan through March 20
• Next Steps for Downtown Parking Management Study Presented
• Police Department Statistics for February
• City Council Meeting Monday Night
• Delay to Connecting Lafayette Project on School Street/Topper Lane

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

Have Coffee with the Cops on Tuesday Morning

Join us on Tuesday (March 10) from 10 to 11am at Sideboard Lafayette  (3535 Plaza Way) to ask questions and have meaningful conversations with officers/staff from the Lafayette Police Department. We hope to see you there!

New Downtown Recreation Space Opens on Tuesday

We are pleased to celebrate the opening of a new recreation space in downtown Lafayette created by the nonprofit All Ages Recreation Downtown (AARD). The new space, known as “The Den,” will provide an indoor location for recreation, gathering, and community programming in the heart of downtown.

Over the past several years, the City has worked collaboratively with AARD as the nonprofit has helped raise funds to support Lafayette’s parks and recreation system. AARD has also partnered with the City to bring pop-up recreation activities to community spaces such as Lafayette Plaza and the Oak Bridge parking lot temporary parklet, activating downtown with games, social activities, and opportunities for people of all ages to connect.

The opening of AARD’s Den expands these efforts by creating a dedicated indoor location for recreation programming. In addition to hosting activities for youth, families, and community members, AARD is partnering with Lamorinda Village to offer programming for older adults during designated hours, further broadening opportunities for engagement and connection.

You are invited to join us and celebrate the opening at a ribbon-cutting hosted by the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, March 10, from 4 to 5 pm at 3561-A Mt. Diablo Boulevard. Register for the Ribbon Cutting Event

Have Virtual “Coffee” with the Mayor and Vice Mayor on Friday

The Lafayette Chamber is hosting an online opportunity for the business community and residents to hear about the City Council’s top priorities for the year ahead from Mayor Carl Anduri and Vice Mayor John McCormick on Friday, March 13 from 8 to 9am including a live Q&A. Learn more and ask about:

• Wildfire preparedness
• Mt. Diablo Blvd. and downtown improvements
• Future of our recreation facilities

Register at www.lafayettechamber.org/coffee. Questions may be submitted in advance to holly@lafayettechamber.org or asked live during the Zoom session. Thank you to the Lafayette Chamber for hosting this series of community conversations.

Community Display in the Plaza Recognizing Ramadan through March 20

Last weekend, the Lamorinda Muslim Community (LMC) temporarily installed a crescent moon sculpture in Lafayette Plaza to welcome Ramadan. LMC commissioned Bushra Gill to create a three-dimensional sculpture of a crescent moon, which symbolizes the beginning of Ramadan, a time of reflection and renewal for Muslims. You can stop by Lafayette Plaza to see the display through March 20, which coincides with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. About the sculpture, local artist Bushra Gill said, “I use Islamic geometric patterns in my work to show order and connection, so the crescent is pierced and interwoven with those. The moon belongs to everyone, and I hope my sculpture is a reminder to reflect on our shared humanity and how we are all linked.”

Earlier this year, the City Council updated the Lafayette Plaza Holiday Policy to extend year-round, allowing eligible groups to apply for a temporary display any time of year (not just winter). The change is intended to celebrate Lafayette’s cultural diversity, foster civic pride, and encourage people to visit the downtown. Please contact Management Analyst Heather Ward at hward@lovelafayette.org with any questions about the Lafayette Plaza Holiday Display Policy.

Next Steps for Downtown Parking Management Study Presented

In case you missed it, on Monday night, the Transportation & Circulation Commission received an update and gave input on the Downtown Parking Management Study which will go to the City Council for adoption in a few months. This study looked at existing parking conditions, future demand associated with new housing and evolving travel patterns, and strategies to better manage the supply of parking in our downtown. Watch the video on our YouTube channel.

Search and Rescue Training in Downtown Lafayette Next Saturday

A training exercise is scheduled for Saturday, March 14 from 8am to 2:30pm in downtown Lafayette involving approximately 60 members of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Search and Rescue Team (SAR).

As part of the scheduled training, community members may notice uniformed SAR members moving around the Mt. Diablo Blvd. business district and on the Lafayette Ridge Trail in Briones Regional Park.

The training exercise will be a missing persons search in an urban setting. This is just an exercise and will not use CWS or other emergency alert systems.

Search team members will be visiting businesses, introducing themselves, and letting the businesses know that this is a training.

If you see the team during the exercise, give them a wave and thank them for their dedication to keeping our community safe! These volunteers donate countless hours to help others when they are most vulnerable.

If you have questions on Saturday about the exercise, call the Lafayette Police non-emergency dispatch line at (925) 284-5010.

To learn more about SAR, including volunteering or other ways to support their work, visit their website at www.contracostasar.org.

Police Department Statistics for February

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 at 6:30 with a closed session. The open session starts at 7pm and includes:

• Presentation about Town Hall Theatre (as part of the Lafayette Civic Values: Lifelong Learning and the Arts series)
• Introduction of new Senior Planner, Kraig Tambornini
• Annual Update by the Lafayette Youth Commission
• Annual Update by the Transportation and Circulation Commission

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.

Objective Design Standards (ODS) Review by DRC Working Group

To review input previously received, members of the City’s Design Review Commission (DRC) together with the liaisons from the City Council will review the latest draft of the Objective Design Standards (Phase 2). The review will take place in-person at City Offices (3675 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Suite 240) on Thursday, March 12, 2 to 5pm and March 19, 2 - 5pm (if needed). You are welcome to attend in person or submit written comments.

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. For more information, visit our ODS webpage.

Other Top Meetings This Week

• Youth Commission  — Monday, March 9 at 6pm
• Design Review Commission — cancelled
• Design Review Commission Objective Design Standards Working Group — Thursday, March 12 at 2pm (mentioned above)
• Environmental Task Force — Thursday, March 12 at 7pm

Updates on City-led Capital Improvement Projects

Delay to Connecting Lafayette Project on School Street/Topper Lane

As most readers are aware, the City has been working to fill a gap in the pedestrian and bicycle network by constructing a multi-use pathway along School Street (between Moraga Road to Topper Lane), a pathway along Topper Lane (from School Street to St. Mary’s Road) and a sidewalk on the north side of St. Mary’s Road (from Topper Lane to Birdhaven Court).

Although pathway construction was set to start this summer, there has been an unanticipated delay during the environmental review phase.  The City’s consulting archaeologist needs to conduct tests this month (in coordination with a Native American tribe representative, as necessary) to determine the presence or absence of cultural resources. Caltrans will review the report and consult with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and interested Native American tribes to decide if there are any mitigation measures we would need to undertake as part of the project.

We will continue with some work on School St. and Topper Lane including relocation of water lines, gas lines, and electrical poles, this spring/summer, however the pathway construction has been pushed back .. We will continue to make our best efforts to have the least impact to school commutes and operations during construction.

For background on the project, visit the Connecting Lafayette Project webpage.

BART Bike Station/Pathway Project

Information about the BART Bike Station/Pathway Project is available on the project webpage.

Road Repaving Project Information Shared with Residents

Curious about this summer’s road paving projects? Watch a recording of the recent community meeting to learn how these projects may impact existing frontage improvements as well as how we plan to manage 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.

Other Roadwork Advisories

Road Repairs on Reliez Valley Road – Be Alert for Lane Closure Starting Tuesday: Weather permitting, EBMUD’s contractor (Lucas Paving) will be restoring the pavement on Reliez Valley Road between Johnson Road and Withers Ave starting on Tuesday, March 10 to approximately March 24. This work requires a lane closure on Reliez Valley Road between 8:45am through 4pm Monday through Friday. The afternoon school bus drop off will not be interrupted (flaggers will let school buses through according to the regular bus schedule).

Look for message boards on Reliez Valley Road about the project. Once work is underway, please drive with caution and obey all signs and instructions from flaggers.

BART Slope Repair Work: Beginning next week, BART will begin construction to repair slopes underneath BART tracks at two locations in Lafayette:

• Brown Avenue between Deer Hill Road and Hall Lane, and
• El Nido Ranch Road between Pine Lane and Mt. Diablo Boulevard

This work will improve the stability of the eroded slopes and help keep BART riders, employees, and neighbors safe. Construction is expected to begin on March 9 and conclude in September 2026. Work will occur during the day through June. Some construction between 12:00am and 7am will be necessary. Crews will use vacuum trucks, water trucks, grinding tools, and hand drills during work hours. For more information, contact BART.

Continuing Roadwork in 3900 Block of Mt. Diablo Blvd: Roadwork continues 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.

Caldecott Tunnel Overnight Closures Continue Through March 13: Caltrans will continue overnight closures of bores of the Caldecott Tunnel for tunnel washing, routine maintenance, and drainage cleaning. Work is weather dependent and subject to change. Bore #1 (eastbound) will be closed from 10pm to 4:30am tonight. Bore #2 (eastbound) will be closed overnight on March 9 through 11 while Bore #3 (westbound) will be closed overnight March 12 & 13. Motorists are advised to expect delays and allow extra time. Please drive with caution through the construction zone. For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org on Twitter. For real-time traffic, visit Caltrans QuickMap at Quickmap.dot.ca.gov.  

Other Community News & Events

LPIE Online Auction Ends Tomorrow

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 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.

Deadline to Register is Today for Workshop for Community Based Organizations to Develop Continuity Plans

Does your organization have a written plan to help you continue to operate effectively during and after a disaster? If not, register by today’s deadline to attend the workshop on Thursday, March 12 from 10am to noon in Pleasant Hill. The workshop will use Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) tools and references to help Community Based Organizations develop a plan to continue essential functions during and after a disaster or emergency. Email cccvoadmembership@gmail.com with any questions.

Chamber News and Events:

Lafayette Business Women at CrossWater Creek Outfitters:  Lafayette Business Women will meet on Wednesday, March 11 from 8:45 to10:00am at CrossWater Creek Outfitters, located at 3574 Mt Diablo Blvd. Ste A., Lafayette. This affinity group encourages local women-led businesses to share experiences and knowledge while networking and collaborating. Registration required. 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.

Register by March 12 for the Citizen of the Year Dinner Honoring 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. Please join us as the community celebrates her remarkable legacy at the Citizen of the Year Dinner on March 19 at 6pm at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa. Register for the dinner by March 12 at https://lafayettechamber.org/coy.

Business Seminar on March 19 - Elevating Your Business Impact - From First Impression to Lasting Impact: Join the Lafayette Chamber on March 19, from 9 to 11am at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center (Don Tatzin Community Hall) for a dynamic, interactive two-hour business seminar designed to help you strengthen your professional presence and build meaningful connections. Participants will learn and practice key engagement skills, including:

• How to create and deliver a compelling 30-second introduction
• Strategies for entering networking conversations confidently
• A simple, repeatable follow-up approach that turns brief encounters into meaningful professional relationships
• Tips to prepare for a powerful headshot

Following the seminar, Juleen Lapporte will offer professional headshots on a first come, first served basis for an additional fee. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow Chamber members, gain fresh insights, and position your business for success in 2026 and beyond! Registration is required for the seminar. This event is free for current Lafayette Chamber members and $30 for guests and non-members.

2026 Best of the East Bay - Marketing Toolkit for Businesses: Have your business ready for the 2026 Best of the Easy Bay. Download the Marketing Tool Kit  to utilize their marketing tools and tips:

• Email: Include a link to the ballot in an email or newsletter.
• Social: Use the graphics created to promote on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
• In Person: Use the flyer to make a sign to post inside your store to encourage customers to vote for your business.

2026 Best of the East Bay - Cast Your Ballots: Voting is now open for Diablo Magazine’s 2026 Best of the East Bay with more than 180 categories celebrating the people, places, and businesses that make our community special. Support the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival and Lafayette Res Run for Education! Vote for these beloved community events below to ensure they get the recognition they deserve. Encourage friends, family, and customers to show their support! Cast your ballot for your favorite businesses by March 31.

Applications Due March 13 to Serve on the Contra Costa Civil Grand Jury Service

Contra Costa County Superior Court is now accepting applications for Civil Grand Jury service for FY 26-27 to monitor, review and report on city and county governments, special districts, and school districts. Interested? Contact the Office of the Civil Grand Jury at (925) 608-2621 or visit their website. Applications due by March 13.

Sale at Friends Corner Book Shop on March 14

Friends Corner Book Shop is having a half-price sale. On Saturday, March 14, 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.

Tickets on Sale Now! Night at the Library: A Curious Event 

Get ready for a night of community fun! The Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation is thrilled to announce that tickets are on sale for Night at the Library: A Curious Event. This year, instead of auctions, bidding wars, and fund-a-need moments, the Library Foundation is hosting a night where you can engage, connect, and explore — an invitation to do what libraries inspire us all to do: Get Curious. Learn more at LLLCF.org/natl2026

Acalanes High School Fundraiser Game at Oracle Park on April 18

This year, your Acalanes Dons will take the field at Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, against Marin Catholic. This game is a 100% fundraiser for Dante’s Baseball Foundation, an organization that supports more than 50,000 Bay Area children through sports programs, educational initiatives, and other life-changing opportunities. The Dons are proud to partner with a group that is truly making a difference in young lives. Every ticket purchased helps open doors for young athletes who need opportunity, mentorship, and belief in their potential. Learn more on the Acalanes Sports Boosters webpage.

In addition, Acalanes Sports Boosters are offering a special raffle exclusively for members of the Lafayette community. There will be seven opportunities to serve as bat boy or bat girl during the game, and all ages are welcome to participate.

Looking for more upcoming happenings around town?

Visit the Chamber’s Community Events Calendar online.

Miscellaneous

Spring Break Camps: Looking for something fun for your school-aged kid to do over spring break? We’ve got you covered! View classes and register now.

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.

Spring is the Time for Yellowjacket Prevention: Vector control experts recommend placing yellowjacket traps with attractant bait now to help reduce the number of yellowjackets we experience during the summer.

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 only listed here 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, which is updated monthly.

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 cultural observations and celebrations! The City Council has proclaimed March as Women’s History Month, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and Red Cross Month. March is also Irish American Heritage Month.

March 8           International Women’s Day

March 17         St. Patrick’s Day        

Through Mar. 18         Ramadan

Photo for the Week

Stop by Lafayette Plaza to see Lamorinda Muslim Community (LMC)’s temporary display welcoming Ramadan. The crescent moon sculpture is by local artist Bushra Gill and will be on display through March 20.

Quote for the Week

Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.

 —Henry Ford

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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.