Latest News
The Weekly Roundup, March 20, 2026
Friday, March 20, 2026| What’s Doing in Lafayette?
News From the City Manager’s Corner
This week’s updates from City Manager, Niroop Srivatsa highlight:
- Registration for Summer Classes and Programs Opens on Sunday
- Lafayette Strengthens Disaster Preparedness Through Red Cross Partnership
- Local Poets Invited to Read at Event on April 21
- Successful Search and Rescue Training Held
- LPIE Award Recipient Announced
- Congratulations to Carol Singer on Becoming Lafayette’s Citizen of the Year
- City Council Meeting Monday Night
If you have feedback for us about these topics, send an email to lafayettelistens@lovelafayette.org.
Registration for Summer Classes and Programs Opens on Sunday at Noon
The Summer Recreation Guide is full of exciting activities for everyone – from tots to teens to seniors! If you would like to register online, we advise you to set up (or sign into) your online account before registration opens at noon on Sunday.
Click on the image to read the Summer Rec Guide online.
Lafayette Strengthens Disaster Preparedness Through Red Cross Partnership
In recognition of Red Cross Month, the City of Lafayette is highlighting its ongoing partnership with the American Red Cross and recent efforts by City staff to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities.
Over the past six months, Lafayette has been working closely with the Red Cross to review and enhance the City’s emergency evacuation and shelter plans. As part of this collaboration, the Lafayette Community Center was evaluated by the Red Cross as a potential emergency shelter location to support residents in the event of a disaster. City staff have also participated in training opportunities designed to help local agencies better understand how emergency shelters are established and operated during disasters. Andy Comly, Emergency Services Coordinator; Tricia Young, Recreation Supervisor; and John Warshaw, Recreation Manager, have been working with the Red Cross to expand staff knowledge and preparedness. As part of these efforts, Warshaw and Young attended the inaugural Contra Costa County Care and Shelter Fundamentals training and simulation in Oakley on October 15, 2025, which included both classroom instruction and a hands-on exercise focused on key shelter operations such as registration, feeding services, and dormitory management.
Recreation staff from Lafayette, along with partners from the City of Orinda and the Town of Moraga, have also participated in a basic shelter operations overview to help familiarize local agencies with the roles and coordination needed to support emergency sheltering. These efforts are leading toward a hands-on shelter simulation planned for this spring at the Lafayette Community Center.
Through continued collaboration with the Red Cross and neighboring jurisdictions, the City of Lafayette is working to ensure that staff are prepared and that facilities are ready to support the community when emergencies occur.
Pictured: On January 28, 2026, the Contra Costa Red Cross Leadership Council recognized the City of Lafayette for its leadership in bringing together Lafayette, Orinda, and Moraga for a regional shelter training exercise and for helping strengthen partnerships that support disaster response.
Local Poets Invited to Poetry for the Ages Event on April 21
Local poets are invited to share their voices at the next Poetry for the Ages, a welcoming mid-day poetry salon celebrating National Poetry Month. Hosted through a collaboration between our Public Art Committee and the Town Hall Theatre, this free community event brings poets and listeners together in the cozy lobby of Town Hall Theatre for an intimate literary gathering.
If you’re a local poet, sign up to read at the April 21, 2026 event. The program runs from noon to 1:30 pm and features five poets, each reading their original work in a 7-minute set, followed by a lively and engaging Q&A with the audience. With its warm and appreciative crowd, Poetry for the Ages offers a unique opportunity for poets to connect across generations and share their work in a supportive, salon-style setting.
Successful Search and Rescue Training Held
On Saturday, March 14, 88 members of the Contra Costa County SAR Team participated in a mock search training in downtown Lafayette It was a great success thanks to the support of our business and community members who interacted with the SAR team and helped them locate role players acting as at-risk adults. We are all very lucky to have this team as part of our community. To learn more about SAR, including volunteering or other ways to support their work, visit their website at https://www.contracostasar.org/home.
Congratulations to Carol Singer on Becoming Lafayette’s Citizen of the Year
Last night, the Lafayette Chamber hosted a celebration honoring Carol Singer as Lafayette Citizen of the Year for her exceptional service and dedication to the Lafayette community.
Carol has been a member of our Parks, Trails and Recreation Commission since 1986, including multiple terms as chair in addition to being involved with her neighborhood, local schools, and other civic organizations including the Lafayette Homeowners Association and Friends of the Lafayette Library. Her leadership has shaped countless projects—from the Community Park to the Jennifer Russell Building, the Community Center Play Area, and most recently the new Hamlin Nature Park. Many of the speakers at the dinner commented on her tireless advocacy, collaborative spirit, and deep commitment to strengthening community connections.
Congratulations to Richard Whitmore on Receiving LPIE’s Tom Mulvaney Legacy Award
During LPIE’s 8th Annual Spring Gala, Punchlines with Purpose, held on March 7, the organization had the honor of presenting the Tom Mulvaney Legacy Award to Richard Whitmore. A longtime Lafayette resident and dedicated supporter of local public schools, Richard’s leadership and generosity have helped strengthen educational opportunities for Lafayette students and reflect the spirit of community investment that makes Lafayette schools so exceptional. Congratulation Richard on this recognition of your hard work and dedication to our community!
Meetings & Events
City Council Meeting
The City Council meeting on Monday night starts at 6:15pm with a closed session. The open session starts at 7pm and includes:
- Confirm City Council priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.
- Public Hearing on Major Subdivision by OUTDO Lafayette LLC to construct a six-story mixed-use residential development consisting of ground-floor commercial space and 31 residential units (including 3 below-market-rate units) at 3458 Mount Diablo Boulevard.
- Upholding the Planning Commission’s denial of request by owner Hui-Tong to condition an existing barn into a single-family home at 7 Lark Creek Ln.
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 This Week
- 7:00 PM Design Review Commission - Monday, March 23 at 7pm
- Crime Prevention Commission - Cancelled
Updates on City-led Capital Improvement Projects
BART Bike Station/Pathway Project
Information about the BART Bike Station/Pathway Project is available on the project webpage.
Road Repaving Project Information Available
This summer’s road paving project is anticipated to start in June. You can watch a recording of the recent community meeting to learn more.
Other Roadwork Advisories
Road Repairs in Reliez Valley Neighborhood: Next week, EBMUD’s contractor (Lucas Paving) will be paving on private roads along Reliez Valley Rd between Johnson and Almaden. Please drive with caution and obey all signs and instructions from flaggers.
Roadwork on San Pablo Dam Road: The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will replace delineators to enhance safety on San Pablo Dam Road, between Tri Lane and Wildcat Canyon Road, starting Monday, March 23, through Thursday, March 26, from 8am to 3:30 pm, weather permitting. Drivers can expect delays of 10-15 minutes and are encouraged to use alternative routes.
Nightly Lane Closures on I-680 for Pavement Rehabilitation Work: CalTrans will be working between Alcosta Boulevard and Diablo Valley Road with nightly road closures beginning this week. For real-time traffic, visit Caltrans QuickMap at Quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
Other Community News & Events
Get Your Tickets Now for the Taste of Lafayette Restaurant Stroll
Tickets are selling fast for Lafayette’s favorite dinner party – The “Taste of Lafayette” Restaurant Stroll on Tuesday, May 19. Sample bites from the 25+ participating restaurants and enjoy music in Lafayette Plaza by Generations in Jazz and New You Dance Center. For details and tickets, visit lafayettechamber.org/taste
Navigating Aging with Confidence Workshop this Saturday
A special one-day workshop for those who want to learn from experts on how to put practical strategies and tools into action to support well-being as we age. The day will be for those who desire to age well and for adult children of aging parents who want to be supportive. Hosted by Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church in partnership with Lamorinda Village. Register to attend.
March Sweet Thursday Author Series Welcomes Craig C. Harwood on March 26
In 1828, Miranda Evoy escaped famine-stricken Ireland with her husband and children for a better life in America. Within two years she was a widow raising five children in a new country. Bridget’s Gambit tells the true story of how a remarkable young woman managed to make her way to California and became an entrepreneur during the Gold Rush. Author Craig C. Harwood recounts the accomplishments and adventures of this determined woman and her daughters to build an empire in defiance of the social and gender constraints of the Victorian Era. This biography of an audacious, persistent woman brings to the forefront the largely unheralded contributions of women in forming of California statehood and restores a lost chapter in the history of the American West.
Join the Sweet Thursday Author Series on Thursday, March 26 at 7pm at the Lafayette Library to hear author, Craig C. Harwood. Register to attend in person. The doors will open at 6:30 for coffee and sweets and books will be available for purchase. This program is presented by Friends of the Lafayette Library.
Submissions Due Next Friday (March 27) for RecycleSmart’s Truck Sign Art Contest
Students in 3rd through 12th grade can participate in the truck sign art contest. Signs should raise awareness and encourage everyone to prevent and reduce waste and boldly highlight any or all the Five R’s – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot. Winning signs may be featured on Republic Services recycle, compost, and garbage trucks!
Upcoming Composting Workshops
The Contra Costa County Department of Conservation & Development invite you to join their free virtual composting workshops to learn how to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich compost at home. You are welcome to join any or all of the virtual workshops:
- March 28 - Home Composting
- May 2 - Vermicomposting (Worm Composting)
- October 24 - Home Composting
- December 5 - Vermicomposting (Worm Composting)
Register by clicking on the date above.
Lafayette Rotary Club’s Annual Candy Scramble
This event is open to all children ages 2 through 2nd grade. The event takes place at Lafayette’s Plaza (corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. & Moraga Road) in Lafayette, at 10am on Saturday April 4. The park lawn will be covered with candy for the kids to put in their baskets. The youngest are always given extra time to get their share! Event starts promptly at 10:00am. Join in for family fun, and don’t miss the “Johnny’s Donut Dive” (for adults only). Details at rotarylafayette.org.
Story Games at Town Hall Theatre on April 6: Step into a world where everyone helps create the story!
Story Games blend improv theatre, imagination, and tabletop play—no scripts, no game master, just shared creativity. Together you’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!
Typically held on the 2nd Monday of each month, however due to a scheduling conflict the April meeting will be on Monday, April 6. Free, with a suggested donation to Town Hall Theatre.
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 fundraiser for Dante’s Baseball Foundation and 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.
BayREN Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Home Program
Insulating your attic and walls, repairing ducts, and sealing air leaks are some of the most effective ways to lower energy bills and stay comfortable in your home year-round. BayREN's Efficiency and Sustainable Energy (EASE) Home Program is designed to help income-qualified Bay Area homeowners and renters make their homes healthier, more comfortable, and energy efficient. With a customer co-pay capped at $1,000, EASE Home makes essential improvements, like insulation and duct-sealing, more accessible for moderate-income households. Check if you pre-qualify at SaveWithEase.com. Questions? Email BayREN at info@savewithease.com or call (925) 232-1179.
Contra Costa Library Local History Connection
Contra Costa Library is proud to now feature historical materials related to Contra Costa County, curated by the Library in partnership with local historical societies, museums, and community organizations. The collection includes photographs, artwork and artifacts, newspapers and clippings, documents, maps, and personal papers that help tell the story of our county’s past.
To explore these materials, visit the Digital Resources page at ccclib.org and access the collection online.
Events in East Bay Regional Parks
Check out EBRPD springtime activities and events at www.ebparks.org/calendar
Looking for more upcoming happenings around town?
Visit the Chamber’s Community Events Calendar online.
Miscellaneous
Watch Recording of Recent “Coffee” with the Mayor Chat
If you missed the recent highly informative chat with Mayor Anduri and Vice Mayor McCormick hosted by the Lafayette Chamber, you can watch it on the Chamber’s YouTube Channel.
Spring Into Sustainability
Spring invites fresh habits. This month, focus on reducing waste by bringing a reusable cup to cafés and carrying a leftovers container when dining out. Compost generously: veggie stems, potato peels, stale crackers, wilted herbs, citrus rinds, tissues, napkins, pizza boxes, and uncoated paper all belong in the green bin. But remember, compostable plastic utensils and cups are NOT accepted. Small, consistent actions help Lafayette bloom into a cleaner and more sustainable community!
2026 Best of the East Bay - Cast Your Ballots by March 31
Voting is 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. Show your support for the local businesses, programs, places and events that you love! Cast your ballot for your favorite businesses by March 31.
Watch Recorded Webinar on EBMUD’s Lafayette Reservoir Tower Seismic Upgrade Project
In February, EBMUD hosted a virtual community meeting to discuss anticipated visitor impacts during the upcoming Lafayette Reservoir Tower Seismic Upgrade project. The meeting covered what visitors can expect during construction, including access and what construction activity at the reservoir will look like, and a recording is now available on EBMUD’s project webpage.
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.
Through Mar. 18 Ramadan Note: The temporary display of the crescent moon sculpture in Lafayette Plaza by the Lamorinda Muslim Community ends today, March 20.
Mar. 20 Nowruz
Mar. 20 to 22 Eid al Fitr
Mar. 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Mar. 31 International Transgender Day of Visibility
Photo for the Week
Renovation of the Park Theater is Moving Along! Final demo is wrapping up soon and reconstruction is expected to start within the next few weeks. Regular construction updates and photos are posted on the Park Theater Trust (TPTT) website at parktheatertrust.org. The non-profit Park Theater Trust (TPTT) is an all-volunteer group dedicated to re-opening Lafayette’s iconic Park Theater building as a community-centered cinema, arts and culture hub.
Quote for the Week
One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood
- Seneca
__________________
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.