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Friday, May 29, 2026| What’s Doing in Lafayette?

News From the City Manager’s Corner

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

• City Council to Discuss Proposed Budget at Next Meeting on June 8
• Proposed Changes to the School Crossing Guard Program
• We’re Bringing More Murals Downtown
• Lamorinda Spirit Van Celebrates 20 Years of Service to Local Seniors
• Planning Commission Meeting on Tuesday Night
• Last Chance: Share Your Photos of the Lafayette Reservoir Tower to Win a Prize
• June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month
• Summer Kicks Off in Lafayette at Rock the Plaza
• Roadwork Projects

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

City Council to Discuss Proposed Budget at Next Meeting on June 8

At their next meeting on Monday June 8, the City Council will hold a special budget workshop and is expected to make a number of important policy decisions regarding the budget. Everyone in the community is invited to participate and provide input. The budget, and any changes made to it during the budget workshop, are typically adopted by resolution at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting later in June.

I am pleased to share that Lafayette enters the Fiscal Year 26-27 budget cycle from a position of fiscal strength, due in large part to the strong performance of Measure H sales tax revenues and continued stability in the City’s core revenue sources.

Measure H has significantly exceeded original projections and is now generating revenues approaching the level of the City’s traditional Bradley-Burns sales tax. Combined with disciplined spending and healthy property and sales tax growth, the City’s 5-year financial forecast now projects balanced budgets and reserves above the 60% minimum for the next five years.

At the same time, the City faces several long-term financial challenges that require continued caution and strategic planning. While the City has made important progress in addressing deferred maintenance needs and increasing annual sinking fund contributions for buildings, parks, trails, and infrastructure, many public assets are aging and will require substantial future investment. Most notably, the Community Center has reached a critical stage in its lifecycle, with projected maintenance costs exceeding $16 million over the next two decades. In addition, the community continues to express strong interest in expanded recreational opportunities, including additional playing fields and enhanced recreational facilities. These needs, combined with future obligations such as wildfire prevention investments, major transportation and mobility improvements, long-range planning efforts, and infrastructure repair projects, underscore the importance of balancing current service levels with long-term fiscal sustainability.

Against this backdrop, the proposed FY26-27 budget focuses primarily on maintaining existing City services and advancing the Council’s adopted priorities, while continuing to strengthen the City’s financial position and prepare for significant future capital and infrastructure needs.

The full proposed FY26-27 budget will be included as part the agenda for the City Council meeting on June 8. It will be posted on our website next week. Read more about the budget adoption process.

Proposed Changes to the School Crossing Guard Program

For more than 25 years, the cost of the School Crossing Guard Program has been shared equally between the City and the Lafayette School District (LAFSD).  However, due to the significant financial constraints they are facing, the LAFSD Governing Board announced that not only will District funding for the program end after the current school year, they will also discontinue managing the program. 

Given the reduction in funding, City staff is recommending that the program be reduced from 11 staffed crossing guard locations to 7 beginning next school year.  To help prioritize those locations, the City conducted a comprehensive, data-driven evaluation of each crossing guard location. Read more on our website. The City Council will consider the School Crossing Guard program as part of their FY 2026–2027 budget deliberations mentioned above.

We’re Bringing More Murals Downtown

To support both our vibrant downtown and the arts, the City has committed to creating four outdoor murals downtown that evoke inspiration and enjoyment, as well as enhance the vitality of downtown Lafayette. The first in this series, Matilija Sky by local artist Rachel Perls, was installed late last year on the wall of Zahra Boutique Salon in the 3500 block of Mt. Diablo Blvd.

The Public Art Committee will hold a community workshop to provide information about the Lafayette Downtown Murals Program including potential muralists for the second mural They also want hear your feedback and ideas as the project moves forward. We hope you’ll save the date of Wednesday, June 24 from 4 to 5pm and join the conversation and help shape the future of public art in downtown Lafayette. Read more about the mural program.

Lamorinda Spirit Van Celebrates 20 Years of Service to Local Seniors

Since 2006, the Lamorinda Spirit Van has provided rides to Lamorinda residents who are 60+ or living with a disability, fulfilling its mission to help them remain independent, stay connected to the community, and continue living full and active lives.

On Wednesday, Program Staff held a party to celebrate its 20th anniversary with volunteers, donors, riders and friends of the program. Check out these photos from the party taken by Craig Isaacs of BlueGoo Photography (who also happens to be a volunteer driver).

The Lamorinda Spirit Van currently offers weekday rides throughout Lamorinda, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord, and Martinez for errands, shopping, Café Costa lunch at the Walnut Creek Senior Center, medical and personal appointments, social outings, and more. 

The Spirit Van program is funded by grants, donations, and contributions by the Town of Moraga and the City of Lafayette. This program would not be possible without the countless hours from our dedicated volunteers and hourly staff.

Interested in helping us? We’re currently seeking additional volunteer drivers! We will work around your schedule and vacations. By donating four hours every week or two, you will improving the lives of seniors. More information is on our website at LoveLafayette.org/SpiritVan. Want to take a ride? Call 925-283-3534 or email dispatch@lovelafayette.org to get started.

Meetings & Events

Planning Commission Meeting Monday Night

The Planning Commission Meeting on Monday (June 1) starts at 7pm and includes:

• Public Hearing request for a change in conditions (including reduction in the number of units from 90 to 85) for a previously-approved residential mixed-use project at 1001 Oak Hill Road and adjacent parcels.
• Direction to Staff regarding the order Planning Commission and Design Review Commission will hear the request from Temple Isaiah to construct a new community building adjacent to the existing temple at 945 Risa Road.

Read the full agenda for the staff reports as well as information about how to participate in or watch the meeting.

Other Top Meetings This Week

• Emergency Preparedness Commission – June 1 at 10am
• City Council Legislation Committee– June 1 at noon
• Transportation & Circulation Commission – cancelled
• Public Art Committee – cancelled

Last Call! Share Your Photos of the Lafayette Reservoir Tower to Win a Prize

Share a recent photo, selfie, sketch, painting or other artwork of the tower at the Lafayette Reservoir and post it on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #lafayetterestower before June 1. Next week, we’ll randomly select 5 tagged images to win a prize! More details on our website.

Flying the Pride Progress Flag at Lafayette Plaza in June for LGBTQ+ Pride Month

The City Council has once again proclaimed June as LGBTQ Pride Month and we will be flying the Pride Progress Flag at Lafayette Plaza during the month of June. We are planning a brief flag-raising ceremony led by Mayor Carl Anduri on Monday, June 8 (before the City Council meeting around 6pm) to raise the LGBTQ+ Pride Flag in celebration of love, diversity and inclusion.

Summer Kicks Off in Lafayette at Rock the Plaza

Grab your blanket or chairs and a picnic dinner and come down to Lafayette Plaza for free live music in June presented by the Lafayette Chamber:

• June 5: Jimbo Scott and Yesterday’s Biscuits
• June 12: The Kyle Athayde Dance Party
• June 26: Lamorinda Idol Finalists

Bands perform 6 to 8 pm. Lafayette Plaza is located at 3530 Plaza Way (at the corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. & Moraga Road.) View the Lafayette Chamber’s Dining Guide for takeout suggestions. Learn more at lafayettechamber.org/rock.

Roadwork Projects

Road Paving Project Starting Soon

This summer, we will be performing road maintenance on the following streets throughout Lafayette:

• Arbor Way
• Bacon Court, the loop only
• Brook Street (Hough Avenue to Moraga Road)
• Diablo Drive
• Happy Hollow Court
• Hidden Valley Road (Diablo Circle (north) to Acalanes Road)
• Huntleigh Drive (Lucas Drive north to end of court)
• John Way
• Knox Drive (Silverwood Drive to Hidden Valley Road)
• Las Huertas Road (Saint Mary’s Road to Old Millstone Lane)
• Los Arabis Drive (Estates Drive to Upper Happy Valley Road)
• Los Palos Manor (Glenside Drive to North End)
• Marianne Drive (Acalanes Road to West End)
• McBride Drive (Bradbury Drive to South End)
• Monticello Road
• Natasha Drive (Rahara Drive to End of Public Road)
• O’Conner Drive
• Reliez Station Road (Glenside Drive to Glenside Circle)
• Richelle Court
• Rose Court
• Ruppel Place
• Secluded Place
• Springhill Road (Goyak Drive to Springhill Lane)
• Sweet Court
• Via Roble (Dolores Drive to Via Baja (south)
• Village Center (Mosswood Drive to Mt. Diablo Boulevard)
• Walnut Drive
• Yorkshire Court

Rapid Grading Services will perform the pavement repairs, replace the old retaining wall and asphalt pathway at Springhill Road, and add concrete curb ramps at the Brook Street and O’Conner Drive intersection. The project is scheduled to start in early June and is anticipated to be completed by early September. 

Residents on impacted streets should watch for a letter in the mail next week with more information. Questions? Visit www.lovelafayette.org/2026RoadPaving or contact Senior Engineer, Ana Bernardes.

Other Projects

Starting Monday, June 1 through June 11, Contra Costa County Public Works and Contra Costa Fire will be performing vegetation mitigation work on San Pablo Dam Road between Wildcat Canyon Road/Bear Creek Road and Tri Lane. The work will take place from 9am to 3:30pm, Monday through Thursday, weather permitting. Traffic control measures will be implemented to direct vehicles and bicyclists safely through the work area. Drivers should expect delays of up to 20 minutes.

Ongoing City-led Projects:

• Utility Work on Topper Lane & School Street
• BART Bike Station/Pathway Project
• City Road Restriping Project – wrapping up this week!

Ongoing Utility Work in Town:

• EBMUD Pipeline Replacement Downtown
• PG&E Brook Street Gas Line Replacement

Community News & Events

Celebrate 10 Years of the Lamorinda Appellation This Sunday

The annual Lamorinda AVA Celebration will be held on Sunday, May 31 from noon to 6pm at the new Local Vines tasting room in Lafayette (3393 Mt Diablo Blvd). Come celebrate a decade of exceptional winemaking from the hills right in your neighborhood. Meet the people who grew the grapes and made the wine. The event will feature eight local wineries and a cidery, with food available for purchase from Cousins Maine Lobster. Purchase tickets. 

Election Day is Tuesday, June 2

Regional Early Voting Sites are open with convenient times to vote in-person, and polling places are open on Election Day, Tuesday, June 2nd from 7am to 8pm. Visit the My Voting Information page to find your assigned polling place.

Voters can still return their ballots by mail, postmarked on or before Election Day - to ensure mailed ballots are received on time, voters mailing their ballots should go into the post office and ask for a postmark. To avoid stress and ensure the Elections office receives their ballot on time, voters can drop their ballot off at one of the County’s official drop boxes before 8pm on Election Day. If casting your ballot using a Vote-by-Mail (VBM) envelope, be sure to sign and date the envelope.

For more information on voting options for the Statewide Direct Primary Election, visit www.contracostavote.gov or call 925-335-7800. 

News from Lafayette Chamber:

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates New Name for Giving Partners Thrift Shop: The Lafayette Chamber will be hosting a Ribbon Cutting at Giving Partners Thrift Shop (formally Assistance League Diablo Valley Thrift Shop) on Tuesday, June 2, 9:30am to announce their new name and celebrate their ongoing support of the Contra Costa community. Learn more and register at https://lafayettechamber.org/ribbon-cutting.

Apply to Be Part of the 2026 Lafayette Art & Wine Festival: Limited spaces available! Join Lafayette’s largest and most beloved events—bringing together the Lafayette community with live music, art, food, drinks and so much more! Applications are open for commercial vendors, beer and wine booth hosts, and sponsors. This is a prime opportunity to showcase your brand, connect with the community, and be part of an iconic two-day festival on September 19 and 20, 2026. Learn more about the opportunities and the application process at https://lafayettefestival.com/apply.

Lafayette Res Run for Education – Early Bird Registration now open: Races on October 18 include: 5k at 8am, 10k at 8:15am, 2 mile at 8:45am. Participants can also take part in the virtual Reservoir Challenge from October 11 to 17. Register now through June 30 for early bird pricing! Did you know? In 2025, the 32nd Annual Lafayette Res Run for Education brought together nearly 2,200 runners and raised $37,611 for local public schools as well as Chamber services and programs.  

Read Lafayette Chamber’s Latest Nonprofit Newsletter: There are many nonprofit organizations in Lafayette and the surrounding area doing incredible work to support our community and its residents. To learn more about their events, announcements, and volunteer opportunities, check out the Lafayette Chamber’s most recent Nonprofit Newsletter.

Receive up to $100 Through EBMUD’s New Treebate Pilot Rebate (Up to $100)

Trees are one of the most efficient elements of your landscape. And now, in addition to the lawn conversion rebate, if you.install a tree as part of your approved project, the Treebate Pilot provides an additional rebate  Single family and small multi-family customers (2-4 units) are eligible for 1 tree and commercial, municipal, and large multi-family customers (5+ units) are eligible for up to 3 trees. Talk with EBMUD water conservation experts to ask questions about this and other EBMUD rebate programs and get project advice. Drop into their online office hours (via Zoom) from 12 to 1pm on June 2 and 16. Learn more at ebmud.com/rebates.

East Bay Public Gardens Open House

Discover the beauty and benefits of water‑wise gardening! On June 6 from 10am to 1pm, visit a nearby participating garden for expert tips, tours, and resources. Learn about attracting pollinators, blooming native plants, growing food, large and small garden designs, building healthy soil, landscape rebates, and more! Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center (3932 Mt. Diablo Blvd) will be offering guided and self-guided tours. See the full list of participating gardens.

Diablo Women's Chorale Summer Workshops – Open to Everyone!

Back by popular demand, the Diablo Women's Chorale (DWC) offers the 2026 Summer Workshops. These workshops are open to everyone—no audition required. Led by DWC Artistic Director Erin Fishler, this year’s theme is “Yacht Rock” and includes a Mixed Vocal Adult Choir (all gender voices) and DWC Youth Singers (middle and high school).

Weekly classes meet Monday evenings from June 8 to July 27 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 3051 Putnam Blvd, Pleasant Hill, CA: Youth Singers: 6 to 7pm, Mixed Choir: 7 to 8:30pm with a final performance on July 27. Sign up  to save your spot today.

Upcoming Author Events at the Lafayette Library:

Lisa See on June 11: Join the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation for the debut of New York Times Bestselling author Lisa See’s latest book, Daughters of the Sun and Moon. Set amid the vibrancy and turmoil of post-Civil War Los Angeles, See's novel tells the story of three Chinese women who survive and eventually thrive despite all odds. Complete with her trademark prose, deep research, and emphasis on the importance of female friendship, agency, and autonomy, Daughters of the Sun and Moon is a treat for longtime fans and new readers alike. Purchase tickets at www.LLLCF.org/dsslisasee  

Sweet Thursday Author Series Welcomes Anita Gail Jones on June 21 :Anita Gail Jones will discuss her historical fiction novel, The Peach Seed, an indelible portrait of one family in southwest Georgia and the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. At the heart of the story is a family tradition: the passing down of a miniature monkey carved from a peach pit. This small object carries generations of sorrow, joy, resilience, and hope — a reminder that even something as small as a seed can echo across time. Anita Gail Jones is a visual artist, professional storyteller, and writer. Born and raised in Albany, Georgia, she now lives in Northern California.

This event is free. Register to attend in person at tinyurl.com/sweet-June2026. 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.

Central San Open House and Celebration on Saturday, June 13

Central San’s 80th anniversary celebration includes a free, all-ages, community-wide Open House on Saturday, June 13 in Martinez that includes:

• Treatment plant and other facility tours
• Free food and ice cream
• Demonstrations of trucks, tools, and equipment
• Toilet racers (like go-karts, but with toilets!)
• Interactive games, crafts, and activities
• Educational exhibits
• Plus, plenty of surprises!

If you are interested in a behind-the-scenes walking tour of the treatment plant to see how Central San cleans millions of gallons of wastewater every single day preregister to reserve your tour spot as spaces are limited.

New Exhibit at the Orinda Library Art Gallery

The Lamorinda Arts Council presents the June Exhibit, featuring watercolors on display from June 1 to 27, with an Artist Reception next Saturday, June 6, from 2:30 to 4:30pm. The exhibit includes featured artists Cindy Barber, Gina Barretta, Carol Chung, Bea Haase, Linda Kam, Tina Locke, and the Watercolor Association. The Art Gallery at the Orinda Library (26 Orinda Way, Orinda) is open Monday through Thursday: 10am to 8pm; Friday and Saturday: 10am to 6pm.

Looking for more upcoming happenings around town?

Visit the Chamber’s Community Events Calendar online.

Miscellaneous

Invasive Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Found on Grapevines Sold in Contra Costa County: The County Department of Agriculture / Weights & Measures is issuing an urgent consumer alert after the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) was found on grapevines sold at five Costco locations across Contra Costa County. The pest poses an immediate and serious threat to grapevines and agricultural landscapes. Customers who purchased grapevine plants at Costco should contact the Contra Costa County Department of Agriculture / Weights & Measures at 925-608-6600.

The detections are part of a broader statewide incident involving nursery shipments distributed to multiple California counties. County officials are now working closely with state partners and other affected counties to locate and recover plants that may have been purchased and planted in residential landscapes. Read the full press release.

Apply to Serve on the New Multi-Modal Mobility Advisory Committee: Learn more about how to apply on the Multi-Modal Mobility Advisory Committee page.

Last Call! Contra Costa Clean Water Program is seeking resident input on local priorities: Take the 5-minute Community Survey to join the conversation and share your thoughts: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CCSurvey26

Weed Abatement Deadline is June 1: If you have questions about Contra Costa Fire’s Weed Abatement deadline, check out the FAQs or send an email.

Waste Study Shows How Well We’re Sorting Recyclables and Organics From Landfill Waste: If you missed the results from the fall study in RecycleSmart’s newsletter, check out their website.

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.

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.

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! Earlier this month, the City Council recently passed a proclamation Recognizing the Crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. The City Council has also proclaimed June as LGBTQ Pride Month, and as mentioned above, the city will be flying the Pride Progress Flag at Lafayette Plaza. June is also Caribbean American Heritage Month.

June 14            Flag Day

June 19            Juneteenth – City Administrative Offices will be closed

Photo for the Week

Recently, the Lafayette Police Department held a “Coffee with the Cops” event at Rising Loafer. – these events are a great opportunity to talk with Officers and Staff in a casual setting.

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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.