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The Weekly Roundup, June 12, 2026
Friday, June 12, 2026| What’s Doing in Lafayette?
News From the City Manager’s Corner
This week’s updates from City Manager, Niroop Srivatsa highlight:
- City Settles Lawsuit with Housing Action Coalition
- Save the Date to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with Us on Thursday, July 2
- Legislative Trip to Sacramento
- Watch the Police Department’s Annual Update
- Learn about Lamorinda Village
- City’s Road Paving Project Gets Underway
If you have feedback for us about these topics, send an email to lafayettelistens@lovelafayette.org.
City Settles Lawsuit with Housing Action Coalition
This week, the City reached a settlement of a lawsuit brought by Housing Action Coalition (“HAC”), which alleged that the City’s Housing Element failed to comply with California’s Housing Element Laws. As part of the settlement, the City has agreed to consider upzoning 130 acres of land and will pay $120,080 in attorney’s fees in order to resolve the pending litigation.
“While we dispute HAC’s contentions, this settlement agreement was made as part of a compromise in order to avoid time consuming and costly litigation. Lafayette has been and continues to be committed to providing for more housing in our community, including much-needed affordable housing,” said Mayor Carl Anduri.
The settlement resolves the pending lawsuit and protects the City from future legal risks. Recent changes in housing law associated with new case law posed risks to the City and by addressing disputed issues now, the City can reduce future litigation risk, avoid future challenges to its Housing Element, and focus its resources on thoughtful planning.
We have agreed to consider the following upzoning by the end of the year via the discretionary review and public hearing process normally used for such changes:
- Increase the density of the land north of Mt. Diablo Blvd. currently zoned for 60 dwelling units per acre(du/ac) up to 65 du/ac;
- Increase the density of the land that is adjacent to and north of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and lies between the intersections of Mt. Diablo and El Nido Ranch Rd. and Mt. Diablo and Pleasant Hill Road currently zoned for 35 du/ac up to 45 du/ac;
- Increase the density of the land currently zoned for 35 du/ac up to 45 du/ac that immediately abuts the south side of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and lies between Mountain View Dr/Mt. Diablo Blvd. and the western intersection of Golden Gate Way and Mt. Diablo Blvd as well as all of the parcels that lie between Golden Gate Way and Mt. Diablo Blvd.
- Add an additional 2 acres to De Silva South parcel of land at a maximum density of 35 du/ac.
Read the full news story on our website.
Save the Date to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with Us on Thursday, July 2
Kick off your Independence Day weekend with a community celebration commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary! On Thursday, July 2, we’ll be hosting a special two-part event at the library combining family-friendly activities and a documentary screening to mark the 250th Anniversary of America's Declaration of Independence:
- From 4 to 6pm, all ages can enjoy music, games, crafts and other activities, including signing a giant copy of the Declaration of Independence, and opportunities to learn more about the Marquis de Lafayette.
- At 6pm, hear a brief presentation on the origin of our City’s name, followed by a screening of Lafayette: The Lost Hero, a one-hour documentary on the Marquis' extraordinary life and contributions to American independence.
We are working with partners including the Lafayette Historical Society, the Acalanes Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and All Ages Recreation Downtown (AARD) to make this a fun event for everyone! More details to come, so stay tuned.
Legislative Trip to Sacramento
On Wednesday, Councilmembers Candell and Cervantes represented the City on a trip to the State Capitol to advocate for the City and talk with representatives about various bills the City has taken a position on related to emergency preparedness/response/recovery, housing, e-bikes, and other topics impacting local governments. Read more about the City’s legislative agenda.
City Council to Adopt FY26-27 Budget at Next Meeting
There is good news on the budget front — Lafayette is heading into the new fiscal year on solid financial footing. Thanks to strong local revenues, healthy Measure H performance, and careful spending, the City is well-positioned to keep delivering the services residents count on while also planning ahead. So what's on the City Council's radar for the coming year? Three big things: wildfire prevention and preparedness, a fresh look at the future of the Mt. Diablo Boulevard corridor, and figuring out how to meet Lafayette's growing recreational needs. On that last point, the Community Center is a key part of the conversation — it's been a community hub for decades, and the City is thinking carefully about how to invest in it for the long haul. More broadly, a lot of the City's parks, trails, and public facilities are aging, and keeping them in great shape will take continued planning and investment. The bottom line: Lafayette is in a good place financially, and the goal is to keep it that way — staying safe, maintaining what we have, and making smart decisions for the future.
Want to take a deep dive into the numbers? Read the staff report and proposed budget in agenda packet from this past Monday, or watch the budget presentation and discussion (opens in YouTube).
We're Hiring for a Part-Time Dispatcher!
Since 2006, the Lamorinda Spirit Van Program has provided safe, reliable, affordable transportation for Lamorinda residents ages 60 and older. We help seniors get to medical appointments, run errands, shop, and enjoy lunch at Café Costa in Walnut Creek and more — supporting their independence and connection to the community.
We are seeking a part-time Dispatcher to join our team. This position is typically 3 afternoons per week (4–6 hours each shift) at $23/hour, with occasional additional hours to cover for other dispatchers. If you're interested in applying, visit LoveLafayette.org/Jobs.
Watch the Police Department’s Annual Update
If you missed Police Chief William’s presentation to the City Council about the Department’s 2025 accomplishments, you can:
Read the 2025 Annual Report | Download the Presentation | Watch the recording on our YouTube Channel.
Watch Lamorinda Village’s Update
As part of our “Lafayette Civic Values: Lifelong Learning and the Arts” series, Lamorinda Village also made a presentation to the City Council on Monday. Watch the Lamorinda Village presentation online (opens in YouTube).
Meetings & Events
Top Meetings This Week
- Planning Commission - cancelled
- Transportation & Circulation Commission - cancelled
- Public Art Committee - Special Meeting – Tuesday, June 16
- Code Enforcement Appeals Board – Wednesday, June 17
- Creeks Committee – Wednesday, June 17
Tonight: Rock the Plaza with The Kyle Athayde Dance Party
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 12: The Kyle Athayde Dance Party
- June 26: Lamorinda Idol Finalists
Bands perform 6 to 8 pm. There will not be a concert on June 19 (Juneteenth holiday). Lafayette Plaza is located at 3530 Plaza Way. Learn more at lafayettechamber.org/rock.
Save the Date: Public Art Murals Workshop
Learn more about our Downtown Murals Program and give input regarding the selection of the next mural artist on Wednesday, June 24.
Roadwork Projects
Road Paving Project Gets Underway
The City’s 2026 Road Paving Project includes road rehabilitation on 28 streets throughout the city with crack sealing, pavement dig out or base repair, and installation of a thin overlay. The project also includes the repair of concrete sidewalks, curb and gutters; replacing metal beam guardrails; as well as replacing the retaining wall on Springhill Rd; and adding concrete curb ramps at intersections to meet to ADA Standards on Brook St and on O’Conner Dr. The City has contracted with Rapid Grading Services for the work. During construction, questions regarding the work may be directed to Efrain Hinojosa, Rapid Grading Services’ Project Manager, at 510-736-7918.
This week, Rapid Grading Services were marking the areas for underground utility lines before demolition and excavation work takes place.
For the week of June 15, Rapid Grading Services will work on low hanging trees and outgrown vegetation; they will also start demolition work, and minor curb and gutter work on Hidden Valley Rd and Knox Drive, as well as removal and replacement of storm drain piping on Hidden Valley Rd at Diablo Circle, and the replacement of concrete V-ditch on Knox Dr at Silverwood Drive. Their subcontractor Chrisp Co will also start removing the existing thermoplastic striping and placing new temporary striping throughout the project area and in anticipation of the future overlay work.
This roadwork will require some closure of travel lanes with traffic control via flagging work during certain phases of construction. Pedestrians will be escorted across these construction areas affected by traffic flaggers. Traffic control will generally be in effect between 8am to 5pm. Emergency vehicles will always be provided with access.
Visit www.lovelafayette.org/2026RoadPaving or contact Senior Engineer, Ana Bernardes with questions.
Other Projects
Ongoing City-led Projects:
Ongoing Utility Work in Town:
- EBMUD Pipeline Replacement Downtown Next week, EBMUD will be working on Wilkinson Ln heading into La Fiesta Square. There will still be some activity on southbound Moraga Rd where they connect onto the larger main.
- PG&E Brook Street Gas Line Replacement
Community News & Events
Town Hall Theatre Invites Seniors to a Special $10 Matinee of Tiny Beautiful Things
This powerful play brings to life the anonymous advice column “Sugar,” where strangers seek guidance on love, loss, identity, and everything in between. Through stories of love, loss, regret, and resilience, audiences will recognize pieces of themselves in the letters and the answers that follow. The special Senior Matinee is this Thursday, June 18 at 11am at Town Hall Theatre. Tickets are $10. Transportation is available through the Lamorinda Spirit Van (advance reservation required for ride).
Tiny Beautiful Things runs through June 27. All Tickets & More Information: https://townhall.ludus.com/show_page.php?show_id=200515110
Name a Seat in the “New” Park Theater
Where will be the best seat in the house in the “new” Park Theater when it reopens early next year? The one with YOUR name on it. Not because it becomes your own personal seat but because every time you attend a movie or event in this beautiful new space, you’ll feel a special pride knowing you or someone close to you is a permanent part of this historic theater, and that you helped bring this community gem to the finish line. The Park Theater Trust wants everyone to know that 204 custom-created, plush theater seats are now available to sponsor as part of a fundraising campaign to close the gap in the renovation budget. These seats are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Seats can be named for individuals, families, businesses, or in honor/memory of a loved one, and the names will be engraved on a metal plaque for the life of the seat. Seat naming donations are 100% tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and will be used solely to support theater construction costs.
Visit www.parktheatertrust.org/name-my-seat for full details information and to become part of the Park Theater’s transformational rebirth! Want to see a sample chair? Stop by Lamorinda Music (81 Lafayette Circle) during business hours and try one out.
Friends Corner Book Shop Sale Saturday
On Saturday, June 13, every book will be 50% off. Shop hours are 10am to 4pm. Proceeds from the Friends Corner Book Shop support the collection, programs, and services of the Lafayette Library.
Central San Open House and Celebration Tomorrow
Central San’s 80th anniversary celebration includes a free, all-ages, community-wide Open House tomorrow (Saturday, June 13) in Martinez.
Re:Imagine Literary - Youth Open Mic on Sunday
Listen to youth aged 13 to 18 read creative writing or present artwork and photography at Chicken Pie Shop (1251 Arroyo Way, Walnut Creek) presented by the Lamorinda Arts Council’s Youth Ambassadors Program on Sunday, June 14 from 4 to 5:30 pm.
Lafayette Chamber News:
- Ribbon Cutting at Recharge Health: The Lafayette Chamber will host a Ribbon Cutting at Recharge Health on Monday, June 15 at 4pm. Recharge Health is not just a clinic—it’s a new model of care. They combine clinical care with biofield-based testing and treatment to address the drivers of dysregulation and restore biofrequency flow, regulation, and resilience in the body. Ribbon will be cut promptly at 4:15pm, 3470 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Suite A100, Lafayette, CA. Register at https://lafayettechamber.org/ribbon-cutting
- Joint Lafayette Chamber Connectors and Young Professionals: The joint June affinity group meeting will be held on Thursday, June 18, 5:30pm to7pm at Locanda Positano! If you haven’t been to one, the other, or either group before, this is the perfect chance to discover what each is all about and connect with a great mix of professionals. No cost for Lafayette Chamber members. Guests are welcome to attend their first Lafayette Chamber event/meeting for free, then we encourage guests to join the Lafayette Chamber or pay the $20 guest fee during registration. Register and learn more at https://cca.lafayettechamber.org/EvtListing.aspx?dbid2=CALAF&evtid=141276&class=E.
- Lafayette Res Run for Education – Early Bird Registration ends June 30: The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lafayette are proud co-sponsors of the Lafayette Res Run for Education. In 2025, the 32nd Annual Lafayette Res Run for Education brought together nearly 2,200 runners and raised $37,611 for beneficiary checks supporting our local public schools, as well as Chamber services and programs. 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 11-17. Register now through June 30 for early bird pricing at https://lafayettechamber.org/resrun/
- Ribbon Cutting at Wine Thieves: The Lafayette Chamber will celebrate the new ownership of Wine Thieves with a Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, July 9 at 3:15pm. Ribbon will be cut promptly at 3:30pm, 3401 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA. Plan to stay for Thirsty Thursday with live music 4 to 7pm. Register here: https://lafayettechamber.org/ribbon-cutting.
Sweet Thursday Author Series: Anita Gail Jones on June 18
Hear Anita Gail Jones discuss her historical fiction novel, The Peach Seed, this Thursday. (Editor’s Note: Date corrected from last mention in this report.) 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.
Youth Ride Busses for Free in June & July
This summer, youth 18 and under can ride County Connection, WestCAT, and Tri Delta Transit buses for free thanks to Youth Ride Free. Through July 31, young riders can catch a bus without submitting an application, showing an ID, or buying a special pass. It’s a simple way for students to get to summer jobs, parks, libraries, activities, and to enjoy time with friends. Learn more at: YouthRideFree.com
Become Water Wise With Simple Steps
Making a difference starts with simple steps. From replacing a portion of your lawn and improving soil health to choosing drought-tolerant plants, small changes can help create a more water-efficient and resilient landscape. Residents are encouraged to participate in the 2026 Water Wise Challenge, part of the Cleaner Contra Costa program. Together, participants have already helped save more than 4.38 million gallons of water through everyday conservation actions.
Complete at least three Water Wise actions by June 30 and share your progress on the Cleaner Contra Costa platform for a chance to win a $50 gift card of your choice. Join the 2026 Water-wise Challenge today.
Looking for more upcoming happenings around town?
Visit the Chamber’s Community Events Calendar online.
Miscellaneous
Apply by Sunday to Join New Multi-Modal Mobility Advisory Committee: As part of the City's long-term vision for a vibrant, connected downtown, we have begun work on the Mt. Diablo Boulevard Corridor Multimodal Mobility Plan ("M3") and are currently accepting applications to fill 3 at-large community member seats on the new Multi-Modal Mobility Advisory Committee. Learn more about how to apply on the Multi-Modal Mobility Advisory Committee page or by downloading the recruitment flyer. Submit your application by Sunday, June 14, 2026 to be considered during first review.
Grapevines Sold at Costco Found to Have Invasive Pest: The glassy-winged sharpshooter poses an immediate and serious threat to grapevines and agricultural landscapes. An estimated 200 plants were sold before the infestation was detected. Customers who purchased grapevine plants at Costco in April or May should contact the Contra Costa County Department of Agriculture / Weights & Measures at 925-608-6600. Read the full press release.
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! The City Council has also proclaimed June as LGBTQ Pride Month. June is also Caribbean American Heritage Month.
June 14 Flag Day
June 19 Juneteenth – City Administrative Offices will be closed; Free Park Day with East Bay Regional Park District
Photo for the Week
As part of LGBTQ Pride Month, the Pride Progress Flag is currently flying at Lafayette Plaza. We also have a limited number of “Love Lafayette” rainbow buttons are and the City Main Offices (during normal business hours); Limit one button per person, while supplies last.
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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.
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