Latest News

Friday, July 24, 2026| What’s Doing in Lafayette?

News From the City Manager’s Corner

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

• Watch Mayor Anduri’s State of the City Address
• Hello Lafayette event to welcome newcomers
• Wildfire Can Spread Quickly – Don’t Wait for an Official Order to Evacuate
• Firewise is Growing in Lafayette
• Save the Date: National Night Out is Tuesday, August 4
• Nomination Period Underway for City Council Candidates
• Lamorinda School Bus Pass Packets Are in the Mail
• Spotlight on the Downtown

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

A Celebration of Lafayette’s Community Spirit

Lafayette’s annual State of the City Address on Monday night was a wonderful evening of reflection, celebration, and community pride. Mayor Anduri delivered a compelling and thoughtful address, laying out a clear plan for advancing the City Council’s priorities and building on Lafayette’s many accomplishments. The evening also featured a heartfelt recognition of the many, many volunteers who generously give their time, talent, and expertise to serve on the City’s commissions and committees. Each of these dedicated individuals shares a common purpose—to make Lafayette an even better place to live, work, and thrive. Their service embodies the generous spirit of volunteerism that makes Lafayette so special—and reminds us why we truly “Love Lafayette”.

Watch Mayor Anduri’s full State of the City address on our YouTube Channel.

Recently moved to Lafayette? Plan to Drop by the Hello Lafayette Event on Thursday

If you are new to Lafayette (in the last year or so), we hope you will drop by our family-friendly event this Thursday, July 30 from 5:30 to 7pm. Designed to help you learn more about our community, Hello Lafayette is hosted by Lafayette Juniors, the City, and the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation. Enjoy light refreshments as you explore tables hosted by key community partners and local organizations. There will also be games/activities for kids. Meet friendly representatives and neighbors who can help you:

• Learn about activities, programs, and services in Lafayette
• Find opportunities to meet people, get involved and engage with the community
• Problem-solve home and neighborhood questions

RSVP encouraged but not required. More information is on our website at www.lovelafayette.org/NewResidents

Wildfire Can Spread Quickly – Don’t Wait for an Official Order to Evacuate

The recent fires near Clayton and Pleasanton are good reminders that wildfire can happen anytime and spread quickly! If a wildfire starts in an area close to where you or a family member lives, works or studies, it’s important to have a plan, and to respond to the specific situation by taking calm and swift action. Don’t wait for an evacuation order to start gathering necessary items and planning with your family about where you will go, etc.

Here are some easy steps to take today:

• Community Warning System (CWS): To receive alerts, warnings and orders for life-threatening emergencies, each member of your household should set up their own account and register so everyone receives CWS alerts directly. Register for CWS.

• Know Your Evacuation Zone: You can look up your evacuation zone on this interactive map. Each zone includes a 3-letter identifier for your city and a 3-digit number for your zone. Examples: LAF-001, MOR-001, ORI-001.

Here are some things to keep in mind in case your neighborhood is threatened by wildfire:

• Get ready to leave in only a few minutes: have everything packed, your car filled with gas or charged, and your car parked face out. Can you leave in less than 5 minutes? Each minute you delay could slow your safe evacuation significantly.

• Because every wildfire situation is unique, it’s impossible to know what evacuation route is safest and most efficient until the event unfolds. Many roads in Lamorinda are narrow with few alternatives so will become congested quickly.

• Take action to get a safe distance away from the risk, ideally to a location you have considered in your evacuation readiness plan.

• If there are police directing traffic, follow their instructions. Don’t stop to ask them for information as it will delay cars behind you. (Get out of the area first, then once you are in a safe location, tune in to local media, follow the city, police department and fire agencies on social media or call 2-1-1 for information on the incident and for resources such as a shelter for displaced people.)

• Communication networks may be congested. TEXT, don’t call and don’t attach photos, as smaller messages are more likely to go through.

Read more tips on our webpage, www.lovelafayette.org/Ready.

Firewise is Growing in Lafayette

Congratulations to the Central Reliez Valley Firewise neighborhood which was recently recognized by the National Fire Protection Association. This 200+ home neighborhood will work together over the coming years to collectively and individually reduce their risk from wildfire.  

If you are interested in reducing wildfire risk for your property, home, and neighborhood, and if you want to potentially reduce your homeowner insurance costs, creating or joining a Firewise neighborhood is a great way to do this.  Visit Wildfire Preparedness and Firewise to learn more, and to check Lafayette's interactive Firewise map to see if your neighborhood is already participating.

If you are not in a Firewise neighborhood but are interested in starting one, email lafayettefirewise@gmail.com for information and assistance.

Save the Date: National Night Out is Tuesday, August 4

Meet first responders at National Night Out, an annual event designed to strengthen police-community partnerships and foster neighborhood camaraderie. Plan to drop by the Lafayette Community Center – Pickleball Court Area (500 St. Mary’s Road) from 5 to 5 to 7pm on Tuesday, August 4 to talk with local police officers, firefighters and your neighbors who volunteer to serve on the City’s Crime Prevention and Emergency Preparedness Commissions. All ages welcome, and there will be a food truck!

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

Nomination Period Underway for City Council Candidates

If you are interested in running for a seat on the Lafayette City Council, please contact City Clerk Joanne Robbins at 925-284-1968 or via email to schedule an appointment to pull nomination papers. The nomination period closes on Friday, August 7. However, if nomination documents from any of the three incumbents are not filed by Friday, August 7, 2026 the nomination period shall be extended until Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. During this extension period, no incumbent is allowed to file nomination documents.

On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, a general municipal election will be held for:

• Two City Councilmembers for the full term of 4 years each
• One City Councilmember for the partial term of 2 years

More information, including a list of candidates who have pulled papers, is on our website at www.lovelafayette.org/election

Lamorinda School Bus Pass Packets Are in the Mail

The Lamorinda School Bus team has been hard at work preparing for the new school year! This week, volunteers and staff stuffed and mailed more than 1,200 bus pass packets, which were sent out on Tuesday. Families should begin seeing their passes arrive in their mailboxes soon.

School starts on Tuesday, August 11, so if you haven't registered for bus service yet, there's still time. Visit www.lamorindaschoolbus.org to register and secure your student's bus pass before the first day of school.

Spotlight on the Downtown

Looking for weekend plans? Downtown Lafayette has something for everyone!

• Cool off with a sweet treat as you explore Lafayette’s downtown: Stop by Scoop for ice cream, Yogurt Shack for fro-yo, or gelato at Castagna Pasticceria and Zoonie’s.

• Tonight (Friday) 925 Dance Collective will host a Summer Salsa Social at 6pm.

• On Saturday, check out Wine Thieves’ Saturday Patio Pours & Tunes featuring live music from Paula Fong from 5 to 7pm.

• On Sunday, join Live Music Sundays at Headlands Brewery from 1 to 4pm or head to Local Vines for “The Minimalist’s Table: A Study in Low-Intervention Winemaking” with Deer Hill Vineyards and Winemaker Bill Scanlin.

And, if the excitement of the World Cup inspired you to get back on the field, Soccer Post has gear and apparel for players and supporters alike.

Meetings & Events

No City Council Meeting Monday

The City Council Meeting on Monday (July 27) has been cancelled.

Other Top Meetings This Week

• Design Review Commission – Monday, July 27
• Crime Prevention Commission – Tuesday, July 28
• Parks, Trails & Recreation Commission - Trails Subcommittee – Wednesday, July 29

Roadwork Projects

Ongoing City-led Projects:

• Read the Road Paving Update for details on the work planned for the week of July 27:
  • Repaving Los Arabis, Natasha Drive, Village Center, Via Roble, Monticello Road, Rose Court, Walnut Drive, Yorkshire Court and Diablo Drive
  • Curb and Gutter work on Brook St
  • New storm drain inlet on Powell Drive at John Way
  • Springhill Rd Retaining Wall Replacement and Replacement of Pipeline (on Springhill Road near Springhill Manor)
  • Base repair work and wedge grinding on Los Palos Manor, Glenside Drive (between Reliez Station Road and Glenside Circle), Richelle Court, Las Huertas Road, Huntleigh Drive, Sweet Court, Ruppel Place, Mc Bride Drive, Happy Hollow Court, Bacon Court, and Secluded Place

  • Motorists should expect delays in these construction zones. Please use the designated pedestrian detours and observe the “no parking” restrictions. This roadwork is anticipated to be completed in mid-September.

• Utility Work on Topper Lane & School Street - ongoing
• BART Bike Station/Pathway Project – ongoing

Other Utility Work:

• EBMUD Pipeline Replacement Downtown – ongoing
• PG&E Brook Street Gas Line Replacement – ongoing
• EBMUD Lafayette Reservoir Construction – ongoing
• Caltrans Caldecott Tunnel Overnight Bore Closures for tunnel maintenance - Nightly Monday, July 27 through Wednesday, July 29. During the work, at least one bore in each direction will remain open.

Community News & Events

Back to School Transportation Resources from 511

Pass2Class and SchoolPool are countywide programs of 511 Contra Costa Transportation Authority and funded by the Bay Area Air District’s Transportation Fund for Clean Air:

•  Carpool to School for a Chance to Win a $250 Back to School Shopping Spree: Share the ride to save gas and reduce school traffic.  Carpooling is fun for students and saves time and money for parents. Drivers and passengers who register their carpool will be entered to win one of ten $250 back-to-school shopping sprees at Target, courtesy of 511 CCTA’s free SchoolPool program. Learn more and sign up at 511.ccta.ca.gov/schools/schoolpool.

• Pass2Class: Free Regional Bus Passes for Students: Students who use County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT or AC Transit buses can get up to two months of free bus rides with 511 CCTA’s Pass2Class program. Passes are available for up to two students per family, while supplies last. Learn more and apply at 511.ccta.ca.gov/schools/pass2class-program.

511 CCTA is a program of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority; Pass2Class and SchoolPool are funded by the Bay Area Air District’s Transportation Fund for Clean Air.

LPIE 6th Annual Texas Hold ’Em Poker Tournament

Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE) invites the community to go all in for local students at the 6th Annual LPIE Texas Hold ’Em Poker Tournament on Friday, August 21. This exciting evening features professional poker dealers, dinner, a hosted bar, and friendly competition in a private residence. Proceeds from the event support LPIE's mission to fund innovative academic programs that enrich learning for students in Lafayette's public schools. For tickets and additional information, visit www.lpie.org.

Looking for more upcoming happenings around town?

Visit the Chamber’s Community Events Calendar online.

Miscellaneous

Apply to Serve on the Design Review Commission (DRC): We’re currently accepting application to fill two vacancies on the DRC, which advises the Planning Commission and City Council on matters relating to aesthetics and the physical appearance of the built environment in Lafayette. Review the responsibilities of the Design Review Commission. Information about how to apply can be found on the City’s Volunteer Webpage.   

Shape future transportation in Contra Costa County: Take the CCTA Summer Listening Survey and you can enter to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards. Prefer to speak your mind? You can leave a short voice message or video instead. CCTA, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, delivers countywide transportation improvements. CCTA’s work includes smarter highways and signals, street repairs, bike/pedestrian overcrossings, and safer and easier ways to get to school. Learn more at CCTA.ca.org/community/listening

Destination Weddings at Cobra Experience Museum on August 7: The Contra Costa County Clerk‑Recorder’s Office is excited to announce a special Destination Wedding Event at the iconic Cobra Experience Museum in Martinez. Whether planning an intimate elopement or a vow renewal, the Clerk‑Recorder’s staff will ensure a seamless, memorable experience for couples and up to 20 of their friends and family. Spaces are limited and filling quickly, so don’t wait to reserve your appointment. Call the County Clerk‑Recorder’s Office at 925‑335‑7900 for more details.

Lafayette Chamber’s Res Run for Education: Races on October 18 include: 5k at 8am, 10k at 8:15am, 2-mile at 8:45am. Register now at https://lafayettechamber.org/resrun

Money Smart for Small Business Webinar on Tax Planning and Reporting for a Small Business: Every Monday, the San Francisco District Office presents a live webinar from 1 to 2:30pm related to starting and managing a business. It is intended for business owners with fewer than three years of business taxes. The topic on Monday, July 27 is Tax Planning and Reporting for a Small Business – hear an overview of tax planning and reporting to better understand how taxes can benefit and affect their business. Register online or send an e-mail with “Money Smart” in the subject line to sfomail@sba.gov

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! July is French American Heritage Month and Disability Pride Month.

Photo for the Week

The City’s 2026 Road Paving Project includes work on 28 streets throughout the city using a variety of treatments including crack sealing, pavement dig out/base repair, and installation of a thin overlay. In this photo, our contractor is sealing cracks on Knox Drive; this vital preventative maintenance blocks water and debris from getting under the surface, which helps to extend the life of the roadway. Thank you for your patience and for driving with extra care in construction zones.

__________________

 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.