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Friday, July 31, 2026| What’s Doing in Lafayette?

News From the City Manager’s Corner

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

• Objective Design Standards to be Considered by Planning Commission Monday Night
• Join Us on Tuesday at National Night Out 
• ADUs Contribute to Diversity of Housing Types in Lafayette
• Watch for the Fall Recreation Activity Guide in Mailboxes Soon
• Considering Running for Office? Nomination Period Underway
• New Public Art Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt
• Get Involved: Apply to Serve on a City Advisory Group
• Thanks to Everyone Who Attended Hello Lafayette Last Night
• Spotlight on the Downtown

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

Proposed Phase 2 Objective Design Standards to be Considered by Planning Commission Monday Night

The City is updating its existing Objective Design Standards (ODS) Phase 2 for multi-family and mixed-used development to create standards that govern building form, design, site layout, and more. The ODS Phase 2 will return for final review at the Planning Commission on Monday night (August 3) and then will be heard by the City Council (tentatively scheduled for September 14). More information can be found on the ODS webpage. You can also read the Staff Report.

Join Us on Tuesday at National Night Out 

Talk with local police officers, firefighters and your neighbors who volunteer to serve on the City’s Crime Prevention and Emergency Preparedness Commissions at the Lafayette Community Center – Pickleball Court Area (500 St. Mary’s Road) from 5 to 7pm this Tuesday. All ages welcome, and food will be available for purchase from La Kura 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.

E-Motorcycles are Not E-Bikes

Parents, if you are considering purchasing a new bike for your child to ride to school, please be advised that electric-powered motorcycles made by Sur-Ron, Talaria, Mototec, Tuttio and other manufacturers are not street legal vehicles. These vehicles are classified as off-highway motorcycles. They might look fun, but they are dangerous for minors to ride on the street and put both riders and the people around them at serious risk. With just one wrong move, one crash, a life can be permanently changed. Teenagers using them on public streets, sidewalks or trails could face citations, fines, community service hours, and even have their driver's license delayed a year or more.

 Help us keep Lafayette safe for everyone by selecting the right bike for your child. Read more at www.LoveLafayette.org/SlowDown

ADUs Contribute to Diversity of Housing Types in Lafayette

Did you know, the City received 48 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) applications in 2025, and so far, 30 ADU applications have been received this year? We are excited about the number of Lafayette residents adding an ADU on their property as it increases the number and variety of homes throughout the city and it is a great way for individual property owners to help address the regional housing shortage.

An ADU, sometimes called a guest house, granny flat, or in-law unit, is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit, which provides an independent space (with cooking and bathroom facilities) for someone to live completely independent of the main home.

Since 2023, the City has encouraged ADUs by temporarily reducing the development impact fees by 50%, and we are in the process of creating a series of “off the shelf” permit-ready designs. We also have an ADU amnesty program to help legalize units that we built prior to 2020 without the benefit of building permits.

ADUs are just one type of housing being built in Lafayette: In the downtown area, a mixed-use development broke ground earlier this month at 1001 Oak Hill which will include ground-floor commercial space and 85 new homes. And, two condominium projects recently opened in downtown Lafayette (Blue Oak at 950 Hough Ave with 20 homes and The Brant by Lennar Homes at 3666 Mt. Diablo Blvd. with 66 homes). Learn more about ADUs.

Watch for the Fall Recreation Activity Guide in Mailboxes Soon

Fall registration opens on Sunday, August 9 at noon. Preview our class offerings in the online Recreation Activity Guide. Questions or need help? Email Recreation staff or call us at 925-284-2232.

Considering Running for Office? Nomination Period Underway

In November, Lafayette voters will elect:

• Two City Councilmembers for the full term of 4 years each

• One City Councilmember for the partial term of 2 years

For other local offices up for election, refer to the Candidate Guide from Contra Costa County Elections

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 next Friday, August 7. However, if an incumbent is not running for re-election, the nomination period shall be extended to Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. More information, including a list of candidates who have pulled papers, is on our website at www.lovelafayette.org/election

New Public Art Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt

Discover downtown Lafayette through public art! The City of Lafayette's new Public Art Walking Tour Guide is now available! The guide features an approximately half-mile, self-guided route that takes about 20 minutes to enjoy at a leisurely pace and highlights public artworks throughout downtown. Along the way, look for standardized plaques with QR codes on select artworks to learn more about the artists, the artwork, and the stories behind each project.

For families and young explorers, we've also created a Public Art Scavenger Hunt that makes discovering downtown's public art a fun, interactive adventure. Download both the Public Art Walking Tour Guide and Public Art Scavenger Hunt at www.LoveLafayette.org/PublicArt.

Get Involved: Apply to Serve on a City Advisory Group

We currently have vacancies on a number of boards, commissions and committees that help inform and create city policies on a variety of topics. Information about how to apply can be found on the City’s Volunteer Webpage.

•  Environmental Task Force Seeks New Members: Are you passionate about sustainability, green energy, and recycling? We’re currently seeking volunteers to join the City’s Environmental Task Force (ETF) which researches, develops, and supports the implementation of environmental policies and programs that advance the City’s sustainability goals. Current efforts include promoting the use of reusable foodware at local restaurants. The ETF meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7pm.

•  Apply to Serve on the Design Review Commission (DRC): We’re also 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. The DRC meets on the 2^nd and 4^th Mondays of each month at 7pm.

Thanks to Everyone Who Attended Hello Lafayette Last Night

Thank you to Lafayette Juniors for organizing the second Hello Lafayette event to welcome new residents to our community and make it easy for them to get involved! Last night’s family-friendly event at the library was a great success! It included tables hosted by various community partners and local organizations, games/activities for kids and light refreshments. If you are new to town and missed the event, check out Lafayette Junior’s Our Lafayette Community Resource List - a great jumping off point for plugging into all that Lafayette has to offer.

Spotlight on the Downtown

Only two weekends remain before the school year begins. Whether you're checking off your back-to-school list, catching up with friends, or simply enjoying one of the last weekends of summer, downtown Lafayette has plenty to explore.

• Start with a little back-to-school shopping. Browse new arrivals at Luck, McCaulou's, Venture, Whimsy, or Zahra Boutique before taking a break for brunch or lunch.
• Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal on the patio, downtown offers plenty of options. Stop by Abe's Café for empanadas or enjoy Barranco's weekend bottomless mimosas and sangria.
• Wrap up the weekend on Sunday at Lafayette Public House, where Sundays in the Circle features live music by Six Strings Mixtape from 3 to 6pm

And, looking ahead, mark your calendar now and plan to join the Lafayette Chamber's Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, August 15, from 11am to 3pm and discover special deals, local favorites, and unique finds throughout our community! Participating businesses, an event map, additional details, and registration for an event reminder are available online at https://lafayettechamber.org/shop. Support local businesses and enjoy a day of shopping in Lafayette.

Meetings & Events

Planning Commission Meeting Monday

The Planning Commission Meeting on Monday (August 3) starts at 7pm and includes

• Public Hearing on request by Thomas Butzbach (Owner) to construct a 1,993 sq. ft. two-story single-family residence in the Hillside Overlay District at 1716 Reliez Valley Road
• Objective Design Standards: Amendment to Lafayette Municipal Code to add Chapter 6-39 to Incorporate Objective Design Standards (Phase 2) - Housing Element Implementation (mentioned above)
• Designate Commissioner to serve on the City’s new Multi-Modal Mobility Advisory Committee

Read the full agenda for more details and information about how you can participate and provide comments.

Other Top Meetings This Week

• Emergency Preparedness Commission – Monday, August 3
• City Council Legislation Committee – Monday, August 3
• Transportation & Circulation Commission - cancelled
• Public Art Committee – Wednesday, August 5

Exhibit Closing August 4: Explore Lafayette's Past Through Three Perspectives

Don’t miss your chance to step into Lafayette's past this summer with Points of Reference: Three Perspectives on Lafayette's Past, a trio of exhibitions presented as part of Lafayette's observance of America's 250th anniversary:

• Discover watercolor paintings by John Finger reflecting on General Lafayette
• Explore 1950s aerial photographs that reveal how our community has changed over time, and
• View artifacts from the Saklan people that honor the region's earliest inhabitants and their enduring connection to this landscape

These exhibitions at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center and are open to the public through August 4.

Roadwork Projects

Ongoing City-led Projects:

• Read the Road Paving Update for details on the work planned for the week of July 27:
  • Pavement Overlay on Village Center, Monticello Road, Rose Court, Brok St., Walnut Drive, Yorkshire Court and Diablo Drive
  • 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

  Schedule is subject to change so look for signs in your neighborhood regarding the work. We appreciate your patience and cooperation throughout construction. Please remain alert for construction workers, equipment, changing traffic patterns, and all posted traffic control signs.

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

Other Utility Work:

• EBMUD Pipeline Replacement Downtown – EBMUD Crews will be on Wilkinson (private) Monday and Tuesday, then Brook St. and Moraga Rd. on Wednesday and Thursday. Night work permitted. EBMUD will be notifying affected customers about a required, temporary shutoff currently planned for Thursday night.
• PG&E Brook Street Gas Line Replacement – ongoing
• EBMUD Lafayette Reservoir Construction – ongoing
• Caltrans – ongoing emergency repairs on eastbound Highway 24 near the El Nido Ranch Road underpass through October 1, with weeknight closure of 1 lane. More details at https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4

Community News & Events

Share Your Input: Surveys, Surveys, Surveys

Participating in surveys is a great way to share what you think, like or need. Your input is used to help decision-makers make important choices for our region’s future.

• Tell the County Board of Supervisors About Your Priorities by August 9: The Board of Supervisors is currently gather information from residents in Contra Costa to identify community priorities for any future Measure X funding that might become available to allocate. Current Federal and State funding cuts mean that the County may not be able to maintain all services, that is why your input is so important. Take 10 minutes to complete the County's Community Priorities Survey. Your input will help guide future County planning, services, and investments based on the priorities of the people who live here. The online survey is available in English, Spanish and Chinese.

   

• Comment on Bay Area Transportation Funding Priorities by August 12: The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is seeking public input on their Draft 2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP includes more than 400 transportation projects throughout the Bay Area, including investments in transit, highways, local streets and roads, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, bridges, and freight movement. The public comment deadline is August 12 at 5pm.

   

• East Bay Regional Park District Long-Range Planning: The East Bay Regional Park Districtis developing a new District Plan which will serve as a strategic roadmap guiding us into the next century of leadership and excellence. Through the identification of key priorities, the District Plan will help ensure Park District activities are aligned with the Park District's mission statement. Take the EBRPD District Plan Survey to provide your input into the development of the District Plan and the future of the Park District.

   

• Shape future transportation in Contra Costa County: Take the Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s Summer Listening Survey and you can enter to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards. Your feedback will help CCTA better understand local needs and shape future transportation in Contra Costa County. Learn more at CCTA.ca.org/community/listening

   

Friends Corner Book Shop Sale Next Saturday  

On Saturday, August 8, 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.

California Watercolor Association Show and Sale at the AARD Den & Gallery

Exciting new AARD Den & Gallery update: From August 6 to September 30, the California Watercolor Association will be displaying their August Interlude show on the walls of the AARD Den & Gallery. Highly curated and juried paintings will include landscapes, nature, portraits, figures, still lifes, and abstract forms. All paintings are for sale, priced, framed, and completed in the past three years. 25% of sales generously benefit All Ages Recreation Downtown, a public benefit 501c3 nonprofit. The maximum price of paintings is $1,000.

Also, mark your calendars for the Award & Artist Reception on September 4 from 1 to 3 pm. AARD Den & Gallery is located at 3561-A Mt. Diablo Blvd., near Postino. More information at www.Allagesplay.org  or on Instagram @all.ages.play.

Back to LPIE at Western Flyer Brewing

Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE) invites the community to kick off the new school year at Back to LPIE on Friday, August 14, at 6pm at Western Flyer Brewing (3660 Mount Diablo Boulevard in Lafayette.) This free, adults-only event is open to all and offers an opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet fellow community members, and celebrate the start of another school year. A hosted bar and light snacks will be available from 6 to 7 p.m.

LPIE supports and enriches educational opportunities for students in Lafayette’s public schools. For more information, visit www.lpie.org.

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.

Stay Informed with Contra Costa Public Works Updates

Want to stay up to date on road projects, traffic impacts, construction notices, and other important Public Works news from the County? If so, visit the County's "Sign Up for Notifications – County News" webpage, create or update your profile, and select "Public Works News Flash" from the list of available notification options. This free service provides timely updates on Public Works projects and announcements, helping residents stay informed about activities that may affect their neighborhoods or daily commute.

Do You Want to Feel More Prepared for a Wildfire or Other Disaster?

Register to take the Lamorinda CERT Basic Class on Tuesday evenings from September 15 through November 10 at the Lafayette Community Center. Get CERT-ified and learn skills to help your household and our whole community be more resilient to disasters. You will learn about personal and home preparedness for all-hazard emergencies; radio communications; utility, hazardous materials and fire safety; disaster medical response; light search and rescue; Incident Command System; disaster psychology; terrorism;  and pet preparedness. For more information, visit https://classes.lamorindacert.org. 

Looking for more upcoming happenings around town?

Visit the Chamber’s Community Events Calendar online.

Miscellaneous

Lamorinda School Bus Passes: School starts on Tuesday, August 11! If you haven't registered your student for bus service yet, visit www.lamorindaschoolbus.org.

Annual State of the City Address: In case you missed it, you can watch Mayor Anduri’s recent State of the City address on our YouTube Channel.

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 Insurance 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. The topic on Monday, August 3 is Insurance for a Small Business - an overview of tax planning and reporting and is designed to help participants to understand how taxes can benefit and affect their business. Register for the Money Smart Webinar online.

Be Alert to Avoid Scams: The City of Lafayette does not request payment by wire transfer, ACH, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. If you receive suspicious communication claiming to be from the City, do not respond or send payment. Instead contact the City directly using a verified phone number or email provided on our official website: www.lovelafayette.org. For more information and general scam awareness tips, read the City’s scam alert news release on the City website.

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

Do you know there are Petanque Fields in Community Park (near 480 St. Mary's Road)? This classic French game is a fun, social game that is easy to learn, fun for all ages, and a great way to enjoy time outdoors! Learn more on the Lamorinda Petanque Club website.

Quote for the Week

I cannot teach anybody anything; I can only make them think.

 –  Socrates

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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.