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Friday, August 7, 2026| What’s Doing in Lafayette?

News From the City Manager’s Corner

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

• Fall Recreation Registration Opens Sunday
• Give Your Feedback on Proposed ADU Designs
• Slow Down Lafayette!
• July 2026 Police Department Snapshot
• City Council Nomination Period
• Back-to-School Spotlight on the Downtown
• City Council Meeting Monday Night

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

Fall Registration Opens Sunday at Noon

Preview our class offerings in the online Recreation Activity Guide. To help ensure a smooth registration experience, please review the following tips:

• Before registration opens: Create an account or confirm that you can log in to your existing profile. Then, add the classes you're interested into your wishlist by selecting the heart icon on the right side of each class listing.
• On Sunday, August 9: Log in to the registration system a few minutes before noon so you're ready to register as soon as classes become available.

If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, please contact the Parks, Trails and Recreation office at 925-284-2232 or email recreation@lovelafayette.org. We’re happy to help!

Give Feedback on Proposed ADU Designs for Lamorinda

To help homeowners build high-quality Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) more easily and efficiently, Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda are in the process of developing a library of eight (8) pre-approved ADU plans. The pre-designed plans will reduce design costs and streamline the permitting process for Lamorinda homeowners who take advantage of them, while also maintaining the character of existing neighborhoods. See the proposed PADU Design set, then complete the online survey to share your feedback on their appearance, layout, and overall appeal. Your input will help refine the plans before they are finalized and made available.

Please note that these plans are preliminary concepts and that public feedback will help refine the designs.

Traffic safety continues to be a top priority in the City of Lafayette, with the goal of reducing injuries to all roadway users. With the new school year upon us, you might see a difference in traffic in your neighborhood. Please be extra mindful of students walking or biking to and from school.

Here are some tips for drivers:

• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk
• Follow crossing guard directions
• Stop well back from the crosswalk and do not block an intersection; Give other vehicles an opportunity to see the people in the crosswalk
• Give students extra space, they may be more focused on their friends and not on cars
• When you see a school bus with red lights on and/or a fold-out stop sign displayed, DO NOT PASS the bus, as students a likely present on the street
• E-Motos v. E-Bikes: Know the difference. Help us keep Lafayette safe for everyone by selecting the right bike for your child.

 Read more at www.LoveLafayette.org/SlowDown

And, here are some transportation resources to help reduce traffic congestion around schools:

• Lamorinda School Bus Program: The program currently runs nineteen buses, serving over 1,100 students in the Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda Union School Districts including Springhill, Burton Valley, and Stanley Middle School. Visit www.lamorindaschoolbus.org for information. Registration will re-open on August 12.
• Carpool to School: Drivers and passengers who register their carpool will be entered to win one of ten $250 back-to-school shopping sprees. Learn more and sign up at 511.ccta.ca.gov/schools/schoolpool.

City Council Nomination Period

As of Friday afternoon, it appears likely that the nomination period for City Council candidates interested in running in the November election shall be extended to Wednesday, August 12 at 5pm. More information is on our website at www.lovelafayette.org/election, which will be updated on Monday to announce if the extension will take place. On Monday, you can also call the City Clerk’s Office for more information.

July 2026 Police Department Snapshot 

You can also look up events reported to the Police Department last week on this online Community Crime Map.

Proactive police work and strong interagency partnerships help keep our community safe. Last week, the coordinated response by Lafayette Police and Valley Station deputy sheriffs, supported by K-9 and drone technology, led to the safe apprehension of three suspects and the recovery of two firearms. Here’s what happened:

On Wednesday, July 29, at about 2am Lafayette police officers driving westbound on Old Tunnel Road spotted a stolen vehicle going in the opposite direction. The officers turned around and began searching for the vehicle, locating it a short time later on Linda Vista Lane.

With the assistance of Contra Costa deputy sheriffs from Valley Station, a perimeter was set up and a Sheriff’s Office K-9 and drone were used to search for the suspects. The drone located, in a backyard, heat sources of two suspects who were called to surrender and then subsequently arrested. A third suspect was found nearby by the K-9. Two firearms were also found near where the suspects were hiding.

The suspects were arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for a stolen vehicle, resisting an officer, and weapon charges.

Back-to-School Spotlight on the Downtown

Whether you're picking up last-minute school supplies or looking for a fun way to spend the weekend, downtown Lafayette offers plenty to explore.

• Finish your back-to-school checklist with pens and notebooks from Elwood Stationers, backpack accessories from Five Little Monkeys, or a new backpack from McCaulou's.

   

• With fall sports just around the corner, it's a great time to pick up a good book for the sidelines. The Friends of the Lafayette Library & Learning Center's Half-Price Book Sale takes place on Saturday from 10am to 4pm and to continue the fun, all children’s books will continue to be 50% off through next Saturday, August 15.

   

• Feeling nostalgic for your own school days? Browse retro fashions at the outdoor Vintage Market on Sunday from 10am to 3pm in the 3500 block of Mt. Diablo Blvd.

   

• As the new school year begins, consider brightening a teacher's or school staff member's first week with a small token of appreciation from one of downtown Lafayette's local cafés, bakeries, or shops.

Meetings & Events

Review of the Phase 2 Objective Design Standards (ODS) Rescheduled

Review of the Phase 2 Objective Design Standards (ODS) was originally scheduled by the Planning Commission this past Monday; unfortunately, there were not enough members of the Planning Commission to reach a quorum, so the meeting was cancelled. Review has been rescheduled for Tuesday, September 8; if the Planning Commission recommends approval of the document, the City Council will likely conduct a first reading of the new ordinance on Monday, September 28. The ODS webpage has been updated with the new dates and the staff report.

City Council Meeting Monday

The City Council Meeting on Monday (August 10) starts at 6:30pm with a closed session. The open session starts at 7pm and includes:

• Presentation by Lamorinda Arts Alliance as part of the Lafayette Civic Values: Lifelong Learning and the Arts series
• Introduction of new Staff
• Changes to Parking Management of City-Owned Parking Lots at 3429 Mt. Diablo Boulevard and 3299 Mt. Diablo Boulevard
• Settlement Agreement between the City of Lafayette and Brian Vesce and Allyson Vesce regarding litigation associated with 3654 Happy Valley Road
• Consideration of Refinancing Successor Agency Bonds
• Appointments to the new Multi-Modal Mobility Advisory Committee and the Youth Commission
• Positions on Bills of Local Importance

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

Other Top Meetings This Week

• Design Review Commission - cancelled
• Parks, Trails & Recreation Commission – Wednesday, August 12
• Environmental Task Force - cancelled

Roadwork Projects

Ongoing City-led Projects:

Read the Road Paving Update for details on the work planned for the week of August 10:

• Pavement Overlay on Rose Ct and Diablo Drive
• Brook St. – remove concrete forms, perform final backfill, reinstall traffic signage, plus work on the curb ramp at the west side of Brook Street at East Street
• Springhill Rd Retaining Wall Replacement
• Base repair work and wedge grinding on Bacon Court, Happy Hollow Court, Secluded Place, Los Palos Manor, Richelle Court, Las Huertas Road, Huntleigh Drive, Sweet Court, Ruppel Place, Mc Bride Drive, John Way, O’Conner Dr, Glenside Drive (between Reliez Station Road and Glenside Circle) and Springhill Rd.

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 continue working nights on Moraga Road (from Brook St to Mt. Diablo Blvd.) and on Mt. Diablo Blvd. (from Moraga Rd. to Lafayette Cir.) They are completing the tie-ins to shut-off the old water main.
• PG&E Brook Street Gas Line Replacement – Ongoing. Next week, work will be on Brook St. between Hough and Dewing requiring a lane closure from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
• EBMUD Lafayette Reservoir Construction – ongoing
• Caltrans – weeknight closure of a lane eastbound Highway 24 near the El Nido Ranch Road underpass through October 1.

Community News & Events

2026 East Bay Thrift Store Crawl

Now through August 1, the East Bay Thrift Crawl invites you to discover amazing finds while supporting local nonprofits and community organizations. Visit any participating thrift store and spending $10 or more to receive your Crawl Brochure and first sticker. Then, visit the remaining participating locations, collect a sticker, and complete your brochure for a chance to win the Grand Prize Bundle—11 gift cards worth $25 each, one from every participating organization! Yo can start the crawl in downtown Lafayette at the Giving Partners Thrift Shop (3521 Golden Gate Way).

Reminder: Help Shape the Future of Countywide Services:

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.

• Deadline Extended to August 16 - Tell the County Board of Supervisors About Your Priorities: The Board of Supervisors is currently gathering information from residents in Contra Costa to identify community priorities for future Measure X funding that may become available to allocate. 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.

   

• Shape future transportation in Contra Costa County: Take the Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s Summer Listening Survey to help CCTA better understand local needs and shape future transportation throughout our County. Learn more at CCTA.ca.org/community/listening

Lafayette Chamber News and Events

• Lafayette Business Women at Pillar Cowork: Lafayette Chamber’s Lafayette Business Women affinity group, will meet on Wednesday, August 12 at Pillar Cowork, 3515 Mt. Diablo Blvd. for evening networking 5:15pm to 6:30pm. Free for Lafayette Chamber members and first-time guests. Learn more at https://lafayettechamber.org/lbw.

   

• Lafayette Chamber Nonprofit Network: Year-end giving season is closer than you think, and the nonprofits that win it start planning now. Join two local experts who will present to the Lafayette Chamber Nonprofit Network, a practical, hands-on session covering planning a compelling multi-channel campaign using email, social media, local events, and postal media – and the storytelling that ties it all together. You'll leave with a clear framework for themes, content, and visuals; and a head start on your most successful year-end campaign yet. Thursday, August 13, 8:30am at Creekside Commons, 1035 Carol Lane (Park in Lot A). Learn more and register at https://lafayettechamber.org/nonprofits.

   

• Shop Local Lafayette! 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 online at https://lafayettechamber.org/shop. Support local businesses and enjoy a day of shopping in Lafayette!

   

• Nonprofit Community Events & Announcements: Read the August/September 2026 issue of this special newsletter

Back to LPIE at Western Flyer Brewing Next Friday

Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE) invites the community to kick off the new school year at Back to LPIE on Friday, August 14, at 6 p.m. 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.

Lamorinda Idol Finale on Sunday August 16

Lamorinda Arts Council’s Lamorinda Idol singers have been performing throughout Lamorinda all summer, building toward their exciting finale at the Orinda Theatre on Sunday, August 16. Audience members will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite performers as these talented young singers take the stage one last time. Celebrate the remarkable talent of our youth and the wonderful opportunities this program provides!

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

Opened August 6: The California Watercolor Association will be displaying a highly curated and juried selection of paintings on the walls of the AARD Den & Gallery through September 30. All paintings are for sale and 25% of sales generously benefit All Ages Recreation Downtown, a public benefit 501c3 nonprofit. 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.

Teens: Take Part in the 2026 Congressional App Challenge

The competition is open to all middle and high school students living or attending school in California’s 10^th Congressional district. Students are invited to submit an original application (app) for mobile, tablet, or computing device to Congressman DeSaulnier’s office. Students may participate as individuals or in teams of up to four. Submissions must include a registration form, application, demonstration video, and exit questionnaire. To register and submit these materials, students can visit https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/. The competition is open through 9am on October 26. The winning app will be chosen by a panel of local judges and will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and featured on the House of Representatives’ website. Winners will also be invited to the #HouseofCode reception in Washington, D.C.

Looking for more upcoming happenings around town?

Visit the Chamber’s Community Events Calendar online.

Miscellaneous

New Public Art Walking Tour Guide & Scavenger Hunt: Discover downtown Lafayette through the Public Art Walking Tour (approx. ½ mile).  Download the Public Art Walking Tour Guide and the companion Public Art Scavenger Hunt activity 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.

Greet Lafayette August Issue: Check you mailbox for the latest issue of Greet Lafayette, a hyper-local magazine showcasing local people and businesses while fostering local connections.

2026 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.

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

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!

9          International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

12        United Nations International Youth Day

Photo for the Week

Lafayette’s National Night Out brought together community members, Lafayette Police Department staff, and Contra Costa County Fire Protection District firefighters for an evening of connection and engagement. Community members met Lafayette PD officers, professional staff, parking enforcement officers, Crime Scene Investigation staff, firefighters, city staff, and members of both the Crime Prevention and Emergency Preparedness Commissions. Our reserve officer also provided drone demonstrations. La Kura food truck served delicious Mexican food. We thank everyone who participated and joined us in making the evening a great success.

Quote for the Week

A person who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.

 — Albert Einstein

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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.