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The Weekly Roundup, August 28, 2026

Friday, August 28, 2026| What’s Doing in Lafayette?

News From the City Manager’s Corner

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

• 7th Grade Cotillion Registration Opens Wednesday
• Planning Commission Set to Make Recommendation on New Objective Design Standards
• Flashing Beacon to be Installed at Mt. Diablo Boulevard/Hampton Road Crosswalk to Improve Pedestrian Safety 
• Save the Date: Senior Volunteer Fair on October 6
• Staff Takes Part in Successful Professional Development Day
• Hear How Emergency Alerts Reach You
• Downtown Spotlight

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

7th Grade Cotillion Registration Opens Wednesday

Cotillion is open to all 7th-grade students at Stanley Middle School and St. Perpetua School. Participants will learn to dance with a variety of partners while practicing conversational skills and social etiquette—helping them feel confident, comfortable, and ready to enjoy social events.

Registration opens at 7:30 am September 2 for this popular class!

Planning Commission Set to Make Recommendation on New Objective Design Standards

For the past two years, we’ve been working on updating Objective Design Standards (ODS) for multi-family and mixed-used residential developments. At their upcoming meeting on Tuesday, September 8, the Planning Commission will make their recommendation to the City Council on the suite of ODS.

ODS is one way the City can influence the “look and feel” of new growth in town. For the community, ODS provide predictable outcomes because we can anticipate how new development will look and fit in with existing buildings. For developers, they provide a curated design standard for Lafayette so developers can integrate new multi-family and mixed-used residential development into existing neighborhoods and the downtown core; ODS also removed the uncertainty of discretionary review. If an applicant follows the standards, no design review is required.

• ODS Phase 1 (in place since 2019) addresses building height, scale, and design, creek and landscaping, parking and circulation, pedestrian access, and outdoor space.
• ODS Phase 2 (now in the adoption process) standards address building form, design, exterior materials, and site layout for multi-family and mixed-used residential developments anywhere in town.
• Elements related to building massing and design, creeks and landscaping, parking and circulation, pedestrian access, and outdoor space will be adopted separately in conjunction with the rezoning updates that will be adopted later this year (to ensure there are no conflicts with state law governing no net loss of residential density).

The proposed ODS Phase 2 envisions new multi-family and mixed-used residential development buildings with engaging building design elements with a focus on human-scale experiences. This looks like:

• Traditional design with contemporary elements consistent with Lafayette’s semi-rural ambiance (not boxy buildings)
• Richness and variation in building materials; inclusion of ornamentation and window/doorway treatments
• Interesting and appealing streetscape including landscaping in the building frontage, broad pedestrian passageways, and amenities in publicly-accessible open spaces (such as seating, planters, trellis, fountains, etc.)
• Limit the visibility of parking along Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Moraga Road, First Street, Golden Gate Way, and Oak Hill Road

For more information, read the Staff Report. For an introduction, review the Open House Display Boards created for the Community Open House held on November 20, 2025 introducing topics such as building massing, building articulation, window fenestration and more – Note: some illustrations on the boards may vary from the proposed OSD being considered.

Flashing Beacon to be Installed at Mt. Diablo Boulevard/Hampton Road Crosswalk to Improve Pedestrian Safety 

As part of the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP), the City recently selected a contractor, Franco Engineering, Inc. to install a solar-powered flashing beacon crossing system on Mt. Diablo Boulevard at Hampton Road to improve pedestrian safety. The project will also include ramp and sidewalk modifications on both sides of Mt. Diablo Boulevard and a center median refuge that will allow slower walkers to rest at the halfway point and reactivate the flashing beacons. Work is expected to begin in September and will take approximately five weeks to complete.

A nearby example of the flashing beacon crossing system is at Mt. Diablo Boulevard and the east end of Golden Gate Way (near the gazebo).

The City of Lafayette is committed to pedestrian and traffic safety in an effort to make our streets function better for all of us. Roadway engineering, education and enforcement ALL play an important role in safety so that we can achieve the goal to eliminate transportation-related fatalities in Lafayette. Learn more about our Vison Zero approach at www.lovelafayette.org/SlowDown.  

Save the Date: Senior Volunteer Fair on October 6

Make a Difference, Make a Friend! Our upcoming Senior Volunteer Fair is a great place for older adults to connect with local nonprofits, meet inspiring peers, and find a cause that matches their passions. Plan to join the Senior Services Commission on Tuesday, October 6 from 10am till noon at the Lafayette Library (3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.). For more details, email seniors@lovelafayette.org or call us at 925-284-5050.

Staff Takes Part in Successful Professional Development Day

On Wednesday, we closed the office for a few hours so all staff could spend some time to focus on how we communicate, navigate conflict, and work together. During the training, there were plenty of laughs, delicious food and the chance to catch up with colleagues. We’ll call that a successful day.

How Emergency Alerts Reach You

What happens when an emergency strikes and residents need immediate information? In the latest episode of Contra Costa County’s Government Speak podcast, the Community Warning System team explains how lifesaving alerts are issued, who has the authority to send notifications, and how local agencies coordinate during emergencies. The episode also highlights simple steps residents can take now to be better prepared.

Listen to the episode to hear what goes on behind the scenes before an alert is sent, who has the authority to issue emergency notifications, how agencies work together during incidents, and why being prepared before an emergency happens can make all the difference.

Congratulations to Wine Thieves for being featured in an East Bay Times article on 8 new and expanded wine bars around the Bay. Wine Thieves, a Lafayette institution for nearly 30 years, recently celebrated a grand reopening under new owners Dan and Gennie Gorback. Stop by throughout the weekend to pick up a bottle or relax on the porch during its Saturday Afternoon Wine Tasting from 12 to 6pm.

While you’re on the east side of town, check out the new tenants at the Corporate Terrace complex, located across from the Lafayette Police Department:

Recharge Health, located at 3470 Mt Diablo Blvd, Suite A-100 combines clinical care with biofield-based testing and treatment focused on supporting regulation, resilience, and overall well-being. On Friday, from 6:30 to 8pm, Recharge Health will host a Lunar Eclipse Soul Journey with Nikki Dakar, a certified shamanic astrologer.

G.A.M.E. (Get Ahead Math & Engineering), has opened a classroom and math and physics makerspace at 3468 Mount Diablo Blvd, Suite B-108. On Saturday, from 2 to 4pm, join G.A.M.E for an open house afternoon of community, discovery, and hands-on fun.

The Lamorinda Care Collective operates a One Stop Kindness Shop at 3468 Mount Diablo Blvd., Ste B100 dedicated to helping individuals in need access essential items at no cost. It is open for shopping and donation drop offs on Sundays from 4 to 6pm and Wednesdays from 9 to 11am. 

Meetings & Events

Top Meetings This Week

• Public Art Committee – Wednesday, September 2
• Labor Day Holiday – City Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, September 7

Roadwork Projects

Ongoing City-led Projects:

• Paving work continues on 28 residential streets, including a new retaining wall on Springhill Road. Read the Road Paving Update online for details on the work planned for the week of August 31.
• Utility Work on Topper Lane & School Street - ongoing
• BART Bike Station/Pathway Project – ongoing

Other Utility Work:

• EBMUD Pipeline Replacement Downtown – EBMUD will return downtown for pavement restoration in early September. 
• EBMUD Lafayette Reservoir Construction – Ongoing
• Caldecott Tunnel Overnight Closures - Caltrans will close Bore #2 (left bore) on eastbound Highway 24 overnight on September 1 and 2 for lighting upgrades and routine tunnel maintenance.

Community News & Events

Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail Repaving

East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) is repaving a portion of the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail (between S Lucille Lane in Lafayette and Rheem Boulevard in Moraga). The repaving will consist of removing 3” of asphalt and replacing it with 3” of new asphalt. Work is expected to be completed by next Thursday, September 3. Refer to the electronic signboards in-park or check online for changes/updates.

California Watercolor Association Awards & Artist Reception on September 4

Come to the AARD Den and Gallery for their first Artist Awards Reception on Friday, September 4 from 1 to 3pm. Light refreshments will be served and the winner of the CWA’s juried August Interlude show will be announced.

Enjoy the August Interlude Collection, 40 highly curated and juried paintings that 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. The maximum price is $1,000.

The August Interlude Collection will be on display until Sept. 30 at the AARD Den & Gallery, 3561-A Mt. Diablo Blvd. Visit allagesplay.org or follow @all.ages.play on Instagram for more information.

Steel Magnolias Opens September 12 at Town Hall Theatre

Steel Magnolias follows six remarkable women whose lives intertwine through life's greatest joys and deepest sorrows. "We chose Steel Magnolias because it beautifully captures the power of community and the relationships that sustain us through every season of life," shared Executive Director Morgan Dayley. "At Town Hall Theatre, we believe some of the most meaningful stories are the ones that remind us we don't have to face life's challenges alone. Audiences may come for the laughs, and there are plenty of them, but they'll leave having experienced something deeply human. It's a timeless story that continues to bring people together."

DATES: Previews September 10 and 11 at 7pm. Performances September 12 through October 3: Fridays and Saturdays 7pm, Sundays 2pm. Special Senior matinee October 1 at 11am.

TICKETS:  $25. Previews “Pay-What-You-Can” starting at $2. Opening Night pre-show reception $25. Special Senior Matinee Oct 1: $10. For more information, visit townhalltheatre.com/steel-magnolias or contact: boxoffice@townhalltheatre.com 

CERT Fall Class Registration in Progress

It’s wildfire season and a great way to prepare for wildfires as well as other disasters is to take the Lamorinda Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class series. You can register now for the Fall class starting September 15 in Lafayette. The Fall class series will be held Tuesday nights from Sept. 15 to Nov. 10 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at the Lafayette Community Center. Register online.

The subjects covered in the class include: personal and home preparedness for all-hazard emergencies, hazardous materials and fire safety, disaster medical response, light search and rescue, Incident Command System, disaster psychology, terrorism, radio communications and pet preparedness. The information you will learn in these classes is key for preparedness and response should disaster strike, and spaces are filling up fast.

Being prepared is essential for the safety of you and your family. Take the CERT class series and learn how to get prepared before the next earthquake or wildfire strikes!

Senior Scam Stopper Seminar

Learn expert tips on how to protect you and your loved ones from fraud and scams. Senator Tim Grayson invites you to attend a free Senior Scam Stopper Seminar on Wednesday, September 16, from 10am till noon at the Veterans Memorial Building (3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd.) to RSVP, visit www.tinyurl.com/ScamStoppers

Lafayette Res Run for Education – Theme Announcement!

The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce has announced the theme for the 33rd Annual Lafayette Res Run for Education. Check out their website to see the 2026 artwork. The t-shirt theme design was created by Sunflower Hill resident, Robby Houghton.

• About the artist: Robby Houghton has been drawing and painting since the age of five, with acrylic paint markers as his preferred medium. He enjoys creating unique birdhouse gourds, garden stakes and holiday trees. A resident of Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch, Robby loves music, movies, dancing, competing in Special Olympics and all things Disney.
• About Sunflower Hill: Sunflower Hill is a nonprofit organization creating ‘places and spaces’ where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) can live, learn, work and thrive. Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch in Pleasanton opened in 2020, providing 31 apartments in a supportive setting. Sunflower Hill is planning to build a new 48-unit residential community in downtown Lafayette at 949 Moraga Road. It will include a teaching kitchen, fitness room, community rooms, vegetable garden and an array of activities for residents and I/DD community members.  Additional housing developments are also underway in Dublin, California.

To get one of these special limited edition race shirts, register for the Res Run for Education at lafayettechamber.org/resrun. 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 through 17.

Looking for more upcoming happenings around town?

Visit the Chamber’s Community Events Calendar online.

Miscellaneous

Fall Recreation Programs: Explore our Fall program offerings. for all ages and interests, including onsite enrichment programs at local elementary schools, youth and adult community center classes, and senior programs. There’s something for everyone!

Call for Artists – Winter Exhibition Opportunities: The City of Lafayette Public Art Committee is seeking artists working in both 2-D and 3-D media for upcoming winter exhibitions. Learn more and apply at www.lovelafayette.org/PublicArt (information is under “Exhibitions”). Application deadline is September 16.

Lafayette Art & Wine Festival

The Chamber’s annual Lafayette Art & Wine Festival is coming up on Saturday, September 19, 10am to 7pm and Sunday, September 20, 10am to 6pm in downtown Lafayette along Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette Circle and La Fiesta Square. The festival features the beautiful downtown, local artists, local food and drink and local entertainment on four stages including the Community Stage! Learn more about the Festival at https://lafayettefestival.com

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

AM1670 Experiencing Technical Issues: Due to technical issues, Lafayette Community Information & Emergency Radio AM 1670 is currently offline. We will advise when the station is back up and broadcasting.

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 proclaimed September 15 to October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month.

Sept 7              Labor Day – City Administrative Offices will be closed

Photo for the Week

Lamorinda Village and the Lafayette Library invite seniors 65+ to join drop-in to the SWELL (Senior Wellness) Center at the library on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 am to noon. Stop by for coffee, pastries, conversation and on Wednesdays, Mah Jong games!

Quote for the Week

Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.
— Dolly Parton

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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.