The Weekly Roundup, July 1, 2022

Friday, July 1, 2022 | What's Doing in Lafayette?

Slurry Seal Work Continues this Week

This week, the City's contractor is completing the installation of speed humps in the Lafayette Valley Estates neighborhood, starting work on widening the pathway at North Thompson and has now completed more than half of the streets scheduled to receive slurry seal this summer.

Due to equipment malfunctions and delays this week, several streets that were scheduled for work were missed. Next week, the contractor plans to finish the slurry seal on the remaining streets.

Because several streets are scheduled for each slurry day, the contractor does not know the exact time crews will be on each street, so anticipate road closures between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The schedule for the slurry seal during the week of July 5 is as follows:

Monday, July 4 - holiday (no work)

Tuesday, July 5:

• Remainder of Indian Way
• Castello Road
• Helen Avenue
• Peacock Boulevard
• Remainder of N Lucille Lane
• Rose Lane
• Remainder of Florence Lane

Wednesday, July 6

• Middle Road
• Diablo Circle (both segments)
• St. Francis Drive
• St. Francis Court
• Franklin Lane
• North Thompson Road

Thursday, July 7

• Orchard Road
• Glen Road
• Remainder of Mildred Drive

Reminder: The slurry seal can take up to 4 or 5 hours to dry sufficiently before cars can be allowed to drive on it. Access to driveways and properties will be restricted when the street is closed. While we understand that this is inconvenient, it is also necessary, and residents are advised to plan accordingly.

The slurry seal is a tar-like substance that can splash onto the sides of vehicles as well as track onto other surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks if driven through or walked upon while wet. Barricades and traffic cones will be placed to prevent vehicles from entering the wet areas. Please do not go around the traffic control devices. (Note: If you do get oil on something, simple dish soap and water will clean the area if caught before the oil has had time to dry. Otherwise, we recommend a citrus solvent-type cleaner.)

Please refer to the "Friday Update" posted on our Surface Seal Project webpage for more details on next week's work schedule. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Tim Clark, Assistant Engineer at (925) 299-3245. Again, your patience and cooperation are very much appreciated during this important road maintenance work.

Planning Commission Meeting Tuesday Night

Due to the Independence Day holiday, the Planning Commission will meet on Tuesday night. At the meeting, they will hold a public hearing on a Major Subdivision for twelve residential condominiums at 3721 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. You can read the July 5 agenda and staff reports online. For information about how to participate in or watch the online meeting, see the agenda or go to the online calendar.

Recent City Council Actions

This week, the City Council voted unanimously to submit a first draft of the Housing Element to the State Dept. of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The Housing Element update, an 8-year plan to address the City's housing needs and comply with State laws, started in December 2020 and the new draft is a result of hundreds of volunteer hours and public participation. The initial draft was submitted to HCD for a 90-day review period and the City anticipates receiving a comment letter in Fall 2022. The City will then revisit the document to respond to the comments provided.

Use the following link to view the draft submitted to HCD: https://bit.ly/3AoXqfE

The City Council also adopted the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget and Workplan. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their comments on these two important documents.

Additionally, the City Council approved a request from the Environmental Task Force to allocate $5,000 for expanding the Library's existing Library of Things program. This funding will cover the purchase of various types of electric equipment to check out, such as electric leaf blowers and induction cooktops, in order to promote electrification. A detailed implementation plan is forthcoming.

Plan Ahead on Fridays - Lafayette Main City Offices Now Open by Appointment-only on Fridays

Reminder! Starting today, the Lafayette Main City Offices (located at 3675 Mt. Diablo Blvd #210) will be closed on Fridays to walk-in visitors, except by appointment. Staff is still available by phone or email, including the main phone number, (925) 284-1968 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays, except holidays). To find the phone number or email of the person or department you wish to speak with, please see the online Staff Directory.

Community Meeting on July 12 for Pleasant Hill Road Median Multi-Use Pathway

The City of Lafayette is in the preliminary design phase of a project to create a center median multipurpose pathway for people walking and bicycling on Pleasant Hill Road from Mount Diablo Boulevard to Stanley Boulevard. You can learn more and ask questions about the project at a public meeting on Tuesday, July 12 at 7 p.m. At the time of the meeting, use the Zoom link (or join by phone: 1 669 900 9128). Passcode: 756899 Webinar ID: 856 3512 9759. More information is also available on the project's webpage.

Wildfire Evacuation Guides Have Been Mailed

Watch your mailboxes for the updated Lamorinda Residents Guide to Wildfire Preparedness and Evacuation booklet. You can also download the Guide.

More Businesses Join the Shop Local Lafayette eCard Program

Shopping local is twice as nice with a Shop Local Lafayette eCard! For a limited time, purchase a Shop Local Lafayette eCard and receive double the value to spend at participating businesses in Lafayette. This program is offered by the City of Lafayette to help local brick-and-mortar businesses that have experienced economic uncertainty as a result of the pandemic.

Participating businesses:

• Batch and Brine
• Clocks, Etc.
• First Mile Cycle Works
• Hank & Frank Bicycles
• Harper Greer
• Lafayette Car Wash
• Lafayette Park Hotel
• Lamorinda Music
• Locanda Positano
• One Stop Shoe Care
• Pillar Cowork
• Reasonable Books
• Sanctuaire Spa
• Sharp Bicycle
• Swad Indian Cuisine - NEW!
• The Rising Loafer Cafe and Bakery
• Unbound Training
• Whimsy Kidz - NEW!
• Zoonie's Candy, Gelato, Toy and Novelty Shop

Reminder: If you have already purchased a Shop Local Lafayette eCard, remember that the Bonus eCard must be used within 90 days of purchase, so shop with your Bonus card first! You can buy a Shop Local Lafayette eCard at www.lovelafayette.com/eCard.

Citywide Sidewalk Sale Is Taking Place on Saturday, July 30

Now that you have shopping on your mind, be sure to mark your calendar for the Citywide Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, July 30. Shop for gifts, back to school supplies, fall attire, Lafayette merchandise and more! See the Chamber's website for map, participating businesses, hours of operation and special promotions. The Lafayette Chamber welcomes the community to start the day in Lafayette Plaza Park (corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Moraga Road) from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with coffee and breakfast treats.

All businesses in Lafayette are invited to get involved! Contact the Chamber ASAP to be added to the list of participating businesses at [email protected] or (925) 284-7404.

Report Illegal Fireworks Using the Countywide Hotline

The use of fireworks of any type is illegal in Contra Costa County and exceedingly dangerous during current drought conditions. Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) urges anyone observing fireworks being used to report by calling 1-833-885-2021 to immediately reach their local law enforcement non-emergency phone line.

All fireworks, regardless of type or labeling, are illegal everywhere in Contra Costa County. There are no "Safe & Sane" fireworks, regardless of labeling, they are all dangerous, uncontrollable, and illegal. These illegal devices can cause serious injury and the risk of sparking a wildfire is high.

2022 Excellence Grants Recipients Announced by Lafayette Community Foundation

The Lafayette Community Foundation (LCF) has a long and respected history of giving grants to local nonprofits that help those with the greatest need. See the list of their recent 2022 grant recipients on their website.

Speaking of the great work by the LFC, did you know that earlier this year, the City provided LCF with $100,000 in federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds? We did, and then LCF distributed those funds to the following local nonprofits that assist the senior community and families affected by the pandemic:

• Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
• Meals on Wheels
• White Pony Express
• Lamorinda Spirit Van
• Mobility Matters
• Lamorinda Village
• Trinity Center

Fundraising Underway by The Park Theater Trust

One of the LCF Excellence Grant Awardees is the Park Theater Trust (TPPT), which currently has a $5 million capital campaign underway to renovate the beloved Park Theater. TPPT also recently received another grant from the office of Supervisor Candace Anderson thanks to funding from the Livable Communities Trust. Supervisor Anderson's $25,000 grant is a significant contribution towards the renovation fund and demonstrates just how important the re-envisioned Park is to the County and the entire East Bay. The LCF's $15,000 grant will go toward the Park's brand-new popcorn machine as well as initial electrical support and an interim lobby "makeover" that will allow the Trust to periodically fundraise on site prior to the building renovation.

Visit their website at www.parktheatertrust.org to read Donor stories as well as the Love Stories from various folks sharing their memories of the Park Theater. You can still send in your own special memories, or your memories of other favorite community theaters, to [email protected].

Friends Corner Book Shop Received Grant from Mechanics Bank

Friends of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center would like to thank the Lafayette branch of Mechanics Bank for their grant in support of Friends Corner Book Shop. The check was recently presented to the Book Shop manager Sharon Lingane by branch manager Carlos Meraz. Friends Corner Book Shop proceeds support programs, collections, and services of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. To learn more about purchasing or donating books as well as volunteer opportunities, visit their website, www.lllcf.org/friends-book-shop.

Drawing for Below Market Rate Homes for Sale at 210 Lafayette Circle Coming Soon

210 Lafayette Circle is a 3-story mixed-use development in downtown Lafayette by Lenox Homes that includes 12 residential units, two of which are below-market-rate (BMR) units. The drawing for the two BMR units has not opened yet, watch for updates on the Housekeys website.

Housekeys is the affordable housing program administrator working in partnership with the city. If you are interested to know about the upcoming application process for these BMR units, sign up with Housekeys and take these steps now:

1. Go to "Getting Started" tab, then Home Buyer Program Info Page to view the pre-recorded orientation and learn how to open up an account, obtain an application ID and how to enter Opportunity Drawings.
2. While you wait for the Drawing to open, get familiar with how to prepare your buyer application package.

To learn more, sign up for one of the Housekeys Q&A sessions on their calendar. For assistance, contact email [email protected].

Lafayette Rotary Announces Free Concert at the Reservoir on August 6

The Rotary Club of Lafayette is hosting this concert to honor the hundreds of volunteers at Monument Crisis Center, the Contra Costa Food Bank, and other local organizations helping to address the growing homeless and hunger crises in Contra Costa County. The whole community is invited to the free event featuring the BIG BAND of Rossmoor. Bring a picnic and a blanket! Parking is $7 per day at the Res. More details at www.rotarylafayette.org.

Community Events and Meetings

• Distinguished Speaker Series: Anthony Marra on August 9: Join award-winning author Anthony Marra as he discusses his new novel Mercury Pictures Presents with author Molly Antopol. Presented by the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation. Register today.
• Distinguished Speaker Series: Emi Nietfeld on August 10: Mental health, foster care, and homelessness are a few of the childhood challenges faced by writer Emi Nietfeld. As a homeless teenager writing college essays in her rusty Toyota Corolla, Emi was convinced that the Ivy League was the only escape from her dysfunctional childhood. But upward mobility required crafting the perfect resilience narrative. She had to prove that she was an "overcomer," made stronger by all that she had endured. On Wednesday, August 10, author Emi Nietfeld will discuss her memoir Acceptance. Purchase your ticket and be the first to read her gripping personal story. Presented by the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation in partnership with Orinda Books. Register Today
• Summer Youth Bus Passes Available: The Summer Youth Pass gives kids a great way to get around town through August 31. For just $30, passholders ages 6 to 18 can take unlimited bus rides on County Connection, Tri Delta Transit and WestCAT through August. On sale now at 511cc.org/youthpass.

• Summer Bike Challenge is Still Rollin': Explore Lafayette on two wheels with 511 Contra Costa's Summer Bike Challenge. All ages are welcome to play. Visit 511cc.org/sbc to sign up.

• Sign-up Now for the Lafayette Res Run for Education: The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce's 2022 Lafayette Res Run for Education will take place on Sunday, October 23, with the virtual Reservoir Challenge from October 13 through 22. Learn more and register at www.lafayettechamber.org/resrun

Public Meetings

During the pandemic, Lafayette has been holding public meetings online. (Contra Costa Health Services currently recommends teleconferencing for public meetings since online meetings present the lowest risk of spreading the coronavirus.) Meeting agendas will provide instructions on how to contribute public comment and participate in the meetings. You can sign up for meeting notices here. To view all of next week's public meetings please visit our full calendar. This week's top meetings:

Click on the links above to access the meeting agenda and instructions on how to participate in online meetings.

Community Briefs

• Covid-19 Information and Resources: For all your covid-related questions, visit their website at cchealth.org/coronavirus. The CCHS Covid-19 Call Center is available at 844-729-8410, daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (available in English and Spanish). For assistance in other languages or after hours, please call 211 or 800-833-2900. You can also text HOPE to 20121.
• We're Hiring! The City is currently recruiting for an entry-level Planning Technician as well as an experienced Senior Planner to join our Planning Department. Job openings are posted on the City website at www.lovelafayette.org/jobs.
• Lafayette's Planning Virtual Counter is available on Mondays and Wednesdays (excluding holidays) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. You can also schedule an appointment to meet in-person with a planner at the counter.
• Lafayette Planning Applications and Major Development Projects: Want to know the planning applications that the City's Planning Department is processing? Just visit the Planning Applications Received page for the latest application information. For information on major developments that are underway, visit the City of Lafayette Major Development Projects website.
• City of Lafayette Notifications: Sign up for meeting agendas and Lafayette's publications here: bit.ly/LafayetteNotifications.
• Preparedness Tip: Read the Updated "Lamorinda Residents Guide to Wildfire Preparedness and Evacuation" - When your copy of this important booklet arrives in your mailbox, read through the information and then create or update your emergency plans to accommodate everyone in your household. For more in-depth information, visit the Lamorinda CERT website at https://resource.lamorindacert.org. This safety tip is provided by the City's Emergency Preparedness Commission, which is charged with preparing the city and residents for all hazards. If you have any comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected].

Cultural Observations and Celebrations

Celebrate our diversity by learning more about these upcoming cultural observations and celebrations:

Photo for the Week

Last week, John McCormick was celebrated as Lafayette Chamber's 2022 Business Person of the Year. Thank you for all you do for our community John! Pictured here is John receiving a proclamation from Mayor Teresa Gerringer. See photos from the dinner on the Chamber's Flickr page.

Quote for the Week

What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?

- Jean-Jacques Rousseau

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The Weekly Roundup is prepared each week for the Lafayette Community, City Council and Staff. If you have thoughts about this week's Roundup, a contribution for next week's 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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