The Weekly Roundup, May 12, 2023

Friday, May 12, 2023 | What's Doing in Lafayette?

Taste of Lafayette on Tuesday Night - Including Free Live Music in Lafayette Plaza

Downtown will be buzzing on Tuesday night with foodies strolling around to sample food from more than 30 participating restaurants and food vendors. The Stroll, hosted by the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce is sold out, however, the entire community is invited to Lafayette Plaza Park to listen to performances by Acalanes Community Music Club (5 to 5:30 p.m.) and Modern Tone Studios (5:30 to 7 p.m.) So, if you are not participating in the Stroll, bring a picnic or grab some takeout from a local restaurant and join in the fun at the Plaza. Learn more at lafayettechamber.org/taste.

Volunteer Registration Now Open for Lafayette's Community Day

Sign-up today to be a part of the second annual Lafayette Community Day on June 3! There are various volunteer activities. Read about them and register at lafayettecommunityday.org.

We will start and end the day in Lafayette Plaza. There will be a kickoff rally, raising of the Pride Flag, and light breakfast at 8:30 a.m., then everyone will go to their volunteer activity site. Folks will return to the Plaza at 12:30 p.m. for lunch, entertainment, and other fun activities.

If your nonprofit is interested in having a booth on the Plaza on June 3 during this event, please submit your interest at [email protected].

Bike to Work on Thursday

Bike to Work Day is returning in 2023! This Thursday morning (May 18), hop on your bike for your commute to BART or your workplace and, on the way, stop by Lafayette's energizer station at Lafayette Plaza from 7 to 9 a.m. for some snacks, a tote bag, and some friendly faces. We would love to see you there! Bike to Work Day is a region-wide event that attracts over 100,000 participants across the Bay Area. Get more details at www.511cc.org/btwd.

Who's Looking in your Garbage Can?

State law (SB 1383) requires local jurisdictions to monitor contamination and proper sorting of organics by performing annual route audits. RecycleSmart or its contractor may be in your neighborhood throughout the year performing 'lid-flips' and looking into your carts including, organics, recycling and landfill (residential and commercial). RecycleSmart is only looking for propor sorting of materials, and may leave outreach on your carts with helpful tips and suggestions. To learn more about what materials are accepted in the green organics cart, go to www.recyclesmart.org/houses/green-cart

For more information about RecycleSmart visit recyclesmart.org or call them at (925) 906-1801 with questions about proper sorting. If your cart(s) were not serviced due to observed contamination, contact Republic Services directly at (925) 685-4711 to arrange a solution.

Lafayette Back in the Lead for the Lamorinda Zero Waste Challenge!

Lafayette led Week 4 of the Lamorinda Zero Waste Challenge with 17,360 new points. Residents took action to reduce waste in Week 4 by Sharing Resources and Shopping Smart, Buying Less.

Let's end strong! The 6-week Lamorinda Zero Waste Challenge ends May 14, however, you can join the greater Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge at any time to take action to reduce your carbon footprint. Visit the City's the Zero Waste Challenge webpage for more information.

Update on Design of Pleasant Hill Road Center Median Pathway

On Monday night, the City Council directed staff to complete the design of the center median pathway with the preservation of the dedicated right turn lane and drop off area and the study of options to improve safety of the sidewalk on the east side of Pleasant Hill Road. Completing the design plans does not mean that the project will move into the construction phase, however, it does represent a starting point for the expansion of multimodal facilities to the north of SR-24 within the Pleasant Hill Road corridor. For background information, visit the project webpage.

Lafayette Recreation Summer Camps (Spots Limited!)

Lafayette Recreation summer camps are open for registration. We have tons of wonderful camps for all ages and desires. Archery, Sewing, Art, Dance, Sports, and more. So make sure you check it out: Visit www.lafayetterec.org to see exactly what we have to offer. Have a great summer!

Shop Local for Gifts for Mother's Day, Graduation, Father's Day, Etc.

Did you know? You can purchase a Lafayette Shop Local eCard Program gift and print it out or schedule it to be delivered via email on a certain date. The eCard is good any participating Lafayette business:

• Batch and Brine
• Clocks, Etc.
• First Mile Cycle Works
• Five Little Monkeys
• Hank & Frank Bicycles
• Harper Greer
• Headlands Brewing
• Lafayette Car Wash
• Lafayette Park Hotel (including the Spa and the Park Bistro)
• Lamorinda Music
• Locanda Positano
• One Stop Shoe Care
• Pedego Electric Bikes Lafayette
• Pillar Cowork
• Reasonable Books
• Sanctuaire Spa
• Sharp Bicycle
• Swad Indian Cuisine
• The Rising Loafer Cafe and Bakery
• Unbound Training
• Whimsy Kidz
• Zoonie's Candy, Gelato, Toy and Novelty Shop

Spring Means it's Time for Yard Maintenance

In addition to performing weed abatement to reduce the risk of wildfire, property owners must also maintain trees and vegetation so they do not encroach into the street. Low hanging branches can impede access by fire trucks, garbage collection crucks and other vehicles.

Trees must be trimmed as follows:

• 7 feet between sidewalk and lowest branch
• 14 feet 6 inches between lowest branch and curbed street or pavement edge
• At least 3 feet between tree and pavement edge

Vegetation must be trimmed as follows:

• 3 feet from sidewalk or pavement edge
• Maximum height of 3 feet at intersections
• It is recommended that you trim an extra few feet to minimize frequency of trimming.
• Typical intersections call for a minimum standard of 25 feet of visibility along each property to allow an unobstructed view.

For more about homeowner responsibilities regarding tree maintenance, see www.lovelafayette.org/city-hall/city-departments/public-works/tree-vegetation-trimming.

City Meetings & Events

This week's top meetings: You can sign up for meeting notices. To view all of next week's public meetings and their locations, please visit our calendar.

Planning Commission Meeting on Monday Night: The City Council meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. and includes a review of the Safety Element Update. The General Plan Safety Element analyzes and improves the City's preparedness for and resilience to local hazards related to drought, wildfire, hazardous materials, flooding, inundation, landslides, and climate change.

See the full agenda for staff reports as well as information about how to participate in or watch the meeting at www.lovelafayette.org/calendar. Note: This meeting will be held in person at the library, with a courtesy option for the public to participate online via Zoom teleconference.

This week's other top meetings include:

Community News & Events

Jazz Cafe at Stanley Middle School Tonight (May 12): The much-anticipated annual Jazz Café returns to Stanley Middle School's Multi Use Room (3455 School Street) at 6 p.m. Experience a fun (and free) evening of jazz, coffee, and dessert.

Upcoming Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Events:

Lasagna Dinner with Moraga Rotary on May 17: Visit moragarotaryfundraiser.com to pre-order your meal.

Acalanes Senior Car Rally Next Friday Afternoon: Celebrate our graduating seniors in the class of 2023! Starting at 5 p.m., families with graduates will drive along Mt. Diablo Blvd. from Oakwood down to McDonalds and back again. Note: This is not parade on closed streets - the rally travels with the flow of normal traffic.

International Film Showcase: The IFS will be screening Oscar submission Ajoomma (comedy/drama) from Singapore, opening at the Orinda Theatre next Friday, May 19. More information is available at www.internationalshowcase.org.

Diablo Women's Chorale Concert, In the Key of Spring: Shed the winter blues as the Diablo Women's Chorale celebrates the bright, new season at Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, 1543 Sunnyvale Avenue, Walnut Creek on both Friday, May 19 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 21 at 3 p.m. For advance ticket purchase information go to www.diablowomenschorale.org.

Early Bird ticket Prices Available for Community Foundation of Lafayette's Summer Soiree: Join The Community Foundation on September 9 to bid a warm sunset "Bon Soir" to another delightful Lafayette summer. Get together, mix & mingle, drink & dine, donate & dance under the summer moon and stars. Early Bird Tickets are available now through June 30. This fun and festive al fresco event sold out previously. Type/Apply promo code "EARLY" at checkout-save $25 on each ticket for a limited time. Interested in sponsorship opportunities or auction item donations? Please email [email protected].

Help Fund The Community Foundation's 2023 Excellence Grants. Act by June 1 to Double Your Donation: The Community Foundation of Lafayette recently received more than 45 grant applications for its 2023 Excellence Grants cycle. Currently, the Community Foundation doesn't have the funds necessary to fulfill these worthwhile grants, which is why it has established a $20,000 Matching Campaign. Thanks to a few very generous donors, every dollar you donate until June 1 will be matched dollar for dollar. The nonprofits supported by the foundations' grant program are solving problems every day whether it be:

• homelessness
• food insecurity
• senior service needs
• helping children feel confident and valued
• providing the gift of the arts that enrich our community

Learn more about the impact your donation makes on these nonprofits on the Foundation website.

Operation Documentation on May 31 at the County Clerk-Recorder's Office: Veterans are invited to bring their DD 214 (discharge paperwork) to the County Clerk-Recorder's Office in Martinez and they will record it at no charge for safekeeping and peace of mind. Whenever the Veteran needs a certified copy of the form, they can get one from the office at no charge. The Veteran Service Office will also be on hand to meet with Veterans who need additional assistance, and additional agencies will also have information and resource tables.

Sustainability Resources & Residential Incentives: Local, state, and federal incentive programs can help you save money while making your home and transportation more sustainable. Improving your home's energy efficiency and transitioning away from natural gas appliances can save energy and improve indoor air quality. A number of these local, state, and federal programs can be layered to bring down the overall cost of home energy efficiency and all-electric upgrades. To learn more about these Sustainability Resources and Residential Incentives, visit the county's Sustainability Resources webpage.

Reminders & Miscellaneous

Lafayette Plaza Lawn Area Re-Opened: Thanks for your patience while we re-seeded the grass. As of today, the lawn area has been re-opened for your picnicking and playing pleasure!

Host your next event at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center: Birthday parties, business meetings, recitals - even memorials - whatever your life event the Lafayette Library is centrally located and offers versatile spaces for all kinds of events on its beautiful 30,000 sq. ft. campus. Proceeds from rentals benefit the Lafayette Library which is a win-win for everyone in our community! The Community Hall, Arts & Science Center, Oak Room, and expansive outdoor Amphitheater and Patio are all available to rent. Visit www.LLLCF.org/rent-a-room for details.

Lamorinda School Bus Passes Now Available: You can purchase Lamorinda School Bus Passes online for the upcoming school year. The cost of a round-trip annual bus pass works out to only $5.64/day. Not only is it a convenient way for students to get to school, but it also reduces traffic congestion.

Lafayette Planning Applications and Major Development Projects: Want to know the planning applications that the City's Planning Department is processing? You can visit the Planning Applications Received page for the latest application information. Curious about construction taking place around town? Information on major developments that are underway can be found on the City of Lafayette Major Development Projects website.

Preparedness Tip: Do you know an older family member or neighbor who might need extra help while preparing for disasters? Visit ready.gov/older-adults for tips to help them

• Set up emergency alerts on their phone
• Make sure their go kit includes medicine
• Practice their emergency plan with you

City of Lafayette Notifications: Sign up for meeting agendas and Lafayette's publications here: bit.ly/LafayetteNotifications.

Cultural Observations and Celebrations

The City Council has proclaimed May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month in Lafayette.

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

14 Mother's Day

15 International Day of Families

21 World Day for Cultural Diversity

Photo for the Week

The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce's annual Taste of Lafayette is always a wonderful culinary experience highlighting our local restaurants. Whether you are participating in the ticketed Stroll experience or just enjoying the free tunes in Lafayette Plaza, we hope to see you downtown Tuesday night.

Quote for the Week

Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.

- Oprah Winfrey

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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.

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