Friday , February 16 , 2024 | What’s Doing in Lafayette?
    
   News From the City Manager’s Corner
   This week’s updates from
   City Manager , Niroop Srivatsahighlight:
   State says Lafayette has More Work to do on its Housing Element Update
   Public Parking Meter Rates to Increase for First Time in More Than 18 Years
   Summertime Road Paving Project Unveiled
   Youth Commission and Trans - Circ Present Recent Accomplishments
   Video Explains the New “Idle - Free Zone Signs” at Schools
   Voting in the Upcoming Election
   State says Lafayette has More Work to do on its Housing Element Update
   As many readers are aware , the City Council adopted the 6
   thCycle Housing Element more than a year ago ( in January 2023 ) and submitted it to the State Department of Housing and Community Development ( HCD ) .   Two months later ( on March 29 , 2023 ) HCD told the City that it determined that additional analysis and revisions would be necessary to comply with State law .   Staff did further analysis and prepared revisions which were considered by the Planning Commission and City Council in the late summer and fall .   In October and November the City Council endorsed the final revisions and the Revised 6
   thCycle Housing Element was submitted to HCD on December 14 , 2023 .  
   This week ( on February 12 ) , the City received
   HCD’s letterfinding again that “the revised draft element addresses many statutory requirements; however , revisions will be necessary to substantially comply with State Housing Element Law . ”  The City immediately contacted HCD to request a meeting and HCD’s timely assistance to clarify any deficiencies and identity concrete actions that will allow HCD to deem the City’s further revisions substantially compliant with State law .  
   The City Council will discuss HCD’s letter at its next regular meeting on February 26 .   For more information on the Housing Element Update process please visit
   www . PlanLafayette . orgor email
   GeneralPlan@lovelafayette . org
    
   Public Parking Meter Rates to Increase for First Time in More Than 18 Years
   Starting on Monday , March 4 , the parking meter rates at City - operated meters will be increased to $2 per hour . This change will bring rates into line with the private lots at La Fiesta and Town Center .   The last time our rates were increased was in 2006 .
   Arguably , parking meters may be unpopular , but they do serve an important role in the community .   The meters ensure that there is adequate parking turnover so that businesses and merchants can thrive . In addition , paid meters are more efficiently enforced than “timed areas” with signage only .
   It is important to note that revenue from meters does not go into the General Fund , but rather , since the meters were installed over 25 years ago , all net income from meters has been directed to a special fund used to purchase additional parking in the downtown .   Using these funds , the City purchased the Oakbridge lot , 949 Moraga Road , and lent money to the former Redevelopment Agency to purchase land for the library parking lot .
   While on the topic of parking meters , we would like to know if you think the hours of operation for public parking meters in the downtown should match the private lots ( with the exception of Sunday , which will remain free all day for public parking spaces ) .
   Please take our quick
   online poll
   to let us know your thoughts about keeping or changing the operating hours for our downtown meters .
    
   Summertime Road Paving Project Unveiled
   As part of the City’s efforts to maintain our public streets in good condition , we are preparing to repave a number of streets this summer . Staff hosted an informational online meeting this week .   If you missed it , you can access the presentation and a recording of the meeting on the
   project webpage
    . The
   2024 Road Paving Projectincludes:
   Acalanes Road from Black Forest Court to the City Limits
   Pine Lane from El Nido Ranch Road to the end of the public right - of - way
   Angelo Court
   Taylor Boulevard ( southbound only ) from Pleasant Hill Road to City Limits
   Pleasant Hill Road ( northbound only ) from Quandt Road to Reliez Valley Road
   Pleasant Hill Road ( southbound only ) from Green Valley Road to Springhill Road
   Property owners who may be impacted by this work are strongly encouraged to contact Associate Engineer
   Tim Clarkwith questions about the project design , possible impacts to existing driveways and frontage improvements , and street access/traffic flow during construction .  Staff is currently working to finalize the plans ( that are at 75% design ) so hearing input from property owners before the end of the month is important .
    
   Kudos to Youth Commission and Trans - Circ on Recent Accomplishments
   On Monday night , the City Council heard updates from two Commissions:
   Members of the
   Youth Services Commissionprovided their annual update to the City Council , including an overview of events they hosted or participated in during 2023: Family Dance | Bunny Brunch | Earth Day | Community Day | Haunted House | College Workshops | Toys for Tots . The LYC meets the 2nd Monday of each month during the school year and the public is welcome to attend .
   Members of the
   Transportation & Circulation Commission ( Trans - Circ ) provided their annual update to the City Council , including accomplishments from 2023:
   Adoption of the City’s Local Road Safety Plan ( LRSP )
   Completion of the Burton Valley Elementary Traffic Calming Pilot Project
   Update to the City’s Traffic Calming Policy
   They also mentioned initiatives on the horizon , including the ongoing Connecting Lafayette: Downtown Pathways and Schools Safety Project , the Pleasant Hill Pathway Project , a future Downtown Parking Management Study and a proposed Mt . Diablo Corridor Plan , among other projects , programs and studies .   More information on the annual work plan update from the Trans - Circ can be found in the
   staff report
    . The public is always welcome to attend Trans - Circ meetings , which are typically held on the on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month .
   We appreciate everyone who serves on these and other commissions and advisory bodies , as their work and thoughtful recommendations contribute greatly to Lafayette . If you have ever been interested in serving on a commission , we are currently seeking applicants to fill several
   volunteer positions on City advisory bodiesor as Lafayette’s representative to a regional agency . Positions open until filled . For additional information , visit our
   websiteor e - mail
   cityhall@lovelafayette . org
    .   
    
   Video Explains the New “Idle - Free Zone Signs” at Schools
   Since October 2022 , Lafayette has been a Idle - Free City . The negative health , environmental , and economic impacts of idling was brought to the City’s attention by a group of young students known as Project Earth . The Project Earth team members ( now Stanley Middle School students ) recently created a new video unveiling new signs they arranged to have installed at local schools . The signs remind drivers to:
   ·not to exceed 30 seconds of vehicle idling time;
   turn off their engines immediately at schools and school - related - events to minimize exposure of children to vehicle emissions
   You can watch the video on Sustainable Lafayette ' s website at
   www . sustainablelafayette . org/project - earth
    
   Voting in the Upcoming Election
   Thank you to County Clerk - Recorder - Registrar Kristin Connelly for providing information about the upcoming March Primary Election at the City Council meeting on Monday night .
   Election Day is right around the corner , and here’s what the County Election’s Office wants you to know:
   February 20 is the last day to register to vote and receive a vote - by - mail ballot . Early voting sites open on March 1 , and March 5 is election day . You have several safe , secure , and reliable options for returning your ballot:
   Mail – No stamp is required to return your ballot through the US Postal Service . Make sure your ballot is postmarked by March 5 , 2024 .
   Drop box – The County offers multiple
   secure drop boxesto return your ballot , including one in front of the Lafayette School District Offices at 3477 School St . Make sure your ballot is deposited by 8pm on March 5 , 2024 .
   In - person – You can return your ballot to a polling place , vote center , or your county elections office by 8pm on March 5 , 2024 .
   Make a plan to vote . Decide how you will return your ballot . No matter which method you choose , you can find tools to cast your ballot at
   vote . ca . gov
    . For more information about voting in Contra Costa County , or for questions regarding your voting status , go to
   contracostavote . gov
    .
    
   City Meetings & Events
   Creeks Committee Hosting Presentation on the Walnut Creek Watershed on Wednesday Night
   You are invited to hear a presentation from the
   Walnut Creek Watershed Council ( WCWC ) at the Lafayette Creeks Committee’s meeting at 7pm on Wednesday night WCWC President , Bob Simmons , will provide an overview of the watershed council’s purpose and activities , and share information about their current major project to develop a long term watershed plan for the entire Walnut Creek Watershed , which includes all of Lafayette’s creeks . See the
   agenda for full details
    . The meeting will be at the City Offices ( 3675 Mt . Diablo Blvd . ) in Conference Room #265 .
   Othertop meetings this week include:
   Transportation & Circulation Commission– TUESDAY , February 20 at 7pm
   General Plan Advisory Committee ( GPAC ) – WEDNESDAY , February 21 at 6pm
   Parks , Trails & Recreation Commission - February 21 at 7pm
   To view all upcoming public meetings and their locations , please visit our 
   calendar
    . You can also
   sign upfor meeting notices to come straight to your email inbox .
    
   Other Community News & Events
   FAQ from A&T on their California Network Modernization
   AT&T currently has an application in front of the CPUC to conclude landline service in California . AT&T has assured local officials that if approved , no customer will be turned off or denied access to basic telephone service if there is no other viable option; no customer will end up with a degradation of service; and income - qualified service pricing will remain in place . AT&T has provided a
   California Network Modernization FAQdocument and more information about the modernization is online at
   caconnectedfuture . org
    .  
    
   Contra Costa County Honors Band Concert This Saturday
   Hear the
   Contra Costa County Honors Band
    tomorrow , February 17 , at 7pm at Acalanes High School .
    
   AARP Tax Preparation Help at the Library
   Free tax assistance with IRS - certified AARP volunteers who can assist with your federal and state income tax filings .  
   Click here to make an appointment
    . Offered Saturdays , through April 13 from 9:15am to 3pm in the Homework Center .
    
   Outsmart Disaster – Free Webinar for Businesses
   Imagine one unexpected event - a power outage , a natural disaster or a cyberattack . . . poof! Your business grinds to a halt . Lost sales , frustrated customers , a tarnished reputation . It ' s every small business owner’s worst nightmare . But there ' s good news! The State’s free webinar will guide you through simple steps to build your business continuity plan in just 4 weeks . Don’t get overwhelmed , take practical action . Webinar will be presented on February 21 at 10am , and also repeated on March 20 and April 17 .
   Register to Outsmart Disaster
    .
    
   High School Visual Arts Competition Registration Closes February 23
   The Lamorinda Arts Council invites students in the Acalanes High School District to register to compete for cash prizes and merit certificates by midnight on Feb . 23 . The reception will be held in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library on March 14 . For information and online registration , visit
   www . lamorindaarts . org/vac
    . Questions? Call 925 - 359 - 4490 .
    
   International Film Showcase Presents
   The Teachers ' Lounge
   IFS presents Academy Award Nominee 
   The Teachers ' Lounge
    
   at the Orinda Theatre . Please contact the Orinda Theatre for tickets and showtimes . More information is available on the IFS website at 
   www . internationalshowcase . org
    .  
    
   Coffee with the Mayor Next Friday ( Other Upcoming Lafayette Chamber Events )
   Registerto attend ( on Zoom ) "Coffee" with Mayor Dawson on Friday , February 23 at 8am . The Mayor will give a current update on the City of Lafayette then answer questions . The community is welcome to attend but this Zoom meeting is targeted to business related questions and concerns from Lafayette Chamber members . Questions can be sent in advance to 
   holly@lafayettechamber . org
    .  Recordings will be made available shortly after the event on the Chamber ' s
   YouTube Channel
    .
   You are also welcome to attend other February networking and educational events including:
   Lafayette Business Women at Mighty Market
    , Feb . 21 , 8:45 to 10am
   Maximize Your Membership , Feb . 22 , 5 to 6:30pm at the Lafayette Library
   Business Seminar: Financial Literacy & Planning
    , Feb . 23 , 9am to noon at the Lafayette Library
   View the Chamber and Community calendar at
   https://lafayettechamber . org/community - calendar
    .
    
   Upcoming Town Hall Theatre Classes
   "Yes , and Wine!" Adult Improv - Next Class: February 18 , 7 to 9pm
   These one - night - only classes are a great way to stretch your boundaries , meet new people , and have some laughs! Classes are open to improvisers of all skill levels .  Purchase a 2024 Yes , And Wine Flex Pass today for preferred Flex Enrollment for three classes AND a Town Hall wine tumbler!
   Spring Break Camps 2024 - Camps runs April 1 to 5
   Looking for an engaging and creative spring break experience for your student? The pre - k through 5th grade Spring Break Camps offers the perfect blend of fun and learning , featuring flexible pricing options to fit any budget . Whether it ' s a full week or just a day or two , our one - day camps can fit into any schedule . Give your child the gift of artistic exploration and make their spring break memorable with Town Hall Education!
    
   Crafting Creations at the Library Celebrating Black History Month
   Kids can stop by the Lafayette Library for new activities to celebrate the creations of Black American inventors who changed life as we know it:
   Wed Feb . 21 - Button Bikes ( take - home craft pack ) - Isaac Johnson revolutionized the bike frame by inventing one that could be folded or separated for compact storage . Pick up a pack ( all day ) to make a mini bicycle with button wheels and a wire frame .
   Wed Feb . 28 @ SWELL 3:30pm - Ice Cream Jars - Augustus Jackson invented a version of ice cream that eliminated eggs and added salt , which prevented it from melting quickly . Let’s make our own jarred version of Jackson’s revolutionary treat! 
    
   Note: These crafts are in addition to the Take & Make kits available in the Children ' s Area on Monday Feb . 26 from 4 to 4:45pm and the Craft Buffet for Teens on Wednesday Feb . 21 and 28 in the SWELL Center .
    
   International Women ' s Day Film Screening of
   100 Years from Mississippi
   On March 8 , Film Director Tarabu Betserai Kirkland and Nobuko Miyamoto , who is a singer , songwriter , dancer , artist , and survivor of Japanese internment camps will be at the Town Hall Theatre to show the film 100Years from Mississippi
    . The film details the life of Mamie Lang Kirkland who fled Mississippi at the age of 8 due to the threat of lynchings and returned at the age of 108 to confront and reclaim the history she left behind . Mamie ' s son Tarabu will be there to discuss the film along with his wife Nobuko , who appears in the film , and will read an excerpt of the book that she dedicated to Mamie . Doors open at 6pm , Film begins at 7pm , Discussion will follow . Cost is $10 for adults , $7 youth or pay what you can .
    
   Flock of Flutes Concert on March 9 
   Save the date for this free concert in the Don Tatzin Community Hall at the library featuring a variety of flutes including contra bass , bass and alto flutes , concert C flutes , and piccolo performing a variety of exciting works such as “Overture to Candide” by Bernstein , “Royal Fireworks Suite” by Handel , “The Comedians ' Gallop” by Kabalevsky and many more! For more information visit
   bayareaflutist . com
    .
    
   Vanpooling is Vantastic: Share the ride to lower the cost of your commute
   Be part of a vanpool and earn cash incentives as a
   passengeror
   driver
    . Join a vanpool and 511Contra Costa will pay half your costs for the first three months . Visit 511 . org to
   find open seats
    .
   Email 511 Contra Costafor details and to start earning rewards .
    
   Reminders & Miscellaneous
   Rake up Those Leaves!With the continuing wet weather , we wanted to remind you that leaves on the ground not only create a very slippery surface but can clog up storm drain inlets and creek culverts . Please do not rake or blow leaves out into the street or roadside ditch or creek , but instead gather them up and place in your green waste containers .  
   Lafayette Senior Services Membership:For just $15 per calendar year , older adults can attend many of our
   senior programsfree of charge , so join now to maximize your membership for 2024! And , if you are 90 years or better , the membership is free! Register
   onlineor give us a call at ( 925 ) 284 - 5050 to register over the phone .
   The Great Backyard Bird Count is on!Join in the worldwide
   Great Backyard Bird Count
   ! Report your observations from a computer or download an app to your phone . If you are new to the Great Backyard Bird Count , download the free
   Merlin Bird ID appto participate . Experienced birders who have participated before can download the
   eBird appfor reporting .
   Marketing Your Business:In this webinar on February 21 from 1 to 3pm , learn the fundamental principles of marketing and how best to apply those principles to empower you to create your own marketing efforts for your small business . Webinar hosted by NorCal SBDC .
   Registration required
    .
   Green Awards Nominations Accepted Through February 29: 
   Nominate a neighbor , colleague , organization , youth group , or local business for the
   Lafayette Green Awardsfor their efforts towards making Lafayette a greener place to work , live and shop .
   Share Your Memories of the Park Theater:
   The Park Theater Trust and the Lafayette Historical Society have received a grant from the Community Foundation of Lafayette to make a video about the theater’s history! If you have memories or stories about the Park Theater , please contact the Lafayette Historical Society
   lafayette . history@comcast . net
    . For information about The Park Theater renovation project please visit
   https://parktheatertrust . org
   Library Bookmark Art Contest:
   What is your superpower? Design a bookmark to showcase your superpower and it might be chosen to be printed as part of the County’s annual Free Comic Book Days Bookmark Art Contest! All ages welcome .   Deadline is Feb . 29 . Ask for a submission form at the Lafayette library , or go to
   ccclib . org/free - comics
    .
   Earn Prizes for Your Winter Walks:
   Sign up for 511 Contra Costa’s
   Winter Walk Challengeas well as Sustainable Contra Costa’s 
   Sustainable Movement Challengefor the chance to win prizes .
   Register for Spring Recreation Classes:Check out the
   Lafayette Recreation Guidefor information about
   After - School Programs|
   Adult Health and Fitness|
   Senior Services|
   Youth Sports| and so much more!
   Drivers Wanted!The Lamorinda Spirit Van provides rides to Lamorinda older adults age 60+ and persons with disabilities to destinations in Lafayette , Moraga , Orinda , Concord , Martinez , Pleasant Hill , and Walnut Creek .  For more information , visit our
   website
    .
   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 Receivedpage for the latest application information . Curious about construction taking place around town? Information on major developments that are underway can be found on the 
   Major Development Projects 
   website .
   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
    
   Cultural Observations and Celebrations
   Celebrate our diversity by learning more about these upcoming cultural observations and celebrations:    
   Black History Month ( City Council Proclamation )
   14       
   LentBegan , Ends March 28 ( Christian )
   19       
   Presidents’ Day– C
   ity Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday
   20       
   World Day of Social Justice
   21       
   International Mother Language Day
    
   23 - 24  
   Purim ( Jewish )            
   24       
   Makha Bucha Day/Māgha Pūjā ( Buddhist )    
    
   Photo for the Week
   Even though we will have a wet weekend , the daffodils have emerged around town with their cheery yellow blossoms .
    
   Quote for the Week
   Let us be grateful to people who make us happy , they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom .
     - Marcel Proust__________________
   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
    .
   Did you know that we also offer a curated list of news headlines on issues facing our community?If you are not already ,
   subscribe nowto receive the to the Almost Daily Briefing on most weekday mornings .  
   

Press release information :

Direct link to press release: Click here .

Keywords and search queries from search engines related to the press release :
Tags:
Sports| . Fitness| . Programs| . Lafayette . Lafayette . California . Weekly . Roundup . February . Friday .
Proust . LafayetteNotifications . internationalshowcase . sustainablelafayette . Srivatsahighlight . Commissionprovided . notificationsSign . caconnectedfuture . Projectincludes . lafayettechamber .
https://thepressreleaseengine.com/The+Weekly+Roundup++February+16++2024+-lnid2024-5389-1965345
Sports| ; Fitness| ; Programs| ; Lafayette ; Lafayette ; California ; Weekly ; Roundup ; February ; Friday ;
Proust ; LafayetteNotifications ; internationalshowcase ; sustainablelafayette ; Srivatsahighlight ; Commissionprovided ; notificationsSign ; caconnectedfuture ; Projectincludes ; lafayettechamber ;
Friday February Roundup Weekly California Lafayette Lafayette Programs| Fitness| Sports|
lafayettechamber Projectincludes caconnectedfuture notificationsSign Commissionprovided Srivatsahighlight sustainablelafayette internationalshowcase LafayetteNotifications Proust