Posted Sept. 11, 2020 by Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen

Every county is assigned to a tier by the State based on its test positivity and adjusted case rate. The State reviews data weekly and tiers are updated on Tuesdays. To move forward, a county must meet the next tier’s criteria for two consecutive weeks.

For Contra Costa County to move down to the next tier, daily new cases (per 100k) must be between 4-7 and positive tests must be between 5-8%. If a county’s case rate and positivity rate fall into different tiers, the county remains in the stricter tier. We have not yet met the criteria of the next tier down, the Red Tier, but if we continue on the current trajectory, we hope to do so by the end of this month. Click to learn more about tier assignments and metric details.

Contra Costa Public Health Officer Dr. Chris Farnitano explained, "based on the County’s internal numbers, it is likely that when the state posts Contra Costa's numbers next Tuesday, September 15th, we will still be slightly above the threshold for the red criteria. Since the County need to hit that criteria for two consecutive Tuesdays to move into the red zone, the soonest that we would move into the red zone is Sept 29, assuming our current trends continue."

Wednesday, September 16, 6pm-8pm, Zoom

Join the Lafayette Young Professionals for their 2nd Virtual Mixer of 2020!! Bring your favorite cocktail and join in the fun! We will have Trivia that touches on pop culture, music, the Lafayette Chamber, useless info and more!!

There will be prizes too so you don't want to miss this! Everyone who attends gets their name in the drawing for a bonus prize at the end of Trivia Night!!

Invite your friends who are young professionals or young at heart. You will get the Zoom link and password after you register for the event on Eventbrite!

Friday, September 18, 8am-9am, Register here.

Please join us for our almost-monthly Zoom meeting with Mayor Mike Anderson. Mike will be introducing the four candidates that will be running for three City Council seats on November 3.

Meet Cam Burks, Gina Dawson, Farschad Farzan and Carl Anduri. Get a chance to hear a little about each candidate and join in the conversation with real-time Q&A for the group with a special emphasis on business issues. Some of the topics worth checking in on will be:

Please note: this will be a webinar (not a Zoom meeting.) Questions should be submitted via email to info@lafayettechamber.org or via the chat during the webinar.

The petition to run for the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for the 2021-2022 Term can be downloaded here. This year the petition may be signed virtually by five current Chamber members and returned by September 25, 2020. Simply make sure you have a verbal agreement from those Chamber members.

The Chamber Board, comprised of 17 elected representatives, 2-3 appointed directors-at-large, and a number of non-voting advisors, is the policy making arm of the Chamber and has final authority in all decisions affecting the organization. Board members are required to attend the annual Planning Retreat and monthly Board Meetings.  In addition, they are expected to actively serve on at least one Chamber Committee. For more information or to obtain a paper petition, call the Chamber office at (925) 284-7404 or email info@lafayettechamber.org.

The Lafayette Res Run for Education which is traditionally held on a Sunday in October will instead be a virtual race over the two weeks spanning October 16-31, 2020.

We encourage you to join us for one of four races: 5k, 10k, or 2mile run/walk along the same route as previous events*; or the 2.7 mile Reservoir Run/Walk along the paved trail of the Lafayette Reservoir**.

*The 5k, 10k, or 2mile run/walk course will be marked along the sidewalk on the South side of Mt. Diablo Blvd. Roads will NOT be closed for runners. Please see maps for course.

Beneficiaries of the event are the local schools and the services and programs of the Chamber. Support your school. Sign up now! 

Many thanks to our presenting sponsor, Oakwood Athletic Club, our partner, the City of Lafayette, our Zero Waste Recycling Sponsor, Republic Services, and our Course Sponsors, Ford Timing and EBMUD.

2020 Marquis T-Shirt Sponsor: Keith Gronbach, DDS, East Bay Oral Surgery.

T-Shirt Sponsors:

Questions about the Res Run? Email Sara at Sara@LafayetteChamber.org.

Last week we welcomed the following business to the Lafayette Chamber. We encourage you to visit their website to learn more!

1850 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite 320, Walnut Creek

Judith Silver, 925-906-1801

Welcome New Friends!

The following members renewed their membership September 4-13. Thank you for supporting us so that we can support you!

Know someone who would contribute to our membership or would be interested in joining as a Friend of the Chamber? Let us know! info@lafayettechamber.org

Check out https://www.instagram.com/ahs_dons/ for shout-outs and new participants. More businesses are signing up every day! Interested in participating? Contact Sara at Sara@LafayetteChamber.org.

The Lafayette Chamber along with the City of Lafayette, Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation and Lafayette Social Magazine have put together a Calendar of Kindness for our community! Many thanks to Teresa Gerringer for coordinating!

Through September 21 we will be promoting kindness thanks to the Born This Way Foundation #BeKind21 initiative and the City of Lafayette’s proclamation.

Pledge to build a habit of kindness through at www.bornthisway.foundation/bekind21.

Food collections bins for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano will be available through September 20 at the following locations:

Join us on our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Share an act of kindness that you have experienced or observed around town with Lafayette Social at https://lafayettesocial.com/join-us/spreading-kindness.

The Outsmart Disaster Campaign is a statewide effort to provide tools for resiliency and recovery to California businesses to prepare for or minimize the damage of a disaster. The Academy for Economic Development is offering two 1-hour previews of the Resilient Business Challenge, free of cost, with a focus in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

The virtual workshop is perfect for small businesses, economic development stakeholders, and business associations to walk through the campaign’s Resilient Business Challenge (so feel free to share this with any business groups, etc. you may work with!). The Challenge focuses on preparing for and recovering from all types of disasters and covers topics such as Identifying Impacts of Disruption, Strengthening Facilities, and Structuring Your Crisis Communication.

Two time slots are being offered for the preview: September 15th at 10:00 AM PST or September 17th at 5:00 PM PST. Register online at https://outsmartdisaster.com/resilient-business-challenge-preview/ for either session.

The League’s Communications Director Jill Oviatt serves on the advisory committee for this effort so please let us know if you have any questions! League of California Cities - 916-402-7258 | scaygill@cacities.org.

Thursday, September 17, 10am-12pm

Expand your network by engaging with professionals who focus on business to business networking on our engaging video meeting with breakout rooms hosted by Professional Speed Networker Ambassadors. Register here.

Wednesday, September 23, 6pm, Zoom

In this workshop, discover what a lead magnet is, how to create one to attract your ideal audience and how to design one. Lead magnets are the best way to grow your list online while offering value to your future clients. Register here >>

Workshop Presenter: Holly Jackson, Business Coach & Consultant

www.hollyjeanjackson.com | info@hollyjeanjackson.com | 925-658-0514

Thursday, September 24, 2020 12pm-1:30pm

Please join CalCPA East Bay Chapter and MassMutual Northern California for an educational course on “Business Continuation Planning During Uncertain Times”. We will discuss and provide case studies on the nature of the closely held businesses and understanding why formal planning for business succession is important to protect, preserve and pass on the control and value of the business.

While navigating these transitions is always difficult, it is critical during these uncertain times that knowledgeable professionals are able to assist the owners of closely held businesses. We will address advantages, disadvantages and implementation of different planning options that could simplify the process, increase cost basis for the family and minimize taxes. 

Business Continuation Planning During Uncertain Times

 

Hosted by CalCPA and MassMutual Northern California. Presented by Tom Barrett, JD, LLM, Advanced Markets Director-MassMutual. The event will be held in a lunch-and-learn format. So feel free to bring your lunch and your questions to the meeting and We hope to see you there. Register here.

We are looking for founding members to help kick off the group. We will meet twice a month (first and third Wednesday of the month at 4pm). If you're interested in joining the group, please contact Fred Steingraf at fred.steingraf@edwardjones.com.

East Bay SCORE offers FREE business mentoring, low-cost or no-cost business training, and numerous templates and tools to help you start or grow a business. They also provide mentoring about how to address the economic impact of the coronavirus. Connect with Lafayette Chamber's local mentor, Steve Doran >>

Check the "Upcoming Workshops/Seminars" link frequently to see what workshops and seminars are on the calendar. View Aug-Sept Workshop Schedule >>

Every Friday, 7am-8:15am, Zoom

September Weekly Speakers include:

Sept. 18: Jim Marggraff, Improving Human Connection

Sept. 25: Jim Marggraff, the Future of Rotary Meetings

Thursday, September 17, 9am, 12pm or 3pm: The CARES Act is ending, are you ready?

REGISTER for 12 pm PST  

REGISTER for 3 pm PST  

Questions? Reach out to Gian at gpanetta@financialguide.com.

Chamber member, Yolanda Trevino, Founder of Microhair Aesthetics - A Hair Loss Solutions Center here in Lafayette, was featured on a podcast, On Air With Sandy Martinez of Emerald Gate Studios. Yolanda discusses being an entrepreneur, health, beauty and how she has managed to "pivot during the pandemic" by creating an anti-aging nutritional supplement and new clinical-grade skin care line that contains natural and organic ingredients. Listen as she shares the personal story of why she founded her clinic and the inspiration behind the new product line, including what her service offerings are when she reopens after the Covid-19 Shutdown.  Listen here as she contributes a message of hope to small business owners: Success Isn't Overnight.

MicrohairAesthetics.com has a newly designed online presence and is currently taking Pre-Orders through mid-October on the new lineup of skin care and nutrition products. Place your orders now so they can be delivered before the holidays! There will be more products slowly rolling out in the coming months. 

Lafayette Social is extending a special advertising opportunity to small businesses and local nonprofits that are members of the Lafayette Chamber.⁠

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This deal includes a monthly small-space ad in the print edition of Lafayette Social, a monthly digital ad geo-targeting all major social media platforms in Lafayette, tailored ad creation, index listing, and more!⁠

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There are only 4 spots left! To learn more and to reserve your spot, email Christine. The deadline for these remaining spots is September 25.

More than a quarter of Contra Costa County residents are uncounted in the 2020 Census, and the County stands to lose up to $6 billion in critical funding over the next ten years. It is not too late to get counted! Just go to www.my2020Census.gov. Representation and funding are at stake. Get counted now!

All California voters will be sent a vote-by-mail ballot with a prepaid postage return envelope for the November 3, 2020 General Election. All voters can now get critical updates on their ballots through California’s official “Where’s My Ballot?” tracking tool. Signing up takes less than three minutes: wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov.

You can select to receive notifications on the status of your vote-by-mail ballot by text (SMS), email, or voice call, including alerts if there are any issues with your ballot and instructions for how to correct them to make sure your vote is counted. Don't miss out on the opportunity to track your ballot every step of the way!

Join the #BeKind21 campaign and pledge to do acts of kindness each day. To learn more and sign up for the #beKind21 challenge, visit Born this Way Foundation.

Kids, let's pledge to be kind to the community and ourselves this September! Check out these great picture books for ideas.

Friends of the Lafayette Library Sweet Thursday presents Vanessa Hua Deceit and Other Possibilities

Thursday, September 17, 5:00 – 6:30 PM, Click here to register and receive Zoom link.

In this powerful debut collection, Vanessa Hua gives voice to immigrant families navigating a new America. Tied to their ancestral and adopted homelands in ways unimaginable in generations past, these memorable characters straddle both worlds but belong to none.

Both of these programs are made possible thanks to support from the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation and Friends of the Lafayette Library.

Tuesday - Friday 10:00 AM - 2:00 pm; Saturday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

 

If there is a specific book you would like to purchase, please request at friendscornerbookshop@gmail.com. We will let you know whether or not it is available. There will also be an opportunity to “window shop” as we will be placing books and other items in the windows. Masks and social distancing required at time of pick up.  

If you need assistance or have questions about Library and community resources, we’ll do our best to help. Email (information@LLLCF.org) or phone message (925-283-6513 ext. 102).

For more information visit www.LLLCF.org and follow LLLC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.