News & Events from the Lafayette Chamber
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Jay Lifson, Executive Director
251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150, Lafayette, CA
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-1pm
Office closed Monday, Feb. 17 for President's Day
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The Business Person of the Year and State of the City Dinner was a huge success!
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Thank you to the 150 guests who sold out the venue at the Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa. We appreciate the enthusiastic support!
The night started off with a nice welcome reception for our recipient Jennifer Perlmutter featuring local Harpist Wendy Tamis. We were treated to a rousing performance by the Peter Pan Foundation as dinner started. Mayor Anderson delivered his State of the City address. Lafayette is in good shape! The 2020 Chamber Board of Directors were presented by incoming president, John McCormick. Then Hilary Shipway took over as MC guiding the speakers in recognition of Jennifer’s accomplishments. Jennifer captivated us with her closing remarks.
View videos here >>
Special shout out thank you’s to all the speakers, photographers and helpers throughout the night: Mayor Mike Anderson, Christina Alba, John McCormick, Don Tatzin, Katie Keeshen, Cameron Collins, Jenny Staelin, Pam Freund-Striplen, Steve Harwood, Karen Mulvaney, Kathy Merchant, Reid Edwards, Jeff Heyman, Floral Arts, Minuteman Press Lafayette and the Lafayette Park Hotel staff.
Photo by Jeff Heyman, City of Lafayette: John McCormick, 2020 Board President; Jennifer Perlmutter, 2020 Business Person of the Year; Christina Alba, 2019 Board President.
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Lafayette Chamber's Young Professionals
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Meetup: Mix and Mingle at Batch & Brine
Tuesday, February 4, 5:30-7:30pm, 3602 Mt Diablo Blvd
Because our last event here was so successful, we decided to do it again. Your work day is over and you have the evening free, so now it’s time to come meet other like minded professionals and develop relationships for life which could help advance your carrier.
Join the Lafayette Young Professionals at Lafayette's
Batch and Brine which has an amazing atmosphere along with excellent knowledgeable staff. Bring a friend or a coworker, or maybe even both.
To see what the Lafayette Chamber's Young Professionals is all about or to experience the benefits of membership check us out
here.
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Lafayette’s Citizen of the Year – Nominations Due this Week!
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Online nomination form is now available for Lafayette’s Citizen of the Year. While completing the form, please provide as much information as possible to allow the selection committee to make the most informed decision possible.
Criteria for Lafayette’s Citizen of the Year are as follows:
- Must NOT be a current elected or paid member of any City Council, school board or commission.
- Must be a current Lafayette resident.
- Must be someone who has given of their time, money or energy to help make Lafayette a healthy community, where people will want to live, work and shop.
- Must be someone who models excellence in everything they do.
- Must be someone who brings this community together and/or makes us proud to be a member of the community.
The deadline for submitting nominations is Wednesday, February 5.
A celebration dinner will be held on Friday, March 13, 2020 at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa to honor the winner.
Past Citizen of the Year Recipients:
W.B. Ellis, Ralfe Miller, Margaret Bainbridge, Mel Nielsen, John R. Jacques, M.H. Stanley, C.R. Turner, Theron Nelson, William Zion, Stanford White, Jack Hageman, Lou Repetto, Jop Van Overveen, Vern Odegard, Jack Marchant, Donn Black, Charles Franklin, Chris Adams, John Kennedy, Clifford Feiler, James Lloyd, Boardman Moore, Robert Augenthaler, Percy Whitten, Barbara Bupp, Irene Graff, Ed Stokes, Robert Fisher, Ernie Marriner, Ken Clifford, Don Young, Irene Thomas, Ned Robinson, Alice Johnson, Hirsh Morton, Sue Cross, Tom Cleveland, Herb Joyce, Skid Thomas, Su Stauffer, Tom Courtright, Lynn Hiden, Avon Wilson, Bill Wakeman, Richard Holmes, Guy Atwood, Connie & Mike Collier, Judy Garvens, Anne Grodin, Ellen Peterson, Norma Evans, Robert Wood, Mary McCosker, Budd MacKenzie, Kathy Bowles, Ivor Samson, Gwen Watson, Judy Carney, Jeanne Ateljevich, Team Library, Karen Mulvaney, Gayle Uilkema, Greg Moeller, Toni McShane, Marechal Duncan, Tom Steuber, Dick & Robin Holt, Donovan Jenkins and Don Tatzin.
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Welcome to our Newest Member!
The following business has recently joined the Lafayette Chamber.
Mo Levich
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Maurice (Mo) Levich, 925-282-1515
CEO - Retired
Category: Entertainment
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SB 50 Dies on the State Senate Floor - Now What?
by Jay Lifson, Executive Director, Lafayette Chamber
If you have been following local politics over the last two years, you probably heard about State Senate Bill 50, which if passed would have required cities and counties to change local zoning allowing for more dense housing near public transportation and major job centers. The potential loss of local control and the growing homeless population has put many communities up against each other.
The bill introduced by State Senator Scott Wiener would have moved local control to the state level to encourage rapid building. Although the Dems have a super majority in Sacramento the debate on this bill as a split along geographic lines rather than partisan lines. Lafayette’s representative Steve Glazer/Orinda voted in opposition.
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Social Media Workshop Series: Business Essentials
by Coach Holly Jackson
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The Power of Video: How to Use Facebook Live & Testimonials to Build Trust
Wednesday, February 12, 6pm-7:30pm,
Lafayette Library & Learning Center, Homework Room, 3491 Mount Diablo Blvd.
Build Your Brand Through Story
Wednesday, March 11, 6pm-7:30pm,
Lafayette Library & Learning Center, Homework Room, 3491 Mount Diablo Blvd.
3 Business Time Savers: Cloze, Acuity, & Active Campaign
Wednesday, April 8, 6pm-7:30pm,
Lafayette Library & Learning Center, Homework Room, 3491 Mount Diablo Blvd.
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Are you trying to decide what to get your special Valentine this year?
Nothing says
I adore you more than walking hand in hand throughout our lovely downtown Lafayette. Cruise at your own pace and visit as many of the 25+ participating restaurants for sampling that you can.
Stop by
JPG@TheBank for your complimentary glass of wine or beer as you check out the latest art exhibits. Invite your friends and bleacher buddies to join you. Evening includes music throughout the downtown. Supports the
Lafayette Community Foundation.
Photo: Lauren Herpich, Local Food Adventures, and her husband enjoying last year's stroll!
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Mixer at Formula3 Fitness
Wednesday, February 19, 5:30pm-7pm, 983 Moraga Road
See two of
Formula3 Fitness's popular classes in action -
Fire and
Flow - at 5:15pm and 5:30pm (during the mixer). Call ahead and be added into the class so you can try it out yourself!
(925) 269-4061
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Save the date for the following 2020 mixers:
September 16 -
LPIE, 3450-A Golden Gate Way (outside)
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Ribbon Cutting at Pillar Cowork
Thursday, February 27, 5:30pm-6:30pm, 3515 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Join the Lafayette Chamber in welcoming
Pillar Cowork to Lafayette! We will be hosting a Ribbon Cutting at their new location across from Whole Foods and next door to Orangetheory. They will be leading an informal tour of the space accompanied by light refreshments!
RSVP here >>
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Ribbon Cutting at Chroma Realty, Co-Work Lamorinda and Move Lamorinda!
Thursday, March 5, 5:30pm-6:30pm, 935 Moraga Road, Suite 210
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Ribbon Cutting at Edward Jones Financial - Fred Steingraf
Thursday, March 12, 5:30pm-6:30pm, 3685 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Ste 161
Join the Lafayette Chamber in welcoming Chamber boardmember Fred Steingraf to Lafayette! We will be hosting a Ribbon Cutting at Fred's new office location in Desco Plaza.
RSVP here >>
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Coffee with Mayor Mike Anderson
Friday, February 28, 8am-9am, Lafayette Chamber Conference Room
Join us for Coffee with the Lafayette Mayor, Mike Anderson! This event is free but registration is requested as space is limited!
RSVP here >>
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Yes on Measure L Campaign
As the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce unanimously endorsed Measure L, we encourage all Lafayette businesses to support the Yes on L campaign. There are three simple ways you can do this:
Thank you for helping to protect the outstanding quality of education that helps make Lafayette the special place that we all love.
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City seeks volunteers for vacancy on the Design Review Commission
The Lafayette City Council is soliciting applicants to fill one vacancy on the Design Review Commission.
The five-member body is responsible for matters relating to aesthetics and the physical appearance of the city. The commission advises the staff, planning commission, and city council and acts on applications for design review including residential and commercial development projects.
Members of the design review commission are selected on the basis of education, training and experience in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, design, city planning or a related field. The council may appoint one or more nonresidents if, in its discretion, it considers it necessary to gain sufficient expertise.
Individuals interested in this volunteer position may obtain an application from the City's web site at
www.lovelafayette.org or in person at: City of Lafayette Offices 3675 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite 210 Lafayette, CA 94549
You may also call the City Clerk’s Office at (925) 284-1968 to request an application be mailed to you. Completed applications must be received by 5:00 pm, February 20, 2020.
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Planning for a slight change…
2020 Lafayette Art & Wine Festival – This year on the 4th Weekend in September.
It has been said,” You can’t please everyone all the time.” And this may be one of those times. Every few years, we run into conflict where the Jewish High Holidays fall on the 3rd weekend of September, which is our “sweet spot" on the calendar. This year (2020) the third weekend is also Rosh Hashana, September 19-20, 2020. Rosh Hashana is the first days of the Jewish New Year. All Jewish holidays begin at sundown the day before. Yom Kippur, which is the Jewish “Day of Atonement” begins at Sundown on Sunday, September 27th.
We make these changes out of respect to our community.
2020 4th weekend September 26-27
2021 3rd weekend September 18-19
2022 3rd weekend September 17-18
2023 4th weekend September 23-24
Please mark your calendars accordingly. We would hate to have you miss our fun “end of summer” party.
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Mt. Diablo Business Women: February Family Insights for Business Women
Wednesday, February 12, 5:45 - 8:15 p.m, Scott's Seafood, 1333 No. California Blvd., Walnut Creek, Members $50, Guests $55
In addition to outstanding business networking and support, the mission of Mt. Diablo Business Women includes personal education and growth. In February, our three speakers will share insights on capturing the joys and tackling the challenges of our family lives.
RecycleSmart Edible Food Recovery Business Survey
RecycleSmart has contracted with SCS Engineers, Inc. to conduct a survey with the goal of implementing a voluntary ‘Edible Food Recovery Pilot Program’ for local businesses. This voluntary program is to help prepare businesses for upcoming regulatory changes brought in by Senate Bill 1383, which will impose food waste reduction requirements on businesses. Representatives from SCS Engineers will be reaching out to and visiting businesses throughout the month of February to gauge the community’s interest in supporting edible food recovery. This program will help feed those in need, while reducing the environmental impacts of edible food waste and our community’s reliance on landfills. SCS Engineers and RecycleSmart are looking for leaders in the business community to help get this program off the ground, and are seeking input from any businesses that would like to join in this effort. This pilot program will help move us toward a culture of efficiency, equity and responsibility, with local businesses leading the way to ensure that Central Contra Costa is an example to the Bay Area and California! Please contact Ashley Louisiana, RecycleSmart, with any questions at
ashley@recyclesmart.org or call (925) 906-1801 x109.
Project Innovation Grant Challenge
Applications are open through February 14, 2020 at 8:59pm PST
NBC Bay Area and Telemundo 48 are excited to announce the return of Project Innovation. In partnership with the NBCUniversal Foundation, Project Innovation will award up to $225,000 in grants to a maximum of eight Bay Area winners. Programs or projects being submitted must have been in existence and in operation for at least one year, have an annual operating budget of more than $100,000, and are using innovation to inspire community solutions in any of the following grant categories:
- Next Generation Storytellers: Programs that empower the next generation of storytellers and utilize media to drive social impact.
- Culture of Inclusion: Programs that seek to build pathways for diverse and equitable communities.
- Youth Education: Programs that equip youth with the tools they need to succeed, including STEM / STEAM education.
- Community Engagement: Programs that enable individuals to engage and volunteer in their communities.
Through this grant process, we hope to spark conversation and support non-profits addressing local community issues through innovative solutions. To apply and for more information about the grant program including eligibility requirements, visit the application page at
www.nbcuprojectinnovation.com.
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21st Annual Crustacean Sensation Celebration
Friday, February 21, 6pm-10pm, Pleasant hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant hill
Please join the Contra Costa Association of Realtors for the 21st annual Crustacean Sensation Celebration! Silent auction and great raffle prizes! Please see
attached flyer for tickets and sponsorship opportunities. Raffle prizes and auction items can also be donated.
Nominate for Bay Area's Most Influential Women 2020
Do you know a woman who is a leader of a public company, private company, or non-profit institution deserving of recognition? The San Francisco Business Times is looking for nominations of outstanding women leaders for our annual Bay Area's Most Influential Women awards.
These inspiring women leaders will be recognized in a special edition of the newspaper published in May and honored at a gala awards dinner on Thursday, May 28th in San Francisco. Nominees will be evaluated on their influence in their industries as well as in their communities. Board affiliations and other leadership roles will be considered.
To qualify for this honor, women must be based in our coverage area, which includes the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin, Alameda, and Contra Costa. Nominations for this award are due Feb. 21 at midnight.
Salary Negotiation Seminar
Sunday, February 23, 2pm-4pm, Lafayette Library and Learning Center, Don Tatzin Community Hall
Come learn about salary negotiation and how to better articulate your worth at work or as a volunteer. Attend the AAUW Work Smart seminar on Sunday February 23, 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center in Lafayette. This seminar, co-sponsored by the American Association of University Women- Orinda Moraga Lafayette and Danville Alamo Walnut Creek Branches, is free and open to the public.
Work Smart, AAUW’s salary negotiation program, is designed to help close the gender wage gap by empowering women with the skills and confidence needed to negotiate their work salaries and benefits.
AAUW-OML and DAW are local branches of AAUW. AAUW empowers women and girls through research, education and advocacy. Our nonpartisan, nonprofit organization has more than 170,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and more than 800 college and university members. Since AAUW’s founding in 1881, our members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic and political. AAUW’s fellowships and grants have helped scholars and activists overcome barriers to education and advancement for 130 years. For more information contact Marielle Boortz, (925) 984-6434,
mjboortz@aol.com,
https://oml-CA.aauw.net
LPIE’s Power Party "Rock the Yacht" Cruisin' For a Cause
Saturday, March 21, UC Berkeley-Pauley Ballroom
Don't miss the annual LPIE Power Party: "Rock the Yacht" Cruisin' For a Cause on Saturday, March 21 at the UC Berkeley-Pauley Ballroom. A limited number of tickets are still available.
Click here
to get your tickets. Have something to donate? Please consider donating items, special experiences, and/or gift certificates to our live and online auction. No gift or service is too small. All gifts are appreciated and will be utilized for our auction.
Click here
to make your donation.
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Diablo magazine’s Best of the East Bay 2020 voting is now open!
Here are a few tools to help you get ready and to promote voting for your business:
• Visit
diablomag.com/vote and click the images and links to download printable and digital graphics to pass out and share with your customers
• Voters will also be entered to win a luxury Hawaiian getaway!
Vote for your chamber members and also for the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival which has a category this year: Arts & Leisure: Festival/Community Event!
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Member Events & Announcements
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Please join Cancer Support Community at the upcoming Open House Lafayette Property Tour next weekend, Saturday, February 8th from 10 am - 11:30 am.
As you may know, Cancer Support Community (CSC) is planning to establish a rustic campus for health and healing in Lafayette.
The future home of CSC will sit on a 5.75 acre parcel next to the Lafayette Reservoir. This beautiful property was generously gifted to CSC by Ray and Angelina Leal. Located on the south side of Mt. Diablo Boulevard, directly across from the Lafayette Community Garden, this parcel will provide the perfect backdrop for healing.
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Olive Oil 101 Social with Lafayette Social
Lafayette residents and LS Business Partners are invited to join Lafayette Social on Thursday, February 13, from 6:30-8 pm at Amphora Nueva. Learn about olive oil, sample some treats, and enjoy!
RSVP here.
Food as thy Medicine; Medicine as thy Food - How CBD Fits In - Green Alley CBD Talk Sponsored by The Orinda Garden Club
Thursday, Feb 13, 3-5pm, Orinda Library, in the Garden Room
Talk to include:
- Industrial uses of Hemp, Hemp CBD vs Marijuana CBD
- How we went from a plant-based society to a pharmaceutical-based society
- Medicinal uses of CBD, why it works
- Whole plant vs isolate
- CBD synergy with Olive Oil, Coffee and herbs like arnica and ginger
- Plant nutrients: cannabinoids, terpenes, polyphenols, vitamins
- Sampling CBD Olive Oil (Brain food), CBD coffee, CBD Creams and Balms and Bath Salts
For more information contact Ali Stoddard, Green Alley - a CBD Health and Wellness Company, (925) 899-4539.
https://greenalleycbd.com
Contra Costa Camp & School Fair
Contra Costa Camp & School Fair is in Lafayette at Acalanes High School for the 8th year on Sunday, Feb. 23, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free admission and free parking. The Tri-Valley Camp & School Fair is on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Pine Valley Middle School in San Ramon. 75+ exhibitors from camps, schools, educational programs, sports and related businesses.
www.ContraCostaCampFair.com
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Community Events & Announcements
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LHC’s Community Meeting “Issues Night”
Thursday, February 6, 7pm, Lafayette Community Center’s Sequoia Room, 500 St. Marys Road
Scheduled speakers include Mayor Mike Anderson with “State of the City” remarks followed by Lafayette School District Superintendent Richard Whitmore on our Schools and former Mayor Don Tatzin regarding transportation issues. Next and most important will be questions from our audience regarding improved transportation, traffic issues, our downtown and our schools along with local taxes, public safety, the State’s moving into our City planning via SB50 and any other issues of concern to our residents. This Community Meeting is a chance for our residents to first hear directly from community leaders followed by a Q&A regarding issues they find important. Folks can also look on the LHC website for further information at
LafayetteHomeownersCouncil.org
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Lafayette Community Center Foundation Poker Night!
Please sign up or tell your friends and family to come out and support a new playground at the Lafayette Community Center
- When? Saturday, March 14, 2020, (6)7-10pm
- Where? Lafayette Community Center – Jennifer Russell Building – 500 St. Mary’s Road, Lafayette
- Why? Fundraiser for Lafayette Community Center Multi-Age Playground, that will support the Tiny Tots Preschool, After School Awesome Program, Tot Drop Drop-In Care and the community at large.
- LEARN HOW TO PLAY POKER 6:00-7:00pm
- ENTRY FEE $70 | RE-BUYS $20 | ADDON $30, PRICE INCLUDES BEER, WINE, NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, SNACKS AND A LIGHT MEAL.
- Poker tables will be turned into black jack tables – You may wait through your first round of poker and join the black jack if you are uncomfortable with poker
- The Poker will be Texas Hold ‘em
- REGISTER AT www.LafayetteRec.org 925-284-2232
- Mayor Mike Anderson is expected to be at the event. Come try your hand against the Mayor!
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Happening at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center
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Free Tax Assistance
Tuesdays Feb 4 - March 24, 10am - 3:30pm; Saturdays March 28, April 4, April 11, 10am - 3:30pm
IRS-certified AARP volunteers provide free federal and state tax preparation for low-moderate income Contra Costa County residents. This service is offered to people of all ages, with special attention to those 50+. Walk-ins are accepted, but priority is given to those with an appointment. Please call the main desk at 925-385-2280 to register.
Friends Corner Book Shop - Half Price Sale!
This Saturday, February 8, 9am-5pm.
Cash and checks only please!
Friends of the Lafayette Library present WOW
Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment
Wednesday, February 12, 2:00 - 3:00 PM, Don Tatzin Community Hall
Wake up! Open your eyes, clear your head, and leave the chaotic, fractured world behind. Embark on a journey that will change you forever. Bringing together Buddhist artworks from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Asian Art Museum, this exhibit provides a guide, a map, and everything else you’ll need to reach your destination. Sculptures, paintings, textiles and book arts made between 800 and 2016 chart a transformative journey from the ordinary world to awakening.
Click HERE to register.
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Please note: to signup you will be asked for your birthdate. This information is not stored, it is only used for verify you are over 21 years of age.
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