News & Events from the Lafayette Chamber |
|
|
|
Jay Lifson, Executive Director
251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150, Lafayette, CA
Virtual Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-1pm
|
|
So much info this week, we thought we'd give you a cheat sheet!
➡ Local Sales Tax increases beginning April 1, 2021.
|
|
Lafayette Community Foundation Excellence Grants
For more than 20 years, LCF has been awarding grants to local nonprofits that serve the needs of the community in the categories of Human Services, Seniors, Youth Development & Education and Arts & Culture.
The grant application deadline is this Wednesday, March 31, 2021. To apply for a grant and to learn more about LCF's Excellence Grants visit
|
|
Diablo magazine's Best of the East Bay ballot!
With 9 groups, 249 categories, and the chance to win, voting is sure to be fun for all!
Your business could be a winner. Here are the tools and tips you need to promote voting for your business:
|
|
Welcome New Members!
Last week we welcomed the following new Chamber members. We encourage you to learn more about them on their website and social channels!
938 Tyler St., Studio #204, Ste. B, Oakland
Brady Thomas, 510-501-9567
Award winning custom fine art portraits for women and the people they love, including pets and horses.
Categories: Photography, Art Galleries / Art Studio
|
|
Thank You Sponsors!
The following new members of the Lafayette Chamber have been sponsored by fellow members!
1506 Mendocino Drive, Concord
Kimberly Baptista, 925-685-6633
The Bay Area Crisis Nursery was established in 1981 to help prevent child abuse and neglect by providing supportive services to families. Our primary service is providing a warm, loving, homelike environment for children from birth through 5 years of age by offering 24-hour care and emergency childcare services. Our services are free, confidential, and voluntary. The Nursery is a magical place for children and families!
Category: Non-Profit Organizations & Clubs
2114 Macdonald Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801
Dean Hollenbeck, 510-215-4876
Our Mission: Fighting homelessness. Changing lives. Our Vision: To present the means and opportunity for real and lasting change to the homeless and needy through.
We welcome our homeless neighbors by providing daily essentials like food, shelter, clothing and any other kind of critical care they need. We offer men and women the opportunity for complete life change through faith-based discipleship programs that heal hurting hearts… and empower them to rebuild their lives with God’s love as a foundation.
Category: Non-Profit Organizations & Clubs
|
|
Thank You Renewing Members!
The following members renewed their membership March 22-28, 2021.
|
|
Member Shout-Out: Kids' Activities, Tutoring & Camps!
The following are members of the Lafayette Chamber.
Spring Break Superhero Scavenger Hunt!
During the week of spring break, participate in the Superhero Scavenger Hunt in downtown Lafayette! Find all seven superheroes to enter in for the grand prize and support local businesses along the way.
|
|
Covid-19 Vaccine Eligibility
Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) encourages anyone who is currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccine in the county, but delaying their appointment to avoid the rush, to request their shot TODAY.
Increased vaccine supply from the state and federal governments means that CCHS currently has thousands of appointments at its community clinics this week.
CCHS expects to open eligibility to those 16 years or older later this week. Timing for that decision will depend on how quickly available appointments fill in the coming days.
|
|
How Far is Contra Costa from the Orange Tier?
It is difficult to predict when Contra Costa will qualify for the orange tier of the blueprint, even if COVID-19 transmission continues to recede in the community.
The State requires counties to remain in a new tier for at least three weeks after changing tiers. We are in our second week in the Red Tier. Once a County qualifies for the next lower tier, they must remain there for at least two consecutive weeks before moving into it.
To reach the Orange Tier, Contra Costa’s must reach these milestones in its COVID-19 transmission data:
- The adjusted daily case rate must fall below 4.0 We are currently at 5.5.
- The positivity rate for COVID-19 tests in the county falls below 5%. We are currently at 2.2%.
- The positivity rate for tests in the health equity quartile is less than 5.2%. We are currently at 3.9%
Once the State reaches a goal of vaccinating 4 million residents who live in the lowest Health Place Index (HPI) communities, the state also plans to relax the case-rate requirement for entering the orange tier from 4.0 cases per 100,000 daily to 6.0 cases per 100,000 daily.
These new standards would be applied retroactively, and we could move into the Orange Tier two days after this 4 million number is reached. Currently, the State has vaccinated 3,085,171 people in the lowest HPI communities.
While there is no guarantee, County Health is estimating that under this standard we could move into the Orange Tier as soon as the week of April 5.
CA COVID-19 Rent Relief
CA COVID-19 Rent Relief will help income-eligible households pay rent and utilities, both for past due and future payments. The federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 provides funding to support the program and tenant (renter) protection laws signed by Governor Newsom.
For additional information, to find a Local Partner Network organization near you, or for eligibility and application help, call our CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Call Center: 833-430-2122.
Contra Costa County Passes Ordinance to Extend Protections To Commercial Tenants through June 30, 2021
At the Board of Supervisors meeting on March 23, 2021, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed an Urgency Ordinance to continue the temporary prohibition on evictions of certain small-business commercial tenants financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This protection now continues through June 30, 2021.
Protections for residential tenants were unchanged by the urgency ordinance and last through June 30, 2021.
On March 4, 2021, the Governor issued an Executive Order which extends, through June 30, 2021, the authority of local jurisdictions to suspend the evictions of commercial tenants for the non-payment of rent if the non-payment was a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The latest Ordinance also prohibits landlords from charging late fees to small business and nonprofit organization tenants, and extends to August 31, 2021, the grace period to pay back rent. Read the full document go to Ordinance No. 2021-11.
|
|
Local Sales Tax Increases Beginning April 1, 2021
In November, 2020, Contra Costa adopted a 0.5% sales tax for the next 20 years, which goes into effect on April 1, 2021. This was passed by voters with a majority vote. The county estimates the tax will raise $81 million a year for the general fund.
The new Sales Tax rates are:
Lafayette 8.75%
Moraga 9.75%
Orinda 9.75%
|
|
Relief Funding for Small Businesses
The City of Lafayette is proud to offer the Small Business Assistance Program to all small businesses within our community. Small business assistance webinars are held every Thursday afternoon at 4pm to discuss the Paycheck Protection Program and other tips to obtain funding. There is also a Q&A panel where you can get answers to your questions live. Feel free to register for the Webinar by clicking HERE and select the date and time that works best for you. Get verified for this free service HERE.
|
|
COVID-19 Relief for Local Employees & Small Businesses + New Bill Relief Program from MCE
MCE Bill Relief for Small Businesses
As part of MCE’s on-going COVID relief efforts, MCE is offering bill credits to help those most financially impacted. Beginning in April 2021, small business customers are eligible for a $22/month MCE Cares Credit, available for up to 9 months. Eligible customers include small businesses enrolled in A1, A1X, or B1 electricity rates. If you qualify, we encourage you to apply immediately as space is limited and enrollment is on first-come, first-served basis. Programs to lower your monthly utility bill can be found on our website: Lower Your Bill.
COVID-19 Relief for Local Employees and Households
MCE has pulled together a list of state and local resources that are available to residents and households in our service area that have been impacted by COVID-19.
COVID-19 Relief for Our Local Small Businesses
|
|
Former Lafayette Mayor Mike Anderson Honored by the Chamber of Commerce
As alluded to above, there was a little surprise at the beginning of the Lafayette City Council meeting last Monday night. Now it can be told: The Lafayette Chamber surprised and honored Mike Anderson for his service to our community by awarding him the Ann Denny Award, which has only been given out four times in the Chamber’s history.
Chamber President John McCormick recognized Mike Anderson for his 16 years on the City Council and as Mayor of the City several times over those years. In particular, he noted Mike’s steady leadership of Lafayette through a tumultuous 2020 that saw the coronavirus, wildfires, power outages, demonstrations, and multiple shutdowns. John commented that Mike led with dignity, transparency, common sense – and always with a smile. Watch the presentation – complete with a screen full of smiles and Mike’s clear surprise.
The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce established the Ann Denny Award several years ago to recognize those in our community that have made extraordinary contributions, but do not fit into the Businessperson of the Year or the Citizen of the Year criteria. It is not an annual award, but only given when an exceptional person is nominated and approved by the Chamber Board. The award is named in Ann Denny’s honor. Ann Denny served as the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Executive Director from 1993- 2005. Ann was a leader that was beloved by the residents and business owners of Lafayette and represented the best qualities that all of us admire and respect.
Mike Anderson joins Stanley Music Teacher Bob Athayde, former Police Chief Eric Christensen and former Mayor Don Tatzin as award winners. Learn more here >>
|
|
Celebrate National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day
In these times of COVID-19 challenges, many small business owners have had to reinvent their business model. In order to stay afloat everything has had to be re-examined like business hours, products offered, and staffing levels to name a few. It's an ongoing struggle. One thing every business has to do is make it known that they are still open and what has changed. Networking is one way to get the word out. Join White Rabbit Business Solutions to celebrate National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day! Register here.
|
|
Social Media by the Numbers - Social Media Metrics
Tuesday, March 30, 12noon, Online
Selecting the right Social Media channels for your business goals and tips on how to measure success.
What you will learn in this session:
- Tips & Tools for tracking Social Media metrics that matter.
- Using Social Media to boost your SEO.
- Using Social Media management tools to save time.
Presented by Piinch Company. Join us on March 30 at noon using this link:
|
|
Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan invites you and your communities to join her for a Bystander Intervention Training, on March 30, at 5pm. She is partnering with Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Asian Law Caucus, and Hollaback! to provide this training for all community members to learn how to help ‘in the moment’ when they witness harassment and threatening actions, online or in-person. Register here.
|
|
It is hard for young professionals to "hit the ground running". The main reason is that they do not even know where to start. This group is set up for one purpose: to minimize unnecessary obstacles for young professionals. Referring business is the engine of this group. What makes us different is our Mentorship Programs, Educational Workshops and backing of CCCBA.
CCCBA PRO is open to all CCCBA members, both attorneys and non-attorneys. The Barristers PRO group will be limited to one participant per profession who has 0-7 years' experience.
Questions? Contact Gian D. Panetta, Financial Services Professional, (925) 979-2330. Register here.
|
|
Cyber Security Presentation
Tuesday, April 6, 11am-12pm, Online
Joseph Oregon, Cybersecurity Advisor Region IX: Southern California Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will present on Cyber Security. Free! Register here.
|
|
Medicare Seminars
If you or someone you know has questions about Medicare, our free, virtual, and educational seminars are perfect for you. We have licensed Medicare agents teaching you all the basics. Join us to get your questions answered. No cost, no obligation. No Sales. Under 1 hour. First meeting starts on April 1st, 2021. For alternate times and dates go to canopy.vanbergins.com or call (877) 833-4253
|
|
Classifieds!
Are you looking for a job? See our Instagram Highlight for Lafayette Chamber businesses that are hiring!
|
|
Room for Rent at Lafayette Beauty
Lafayette Beauty in downtown Lafayette has an available room for rent. It would make a great space for an esthetician or someone who wants to do micro blading, lash extensions or other personal services. The rent is $750 including utilities. Contact Fereshta Popal at (510) 825-1398 for more information.
|
|
Sub-lease available at 3355 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
The Peter Pan Foundation would like to find a tenant that would allow them to share the space for occasional use. So if the tenant used it primarily during business hours, PPF could have use of that room evenings and weekends, potentially.
It's one large room, about 300 sq. feet. Access to a private bathroom.
There is a door that separates that room from the PPF side of the building.
One parking space would be available in the back.
Rent would be $900 a month plus $50 for utilities that would include, PG&E, water, garbage and internet. The space is available 4/1 but can be moved into anytime during the month of April, with pro-rated rents. Looking for someone to sign a 6 month lease with month-to-month after that and a 60 day notice to vacate. For more info, call Gina Campo, 925-822-2561
|
|
Community Announcements
Invitation to the Lafayette Homeowners Council April 13 Spring Issues Presentation- all welcome!
The availability of affordable and inclusive housing in California is a real issue facing all of us. Desirable and livable suburbs like Lafayette have become a “hot market” with increased prices of real estate and rental rates reflecting this trend. This housing shortage is state wide, especially for affordable housing, and has become a problem that state level politicians are attempting to address.
The Lafayette Homeowners Council will host a webinar focused on these topics and alternative ideas to provide more affordable and available housing in our community. We have invited representatives from two groups - Livable California and United Neighbors to make presentations on California’s housing “shortage” and affordable housing dilemma, as well as a review of current and proposed laws aimed at densifying single family home neighborhoods state - wide, and what we can do about it. Invited are all Lafayette homeowners associations, neighborhood groups, and all other interested individuals.
|
|
From the Lafayette Library and Learning Center |
|
LINK+ Is Back!
The Lafayette Library is happy to announce the return of LINK+ service. You may immediately begin placing holds and borrowing materials from participating libraries.
LINK+ is a free service that allows library cardholders to borrow materials not available from the Contra Costa County Library collection. LINK+ is a catalog of more than 4.5 million unique titles available. Use your library card to request items for pickup at Lafayette Library. Click here to get started!
Dine and Shop for a Cause at Sideboard!
National Library Giving Day Wednesday, April 7th.
Grab coffee, enjoy lunch on the deck, pick up dinner to go, shop for unique gifts, buy a gift card… Sideboard will donate 20% of ALL purchases made on April 7th to the Lafayette Library. Just mention you want to support the Library! Offer valid at both locations.
Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation Distinguished Speaker Series
In partnership with Orinda Books Presents Clare Pooley: The Authenticity Project
Thursday, April 1, 2020, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
In The Authenticity Project, Julian Jessop is an eccentric, lonely, septuagenarian artist who believes that most people aren’t really honest with one another. And so he writes – in a plain, green journal – the truth about his own life and leaves it in his local café. Before long, others find the notebook and add their own deepest truths before finding each other in real life at the café.
|
|
Please note: to signup via text 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.
|
|
Show Your Membership!
Would you like to include a Lafayette Chamber membership emblem on your website or other marketing materials?
The Lafayette Chamber would be happy to provide you with the appropriate logos. Simply email your request to holly@lafayettechamber.org. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
