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
Chamber Staff will be on vacation July 5 - July 9, 2021
|
|
Understanding the new rules for COVID -19
As an employer, you have followed the State and County guidelines and health orders. On Tuesday, June 15, the entire system we have been following for the last 10 months, the California 4-Tier color-coded reopening framework will be shelved. California will open up to pre-pandemic status. With a few exceptions of course. The challenge health officials have had is nothing less than colossal. With that said the direction or often mis-direction from authorities made navigating the changes nearly impossible to follow.
On Thursday, May 13, 2021 the CDC dropped the mask rules for those who were fully vaccinated. Yet it took 4 days for the State of California to respond with, NOT SO FAST. Unless you are following this day to day, most people had no idea that the County and State override the CDC guidelines. Mask mandates have remained, and will until June 15. Now businesses have something else to worry about. Cal/OSHA (Division of Occupational Safety and Health) has been vacillating over workplace standards after June 15.
Here is where we are now…
Cal/OSHA released their new rules (Standards Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 7. General Industry Safety Orders, section 3205), that would guide workplace orders post June 15. The order was so out of touch with science and completely unacceptable to most people, Governor Newsome asked OSHA to walk the order back. The main complaint had all employees wearing masks if only one employee was not vaccinated. On June 9, the board decided to withdraw revisions to the Emergency Temporary Standards. On Friday, June 11, the OSHA board released revisions to the safety orders. OSHA plans to pass the new standards on Thursday, June 17, two days after California drops the tier system. If amended, they will not go into effect until June 28.
What you need to know…
- Until June 28, employees are still required to wear masks.
- After June 28, anyone who has not been vaccinated or can not be vaccinated must still wear masks indoors, which includes children 2-12 years old.
- Outdoors un-vaccinated persons will still need to practice social distancing and must wear a mask if they are within 6' of others.
- Employers must verify and document the vaccination status of vaccinated employees if they chose not to wear a mask.
- The honor system is OK to use for your customers.
- You can still require your customers to wear a mask when they are in your business.
- You can not ask someone to take off their mask.
Protect yourself and your business
There is a number of steps that you as an employer will need to follow. They include prevention plans, workplace conduct, procedures to investigate workplace COVID-19 cases and policies for correcting unsafe conditions.
We find ourselves in the “Red Zone” (inside the 20 yard line) for the first time since the pandemic began. Please do not let your guard down. Your employees are counting on it. Your customers are trusting you. And your community wants to enjoy life as we knew it, before our public safety was decimated.
Respectfully,
Jay Lifson, Executive Director
|
|
Contra Costa begins new mobile COVID-19 vaccine service
* Businesses and community organizations can now request visits from Contra Costa Health Services’ (CCHS) mobile COVID-19 vaccination van to workplaces, community centers and other locations where five or more members of a group want to receive vaccine.
* This service operates weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will only travel to locations within the county, though they will vaccinate anyone eligible regardless of where they live.
* There is no cap on the number of people who can be vaccinated during a visit.
* The state’s pandemic health orders will sunset on June 15, allowing fully vaccinated people to visit businesses and enjoy communal activities without the need for face masks or physical distancing. Visit the CCHS Beyond the Blueprint page https://www.coronavirus.cchealth.org/beyond-the-blueprint for details.
* But the health guidelines for people who are not vaccinated will remain largely unchanged – now is a great time to consider a safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine if you have not already gotten one.
|
|
ONLY A FEW SPOTS REMAIN FOR THE MIXER ... REGISTER HERE (it's required)
|
|
REFRESH and RECONNECT at our first in-person mixer of the year!
Mix, mingle, connect and catch up with friends and business associates at this indoor/outdoor mixer.
➡ Participate in a social media refresh with Alison Stripling, SPARQ
➡ Wine tastings from LYONS Wines and McBride Sisters wines
➡ Smile for the camera by Craig Isaacs, BlueGoo, our roving photographer
➡ ... and so much more!
Meet new members including:
|
|
This event is free but we encourage you to support the Bay Area Crisis Nursery by donating baby wipes, diapers and/or Pull-Ups. They are in special need of diapers size 4-7!
Enter off Golden Gate Way.
|
|
Let's welcome Headlands Brewing Company and Fringe + Fern to Lafayette!
Join us for a Ribbon Cutting at both locations in the Forge on Thursday, June 17 at 5pm, 3420 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
Fringe + Fern is a family owned and operated hair salon and indoor plant boutique. They love their clients and are here to give all a comfortable and unique experience in a fun and beautiful environment!
Headlands Brewing Company is a m ulti-award winning nano-brewery and taproom / kitchen. Pairing great beer with awesome adventures. Now open!
|
|
Father's Day is Sunday, June 20!
|
|
Lafayette Res Run for Education
This special $25 flat rate price valid for any of the three races is only available through June 30! Sign up now for our Sunday, October 24 Res Run!
|
|
Welcome to the Chamber!
The following business joined the Lafayette Chamber last week! We encourage you to visit their website to learn more.
3356 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Unit B, Lafayette
Cynthia Brodit, 925-588-7014
Category: Automobile Services
1908 Olympic Blvd., Walnut Creek
John Jackson, 925-932-6400
At Forma Gym our mission is to make exercise a part of our member’s daily lives, for the rest of their lives. We are located right off the 680/24 corridor in Downtown Walnut Creek.
Categories: Fitness / Health Clubs, Cafe
PO Box 744, Lafayette
Mark Dunaway, 404-229-6962
The Happy Valley Improvement Association includes a small board of dedicated men and women who work together with Happy Valley residents to beautify our neighborhood. Projects include planting daffodils, hanging bird houses, maintaining the neighborhood path and hosting community events.
Category: Non-Profit Organizations & Clubs
|
|
Thank You Renewing Members!
The following members renewed their membership June 7-13, 2021.
|
|
Lafayette’s 25th Art & Wine Festival is set for September 18-19, 2021
Let’s go!! Get on board and join us as we kick off our marketing campaigns.
Showcase your business with a commercial vendor booth in downtown for the weekend. Host a beer or wine booth. Align your brand or service with the best downtown block party in the county as we #welcomebacklafayette.
We have sponsorship levels available and tailored to fit everyone’s budget and needs. But they are limited! We have already sold quite a few in our first week. Now is the time. Join us as a Presenting Sponsor ($10,000), Corporate Sponsor ($3750) or new this year, be one of 10 Collective Entertainment Sponsors ($750). Add your logo and direct link to this special group … https://lafayettefestival.com/sponsors.
Act now! We are giving our Chamber Members priority through June 23rd, then we will open up to outside inquiries. Contact sara@lafayettechamber.org for more details.
|
|
Citywide Sidewalk Sale
The Lafayette Chamber and the City of Lafayette will be promoting a Citywide Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, July 31. Anyone interested in participating should email holly@lafayettechamber.org as we will be listing and promoting all participating Lafayette businesses. |
|
ICYMI - In Case You Missed It!
|
|
General Plan Update: The Time to Speak Up is Now
Tell the GPAC what you think by submitting your thoughts, ideas, questions, and comments on the General Plan public engagement website https://engagelafayette.org.
A good plan is like a road map: it shows the destination and the various routes to get there. After 50+ years, Lafayette is updating its mission statement and you get to speak up about which direction the City should head.
Help us plan the route and the destination by taking the mission statement survey on PlanLafayette.org!
|
|
Sustainable Lafayette Takeout Symposium
Sharing solutions for individuals and restaurants on the path to less wasteful takeout.
Join Sustainable Lafayette on Thursday, June 17 at 7 p.m. for an online community gathering exploring the challenges and solutions of restaurant takeout.
- Have you noticed how single-use take-out containers create a lot of trash?
- Do some of your favorite restaurants offer compostable solutions? Do tell!
- What can an eco-friendly diner do to be part of the plastic pollution solution?
- Is there a Styrofoam ban or other policies protecting against excessive takeout trash in Lafayette and nearby cities?
In a series of rapid-fire presentations on Zoom, we’ll discuss these topics with a local restaurant owner, the developer of a trashy takeout phone app, a recycling expert with Allied Services, a high school environmental activist, a Lafayette Environmental Task Force member, a zero waste business leader and Sustainable Lafayette board members.
|
|
Taking Control of Debt
NEW DATE! Tuesday, July 13, 12 noon, Online
Many Americans are significantly in debt. So, if you are feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. The good news is you can start eliminating it. Regardless of the type of debt you are in – credit card, student loans, car loans or something else – it’s important to know you can get out of debt. It won’t happen overnight, but being debt-free is possible once you make a commitment and a plan.
Join Lafayette Chamber member Gian D. Panetta and Mathew Sagers for this FREE informational workshop. Questions? Contact Gian at gpanetta@financialguide.com. Register here.
|
|
GOOGLE™ FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Tuesday, July 20, 2021 12noon-1:00pm, Online
Join Molly Northrup for a Tech Talk discussing how you can use Google tools in your business!
- Google Drive
- Google My Business
- Google Search Console
- Google Calendar
|
|
Business Builder Throwdown
Be Our Guest? Holly Jean Jackson co-launched a live streaming show called Business Builder Throwdown and we are looking for guests on our show.
When: Every Thursday from 2-3 pm EST
Where: streamed to YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn (adding Amazon Live soon)
Who: Business owners who want strategic business growth advice from experts
What's in it for YOU?
- A complimentary mastermind where two experts share strategies for you to implement today on your biggest business challenge
- Get your business name and brand out there through our show (free PR!)
- A professionally edited video interview post livestream of you
- Meet new business professionals that can help you grow
Sign up for a hot seat (i.e. be our guest on the show): Click https://courses.hookdm.com/bbt and scroll to the bottom and fill out the hot seat form today! We will be in touch shortly after to schedule your debut!
|
|
Town Hall Theatre's Bay Area Celebration Sponsorship Opportunities
Town Hall Theatre is pleased to be LIVE again, starting with a Bay Area Celebration. This special fundraising event on July 10 at 11am at the Moraga Commons will bring Bay Area artists together through song and spoken word. The summer stage will come to life with themes of Hope, Renewal, Equity, Resilience, Home, Inclusion, and CELEBRATION. We are excited to reconnect in-person with our community as we re-introduce Town Hall Theatre.
Accompanying the performances will be the Steve Carter Trio, an East Bay Groove Funk band with a modern style rooted in the rhythm-section innovations of Tower of Power, The Headhunters, and Sly and the Family Stone.
This event is a fundraiser for Town Hall Theatre Company as we plan our return to post-COVID in-person programming and offerings in the fall at our theatre in Lafayette.
Town Hall is looking for local businesses to sponsor the event. Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels starting at $500 and include benefits including social media mentions, placement on signage and mentions at the event.
|
|
Acalanes Newspaper, BluePrint Advertising Opportunities
|
|
Member Events & Announcements |
|
Cancer Support Community Update
If you've been waiting on pins and needles to hear how CSC's Design Review Commission meeting went earlier this month, wait no longer.
"This is an important and compelling project."
"Love the building. Too bad it's so hidden - let's see more!"
"Illuminate it to make it a beacon of Hope."
We invite you to join us for the following meetings.
June 16, 2021: DRC meeting with consent approval of resolution recommending approval to the Planning Commission.
June 21, 2021: Planning Commission meeting which will discuss all items mentioned at prior meetings of the PC, DRC and TCC.
Libby and Don Jenkins would like to extend a Special thank you to Kathy Merchant, Diane Barbera, and Don Jenkins for speaking strong support during the past two city meetings as well as Jay Lifson for additional written communication.
|
|
Las Trampas Virtual Tour
Tuesday, June 22, 3pm
So much that has changed at our Lafayette Campus!
It is our pleasure to share the exciting changes each month with you, our loyal supporter!
Our guests this month will be Tom Chastain and Renee Chou from Studio Urbis. Tom and Renee are the architects for the Las Trampas Project. They will provide a great perspective on our new facility.
Please click here to register for the Zoom Webinar. After registering you will receive an email confirming your registration with a link.
|
|
2021 Summer Bike Challenge
Looking for free summertime recreation, fun for the whole family? Check out 511 Contra Costa’s Summer Bike Challenge. June-August, riders of all ages can explore their hometowns on two wheels. Simply bike to each destination and cross off the squares as you go. Pick up free prizes on select dates, take weekly Bonus Challenges, and enter the iPad Grand Prize Drawing. Ready to roll? Visit 511cc.org/go to get started.
-
Who: All ages. Popular with families, teens, adults, and older adults
-
What: See the attached draft (front/back) to see what it’s all about. Sort of a “Bike Bingo” meets “Bike Scavenger Hunt”
-
When: June-August; people participate independently, and at their own pace. Honor system to complete.
-
Why: 511 Contra Costa runs the program to promote biking as a transportation mode-choice. The WHY for participants is that it’s a fun, free, and healthy recreational activity. + prizes!
-
Where: We select various destinations every summer to feature on the Challenge card. We change it up each year. Our “Free Stuff” giveaway stops (page 2) are typically located in parks, the library, city hall, or other points of interest where a 511CC staff person hands out small prizes, such as $5 Starbucks gift cards to people who stop by on bikes.
|
|
The White Pony Express “All of Us” Auction is Ready for Your Bids!
The nonprofit White Pony Express, headquartered in Pleasant Hill and founded by Dr. Carol Weyland Conner, currently has an exciting online Auction designed to help us raise funds to support White Pony Express’ vital programs: Food Rescue, and the General Store.
Auction items include luxury vacation getaways, box tickets, indulgent dining experiences, high-end jewelry, and gift baskets galore! The winning bids will be matched by angel donors through June 30th!
The money raised from the Auction will enable White Pony Express to provide nutritious food and essential items directly to neighbors in need across Contra Costa County. Thank you for your support and for participating in this special feature of our Spring Matching Campaign!
|
|
Now Hiring!
Are you looking for a job? See also our Instagram Highlight for Lafayette Chamber businesses that are hiring! |
|
From the Lafayette Library and Learning Center |
|
Sign Language Storytime
Erika Vetter, founder of the Rise and Sign Language Academy, will introduce children to basic sign language with this fun and interactive color-themed virtual storytime.
Celebrate Pride Month
Stop in the Lafayette Library and Learning Center this Pride month (and always) to find resources for all ages that help shape the ideas and perspectives central to a tolerant and inclusive society. Then tune in for a special event that celebrates dignity and equality for everyone!
Pride Storytime Party
This exuberant online storytime is geared toward young children, elementary school-aged kids, and their families. Also included will be information for parents and caregivers on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways.
Sweet Thursdays Presents Lisa See: The Island of Sea Women
Join the renowned best-selling author of Shanghai Girls as she discusses her latest historical novel The Island of Sea Women. A classic Lisa See story of women's friendships and the larger forces that shape them, The Island of Sea Women introduces readers to the fierce female divers of Jeju Island and the dramatic history that shaped their lives. This beautiful, thoughtful novel illuminates a unique and unforgettable culture, one where the women are in charge, engaging in dangerous physical work while the men take care of the children.
This program is presented by the Friends of the Lafayette Library.
Summer Reading Program Reading Colors Your World
Color your world this summer with books! Beginning on June 1, sign up with Beanstack to keep track of your reading and learning or download a reading passport. The whole family can have a fun and colorful summer together. Everyone who completes our Summer Reading program will earn fun rewards, including a free book, and be entered into a drawing for a chance to win amazing prizes. Call the Main Desk at 925-385-2280 or stop in to speak to a librarian for more information.
Friends Corner Book Shop is OPEN!
We are excited to welcome you back into the book shop! Stop by and browse our extensive selection of used books. Hours: Tues-Fri, 10-2 and Sat. 9-1.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Don Tatzin Community Hall
The Lafayette Library Foundation is a Premier Partner dedicated to making the region's blood supply stronger. The Red Cross has received almost 150 donations at the Library and could not fulfill their life-saving mission without donors like you! Donating is a safe process and eligible individuals are strongly urged to give blood or platelets.
For a limited time, the American Red Cross will test all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies as an additional health service to our donors.
To schedule an appointment go to: redcrossblood.org/give or call 1-800-733-2767 and use Sponsor Code: lafayettelibrary.
|
|
Your Dining and Shopping Guide! |
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
