News & Events from the Lafayette Chamber |
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Jay Lifson, Executive Director
251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150, Lafayette, CA
Virtual Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-1pm
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Happy Monday, Chamber Member!
Last Tuesday, Contra Costa Health reported that More Businesses and Services Can Reopen in Contra Costa Thanks to Improving COVID Situation.
Moving into the red tier means the following sectors can reopen with modifications:
- Places of worship, restaurants, movie theaters and museums can be operated indoors at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is less
- Gyms can reopen indoors at 10% capacity
- All personal care services, including massage, can move indoors
- Indoor shopping malls can operate at 50% maximum occupancy (instead of 25%). Food courts can also open following the state’s guidelines for restaurants.
- Indoor retail stores can now operate at 50% capacity (instead of 25%)
Health officials encourage essential workers and people with lots of close contacts outside their own household to get tested for COVID at least monthly.
We are happy to report that many personal care services and restaurants have re-opened with these new guidelines. We encourage you to check out social media for updates. As information is released, the Chamber strives to post on social as well on our website.
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Lafayette Chamber Board of Directors - Voting Has Begun!
It's election year… in addition to National races, we invite our members to take a moment and vote for your 2021 Lafayette Chamber Board of Directors. We have eleven candidates running for nine seats. They are:
Dennis Erokan*, Consultant, Get Famous
The main representative from each member business should have received a special email on Thursday, October 1 with voting instructions. Ballots must be returned no later than October 20, 2020.
Each business may have one vote, up to 9 candidates. You can read the candidates statements here. The current board will be asked to ratify the slate for 2021-2022 at our November Board meeting.
Board members who will serve their 2nd year of their term in 2021 are:
*current board member
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Let's get through this "Rocky Road" of life ... together!
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 6pm-7pm, Zoom
Join us for a "sweet" monthly mixer sprinkled with fun and information on our partnership with LPIE and how members can partner to support our schools and grow your business. To help enjoy our socially distant time together, Chamber member and Local Food Adventures founder Lauren McCabe Herpich will take us through a mini version of her new Virtual Ice Cream Social experience and share the delicious history of Rocky Road ice cream, a flavor that was invented right here in the East Bay.
Besides enjoying “dessert” we will hear from Business Partner volunteer chair, Dave Smith, who will be leading a conversation on how we can engage our local businesses with the community. The remarkable support of our local businesses, restaurants, and real estate agents is one of the reasons why Lafayette is among the best places in the country to live, work, and learn. LPIE, proudly celebrating their 40th anniversary, is proud to partner with our thriving community through our Business Partners Program.
For those who want to take part in the mix-in action, purchase a Sweets & Smiles Ice Cream Gift Box that includes everything to make your own Rocky Road ice cream during our mixer. Lauren will be donating $1 from every box purchased from our event back to LPIE. TO ORDER: https://bit.ly/35HwAAq.
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Welcome New Members!
Last week we welcomed the following businesses to the Lafayette Chamber. We encourage you to visit their website to learn more! Photo is of Kua Patten in front of the Lafayette Chamber office!
3361 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
Tex Martin, 925-451-0174
Since 1995, the comfortable, relaxed setting of Bobbie Freitas Salon has been my place for creating beautiful hair. As a certified master hair colorist (haircolorist.com), my goal with every appointment is healthy hair and vibrant color that reflects your style.
Category: Beauty Salons & Services
Patten Museum Consulting
5 Hanson Ct., Moraga
Kua Patten, 925-518-3872
We provide consulting and exhibits for science centers worldwide.
Category: Consultants
271 Lafayette Circle
Juliana Lee, 732-915-6139
American Bistro Cuisine family style weekly menus to go &
gourmet food processor.
Categories: Gourmet Foods / Food Products, Catering & Event Planning
Thank you Renewing Members!
The following members renewed their membership September 28-October 4. Thank you for supporting us so that we can support you!
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The Restaurant Act
This is a bill that has already been passed Congress and now goes to the Senate to provide $120 billion in relief through a grant program that focuses on the small businesses we all want to save.
Here in Lafayette, we enjoy some of the very best restaurants in the East Bay. Our restaurants are our anchors in our downtown. They provide jobs, culture, diversity, sales tax revenue and some really good food. They help bring customers to our downtown. They help with the sustainability of a vibrant downtown community. Chains with 20 or more units and those that are publicly traded are not eligible for these grants. The grants can help with rent, maintenance, salaries and benefits, supplies, utilities, food, debt and other obligations.
Through this pandemic, our restaurants have stepped up and have provided needed services. They have followed the guidelines set by the state and county. They have been creative and responsive to the needs of our citizens. And now they need your help. The length of this pandemic in unknown. PPP funds were used months ago. They need your help. You can order to go, dine outside, buy gift cards or dine indoors with 25% of their dining rooms available. You can also write a letter to our senators urging them to vote for this needed funding.
Let’s join together and protect our small businesses in town. And with over 60 restaurants in town, acting now can’t come soon enough.
Sincerely,
Jay Lifson, Executive Director
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Registration now open for Lafayette Res Run for Education
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.
Registration for all races is $25. Race packets that include our traditional long sleeve t-shirt and race bib will be available starting Wednesday, October 14.
*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.
**Parking fees are not included in registration price.
Beneficiaries of the event are the local schools and the services and programs of the Chamber. Support your school. Sign up now!
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And the Winner Is....
Congratulations to the Stanley Wildcats!
It was a close photo finish for the Early Bird Contest but Stanley did it with 242 registrations. They will receive a $500 bonus!
We still have 2 more competitions left within the race … the school with the most registrations at the end of the race, on October 31st and the school that showed the most improved from 2019 registrations. Both get an additional $500 donation!
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Show YOUR Community Spirit!
· Tag @lafayettechamber_ca and use hashtag #ReservoirRun2020
Connect with your clients via email, note or social to invite them! Let them know you support this community! Thank you!
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Looking to network (virtually)? The Lafayette Chamber is starting a networking/referral group called Chamber Connectors.
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). Our next meeting is Wednesday, October 7 from 4:30 to 5:30pm.
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Experienced Business Professionals Help You Succeed
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Mt. Diablo Business Women: Learn Kristin Lincoln's Skills for Igniting Your Optimism
Wednesday, October 14, 5:30pm-7:15pm. Zoom
This Fall brings many positive changes. Still, conditions remain hugely challenging for us as businesswomen, parents and community members. MDBW’s October meeting offers two great ways to sustain our forward momentum: Kristin Lincoln will share valuable insights for rekindling our optimism. And we’ll introduce our new Woman Of The Year, whose example of excellence in this environment is a true inspiration. Free and open to all. https://www.mtdiablobusinesswomen.org
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The Lafayette Chamber is providing COVID-19 business and community resources through a number of channels. Please visit the following for further information: |
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VISIT OUR SOCIAL CHANNELS
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Member & Community Announcements |
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Lafayette Homeowners Council: Meet the Candidates Nights!
The Lafayette Homeowners Council (LHC) Board of Directors, in conjunction with the coming November election, invites you to attend what our Board considers to be one of the most important programs that we are fortunate to be able to bring to you – our Candidates Night.
The second Candidates Night will be in twoparts, conducted in succession, on Tuesday, October 6. We will start the first part of the meeting at 7 p.m., with presentations by the four candidates for the two contested seats for the Governing Board of the Acalanes Union High School District – Michael Bonino, Kristin Braun Connelly, Rupy Ahluwalia Krishnan, and Christopher Grove.
At approximately 8:15 p.m., we will introduce the three candidates for Debora Allen’s seat, District 1, covering the northern half of Lafayette – Debora Allen, who is running again, and two challengers, Jamie Salcido and Emmy Akin.
To access these Candidates Nights please click the link to the Lafayette Homeowners Council website, www.lafayettehomeownerscouncil.org and watch for other information to be provided for these important evenings. |
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Earthquake Preparedness
Continuing our series of Earthquake Preparedness steps leading up to the Great ShakeOut on 10/15 at 10:15 a.m., the Lafayette Emergency Preparedness Commission suggests that you have evacuation bags near you so you can maximize survivability and minimize discomfort.
Everyone should have disaster supplies stored in accessible locations at home, at work, and in vehicles. Having emergency supplies readily available can reduce the impact of an earthquake, a wildfire or other emergency on you and your family.
You can choose what to put in each location:
- For all situations have your cell phone fully charged and have up-to-date contacts including family, medical, financial and insurance agents with policy numbers.
- Under-Bed Bags hold shoes, a flashlight, an N-95 mask, a whistle, and other items for when an earthquake happens while sleeping.
- Go-Bags or car kits contain supplies for about 3 days for when evacuation is needed. Include medications and prescriptions.
- Home or work supplies are for sheltering in place for up to to 2 weeks or for larger groups.
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Lamorinda Living Podcast
Season 2 continues! Last year Lamorinda resident launched a local podcast called Lamorinda Living as a way to build community and provide visibility into local issues and happenings. Last year’s episodes included interviews with our Jay Lifson, business coach Holly Jean Jackson and many more. Season two interviews continue with the following:
- Ellen Beans - Executive Director of the Moraga Citizens Network discusses the e-bulletin’s role in fostering community and civic life in Moraga.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan - District 16 Assemblywoman discusses her role representing Lamorinda in the CA State Legislature.
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Phoenix Skincare & Waxing is Now Oncology Trained!
Phoenix Skincare & Waxing has reopened! Heidi Simarro is excited to be back following all the new safety and sanitation protocols to ensure a safe visit to her skin care studio.
She is happy to announce that in addition to her services she has recently been Oncology Trained in order to safely work on those who have gone or are going through cancer treatments. For more information visit http://www.phoenixskincareandwaxing.com. |
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Trust in Education's 11th Annual Packing Party
Trust in Education (TIE) is a nonprofit based in Lafayette that is dedicated to helping Afghan families rebuild their lives through education and humanitarian aid. TIE is holding its 11th annual packing party for a shipment of locally sourced donations to those in need in Afghanistan. This year will be different, instead of having a one day party to pack and sort the donations, TIE is collecting donations until October 31st at 1260 Rose Lane, Lafayette CA 94549 (outside the garage doors please). TIE is asking for all donations to be dropped off in plastic bags and for small groups of volunteers to come help pack the items into boxes on a few TBD days. For more information read the current newsletter or for what is needed visit: https://tinyurl.com/yxnpraro. If you are interested in helping with the boxing please email TrustinEducation@gmail.com. |
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Orinda Classic Car Show Weekend Replay! |
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Also, help our Seniors Around Town with funding for their fine programs. You can donate a dollar or even thousands. Make sure to designate your donation is for Seniors Around Town.
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Fun, Flexible Jobs for H.S. Grads & College + Adults in SF Bay Area
Roughing It Day Camp has created KidCare and More where local young adults connect online to families looking to hire in-person help with their kids’ school work / activities. Choose your hours/pay/schedule. Help Out Our local Families! Join KidCare and More!
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From the Lafayette Library and Learning Center |
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Celebrate a Virtual Discover & Go Month in October
The library is celebrating Discover & Go Month virtually this October. This year’s celebration will include a variety of online events for all ages. It also includes a fun trivia quiz with a chance to win prizes, and a partnership with the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano to collect food for those in need. Click here to learn more.
American Red Cross Blood Drives
Wednesday, November 4 and December 16, 2020
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Don Tatzin Community Hall
Give Blood. Help Save Lives! The Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation and American Red Cross have teamed up to host monthly community blood drives this fall. Donating is a safe process and healthy, 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.
Girls Who Code
Wednesdays, 2:30 - 3:30 PM and 3:30 - 4:30 PM
This weekly online workshop is led by local Computer Science graduate Miss Heather, who teaches coding to girls in Scratch. She will use the Girls Who Code* curriculum and custom programming challenges throughout the school year. Join her to explore computer science and problem solving! Participants should be comfortable with computers and keyboarding (ability to type) and have a desktop or laptop computer plus reliable internet access. *A registered Girls Who Code club #CA14924
Registration required each week. Workshops offered for 3rd - 5th grades (2:30) and 6th - 12th grades (3:30). Space is limited to 15 participants.
New Virtual Ongoing Events!
Mandarin Storytime
1st and 3rd Saturdays, 10:15 – 10:45 AM
"Ni Hao! Hello!" Join us online via Zoom for fun stories and songs in Mandarin. For children and their families.
Lafayette Book Club
Wednesday, October 28, 5:00 – 6:00 PM
This month's selection is The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney. Please register with your email and we will contact you a few days prior to the ZOOM meeting.
T'ai Chi
Tuesdays, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
This is an ongoing online class for experienced students.
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Chamber Member Challenge!!
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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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