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. Let's take back 2020 ... one step at a time!

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

This year we thank Betsy Streeter for the t-shirt design! Thank you Betsy!

Submit your questions prior to the event to [email protected].

Become a lifetime Friend of the Chamber

All aspects that make up a community are important to us: schools, residents, churches and synagogues, community organizations, activities, and the city government. Chamber members work with representatives of all these groups for the betterment of our community. A lifetime Friend of the Chamber membership is $150 per family. Learn more here>>

On Friday, September 25, join Diablo Regional Arts Association (DRAA) for a free online country music concert, Country Strong with Mark Mackay and other songwriting favorites from Nashville! The performance begins at 7pm on Facebook and YouTube. Visit www.draa.org for details. 

The Quarantine Time Machine will be available on September 8 for use by parents/guardians and educators (available in Spanish and English) and aims to help children process their time in quarantine and cope with continued changes in their daily lives through videos, activities, and curriculum. www.quarantinetimemachine.com

As Gold Coast Chamber Players are unable to provide concerts for live audiences, GCCP plan two series of virtual concerts to meet this historic moment: Bach Shorts and Main Stage Concerts.

The first series, Bach Shorts, consists of three one-hour, live-streamed performances that seek to connect us through an intimate exploration of Bach’s Cello Suites. Three leading Bay Area cellists partner with professors, composers, and musicians from around the globe for uniquely personal performances and collaborations.

The series begins September 13, 2020, at 4 pm, with Christopher Costanza, cellist from the St. Lawrence String Quartet. Chris will be performing the second and sixth cello suites and will partner with Stanford Professor Jonathan Berger, who will discuss the effect music has on the brain, hence the title: Bach and the Dancing Brain.

Next, on October 11, 2020, at 4 pm, is Bach Inspired, with Jennifer Kloetzel, former cellist of the Cypress Quartet. Jennifer will perform the popular first cello suite, paired with a world premiere by composer Elena Ruehr called Cricket the Fiddler. Elena will be on hand to share how Bach’s first suite inspired her composition.

The Bach Shorts series concludes on Sunday, November 8, 2020, at 4 pm, with Bach Connections, featuring cellist Robert Howard, from American Bach Soloists and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra. Robert will perform the fourth cello suite and explore Bach’s universal appeal as he collaborates with cellists from Kenya and Colombia.

After the New Year, we plan to offer four live-streamed Main Stage performances with a feeling similar to what Gold Coast audiences have come to enjoy. Tickets for the Main Stage concert series will go on sale later this year when we know more about the global health situation.

Bach Shorts tickets are $20 per concert, or $50 for all three performances in the series. Watch the promo video here. Concerts are live-streamed via YouTube LIVE. Purchase online at www.GCCPmusic.com or by calling (925) 283-3728.

The comedy My Dog Stupid will continue in September. Our new feature is a court drama based on true events from France: Conviction. It will be available on 9/4/20 through our web site at www.internationalshowcase.org.

This coming Sunday, August 30, at 1:30pm we will have a Zoom meeting discussing My Dog Stupid. Sophie Braccini the movie reviewer for the Lamorinda Weekly will be with us for that meeting. Please email [email protected] to get the link to the meeting. YouTube trailer >>

Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery / JPG@The Bank

Gallery Hours: Weds. - Friday 2pm-6pm, Saturday 12pm-6pm and for the one weekend show we will also be open on Sunday 11am-4pm

Inspired by the fish tank-like top of our gallery at the corner of Moraga and Mt. Diablo, local engineer, Ken Hughes is sponsoring materials and installation for a colorful youth created fish display! If you want to design and paint a fish that will float on the corner for all the world to see, pick up the base of card stock at the gallery. We will supply the piece of card stock and the rest is up to you. 

1. Pick up stock at the gallery while supplies last. Only 56 pieces will be given out beginning Wednesday, July 22 2-6pm. First come first served. Visit us during open hours (with your mask on) Wednesday-Friday 2-6pm and Saturday 12-6pm. 

2. Cut out your own fish shape between 18” and 30”

3. Decorate as you wish. BOTH SIDES. Please return by Sept. 23, 2020.

September 25-27: Friday 2-6pm, Saturday 12-6pm, and Sunday 12-4pm.

We are excited to announce that young Lamorinda artists are exhibiting their talent! We have a variety of drawings and paintings submitted from local schools. In addition, local youth have created over 50 fish that are colorfully painted and decorated that will be installed on the weekend of Youth Art Show. Our young artists will gain the experience of participating in a show and the power of exploring their personal artistic vision. Learn more here.

September 5 through October 3, Hours: Weds.-Fri. 2-6 Sat. 12-6

Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery presents “CrossingBorders,” an immersive, diverse collection of artwork co-curated by Ron Weijers and founder of Global Art Project (GAP), Carl Heyward. Crossing Borders explores different interpretations of borders, what we perceive and experience pertaining to immigration, thinking, and acceptance. A uniquely provocative experience with over 30 international artists.  Learn more here.

3525 Mt. Diablo Blvd. (Corner of Moraga Rd. and Mt. Diablo Blvd.) www.jenniferperlmuttergallery.com

Lamorinda Arts Alliance Announces a Virtual Exhibition, Diversity Among Us

  

The online video exhibit Diversity Among Us explores the common threads of our collective visions while recognizing our differences as we view beauty, harmony, nature, our environment and humanity. This show includes paintings, mixed media, printmaking, and ceramics by local artists. LAA member Ruth Stanton curated this show.  

 

The online video exhibit can be viewed at https://youtu.be/FLKMRwG-Bu4 on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LamorindaArt/ or on the LAA website at LAA4Art.org.

Call for Writers, Artists & Art Lovers! You are invited to participate in the LAC’s free virtual Art Embraces Words webinar scheduled via Zoom on Aug. 30 from 2-3:30 pm. Emerging writers read from their work at 10 minute intervals interspersed with visual artwork from local artists. 

Participating artists will be introduced and answer questions about their work. Portions of the event will be recorded and uploaded to social media. In this way art still 'embraces' the words. 

Visit https://lamorindaarts.org/art-embraces-words/ to sign up as an Audience member or apply to participate as a writer or an artist. Additional Zoom webinar programs are scheduled on October 18 and November 15, 2020.

The Lamorinda Arts Council's biggest fundraiser the 2020 Art of Mixology is going virtual and bringing the cocktails to you! Become a mixologist and mix up each of the 5 finalist's creative craft cocktails which will be turned into Art of Mixology Cocktail Kits, available for preorder from September 7th. Mixology Kits will include everything you need (except the spirits) to make a delicious cocktail at home. Do a virtual cocktail party with your friends and try each of the 5 Mixology Kits.

Kits can be shipped or picked up at Orinda Theatre Square from October 1st. Mix along with your favorite finalist and see who wins the 2020 Mixologist of the Year on October 16th at 7pm during a live webinar. More information can be found at https://LamorindaArts.org/Mixology.

Moraga Art Gallery Announces a new art exhibit: Dark and Light, A Delicate Balance

 

"Dark and Light, A Delicate Balance," will run through October 17, 2020. Please visit us at the gallery – we are open now on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3:00pm. 

You can also join us for a “Summer Virtual Tour” of the gallery and this new exhibit. This tour is available on the Moraga Art Gallery Facebook page and on YouTube. 

 

Moraga Art Gallery is a cooperative featuring the work of nineteen established local artists and artisans whose work includes painting, sculpture, jewelry, print media, ceramics, photography and woodworking.

 

This exhibit features the work of member artists, Irene Needoba and Mary Leigh Miller. In addition, come see the jewelry and encaustic paintings of our guest artist, Claudette McDermott. 

 

To safeguard our gallery staff and visitors, we require everyone visiting the gallery to wear a face mask and to maintain social distancing by keeping at least six feet apart. The gallery has hand sanitizer for guests to use when entering the gallery and gloves will also be available at the front desk for handling prints and ceramics. We are limiting the number of customers to four people at a time.

   

The gallery is located at 432 Center Street, Rheem Shopping Center, in Moraga. The gallery hours are Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3:00pm. Because we may need to change our hours if there are new health directives, please call first to confirm that we are open.

For more information, visit the gallery’s website: https://moragaartgallery.com, call 925-376-5407 or email [email protected].

Image: Irene Needoba, I am talking to you, oil, resin and mixed media

ONE DAY ONLY, WITH YOUR CHOICE OF TWO IDENTICAL SHOWS: 

SATURDAY, SEPT 12th - 4:30 PM & 6:30 PM

Followed by Audience Q&A with the filmmakers via ZOOM and Audience Balloting

A 24-member volunteer Jury previewed a whopping 465 submissions to select 13 outstanding short films for this year’s annual Short Film Competition! Audiences will enjoy a 2-hour online show, consisting of a wide variety of animated, documentary and live-action narrative films.

Each film will be preceded by the filmmaker’s brief recorded introduction. Following each of the two identical screenings, audience members will be able to join a Q&A with the filmmakers.

All Finalists receive the same cash award for being selected. However, audiences will be invited to cast their votes after each screening to award 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Laurels to the top three films!

HOW TO PURCHASE YOUR $12 GENERAL ADMISSION "TICKET" (+.35 service fee) FOR AN ONLINE SCREENING:

1. Email Mountain Shadow: [email protected], providing your phone number.

2. We'll call you for your credit card charge information ($12 + .35 service fee).

3. You'll receive an email confirmation of your purchase by email.  

4. Prior to the show, the private film LINK (and Password), will be emailed to you, along with the Playbill with interesting information about the films!

Learn more at https://www.mountainshadow.org.

The Orinda Theatre is a landmark for the East Bay. The theatre first opened in December 1941. Yes, the Orinda Theatre will be 79 years old this December.  We have been closed due to COVID-19 since March 16th.  We have been doing Wine, Popcorn and Red Vine sales each Friday 5pm-6:30pm to help us through this difficult time.  Unfortunately, our operating FIXED cost of $15,000 a month, remain during the closure, such as rent, utilities, insurance, equipment maintenance, etc.  Please help us during this difficult time so we can reopen and celebrate our 79th birthday!

Help support the historic Orinda Theatre by purchasing gift cards online here or making a donation here. You can also get updates by joining the Orinda Theatre Facebook Group. Many thanks! https://www.orindamovies.com

Performing Academy's mission is to help students build confidence in themselves through performing arts training. All programs are designed to enhance performance and life skills by instilling students with technique, discipline, and professionalism.

 

Acting, Acting for Film, Voice Over, Group Voice, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Broadway Tap, Ballet, Creative Movement, Ballet/Tap Combo, Musical Theatre Dance. 

 

We are producing the play PUFFS with middle school students via zoom. 

 

Two-week after school programs. We are producing three shows and offering a Broadway Boot Camp. Stable groups of 12 and utilizing our outdoor space at the Performing Academy, 83 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette. ENROLL HERE

 

With current health and safety protocols, we will continue to provide high quality performing arts training and a fun artistic outlet for our students! We are excited to see you!

 

For more information visit performingacademy.com or contact Rena Wilson, Executive Director/Co-Founder at (408) 540-4373, [email protected].

The Peter Pan Foundation and Leslie Noel Studios are now providing online & virtual project opportunities. You can keep up with love, light, information, music, and positive inspiration by following these social media pages:

As always, we are needing financial support to help us continue our programs. Please consider making a donation to our GoFundMe campaign here.

NOTE - CURRENTLY THE GALLERY WILL BE OPEN ON A LIMITED SCHEDULE: THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FROM NOON TO 5 PM. Appointments to see works or the new show are also available outside of regular business hours by calling or emailing the Gallery. The Gallery will have the following COVID-19 safety protocols in place.

This online or in-person gathering of all things coastal represents only one of the many motifs found in our collection-worthy assemblage of original works from the best of the best East Bay artists. There are more than 300 works, all available for sale or rent-to-purchase through our exclusive “ No Regrets” rental program.

View the collection online at our website . Or, for a real-world viewing of all work in our current inventory please visit the gallery.

Free, open to the public! 1661 Botelho Drive, Suite 110, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

www.valleyartgallery.org; (925) 935-4311; email [email protected].

Sunday, September 20, 5pm, Online

Put a dent in teen depression and suicide. Join us for our 1st Virtual Gala on September 20th at 5pm. SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER: (F16 Fighter Pilot) ANTHONY “AB” BOURKE "Flying in the Face of Fear". MUSIC, DINNER (optional), AUCTION & GUEST SPEAKER. Register to be a Guest or Sign-up to Sponsor the Event. https://abrighterday.info/index.php/gala-event/

Cancer patients are reporting delay in care due to the pandemic and need your help more than ever! Join the American Cancer Society in the fight against cancer. Partner with ACS and promote your business through sponsorship of the virtual East Bay Gala or donate products and services to the Silent Auction. In addition, we are giving care packages to frontline workers working to serve COVID-19 and cancer patients in health clinics in the East Bay and would love to include your branded item. Have other ideas on how we can collaborate? Connect with us at [email protected]. Find us online at eastbaygala.org.

As like before, “one of a kind” finds can be yours for a fraction of their value. Since the 1800s, this well-known landmark has witnessed and endured change, and will continue as such.

The dedicated member volunteers at Assistance League® Thrift Shop at the Way Side Inn, located at 3521 Golden Gate Way in Lafayette, are delighted to announce that this well-known is now open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In appreciation of community support, the entire inventory is 50% off.

While an appointment is NOT be required, these stipulations must be followed:

To learn more, please visit this website: assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley. Don’t miss out on this “standing room only event!” See you soon.

Hospice East Bay is proud to be part of this caring community, especially during this challenging time. Our mission remains the same: delivering high quality care to our patients and families, even those with COVID-19.

Hospice East Bay operates six Thrift Shoppes throughout Contra Costa County, featuring a wide range of vintage items, clothing, fine and costume jewelry, collectibles, furniture, household items, art work, books, CDs and DVDs—all donated by members of our community.

Check out our new online shoppe at www.hospiceeastbay.org/onlineshoppe.

Thank you for always being there with your support when we need you!

3470 Buskirk Avenue, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, (925) 887-5678,

September 1 - September 30, Online and in-the-field

Over millions of years, geology and climate have shaped California’s unique habitats, creating a rich mosaic of life. Many plants and animals here are found nowhere else, making California one of the most biologically diverse places in the world. The majority of the state lies within a biodiversity hotspot called the California Floristic Province, an area of diverse vegetation. California shares this distinction with just 33 other places worldwide.

This September, join JMLT in celebrating California Biodiversity Month, an annual event created to celebrate the state’s exceptional diversity and encourage actions to protect it. 

ALL SEPTEMBER – HIKE ON JMLT PROPERTIES AND LEARN ABOUT PLANT AND ANIMAL LIFE:

Download the iNaturalist app on your smartphone or tablet. This app connects you with a community of over 1 million scientists and naturalists who can identify your photos and help you learn more about nature. Hike and learn about our local diversity by uploading photos to iNaturalist. Learn more here.

Contribute to data available for researchers. This project has been set up to pull all observations made in California between Sept 5 and 13 California Biodiversity Day 2020 iNaturalist project. 

SEPTEMBER 22, 2020 AT 7PM – WATCH THE VIRTUAL BOTANY HIKE

Join California State Botanist, Dr. Dean Kelch at Fernandez Ranch, on JMLT’s Facebook page! Follow us on Facebook to become notified when the watch party starts!

ALL SEPTEMBER – TAKE A GUIDED HIKE

The Vizzit mobile app, a personal tour guide in your pocket, brings JMLT properties to life as you take one of our guided tours to discover the lesser-known aspects of these fascinating landscapes. Download to your smartphone, select a tour, and as you stroll along you’ll be notified automatically by GPS when key points of interest have special stories. Tours are available in a variety of languages. Wonders of Mt. Wanda and A Walk on the Wild Side (at Fernandez Ranch) are two examples of tours.

All of us, at some time or another, have probably wandered past the Lafayette Historical Society, located on the ground floor of the Library on Golden Gate Way. And some, during “non-COVID times” may have even visited the Society’s archives and history room and learned something they didn’t know about Lafayette’s past.

And who knew that the Society also maintains operates the City’s very first fire engine? Old Betsy as she is known, is a 1919 Model TT Fire Engine. Yes, that’s Old Betsy in the Library’s parking garage window. 

The Society raises operating funds by a combination of its membership dues, newsletter sponsorships, book sales, the not-to-be-miss “Breakfast with Santa” event, and through the popular “Speaker Series.” Due to the COVID pandemic, the Society’s history room has been closed and the Speaker Series canceled. It also appears that the “Breakfast with Santa” will also have to be postponed this year. All that is our way of saying that the Society really could use the community’s help right now. If you have a chance, take a look around the Society’s Website where you can listen to a collection of oral histories from many notables Lafayettans, including Bill Eames, Larry Blodgett, Ed Stokes, Steve Falk, Jon Frank, and Jack Marchant. And, if there’s anybody who knows how to work on a Model T, or knows how to drive one, the Society could sure use your help with Old Betsy. Visit the Society’s membership page now to find out how you can become an active member of this esteemed local gem. You can also call (925) 283-1848, or email Mary McCosker, LHS’s President, at [email protected]. 

Thanks to funding from the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation the Lafayette Library is open for Front Door Service 19 additional hours each week and has retained ALL of its professional staff during the pandemic. Front Door Service has Library staff busier than ever too. Learn more about front door service at www.ccclib.org.

Your gift makes a difference - donate securely online at www.LLLCF.org. Your gift ensures our Library continues to thrive, provides opportunities for meaningful conversations, enriching programs, and remains an indispensable resource for free access to information and knowledge for all. To stay informed of Library programs and the latest news subscribe to AdLib HERE.

In school or at home, LPIE is proud to support our Lafayette public schools for 40 years. In the first few weeks of this school year, LPIE donations have supported: 

If you have 90 seconds, check out our Back to School Videos, created by one of our talented LPIE board members, to understand the impact of donations this year. 

Yoga, painting, chess, book club, tech support, and more virtual classes this fall through Lafayette Recreation. Don’t miss their distance learning support programs to help families with distance learning, to encourage socialization, and to get physically active! Check out all of these and more at www.lafayetterec.org.

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

September Weekly Speakers include:

Sept. 4: Roberto Alvarez, The BIG Rotary Picture

Sept. 11: Ali Guarneros Luna, NASA Project Manager

Sept. 18: Jim Marggraff, Improving Human Connection

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

We are very grateful to the Spirit Van drivers for providing free pick-up and delivery service for our passengers, during and after the Shelter-in-Place order. Email [email protected] or call 925-283-3534 if you need something picked up and delivered. We will resume transporting Lamorinda older adults to errands, shopping, appointments, classes, and lunch at the C.C. Café as soon as it is permitted.

We invite you to include us in your year-end giving plans. You may send your tax-deductible donation payable to the City of Lafayette to: Lamorinda Spirit, Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary’s Road, Lafayette, CA 94549. Please write: “Lamorinda Spirit” on the memo line. Your support makes a huge difference to our success, and we are very appreciative!!! Call 925-283-3534 to learn about becoming a volunteer driver or utilizing GoGoGrandparent: an Uber/Lyft type of service that doesn’t require a smart phone.

Lamorinda Village has a Shelter-in-Place Program for Seniors with free grocery delivery and pharmacy pick up. We are a local nonprofit organization created by older adults and supported by volunteers dedicated to helping older Lamorinda residents who want to remain safely and independently in their homes.

For Seniors requesting service, please either email to [email protected] or call (925) 283-3500, and include: Full Name, Email Address, Phone Number, Delivery Address,

and Store Preference.

If you would like to Volunteer your time to help, please email to [email protected], and include: Full Name, Email Address, and Phone Number.

If you can’t volunteer, please consider donating to Lamorinda Village. https://lamorindavillage.org

The mission of Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa is to provide community-based food programs and partner services that focus on basic needs. We nourish lives!

 

Where: St. Isidore Church, 440 La Gonda Way, Danville (North Church Parking Lot)

When: Wednesday Sept. 23, 12-2 PM

 

WE NEED NON-PERISHABLE FOODS:

Peanut Butter

Canned Proteins

Tuna

Pasta & Pasta Sauce (no glass please)

Rice & Beans

Mac & Cheese

Snack Cups & Snack Bars

Canned Fruits & Vegetables

Bottled Water

Please no expired items or glass containers

 

We also welcome cash donations to help fund our program.

Donate now at www.loavesfishescc.org. Thank you!

Monument Crisis Center would like to thank the Lamorinda community for your tremendous support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since mid-March, we have distributed nutritious, life-sustaining food to over 25,000 people.

To keep feeding families, seniors and children most affected by this crisis, we need your help! To make a contribution online, visit monumentcrisiscenter.org/donate or text MCC to 41-444.

Non-perishable food donations gladly accepted at the Center located at 1990 Market Street in Concord, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 9am-12noon (no glass containers or expired foods please).

Send an email to Lafayette Photographer Craig Isaacs at [email protected]. Craig, who is volunteering 100% of his time and talent, will set up a time to take your “porchtrait” at your home. Your generosity will be memorialized in the Pandemic Porch Portrait project, and you can download and keep the photos. View project photos at https://bit.ly/2VpCYGY.

For more information, visit www.monumentcrisiscenter.org.

SEED would like to extend a warm welcome and introduction for new families! SEED is the Special Education Enrichment Development Foundation - a Lafayette-based, volunteer-run, non-profit community organization dedicated to supporting the Special Ed community.

We serve families whose children have an IEP, 504, or who are simply struggling. SEED builds productive relationships between our parents and with our District, and provides targeted programming to address diverse learning needs. The programs we fund include recess facilitation, after school social skills play groups, educational seminars, support groups and socials for parents, and teacher training. During this time of social distancing, we are currently focused on producing parent education workshops via Zoom and providing resources via our Facebook page, website and email newsletter. Please visit us online to learn more!

GATHER TOGETHER AND UNITE FOR SHELTER!

Now is the time to come together to prevent and end homelessness. Join us at 6 p.m. on October 1, 2020, at Unite for SHELTER presented by UnitedHealthcare. Join us from the comfort of your home as we gather for a fun, inspiring, and hopeful event to help those in our community who need it most. 

We are planning entertainment, auctions, audience participation, and compelling stories directly from participants who have overcome homelessness and are rebuilding their lives through support from generous donors like you. We hope you will all join us and invite your friends and family. Learn more and register here.

CAN YOU PARTNER WITH US?

Many things have changed in the last several months, and the needs of our communities have increased as evidenced by a 300% increase in calls for assistance. We are actively recruiting sponsors for Unite for SHELTER, the virtual event taking place on October 1, 2020. Sponsors will have unique marketing opportunities and be recognized at the event. To learn more and request a sponsorship package contact: Contact Director of Development Julie Clemens at 925.957.7572 or [email protected]

Show Me the Money! Trust in Education is collecting funds for Afghan men who transport goods using wheelbarrows on the streets of Kabul. Businesses and open markets have been closed, leaving very little to transport. Trust in Education has distributed and continues to distribute 1,100 Afghanis (approx. $15). So far 400 people have received this donation which is enough to feed 2,000 people for a week. Families survive on bread and rice.

To learn more about conditions in Afghanistan and this undertaking (click here) and (here). Help lighten their load -- Donate today!

Wells Of Life is a 501(c)(3) that drills water wells and teaches sanitation and hygiene in rural Uganda, where one out of five children die from dirty water before their fifth birthday. As a part of the fight against COVID-19, the charity is also distributing soap and surgical masks to hospitals, orphanages and senior living facilities. Please support this effort by texting the word WATER to 56512.

Photograph is of one of our Advisory Board members, Fr. Max Ssiekiwala, delivering soap to a woman in a rural village; our Country Director Adrian Laurentiu meeting with a District Governor; boxes of our soap at one of our distribution points, and Fr. Max handing soap to a nurse at a rural health clinic. www.wellsoflife.org

White Pony Express (WPE), headquartered in Pleasant Hill, CA, and founded by Dr. Carol Weyland Conner in 2013, has launched a special new initiative, the Blessings Project, designed to provide “food kits” for recently immigrated families who are particularly vulnerable at this time. The idea is to help those who do not have sufficient resources or an adequate system of support.  

  

The project recently launched when the first food kits were delivered to families, identified by our partners at Monument Impact, who are living in a housing complex in Central Contra Costa County. The delivery was met by the families with heartfelt thanks. If we receive support for the Blessings Project, we hope to expand this program. 

WPE’s idea is to deliver food and spices that are familiar to our Latinx neighbors. The food kits include fresh produce, rice, Masa flour, beans, tomato sauce, cheese, assorted peppers, an array of spices, Mexican chocolate, corn husks, and other items enjoyed by them. 

Although WPE picks up surplus food items from supermarkets and food distributors every day, we do not get everything needed for these food kits. 

For the Blessings Project we would love – and we need – the community’s participation.

Do you know of an individual or group that would be interested in sponsoring this initiative? We are also looking for people who will host drives for food items needed to complete the food kits.  

If this is something you or someone you know might be interested in, please contact Eve Birge, Executive Director at (202) 251-4174, [email protected] for sponsorships, and Pete Olsen, WPE’s School Pantry and Food Sourcing Manager at (925) 322-0604 x 129, [email protected] for food drives. For more information on WPE, visit www.whiteponyexpress.org.

Learning and education is essential to successful child development and having the right supplies is too!

While returning to school looks different for everyone this year, the youth we serve at Youth Homes need our support more than ever! Which is why Youth Homes is asking for the community's help to support our young people by purchasing items from our Amazon Wish List School Supplies Drive. Together, we can ensure ALL children have what they need to be successful. Please contact us at [email protected] for any questions.

Thank you for your support, generosity, and kindness! https://www.youthhomes.org

The Lamorinda Cities and Fire Districts in cooperation with Bay Area-based Zonehaven have released the Community Information Portal at https://ccc.community.zonehaven.com.

If any non profits/organizations could be listed as COVID-19 resources, they can be added to the Zonehaven website map, even if they are outside of Lafayette. Contact Duncan Seibert at [email protected] for additional information.

The City of Lafayette has proclaimed the days of September 1 to September 21, 2020, as “BeKind 21” in the City of Lafayette. #BeKind21 is the brainchild of Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation and the City is inviting everyone to participate in the challenge by being kind to your neighbors, friends, family members, fellow residents, your community – and yourself.

What does kindness look like to you? How would you share your 21 days of kind actions? Let the City of Lafayette know your thoughts on #BeKind21 by emailing us at [email protected].  Learn more here >>

Tuesday, September 1, 2020, 2pm-3pm, Zoom Meeting ID: 840 3250 5341

Friday, September 11, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM, Online

Wildfire season is here. We are already seeing extremely destructive fires both here in our district and across the state. While our local fire agencies and communities have done an incredible amount of work to prepare for this fire season, I often hear from property owners about the difficulties they face with the non-renewal of their home insurance policies because they live near a recent wildfire, or reside in an area that is considered high-risk. My office has been working diligently to address these concerns.

To that end, I hope that you will join us for a Wildfire Preparedness + Property Insurance Virtual Town Hall in partnership with California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and the Orinda Firewise Council. We will discuss how homeowners can take steps to lower wildfire risk, navigate insurance issues and share helpful resources. We will also hear from State Fire Marshall Chief Mike Richwine, Amy Bach, Executive Director of United Policyholders, and experts from the Department of Insurance to help answer all your questions. Please email your questions in advance, no later than September 8th, to [email protected] with “Orinda Firewise Council Town Hall” in the subject line. Lastly, if you have any questions or need assistance with state agencies, please do not hesitate to call my District Office at (925) 328-1515. Register here >>

The City of Lafayette is urging everyone to sign-up for the latest information for Lafayette residents and businesses.

You can subscribe to City of Lafayette notifications at https://bit.ly/LafayetteNotifications.

You can also find the latest Information on Covid-19 on the City's website

here: http://bit.ly/LafayetteCoronavirusInfo.

For wildlife resources, go to http://bit.ly/LafAreYouReady.

During the Covid-19 emergency, here is how to contact City of Lafayette

offices: https://bit.ly/LafayetteCovid-19Contact.

The physical office of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce will remain closed until further notice. Our staff is still here to help you, just virtually. You can reach us by calling (925) 284-7404 or by sending an email to [email protected]. We'll get back to you as quickly as possible.

COVID-19 is not just a local or business problem. This is a national problem, a world problem. Follow the guidelines and policies. They have been enacted to SAVE LIVES. The best way you can help our community and our businesses is to stay healthy, watch out for your neighbor, and follow social distance recommendations. Let's DO this. Be the model.

We have canceled or postponed all in-person events through September. In October, we will be "running" our Lafayette Res Run for Education over a two week span. Please support our schools!

See our calendar for member virtual events.

The Chamber will be posting applicable updates for our businesses and the community to our COVID-19 news page and posting on social media. Check out our posts on Facebook and on Instagram as well as our website's Who's Open page for businesses doing business and working remotely in Lafayette!