News & Events from the Lafayette Chamber |
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Jay Lifson, Executive Director
251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150, Lafayette, CA
Office Hours by Appointment only:
Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-1pm
Please call for an appointment; masks required inside.
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Masking Requirements in K-12 Schools and Childcare Settings Ending After March 11
Unvaccinated People are also No Longer Required
to Wear Masks Indoors
Students and staff in K-12 schools and childcare settings in Contra Costa County will no longer be required by the State to wear masks indoors after March 11, although masking will continue to be strongly recommended. State health officials announced the upcoming shift in school masking policy on Monday as COVID case and hospitalization rates continue to rapidly decline.
School districts can still choose to require indoor masking even though the state is no longer mandating it. School staff and students can also choose to continue wearing masks if they feel safer doing so. People at schools and childcare facilities should wear masks if they were exposed to someone with COVID for up to 10 days.
While the pandemic is not over, health officials say that we are in a new phase and now have vaccines, tests, and treatments that work, and most people have some immunity from vaccines or past infection. Children also typically don’t experience severe disease from COVID.
The state’s announcement comes on the heels of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) no longer recommending masking in schools unless COVID levels in the community are high. COVID community levels in Contra Costa are currently low under the CDC’s criteria.
State officials also announced they are lifting the requirement that unvaccinated people wear masks in indoor public spaces on March 1. Masking will still be required in high-risk settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and public transportation regardless of vaccination status.
Masks will still be required for everyone in public transportation & healthcare settings. Workplaces will continue to follow the COVID-19 prevention standards set by CalOSHA: https://bit.ly/3McBuYC. Learn more at cchealth.org/coronavirus.
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Lafayette Chamber Connectors!
Wednesday, March 2, 4:30pm, online via Zoom
Join us for a unique take on networking.
This group discusses current challenges members are having with their business, big or small. Share your ideas and fresh perspectives with other members. Participation is encouraged and appreciated. We are ALL in this together!
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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Let's Welcome New Lafayette Chamber Members!
The following business recently joined the Lafayette Chamber! We encourage you to visit their website to learn more.
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Protection you need. Benefits you didn't expect.
We offer a variety of products that can help you meet a number of insurance and financial needs, including, but not limited to college funding, retirement, managing costs for extended periods of care and lifetime income strategies.
Talk to a financial professional to learn more.
Grant T Krogius, Agent
CA Insurance License #4131127
Roberto F. Hernandez, Agent
CA Insurance License #4090472
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Thank You Renewing Members!
The following members renewed their membership February 21-27, 2022. Curious about your membership status? Contact us.
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Introducing our 2022 Lafayette Co-Citizens of the Year!
The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and Lamorinda Weekly are proud to announce that the 2022 selection for the Lafayette Citizen(s) of the Year are TWO Lafayette residents: William (Bill) Fraser and Janet Thomas. We will hold a joint dinner honoring both of them on Friday, March 25, 2022 at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa. For years they have both participated as volunteers and leaders in numerous local causes and activities.
The COY award is presented in recognition of someone who has unselfishly contributed to Lafayette’s quality of life. Sometimes we honor a resident who had an exceptional year. Other times we are focused on a lifetime of giving to our community. With 8 amazing people nominated, it came down to two individuals who have contributed to the selfless service to others. One a Coach and the other a teacher.
Bill Fraser grew up here in Lafayette. He graduated from Acalanes in 1975. He is described as a Champion of coaching. It doesn’t matter if its Football, Lacrosse, Boy Scouts or Little League, Bill gives from the heart. He does it for the greater good for young men and women in our community. He builds self-esteem and confidence and helps to prepare them for life. He creates community on and off the field. Bill plays an essential role by setting an example, being there to LISTEN offering direction, encouragement, and exposure to alternative paths to success.
Janet Thomas has lived in Lafayette for more than 30 years. Janet had a long career at Miramonte and Acalanes as an Environmental Science and Chemistry teacher. Janet too had a special relationship with her students. It is hard to count the number of students Janet inspired to go on to pursue degrees and jobs studying Environmental Science. And then, when she retired, she got her second wind and has not stopped. She led the effort to create the Lafayette Community Garden & Learning Center. She helped get Lafayette a Farmer’s Market and was a founding member of Sustainable Lafayette. She helped create the City’s Environmental Task Force. Janet has been very active with the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley and the Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center. Currently she is chairing the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee helping guide our city through conversations that will lead to a healthy, safer Lafayette.
Now you know why it was so hard to pick just one 2022 Lafayette Citizen of the Year.
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In-Person Social Mixer
Wednesday, March 23, 5:30pm- 7pm
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"Coffee" with the City of Lafayette Mayor Teresa Gerringer
Refill your coffee and join the Lafayette Chamber and the 2022 City of Lafayette Mayor Teresa Gerringer for an online Zoom meeting at 8am on Friday, March 25.
The Lafayette Chamber will host, via Zoom, "Coffee" with the City of Lafayette Mayor Teresa Gerringer on the following dates in 2022:
• March 25
• May 27
• July 29
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Stay Connected Webinar Series - Navigating the Labor Shortage
Thursday, March 3, 10am-11am
Business Owners: Join Walnut Creek Downtown as we discuss current labor shortage challenges and explore opportunities for the service industry to pivot and find solutions as we rebound in 2022.
- Learn tips from local business owners who have kept their team engaged.
- Learn about industry specific job boards.
- Explore attractive options such as flexible schedules, a stimulating environment, opportunities for advancement, employee perks, etc.
- Explore untapped labor sources and more!
Prosperity Power Hour
Are you a Bay Area entrepreneur, business owner, or professional looking for a social club to grow your networking circle and find new opportunities? Power Hour is the perfect environment to mingle with local professionals, discuss business ventures, meet new clients, and expand your network. You bring the handshake, we'll provide the rest. RSVP here.
Brave Women: Leslie Pfeifer Speaks About Her 75 Flights Into a War Zone
March is Women's History Month, and our meeting comes right after International Women's Day. Our featured speakers are always insightful, energizing, and inspiring women--and none more so than Leslie Pfeifer. Leslie, a past president of Mt. Diablo Business Women, will share her fascinating experience as a Vietnam era flight attendant. Whatever opinion you have about that conflict, you’ll be moved by Leslie’s eye-witness account of the danger, bravery, and also the heartbreak of transporting troops who were asked to serve.
At our meeting, you’ll also be able to introduce yourself and your business to everyone at the meeting, network in smaller groups, and enjoy the camaraderie of Mt. Diablo Business Women. What a great start to this month's celebration of women!
All Guests are welcome for 2 visits before joining as a member
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You can choose to participate virtually or come to campus. There is a separate registration required for each fair. If anyone wants to attend both, that is absolutely OK! If you register for both fairs at the same time, I will offer a discount of $50 off one of the fairs for companies, government agencies and schools/school districts, and $25 for non-profits.
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DVC 2022 SPRING IN-PERSON CAREER FAIR
Career Services in collaboration with Workforce Development at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill cordially invites you to attend the Spring 2022 In-person Career Fair on Wednesday, March 23rd, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Our goal with the Career Fair is for all Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, and Los Medanos College students to learn about jobs and internships directly from employers and organizations who are hiring right now!
This is a free event!!! Your registration includes a 6" table and 2 chairs for your display, as well as light refreshments. Space will be limited and due to space constraints, we request there be no more than two representatives for each employer. Additionally, not all registrations may be accepted.
If your company has open positions available and would like to participate in this amazing event, please register through Handshake. Registration is open and ends on March 15 at 5:00 pm.
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It's that time of year again! Diablo Magazine's Best of the East Bay voting is now open!
Get your customers ready to show their support for their local favorites! With 10 groups, and more than 100 unique categories, plus the chance to win, voting is sure to be fun for all! Check it out here.
Here are the tools and tips you need to spread the word about Best of the East Bay voting:
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Email: Include this link to the ballot in an email or newsletter.
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Social: Use the graphics created to spread the word on Facebook and Instagram.
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In Person: Use the flyer created and make a sign to post inside your store, to remind your customers to vote.
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Supervisor Candace Andersen's February 25 Weekly Update
➡ Community Invited to Attend Forum on March 4 to Discuss How Contra Costa Is Spending Over $50 Million in Mental Health Services Act Dollars
➡ Seeking Nominations for Contra Costa Youth Hall of Fame
➡ The Economic Opportunity Council is Currently Seeking Applicants
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City of Lafayette's February 25 Weekly Roundup
➡ LCF Introduces Community Day
➡ Businesses Can Apply for California Rebuilding Fund Loans
➡ Community Events and Meetings
➡ Public Meetings
➡ Community Briefs
➡ Cultural Observations and Celebrations
Late Winter/Spring 2022 Issue of Lafayette Vistas is Now Available
The tagline, “Love Lafayette” concisely embodies who we are as a community. One of the ways we show that love is through our long history of embracing volunteerism, a community spirt, and working together for the common good. We sometimes refer to this ethos as “communitarianism,” and it is evident when neighbors support neighbors and when residents volunteer their time and services for the betterment of our community. The coronavirus continues to impact our daily lives, but the strength of our community endures! In this issue of Lafayette Vistas we take a look at civic engagement in Lafayette, both at the neighborhood level and directly with the City.
- Getting involved in the General Plan Update, including upcoming Housing Element workshops
- Serving on a City Advisory Body
- Programs like Neighborhood Watch, National Night Out, Firewise, and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
- New Shop Local Lafayette eCard Program to support local businesses impacted by the COVID pandemic
- Community Day - a citywide community service day being planned by the Lafayette Community Foundation, the City, and the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.
Lafayette Vistas is published by the City of Lafayette three or four times a year to educate and inform Lafayette citizens about city issues and events. Print copies of this issue should hit local mailboxes this week. You can also pick up a hardcopy from the Main City Offices during business hours or access the digital archives anytime on our website at https://www.lovelafayette.org/why-lafayette/city-newsletter-vistas.
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Planning for Housing in Lafayette
Cities and counties in California are required to adopt a plan for housing to meet the existing and future housing needs for all kinds of households in the community. This housing plan is called the “Housing Element” and is one chapter of a larger, citywide document called the General Plan. The Housing Element must be updated every eight years and approved by the State. Lafayette started updating its plan in December 2020, which has been guided by a group of eleven community volunteers called the General Plan Advisory Committee. Visit planlafayette.org for more information on the Housing Element, General Plan, and the General Plan Advisory Committee.
Draft Report Now Available on Environmental Impacts of City’s Proposed Housing Element
The City and a group of residents and volunteers have been working for over a year on a policy document that will guide the development of new housing in Lafayette over the next 8 years. This policy document is called the Housing Element and is required by the State to be updated every 8 years. Additionally, the City hired a consultant to evaluate potential environmental impacts of implementing the proposed updated Housing Element. The draft of the consultant’s report, called an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), is now available for public review on the City’s website at www.lovelafayette.org/ceqa. A document summarizing the EIR is also available at that web address.
- Members of the public are encouraged to review the Draft EIR, which is intended to inform both decision-makers and the general public of potentially significant effects and ways to avoid or mitigate the environmental consequences that may result from implementation of the proposed updated Housing Element.
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You are invited to email comments on the Draft EIR to GeneralPlan@LoveLafayette.org by Monday, April 4, 2022. Comments received by that date will be incorporated into the final document.
Please visit PlanLafayette.org to learn more about planning for Lafayette’s future, including how to engage with the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC)!
Tuesday, March 1, 6 PM - Planning for Housing
The General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) is a group of 11 volunteers and residents working to update the City’s plan for housing, called the Housing Element. The Housing Element is the chapter (or “element”) of the General Plan focused on how the city can achieve an adequate supply of safe, decent housing for residents.
On Tuesday evening, the GPAC will continue discussions about what makes a good location for housing and where the City should plan for new housing. The meeting will not cover specific housing development proposals, but will be focused on the future of housing in the City and how Lafayette can meet the housing needs of all current and future residents. To learn more about this process, visit planlafayette.org/rhna.
Monday, March 7, 7 PM - Planning Commission Public Hearing on the Draft Environmental Impact Report
The Lafayette Planning Commission will be holding a formal public hearing for members of the public to comment on the draft report. While written public comments are accepted by e-mail at generalplan@lovelafayette.org from February 18 – April 4th, March 7th is an opportunity to provide comments in a public hearing setting.
Thursday, March 17 & Saturday, March 19 - March Workshops on Housing Discrimination
This March, the City will be holding public workshops on Thursday, March 17 and Saturday, March 19 to understand barriers to accessing housing and housing discrimination in Lafayette. Keep an eye out for a postcard in your mailbox soon with more information. During the online sessions, staff will be providing information on what housing discrimination looks like and hearing ideas for solutions. The public input gathered at these sessions may be incorporated into the City’s plan to address housing needs in our community. Keep an eye out for the postcard announcing these events, which were mailed out last week. Visit https://planlafayette.org/fair-housing to register to attend.
Get Involved in the Housing Element
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Below Market Rate Homes for Sale in Lafayette
There are currently two opportunities to apply for affordable housing in Lafayette:
Deadline Wednesday, March 2 for Lennar Homes’ “The Brant” Lottery for Units Affordable to Very Low, Low, and Moderate Income Households: The Brant is currently under construction and is estimated to be completed later this year. It is a 66-unit mixed use project, including a restaurant space and 10 condominiums units priced to be affordable at various income levels:
- One (1) 3-bed home priced for Moderate income households - $594,891
- Three (3) 2-Bed home priced for Moderate Income households - $524,446
- Two (2) 1-Bed home priced for Moderate Income households - $452,591
- Two (2) 2-Bed home priced for Low Income households - $251,745
- Two (2) 1-Bed home priced for Very Low Income households - $59,920
Please visit: https://www.housekeys14.com/thebrant to create an online account with Housekeys. Once you have created an account, you can enter the Brant lottery, and you will be signed up to receive project updates. The lottery deadline ends next week on March 2, 2022.
“Woodbury Highlands” Units Available for Moderate Income Households: Several units are still available at Davidon Homes’ Woodbury Highlands. Two- and three-bedroom units are currently available for Moderate Income households. Last year’s lottery has already been completed and a few units have not yet been filled. As a result, applications for these remaining units are being reviewed on a first in/first served basis. Apply today! Later this spring, another lottery will be held for additional Very Low- and Moderate Income units. Please visit: https://www.housekeys14.com/woodbury to create an online account with Housekeys. Once you have created an account, you can apply for a unit and will receive project updates.
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DEIB Community Conversation #4
Co-sponsored by LHC and LLLCF
March 10, 2022, 7 pm – 8:30, Lafayette Library – Don Tatzin Hall
Welcoming Newcomers to Lafayette
As a City that is known for its warm community spirit, and as a place that will experience both growth and change during the next decade, we look forward to exploring ways to make newcomers feel welcome and included.
Joining us in conversation will be realtors, students, representatives from neighborhood groups and City representatives.
If you have ways your neighborhood welcomes newcomers, or ideas you think we should try, please come share them. We will also talk about how some of these ideas might help newcomers to apartments or high density housing complexes feel welcome in Lafayette as well.
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Celebrate the Golden Years in wonderful company!
Golden Happy Hours - at 4:30 pm on the 2nd Tuesday of every month.
We launch in March - March 8th to be exact. Our greeters are our friends, Jim and Nancy Scala.
Where you might ask? At Lavash Mediterranean, 3576 Mt. Diablo Blvd., (limited) parking on the west side of the building.
What to expect: Lots of warm smiles and welcomes, a few provided appetizers, and lots of engaging conversations with other golden-agers and a few folks with Lafayette Social and Lamorinda Village.
** All will be responsible for our own beverages and any additional (scrumptious) food **
Space is limited. RSVP here. Out of an abundance of caution we ask that all guests be vaccinated.
** Consider staying for dinner if you're a fan of Greek food! **
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Lafayette Community Foundation Introduces Community Day
Come Together Lafayette to embrace communitarianism* by participating in a citywide community service day on Saturday, June 4.
This special day includes a morning welcome in Park Plaza and then an opportunity for volunteerism in which community members can sign up in advance for a work party for a select volunteer project. Afterward, everyone is invited to come back together at Park Plaza for a Community Day celebration that includes information about the participating nonprofits, activities, food, music and the chance to recognize all those who helped make this new annual event a big success!
Mark your calendars and plan to roll up your sleeves on June 4th. Please visit www.lafayettecf.org for more details as they unfold and email communityday@lafayettecf.org with any initial questions or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.
*Communitarianism is an ideology that emphasizes the responsibility of the individual to the community and the social importance of the family.
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INVESTING IN LAFAYETTE
Meet Germinate Kitchen – a new modern shared commercial kitchen where local food producers can prepare their food. Bonus, they will be co-located with the new Lamorinda AVA wine tasting room!
Germinate Kitchen has taken a community-first funding approach, providing a limited number of opportunities to invest, keeping more food producers local. Read more about their story on their website: www.GerminateKitchen.com.
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Do you have an event or announcement to share with our membership and/or the community? You can add your event to our online calendar, no login required (we simply need to approve it before it will display.) Add your event HERE. Questions? Contact holly@lafayettechamber.org.
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The City of Lafayette is building a team of experienced professionals in urban planning. There is room on our team for all experience levels from entry level to senior planner. There are also currently job openings in the Public Works and Engineering Department. To learn more about joining our team of dedicated, energetic and fun professionals, visit our website at www.lovelafayette.org/jobs.
Wanted: Enthusiastic Part Time Front Desk Receptionist for Chiropractic Office. Steel Chiropractic is a family chiropractic office looking for a wonderful front desk receptionist/secretary to join our warm team environment. It is our mission to provide excellence in chiropractic care and to help people experience the type of life that they never thought they could have again.
We are looking for a sharp, organized, enthusiastic person who thrives in an office environment plus takes pride in delivering meaningful service. Learn more here.
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Looking for a truly awesome team member with a burning desire to succeed! If you are highly motivated and seek to make a difference in people’s lives, then this is a great job for you! Our work environment is drama free and allows you to do good in the world. Perfect blend of structure and autonomy.
This position is for Rivulet Chiropractic, 978 Second Street, Suite 210, Lafayette, CA 94549. 25 hours per week with the potential for full time employment. Send cover letter and resume to
Hope Solutions seeks an energetic Property Manager who is flexible and responsive to support the needs of our clients while possessing the skill set to collaborate with interdisciplinary team members and community partners. We are looking for compassionate service-driven individuals who fundamentally believe in the potential of others. Under the direction of the Property Management Supervisor, the Property Manager oversees occupancy and maintenance of all housing units associated with the Families in Supportive Housing (FISH) program and provides backup support for other multi-site program units, including completing and managing tenant rental agreements, assisting with/overseeing maintenance and repairs, interacting with landlords/owners, maintaining accurate tenant records, and performing quarterly unit inspections. This position requires time in the office as well as time in the field to provide home-based property management services to a portfolio of units and tenants throughout Contra Costa County.
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From the Lafayette Library and Learning Center |
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Sweet Thursday presents Saru Jayaraman: One Fair Wage
Wednesday, March 3, 2022, 7:00 - 8:30 PM | Don Tatzin Community Hall
Join activist and author Saru Jayaraman, Director of the Food Labor Research Center at UC Berkeley, to learn about underpaid US workers.
The federal tipped minimum wage since 1991 (yes, that is thirty years) has been $2.13 per hour. Prior to COVID, six million people worked in this system, meaning when the pandemic hit, tons of them lost their jobs and the varied security that came with them. In Jayaraman’s newest book, she “shines a light on these workers, illustrating how the people left out of the fight for a fair minimum wage are society’s most marginalized."
Note that all attendees will need to show proof of vaccination and to wear a mask during the program. This program is presented by the Friends of the Lafayette Library.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Tuesday, March 3, 2022, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Don Tatzin Community Hall
The Lafayette Library Foundation is a Premier Partner of the Red Cross, which has received hundreds of live-saving donations at the Library thanks to donors like you! Donating is a safe process and eligible individuals are strongly urged to give blood or platelets.
To schedule an appointment go to redcrossblood.org/give or call 1-800-733-2767 and use Sponsor Code: lafayettelibrary. |
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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. |
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Updates please!
Your online profile is search engine optimized. Include a full business description including key words that your potential customers and clients would use to find you. You can also add up to four social media platforms to the listing.
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Sign up for Text Notifications!
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.
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