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News & Events from the
Lafayette Chamber
| | What An Incredible Lafayette Reservoir Run Race Day! | | |
The weather was perfect, and the smiles and enthusiasm were contagious! We’re so proud of the tremendous effort from everyone involved in making this year’s Lafayette Res Run for Education such a huge success.
We’re thrilled to share that we beat last year’s total by 142 participants, with an impressive 2,062 registered runners and walkers! While not quite a record, it’s a fantastic jump and a true testament to our amazing community spirit.
From our youngest participant, 2-year-old Chloe, to our oldest, 95-year-old Ann, this event truly brought together every generation. We even had 10 participants in the over-80 category - WOW! Thank you, Lafayette, for showing up with such enthusiasm, energy, and heart!
🏃♀️See 5K and 10K Results HERE. The 2-mile event was not timed (no chip).
🏆 Final Competition Winners
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Most Improved School: Happy Valley Elementary School (30.4% increase) - $500 prize
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Most Registrations: Burton Valley Elementary (359) - $500 prize
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📷 View event photos and videos from staff HERE! More photos to come from professional photographer Jackson from Makes Brands Cooler.
🧡 A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Volunteers!
To all of our amazing volunteers — every school stepped up when needed, and your dedication made this event shine. Your energy, time, and teamwork brought the day to life. We truly couldn’t have done it without YOU!
- Our incredible School Principals, Administrators, Coordinators, and Volunteers
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Special appreciation to: MC Tom Stack (Coldwell Banker Realty), Sound Engineer AJ Rodgers (New You Dance Center), Acalanes Cheerleaders, Campolindo Cheerleaders, and the RoundUp Saloon (for parking lot and power)
- Registration Team: Dennis Garrison, John McCormick, Will Newhart, Jeremy Steel, Charise Stratford, and Wendy Tamis. T-shirt & bib distribution: Jean Follmer
- Course Setup & Signs: Travis Johnson, Jay Lifson, Michael Heller, Jonathan (Ace) Katayanagi, Matt Pease, Mo McKenna, Tim Regan, and Terry Ring
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Volunteer groups: Diablo View Rotary, Rotary Club of Lafayette, Scout Troop 204 and Scout Troop 402, and Boys Team Charity
🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
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Presenting sponsors: Oakwood Athletic Club, City of Lafayette, and the Lafayette Chamber
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Zero waste recycling sponsor: Republic Services
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2025 course sponsors: EBMUD (10K) and Mathnasium (5K)
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JV Lucas Paving, Ford Timing, the Lafayette Police Department, Lafayette Parks, Trails and Recreation, Lafayette Public Works and the Oakwood Bike Pacers
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Our Supporters: Zoonie’s Candy Shop, Sports Basement, and Minuteman Press & Sequoia Signs.
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T-shirt design: Eden Hall and All Ages Recreation Downtown
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Media Sponsors: 101.7 KKIQ, Diablo Magazine, Grapevine Coupon Books
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Water station sponsors: Cobain Orthodontics, Jake Stewart State Farm Insurance, and Tudorka Tots
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T-shirt sponsors: Oakwood Athletic Club, City of Lafayette, Lafayette Chamber, All Ages Recreation Downtown, Bowles and Verna, Cobain Orthodontics, Diablo Foods, Dudum Real Estate Group, EBMUD, Full Spectrum Technology Group, Jake Stewart - State Farm Insurance, Keith R. Gronbach D.D.S., Inc. - East Bay Oral Surgery, Konstructo / In the Deets, Lafayette Scoop, Lewis Asset Management, Mathnasium, Mechanics Bank, Minuteman Press, New You Dance Center, Pediatric Dentistry of Pleasant Hill, PG&E, Republic Services, Roundup Saloon, Sequoia Signs & Graphics, Sexton Group Real Estate, Sports Basement, and Zoonie's Candy Toy and Gelato
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Healthy Lifestyle Fair Vendors: All Ages Recreation Downtown, Bay Area Psychotherapy Institute (BAPTI), Beasts of the Bay Strength, Cambiati Wellness Programs, Cancer Support Community, Dajenel Medical Aesthetics and Wellness, Concord Turkey Trot (benefits Contra Costa Loaves and Fishes) Organized by Diablo Valley Credit Union, Dave and Busters, Guide Dogs for the Blind Puppy Club, In the Deets + Konstructo, Joybound People & Pets, Lamorinda Strong, Lamorinda Toothbuds - Pediatric Dentistry, Little Cloud Pediatric Dentistry, LMYA, LPIE, Mathnasium of Lafayette, Oakwood Athletic Club, Pediatric Dentistry of Pleasant Hill, PFLAG Lamorinda, Renaissance Dental Group, Renewal by Andersen, SB Global Families, Scouts of America Troop #200, Soccer Stars Contra Costa, Soularium Academy, Sports Basement, Sutter Health Orinda Pediatrics, The Art of CPR, Tudorka Tots Inc., and Yoga Village
🎶 A huge thank you to the Stanley Middle School Band for providing wonderful entertainment for the early morning!
👟 Shoutouts to all groups who joined the 2025 race:
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Participation groups: Brownie Troop 31481, Contra Costa Animal Services, Diablo Valley Track & Field Club, Guide Dogs for the Blind Puppy Club, Lewis Asset Management Family Run, Pacific Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital, PFLAG Lamorinda, “Run Slow, Sell Fast” Lamorinda Compass, Team Mathnasium, and Valhalla Elementary
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Ribbon Cutting at Big Woof Pets
Thursday, October 23, 11am
"Coffee" with City of Lafayette Mayor Susan Candell
Friday, October 24, 8am
Ribbon Cutting at Club Champion
Friday, October 24, 10am
Trick or Treat Street
Friday, October 24, 4-6pm
Witch Way to Mocktails
Saturday, October 25, 2025 11am-3pm
Ribbon Cutting at Studio Belmont
Monday, October 27, 2025, 5-6pm
Business Seminar: From Vision to Action
Friday, November 14, 2025
Community Thanksgiving Breakfast
Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 7-8:30am
➡ Lafayette Chamber Events Calendar ⬅
Chamber Member Events Calendar
Arts Community Email blast (Last Issue - Oct/Nov 2025)
Nonprofit & Arts Community Email Blast (Last issue - September 2025)
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Trick or Treat Street
For a fun, safe Halloween event, children and their parents are invited to our Trick-or-Treat Street event on Mt. Diablo Blvd. from Plaza Way to Dewing Ave, Lafayette Circle and in La Fiesta Square from 4-6pm on Friday, October 24, 2025.
This is a free event with candy and festivities provided Lafayette's local businesses. Don't forget to bring your Trick-or-Treat bag!
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THIS EMAIL BLAST IS SPONSORED BY
Treehouse Wealth Advisors
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Welcome to Our New Chamber Members! | |
The following businesses/organizations recently joined the Lafayette Chamber! Please visit their websites to learn more!
Coaching by Clarisse
Clarisse Saam
📍914 Dewing Avenue, Suite B, Lafayette
🌐www.coachingbyclarisse.com
Clarisse Saam is a public speaking and presence coach who specializes in helping clients elevate their delivery and manage nerves in high-pressure & high visibility moments. She also supports fellow performers in preparing for auditions and performances.
Galileo Learning
Sheryl Adam
📍111 Myrtle St, Oakland
🌐https://galileo-camps.com
Galileo has served over 600,000 campers at locations across the country, engaging K–10th graders in their signature blend of hands-on learning and unforgettable fun and igniting the innovator in every kid since 2006.
Gil's Carpets, INC
Stephanie Brasher
📍982 Howe Rd. Martinez
🌐www.gilscarpets.com
Retail floor covering solutions for commercial and residential projects.
Koka Wellness Group
Ilana Koka
📍Walnut Creek
🌐www.kokawellnessgroup.com
Koka Wellness Group is a functional health and corporate wellness company helping individuals and teams boost physical, mental, and energetic well-being. They blend functional nutrition with mindfulness and somatic strategies to improve digestion, energy, and stress resilience. Since 2018, Koka Wellness has supported professionals and organizations through private consulting and interactive workshops that foster sustainable health, productivity, and workplace connection.
Law Office of Joan Grimes
📍1600 S. Main St., Suite 100, Walnut Creek
🌐grimesep.com
Estate Planning Firm that helps families and individuals create a plan for the distribution of their assets and management of their matters in case of incapacity or death.
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Thank You to Our Renewing Members | |
The following members renewed their Lafayette Chamber membership 10/13-10/19:
PREMIER MEMBER: ParkSmart, Inc., member since 2017
Beacon Home Care, member since 2019
Caesar C. Perales, CPA, member since 1991
Gallegos Boaman Group, member since 2020
Dr. Mailene Soyster DDS Inc., member since 2024
Full Spectrum Technology Group, member since 2021
Hollie's Homegrown, member since 2021
JV Lucas Paving, Inc., member since 1990
Konstructo Inc., member since 2023
NC ROOFING SOLUTION INC, member since 2024
Orinda Academy, member since 2005
Panache Caffe, member since 2015
Pedder, Hesseltine, Walker & Toth, LLP, member since 1960
Solano Jewelers, member since 2018
The Fish Barn, member since 2023
The Geller Firm, Inc., member since 2022
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46th Annual Community Thanksgiving Breakfast
Join us for a morning of inspiration and gratitude as we spotlight the power of design, compassion, and community collaboration.
We invite our businesses, organizations, residents and community leaders on Tuesday, November 18 for breakfast, 7am-8:30am, at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center. Please note that this year we are meeting on a Tuesday morning!
Breakfast provided by Sunrise Bistro & Catering.
Sunflower Hill will present Designing Dignity – Inclusive Housing for Neurodivergent Communities. They will share more about the transformative vision behind Sunflower Hill 949 Moraga Road, Lafayette's upcoming Permanent Supportive Housing project — a pioneering development designed to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Cost: $45 per person and tables (8 seats) $360. Register HERE.
Photo from 2024 by Jeff Heyman.
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CrossWaterCreek Outfitters Ribbon Cutting
There was a fantastic and well-attended ribbon cutting on October 15! Congratulations to the entire CrossWaterCreek Outfitters team. Tasty Tacos were provided by El Talpense Mexican Restaurant, a wonderful whiskey tasting was provided by Barrel Shoppe and delicious dessert was provided by Abe's Cafe.
See photos from the event HERE.
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Lafayette Chamber Connectors
Lafayette Chamber Connectors met on Wednesday, October 15 at Creekside Commons. Special thanks to our October Connectors sponsor for the breakfast treats, Craig Isaacs, BlueGoo Photography, and our Co-Chairs, Fred Steingraf, Edward Jones and Rebekah Dani, Rebekah Dani Coaching & Consulting.
See photos from the event HERE.
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Lafayette Chamber Young Professionals
Lafayette Chamber Young Professionals met on Thursday, October 16 at Headlands Brewing.
Thanks to co-chairs, Carolyne Charvoz, Mass Mutual of Northern California and Matt Boone, Real Estate Agent, Compass.
Photo from October Young Professionals meeting. See more photos HERE.
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2026 Board of Directors Slate
Announcing the 2026 Lafayette Chamber Board of Directors!
Executive Committee
President: Dr. Jeremy Steel, Steel Chiropractic
Vice President: Bill Scanlin, Deerhill Vineyards
Treasurer: Dennis Garrison, Oakwood Athletic Club
Secretary: Kimberly Lam, Republic Services
Past President: Matt Pease, Lafayette Rotary Club
John McCormick, Lamorinda Music
Kathy Merchant
Katie Santos, Katie Santos Consulting-Fitness HR
Directors
Brian Aiello, Pinnacle Apparel & Promotions
Joseline Annan
Matt Boone, Compass
Tommy Burns, Beasts of the Bay Strength
Laura Magu, REVE
Christine Raymond, Greet Lafayette
Wendy Tamis, Clocks Etc.
Jesse Wellen, Lafayette Car Wash & Detail Center
Travis Johnson, Dream Big Construction
Fred Steingraf, Edward Jones Financial
Directors at Large - Term 2025 (1-year appointment only)
Nick Bozych, Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa
Matt Pease, Rotary Club of Lafayette
Advisory Board
Daniel Collier, Co-Owner, Diablo Foods
Niroop Kasthuri Srivatsa, City Manager, City of Lafayette
Dr. Brent Stephens, Superintendent, Lafayette School District
Don Tatzin, Board Member, Cancer Support Community
Caesar Perales, Caesar Perales, CPA
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| MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS | | |
The Tone Collective Performance
ModernTone Studios is thrilled to invite you to the debut performance of The Tone Collective - our newest program where musicians come together to learn, collaborate, and grow.
Join us on October 25, 2025 at Lamorinda Music, 81 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 7:30pm. Don’t miss this special night of music, community, and creativity!
Get Your Tickets
Learn more about the program? Read about The Tone Collective.
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Pumpkin Decorating Contest for Kids!
Martin Homes Team -- It's time to unleash your spooky creativity in our Pumpkin Decorating Contest! Whether you paint it, carve it, glitter it, or stick on googly eyes galore — we want to see your most frightfully fun pumpkin creations.
👻 How to Enter: Parents, submit your child’s decorated pumpkin by sending us a direct message with a photo or post it on Instagram or others social media channels, and tag @martinhomesteam. Be sure to include your child’s first name and age with the entry!
Submit by October 30. Winner announced: October 31st — just in time for Halloween!
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Honey Homes Halloween Giveaway
Enter Honey Homes' Halloween Giveaway to help one lucky winner take care of those "scary" home fixes with a free year of handyman help (10 visits!) + a $500 Pottery Barn gift card. The winner will be announced on 11/1.
Enter HERE before 10/31!
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Howl & Meow-o-ween Fest
Join Joybound People & Pets for a not-so-spooky celebration of Halloween for pets and people of all ages during our Howl & Meow-o-ween Fest on October 31 from 3-7:30pm at 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek.
Come enjoy trick-or-treating for pets and kids, hands-on crafts and games, pumpkin decorating, photos, movie, and more. Free and open for all ages.
Register here.
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City of Lafayette: The Weekly Roundup
This week’s updates from City Manager, Niroop Srivatsa highlight:
- Show Your Support for United Against Hate Week
- Share Your Skills! Apply to Serve on a City Advisory Body
- Deadline to Register to Vote in the Upcoming Statewide Special Election is Oct. 20
- Now Is the Right Time to Get Updated COVID and Flu Vaccines
- Transportation Available for Lamorinda Seniors Getting Flu & Covid Vaccination
➡ Sign up to receive City notifications, meeting agendas, and Lafayette’s publications HERE. Also, find out how to follow the City of Lafayette on social media at https://www.lovelafayette.org/connect.
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Supervisor Candace Andersen Weekly Update
October 18, 2025, Weekly Update
Sign up for weekly updates HERE.
- Board of Supervisors Community Impact Fund: Discussion rescheduled to November 18.
- Diablo Valley College (DVC): Hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking today to kick off the construction of its new, 32,500-square-foot Engineering Technology Building on the Pleasant Hill campus.
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Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Stand in solidarity and strength at the Domestic Violence Awareness Walk on Saturday, October 25th, from 11am-12:30pm, in front of San Ramon City Hall (Central Park).
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Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Humanitarians of the Year: Submit nominations by October 31 for a High School Student HERE and for an Adult Nomination HERE.
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Statewide Special Election - November 4: Registered voters in Contra Costa County should receive their Official Ballots by October 13. For more information, visit ContraCostaVote.gov.
- Updated fall 2025 flu and COVID vaccines are now available at pharmacies and doctors’ offices across the region. Everyone 6 months and older is recommended to receive both vaccines, which are safe, effective, and help prevent severe illness and hospitalizations.
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Dine and Shop Local, Lafayette!
View our interactive dining and gift guide HERE!
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Highlight Your Chamber Membership!
Showcase your Lafayette Chamber membership on your website or marketing materials with the official Chamber logo! Simply email your request to info@lafayettechamber.org.
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