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Sal Captain of Captain Vineyards, Moraga, and Leslie Ward of Los Arabis Vineyards, Lafayette, accepted a proclamation recognizing October 2016 as Lamorinda Wine Growers Association Month in Orinda. The Lamorinda Wine Growers Association (LWGA) started in 2005, recognizing a number of small vineyards in Lamorinda. The area has actually had vineyards for over 100 years. In March 2016 Lamorinda was recognized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as the 233rd American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the nation and the 138th in California. The Orinda Planning Department helped by preparing the maps for the application.
The Orinda City Council extended warm thanks to interim clerk Sherry Kelly as she moves on to her next assignment in Hercules, and welcomed new city clerk Sheri Spediacci, who has recently become engaged to Orinda resident "Fred." Mayor Smith said, "Fred, your gain is our gain!" The mayor swore in the new clerk and presented her with a city of Orinda pin. Spediacci said she is thrilled to be in Orinda, "I adore Orinda; I have the bumper sticker and all!"
Kris Jachens of Stand for Families Free of Violence (STAND) accepted a Proclamation declaring October 2016 Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the city of Orinda.
STAND is Contra Costa County's only full service family violence service organization and dedicated domestic violence shelter and will soon be marking its 40th anniversary.
Oct. 18:
Jaime Rich of the Center for Human Development in Contra Costa County accepted a Proclamation declaring Oct 23-31 Red Ribbon Week in the City of Orinda. Portions of the proclamation were read by Mayor Smith, including acknowledging the harmful effects of marijuana on the developing teen brain, citing recent statistics that 23 percent of local 11th graders admit to using marijuana in the past month. Orinda remains strongly committed to a drug free environment, not only during Red Ribbon Week but all year long.
City Manager Janet Keeter noted that Todd Trimble, who had been serving as the interim Parks and Recreation Director, has been made permanent.
The Dec 6 city council meeting has been cancelled because the results of the election will not be certified in time for the traditional reorganization of the council. A special meeting will be held on Dec. 13.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA