Crowds fill Lafayette’s Plaza Park to ring in the holidays
If there is ever a time of year when the weather cannot dampen spirits, it is undoubtedly the holiday season – especially here in Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda. And in spite of…
Issue #1911
Miramonte captures NCS crown but falls in heartbreaking final second of NorCal Championship
In the competitive Diablo Athletic League, Miramonte boys water polo finished with a 24-7 record, winning their league with a 7-0 record, won the NCS Championship defeating…
Lafayette Park Theater renovations move forward
The Park Theater, originally opened in 1941, has been dark since 2005 – but that is all set to change beginning in 2026. After the Park Theater Trust reached their goal…
Lafayette Mayor Susan Candell hands gavel to newly selected leadership
During the Dec. 8 city council meeting, outgoing Mayor Susan Candell was showered with praise by staff of Sen. Tim Grayson and Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, as well as…
Town Hall Theatre presents ‘Snowbound’ through Dec. 20
Imagine sitting in front of a fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa in a cozy reprieve from a blustery blizzard happening outside – quietly trying to make peace with the plans that…
Grocery Outlet groundbreaking ceremony held in Rheem Valley Shopping Center
Not even rain could stop the Nov. 17 groundbreaking ceremony of the much-anticipated Grocery Outlet coming to the Rheem Valley Shopping Center at 576 Center Street. Deacon…
City Council authorizes funding for Buckeye Fields rehabilitation package
During the Nov. 24 Lafayette City Council meeting, Recreational Manager John Warshaw provided an update of the synthetic turf feasibility of Buckeye Fields and proposed a one-time…
Moraga Mayor Woehleke discusses State of the Town
Moraga Mayor Steve Woehleke basically went door-to-door by presenting his State of the Town to various organizations within the community. Moraga Citizens Network hosted his…
Moraga Public Works Director retires after nearly nine years on the job
To say that Moraga Public Works Director/Town Engineer Shawn Knapp will leave behind a legacy of improvements during his tenure would be an understatement. The fact that he was…
Moraga Town Council reorganizes
In one of the quickest Town Council reorganizations in recent years, its members took no time at all to select Moraga’s new mayor and vice mayor. As is customary during the…
Orinda allows bond measure for new senior housing project over union objections
Travelers on Orinda Way in Orinda Village have probably noticed protesters at the intersection with Irwin Way. This dispute came before the Orinda City Council on Nov. 18, because…
Hugs for Harry is saving senior dogs in Orinda
A shoe donation drive has thrown light on a local organizer who has devoted her life to saving senior and abandoned dogs, now operating in Orinda. It was the intention of Dinking…
Well-traveled Czech student enjoyed Orinda experience
Amalie Zahradnickova has been the academic year 2025 visiting student from the Czech Republic. Like all the other students chosen from Tabor, Orinda’s Sister City, she loved the…
EBMUD grants long lease of former Cal Shakes Theater to local enterprise
The East Bay Municipal Utility District on Dec. 1 signed a 15-year lease agreement with the nonprofit group Siesta Valley Foundation (SVF). The lease covers the 9-acre…
Accessorize for the holidays
Stacking jewelry is having a moment. It’s a ‘the more the merrier’ situation for pendants, bracelets, and rings. When it comes to stacking, Irene Chen, handbag designer and…
Expert makeup tips for the holidays
It’s that special time again for celebrations, the hosting of parties, making memories and enjoying the magic of the holiday season. Here are a few secrets for keeping your skin…
81-year-old still mentors Mah Jongg students in Lafayette
When teacher Alice Stern says that she grew up “hearing” Mah Jongg, everyone whose mom had a weekly game knows exactly what she means – the soothing clack of Mah Jongg tiles…
SMC students break plates to release finals week stress
Saint Mary’s College held a three-hour evening event for students intended to relieve the stress of finals week. Advertised as “Break a Plate and blow off some finals…
Rustic Eggplant Medley a savory, sweet and smoky Mediterranean delight
There’s something undeniably comforting about Mediterranean cooking – those sun-kissed flavors, slow-simmered aromas, and simple ingredients that somehow create pure magic.…
Author Terry Healey will be at January Sweet Thursday event
“The Resilience Mindset” by Terry Healey is about how adversity can strengthen us as individuals, as leaders and as teams by helping us learn how to build resilience, improve…
Post season success for Lamorinda football
With each Lamorinda team making it to the playoffs, Acalanes in Open/Division I, making it to the second round, Campolindo getting the No. 1 seed in Division II, also making it to…
Lamorinda girls basketball looking for continued success
ACALANES Having graduated a very talented senior class, Acalanes girls basketball head coach Margaret Gartner has seen her team begin the season with a 3-3 record. “Any win…
MHS junior spearheads schoolwide toy drive for Winter Nights children
Noah Thaler, a junior at Miramonte High School in Orinda and president of the school's Jewish Student Union, collaborated with the Christian F.A.I.T.H club and Muslim Student…
The Saklan School Welcomes Generations for Heartwarming Celebration
The Saklan School campus in Moraga was filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt moments Nov. 21 as students welcomed grandparents, family friends, and other special adults for the…
Letters to the Editor 12-17-2025
Clean Air and Lower Bills: The Case for Heat Pump Water Heaters Heat pump water heaters are rapidly becoming a popular choice — and for good reason. These clean,…
Calendar 12-17-2025
Art Lamorinda Arts Council presents "Enamored with Canvas and Clay" featuring the Bay Area Studio Artists (BASA) at the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library, with works by Sharon…
Inspired by nature
“The best Christmas trees come very close to exceeding nature.” Andy Rooney It’s the most magical time of the year! As I drive through neighborhoods, the outdoor…
Tips for a Joyous and Sustainable Holiday Season
In today’s world, professional organizing isn’t just about creating order and systems, it’s about aligning our environments with our values. As an organizer, I am always…