With the new time change (I still think Daylight Saving Time was designed just to keep us in a constant state of confusion) and warmer weather, now is the best time of year in Lafayette and Lamorinda. Also, as more people get their vaccinations, more of us will enjoy all that our little part of the planet has to offer — superb dining and shopping, green hills, great views and wonderful trails. It’s time to get out and enjoy life around Lafayette.
Get outdoors: Lafayette is surrounded by beautiful hills, loads of open space and miles of trails — city-managed trails, East Bay Regional Park District trails and, of course, the Lafayette Reservoir’s famed rim trail. Gorgeous views abound on any of these trails — many dog-friendly — not to mention fresh air, abundant wildlife and a great way to exercise as you take it all in.
The crown jewels, as it were, of this trail network are the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail and the Lamorinda Trail Loop, which has a storied history. Back in 2002, Orinda, Moraga and Lafayette got together to create a comprehensive trail system throughout Lamorinda. While a committee was taking inventory of the area’s trails, they discovered a continuous route already existed linking the three cities by way of a 17.5-mile loop. A grant was obtained for trail signs and markers, and on Aug. 10, 2006, the Lamorinda Trail Loop was officially opened. Isn’t it time to hit the trail? Get trail maps, guides and a lot more information about our network of trails on Lafayette’s webpage at lovelafayette.org/visitors/trails.
On stage: Lafayette’s historic Town Hall Theatre is offering a thrilling serialized digital adaption of “FantasticLand: A Novel.” And just what is “FantasticLand?” After a major hurricane destroys a popular Florida theme park, FantasticLand, employees and park-goers fight for their lives to survive the wreckage — and each other. Town Hall’s production features more than 20 actors from California to New York in a compelling and innovative online experience that’s enthralling and electrifying.
New “FantasticLand” episodes will be available every Tuesday and Wednesday through April 7. Want more? Each Monday Town Hall will release episodes of “Before the Storm,” featuring interviews with FantasticLand’s actors, creative team and behind-the-scenes looks at the production and story. “Before the Storm” is offered free on Town Hall Theatre’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/TownHallTheatre. Find out more about “FantasticLand” and get tickets at TownHallTheatre.com/fantasticland.
Housing’s future: How is Lafayette’s Housing Element, part of the city’s General Plan, defining the future of housing in Lafayette? The Housing Element is a key component of the General Plan that will shape how Lafayette looks and feels moving forward. Your participation is essential to create a plan that represents the community’s values and meets the city’s housing needs.
How can you get involved? There are many ways, including attending public meetings, talking to your neighbors, completing online surveys and writing up your own ideas. Check out Lafayette’s General Plan website at planlafayette.org, which includes community workshop dates and meeting information, project updates and information on housing. And watch a video about the General Plan and how it might affect you online at bit.ly/2O82KOF.
Make a difference: The city of Lafayette needs you! I know you want Lafayette to be all that it can be, and I know you want to make a difference in our town. Now is your chance.
There are a number of volunteer openings on several city commissions, committees and task forces, including the Capital Projects Assessment Committee, the Community Center Foundation, the Creeks Committee, the Crime Prevention Commission, the Downtown Street Improvement Master Plan Implementation Committee, the Environmental Task Force, the Parks, Trails & Recreation Commission, the Planning Commission, the Public Art Committee, the Transportation and Circulation Commission and, last but by no means least, the Youth Commission.
So, what are you waiting for? Apply now. For additional information on these exciting volunteer positions, e-mail Lafayette’s City Clerk, Joanne Robbins, at [email protected]. See you next month with more stories from around Lafayette.
Jeffrey Heyman can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him and the city of Lafayette on Twitter at @JeffHeyman and @LoveLafayette.
