PRESENTED BY
Hi {{ first_name | neighbor }},
The Lafayette Res Run for Education is my pick for this week’s community highlight, bringing neighbors together on Sunday to support local public schools. Saturday offers a smaller outing for kids with seed planting at Orchard Nursery, while Miramonte’s production of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express runs Thursday through Sunday. If you prefer your local updates in audio form, tune into This Week in Lamorinda.
PRESENTED BY VILLAGE HYPNOTHERAPY
While every athlete trains their body, the ones who consistently perform well train their minds. Jason Akel, founder of Orinda-based Village Hypnotherapy, is a Sports Performance Coach & Hypnotist and Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. He helps athletes quiet performance anxiety and regulate their nervous systems so they can compete with calm, courage, and confidence.
Happy clients: NBA and NFL players, pro pitchers & hitters, top tennis players and golfers, Olympic hopefuls, D1-D3 college, middle & high school players, and recreational players of all ages.
Jason helps athletes internalize the mental skills and beliefs that drive strong performance: bouncing back quickly from mistakes, excelling under pressure, leadership, and overcoming injury.
If you, your spouse, or your student struggles or wants an edge, or you're a coach looking for fresh impact, text 925-255-5157 or visit villagehypnotherapy.com/sports to arrange a consultation.
Beyond sports, Jason can resolve most cases of severe anxiety, trauma, and fears. Connect with Jason.
LOCAL NEWS
Power shutoffs underway in parts of Orinda and Moraga - With some Moraga residents without power since Wednesday afternoon, please check on your neighbors and visit PG&E’s outage map for restoration updates
Help improve access to Lafayette BART - Share your experience getting to and from the station to help guide improvements for walking, biking, transit, and driving; survey closes Sunday, October 18
Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa earns a Top 10 Northern California ranking - The hotel was the only East Bay property to receive the distinction in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
Orinda names its 2026 Citizens of the Year - Sue Farmer and Clay Deanhardt will be honored at an Orinda Community Foundation awards dinner on November 8
LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Photo courtesy of Integrate Nutrition
Integrate Nutrition is a Lamorinda-based functional medicine nutrition practice founded by board-certified nutritionist Shannon Keefe. She offers practical nutrition guidance for needs ranging from athletic training and plant-based diets to perimenopause.
Shannon will host Making Nutrition Personal: Find What Works for You, a free virtual workshop on Tuesday, November 17, from 12–1pm PT, including questions and discussion.
ON THE CALENDAR
Featured Event - Sunday, October 18
3pm | Loving Karma Documentary Screening (CinemaWest Rheem Theatre) — See how compassion transforms children’s lives in this award-winning documentary, followed by a Q&A with the producers in person and community founder Lobsang Phuntsok via Zoom.
Thursday, October 15
6:30pm | Free Movie Night: Psycho (Orinda Theatre) — Catch Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller at a free, first-come screening.
7pm | Miramonte Presents: Murder on the Orient Express (Miramonte High School) — Enjoy a high-school production of the classic mystery, running through Sunday, October 18.
Friday, October 16
8pm | Steep Canyon Rangers (Siesta Valley Bowl) — Hear the acclaimed roots band blend bluegrass tradition with contemporary Americana.
Saturday, October 17
10am | Seed Planting with Christian (Orchard Nursery) — Kids can plant seeds, decorate labels, and learn how to care for their new plants.
10am | Open House & Magical Lantern Making (Tudorka Tots) — Make a lantern, explore fall activities, and meet the teachers.
6:30pm | Adrian West Band (The Fourth Bore Taproom & Grill) — Enjoy a free, all-ages set of original acoustic rock, covers, and jazz tunes.
6:30pm | Lord Blood-Rah’s Halloween Party (Orinda Theatre) — Celebrate cult filmmaker Ed Wood with vendors, raffle prizes, food and drinks, and two cult-classic films.
7pm | Saint Mary’s Men’s Basketball vs Utah State (Saint Mary’s College) — Watch Saint Mary’s take on Utah State in Moraga.
8pm | Sam Grisman Project (Siesta Valley Bowl) — Experience a rotating collective celebrating the legacy and future of American acoustic music.
Sunday, October 18
8:15am | Lafayette Res Run for Education (Downtown Lafayette) — Join a community run supporting local public schools.
9am | Moraga Farmers’ Market (Moraga Center) — Shop seasonal produce, artisan foods, and other locally sourced goods.
7pm | Yes, and Wine! October 2026 (Town Hall Theatre Company) — Join the waitlist for an evening of improv and wine.
Tuesday, October 20
6:30pm | Trivia Night (Canyon Club Brewery) — Form a team, enjoy food and drinks, and compete for prizes.
Wednesday, October 21
3pm | Saint Mary’s Men’s Soccer vs Denver (Saint Mary’s Stadium) — Cheer on Saint Mary’s as they face Denver in Moraga.
6:30pm | Trivia Wednesdays (Headlands Brewing) — Gather a team for a casual pub-trivia night with drinks, food, and prizes.
Still making plans? Explore the full events calendar.
FEATURED PARTNER: YES FOR QUALITY HIGH SCHOOLS – YES ON W 2026
Your ballot is in your mailbox, and your vote on Measure W will shape our high schools for years to come.
Measure W provides eight years of locally controlled funding to support great teachers, manageable class sizes, advanced academic programs including the arts and sciences, counseling and career services, and more. Strong schools make a strong community, for students, families, and neighbors alike.
Don't wait. Fill out your ballot today and return it by mail or at a drop box.
Paid for by Yes for Quality High Schools - Yes on W 2026 | FPPC# 1478885
HOME OF THE WEEK
$2,150,000 | 4 beds | 3 baths | 2,963 sq. ft.
Terracotta tile, hand-painted accents, and soaring ceilings give this Sonsara home an Ojai-inspired feel. Doors and windows open onto surrounding patios and gardens, bringing outdoor views into the living spaces.
WEEKEND FORECAST
I thought we were done with the warm weather last week, but it’s sticking around through Saturday before a cooler Sunday. Check the full forecast.
Thursday: Sunny. High ~83° / Low ~51°. A warm afternoon for outdoor plans.
Friday: Sunny. High ~88° / Low ~57°. Bring water if you’re spending time outside.
Saturday: Sunny. High ~86° / Low ~59°. Plan for heat at afternoon events.
Sunday: Sunny. High ~73° / Low ~54°. A cooler day for the Res Run.
ONE MORE LAMORINDA THING
A run for local schools feels like a good reminder of what makes this community work: neighbors showing up for one another. If you’re heading to the Res Run on Sunday, have a great morning out there.
— Rajiv