PRESENTED BY
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One of Lamorindaβs favorite homegrown traditions reaches a milestone Sunday, when Lamorinda Idol marks its 20th year with more than 50 young soloists and groups performing at the Orinda Theatre. Saturdayβs documentary screening at the Orinda Library turns to a lesser-known piece of California history: the Chinese immigrants whose work helped build Napa Valleyβs vineyards, railroads, farms and businesses. The screening is followed by a Q&A with Lafayette author John McCormick and filmmaker Jeff Hamilton, while Saint Maryβs hosts its scholarship-supporting Summer Wine & Beer Fest the same afternoon. It makes for a weekend that moves easily from local talent to local history and a few good pours.


PRESENTED BY ROCHFORD REAL ESTATE
With more than 20 years of experience and ranking in the top 1.5% of agents nationwide, Brian Rochford is a trusted name in Lamorinda real estate. A Lafayette native and second-generation realtor, Brian offers unmatched local insight and a deep network that benefits both buyers and sellers at every stage.
Known for his integrity, strong work ethic, and strategic approach, Brian delivers a highly personalized experience tailored to each clientβs goals. His attention to detail, calm presence under pressure, and proactive guidance ensure a smooth process and exceptional resultsβwhether helping a first-time buyer or marketing a premier luxury property.
Rooted in the community he serves, Brian combines market expertise with a genuine commitment to his clients, making him a reliable resource and dedicated advocate in every transaction.

THIS WEEK IN LAMORINDA
Prefer to listen? Catch up on this weekβs events, local news, and community highlights in just a few minutes. Listen below or search for Lamorinda Life in your favorite podcast app.
LAMORINDA LIFE
A Taylor Swift Tribute Comes to Moraga Commons

LOCAL NEWS
New BART schedule shifts Lamorinda commute times - The permanent timetable change moves familiar Yellow Line departures by several minutes and is intended to improve transfers and reliability
Lamorinda asks for input on preapproved ADU designs - The tri-city project is developing free studio-to-two-bedroom plan sets intended to lower design costs and streamline permitting
Ivy Drive circulation improvements move forward before school returns - Orindaβs pilot updates signs, signal timing and neighborhood turn restrictions while the city gathers school-year traffic data

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
8Moose Pizzeria in Orinda is now open seven days a week. Its thin, crispy pies start with a long-fermented sourdough crust, bright tomato sauce and ingredients sourced from Bay Area vendors, all served in a cozy, family-friendly space where customers can grab a slice, watch a game or settle in with a pie and beer. Midweek specials include two slices and a fountain drink for $12 on Wednesdays, and any slice with any draft beer for $12 all day Thursday.

MEET NEW LOCALS OVER DINNER
Still thinking about joining us? This is the last chance to reserve a seat for the next Lamorinda Dinner Club, happening Thursday, August 20 at 5:30pm in Moraga. Twelve locals are already in, and thereβs room for a few more.
Take a quick quiz, and weβll match you with five other locals and choose the restaurant. Youβll receive the location that morning, along with details for an optional nearby gathering after dinner if youβd like to keep the evening going.

ON THE CALENDAR
Thursday, August 13
5pm | Thirsty Thursday (Wine Thieves) β Enjoy live music from Ali and the Crisis, food, and beer and wine by the glass.
6:30pm | Moraga Summer Concert Series (Moraga Commons Park) β Singer Cassie B combines Dream Like Taylor, the Taylor Swift tribute show she created, with Top 40 hits at this free, family-friendly outdoor concert.
Friday, August 14
5pm | Ticket to the Limit (Lafayette Public House) β Hear harmony-rich Beatles, Eagles, and other β70s hits.
Saturday, August 15
9am | Lafayette Sidewalk Sale (Downtown Lafayette) β Shop local for back-to-school items, gifts, and more.
2pm | Chinese in Napa Valley: The Forgotten Community that Built Wine Country (Orinda Library) β Watch a documentary about the Chinese immigrants who helped shape Napa Valley, followed by a Q&A with the author and filmmaker.
2pm | Summer Wine & Beer Fest (Saint Mary's College of California) β Sip wines and craft beers, enjoy local food and support student scholarships.
3pm | Lamorinda Craft n Chat (Scraphouse) β Bring your current creative project and make alongside fellow local crafters.
7pm | Generations in Jazz (Local Vines) β Enjoy an unforgettable evening of soulful jazz and exceptional wine.
Sunday, August 16
9am | Get Better Basketball Academy: Sunday Clinics (Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School) β Build basketball fundamentals through skill drills, competitive play, and focused coaching.
11am | Lamorinda Idol β 2026 Finals (Orinda Theatre) [RAJIVβS PICK] β Watch more than 50 young soloists and groups compete throughout the day in this free community music showcase.
7pm | Yes, And Wine! (Town Hall Theatre Company) β Share a beverage while trying improvised theater games, meeting new people, and having some laughs.
Monday, August 17
4pm | Food Truck Mondays (Canyon Club Brewery) β Cousins Maine Lobster makes a stop at the brewery.
Tuesday, August 18
4pm | Dried Flower Garland Workshop (Garden Nest) β Create a dried-flower garland during a two-hour outdoor class with bites, drinks, and all materials included.
5pm | Lamorinda Chess Club (Canyon Club Brewery) β Join a casual, all-ages drop-in meetup for friendly games and a little local competition.
Wednesday, August 19
5pm | Live Music on the Patio (RΓVE Bistro) β Enjoy French dining on the patio accompanied by Wendy Tamis on harp.

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HOUSE OF THE WEEK
6 Tanglewood Ln in Lafayette is listed at $3,295,000. Set on 1.65 acres of gardens, lawns and patios, the roughly 4,500-square-foot estate offers five bedrooms, five bathrooms, panoramic Mount Diablo views and primarily one-level living just minutes from downtown. The main level includes a remodeled kitchen with an oversized island and garden views, a great room with a raised-hearth fireplace, an expansive deck and a primary suite with its own fireplace and spa-like bath. Downstairs, a fifth bedroom or bonus room, full bath, flexible gym or studio space and a dedicated wine room open to the gardens, while the grounds add a pergola, waterfall, fruit trees, multiple sitting areas and a separate office beside the two-car garage.

THE FORECAST
A cool, mostly cloudy stretch is ahead, with breaks of sunshine Saturday and Tuesday and the warmest afternoon arriving Wednesday.
Thursday: Cloudy. High ~70Β° / Low ~58Β°. Bring a light layer to the concert.
Friday: Cloudy. High ~70Β° / Low ~58Β°. Comfortable conditions for an early evening outdoors.
Saturday: Partly sunny. High ~72Β° / Low ~57Β°. Expect pleasant weather for shopping and afternoon plans.
Sunday: Cloudy. High ~71Β° / Low ~57Β°. Mild conditions suit a full day of local events.
Monday: Cloudy. High ~68Β° / Low ~57Β°. Keep a light layer handy for the cooler afternoon.
Tuesday: Partly sunny. High ~71Β° / Low ~56Β°. A little sunshine should help with the outdoor workshop.
Wednesday: Cloudy. High ~73Β° / Low ~57Β°. The weekβs mildest afternoon should work well for patio dining.
Whether you end up singing along in Moraga or cheering on the Idol finalists in Orinda, there is plenty of local talent to root for this week. Hope you find one good reason to head out.
β Rajiv







