PRESENTED BY
Hi {{ first_name | neighbor }},
This may be one of the busiest weekends I’ve seen around Lamorinda in a long time. Saturday alone moves from volunteering at Town Hall Theatre to a handmade swap, a new Math & Physics Makerspace and a locally made cider release. The Lamorinda Handmade Swap is a cash-free exchange for jams, ceramics, plants and other maker goods, while Mount Diablo Cider’s release party introduces solera, a barrel-aging method that blends multiple vintages. There is a lot happening, but it’s a genuinely fun mix of ways to get out and spend time around the community.
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 client’s goals. His attention to detail, calm presence under pressure, and proactive guidance ensure a smooth process and exceptional results—whether 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 week’s events, local news, and community highlights in under five minutes.
LAMORINDA LIFE
A Movie, a Mai Tai and a Sunday in Orinda
LOCAL NEWS
One year of Lamorinda Life: what we built together — A first-year impact report celebrating 5,641 readers, 263,675 email opens, and 21,538 email clicks, with a heartfelt thank-you to the community for caring so deeply about life between the hills
Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail closes for repaving - The section between South Lucille Lane and Rheem Boulevard, along with the Lucille Lane Staging Area, will be closed August 27 through September 3
Measure W heads to the November ballot — AUHSD voters will consider a $168 annual parcel tax lasting eight years and projected to generate $6 million annually for teachers and academic programs; passage requires two-thirds approval
Lafayette forms a Multi-Modal Mobility Advisory Committee — The seven-member group will weigh in early on downtown traffic, BART access and the city’s broader 20-year mobility plan
LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Get Ahead Math & Engineering began in 2025, when two Lafayette parents with education backgrounds started teaching Math Playtime and Physics Playground at the Lafayette Library before moving their weekly classes to the Lafayette Community Center.
This fall, they are opening a downtown Math & Physics Makerspace at 3468 Mount Diablo Boulevard. Elementary school students explore advanced math through puzzles and games, then learn physics by building structures and working mechanisms. Families can tour the new space Saturday from 2 to 4pm, with building activities, frozen treats and a raffle for free trial classes.
ON THE CALENDAR
Thursday, August 27
10:30 AM | Murder Over Easy: Seven Reasons to Murder Your Dinner Guests (Orinda Books) — Discuss KJ Whittle’s mystery with Orinda Books’ local murder mystery book club.
5:00 PM | Thursday Nights in Orinda (Orinda Community Center) — Sixteen Scandals brings high-energy 1980s pop and rock, pulsing dance beats and guilty-pleasure sing-alongs to the park.
5:00 PM | Saint Mary’s vs. Sacramento State Men’s Soccer (Saint Mary’s Stadium) — Cheer on the Gaels as they host Sacramento State.
Friday, August 28
5:00 PM | End of August (Garden Nest) — Mark the end of the month with a wine tasting and live music from Kate Burkart.
8:00 PM | Eric Benét (Siesta Valley Bowl) — The four-time Grammy-nominated singer brings contemporary R&B and soul to Orinda’s outdoor amphitheater.
Saturday, August 29
10:00 AM | Little Seeds Fair (Creekside Commons) — The fourth annual community fair returns for a family-friendly morning at Creekside Commons.
1:00 PM | Lamorinda Handmade Swap (Scraphouse) — Registered makers can trade homemade jams, ceramics, plants, fiber art and other handmade goods without cash.
2:00 PM | Get Ahead Math & Engineering Open House (Get Ahead Math & Engineering) — Explore the new makerspace, meet the team and try hands-on building activities.
2:00 PM | Mount Diablo Cider Release Party (Local Vines) — Taste locally made heirloom ciders and learn how the solera method blends multiple vintages over time.
4:00 PM | Moraga Rib Throwdown 2026 (Canyon Club Brewery) — Moraga’s community barbecue competition raises money for the Moraga Education Foundation and local public schools.
8:00 PM | Best of San Francisco Stand-up Comedy (Town Hall Theatre Company) — A rotating group of rising Bay Area comics takes the stage for an 80-minute show.
Sunday, August 30
8:00 AM | Cars & Coffee (Si Si Caffe) — Start Sunday with an informal gathering of interesting cars, coffee and conversation.
9:00 AM | Kapnek Trust USA Fun Run & Carnival (Moraga Commons Park) — A 5K, kids’ run, carnival and traditional Zimbabwean music support education and healthcare programs for children in Zimbabwe, and all fun run participants will receive a 20% off Sports Basement coupon.
11:00 AM | Orinda Theatre Tour (Orinda Theatre) — Film critic and author Matías Bombal leads a free monthly tour of the historic theater.
1:00 PM | Cinema Craft Series: What Dreams May Come (Orinda Theatre) — Watch the visually ambitious 1998 fantasy, with an introduction and post-film discussion led by Matías Bombal.
3:00 PM | Mai Tai Day Celebration (Boo Loo Lounge) — After the free theater tour and afternoon film, continue the celebration with cocktails at Boo Loo Lounge.
Monday, August 31
8:00 PM | Sorry Wrong Thread Improv (Town Hall Theatre Company) — Local performers turn audience suggestions into an easygoing night of improvised comedy.
Tuesday, September 1
5:30 PM | Live Music Tuesdays (Headlands Brewing) — Christian Eck provides the soundtrack for a relaxed evening in the Lafayette taproom.
Wednesday, September 2
5:00 PM | Live Music on the Patio (RÊVE Bistro) — Dine outside while harpist Wendy Tamis performs on the patio.
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HOME OF THE WEEK | ROCHFORD REAL ESTATE
1232 Upper Happy Valley, Lafayette
Open Sat & Sun 2-4pm
Some homes are beautiful. Others become part of a family’s story.
Tucked behind private gates in Lafayette’s coveted Happy Valley, this special 1.01-acre estate has been lovingly owned by one family for generations. It’s where a granddaughter learned to ride her bike in the driveway, family and friends gathered on the expansive lawns, and a wedding was celebrated in the backyard. For decades, it has been much more than a home—it has been the setting for a lifetime of memories.
The approximately 2,600 sq. ft. single-level residence features 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, beautiful hardwood floors, high ceilings, and expansive windows overlooking the lush grounds. Outside, sweeping lawns, mature trees, gardens, multiple entertaining areas, and a sparkling pool create a private retreat with room to gather, play, and enjoy.
With its flat, usable acreage, timeless character, exceptional privacy, and close proximity to downtown Lafayette, BART, and top-rated schools, this is a truly rare opportunity.
After a lifetime of memories, this special Happy Valley estate is ready for its next story.
THE FORECAST
A cloudy start and possible Friday showers give way to a sunny, cool weekend.
Thu: Cloudy. High ~82° / Low ~59°. The warmest day of the stretch should remain comfortable for evening plans.
Fri: 30% chance of showers. High ~72° / Low ~57°. Check conditions before heading outside and bring a light rain layer.
Sat: Sunny. High ~69° / Low ~55°. Cool, comfortable weather for the fairs, Town Hall projects and Rib Throwdown.
Sun: Sunny. High ~71° / Low ~55°. A pleasant day for the fun run and walking between stops in Orinda.
Mon: Partly sunny. High ~66° / Low ~56°. Keep a light layer nearby throughout the day.
Tue: Partly sunny. High ~69° / Low ~56°. Mild conditions should work well for afternoon and evening plans.
Wed: Sunny. High ~73° / Low ~55°. Expect a pleasant finish to the forecast period.
ONE MORE LAMORINDA THING
I love that Sunday’s Orinda lineup can become a whole afternoon without moving the car: start with a free tour of the historic theater, stay for What Dreams May Come, then walk over to Boo Loo Lounge for a Mai Tai. It’s a very Lamorinda way to spend a Sunday, with a little history, a little Hollywood and a cocktail at the end.
— Rajiv