PRESENTED BY
Hi {{ first_name | neighbor }},
There’s something special about the final night of a summer concert series, and Thursday’s Fleetwood Mask show closes out Moraga’s regular concert run before one more performance at the Pear & Wine Festival in September. Dinner Club is also Thursday, and while registration is closed, I hope everyone who signed up has a great night meeting their table. Friday’s Notes4Hope house concert brings Bay Area band LUCE to an Orinda backyard for a cause that matters to many local families. And if your musical tastes lean heavier, Earthless brings guitar-driven psychedelic rock to Siesta Valley Bowl.
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 just a few minutes. Listen below or search for Lamorinda Life in your favorite podcast app.
LAMORINDA LIFE
Notes4Hope Brings LUCE to an Orinda Backyard
LOCAL NEWS
Lafayette City Council to consider canceling November election - Three candidates qualified for three open seats, so the council will decide Thursday whether to appoint them instead
Saint Mary’s remains accredited while addressing WSCUC warning - The college has two years to make progress on enrollment, finances and long-term sustainability, with current students unaffected
Orinda names new city clerk as Sheri Smith retires - Joelle Fockler will succeed Smith following a decade of service to the city
LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Zen Bros Breaks began as an online card business before brothers Ben and Matt and their friend Joey saw an opportunity to create something closer to home: a place where Lamorinda collectors could shop, trade, play and connect in person. They opened the store beside the Rheem Theatre on August 1.
Inside, you’ll find sports cards, Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, collecting supplies and tables where customers can play or trade. The team is also planning trading nights and community workshops to help kids and adults alike learn more about collecting. It feels less like simply opening a store and more like building a home base for a growing local community.
ON THE CALENDAR
Thursday, August 20
5:00 PM | Saint Mary’s vs. UC Davis Women’s Soccer (Saint Mary’s Stadium) — Cheer on the Gaels as they host UC Davis in an early-season home match.
5:00 PM | Thursday Nights in Orinda (Orinda Community Center Park) — Pick up dinner from the food trucks, then stay for an outdoor screening of Despicable Me at dusk.
6:30 PM | Moraga Summer Concert: Fleetwood Mask (Moraga Commons Park) — Bring a blanket for Fleetwood Mac favorites and the final Thursday concert of the series before the Pear & Wine Festival in September.
7:30 PM | I Saw the TV Glow (Orinda Theatre) — The Women Director Series presents Jane Schoenbrun’s surreal story of identity, isolation and late-night television.
Friday, August 21
5:00 PM | Notes4Hope House Concert (Orinda) — Enjoy dinner, drinks and a backyard performance by LUCE in support of people and families affected by cancer.
7:00 PM | The Hideout Summer Series: Vince & Selia (The Hideout Kitchen) — Spend Friday evening at The Hideout with singer-songwriter Selia Lucero and instrumentalist-producer Vince Rillera.
8:00 PM | Earthless (Siesta Valley Bowl) — The San Diego psychedelic rock trio brings its long, improvisational instrumental jams to the Orinda hills.
Saturday, August 22
10:00 AM | Orinda Books’ 50th Birthday (Orinda Books) — Celebrate five decades of the independent bookstore with treats, a scavenger hunt, a prize wheel, a raffle and an in-store discount.
11:00 AM | Being Hair and Skin Studio’s 2-Year Anniversary Party (Being Hair and Skin Studio) — Celebrate two years with a lively group of community partners offering custom apparel, nails, massage, charms, makeup, tiny tattoos, dirty sodas and more.
5:00 PM | August Open Mic (Hurst Farm) — Bring a chair and settle in for an outdoor evening of performances by local soloists and groups.
6:00 PM | Teen Improv Party (Lamorinda Improv Theater) — Teens ages 14 to 18 can try fast-paced improv games in a relaxed setting where beginners are welcome.
Sunday, August 23
1:00 PM | Saint Mary’s vs. Georgetown Women’s Soccer (Saint Mary’s Stadium) — The Gaels welcome Georgetown to Moraga after upsetting the nationally ranked Hoyas on the road last season.
2:00 PM | From Vault to Glass: Rancho del Hambre (Local Vines) — Meet winemaker Frank Orson and taste five released, library and preview vintages from this Lamorinda winery.
8:00 PM | The ABBA Experience: Arrival From Sweden (Siesta Valley Bowl) — The Swedish tribute production recreates ABBA’s music with full costumes, singers and live musicians.
Monday, August 24
4:00 PM | Food Truck Mondays: Los Rockeros (Canyon Club Brewery) — Ease into the week with Mexican food in Moraga; the chilaquiles torta is my favorite.
Wednesday, August 26
12:30 PM | Knitting & Needle Arts Club (Orinda Library) — Bring your current project for a relaxed drop-in session open to needleworkers of all skill levels.
5:00 PM | Live Music on the Patio (RÊVE Bistro) — Enjoy French dining on the patio accompanied by Wendy Tamis on harp.
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HOME OF THE WEEK
Recently reduced, this four-bedroom Moraga home pairs sweeping Mt. Diablo views with an extensively updated interior, including a redesigned chef’s kitchen that opens to a new redwood deck. The standout feature may be outside: direct backyard access to the Upper Rim Trail around Lafayette Reservoir.
THE FORECAST
Across Lamorinda, expect a mild week with highs in the 70s and a mix of clouds and sunshine that should cooperate with outdoor plans.
Thursday: Cloudy. High ~75° / Low ~56°. Bring a light layer for the evening concerts.
Friday: Partly cloudy. High ~74° / Low ~55°. Comfortable weather for a backyard show.
Saturday: Sunny. High ~75° / Low ~56°. A good day for hopping between celebrations.
Sunday: Cloudy. High ~77° / Low ~56°. Mild for an afternoon tasting or soccer match.
Monday: Partly cloudy. High ~72° / Low ~56°. Keep a light layer handy at the food trucks.
Tuesday: Cloudy. High ~72° / Low ~56°. Cool and comfortable for morning plans.
Wednesday: Partly cloudy. High ~74° / Low ~55°. A pleasant finish for lunch outside or patio music.
ONE MORE LAMORINDA THING
A 50th birthday for a local bookstore is the kind of milestone that says a lot about a community. If Orinda Books has helped you find a favorite book, choose a gift or keep a kid reading, stop in Saturday and help fill the place with a little extra love. And hit reply: what’s one Lamorinda place you hope is still here 50 years from now?
— Rajiv