PRESENTED BY
Hi {{ first_name | neighbor }},
Art of Mixology brings cocktails, mocktails, food, and live entertainment to the Orinda Theatre this weekend, all supporting local arts programs. Thursday gives us two chances to applaud our student musicians, with pop favorites at Acalanes and jazz, orchestra, and choral performances at Miramonte. Add a Sunday browse through Lafayette’s vintage market, or catch the week’s highlights on the podcast.
PRESENTED BY ROCHFORD REAL ESTATE
A Lafayette native and second-generation realtor, Brian Rochford brings more than 20 years of experience and a ranking among the top 1.5% of agents nationwide to his work with Lamorinda buyers and sellers.
Brian combines deep local knowledge and an established network with personalized guidance. For buyers, that means finding a home that fits their goals and understanding the community. For sellers, it means strategic positioning and attention to the details that help a home stand out. From first homes to luxury properties, he offers clear communication and dedicated support throughout the process. Talk with Brian about your next move.
LOCAL NEWS
Orinda council candidates discuss downtown, evacuation, and school traffic - The Orinda News interviews the four candidates competing for three seats in the November 3 election
Rancho Cantina temporarily closes for fire repairs - The Lafayette restaurant is repairing fire damage, with no firm reopening date announced; its Danville location is open seven days a week
Curious about construction around Lafayette? - The city’s interactive map tracks major projects, including condos and retail at 1001 Oak Hill Road, the Park Theater restoration, and the new Cancer Support Community building near the reservoir
LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Photo courtesy of Atma Yoga.
Founded by husband-and-wife team Carlo and Thea Fiatarone, Atma Yoga brings a family-owned approach to its studio at 99 Brookwood Road in Orinda. Its name comes from a Sanskrit word meaning soul, spirit, or true self, reflecting a practice that goes beyond physical exercise.
Alongside yoga and meditation for adults and children, Atma offers socials, outdoor classes, and member events that give neighbors ways to connect beyond the mat. Explore Atma Yoga for classes and upcoming gatherings.
ON THE CALENDAR
Thursday, October 8
6:30pm | Pops Concert (Acalanes High School) — Hear student performances of music by Raye, Lady Gaga, ABBA, and more, with another performance Friday, October 9.
7pm | Fall Concert (Miramonte High School) — Enjoy performances by the Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, and Chamber Singers.
Friday, October 9
6pm | Glenn Lowe (Canyon Club Brewery) — Settle in for live music from 6–8pm.
6:30pm | Mercury Retrograde: The Magic Revealed (Recharge Health) — Join shamanic astrologer Nikki Dakar for a discussion of the upcoming Mercury retrograde cycle.
7pm | Songs from the Heart (Town Hall Theatre) — Six Bay Area songwriters share original music and the stories behind their songs, with another performance Saturday, October 10.
8pm | Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite Duo featuring Bob Welsh (Siesta Valley Bowl) — Blues musicians Elvin Bishop and Charlie Musselwhite join pianist and guitarist Bob Welsh for songs and stories.
Saturday, October 10
8:30am | Lafayette Litterati (Lafayette) — Help tidy local streets and public spaces during this adults-only, 90-minute cleanup.
9am | Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail 50th Anniversary (Lafayette Community Center) — Preview new trail history panels at the Jennifer Russell Building during a 9–11am open house, with a presentation at 10am.
1pm | Saint Mary’s Men’s Soccer vs. Pacific (Saint Mary’s Stadium) — Cheer on the Gaels as they host Pacific.
4:30pm | Art of Mixology (Orinda Theatre) — Sample cocktails and mocktails, enjoy food and live entertainment, and support local arts programs.
7:30pm | Elvis: Live at Orinda (Orinda Theatre) — Enjoy Matt Stone as Elvis celebrating the King of Rock and Roll.
8pm | Melvin Seals and JGB (Siesta Valley Bowl) — Hear soulful, improvisational rock rooted in the music of the Jerry Garcia Band.
Sunday, October 11
10am | Contra Costa Vintage Market (Lafayette) — Shop vintage clothing, accessories, retro collectibles, and one-of-a-kind finds from local vendors.
10am | Le Pit Club: Moraga Pit Stop (Moraga) — Browse a casual cars-and-coffee gathering featuring classics, performance vehicles, and custom builds.
11am | Wide Screen Road Show: Funny Girl (Orinda Theatre) — Film historian Matias Bombal presents the 1968 musical starring Barbra Streisand as Fanny Brice.
Monday, October 12
10:30am | Poetry Circle: October (Orinda Books) — Discuss Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha’s Forest of Noise with the local poetry book club.
Tuesday, October 13
9:30am | 14 State Propositions, “Oh My!” (Orinda Community Church) — Hear a free, nonpartisan presentation from League of Women Voters speakers on California’s statewide ballot propositions.
Still making plans? See what else is happening around town in the full events calendar.
FEATURED PARTNER: MORGAN LLOYD
Is This Their Struggle—Or Mine?
Morgan Lloyd, LCSW, Psychotherapist in Walnut Creek
Watching your child struggle can feel difficult in a community where kids are expected to do a lot—and do it well. Our instinct is to step in, fix the problem, or protect them from disappointment. But sometimes our urgency is shaped not only by what they are experiencing, but by our childhood histories. This article explores how achievement pressure and our past shape our responses—and blur the line between their experience and ours. Read Morgan’s perspective on supporting your child through struggles.
LAMORINDA LOCAL GUIDE
Looking for a pumpkin for the front porch or a whole afternoon of fall fun? Explore our guide to pumpkin patches in Briones, Concord, Brentwood, Livermore, and Alameda, plus Halloween happenings closer to home.
HOME OF THE WEEK
$3,895,000 | 5 ensuite bedrooms | Approximately 4,725 sq. ft.
Open house: Sunday, October 11, 2–4pm
This Wilder home pairs panoramic views with rose gardens and an orchard. French doors open to a view terrace, while a separate lower-level living space includes a full kitchen and two ensuite bedrooms for extended family or guests.
THE FORECAST
One final day of “summer” on Thursday, then a considerable cooldown for the weekend. The full forecast can help you plan ahead.
Thursday: Sunny. High ~88° / Low ~59°. A warm afternoon for outdoor plans.
Friday: Sunny. High ~75° / Low ~57°. Comfortable outside before the evening cools.
Saturday: Partly cloudy. High ~64° / Low ~55°. Bring a jacket for outdoor music.
Sunday: Sunny. High ~69° / Low ~50°. A cool start for market browsing.
ONE MORE LAMORINDA THING
With Art of Mixology coming up, I’m curious: what’s your favorite cocktail? Having worked for a whiskey distillery, I appreciate a good Old Fashioned. Hit reply and tell me your go-to.
— Rajiv