PRESENTED BY  |
Hi {{ first_name | neighbor }},
Friday brings plenty of reasons to get out: celebrate Diwali at Moraga Library, enjoy local drinks and bites at Sip & Savor, or catch improv at the Orinda Theatre. Read on for a handmade swap, author talks, and a new trivia night at Western Flyer Brewing. Prefer to listen? Catch this week’s rundown on the Lamorinda Life 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. Plan your move with Brian.
LOCAL NEWS
Early election results around Lamorinda — Measure W has 69.99% support, above its passage threshold, and RTM leads regionally. Woehleke and Hillis lead in Moraga; Riley, Malkani, and Iverson lead in Orinda. County results remain unofficial, last updated November 4 at 12:12am.
More affordable all-day parking in Lafayette — Rates start at $2 for one hour and cap at $5 daily at designated spaces on Dolores, Happy Valley, and Oak Hill roads, plus the Ace and Gazebo lots.
Free election sign recycling across Lamorinda — Drop off signs November 4–10 at Orinda City Hall, Moraga Town Hall, or Lamorinda Music in Lafayette. Check the Instagram post for hours.
Tree of Lights marks 40 years — Honor loved ones and support Hospice East Bay November 10 at 5:30pm outside Lafayette’s Round Up Saloon, or November 12 at the combined Orinda/Moraga ceremony in Orinda.
LOCAL COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Founded by Rev. Elizabeth Robinson and local author Mary Volmer in 2021, Alta Mesa has hosted more than 90 artists, including Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Rae Armantrout. Its readings and online salons with Maker, Mentor, Muse explore art and spiritual life, welcoming everyone from published writers to curious listeners.
ON THE CALENDAR
Featured Event - Sunday, November 8th
10am | Contra Costa Vintage Market - Holiday Editions (Downtown Lafayette, CA) — Shop unique gifts and vintage finds at the Contra Costa Vintage Market on November 8 and December 13 in downtown Lafayette. Enjoy live music and a photo booth at 3581 Mt. Diablo Blvd., near Zahra Boutique and BMO Bank. Admission and street parking are free!
Thursday, November 5
6:30pm | Collective Medicine Circle (Woodhall at Orindawoods) — Slow down with guided meditation, sound, and shared reflection.
7pm | Dorothy Lazard (Lafayette Library) — The Oakland librarian shares stories from her new memoir, Behind the Desk at the Main.
Friday, November 6
2pm | Diwali: Stories & Dance (Moraga Library) — Indian mythology and folk tales come alive through interactive storytelling and dance.
5pm | Lamorinda Sip & Savor (Lafayette Community Center) — Local drinks, bites, and a silent auction help older neighbors age independently.
6pm | Lamorinda Improv Theater Takes The Stage (Orinda Theatre) — Your suggestions become the starting point for unscripted comedy.
7pm | Nicholas Epley: A Little More Social (Lafayette Library) — Why small, everyday interactions can make us happier and healthier.
Saturday, November 7
1pm | Nightmare Alley (1947) (Orinda Theatre) — A carnival con man rises to fame posing as a mind reader.
2pm | Sip & Paint: Harvest in the Vineyard (Local Vines) — Turn a blank canvas into a vineyard scene with guided instruction and local pours.
6pm | Olympus: The Greek Rock Musical (Town Hall Theatre) — Ancient gods and modern cousins collide in a rock musical about family.
Sunday, November 8
3pm | Chromatica: Our Journey Home (Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church) — A concert exploring home as a place, a feeling, and a connection.
6pm | Citizen of the Year Celebration (Orinda Community Center) — Dinner and awards honor Sue Farmer and Clay Deanhardt’s contributions to Orinda.
Tuesday, November 10
7pm | Saint Mary’s Women’s Basketball vs. Chico State (UCU Pavilion) — Catch the Gaels on their home court against Chico State.
7pm | Joyce Maynard (Lafayette Library) — The Lafayette author discusses her writing life and latest book, In Wonderland.
Wednesday, November 11
6:30pm | King Trivia (Western Flyer Brewing) — Bring your team to Lafayette’s new weekly trivia night for food, drinks, and prizes.
Find more things to do around Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda in the full events calendar.
FEATURED PARTNER: INTEGRATE NUTRITION
A Moraga resident, board-certified nutritionist Shannon Keefe offers personalized nutrition counseling through her practice at Integrate Nutrition.
Shannon's functional medicine approach supports clients' goals in a range of whole health concerns: sports performance; digestive and metabolic health; and the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause.
Nutrition science. Your priorities. Practical steps.
LIGHT UP LAMORINDA
Let’s put Lamorinda’s holiday sparkle on the map! Our Holiday Lights page is live, and we need your help filling it.
Decorating this year? Know a house or street worth a detour? Submit it so neighbors can plan an evening of twinkling lights and holiday discoveries across Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda.
From a cozy front porch to a full lawn of glowing reindeer, we’d love to see it.
HOME OF THE WEEK
83 Donald Drive, Orinda | $3,390,000
6 bedrooms | 4 full baths + 2 half baths | 5,762 sq. ft.
Set on approximately 0.78 acres, this Orinda home pairs sweeping hill views with level outdoor space for gardening, play, and gathering. Inside, a remodeled kitchen and white oak floors complement a spacious layout, including a sixth-bedroom suite with its own entrance. Take a look inside.
WEEKEND FORECAST
November mornings, September afternoons. Bring a jacket for the early start, then shed it by lunch. Check the full forecast.
Thursday — Sunshine, 72° / 46°. Lunch outside?
Friday — A few clouds, 71° / 48°. Grab a layer for evening plans.
Saturday — Sunny, 73° / 48°. Make time for a trail walk.
Sunday — Sunny, 72° / 49°. Keep the weekend outdoors.
ONE MORE THING
Seeing Moraga Library celebrate Diwali this Friday makes me smile. Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating!
— Rajiv