[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6475420,"mediaKeyId","5733937-fc9e079f9f39582f83c58f2d21a93dd4","parentId",5733937,"title","Lafayette council withdraws opposition to SB 79 after state narrows scope","audioSeconds",3085,"startMs",8560000,"endMs",11645000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5733937-fc9e079f9f39582f83c58f2d21a93dd4&start=8560&end=11645","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5733937-fc9e079f9f39582f83c58f2d21a93dd4/thumbnail_8560000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6475420/Lafayette/Contra-Costa-County/California/Lafayette-council-withdraws-opposition-to-SB-79-after-state-narrows-scope","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475420-dc5270dcf2214bd1328bfbcd86b68cb6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770876176&Signature=bxXse57s8bX~of8tFNmiHnvJAYmEg9ggvcVt~KrRup~nLUuDQA72lx~4jg3Z0Tppdbp7kBc8FzNlUivjeg5aCFGy5R2VgTD3CilukEU5thpvhv0tVovREzu0WrmSd1AK9xSSHouXrdPEnDiSb5yKWWfVL4RFgzsfWl9Bi9IHUJXM9Z0VajbAz5P7aym82UCKVVMVxKTrjQ4t7SgK80Z~hC8ruWprCkiZk2jthRsNc8ODEpL3jFjqVlA0MHchJctyfz8fMfduY0hdMPc82-Y0diuwuMaQHElx8mqYPZM6mOp1T3ehKsPxyHAxxDfqtAeb2reKnMHdP9GBAEleSLOioQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lafayette","date","2025-09-09T00:51:43Z","article","Lafayette — The Lafayette City Council voted unanimously Sept. 8 to withdraw the city’s formal opposition to California Senate Bill 79 and to authorize a community announcement explaining changes to the bill and thanking local legislators for responding to concerns raised by the city.

Council members said the move follows amendments that removed \"tier 3\" (non‑urban) counties from the bill’s scope and added limited language addressing very‑high fire severity areas. Council discussion emphasized that Lafayette is no longer in the bill’s footprint but that wildfire and evacuation risks remain a top concern for future legislation.

The council’s action: members directed staff to (1) send a news update to residents summarizing the bill changes and (2) transmit a follow‑up letter formally withdrawing the city’s opposition while noting the ongoing need to address wildfire evacuation impacts.

Why it matters: Council and staff said the amendment reduces the immediate risk that SB 79 would impose high‑density transit‑oriented requirements on Lafayette without adequate consideration of wildfire evacuation constraints. Council members credited Senator Tim Grayson and area assembly members with helping secure the change, but several members said the broader policy questions raised by SB 79 remain important statewide policy issues.

What council members said: Council member Jim (surname not specified) summarized the legislative changes and asked staff to circulate the update. Council member Cervantes and others praised the city’s legislative contacts and urged continued attention to evacuation‑route impacts and mapping. Townsend Public Affairs consultant Casey Elliott briefed the council on how the bill defines \"urban transit county\" (counties with more than 15 passenger rail stations) and on how planned stations affect timing.

Public comment: Elias Fretwell, a high school student, urged the city to continue supporting statewide housing efforts and to consider local housing needs even as Lafayette seeks carve‑outs for fire safety. He said Lafayette’s population growth lags the county and encouraged council members to continue pursuing housing options.

What comes next: The council’s letter will be shared with the city’s state legislative delegation and posted to the city’s communications channels; staff also will monitor Metropolitan Transportation Commission mapping and any future amendments.

Ending: Council members said they expect to return to Sacramento partners in future discussions if new proposed transit stops or mapping would change Lafayette’s exemption status.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lafayette City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Lafayette City Council voted unanimously Sept. 8 to withdraw the city’s formal opposition to California Senate Bill 79 after recent amendments removed non‑urban \"tier 3\" counties from the bill’s scope.","taxTitle","Lafayette, Contra Costa County, California","taxId",77659,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6475404,"Council approves downtown mural design for Zara’s Boutique wall",694,6996000,7690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5733937-fc9e079f9f39582f83c58f2d21a93dd4&start=6996&end=7690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5733937-fc9e079f9f39582f83c58f2d21a93dd4/thumbnail_6996000.jpg","/articles/6475404/Lafayette/Contra-Costa-County/California/Council-approves-downtown-mural-design-for-Zaras-Boutique-wall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475404-205ff509f2646034302245aeab45672b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770876176&Signature=bV5lPTZWdZCsl44kHFI90G6Y82~43yd8hDeK8Hm9GL2fO2hZJxkRhgQ~HoIlsyp1KwRRNwCIeZg2nPCIo4DMtuCcKaLQuUZmkrsQBJmCjglXkMX~EdgB58s1FpM~k7EhyhX9eonkbAam41RguxZWY6ow0jePg3R0mNljk91Q-EUKk-eSeD4bYfPntKhBSzqAkV8SpNfqNg0scvtUmKf0HbjECWlyq9yXgq7ue50XKzWZnwnzJ56bgaIVk6yjH41YCe9mMcZrXaxDkEVWK2UaP5k3HBOO8jrOgg75TeWmHmrc6Blhclurz89ZIckimfGr9BDfAZFiRgCT4WBKaMIOwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lafayette — The City Council unanimously approved Sept. 8 the first mural in the Lafayette Downtown Mural Program, a floral design by artist Rachel Pearls to be painted on the west‑facing wall of Zara’s Boutique on Mount Diablo Boulevard.

Public Art Committee chair Jenny Rosen and ABG Art Group consultant Sorrell presented the mural design, explained the selection process and described community outreach that included a public workshop and conversations with the property owner. The mural committee retained ABG as a consultant, ran an artist call, shortlisted candidates and used community input to select the design, which the committee said will be a painterly botanical composition featuring the California metallia poppy.

Council action and timeline: Council voted unanimously to approve the artist’s design and the necessary agreements; the committee said it anticipates the artist can begin painting by the end of the month, weather permitting. The project involves a hand‑painted mural on a large west‑facing wall and will wrap into a small inset portion of the façade; the committee and artist adapted the design to the wall’s surface and small relief features.

Funding and partners: The mural is part of a council‑approved program to install four murals downtown; the Public Art Committee retained ABG Art Group as a consultant and worked with the property owner Julie Dunham and artist Rachel Pearls on contracts.

Ending: Council members praised the Public Art Committee, ABG and the property owner for the long planning process and voter approval of prior budget authority that funded the mural program; no city appropriation beyond the existing authorization was requested at the meeting.

","The Lafayette City Council unanimously approved a mural design by artist Rachel Pearls for the west‑facing wall of Zara’s Boutique on Mount Diablo Boulevard and authorized the Public Art Committee to move forward with contracts; the project is the first of four murals funded in a prior council budget authorization.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6475410,"Resident urges city action on throttle e‑bikes after public‑safety concerns",347,433000,780000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5733937-fc9e079f9f39582f83c58f2d21a93dd4&start=433&end=780","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5733937-fc9e079f9f39582f83c58f2d21a93dd4/thumbnail_433000.jpg","/articles/6475410/Lafayette/Contra-Costa-County/California/Resident-urges-city-action-on-throttle-ebikes-after-publicsafety-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475410-594e318489be73b55890d48ec4ef80ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1770876176&Signature=SPcKhJx0c5kIZ3HGQpkC6mDQTzFm1KkOSS9CGnuxcF9AYv39YteCrhxOyqhHmBAVZnXe2BKF8j1c5k1~eS82dd8guRXDVU01gpSMd4TUDt0d0JhoZHTULw7A6I2O5P4YvbS1kcvZ9qFjbxqySg1s-bP4BRPy61-rnWb4iEnEndaGN93dCZ8JH35tFtlqHQyn~sEwWg5ksH0hPKMAz60zsT855u~jAeUnFHF390TClylgGkbzUnSGHtwdIyumKUPu1Rmqsgqpd2YffEsjv8ty6rsBp7NooHStoOcGbLELIJ8hPvcHP5AlRbcxLdwTXjVsdh0e8-jtuM8LJ-DUP~9QoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lafayette — During the Sept. 8 public comment period, resident Dave Dondero urged the City Council to take action on throttle‑equipped e‑bikes (California class 2), arguing that some models are heavy, resemble motorcycles and are easily modified to exceed the 20 mph limit.

Dondero said the bikes can weigh as much as 90 pounds, are sold in youth‑oriented styles and — when modified — can reach speeds above 30 mph. He said parents and the community do not appreciate the risks posed by throttled e‑bikes and asked the council to pursue two approaches: increased local enforcement and education to remove dangerous bikes from public trails and sidewalks, and coordination with neighboring cities to press the state to reclassify some throttle‑equipped devices as motorized vehicles requiring licensing, registration and age limits.

Council response: Councilmember McCracken thanked Dondero and noted that Danville and Marin County are considering age restrictions layered on top of state e‑bike classes. Council members reported school outreach underway: the city’s emergency preparedness coordinator and school staff are preparing safety presentations and a Slow Down Lafayette presentation focused on e‑bike safety is scheduled for the TransCirc commission. Councilmembers said they would consider bringing an item to a future council meeting to raise public awareness.

Context: Dondero described two young riders he clocked on the Iron Horse Trail going over 30 mph and said the ability to disable speed limiters at the shop or via instructions in manuals is a crucial problem. Council members noted that state law establishes e‑bike classes and that local ordinances can layer additional restrictions in some jurisdictions.

Ending: Council members asked staff to coordinate with school and commission programs on e‑bike safety outreach; no formal legislative or enforcement action was taken at the meeting.","A Lafayette resident told the city council that throttle‑enabled e‑bikes (class 2) sold for children can be modified to exceed 20 mph and pose public‑safety risks; council members discussed local education, enforcement and potential coordination with neighboring jurisdictions and school programs.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6475415,"Creeks Committee details $900,000 West Reach grant and restoration plans for Lee Creekside Park",0,5949000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5733937-fc9e079f9f39582f83c58f2d21a93dd4&start=5949&end=5949","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5733937-fc9e079f9f39582f83c58f2d21a93dd4/thumbnail_5949000.jpg","/articles/6475415/Lafayette/Contra-Costa-County/California/Creeks-Committee-details-900000-West-Reach-grant-and-restoration-plans-for-Lee-Creekside-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475415-bddae1febb21ba0b28f818b461b1aadf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770876176&Signature=HlhsKlA~4ScIztxUcrRGrKy1gtKHTrM6IqStQ2PA6Sqk9k4HPidfGLEkACsr3mNMb3-~X7yDMRF1~YLDJwxCN0TGuj0V6BZ3beV7l~k0qqDvpXhsxmHdkyNnJdNHPhSTeuI7VWgRm~k6PU9TSw9wqHI2Wal5vfvwnTQ4zxXTFaRc0jFRUqVhhE8LbvrRh461AxYKlucjkRKpV6dJ3ccu2fl68~OHtFpV1fW3Lwhbo6godWpNjbyiCnC4bHYyzpq7AxhHp6ngo2fKsdbEvz46kDyIIDhlC16UkajVcGJPyOgdkAhVgq8wbJYAiUCj~gNs0U6CiaXpCfmE4eoj3hMoQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lafayette — Members of Lafayette’s Creeks Committee briefed the City Council Sept. 8 on the committee’s year of work, describing volunteer‑led invasive‑plant removal at Lee Creekside Park, partnerships with Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary, and a $900,000 grant set aside for a West Reach downtown creeks project.

The committee said volunteer events and Rotary support have accelerated restoration work at Lee Creekside Park; volunteers and Rotary members helped remove invasive species and install signage. Committee members said they expect to plant native riparian species in coming months and to continue coordination with East Bay Regional Park District and the city’s public works staff.

Bank repair and funding needs: Committee members described a distinct restoration need for “Zone 3,” a roughly 100‑linear‑foot, steep, downstream bank at Lee Creekside Park that is unsafe for volunteer crews. The committee plans bioengineering repairs (vegetation, logs and live‑splay techniques) to replace an older failed retaining structure, and said the work will require contractor funds and plant costs. Committee leadership said they aim to cover costs through Rotary support, grants (California Urban Streams Partnership/CUSP and other state funding), and in‑kind city maintenance support rather than asking the city for direct funding.

West Reach project: Will Elder, CREECS chair, said the committee has a conceptual design for the West Reach — a pathway, bioretention features to capture runoff from Mount Diablo Boulevard and a widened trail alignment — that matches approximately the $900,000 grant the committee received. The design will remove some on‑street parking along Mount Diablo Boulevard and add a bike path adjacent to bioretention; the committee said the next step is to hire a design firm to complete plans and ready the project for construction, with an optimistic construction start in 2027.

Park district coordination and bridge repairs: Committee members said the East Bay Regional Park District performed a temporary repair to a collapsed bank and that there remains uncertainty about the timing and scope of a replacement bridge at the downtown gazebo; staff said the project was under consideration for next year’s budget but no definitive timeline exists.

Partnerships and grants: The committee reported collaboration with the LaMirinda Sunrise Rotary (which provided volunteers and a $10,000 district grant and other contributions), the California Urban Streams Partnership (CUSP) and the county resource conservation district. The committee’s outreach and permit‑monitoring work also prompted minor revisions to Lafayette’s tree protection ordinance, committee members said.

Public comment and council response: Paul Bettelheim of LaMirinda Sunrise Rotary praised the committee and outlined club fundraising and volunteer commitments, including $10,000 from the Rotary district plus other club and outside funds the club has allocated to support work at Lee Creekside Park.

Ending: Council members thanked the committee for sustained volunteer engagement and urged staff to continue coordinating with the parks district to resolve the bridge and bank repairs.

","Lafayette’s Creeks, Environmental and Ecological Stewardship (CREECS) Committee reported ongoing restoration at Lee Creekside Park, a donated $900,000 grant for the West Reach project, and partnerships with Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary and regional grant programs to fund a larger Zone 3 bank repair that will likely require paid contractors.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lafayette council withdraws opposition to SB 79 after state narrows scope

Council approves downtown mural design for Zara’s Boutique wall

Resident urges city action on throttle e‑bikes after public‑safety concerns

Creeks Committee details $900,000 West Reach grant and restoration plans for Lee Creekside Park