I am grateful to live and work in a community that I adore and in which I’ve spent my entire life. My childhood memories include riding my bike to school, swim team summers, lemonade stands, trick-or-treating, and playing outside until dark. All these years later, in a much more complicated world, it is amazing that these same simple pleasures continue to be a large part of what makes life in Lafayette so special. Other factors in our town’s favor include preserved open spaces, passionate teachers, dedicated business people, and a palpable sense of community that is made even more tangible by the many local groups and organizations that work tirelessly to unite us. I am so proud this past year to have supported and been involved with the following non-profits that together help make our little town the vibrant and dynamic Bay Area enclave that it is, and I look forward to continuing these relationships in the new year:

• Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE), our beloved educational foundation that enhances classroom learning (10+ years Diamond Partner)
• Lafayette Library and Learning Center, our town-central, state-of-the art library that offers fascinating programs for all ages (Night at the Library Discovery Sponsor)
• Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, whose members work to preserve and enhance our quality of life (It’s a Wonderful Life Sponsor since inception)
• Lafayette Juniors, whose fund raising efforts benefit needy families throughout the county (Annual Marble Sponsor of the Annual Kitchen Tour)

And though it’s not technically in Lafayette, I consider Children’s Hospital Oakland to be a valuable community partner, as many Lafayette residents need and utilize their services. I am honored to serve as an executive board member and sponsor of their Children’s Advisory Council. I am also excited to announce our team’s 2017 partnership with Grateful Gatherings, a wonderful organization that provides quality furniture and household goods to those transitioning out of homelessness. Keep an eye out later this year for how you too can help in Grateful Gatherings’ efforts.

I love this community to which I’m fully committed and I feel so fortunate to live and work here. I wish for Lafayette and all of its residents a very, very happy new year.