| | Published December 24th, 2008
| 2008 Lafayette Milestones
| | By Cathy Tyson | | |
January - The highly anticipated Mercantile building finally opens after a number of delays, a few stores are open for business, including JoS A Bank, men's clothing. All of the space is leased, remaining stores open in the near future.
February - The second Downtown Strategy Community Workshop is held at the Methodist Church. City consultant Wallace, Roberts and Todd presented possibilities for Lafayette in the future. Day of Respect at Stanley, every three years this event explores three themes, Responsibility, Integrity and Respect. Start of Lunar new year - Year of the Rat - a year of new beginnings.
March - 8th annual Lafayette Jazz Festival, presented by Generations in Jazz Foundation. Four days of fabulous music from the Big Band of Rossmoor to the Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet and others at the Bentley School.
April - Acalanes High School Jazz Combo finished first at the Monterey Jazz Festival's NeXT Generation Youth Jazz Combo Competition. They beat out fifty-three groups from four continents for the title.
May - Two popular events - Concert at the Reservoir and the Taste of Lafayette, this reporter could not eat another morsel after maxing out on the signature dishes of downtown restaurants.
June - On June 16 Moraga Road officially closed during the day for most of the summer for EBMUD new water pipe installation. Some traffic, but not nearly as bad as everyone expected.
July - The 42nd Annual Lafayette City Swim meet, a sea of tents surround the pool at Acalanes High School. Lafayette Criterium - a one kilometer loop that riders went round and round in the center of town. Decision made to not put a sales tax measure on the ballot.
August - The first four Friday nights in August, Rock the Plaza provided a variety of top musical entertainment for residents. The Way Side Inn celebrates its 30-year anniversary.
September - Dr. Fred Brill becomes the new Superintendent of the Lafayette School District on the first of the month. Lafayette Park Terrace Condominiums on Diablo Court finally get approved.
October - Lafayette Redevelopment Agency sells bonds, hoping to raise $11M to go toward Library construction. The Chamber of Commerce and the City host the 16th annual Reservoir Run. The Youth Commission holds its famous haunted house.
November - Election - All City Council incumbents re-elected, Measure E passes and a new Chief Executive in the White House. The Lafayette Art and Science Foundation hosts its annual fundraising party.
December - Shop Lafayette First campaign kicks off. Santa Claus comes to town.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA