LAMORINDA WEEKLY | A strong police presence keeps the 2019 Art and Wine Festival safe


Photo J. Wake

And just like that, the 2019 Art and Wine Festival is a memory. But at least for the weekend the downtown was transformed as Lafayette welcomed crowds from all over the Bay Area to enjoy the nonstop music, to savor wine and enjoy local brews, and to shop the hundreds of varied arts and crafts stalls. It takes a small army of volunteers to help put this event on. And it takes many more to keep everyone safe.

Many residents commented on the excellent job done by the Lafayette Police Department on being well prepared and keeping everyone safe. There was a visible police presence including some officers with dogs, and less-visible undercover police working to be ready for anything.

City Council Member Cam Burks said several people approached him. "Folks who were at Gilroy and witnessed the shooting commented on how reassured they were and how seriously we were taking it. Huge kudos to you, Ben (LPD Chief Ben Alldritt) and the entire event planning team."