LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Revelers ring in the new year after heavy downpour saturates Lamorinda


Award-winning bartender Cynthia Songco, right, keeps thirsty revealers' glasses filled at Casa Orinda on New Year's Eve. Photos Jeff Heyman

Lamorinda residents of all ages gathered at various watering holes and restaurants to celebrate the end of 2022 and usher in a hopeful and happy new year, to be filled with many more opportunities for fellowship and fun.

The day's deluge had the chance of derailing party plans. Sandbags were being offered through the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District for Lafayette residents, and the Moraga-Orinda Fire District had several locations set up for sand bag filling in Moraga and Orinda. Roads were closed at different locations throughout Lamorinda on Dec. 31, with Nixle alerts from local police departments pinging on phones reminding folks to be careful when driving on slick surfaces, and ride apps like Uber sent out notices that rides could not be guaranteed after 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve due to high demand. But the rains didn't dampen any spirits and the heavy New Year's Eve downpour didn't keep revelers away, who despite the inclement weather, 'poured' into local establishments to ring in the New Year, donning festive and sometimes silly attire amid sparkling decor at Casa Orinda, the Moraga Country Club, Canyon Club Brewery in Moraga, as well as Postino and the Roundup Saloon in Lafayette (see more photos on Page A8).

Slick roads and swollen creeks aside, the joy on the faces of folks was evident - a wonderful respite after so many months of lockdowns and COVID restrictions.