Lamorinda Living

Jenn shares her evolution toward plant-based eating, including her ah-ha moments and how it has impacted her health. Plus, we dig into the content on her blog...from family-friendly meals and kid lunchbox ideas to shopping lists, recipes, and interviews.

Craig has combined his passion for photography with his desire to help during the pandemic.  Craig takes family pictures on porches in exchange for a donation to the Monument Crisis Center.  Having raised more than 75k, Craig expresses his gratitude to those who have participated and donated to this important ongoing cause and reminds folks it's not too late to participate!

Owner of Lafayette Social, Christine discusses how this local magazine came to be and how it supports her passion for creating connections and community. 

Graham's son was an Acalanes student when he took his own life.  Graham has dedicated his life to ensuring other parents don't ever have to experience a similar loss.  Graham talks about his advocacy for school wellness centers and how Lamorindans can watch for signs of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation in children.

Karen Ferguson is the former director of the Northern California branch of the International Rescue Committee.  She discusses her work in the global humanitarian sector, the process of refugee resettlement, and what skills she acquired running a non-governmental organization. 

Sharp Barber shop owners, EJ and Sheldon, discuss how they created the “Cheers” environment at a barbershop right here in Lafayette.  The shop with a cult following, the owners discuss their services which include an optional shot of the finest whisky, a great music playlist and the haircut you deserve.  Calling all dads looking for the perfect venue for a father-son outing.  This could be your spot. 

Mom, author and product of K-12 Orinda schooling, Sandra Ann Harris, reflects on her lightbulb moment picking up her son from daycare when she realized that plastic was everywhere.  She has now written a book to share her life hacks for plastic-free living.  Sandra Ann reveals "easy buttons" at Whole Foods, how to flag your Amazon account for no plastic packaging and how to vote with your wallet.

Rebecca Bauer-Kahan discusses her values and what motivated her to leave private practice and run for State Assembly in 2018.  Wonder what she looks for when hiring or what has been most difficult in the transition?  Listen here!

Executive Director, and long time Moraga resident, shares her memories of the creation of the MCN link and how it has transformed from a tool to ensure town council transparency into a dynamic bulletin to promote awareness of community happenings. Wondering who to support in the 5 vacant Town Council seats? The Moraga Citizens Network (MCN) will host a virtual "Meet the Candidates" night on September 30! 

College & graduate admissions advisor provides updates on what students can expect when attending colleges this Fall. 

Ryan O discusses his innovative community event to inject joy into neighborhoods during the shelter-in-place.  Ryan has gone viral with his 30 minute block parties that bring all generations into the streets for a socially-distant dance party.  Long time DJ, who runs a mobile entertainment company, Ryan discusses the best way of ensuring an event becomes a memory and his go-to songs for the 7, 21, 40 and 60 year old!

Top Lamorinda realtor Dana Green discusses home values during the pandemic as migration patterns trend away from high-density cities. Dana shares what she looks for when evaluating a house on the market and what she suggests as home investments to ensure value holds for sellers. Listen to find out what black bark signifies and why Dana says home buying is really about emotions.

Discussions cover the planned hybrid schedule, the role of community pods, what happens if teachers opt out and how the distance learning experience will be enhanced.

Ellide discusses the recent surge in club membership as Lamorinda takes a hard look at racism on the local level, and particularly at the high schools.   Ellide discusses the parent club's mission and action items, reflects on what strong school administration leadership looks like and who is rising to the challenge. 

Justin Cole shares how his life trajectory changed after a 2014 coffee meeting with co-founder Linda Craig which resulted in the birth of the Joy In Motion dance studio.  Justin talks his core values, pandemic challenges and what TV show he never misses. 

Lafayette Chamber's go-to coach, Holly Jean Jackson, discusses coaching Lamorinda residents on how to launch or grow local businesses.  Holly talks about conducting market research, drafting business plans, pitch funders & scaling a business.  Her Chamber classes include How to Build a Brand; Business Time Saving Tools and, most recently, Living and Working with Social Distance.  

Exec. Director Jay Lifson leads a Chamber that is one of the most active in the State.  Jay talks about how the Chamber supports local business, current programs and pain points, including the Covid-19.

Superintendent of MSD Bruce Burns and parent Stephanie Dickerson discuss newly adopted school security measures following an independent assessment conducted by Safe Havens International on local school vulnerabilities.  They share how the schools are making upgrades without raising student anxiety or undermining a school's welcoming environment. 

Lafayette's Lauren Herpich discusses her business, Local Food Adventures, which provides walking food tours around the East Bay, including Lafayette.  Lauren discusses how she uses food to convey history and a sense of connection between people and place. Find out where she takes folks on a Lamorinda tour.

Kevin Hamilton opened the Canyon Club Brewery in August 2019. He discusses the growing pains and pleasant surprises of opening a biergarten in Moraga and his desire to create of a "third place" in the community where everyone is comfortable and welcomed.

Margie is an Orinda Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), a columnist for the Lamorinda Weekly and the author of a book titled: Treat Your Partner Like Your Dog: How To Breed A Better Relationship.  She discusses Do's and Don'ts for parents who are going through a divorce.

Moraga mother and MEF volunteer, Ana Moon, discusses how Moraga maintains distinguished schools despite living in California which ranks 41st in per pupil funding nationwide.  

Tanuka is an Orinda resident who left corporate America to start a non-profit  aiming to spark compassion in youth through service learning.  Tanuka talks about her journey creating this non-profit including an unanticipated partnership between Orinda children and the Town of Paradise which continues to heal following the devastating Camp Fire.  

Kerry Corcoran co-owns and manages Lafayette's Dailey Method.  She talks about the value of creating a supportive community and the beneficial effects of barre exercise on your body and mind. 

In a modern day world where no one has the inclination to wait, Ken Shin discusses his work at the scale-up company ,Drift, which helps businesses start a conversation immediately.  Ken talks about what he learned at SalesForce and Copper and how he is using those skills at Drift. 

Dr. Robbins balances his work as a local pediatrician to many of our children with his work at the JF Kapnek Foundation which supports health and wellness in Zimbabwe. Dan discusses his work with HIV transmission reduction and preschools that provide nutrient-rich meals and regular check ups and what wisdom he has learned from a  country rich in spirit.

MOFD Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Dennis Rein discusses Moraga's October 10, 2019 Merrill Fire prompting evacuations around the Sanders Ranch neighborhood of Moraga.  Dennis provides tips on how to best prepare for future Lamorinda fires, especially when coupled with a power outage.

Yukie is a mother asking the Lafayette school systems to take a deeper look at how race and diversity is taught in Lafayette schools.  To this end, some Lafayette parents have created the Cultural Proficiency Working Group to engage the school district in ways to raise race consciousness practices at schools.

Dr. Ann Schiebert is a Lafayette resident and psychologist who specializes in teens and addiction issues.  Author of several books, Ann speaks about her own experience having an addicted child, the signs for parents to look for in a struggling teen and how to   respond when addiction comes into the home.

Kristin is an Orinda Mom, employment lawyer, and Co-Director of Lamorinda Moms.  This well-known organization provides emotional and social support to new moms in Lamorinda. Kristin discusses some of their flagship initiatives for new moms who may be feeling overwhelmed or isolated. 

Brett is a Moraga resident and teacher at Joaquin Miller Middle School where he launched the 10,000 Lunches program. Students pack lunches that are then provided to the homeless in the East Bay.  Brett talks about how the program works and what lessons it conveys.

Adam is a Moraga dad and police sergeant with SFPD.  He discusses police work in a major metropolitan area, use of force issues and what it's like to be photobombed by someone you once arrested.

Brian Sullivan is a Moraga father and the principal of Rheem Elementary in Moraga.  Brian shares the special sauce for making a great school.  And how it's not so different from basketball. 

Brian is a Moraga father and a co-founder of the S.F. based creative strategy firm Atomic D.   Brian discusses brand strategy and the importance of creating a supportive work culture for employee retention. 

Lynna is a Lafayette mother who works to assist child welfare agencies improve their services.  A program associate for the National Council on Crime and Delinquency, Lynna talks about the challenges of state intervention into families and best practices to keep families intact when possible.

Billy is a Moraga father who has been in the tech industry for 25 years, having worked at a startup, Oracle and Salesforce before landing at Dropbox as VP for Business Development.  Bill explains his role, what skills he relies on to be successful in the tech industry and what he looks for when hiring.

Katie Thomson and Kendall Glynn launched Orinda -based Square Baby in order to offer moms a nutrient-packed baby meal system that leaves apple sauce off the menu!  They share their trials and tribulations of entrepreneurship as well as the tea leaves pointing to a lot of future successes growing business!

Rebecca is a Moraga mother of one who provides interior styling to Lamorinda residents.  She talks about her eye for room improvements and how she helps residents without breaking the bank. 

Steve Woehleke is a Moraga resident and town councilman who supported the campaign to Save Painted Rock which provides countless teens a free billboard on Moraga's famous hillside. He  speaks about the inner machinations of Town Council and how the sausage is really made!

David is the Moraga Orinda Fire Chief.  He talks with us about wildfire management in Lamorinda and the recent grant awarded to create a defensible space to support our property and family protection in the case of the unexpected.  What is Lamorinda's fire risk?  Listen and find out. 

Allison is a (recently moved) Moraga resident and mother of two who led the charge to pass a gun safe-storage law in Moraga.  She discusses the journey passing this local ordinance and navigating a hot topic in her own backyard.  Good insight in coalition-building at the local level.