Popular holiday lights along Lombardy Lane in Orinda were the inspiration for Orinda residents to raise funds to create “Orinda Wonderland.”
Imagine the trees in downtown Orinda festively wrapped in white lights during the holiday season. With community support, it could happen.
Longtime Orindans Carol Brovelli and Kim Wirtz Straub have a vision – illuminating specific trees in downtown Orinda with white LED lights November through January. The women were inspired by the success of the holiday lights installed in Sleepy Hollow.
“Not only would holiday lighting bring joy and sparkle to our community when daylight is scarce, a festive glow would make our downtown more inviting and vibrant,” said Straub, adding how Lafayette has enjoyed a holiday light program for years.
In the first year, the plan entails lighting a total of 32 trees along the “gateway” streets of Orinda. On the south side, 17 trees along Brookwood Road and in the traffic circle will be wrapped in lights.
On the north side, 15 trees will be wrapped, specifically six trees along Camino Sobrante in front of the FedEx store leading to Orinda Motors, three trees in the traffic triangle and six olive trees in the Orinda Library plaza.
If the fundraising for the first year is successful, Brovelli and Straub hope to expand Orinda Wonderland to include additional trees.
“Since the City’s annual budget can’t accommodate a holiday lighting plan, financial contributions from residents and local businesses are vital,” said Brovelli.
Participants will be publicly thanked and recognized.
This initiative is sponsored by the Orinda Community Foundation. Make a secure donation at lightuporinda.org and earmark it “Orinda Wonderland.” With generous financial contributions, the tree lighting ceremony will take place on Nov. 15.
“Residents are proud of our city,” Brovelli added. “We have a lovely community with incredible schools and strong property values. Let’s let Orinda sparkle and shine this holiday season! Illuminate Orinda by donating today.”
