Business owners are ignoring a free storefront upgrade
This month, I would like to highlight two unique programs that will inspire and motivate the community to keep engaging in the improvement of the quality of life in Orinda. One is new and the other is a town favorite.
Finally, after many years of planning and intense discussions, the city has introduced a new improvement plan that bridges the competing viewpoints between pro-growth and anti-growth proponents for the downtown.
The Community Façade Improvement Program is a one-year pilot program (July 2026 to July 2027) that focuses entirely on improving existing buildings.
By the end of July, no one had applied for the program. Why? If you are an owner or tenant in a downtown building sitting at home and you just heard about the program, after you finish this column, immediately apply for this grant program.
The program provides grants to make permanent exterior improvements to the buildings in the downtown corridors. It will pay up to $10,000 for projects under $10,000, and will match up to $20,000 for projects totaling $30,000.
Acceptable improvements that are deemed approvable range in scope from new signage, canopy replacements, painting and outside seating arrangements.
The program will also provide a streamlined review process.
Assistant to the City Manager and point person for the program, Cole Haselip, points to some stipulations.
“The improvements proposed will be exempt from the Planning Commission design review process and not required to obtain signage or outside dining permits,” said Haselip.
If you are an owner of a downtown building or a tenant with the owner’s approval, you can fill out a simple, one-page form available at the city’s website, cityoforinda.gov. A city staff member will contact you to discuss your project in more detail. Once approved, you can proceed with your improvements.
This type of project has been initiated in other cities like Dublin, Pittsburg and Oakland with great success. So if you’ve thought about a new paint job, new signage or even contemplated dining areas outside your building, here is your chance. It’s a grant, not a loan.
Through this program, the city is recognizing the value of your business in the community by supporting exterior beatification improvements to your building.
The community will also benefit by having improved building facades downtown. All it needs is your participation and engagement in this new endeavor.
The other program and a town favorite is the Seniors Around Town program (SAT). For the last 21 years, The Orinda Association’s SAT program has been providing free, door-to-door, non-emergency rides for seniors and dependent adult Orinda residents who are no longer able to drive.
There is nothing more meaningful than hearing from one of the riders.
“This wonderful program has given me freedom to leave my house, and the confidence that I can be safe, ask for help and go to places I cannot go myself,” said one SAT rider.
The Orinda Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and donations are tax-deductible. If you are 60 years or older and need a ride to medical appointments, grocery stores or other social activities and errands, you can contact rides@seniorsarouindtown.org.
There are no income requirements to qualify for a ride, though one-third of the riders live in Section 8 or affordable housing. There are usually 100 to 120 requests for rides per month and about 70% of the rides are to medical appointments.
Also note there is a fundraising matching drive from Aug. 1 to Sept. 12.
“Every dollar that is contributed will be matched up to $25,000,” Program Director Eloise Sotelo said. “The funds will be used for operational expenses needed to keep facilitating the program.”
If you are a new donor or a continuing donor, we wish to thank you for continuing to engage and participate in this meaningful program that is so impactful to our seniors. For donations, please visit seniorsaroundtown.org.
