Orinda's City Council awarded a construction contract, renamed a street, set new sidewalk vending fees and directed staff to draft subdivision rules at its Tuesday, Oct. 6, meeting.

The council approved Resolution No. 77-26, awarding a construction contract to GradeTech, Inc. for improvements at Orinda Community Park (CIP No. 4112), according to the city's meeting recap. A contingency was also authorized, though the recap did not specify the amount.

Separately, the council adopted Resolution No. 75-26, renaming California Shakespeare Theater Way to Siesta Valley Way. The former Cal Shakes amphitheater is being operated as Siesta Valley Bowl following the East Bay Municipal Utility District’s 15-year lease with the nonprofit Siesta Valley Foundation in December 2025, as Lamorinda Weekly reported. Tom Romary, founder and chairman of Siesta Valley Bowl Inc., said in December 2025 that "Siesta Valley Bowl is being revitalized for all East Bay communities."

The council also established sidewalk vending permit fees through Resolution No. 76-26.

On housing, the council directed staff to begin drafting updates to Orinda Municipal Code Title 16 to implement SB 1123. The law expands the Starter Home Revitalization Act’s streamlined approval process to qualifying projects on vacant lots zoned for single-family housing. Eligible developments can include up to 10 homes, according to the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

In other action, the council adopted Ordinance No. 26-10, clarifying the city’s purchasing requirements. It also accepted the completed storm drain repair work by Miksis Services Inc. under Resolution No. 74-26.

Residents also submitted comments about the playground. A petition titled "Better Playgrounds for Orinda" reported 106 supporters as of 12:39 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, urging the council to develop a third, community-informed alternative featuring natural materials, shade, sand and water play rather than approve either proposed design, according to public comments filed with the council. The council directed staff to return with a revised community input process.

The city’s published calendar lists a council meeting for Monday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m., according to the official schedule.