Orinda, CA:
Incorporated in 1985, Population: 18,000 Area: 12.8 square miles Average rainfall: 32.24 inches, Summer climate: average 80+/- degrees Winter climate: average 45-50 degrees Most prestigious address in Contra Costa County
rinda is the most wealthy of the three communities we call Lamorinda (Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda) and one of the most beautiful settings in the county. The name Orinda came from Alice Marsh Camron's poetry book. Her husband, William Camron, purchased almost 3,000 acres in the area in 1875 that was eventually sold to the DeLaveaga family. They later developed much of the County Club area intended to be a valley resort of summer homes for the rich. The town site of Orinda was established back in the 1920's. After the Caldecott Tunnel opened in 1937 connecting Alameda County and Contra Costa Counties, the area began developing rapidly. The 1920's saw Orinda as a get-away for the wealthy. The post-war building boom brought more modest, middle class homes. However, Orinda continues to have a rural, resort character and a prestige aura that started back in the 1920's. Many of the Bay Area's top executives and other professionals over the years have chosen Orinda because of it proximity to San Francisco, its prestigious address, peaceful setting and its quality school system. Orinda is just over the Oakland Hills from the University of California at Berkeley. There are many ancient native oaks, a hilly terrain in most areas, many winding streets. Orinda backs up to Tilden Regional Park with its trails, merry-go-round, playing fields, lake, golf course, and botanical gardens. A Shakespearean Theater opened in 1991 near the Gateway freeway exit. Orinda is the last city before the Caldecott Tunnel to Oakland and San Francisco. It, therefore, has the closest commute of the three communities. Some Local Points of Interest
Schools: Orinda boasts outstanding schools. Miramonte High School has won a number of national awards. The schools are the #1 attraction for many home buyers here. Orinda is a much sought-after community. It is has a charm and uniqueness that is very attractive to many home buyers. They are willing to pay a premium price for their homes in order to have the prestigious Orinda address and access to Orinda's highly rated elementary and high schools. The proximity to BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and the Caldecott Tunnel through the hills to Oakland and San Francisco make it highly desired by commuters. Orinda has an understated elegance and an allure that attracts young and old. Don't miss two other pages on Orinda: ORINDA PART 2 and ORINDA PART 3
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The Orinda Theater was built by Donald Rheem in 1941. The art deco
style and the ornamentation of the exterior made the theatre an
outstanding landmark for half a century. The interior was
considered a masterpiece of its kind. However, in 1984 is was scheduled
to be torn down but was saved by the Friends of the Orinda Theater, the
Art Deco Society and a number of other groups. The theater has been
refurbished to its original beauty and was reopened in 1989 with the
adjoining shops and offices.
The
Theater Square complex
now adjoins the Theater and has many shops,
offices and some good restaurants. The complex has been the center of
the community in many ways. Its a very popular spot for dining on the
courtyard on warm, summer evenings. The shops include Impressions
Florist, my favorite florist in our area. Their floral arrangements are
exceptional.
One
of the entrances to Theater Square. In the summer, local musical
groups often entertain diners eating at the sidewalk cafes.
Casa
Orinda
has been a favorite place to eat in Orinda for about 65
years. It has many artifacts from early ranching days: large western
paintings, many
photos, and a large gun collection. You'll find the best fried chicken for miles!
The Chicken Doré is also delicious. Good pasta,
fish and steaks, too. 
