Thank you for your feedback! Looking to the future

As the City worked to finalize our biennial budget in a time of uncertainty, we appreciate the feedback we received from you — the community we serve. This Spring/Summer, the City asked our community to provide their input on the services most important to them. Thank you to the nearly 500 residents who responded!

The services community members prioritized include:

• Maintaining fire protection and emergency medical services
• Maintaining rapid 9-1-1 emergency response times
• Maintaining City parks, paths and playfields
• Maintaining after-school programs for children and teens
• Maintaining library program hours for children, adults and families
• Maintaining wildfire prevention programs
• Maintaining and improving open spaces
• Maintaining crime prevention and investigation resources

Through the hard work of the City Council, El Cerrito has adopted a balanced budget this year without impacting services that residents told us were important.

For the long-term future, we must account for the upcoming expiration of existing voter-approved local funding (Measure R), which means planning for approximately 10% across the board cuts to all City services, programs, and staff, if the measure is not reauthorized by voters before it expires.

Your feedback will help the City Council as it deliberates next steps.

If you haven’t already provided feedback and wish to do so, please visit: www.el-cerrito.org/JoinTheConversation

Thank you for your commitment to our local community.

FY 2024-25 & 2025-26 Budget-In-Brief

Thanks to all who participated in this year’s budget process attending meetings, completing surveys, and providing input to inform the City's budget. Click here to review the Adopted Digital Budget Book, approved during a concurrent Special Meeting of the El Cerrito Public Financing Authority, Employee Pension Board, and Regular Meeting of the City Council on June 18, 2024. This year, the City has also produced a Budget-in-Brief, providing a high-level overview of the City's Adopted Budget, providing an additional resource for residents to understand the City’s finances and the organization as a whole. For more information, visit el-cerrito.org/BudgetProcess.

City Hall Gallery Space Exhibition

July 8 through August 8

ARTIST’S RECEPTION -

FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2024, 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. AT EL CERRITO CITY HALL

El Cerrito artist Sandi Goldstein presents "Abstraction in Quilts", showcasing art quilts created from established patterns to original designs with hand dyed cloth, rust and plants. 

Imagining a New Library in El Cerrito

Thanks to everyone who attended the El Cerrito Library Workshop on June 11! Staff estimate that more than 100 people were in attendance, with standing room only. The workshop featured a presentation with the latest information on the opportunity for a new El Cerrito Library at the El Cerrito Plaza Transit-Oriented Development Project, followed by Q&A, and an interactive activity, and the opportunity to ask questions individually.

The new El Cerrito Library that is being explored would provide a full complement of contemporary library and community services as well as serve as a destination, anchoring “downtown” El Cerrito. It would be accessible by car, public transit, and have excellent bicycle and pedestrian access. Perhaps most significantly, a modern library incorporated into the El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD project would cost approximately two-thirds as much as a new stand-alone library, saving over $10,000,000 dollars in construction costs.

Review the City’s updated Library webpage, including the most recent presentation, and answers to frequently asked questions at https://www.el-cerrito.org/library. And stay tuned for additional opportunities to provide input. Staff are planning an additional workshop to take place in Fall 2024.

Climate Action & Adaptation Plan Update 

Development of the City’s Climate Action & Adaptation Plan is nearing completion. Thanks to everyone who participated in the City’s Environmental Quality Committee meetings, stakeholder advisory group, community workshops, online surveys and in-person tabling events to share your thoughts over the past year!

Staff are proud to have received more than 400 comments on the Public Draft of the CAAP, helping refine and improve the Plan. A “final” draft CAAP will be available on the City’s website by July 3, 2024 at el-cerrito.org/climateactionplan, with City Council consideration planned for July 16, 2024.

For more information, please contact Assistant to the City Manager Will Provost at wprovost@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us.

Join Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and Assemblymember Buffy Wicks for a Virtual Insurance Town Hall July 2!

Hear from experts about emergency preparedness and about how California is addressing the homeowner insurance crisis.

Virtual Insurance Town Hall

July 2, 2024 from 1pm – 2pm

with Assemblymember Buffy Wicks and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and speakers from United Policyholders, California FAIR Plan, and Personal Insurance Federation of California

Click here to RSVP!

CITY CLERK

Interested in Running for City Council?

In November of 2024, the terms of office for Mayor Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, and Councilmember Motoyama will expire. The term for each seat shall be four years, from November 2024 to November 2028. To be eligible to run for City Council, a candidate must be a resident of El Cerrito and a registered voter at the time nomination documents are issued. The nomination period for these offices will open on Monday, July 15, 2024. 

The City Clerk is the Elections Official and primary contact for El Cerrito candidates. To best serve candidates, individuals interested in running for office are encouraged to contact the City Clerk to ask questions. Appointments will be required for issuance, review, and submission of nomination documents.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the City Clerk at cityclerk@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us or 510-215-4305. Election information is also available online at www.el-cerrito.org/Election.

NEW Youth Participation on City Advisory bodies

The City Council recently approved a new opportunity for youth to volunteer with the City and serve as a non-voting member on a wide variety of Boards, Commissions and Committees (advisory bodies)! Youth members must be between the age of 14-18 and either attend El Cerrito High School or reside in El Cerrito to be considered. 

Interested youth can submit an application on the City’s Website and will be required to provide written parental consent to participate. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and will be held for one year if the requested advisory body does not have an open spot at the time the application is received. Youth Members are eligible to serve until their 19th birthday or until graduation from El Cerrito High School. Participants are encouraged to provide a presentation at a City Council meeting to share their experience at the end of their service. 

For more information, visit https://www.el-cerrito.org/Commissions or contact the City Clerk at cityclerk@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us or 510-215-4371.

Recent City Council Meeting Highlights

Tuesday, June 4, 2024 (Regular Meeting)

• Received Presentation on Hillside Natural Area Fire Resilience and Forest Conservation Management Plan
• Recognized National Night Out, Loving Day, LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, and Juneteenth
• Re-appointed Paloma Pavel (Environmental Quality Committee)
• Approved the City’s Classification Plan Amendment
• Renewed Military Equipment Ordinance
• Created Community Safety Committee and Eliminated Crime Prevention Committee
• Received and filed Fiscal Year 2024-25 and 2025-26 Biennial Budget Draft

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 (Regular Meeting)

• Received Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for May 2024
• Amended the City's Classification Plan
• Adopted a List of Projects for SB 1 - The Road Repair and Accountability Act
• Authorized Participation in Green Empowerment Zone
• Approved Consulting Services Agreements
• Held Public Hearing on Fire Hazard Abatement Declaration
• Adopted Biennial Budget
• Called and Consolidated General Election for 3 Council Seats

Upcoming City Council Agenda Items (Subject to Change)

• Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (July 16, 2024)
• Consider Tax Renewal Ballot Measure (July 16, 2024)

Agenda materials and public comment instructions are available online at

www.el-cerrito.org/CouncilMeetingMaterials as well as video archives. For questions or more information, please contact the City Clerk at cityclerk@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us or 510-215-4305. 

Welcome to El Cerrito

Located at 11161 San Pablo Avenue, Flo Hair Studios is the newest business to locate in our Midtown district. Flo specializes in wigs, hair toppers, toupees, extensions and more. Visit their website at www.flohairstudios.com or stop by their Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, June 29th at 10:30AM. 

Summer Kick Off Party and Makers Faire

El Cerrito showed up and shopped out! Good times/memories were made celebrating our amazing community, artists, local makers and musicians. Special thank you to the Little Hill, El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce, and all those who had in hand in this magical day. If you missed it, a full list of makers can be found at www.elcerritochamber.org/local-makers. Stay in the know by subscribing to the Community Development eNews at el-cerrito.org/CommDev for future events.  

Photo by: Stephanie Dolen

Annual Business License Renewals and Rent Registry

It’s that time of year again! As a reminder, all businesses operating in El Cerrito are required to apply for and maintain a Business License Certificate. Business license fees are due on July 1 and payments received after July 31 may be subject to penalties. Businesses are encouraged to renew online at el-cerrito.org/webrenewals. The City will mail and email detailed information regarding the annual business license renewal in June. Please visit the City’s website at el-cerrito.org/businesslicenses, for more information or contact BusinessLicense@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us. Note: Beginning July 1, 2025, the City will transition to digital renewal notices and details will be provided with current renewals. 

Online Rent Registry: Starting July 1, 2024, all property owners/managers of rental properties will be required to register or renew their residential rental property data through the City’s online portal by July 31, 2024, along with the annual business license renewal process. Paper forms will not be accepted. The annual fee is $45.00/unit for the reporting period of July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024. Detailed information, including online account access and instructions, will be provided with the Business License Renewal Notices. For additional information, please visit our website at el-cerrito.org/rentregistry or send a message to housing@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us. 

Affordable Housing Waitlist Opportunities

Click to view June 2024 Affordable Housing Opportunities– All Bay Area Counties (Courtesy of openhousesf.org).

Check out the Doorway Housing Portal to view affordable housing listings across the Bay Area here or visit housingbayarea.org 

Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services  

HUD Pre-Purchase Workshop: July 2, 9, 16, 23 @ 6PM via Zoom 

If you are a first-time homebuyer and considering homeownership in the Bay Area, this workshop has been designed for you! Click here to register. 

Homeless Outreach Services Starting July 1, 2024, the City of El Cerrito will expand vital homeless outreach services to our unhoused and most vulnerable populations. Through a new regional partnership with the City of San Pablo and Contra Costa County Health, Housing and Homeless Programs (County H3) this one-year pilot provides a dedicated Coordinated Outreach Referral, Engagement (CORE) services team. The CORE team works to engage and stabilize unhoused individuals through consistent outreach to facilitate and/or deliver health and basic-need services and secure permanent housing services. The CORE team will spend at least 13 hours per week providing outreach services specifically in El Cerrito including support to local businesses. The most recent Point-in-Time (PIT) Count showed a 19% increase in the total number of people observed experiencing homelessness on a given night in Contra Costa County (from 2023 to 2024). For those in need of services, call 211, text “HOPE” to 20121 or visit 211cc.org.

Building Permits Update

For May, there were 131 building permits, 18 of which were solar permits. Currently, the application processing time for building permits requiring plan check is up to 15 days after the date a complete application is submitted. Over the counter permits are available in person during counter hours or can be submitted via email at buildingapplications@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us and will be issued within 1-2 business days. Please visit www.el-cerrito.org/permitcounter for more information. 

Mayfair Affordable: 11690 San Pablo Avenue 

Rendering: Courtesy of Lowney Architecture  

On June 7, 2024, the Mayfair Affordable project received its building permit to construct 69 new affordable housing units. After five years of assembling multiple funding applications with BRIDGE Housing, the City is excited to see this project break ground. Construction is slated to last between 20-22 months with units available for occupancy in Spring/Summer 2026.  

The affordable housing project is Phase Two of the overall Mayfair development adjacent to del Norte BART. Phase One - 11600 San Pablo Avenue, completed in 2023, includes 156 market rate units with 8,894 square feet of new ground floor commercial space. Three new businesses are currently in the building permit phase, including: Mayfair Market, Sa Wad Dee Thai, and a food emporium concept by Mi Casa Grill. Mayfair will contribute to revitalizing the northern Uptown commercial district while fulfilling the goals of the City’s San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan, Housing Element, Economic Development Action Plan and Affordable Housing Strategy. It will also create a mix of new multi-family housing units that will serve a diversity of households while providing housing stability and economic development opportunities adjacent to transportation.

Visit el-cerrito.org/MajorProjects for more information or subscribe to the Community Development eNews at el-cerrito.org/CommDev for housing alerts, including future waitlist announcements.

EC Plaza BART Station Transit Oriented Development – Community Meeting: July 17, 5:30 p.m.

City staff are currently nearing completion of the review of the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Master Plan application, as the statutory deadline for taking action on the project approaches. Pursuant to AB 2823 and SB 35, the action on the project must be ministerial and based solely on confirmation of compliance with adopted objective standard. Waivers and concessions to adopted standards are allowed pursuant to State Density Bonus Law. 

As a courtesy to the public and nearby property owners, City staff will mail a courtesy notice to owners of property within 300 feet of the project site once an action has been taken and will hold an informal informational meeting on July 17, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at City Hall (10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito), for anyone interested in learning more about the project. 

The Master Plan proposes five new multifamily, below-market rate and market-rate residential and mixed-use buildings with a total of 673 new residential units, approximately 2,100 square-feet of ground-floor retail, and an approximately 0.5-acre public plaza along Fairmount Avenue. If the City can secure the necessary financing, then a 20,000 square foot public library will also be included in the project. A sixth building with 70 units of below-market rate housing was previously approved. 

More information is available at www.el-cerrito.org/TOD

Please contact the Planning Division at planning@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us or (510) 215-4330 with any questions about the project.

Operations 

Engine 51 responded to a fire on Nevin Ave (Captain Gagne, Engineer Clarine, Firefighter/ Paramedic Williams and Probationary Firefighter Driscoll). The fire was located in the garage. The E51 crew made entry and advanced a 1-3/4" line to the seat of the fire. Probationary FF Driscoll was the first of his academy classmates to go interior and extinguish the contents of a working structure fire. FF Driscoll is featured standing next to one his classmates from Richmond Fire who assisted with the vertical ventilation. 

Training

El Cerrito conducted a commercial fire drill at Adams Middle School over the weekend for A shift. The drill was a working first alarm commercial structure fire with rescue. The drill was done twice and five probationary firefighters received valuable training. 

Public Outreach

Engine 51 visited Korematsu Middle School to assist with the federal TRIO Program at UC Berkeley. The Federal TRIO Programs are outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post baccalaureate programs. 

Calls for Service  

The El Cerrito Police Department (ECPD) handled 1,919 calls for service in May. To read more about the types of calls the ECPD handles, check out our Nixle Feed at www.local.nixle.com/el-cerrito-police-department/.

National Night Out

National Night Out will take place on August 6, 2024. National Night Out is our chance to celebrate community by welcoming new neighbors, reconnecting with friends, and fostering better relationships with local police and first responders.  

If you are interested in hosting a block party for National Night Out, visit el-cerrito.org/NationalNightOut to request your permit. 

Employment Opportunities with the ECPD 

Interested in Becoming a Police Officer? 

The ECPD is currently looking for candidates for Police Recruit and Police Officer. These jobs offer an unmatched ability to make positive change in our community and offer great benefits to boot! If you or someone you know is interested in joining the ECPD team, please have them check out our available positions at: el-cerrito.org/jobs.

Red Flag Parking Pilot Program Started in Early June 

The Public Works Department, Fire Department, Police Department, and Make El Cerrito Fire Safe are collaborating to implement a Red Flag Parking Pilot Program from June through November this year. Red Flag Days are declared by the National Weather Service, and in El Cerrito typically occur a handful of days or less. The Pilot Program will prohibit on-street parking on one side of the streets during Red Flag Days to allow access for public safety vehicles in a fire-related emergency. Sections of Rifle Range Road, Contra Costa Drive, King Drive, and Terrace Drive were selected to be part of the Pilot Program. Residents and visitors along the streets included in the Pilot Program will find temporary “No Parking Any Time On Red Flag Days” signs placed on one side of the street. The signs will include a QR code leading to a website for the National Weather Service where Red Flag alerts will be posted: https://www.weather.gov/wrh/CAFW?area=CAZ508. The Fire Department will also place Red Flag Warning signs at key street locations to alert the public regarding the extreme weather conditions. During the Pilot Program, volunteers wearing City safety vests will help distribute educational flyers to vehicles that are in violation of the No Parking restrictions. No vehicles will be issued citations or towed away at this time. To learn more about Red Flag Warnings, visit: www.el-cerrito.org/redflag. This is a Pilot Program, so please provide your feedback to the Public Works Department. 

Recycling Center Exchange Zone Reopening 

The El Cerrito Exchange Zone (EZ) will reopen on Monday, July 8, 2024. Staff at the Recycling and Environmental Resource Center (RERC) have worked hard to implement physical improvements, including new signage, additional parking, and completed maintenance work. Staff will also pilot operational improvements, including new hours for browsing and dropping off items at the EZ and new Rules of Conduct for the entire RERC. 

The goals of the improvements are to enhance the day-to-day operations of the EZ as well as the entire RERC. As always, our goal is to provide an efficient, safe, and welcoming experience for all users.  

Visitors will be able to browse the items available in the EZ from RERC opening to 12pm. From 1pm to RERC closing, the EZ will be open for drop off of accepted items. Staff will review the new EZ operations to determine if the changes are helping to meet the stated goals. 

We welcome written feedback from all Recycling Center and Exchange Zone visitors. Feedback can be submitted by:  

• Emailing green@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
• Submitting feedback through an online webform on the EZ Information page that will be available upon reopening
• Dropping off a written note in a comment box at the EZ or at the front counter of the RERC, 7501 Schmidt Lane, during the Center’s open hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-4pm and Saturday 9am-4:45pm.
• Mailing a letter to 7501 Schmidt Lane, El Cerrito, CA 94530

For more information, including a list of items accepted by the Exchange Zone and our Rules of Conduct, please visit www.el-cerrito.org/ExchangeZone

Road Safety Corner 

Each month, we’ll share more information about a road safety feature that the City has implemented, and this month, we’re covering how red curb installations help improve visibility at intersections, also known as ”daylighting.” Prohibiting parking next to crosswalks improves visibility between vehicles and cyclists at the intersection and pedestrians trying to cross the street. California‘s new law (AB 413) prohibits parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk, so you can expect to see more daylighting at intersections throughout El Cerrito and the state.

Recreation Department summer camps began the week of June 10th and are off to a great start with excited campers and enthusiastic staff and instructors. During weeks one and two of summer, the Recreation Department has served over 400 campers each week. Camps will continue to be offered through August 16th, and there are still spaces available in each week. To see what is being offered and to register, click here. 

Summer at the El Cerrito Swim Center 

The El Cerrito Swim Center is looking forward to family fun at the pool this summer. Below are some of the summer programs being offered, and more information can be found at http://www.el-cerrito.org/1507/Family-Swim-Programs

rECswim for All Ages: June 11 - August 18, 2024 

rECswim is for families with children of all ages and takes place in the Activity Pool and Emery G. Weed III Lap Pool including diving boards and Splash Park.  

• Mon-Fri: 12:30pm-3:30pm 
• Sat & Sun: 12:30pm-4:30pm 

Friday Family Fun Nights for All Ages: June 21 - August 16, 2024 

Family Fun Nights are offered Friday evenings for families with children of all ages. Perfect for families who want to swim together in the evening. Fun Nights take place in the Activity Pool and Emery G. Weed III Lap Pool including diving boards and Splash Park.  

• Fridays 4:30-7pm 

rECswim After Dark for 7 years old and up  

rECswim After Dark is perfect for families with older youth and teens. rECswim After Dark takes place in the Activity Pool and includes use of the diving board in the Emery G. Weed III Lap Pool. Come enjoy the pool in the dark with fun lights and music. Join us on one or all three of the dates offered. Event is held 6:30pm-9pm. 

• Saturday, July 13, 2024  
• Saturday, August 3, 2024 

Support the 4th of July Festival! 

The City of El Cerrito & worldOne July 4th Festival will take place on Thursday, 7/4 from 11am-5pm at Cerrito Vista Park. This City tradition is only possible due to generous sponsorships and donations. We continue to seek donations from the community for our 2024 festival; any amount is appreciated! Our goal is to reach $50,000 in raised funds that will allow the event to continue to be admission free, support high quality musical performances and family entertainment such as rides and bounce houses, and keep costs low for participating non-profits and civic organizations. In addition to individual donations, there are also opportunities for businesses and organizations to sponsor the event. Contributions to the City of El Cerrito may be tax-deductible and will only be used for the 2024, or future, 4th of July Festival.

For more information on supporting the festival or to make your donation, please visit el-cerrito.org/july4

If you prefer to mail your donation, please send a check payable to "City of El Cerrito" to: 

El Cerrito Recreation Department 

4th of July Donation 

7007 Moeser Lane 

El Cerrito, CA 94530