In the vibrant community of El Cerrito, each resident holds the potential to shape the city’s future and contribute to its growth, prosperity, and community needs. Engaging in civic activities enhances your understanding of local governance and empowers you to make meaningful changes. Upon my arrival in El Cerrito in the post-pandemic world, I was taken aback by the significant number of residents disillusioned with the local government, feeling helpless in their desire for change. This realization underscores the importance of civic participation; even small efforts by a dedicated group can profoundly transform our community.
Whether you’re attending city council meetings to stay informed, joining local political groups to find community, volunteering for causes you believe in, applying to serve on influential boards, communicating directly with elected officials, or even considering a run for office yourself, there are numerous pathways to involvement. This guide outlines six impactful ways to participate in El Cerrito’s civic life, ensuring your voice is heard and your actions contribute to making El Cerrito a much better place to live. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Attend City Council Meetings: Attending these meetings is a great way to stay informed about what’s happening in your community, learn about upcoming decisions, and express your opinions.
- Join a Local Political Party or Group: Whether you identify with a major political party or a specific issue-based group, joining such an organization can connect you with like-minded individuals and provide avenues for political activism.
- Volunteer for Campaigns and Civic Initiatives: Local candidates and causes often need volunteers to help with various tasks, from canvassing and phone banking to organizing events. Volunteering is a direct way to support the political outcomes you care about.
- Apply for Boards, Commissions, or Committees: Like other local governments have boards, commissions, and committees that rely on citizen volunteers El Cerrito has many openings on Board and Advisory groups. These positions can influence local policy and decisions on issues ranging from planning and development to arts and education.
- Write to the City: Communicating with your elected officials via letters, emails, or social media is a way to express your views on local issues. Representatives need to hear from their constituents to serve effectively. The City Council can be reached through the City Clerk Holly Charléty at cityclerk@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us. Request your letter to be included in the City Council meeting packet. If you want to contact City Council Members or the City Managers, all their emails are below:
- Karen Pinkos-City Manager kpinkos@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
- Councilperson Gabe Quinto gquinto@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
- Councilperson Carolyn Wysinger cywysinger@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
- Councilperson Tessa Rudnick trudnick@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
- Mayor Lisa Motoyama lmotoyama@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
- Councilperson Paul Fadelli pfadelli@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
- Run for Office: Launch a Political Campaign. Should you have a strong desire to effect change and possess a clear vision for the future of the City, running for a local governmental position could be a significant step. The city council currently comprises five members. Among these, the terms of three members are due to conclude by the year’s end. The remaining two members are pursuing positions within the Democratic Central Committee..
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Cheers to El Cerrito!
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 