El Cerrito residents are grappling with an unnecessary financial burden: a $35 permit fee for residents with alarm systems charged by the police department. While we understand the need for fees to cover false alarms, it’s troubling that our tax dollars aren’t covering the cost of police responses to actual break-ins. This fee is yet another layer in the city’s financial mismanagement, adding to the high costs and high crime rates that plague our community.
High Crime Rates and Police Staffing Concerns
Despite having the largest police staff per capita in the region, El Cerrito is not seeing a corresponding increase in safety. Our crime rate is alarmingly high, with 44 incidents per thousand residents. The likelihood of being a victim of violent or property crime here is 1 in 23, far above the national average.
Comparatively, Hercules, California, a city of similar size and population, experiences much lower crime rates with fewer police officers. Hercules residents face a 1 in 900 chance of encountering violent crime and a 1 in 92 chance of property crime. These figures highlight that having more officers doesn’t necessarily lead to better safety outcomes.
The Inefficiency of the $35 Alarm Permit Fee
In this context, the $35 alarm permit fee imposed by the El Cerrito Police Department adds insult to injury. While fees for false alarms can be justified, charging residents for the mere presence of an alarm system is unacceptable. Our tax dollars should cover these essential services, ensuring that residents are not penalized for the city’s fiscal mismanagement.
A Call for Fiscal Responsibility and Better Policing
El Cerrito needs to reassess its approach to both financial management and public safety. The city must prioritize fiscal responsibility, innovative solutions, and effective community policing strategies. Learning from successful models like that of Hercules can provide valuable insights.
Strong, collaborative relationships between law enforcement agencies and communities are crucial for deterring crime and enhancing safety. The principles of 21st Century Policing—emphasizing dignity, respect, empathy, and transparency—must be adopted to rebuild trust and improve community relations.
Engaging with the Community
As residents of El Cerrito, it is vital to stay informed and engaged with these issues. Participate in local governance, support reform initiatives, and voice your concerns about fiscal management and public safety practices. Together, we can push for changes that will make our community safer and more financially stable.
How You Can Help:
- Share this post with other residents.
- Comment on the post.
- Attend the monthly Financial Advisory Board meetings in person.
- Post on Next Door.
- Voice your concerns with the City Council.
- Participate in Council meetings, which are available both remotely and in person, although public comment is now limited to in-person attendees.
Contact Information for City Officials:
- 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
Let’s work together to ensure El Cerrito adopts a more equitable and effective approach to public safety and financial management.
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 