Thank You to El Cerrito Daily News

At a time when too many residents feel unheard and overlooked, The El Cerrito Daily News has become a powerful force for civic awareness and engagement. We extend deep thanks to the founding members who stepped forward to shine light on our city’s decisions, priorities, and gaps. You’ve created a much-needed platform where truth can be told plainly, and residents can speak openly.

Among the issues you’ve helped elevate is one of the most egregious: El Cerrito is the only city along the San Pablo Avenue corridor that no longer has a dedicated senior center.

Let that sink in.

Every neighboring city—from Oakland to Hercules—has committed space, resources, and programming to serve their growing older adult populations. El Cerrito, by contrast, shuttered its Midtown Activity Center during the pandemic and never reopened it. A misleading “Senior Center” sign still hangs over an empty room near City Hall, but the real heart of senior services is gone.

The data is clear. El Cerrito’s population is aging—nearly 27% of residents are over 60, far higher than the state average. And yet, city leadership has allowed senior services to wither, scattering a few programs across church basements and multi-use rooms.

Senior centers save lives. They reduce isolation, provide access to critical services, and foster connection, dignity, and joy. Before it was closed, El Cerrito’s center offered everything from exercise classes to tax help, tech support, meals, and legal advice.

We’re grateful that The El Cerrito Daily News has helped document this decline. And we’re equally grateful for the volunteers behind the El Cerrito Senior Center Action Committee, who are working to change it. Their effort to partner with Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia to restore the Veterans Memorial Building on Stockton Avenue is a step in the right direction—but they shouldn’t have to do it alone.

Thank you again to the founding members of The El Cerrito Daily News. Your work is helping us tell the full story—including the one our city would rather leave out.

Now it’s time to act.