Let’s talk about what no one at City Hall wants to admit — El Cerrito’s taxes are out of control.
Our sales tax rate is among the highest in the region, making even everyday purchases feel like a penalty for shopping locally. Residents are voting with their wallets — going elsewhere to buy groceries, clothes, or hardware. Others have simply given up shopping here altogether. Many now shop online and have their purchases shipped to friends or family members outside of El Cerrito just to avoid paying our inflated local tax rate.
Then there’s property tax — already one of the highest in Contra Costa County — combined with a real property transfer tax that adds thousands of dollars to the cost of buying or selling a home. Together, these taxes make it harder for new families and first-time buyers to move in and build their lives here.
In the unlikely event that the City could make the glorified strip mall at the Plaza TOD a reality, it would never be downtown because sales taxes are prohibitive.
As of the most recent U.S. Census and 2023 American Community Survey estimates, about 27% of El Cerrito’s population is age 60 or older — roughly 7,000 residents out of a total population of about 25,800.
Here’s how that breaks down:
- Ages 60–64: approximately 7%
- Ages 65 and older: approximately 20%
In other words, one in every four El Cerrito residents is now over 60, underscoring how rapidly the city’s population is aging — and why attracting younger families is critical to keeping the community vibrant and economically strong.
Instead of raising taxes to hide years of mismanagement, El Cerrito needs leaders who will focus on economic growth, accountability, and efficient use of resources. Prosperity doesn’t come from squeezing residents harder — it comes from making this city a place where people want to live, shop, and invest.
It’s time to elect leaders who understand that strong communities are built on smart strategy — not endless taxation.
If you agree share this blog post with neighbors and friends.
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 
There are no shortage of people who want to live in EC. Few are concerned about a sales tax rate.
Shop across creek in Alameda County. Oh—sales tax there is identical. Like Emeryville, Pinole, etc. Go to Richmond; except there are fewer shopping options there.
Buy online. EC gets that sales tax thru the county pool.
You know, Chat GPT is being sued for putting out false statements. A person just killed themself following the chatbot.
Maybe the anonymous person—if one really exists—could attempt being truthful. Although few El Cerritans care about a blog with constant complaining.
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You’re funny!
Fun fact: if you order something and have it shipped somewhere else, the sales tax follows the delivery — not your ZIP code.
Second, let’s be honest… there’s not much to shop for here.
Want a car? Get a Honda — or pack a lunch and leave town.
Looking for a 4- or 5-star sit-down restaurant (and no, Los Moles or Dolly’s don’t count)? Leave town.
Need a new outfit? You guessed it — leave town.
At this point, the only things you can reliably buy in El Cerrito are food, marijuana, and a massage.
So if it feels like no one’s worried about the tax, it’s probably because you’re spending time with folks who all think alike —
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PS If people loved taxes so much, why didn’t Lyman get the signatures much sooner? Asking for friends?
Further, why did he go for the loophole of 50%+1 – yeah you guys are really confident
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News flash. Oakland, Emeryville, and Alameda all have higher sales tax rates than EC. To top it off, there is nothing to buy in a dangerous place like Oakland.
Nice to be able to drive to Walnut to Walnut Creek to shop. EC is nearby. I do know people who are happy with offerings at the Plaza, however. We don’t need to sell everything here.
Massages are everywhere with plenty here and nearby Albany. All pay a BL tax and if no customers they’d close.
Weed stores supply a demand and pay special taxes to EC, which would go to Richmond if not located here. NUG and Stiiizy are doing well. Plus, per agreement, Stiiizy is a Union shop.
You failed to address the chatbot issue. ChatGPT is being sued for putting out erroneous information and the anonymous “person” behind this blog is just a bot with a grudge against EC.
Zero credibility. EC holds its own among Bay Area cities. People choose to live here even with freedom to move anywhere.
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We didn’t address it because we don’t use Chat That doesn’t mean we don’t have other research tools but we are no longer going to respond to silly comments
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proof that you make stuff up. Total bogus claims posted by a scared, anonymous, blogger who has a petty grudge with El Cerrito and its mainstream residents. Phony. Busted.
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Nice try!
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Just a note to clarify — the same chat (Python-based) platform you use regularly (ND) is built in chat gpt. It’s the one you used to post about the council candidate.
You might want to keep that in mind next time you decide to attack someone’s character — reflection can go a long way.
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ND is a swamp full of lies and misinformation. I’ve no idea what candidate you’re referring to but I play their game. They get credit for a masterful advertising medium and that’s where the money is.
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Of course you know Pretending you didn’t smear the candidate you didn’t like doesn’t make it go away
We are done on this topic Next time you comment, if it’s not a 7/10, with facts not just accusations we have agreed to ignore you
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