A concerned El Cerrito resident’s perspective
The discussion surrounding El Cerrito’s library has become one of the most complicated and emotionally charged issues in our city. While residents debate the financial responsibility and structural soundness of the proposed Plaza Station Library plan, another issue also deserves attention: the funding of the campaign supporting this measure. Recent filings reveal that the El Cerrito Library Foundation has contributed $5,800 to the political committee advocating for the parcel tax, making it the largest single contributor. This fact alone should give residents reason to pause. Furthermore, library foundations in California are typically organized as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, which means federal law prohibits them from participating in political campaigns—especially those involving taxation or ballot decisions that directly impact the community.
What Library Foundations Cannot Do
Library foundations are typically 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Under federal law:
🚫 They cannot donate to political campaigns
This includes any contributions to:
- Candidates
- Candidate committees
- Political parties
- PACs
- Committees supporting or opposing candidates
🚫 They cannot intervene in political campaigns
They may not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Even the appearance of political involvement can jeopardize their tax-exempt status.
What Library Foundations Can Do
Library foundations do have some latitude:
✔ They may support a ballot measure
They can contribute to a separately formed ballot measure committee.
✔ They can educate the public
They may hold informational sessions and provide facts.
✔ They can advocate as individuals
Board members may advocate personally—but not with foundation resources.
✔ They may help establish a separate committee
This committee must be legally distinct and not funded by charitable donations intended for library operations or improvements.
Why This Donation Raises Concerns
The issue here is not whether residents want a new library; rather, it is whether they can afford one. Virtually everyone wants updated facilities, more space, and a community hub. The real issue is whether a charitable foundation—trusted to steward donor money responsibly—should be financing a political campaign aimed at imposing a permanent tax on residents. Donors give to the Library Foundation because they want to support programs, equity initiatives, better collections, children’s services, and literacy. They do not donate so their money can be used to influence political outcomes. Even if the Foundation’s donation is technically allowable under certain ballot-measure rules, it still undermines public confidence. In a small city like ours, trust is everything. And this action erodes that trust.
The Money: Who Is Funding the Campaign
According to official filings, the Committee for a Plaza Station Library has:
- Received: $16,699.40 (first 9 months of 2025)
- Spent: $24,465.23
- Cash on hand: $5,939.73
Top contributors include:
- El Cerrito Library Foundation — $5,800
- Friends of the El Cerrito Library — $1,800
- Tom Panas — $2,500
- Paul Fadelli — $1,000
- Gary Pokorny — $600
The Library Foundation is the largest contributor to this political effort. When nonprofit foundations behave like political machines, donor trust collapses.
Why This Matters to Every Resident
This is not about being “for” or “against” the library. This is about transparency, ethics, and respect for community funds. When charitable organizations enter political campaigning:
- Donor money is diverted away from its intended purpose
- Political influence becomes uneven
- The boundary between charity and politics is blurred
- Residents lose confidence in institutions meant to serve them
El Cerrito already struggles with transparency issues—remote meetings, limited recordings, and inconsistent public access. Allowing our library foundation to function as a political donor only deepens public concern.
A Better Path Forward
If the Foundation wants to support a future library, there are responsible options:
- Raise capital funds
- Support programs
- Build reserves for a future facility
- Strengthen partnerships
- Support literacy and access initiatives
None of these requires financing political campaigns.
Call to Action: Tell the Library Foundation to Rescind the Donation
If you believe charitable dollars should support the library—not political campaigns—you should make your voice heard. The Library Foundation’s $5,800 donation undermines the neutrality and credibility that nonprofits must maintain. Ask them to act responsibly and rescind the contribution.
Write to the El Cerrito Library Foundation
El Cerrito Library Foundation
6510 Stockton Avenue
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Email: info@eclibraryfoundation.org
Tell them:
- Donor funds should support library programs and services, not politics
- Using charitable funds to fund a campaign erodes community trust
- The Foundation’s credibility depends on political neutrality
- Rescinding the donation is the responsible and ethical path
Your message does not have to be long. What matters is that the Foundation hears from the community it serves.
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 