Author Archives: eccrg

For decades, El Cerrito has responded to fiscal pressures with one familiar tool: more taxes. From parcel taxes and storm drain assessments to multiple sales tax hikes and the 1.2% real property transfer tax, voters have repeatedly been asked to approve new revenue streams to “preserve city services” and “prevent cuts.” Yet today, service levelsContinue reading “El Cerrito’s Rising Taxes: Decline in Services”

Neighbors, we need to pay attention to what’s happening with our roads. The latest data from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission shows El Cerrito’s pavement condition has fallen sharply—from a PCI score of 83 in 2018 to 66 in 2024, and now 65 as of July 2025. That’s a 17-point drop in just a few years,Continue reading “Where Is Our Road Tax Money Going?”

One of our readers questioned our earlier statement that the proposed ballot measure does not mention the word “library.” After re-reviewing the filed Notice of Intent and ballot materials, we confirm that the measure does reference funding for a library. Our prior statement was incorrect. We are issuing this correction because it is the rightContinue reading “Correction: Clarifying Our Statement About the Library Tax Initiative”

Supporters of a new tax to fund a future library have been quick to call their effort a “citizen initiative.” Legally, that’s correct — 10% of registered voters must sign a petition to qualify a measure for the ballot. But let’s be honest about what actually happened: Roughly 1,800 verified signatures — in a cityContinue reading “Is the El Cerrito Library Tax a Community Initiative?”

The city of El Cerrito is approaching a key moment: Gabe Quinto — now in his eleventh year on the City Council — has confirmed to Livable El Cerrito on October 31, 2025, that he plans to run for re-election in 2026. At the same time, he is slated to be selected as mayor inContinue reading “Gabe Quinto’s Path to Re-Election: Promises vs. Reality”

We reviewed the new Master Fee Schedule. The Council quietly approved the changes after about a decade of no changes. They could have explained the changes, but it’s hard to explain why El Cerrito residents are paying some of the highest costs in the region for basic city services. But it’s not because our servicesContinue reading “Why El Cerrito Residents Pay More — And Get Less”

Mayor Carolyn Wysinger and the Measure of True Inclusion Mayor Carolyn Wysinger entered office with a powerful story — one rooted in representation, visibility, and inclusion. As the first openly Black lesbian mayor in California, her leadership carries symbolic weight and a promise of progress for a city still emerging from years of fiscal strain.Continue reading “Leadership Isn’t Optics — It’s Obligation”

Understanding What’s Actually Being Proposed in El Cerrito In recent months, El Cerrito residents have increasingly heard about a “library initiative.” The term sounds straightforward — a voter measure dedicated to building and supporting a new public library. But here’s the issue: 📌 There is no specific proposed legislation focused solely on library services currentlyContinue reading “Why Are We Calling It a “Library Initiative”?”

If you tuned into this week’s City Council meeting, you probably noticed something unusual — the financial presentation actually made sense. That’s thanks to Claire Coleman, who walked through the First Quarter General Fund update with calm confidence. No reading word-for-word from a script. No jargon marathon. Just a clear explanation of where we standContinue reading “El Cerrito First Quarter Financial Update: Key Takeaways”

A concerned El Cerrito resident’s perspectiveThe 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. RecentContinue reading “The Controversy of Library Foundation Donations in El Cerrito”

For years, El Cerrito residents have requested greater transparency, easier access to public meetings, and more opportunities to participate in local government. Instead of expanding access, our city has quietly moved backward—removing remote public comment, ending livestreams of critical boards and commissions, and limiting public visibility into the decisions that shape our community. Now, withContinue reading “El Cerrito’s Transparency Crisis: Understanding SB 707”

Most working people know what a standard full-time schedule looks like: 40 hours a week—often more. That’s the reality for residents across El Cerrito who juggle jobs, commutes, family responsibilities, and rising costs of living. Yet when it comes to City Hall, the schedule looks very different. According to the posted hours, El Cerrito CityContinue reading “Lost Productivity in El Cerrito: $3.2 Million Annually”

During the May 20, 2025 presentation to the El Cerrito City Council, NHA Advisors—serving as the city’s financial advisor—essentially blamed CalPERS for El Cerrito’s $80 million + Unfunded Accrued Liability (UAL), citing underperformance in investment returns. But that explanation doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. The presenter indicated that many cities are experiencing $80 million pensionContinue reading “El Cerrito’s Pension Crisis: A Deeper Look at Causes”

The main reason there’s no Senior Center is because the City Manager uses that funding for the multiple layers of management in Administrative, Police, and Fire Departments (see cited roles below). For decades, El Cerrito was home to a vibrant senior center located behind the library on Stockton Avenue. The Open House Senior Center wasContinue reading “El Cerrito Seniors Deserve a Dedicated Center”

Fact Box: What Changed and by How Much Category Fee (Old → New) % Increase Single-Family Home Design Review $959 → $2,320 +142% Typical Planning Project (Combined Fees) $3,198 → $5,939 +86% ADU Permit $367 → $950 +159% Tree Planting (DIY Permit) $59 → $533 +803% City Vegetation Removal $75 → $775 +933% Street TreeContinue reading “Dramatic Fee Hikes in El Cerrito: A Breakdown”