As the El Cerrito City Council election approaches, we, the residents, must strive for integrity and fairness in our electoral process. Independent candidates offer fresh perspectives and new ideas that can drive positive change in our community. However, recent history has shown us that underhanded tactics can undermine the democratic process.

Remembering the Last Election

In the last election, we were thrilled by the candidacy of an independent candidate who articulated her views clearly and made them accessible to everyone. Despite lacking the backing of powerful political machines, her campaign resonated with many of us. Unfortunately, her efforts were met with deceitful opposition. A prominent city hall booster on Nextdoor took it upon himself to distort her views and disparage her at every turn. Just days before the Election, a series of malicious posts attacking her emerged from a single unfamiliar account, never seen before or since. These posts were suspiciously cheered on by the same city hall booster.

Several dedicated residents worked tirelessly to flag and remove these posts before they could cause significant damage. While this might not have been the sole reason she lost, it was deeply troubling to witness such dirty tricks in our local election.

Another independent candidate in a previous election faced similar challenges. His campaign, which brought innovative ideas for revitalizing San Pablo Avenue, saw a large number of his signs torn down. It’s disheartening to think people would stoop so low, but it’s not surprising given the baseless comments thrown around on Nextdoor by the city hall booster.

The Need for a Fair Election

The last election was marred by corruption on multiple levels. One candidate placed his signs out well ahead of the allowed period. Given the proximity to the election, the City Manager, Karen Pinkos, appeared to be publicly supporting a council member, Gabe Quintos, which is prohibited by ICMA rules. This luncheon occurred at Tigon restaurant on November 3, 2022. This year, if you witness any such indiscretions, please write to the ICMA to report them.

El Cerrito deserves a fair election where all candidates, especially independents, have an equal opportunity to compete for the three available seats. Through awareness, education, and advocacy, we can ensure that every candidate has a fair chance.

Call to Action

Let’s stand together for a fair election. If you see unfair tactics or violations of election rules, speak up and report them. Support independent candidates who bring new ideas and perspectives to our city council.

Join the movement for fair elections in El Cerrito. Together, we can make a difference.

#FairElectionsElCerrito #StandForIntegrity #IndependentVoices #ElCerritoCityCouncil #DemocracyInAction

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By staying vigilant and advocating for fairness, we can uphold the democratic values that make our community strong. Let’s ensure that every candidate has the chance to be heard and that the residents of El Cerrito can make informed choices free from manipulation and deceit.

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.

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate the 4th of July, the El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government wishes everyone a joyful and safe Independence Day! This holiday is a time to reflect on the values that make our nation strong: freedom, democracy, and community.

In El Cerrito, we cherish these values by striving for transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility in our local government. Our commitment to these principles ensures that our community remains vibrant and sustainable for future generations.

Enjoy the fireworks, parades, and all the festivities that this special day brings. Let’s celebrate not just the birth of our nation but also our collective efforts to build a better El Cerrito.

Happy Independence Day!

Warm regards,
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government

The author of this blog is a heterosexual person of mixed race with a black mother, a white father, and a Jewish stepfather. Their father died when they were an infant. Moving to El Cerrito in 2022, the author was stunned by how “white” and presumably heterosexual the city leadership is, particularly given the diversity of the city council, which includes two openly gay members (one Asian and one African American), another Asian member, and one Jewish member.

Upon comparing the organization structure to the City Council, the author asked if they could write a blog about the lack of diversity and how it negatively impacts decision-making and financial stewardship.

The Importance of Diverse Leadership

Diverse leadership in city administration is not just a matter of representation; it is essential for effective governance. When leadership teams lack diversity, there is a tendency for groupthink to dominate decision-making processes. Groupthink occurs when people with similar backgrounds and perspectives make decisions in a way that discourages creativity and critical evaluation. This can result in flawed decision-making, as there are fewer challenges to ideas and methodologies.

People who look alike and share similar experiences often do not challenge each other’s thought processes, methodologies, or decisions. This homogeneity can be particularly detrimental in critical areas such as hiring decisions, financial health, and operational effectiveness.

Hiring Decisions

In hiring decisions, a lack of diversity can perpetuate a cycle of sameness. When leaders do not challenge each other’s perspectives, they are more likely to hire individuals who resemble themselves in background and outlook. This not only limits opportunities for minority and non heterosexual candidates but also stifles the potential for innovative and inclusive solutions that a more diverse workforce could provide.

Financial Health

In terms of financial health, diverse leadership is crucial for developing robust and equitable financial policies. Homogeneous teams may fail to consider the unique financial challenges faced by different community groups. This can lead to policies that are not only inequitable but also ineffective in addressing the broader financial health of the city.

Operational Effectiveness

Operational effectiveness is also compromised when leadership lacks diversity. Diverse teams are better equipped to understand and address the needs of a varied populace. They bring a range of perspectives that can identify potential issues and opportunities that a homogeneous team might overlook. This leads to more comprehensive and effective operational strategies that benefit the entire community.

This is particularly of interest as we reflect on sexual harassment and the aftermath in the police department.

It is also noteworthy given the high turnover in the Finance Director role and the city manager’s lack of action on many of the city auditor’s findings.

Ostracizing Non-White and Jewish Outsiders

A significant issue arising from a lack of diversity in leadership in an organization is the potential ostracization of non-white and Jewish individuals. When leadership is homogeneous, it can create an environment where outsiders—those who do not fit the predominant demographic—are marginalized or excluded from critical discussions and decisions.

This exclusion can manifest in various ways:

• Social Isolation: Non-white and Jewish individuals may find themselves socially isolated within the workplace, leading to a lack of collaboration and outreach opportunities.

• Bias in Decision Making: Homogeneous groups may unconsciously or consciously favor those who are similar to them, resulting in biased decisions that do not consider the needs and perspectives of diverse community members.

• Cultural Insensitivity: Policies and practices may reflect the majority’s norms and values, ignoring or marginalizing the cultural practices and needs of minority groups.

The ostracization of non-white, non heterosexual and Jewish individuals not only hinders the personal and professional growth of these individuals but also deprives the city of the diverse perspectives that are essential for innovation and comprehensive problem-solving. It creates a workplace culture that is unwelcoming and potentially hostile to those who are different, undermining efforts to build an inclusive and equitable community.

Current State of El Cerrito’s Leadership

El Cerrito, like many cities, faces challenges in ensuring that its leadership reflects the diverse community it serves. Diversity in city leadership is crucial not only for fair representation but also for incorporating a variety of perspectives in decision-making processes. Unfortunately, El Cerrito’s city leadership remains predominantly homogeneous, which raises concerns about the inclusiveness and effectiveness of its governance.

City Manager White Female known for having the 13th City Most likely to become bankrupt, a plummeting bond rating and building a predominantly white heterosexual team:

Attorney – Sky Woodruff, White Male

The City Attorney, Sky Woodruff, is a white male who oversees the legal affairs of El Cerrito. His office is responsible for providing legal advice to the City Council, representing the city in legal proceedings, and ensuring that city laws are enforced. While his legal expertise is undoubtedly valuable, the lack of diversity in this role can limit the breadth of perspectives considered in legal decisions that affect all residents.

City Clerk – Hollty Charlety, White Female

Hollty Charlety, the City Clerk, is a white female who manages elections, maintains city records. The City Clerk’s office is a critical point of interaction between the city government and its residents. A more diverse leadership in this position could foster greater trust, transparency and engagement from the community, particularly from underrepresented groups.

Community Development Department Director – Melanie Mintz, White Female possibly Jewish or by marriage.

Melanie Mintz leads the Community Development Department, which handles planning, building, economic development, housing, and environmental sustainability. While Melanie’s leadership ensures the city’s growth and development, the lack of diversity within the department’s leadership can hinder the inclusion of diverse community needs and priorities in development projects.

Finance Department – Crystal Reams and Budget/Financial Services Manager, Both White Females

The Finance Department, headed by Crystal Reams and supported by another white female in a key managerial role, manages the city’s financial resources. Financial management is crucial for the city’s stability and growth. However, a homogeneous team might overlook the financial needs and challenges faced by minority communities, potentially leading to inequitable financial policies.

Fire Department – Paul Keith, White Male

Paul Keith, a white male, leads the Fire Department, which is responsible for fire protection and prevention services. The Fire Department’s leadership significantly impacts community safety and emergency response. Greater diversity in this department could enhance cultural competence and improve service delivery to all residents, ensuring that emergency responses are inclusive and equitable.

Human Resources – Shannon Bassi, White Female

Shannon Bassi heads the Human Resources department, which deals with employment, labor agreements, compensation, and risk management. The HR department plays a pivotal role in shaping the city’s workforce. A diverse leadership in HR is essential to promote inclusive hiring practices and ensure that the city’s workforce reflects the community’s diversity.

Information Technology – Eric Ng, AsianMale

Eric Ng, the IT Director, is one of the few non-white leaders in El Cerrito’s city administration. His role in overseeing the Information Technology Division is critical for the city’s digital infrastructure and services. Eric’s position highlights the benefits of having diverse leadership, as it brings varied perspectives and experiences to the table.

Police Department – Paul Keith, White Male

Paul Keith also heads the Police Department, emphasizing the need for diverse leadership in law enforcement. The Police Department’s mission includes crime prevention and maintaining public safety. Diverse leadership within the police force can improve community relations, ensure fair policing practices, and enhance trust between the police and minority communities.

Public Works – Yvetteh Ortiz, Hispanic Female

Yvetteh Ortiz, a Hispanic female, leads the Public Works department, which oversees city engineering, maintenance, and clean water services. Yvetteh’s role underscores the positive impact of diversity in leadership positions. Her presence in the Public Works department demonstrates how diverse leadership can contribute to more inclusive and effective city services.

Outreach – Will Provost White Male

Reportedly with a robust skill set that includes research, economics, public speaking, Microsoft Excel, proposal writing, and more, Will Provost contributes valuable insights to the industry. Besides updating the website and engaging in community outreach, his job description remains somewhat unclear.

Conclusion

El Cerrito’s current leadership structure lacks diversity where nearly everyone is white particularly in key departments. This homogeneity can result in decision-making processes that do not fully consider the diverse needs of the community. It is crucial for El Cerrito to prioritize diversity in its hiring practices and leadership appointments to foster a more inclusive and effective government. By embracing diversity, the city can ensure that all voices are heard and that its policies and services meet the needs of all its residents.

Diverse leadership not only enhances representation but also strengthens the city’s ability to make well-rounded, innovative, and equitable decisions. It is time for El Cerrito to reflect the diversity of its community in its leadership, ensuring a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

City Council, it’s great to see more color, LGBTQIA reflecting more diversity on the in City leadership. And , it’s not enough that you’ve made it, you also have a responsibility to create space for others who represent City Leadership.

I J Cohen