A recent post from a member of our senior community raised a critical question: How has El Cerrito City Manager Karen Pinkos made the lives of seniors better? This inquiry was sparked after seniors in our city experienced firsthand the closure of the Senior Center—a space once dedicated to them, now rented out to Kensington.Continue reading “How Has Karen Pinkos Made the Lives of Seniors Better?”
Category Archives: City Staff
Editorial: El Cerrito Isn’t the Center of the Universe
Living in El Cerrito, it’s easy to feel like you’re in a bubble. There’s a prevailing sense that everyone shares the same views on politics, social issues, and how life should be lived. But the reality is that everyone doesn’t see things the same way. El Cerrito, like many small California towns, can become isolatedContinue reading “Editorial: El Cerrito Isn’t the Center of the Universe”
El Cerrito’s UNRESTRICTED General Fund (GF) Reserves May Have Been Depleted
At the August 27, 2024, Financial Advisory Board (FAB) meeting, an important financial policy recommendation was approved and will be sent to the City Council for consideration. This new policy specifies that the UNRESTRICTED General Fund (GF) reserves should be maintained at a minimum of 17% of the city’s GF expenditures. In comparison, the EmergencyContinue reading “El Cerrito’s UNRESTRICTED General Fund (GF) Reserves May Have Been Depleted”
The Merits of Moving On: A Strategic Perspective on Long-Term Goals
In the the June budget meeting, the City Manager presented the council with a balanced budget, expressing deep emotion and gratitude toward her finance team. Her voice wavered, almost to the point of tears, as she thanked them for their dedication and hard work. For many, this moment might have seemed like a triumph—a testamentContinue reading “The Merits of Moving On: A Strategic Perspective on Long-Term Goals”
Vote NO on Tax Measures Without a Sunset: El Cerrito’s Never-Ending Taxation
El Cerrito’s City Council is returning, pleading for more tax revenue from its residents. In 2022, it was the parcel transfer tax. Now, they want to pass Measure G, which means our sales tax will be 10.25%—and make it permanent. Yes, you read that right. Despite the voter mandate to sunset this tax in MarchContinue reading “Vote NO on Tax Measures Without a Sunset: El Cerrito’s Never-Ending Taxation”
The Need for Courageous Leadership in El Cerrito City Council
In recent years, El Cerrito’s City Council has faced numerous challenges, particularly when it comes to the city’s finances. Yet, despite the gravity of these issues, we continue to see a troubling pattern in council meetings: the 5-0 vote. Time and again, council members unanimously support decisions that, to many, seem fundamentally flawed—especially when itContinue reading “The Need for Courageous Leadership in El Cerrito City Council”
The Disappearing Act: El Cerrito’s Unclear Capital Improvement Plan
When it comes to planning for the future, one would expect a city to have a clear and coherent capital improvement plan, especially for major infrastructure projects. Unfortunately, the reality in El Cerrito is far from ideal. Around 2010, budget documents pointed to three significant projects: a new senior center, a new library, and aContinue reading “The Disappearing Act: El Cerrito’s Unclear Capital Improvement Plan”
Ignoring the Warning Signs
As concerned residents of El Cerrito, it is alarming to witness the city inching once again toward financial insolvency. The federal bailout, which temporarily provided relief by paying off the TRANs loans, did little more than put a band-aid on a festering wound. Despite the state auditor’s clear warnings, the city seems determined to ignoreContinue reading “Ignoring the Warning Signs”
El Cerrito’s Need for Transparent Sexual Harassment Policies
Allegations of sexual harassment within the El Cerrito Police Department continue to raise serious concerns about the safety and well-being of employees. Five years ago, former police officer Sarah Perez filed a lawsuit on August 20, 2019, accusing the department of sexual harassment, sex discrimination, and retaliation. Despite the passage of time and the seriousnessContinue reading “El Cerrito’s Need for Transparent Sexual Harassment Policies”
Fiscal Transparency Needed
In her State of the City address on December 19, 2023, Councilmember Lisa Motoyama presented an optimistic picture of El Cerrito’s financial health. Her words, however, warrant closer examination. Lisa has long been recognized as the most fiscally responsible member of our City Council. Her efforts to steer El Cerrito through challenging financial times haveContinue reading “Fiscal Transparency Needed”
Why El Cerrito Didn’t Earn a GFOA Budget Award
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Budget Award is considered a benchmark of excellence in public budgeting. Receiving this award signifies that a local government’s budget document is comprehensive and transparent and serves as an effective policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communication device. GFOA Budget Award Criteria To achieve this prestigious award, aContinue reading “Why El Cerrito Didn’t Earn a GFOA Budget Award”
Moving the Goal Line: The City’s Ever-Shifting Standards for Financial Stability
In the realm of public finance, the goalposts seem to shift whenever it suits those in power. In El Cerrito, we’ve seen this play out with how the city measures the health of its General Fund reserves. When the City meets the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) guidelines, it’s cause for celebration. But when theContinue reading “Moving the Goal Line: The City’s Ever-Shifting Standards for Financial Stability”
El Cerrito City Council: A Look at the Candidates for the 2024 Election
As we approach the 2024 election, El Cerrito’s City Council race is heating up. With two current council members—Paul Fadelli and Tessa Rudnick—not running for re-election, the landscape is set to change. This blog provides a brief overview of the candidates on the ballot and what their election could mean for the future of ElContinue reading “El Cerrito City Council: A Look at the Candidates for the 2024 Election”
Understanding the Importance of a Compensation Scorecard
El Cerrito recognize that employee compensation is one of the largest expenses for any organization, including our city. Often, this area goes unmanaged, leading to significant issues such as inconsistent pay for performance and disparities in compensation. Given the pivotal role of the City Manager in El Cerrito’s administration, it’s crucial to have a clear,Continue reading “Understanding the Importance of a Compensation Scorecard”
El Cerrito Fiscal Management: Addressing Concerns from State Auditor’s Report
In a letter dated March 2024, the City of El Cerrito claims it has addressed all recommendations from the California State Auditor’s Report (Report No. 2020-803) in 2021 and has requested removal from the Local High-Risk Program. However, a deeper look into the city’s letter to the State Auditor and the progress report reveals severalContinue reading “El Cerrito Fiscal Management: Addressing Concerns from State Auditor’s Report”
The Hidden Cost of Loyalty: A Closer Look at El Cerrito’s Leadership
In the heart of our diverse and vibrant community, a troubling trend persists within El Cerrito’s city leadership—a trend that raises questions about loyalty, vested interest, and the real cost to our city’s future. At the helm of this trend is the City Manager, whose ability to cultivate unwavering loyalty from her staff comes atContinue reading “The Hidden Cost of Loyalty: A Closer Look at El Cerrito’s Leadership”
The Importance of Transparency in the El Cerrito Library Survey Data
In recent weeks, the push for transparency regarding the El Cerrito library surveys has gained momentum. A concerned citizen’s communication with former council member Greg Lyman highlights the ongoing struggle to obtain the survey data and reports that taxpayers funded. The Issue at Hand The surveys in question were conducted to gather community input onContinue reading “The Importance of Transparency in the El Cerrito Library Survey Data”
The City of El Cerrito: Tactical Decisions Masquerading as Strategy
In the City of El Cerrito, leadership often touts their decision-making as strategic. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that many of these decisions are nothing more than transactional and tactical. True strategy involves long-term vision and comprehensive planning, but the city’s recent actions demonstrate a lack of such foresight. Short-Term Budget Fixes OneContinue reading “The City of El Cerrito: Tactical Decisions Masquerading as Strategy”
Vote for a Leader Who Puts Your Interests First
As the re-election of current Mayor Tessa Rudnick approaches, it’s time for us, the community of El Cerrito, to reflect on our leadership and the promises made to us. Our leaders have pledged to enhance our community with new projects like a library, a senior center, and improved services. Yet, the reality of these commitmentsContinue reading “Vote for a Leader Who Puts Your Interests First”
El Cerrito’s Tax Extension “Until Voters End It”
On Tuesday, the El Cerrito City Council voted 4-0 to put a measure on the November ballot to extend our city’s Measure R one percent sales tax “until voters end it.” While the council members briefly considered a 30 or 35-year sunset, they ultimately decided on an indefinite extension. This decision raises significant concerns aboutContinue reading “El Cerrito’s Tax Extension “Until Voters End It””
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 