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”
Category Archives: election 2024
The Price of Public Safety in El Cerrito
In El Cerrito, the commitment to public safety is evident in the significant compensation packages allocated to our fire department and city management. However, the disparity between our city’s spending and that of nearby cities raises concerns. While protecting citizens is paramount, the financial burden on our community is substantial, and the need for newContinue reading “The Price of Public Safety in El Cerrito”
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””
Microblog – El Cerrito’s Frivolous Spending: A Growing Concern as Expenses Rise and Services Decline
El Cerrito, a city facing financial difficulties, continues to experience increasing expenses while essential services for residents diminish. A significant and often overlooked aspect of this issue is the city’s growing senior population. According to 2010 data, 1,188 households (11.7%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. Despite the evident need for seniorContinue reading “Microblog – El Cerrito’s Frivolous Spending: A Growing Concern as Expenses Rise and Services Decline”
Another Forever Tax on November Ballot
At the upcoming July 17 council meeting, council members are expected to propose a “forever tax” to be placed on the November ballot. If approved by the voters this tax will be imposed on the sale of tangible personal property and the storage, use, or other consumption of such property. The proposed tax rate wouldContinue reading “Another Forever Tax on November Ballot”
Mismanagement in El Cerrito Leading to “Forever” Tax
The El Cerrito city manager has chosen to drag her feet on the state auditor’s 2021 recommendation to conduct a crucial staffing needs study. Instead of addressing this significant issue, she has announced a slew of other initiatives as priority measures, pushing the study to the back burner. Not so coincidentally, this delay aligns perfectlyContinue reading “Mismanagement in El Cerrito Leading to “Forever” Tax”
Tackling Fare Evasion and Enhancing Safety: A Critical Look at Saltzman’s Bid for City Council
The media has been buzzing with reports about fare evasion at BART stations, and rightfully so. As a paying BART rider or a taxpayer, it’s our money that’s being lost. BART staff estimates the revenue loss due to fare cheats at $10 million to $25 million per year, but recent conservative figures suggest that fareContinue reading “Tackling Fare Evasion and Enhancing Safety: A Critical Look at Saltzman’s Bid for City Council”
Was Anyone Present During the City Manager’s June 27th Presentation?
El Cerrito On June 27th, the City Manager presented at Juku Cafe, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. The event was not widely publicized and should have been advertised on EC social media channels well ahead of the event. We also have concerns about the accuracy of some of the statements made during this event,Continue reading “Was Anyone Present During the City Manager’s June 27th Presentation?”
The Plaza Library Project: Time to Consider Your Options
The City of El Cerrito has wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars on the Plaza project. Moreover, the city lost out on grant money, resulting in a few million dollars lost. The higher interest rate environment means the city would lose millions more in interest payments. In fiscal year 2024, the city used reserves outContinue reading “The Plaza Library Project: Time to Consider Your Options”
Misapplying Rules: The Impact on El Cerrito’s City Council and FAB Participation
A public information request for FAB member attendance sent to the City Clerk was met with the response, “check the website,” despite the fact that the website records are incomplete. This is how El Cerrito tax dollars are being utilized! In the heart of El Cerrito, a troubling pattern has emerged that calls into questionContinue reading “Misapplying Rules: The Impact on El Cerrito’s City Council and FAB Participation”
Transparency in El Cerrito: The Truth Behind the Supplemental Property Tax
The City of El Cerrito’s recent decision to invest $250,000 in a housing developer for a speculative real estate development raises significant concerns, particularly when examined in the context of the Supplemental Property Tax. This tax, intended to fund “people and programs” such as after-school care and other city-sponsored activities, appears to be diverted toContinue reading “Transparency in El Cerrito: The Truth Behind the Supplemental Property Tax”
Blog Post: Unmasking the True Costs of El Cerrito’s New Library Proposal
In recent months, the City of El Cerrito has faced substantial public backlash over its decision to cut funding for the library. Despite the residents’ strong desire for this essential community resource, these budget cuts were implemented, leading to widespread discontent. Now, the City has proposed a new funding mechanism: a perpetual $300 annual propertyContinue reading “Blog Post: Unmasking the True Costs of El Cerrito’s New Library Proposal”
The Ongoing Saga of El Cerrito’s Wikipedia Page: Transparency vs. Censorship
A few months ago, keen-eyed residents noticed a significant update to the El Cerrito Wikipedia page. The addition was a statement detailing the findings of the State Auditor’s Report on El Cerrito’s precarious financial situation. This inclusion aimed to provide transparency regarding the city’s fiscal management issues, including reliance on reserves, massive pension liabilities, andContinue reading “The Ongoing Saga of El Cerrito’s Wikipedia Page: Transparency vs. Censorship”
El Cerrito Budget and Library Update
Management Presents Hyper-Expensive Library Proposal, Claims (without any evidence) It Will Save Money The June 11th library proposal includes a highly contentious and costly plan for a new library, which management claims will save money in the long run. However, the financial implications and the logic behind these claims have raised significant concerns among residents.Continue reading “El Cerrito Budget and Library Update”
El Cerrito Council Passes Budget with No Public Input
The El Cerrito City Council passed its budget on a 5-0 vote, a decision made by each member in advance of the meeting. They could have saved us all a lot of time because the questions they asked were sophomoric except for the question about covering the $250,000 revenue shortfall so quickly. A council memberContinue reading “El Cerrito Council Passes Budget with No Public Input”
Rebecca Saltzman: From BART’s Financial Cliff to El Cerrito City Council
Rebecca Saltzman has decided not to seek re-election to the BART Board, instead filing to run for the El Cerrito City Council. This move raises eyebrows, as some might argue she’s jumping from one challenging situation to another. After all, Saltzman played a role in steering BART towards its current financial cliff, and now she’sContinue reading “Rebecca Saltzman: From BART’s Financial Cliff to El Cerrito City Council”
Today is Budget Day: Unanswered Questions and Public Concerns
Today is a significant day for our city as the budget deliberations come to a head. Over the past months, citizens have followed the budget process diligently, yet there remains a sense of uncertainty about the council’s overarching goals and priorities. As we dive into the discussions, several pressing questions need clear answers from ourContinue reading “Today is Budget Day: Unanswered Questions and Public Concerns”
Addressing High Crime Rates and Rising Pension Costs in El Cerrito
As the City Manager presents yet another budget that pushes El Cerrito closer to insolvency, serious concerns about the city’s fiscal health persist. Six years ago, the State Auditor flagged issues related to ongoing overspending, but the City has yet to curb its excessive expenditures. Emergency reserves, intended for natural disasters or pandemics, may soonContinue reading “Addressing High Crime Rates and Rising Pension Costs in El Cerrito”
The Challenges of Building a High-Performing Department in a Toxic Environment
Creating a high-performing department in a toxic department presents numerous challenges, especially when serious issues like sexual harassment remain unaddressed. The difficulties in hiring and retaining qualified officers in such a climate are compounded by a culture that fails to protect its employees. Unfortunately, this is the reality in El Cerrito, where rising crime ratesContinue reading “The Challenges of Building a High-Performing Department in a Toxic Environment”
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 