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”
Category Archives: library
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”
El Cerrito Secures $39 Million for Affordable Housing: Is the $300 Forever Tax Necessary?
The City of El Cerrito recently secured $39.1 million in funding to build the first of six affordable housing structures near BART, marking a significant investment in the city’s future. This news, while positive on the surface, raises an important question: Is the proposed $300 forever tax truly necessary? The $39.1 million from the stateContinue reading “El Cerrito Secures $39 Million for Affordable Housing: Is the $300 Forever Tax Necessary?”
Democratic Forum for El Cerrito Council Candidates: A Closer Look
On Saturday, August 17, 2024, the El Cerrito Democratic Club hosted a forum featuring four candidates vying for seats on the City Council. As the forum unfolded, it became clear that the issues facing our city are both urgent and complex. If you missed the live discussion, I strongly encourage you to view the recordedContinue reading “Democratic Forum for El Cerrito Council Candidates: A Closer Look”
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”
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 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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 