El Cerrito as Charter City – Chaos

The City of El Cerrito was originally incorporated as a General Law City in 1917 and became a Charter City in November 2018. The City is organized as a Council-Manager form of local municipal government. The City Council consists of five members elected at large for four- year, overlapping terms. A California charter city is aContinue reading “El Cerrito as Charter City – Chaos”

Where are the Residency Requirements ?

Understanding the Council-Manager Government: El Cerrito operates under a Council-Manager form of municipal government. This structure involves a five-member City Council, elected at-large for overlapping four-year terms, embodying the legislative responsibilities, while the managerial tasks are overseen by a City Manager. Charter City Status – A Double-Edged Sword: The shift to a Charter City statusContinue reading “Where are the Residency Requirements ?”

El Cerrito Library Survey Results: Public Outcry Leads to Release of Key Findings

After substantial public pressure, El Cerrito has released selected findings from the library survey. The results reveal significant concerns about the city’s management and financial planning, particularly regarding the library project.  Key Survey Findings:  The survey results suggest a lack of confidence in the City’s management and transparency, especially in financial matters. Despite having aContinue reading “El Cerrito Library Survey Results: Public Outcry Leads to Release of Key Findings

City Manager Up to Her Tricks – Again

For those who may not have seen it, EECRG is running this blog originally posted on September 29, 2022. We previously shared a blog post a little over a year ago, and it has become increasingly evident that the City Manager is pursuing an independent agenda. Despite the 2020 findings of the State Auditor’s Report,Continue reading “City Manager Up to Her Tricks – Again”

Not a Good Idea to Renew the City Manager’s Contract

This Series:YOU CAN’T JUST LEAVE THOSE WHO CREATED THE PROBLEM IN CHARGE OF THE SOLUTIONis titled: Renewal of the City Manager’s Contract: A Call for Consideration During the Public Works presentation, the City Manager, while participating remotely, was heard saying, “Yvetteh, Shut the F word (profanity) up!” The City Manager’s recent conduct has raised significantContinue reading “Not a Good Idea to Renew the City Manager’s Contract”

Hostile Work Environment

This is not Theater – It is currently happening in El Cerrito. This is why this episode is titled: You cannot expect those who created the mess to fix it:  Hostile Work Environment In California, a hostile work environment is created when offensive or discriminatory conduct present in the workplace restricts an employee’s ability toContinue reading “Hostile Work Environment”

Business as Usual

While other cities placed a moratorium on travel and meals when revenues decreased during the pandemic, El Cerrito was business as usual, spending recklessly and mismanaging public funds. On April 30, 2022, the city manager spent $583.66 at San Rafael Joe’s – not an El Cerrito establishment. Apparently, there was a gathering for department heads,Continue reading “Business as Usual”

Performance Management

Series: Performance is only as good as the evidence indicates. ICYMI, working hard in and of itself is not a reflection of outstanding leadership. Performance measurement is essential to the success of any City Manager because executives do not get paid to tread water, or make excuses but to consistently deliver measurable results.   PerformanceContinue reading “Performance Management”

Waste and Abuse

This Series: YOU CAN’T JUST LEAVE THOSE WHO CREATED THE PROBLEM IN CHARGE OF THE SOLUTION Part I Tyree Scott was a U.S. labor leader and civil rights activist deeply involved in many minority workers’ and equal opportunity organizations. His quote, ‘You can’t just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solutionContinue reading “Waste and Abuse”

Oversight Needed

The last blog focused on DEEP DENIAL: More than Guard Rails Needed. This episode spotlights FUTURE TAX INITIATIVES SHOULD BE ATTACHED TO OVERSIGHT AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS. When finding a solution to the operating crisis facing El Cerrito, the only plan coming from City leaders is more taxes. Like many other Cities, El Cerrito adopted aContinue reading “Oversight Needed”

Deep Denial; More Guard Rails Needed

The last edition spotlighted the Need for Guard Rails.  This edition highlights DEEP DENIAL: More than Guard Rails Needed. El Cerrito Council members have already missed and plan to miss future opportunities to address community challenges because they opted for an abbreviated summer schedule. According to the National League of Cities, local legislators and councilmembersContinue reading “Deep Denial; More Guard Rails Needed”

El Cerrito Hiring Challenges…and solutions

The City of El Cerrito is conducting a classification and compensation study. Presumably, the study is commissioned to support their assertion that they can’t fill their positions because the salaries are too low. The premise of wages as the sole reason for the City’s inability to attract talent is not only erroneous, but it alsoContinue reading “El Cerrito Hiring Challenges…and solutions”