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”
Category Archives: public trust
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
Reflecting on El Cerrito’s Budget Predictions: A Community Perspective
As some council members conclude their terms, it’s important to revisit the city’s past budgets and see how well the predictions held up against reality. Let’s take a community-focused look back at our financial forecasts. FY 2021 Budget Predictions The FY 2021 budget, detailed on Page 36, Chart 2-3, projected small surpluses for the nextContinue reading “Reflecting on El Cerrito’s Budget Predictions: A Community Perspective”
A Timeline of Fiscal Turmoil: El Cerrito’s Financial Mismanagement from 2018 to 2024
Tuesday’s FY25/26 budget presentation of the preliminary budget by Claire Coleman marks a significant step forward. The extensive outreach efforts and increased transparency throughout the budgeting process are impressive and commendable, laying a strong foundation for informed decision-making and fiscal responsibility. Claire’s talent is evident, as she overshadowed the Finance Director (who hasn’t presented duringContinue reading “A Timeline of Fiscal Turmoil: El Cerrito’s Financial Mismanagement from 2018 to 2024”
El Cerrito’s Fiscal Future: Citizen Concerns and Council Considerations
A long-time El Cerrito resident attending Tuesday’s City Council Proposed Budget Hearing, shared some concerns. While not an expert in city government or fiscal policy, their interest was piqued when Measure B appeared on the ballot. Desperately desiring a new library, they were disappointed to vote against it after seeing how efficiently nearby cities managedContinue reading “El Cerrito’s Fiscal Future: Citizen Concerns and Council Considerations”
Maximizing Efficiency and Savings – Evaluating Staffing and Span of Control in El Cerrito, California
Welcome to El Cerrito, California – a vibrant community nestled in the East Bay region, home to approximately 25,000 residents. As El Cerrito strives to provide services to its inhabitants, it’s essential to evaluate its operational structure to ensure optimal resource allocation. Recent observations suggest that El Cerrito’s management hierarchy may be disproportionately top-heavy comparedContinue reading “Maximizing Efficiency and Savings – Evaluating Staffing and Span of Control in El Cerrito, California”
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 