It’s a common refrain these days that there’s “no money” for essential services in El Cerrito, especially when it comes to our senior community. Yet, just this past January, the City made a substantial purchase, paying $1.5 million for the Life in Christ property on San Pablo Avenue. This site is located between the parkingContinue reading “Priorities Misaligned: The Unused Potential of the Life in Christ Property”
Tag Archives: city-hall
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”
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”
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 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”
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””
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?”
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”
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”
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”
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”
It’s Election Year Again: Evaluating Our City Council’s Performance
Three out of the five council members’ terms are set to expire this year. As the election season approaches, our community stands at a pivotal juncture, reflecting on the performance of our sitting city council members who are seeking re-election. Their tenure has been marked by numerous responsibilities, each critical to the well-being and progressContinue reading “It’s Election Year Again: Evaluating Our City Council’s Performance”
Shifting Leadership: The Potential Impact of Thorough Evaluations on City Management
Is it possible that the mere act of thorough performance evaluations by the El Cerrito City Council could lead to significant improvements in city management or prompt changes in leadership? This question comes to mind when considering the recent resignation of Berkeley City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley. Berkeley’s top city administrator, Dee Williams-Ridley, announced her resignationContinue reading “Shifting Leadership: The Potential Impact of Thorough Evaluations on City Management”
El Cerrito City Council Budget Study: A Closer Look at Community Concerns and Financial Management Challenges
On Tuesday, Will Provost, Assistant to the City Manager, and Claire Coleman, the newly appointed Budget/Financial Services Manager, presented the El Cerrito City Council Budget Study. Their presentation highlighted efforts to solicit community feedback and input and conveyed a robust plan for navigating the next two fiscal years. The city has notably increased public engagementContinue reading “El Cerrito City Council Budget Study: A Closer Look at Community Concerns and Financial Management Challenges”
El Cerrito’s Controversial New Library Proposal: A Reflection of Urban Priorities? 2nd Edition
In the quaint city of El Cerrito, California, a new library proposal is stirring more than just the usual public interest in civic developments. This proposal, reflective of broader urban planning trends, seems to overlook crucial aspects of resident safety and well-being, raising concerns among the community members, especially the elderly and those who dependContinue reading “El Cerrito’s Controversial New Library Proposal: A Reflection of Urban Priorities? 2nd Edition”
Improving the Engagement and Transparency of El Cerrito’s Leadership: Addressing Broken Promises and the Path Forward
El Cerrito’s leadership has consistently made promises to enhance community living through the development of a new library, a senior center, and better overall services. These assurances have come from elected officials who have pledged their commitment to the well-being of El Cerrito residents. However, the reality of these commitments has come into question, particularlyContinue reading “Improving the Engagement and Transparency of El Cerrito’s Leadership: Addressing Broken Promises and the Path Forward”
Overview of Local Tax Measures in Contra Costa County and El Cerrito
El Cerrito residents are already facing a high tax burden. When purchasing our home, we were impacted by the Real Property Transfer Tax (RPTT) on top of existing taxes. Now, on the heels reducing library hours the City is now asking us to take on even more financial responsibility on top of an existing base:Continue reading “Overview of Local Tax Measures in Contra Costa County and El Cerrito”
The Misguided Motivations Behind Pursuing Local Government Roles: A Closer Look
The journey into local government is often paved with good intentions. At the heart of many decisions to run for local office is a simple, powerful desire to help. This motivation, pure and commendable in its essence, is the driving force behind countless campaigns and initiatives. Yet, the landscape of local governance is rife withContinue reading “The Misguided Motivations Behind Pursuing Local Government Roles: A Closer Look”
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 