Tag Archives: history

Why Upfront Library Financing Raises Concerns in El Cerrito

City Council supporters and library-initiative advocates have repeatedly said there is no handout to the developer—that the developer would simply add parking or housing to the El Cerrito Plaza project. If that’s true, an obvious question follows: Why is the library initiative structured as a parcel tax that allows the City to deliver roughly $30Continue reading “Why Upfront Library Financing Raises Concerns in El Cerrito”

The Bait and Switch on the Agenda

Tuesday’s City Council meeting was another reminder of why El Cerrito residents struggle to trust city leadership. What was presented as a straightforward discussion about the pool quickly turned into something else entirely. Item 9B, titled “Swim Center Lap Pool Renovation Options,” bundled in an entirely separate need — the fire truck replacement. That wasn’tContinue reading “The Bait and Switch on the Agenda”

Too Many Staff, Too Little Service

Staffing Levels: A Key Driver of Payroll, Pension Costs, and Declining Productivity El Cerrito’s staffing structure is significantly larger and more expensive than those of peer cities of similar size. This isn’t just about “overhead” — it’s a major driver of payroll and pension costs that are consuming the city’s operating budget. The city’s $53.8Continue reading “Too Many Staff, Too Little Service”

El Cerrito Deserves Better: Why It’s Time to Move On from Gabe Quinto

For more than a decade, Councilmember Gabe Quinto has sat on the El Cerrito City Council. With his visibility at community events and a polished public persona, he’s managed to remain in office. But when you peel back the layers, one fact becomes undeniable: he has done nothing to strengthen this city or to meetContinue reading “El Cerrito Deserves Better: Why It’s Time to Move On from Gabe Quinto”

A History of Broken Promises and Misplaced Priorities

Thank you to the neighbors and community members who continue raising essential questions about how our city spends taxpayer money. It’s not just about one issue—it’s about a decades-long pattern of financial decisions that don’t align with the promises made to voters. Remember Measure D? In 2008, El Cerrito voters approved a 30-year bond (MeasureContinue reading “A History of Broken Promises and Misplaced Priorities”