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”
Tag Archives: news
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”
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”
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”
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’s Compensation Study: Methodological Concerns and the Need for Comprehensive Analysis
Adjacent to Albany, where employees adhere to a standard 40-hour work week, El Cerrito’s staff operates under a 37.5-hour work schedule. This lower threshold of 37.5 hours not only leads to a 6% manpower shortfall for the city but also appears to encourage a cycle of justifications for not appropriately engaging stakeholders in relevant discussionsContinue reading “El Cerrito’s Compensation Study: Methodological Concerns and the Need for Comprehensive Analysis”
Selective Solidarity: El Cerrito City Council’s Inconsistent Stance on Foreign Policy Engagement
Editor’s Note: The mayor has indicated that they paid their own airfare (coach) and the trip was not expenced to El Cerrito. A long time El Cerrito resident recently shared their thoughts on a blog post titled “Insider Gets Special Treatment,” highlighting how the city council’s engagement in foreign policy seems to be swayed byContinue reading “Selective Solidarity: El Cerrito City Council’s Inconsistent Stance on Foreign Policy Engagement”
Reevaluating Fiscal Priorities: A Closer Look at City Management Spending Practices
During these challenging financial times, it has come to light that the city’s fiscal resources are being significantly stretched by the city manager’s frequent travels. On a roughly monthly basis, she attends networking conferences, with all related expenses—membership fees, conference charges, airfare, lodging, and dining—being covered by city taxpayers. This practice, while expensive, raises deeperContinue reading “Reevaluating Fiscal Priorities: A Closer Look at City Management Spending Practices”
El Cerrito’s Fiscal Oversight: Missed Opportunities and the Urgent Need for Strategic Staffing and Pension Reform
In March 2023, the state auditor recommended that El Cerrito should evaluate its staffing levels prior to undertaking the Classification and Compensation Study. Despite this advice, El Cerrito proceeded to solicit proposals for a comprehensive classification and compensation study. This study aims to assess the city’s organizational structure, compensation practices, and policies. The outcome ofContinue reading “El Cerrito’s Fiscal Oversight: Missed Opportunities and the Urgent Need for Strategic Staffing and Pension Reform”
California State Auditor’s Assessment Reveals Inadequate Cost-Cutting Measures in Ongoing Expenses
El Cerrito, California, informed the State Auditor that it planned to implement a fiscal recovery plan by summer 2021, including elements from the Auditor’s report. However, the city’s plans failed to effectively reduce ongoing costs. Their corrective action plan lacks a focused strategy for spending cuts, even though their five-year forecast acknowledges the need forContinue reading “California State Auditor’s Assessment Reveals Inadequate Cost-Cutting Measures in Ongoing Expenses”
Rising Tide of Pension Costs: El Cerrito’s Escalating Financial Challenge
El Cerrito’s financial struggles are largely due to its escalating pension debt, linked to the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). This debt saw a 67% increase from fiscal year 2014-15 to 2019-20, reaching $65.8 million by June 2020 and soaring to $85 million by June 2023. High pension liabilities mean rising costs over time,Continue reading “Rising Tide of Pension Costs: El Cerrito’s Escalating Financial Challenge”
Revenue Opportunities – Case Study
Lancaster, a town in the Antelope Valley north of Los Angeles, underwent significant changes a decade ago, particularly on Lancaster Boulevard, its main commercial artery. The street was transformed by widening the sidewalks, planting numerous trees, and reducing the road from five lanes to two for vehicles. This renovation attracted a surge in visitors andContinue reading “Revenue Opportunities – Case Study”
The City Council Did Nothing
This blog has been consistently focused on the critical aspects of governance, accountability, and transparency within El Cerrito’s city administration. The Chief Executive Officer, who also holds the position of City Manager, carries the responsibility for overseeing both the operational and financial performance of El Cerrito. It is essential to note that the City ManagerContinue reading “The City Council Did Nothing”
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 