City Manager's Update / October 24, 2023 |
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This past weekend, I had the honor of attending a luncheon held by the El Cerrito Branch of the NAACP that honored several community members for their service. The theme was "Freedom: The Struggle Continues," and the event was a lovely way to highlight several amazing and inspiring people who work for our community every day.
I was especially proud that our El Cerrito Police Chief Paul Keith was honored with the Community Engagement Award. Chief Keith, a lifetime NAACP member, was recognized for his work in building relationships between the community and law enforcement. I was also proud that one of our El Cerrito Human Relations Commissioners Mina Wilson was also honored with an award, and we were all moved by a poem presented by El Cerrito's own Poet Laureate Eevelyn Mitchell. Also honored were Gerald Martin, Ismail J. Ramsey, Tamara Shiloh, Virgil Weekes, and Eric Zell, along with their families. I was inspired by all the honorees who shared their stories and provided so much hope and positivity. We are all better for their service to our community.
In a time when so many of us are overwhelmed by all that is going on in the world and it seems easy to succumb to negativity, it was wonderful to be reminded that even in the midst of the struggles that continue, there is hope and pride and inspiration that lives here in El Cerrito. I am grateful to the El Cerrito Branch of the NAACP for hosting this wonderful event that showed us how resilience, leadership, and service can make the world a better place for everyone.
As always, please take care of yourselves and each other.
Karen Pinkos
City Manager
City of El Cerrito
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Assemblymember Buffy Wicks Tours El Cerrito –
On Friday, October 20, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks was joined by Mayor Lisa Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Tessa Rudnick, Councilmembers Gabe Quinto and Carolyn Wysinger, and BART Boardmember Rebecca Saltzman on a tour of the Transit-Oriented Developments (TOD) in El Cerrito. The Mayfair Station, located adjacent to the del Norte BART Station, includes 225 units with 70% market-rate units (completed in 2021) and 30% affordable units (breaking ground in 2024). The El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD preliminary design concept will include 743 units with 53% market-rate and 47% designated at below market rate. For more information on the project, visit https://www.el-cerrito.org/TOD.
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Strategic Plan Council Workshop – October 28, 2023
The City’s Strategic Plan, first adopted in 2013, articulates the City’s vision, mission and organizational values and establishes goals and strategies that guide the work of the organization, including decision-making and the prioritization of services and resources. In Spring/Summer 2023, the City kicked off a process to update the Strategic Plan that includes surveys, in-person outreach, a series of focus groups, and a workshop with the City Council, as well as engagement with City staff. Community members are invited.
Public Strategic Planning Council Workshop
Saturday, October 28, 9:00am – 1:00pm
El Cerrito City Hall Council Chambers
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El Cerrito Minimum Wage Increases 3% to $17.92 on January 1, 2024
Starting January 1, 2024, the City’s minimum wage will increase from $17.35 per hour to $17.92 per hour. The City Minimum Wage Standards require all employers to pay their employees no less than the minimum wage for all hours worked in the City of El Cerrito, regardless of where the business is headquartered. Employees who work less than two hours a week within El Cerrito are exempt. Each year, the wage will increase based on changes in the local Consumer Price Index. Employers and workers with questions about the El Cerrito Minimum Wage Ordinance can visit el-cerrito.org/wages or contact wages@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us.
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El Cerrito is Looking for its Newest Poet Laureate
The Arts & Culture Commission will release a “Call for Artists” for poets to serve as the City’s Poet Laureate on November 1. Deadline to apply is Friday, December 15, 2023 by 4:00pm. The Poet Laureate will encourage the poetic energy of our community by creating and leading activities that inspire writing and performances of poetry among all age groups while initiating a dialogue between local poets, cultural organizations, and community institutions. In an effort to promote literature and the arts in the City, the Poet Laureate will bring attention to poetry in less-traditional settings and encourage residents in their writing and personal expression.
The Poet Laureate must:
- Be a resident or work full-time in the City of El Cerrito
- Demonstrate a commitment to poetry writing, spoken word performance, and community involvement and outreach
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be able to serve the full two-year term as laureate and maintain residency/work status in El Cerrito throughout the term
The selected Poet Laureate will receive a stipend of $2,000 for the one-year term. Please visit:
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Accepting Applications - The El Cerrito Creative ReUse (“ECCRU”) Artist Residency Program
El Cerrito invites artists to apply for a nine-month residency taking place at the El Cerrito Recycling + Environmental Resource Center (“RERC” or “Center”). The purpose of the program is to support local artists who work with recycled materials, and to encourage environmental stewardship – specifically resource conservation, recycling and upcycling – in the community through art that inspires people to think about sustainability and consumption.
The El Cerrito Creative ReUse (“ECCRU”) Artist Residency provides the artist with: a stipend, access to materials at the RERC for use in artistic projects, an on-site storage bin for materials, and support for an exhibition at the end of the residency. Artwork will be created in the artist’s own workspace, which is not provided. We encourage artists working in all mediums to apply, including but not limited to, painters, textile artists, musicians, performers, photographers, printmakers, those working in film and video, and conceptual and installation artists.
Eligibility
The ECCRU Artist must:
- Be either a resident of or work in Contra Costa County or Alameda County
- Be at least 18 years old
- Demonstrate a commitment to upcycling and creative reuse
Honorarium: The Artist will receive a stipend of $500 every 3-month during the residency ($1500 for the nine-month term).
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Building Permits Update
For the month of September, 126 building permits were issued; 410 inspections were performed; 60 permits were “finaled” (e.g., closed out); and 137 new permit applications were received. (In September 2022, 106 permits were issued). Currently, the application processing for building permits requiring plan check is up to 15 days after the date a complete application is submitted. Over the Counter permits are available in person during counter hours or can be submitted via email at buildingapplications@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us, and will be issued within 1-2 business days. Please visit www.el-cerrito.org/permitcounter for more information.
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Planning Division Updates
On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, the Design Review Board (DRB) approved an amendment to a Tier IV Design Review approval to allow modifications to the exterior elevations at 11690 San Pablo Avenue (Mayfair Affordable).
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Affordable Housing Waitlist Opportunities
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Welcome to El Cerrito!
On September 30th, Dave’s Hot Chicken celebrated the opening of their latest location in El Cerrito. Swing by 5010 El Cerrito Plaza and give them a try!
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Ike’s Love & Sandwiches celebrated their grand opening on October 11th. Stop by Ike’s to pick up your old favorite or try a new menu item named after the new location, like the “El Cerrito Place” or the” Old El Cerrito”. Ike’s Love & Sandwiches is located at 350 El Cerrito Plaza.
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On October 21st, founder/El Cerrito native, Megan Gressel and the El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce celebrated the Grand Opening of Plank + Power at 11163 San Pablo Avenue.
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Mark your calendars for Dolly’s Grand Opening on October 28 from 12-2 pm at 10172 San Pablo Avenue (Peppermint Tree Plaza). Dolly’s will be offering Italian appetizers and desserts accompanied by beer on tap or bottled, along with a great selection of wine. To stay connected with the latest business updates/events, subscribe to the Community Development eNews.www.el-cerrito.org/CommDev.
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During the City Council meeting on October 17th, Finance Director Crystal Reams presented the Fourth Quarter General Fund Budget Update for April 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023 noting an unaudited FY 2022-23 General Fund estimated balance of approximately $5.6 million. Through that period, the City received revenues of $49.2 million, approximately $2.2 million higher than budgeted, primarily due to stronger than expected economic conditions and sales tax receipts. The City spent $43.6 million, nearly $4 million less than budgeted, primarily due to prudent spending by departments and salary savings from staff vacancies that are in the process of being filled.
Director Reams noted that these numbers are preliminary as the City is currently in its annual audit process, and there may be some differences when staff present the final audited financial report to Council. Staff will continue to bring regular budget updates to Council for review and discussion.
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Administration
The El Cerrito/Kensington Fire Department (ECKFD) continues to partner with Lamorinda Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) for fall and winter training sessions, providing training for our community for a standard resident fee of $40. Click to Register for classes.
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Operations
On September 1st, OES 413 swapped out crews for the Smith River Complex Fire in Northern California. Participating was Captain/Paramedic Hoyer-Nielsen, Engineer Dawson, Engineer Stroud, and Firefighter Arechiga led by Strike Team Leader/Battalion Chief Castrejon.
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On September 12th, Engine 51 responded to a bicycle accident on Moeser Lane. A helicopter evacuation for the trauma patient was activated. |
On September 22nd, Engine 51 B shift (Acting Captain Dawson, Engineer Janes and FF/Paramedic Van Wyck) responded to Cutting Blvd at the Ohlone Trail for a vehicle vs. bicyclist. The patient sustained major injuries and was flown to John Muir Hospital trauma center for treatment. |
Community Engagement
On September 13th, more than 50 residents from Wildcat Firewise (El Cerrito and Kensington) joined El Cerrito-Kensington Firefighters from Station 55 on a walk to identify wildfire risks and learn how residents can harden their homes, create defensible space, and be prepared for evacuations.
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On September 15th, Engine 51 (Captain/Paramedic Ciappara, Engineer Dawson and Firefighter Ferreira-Clifton), participated in the Grandparents Day celebration at El Cerrito Royale. |
El Cerrito-Kensington Fire Department and Richmond Fire during a demonstration at this weekend's Tri-City Safety Day at the El Cerrito Plaza. |
ECKFD is actively seeking CERT members and surveying residents for preparedness and participation with an online survey at https://tinyurl.com/4rx8dzt5.
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Calls for Service
The El Cerrito Police Department (ECPD) handled 1,999 calls for service in September. To read more about the types of calls the ECPD handles, check out our Nixle Feed at www.nixle.com.
Evacuation Drill
The City of El Cerrito will be conducting an evacuation drill on November 16th between the hours of 10:00am and 2:00pm. Please follow our Nixle and Social Media accounts for more upcoming information. Existing enrollment in the Community Warning System (CWS) is required to participate. To sign up for CWS, visit: https://cwsalerts.com/.
Annual Report
The ECPD 2022 Annual Report is now online. To read more about our department, our goals, and progress, visit ECPD 2022 Annual Report.
Employment Opportunities with the ECPD
In College and interested in law enforcement?
The El Cerrito Police Department is hiring part-time Police Cadets. Starting pay is $18.13/hr. Cadets perform a variety of non-sworn law enforcement duties, including: providing non-emergency assistance in the office and in the field. Police Cadets are hired as temporary non-sworn staff for up to five years while enrolled in college.
Qualifications:
Completion of 12th grade; must be attending an accredited college or university and enrolled in at least 6 semester or 8 quarter units and maintaining a "C" average. Must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid California Driver’s license.
Applicants must be able to pass an extensive background check, including a polygraph exam, medical, drug screen and psychological exam.
Interested in becoming a Police Officer?
The ECPD is currently looking for candidates for Police Recruit and Police Officer. These jobs offer an unmatched ability to make positive change in our community and offer great benefits to boot! If you or someone you know is interested in joining the ECPD team, please have them check out our available positions at: www.el-cerrito.org/jobs.
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City Hall EV Charging Station Upgrades Completed
In early October, the old charging station at City Hall was upgraded with two new dual-port EV charging stations. This added three Level 2 charging ports including one accessible space. The City secured MCE rebates for the new stations. The signages and stripes on the north side of the parking lot were also resurfaced to accommodate these upgrades.
Thank you for your patience during the construction!
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Fire Resilience and Forest Conservation Planning
The City of El Cerrito was awarded a $145,000 grant from the State Coastal Conservancy to develop the Hillside Natural Area Fire Resilience and Forest Conservation Management Plan (Plan). The Plan’s purpose is to establish a comprehensive fire hazard reduction and vegetation management to guide the City’s fire fuel reduction, native forest conservation, and maintenance activities.
City staff and the consulting team have begun gathering data and conducting assessments. Community input is part of Plan development, and the first Community Meeting will be held virtually on November 8th from 6:30-8:00pm. At this meeting, staff will summarize the data and solicit input on different management strategies. We invite all El Cerrito residents to join us. Meeting information will be posted at el-cerrito.org/1650/Hillside-Natural-Area-Plan closer to the date. Questions can be addressed to Stephen Prée in the City’s Operations + Environmental Services Division at spree@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us or (510) 559-7685.
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Successful El Cerrito California Coastal Cleanup Day 2023
On September 23rd, volunteers joined City staff for the annual Coastal Cleanup Day creek cleanup at Baxter Creek Gateway Park. Six Members of the MTO Shahmaghsoudi organization joined seven other El Cerrito volunteers to clean up trash and litter before it enters the storm drain system and San Francisco Bay. The volunteers collected and cataloged 26 pounds of recyclables and 150 pounds of trash. The data collected from this statewide event helps inform public policy for product stewardship responsibility.
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EBMUD Wildcat Pipeline Improvement Project on Richmond Street
EBMUD’s Wildcat Pipeline Improvement Project will install approximately 2.6 miles of 36 -inch pipeline mostly along Richmond Street. The project will improve operational flexibility and water system reliability in the northern portion of EBMUD’s service area
Installation of a 36-inch pipeline will begin in November 2023 and go through early 2025. For more information, visit www.ebmud.com/wildcatelcerrito. Thank you for your patience during construction of the project.
CONTACT: EBMUD Community Affairs
Phone: (510) 287-7208
After-hours, call EBMUD at (866) 403-2683
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Moeser Lane Sidewalk and Fence Repair
The Public Works Department repaired the Moeser Lane sidewalk which was severely damaged due to the heavy rains last winter. Pedestrians can now enjoy smooth traveling on this stretch of Moeser Lane. The photos below show the condition before repairs and after the project was completed. The leaning fence was also repaired as part of this project.
For questions about sidewalk repair, please contact Karineh Samkian in the City’s Operations + Environmental Services Division at ksamkian@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us or (510) 525-7603.
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Traffic Safety Requests
The Engineering Team has been evaluating and addressing requests from residents to improve traffic safety in their neighborhoods. In response to a resident request, the Maintenance team recently installed “all way” plaques on the stop signs at the intersection of Central Avenue and Richmond Street. The Engineering team is currently in the process of evaluating other “all way” stop intersections in the city that could benefit from “all way” plaques.
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El Cerrito Del Norte Complete Streets Improvement Project Update
On September 28th, the Public Works Department released the Notice Inviting Bids for construction of the El Cerrito Del Norte Complete Streets Improvement Project. The Bid Opening is currently scheduled for October 26, 2023.
Planned improvements consist of enhanced and new protected crosswalks, new context-sensitive bikeways, bus boarding islands, circulation improvements, and various streetscape enhancements. The project limits include San Pablo Avenue from Ohlone Greenway near the northern city limit to Potrero Avenue, Eastshore Boulevard from Potrero Avenue to San Pablo Avenue, Hill Street from San Pablo Avenue to Liberty Street, Cutting Boulevard from I-80 to Key Boulevard, and Knott Avenue from San Pablo Avenue to Key Boulevard. For more information on the project, visit www.el-cerrito.org/transformingdelnorte
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Last Chance! SunShares Discount Available until November 15
This fall, the City of El Cerrito is partnering with Bay Area SunShares to work towards a more sustainable future. Register now to get connected with Bay Area SunShares pre-vetted installers for a limited time discount on home solar and battery storage. Stack the limited-time SunShares discount and 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit for significant savings on residential solar + storage with quality pre-vetted installers. SunShares discount is available through November 15th!
Want to learn more? Join a Bay Area SunShares Informational Webinar on November 1st at 6:00pm. Learn solar + storage basics, how to take advantage of the SunShares discount, and ask a pre-vetted installer a question during the live Q & A!
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Recycling + Environmental Resource Center Holiday Hours
The Recycling + Environmental Resource Center (RERC) is open six days per week; Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm and Saturdays 9:00am - 4:45pm.
For the upcoming holidays, the Center will be closed on Veterans Day (Saturday, November 11th) and for Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 23rd & Friday, November 24th). For questions, please contact City Staff at (510) 215-4350 or green@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us.
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Holiday Curbside Collection Schedule
For the Thanksgiving holiday (Thursday, November 23rd & Friday, November 24th), curbside collection of recycling, green waste, and garbage will occur as normally scheduled.
During the last week of December and the first week of January, curbside collection will shift by one day and run Tuesday - Saturday. There will be no collection on Christmas Day (Monday, December 25th) and New Year’s Day (Monday, January 1st). For questions, please contact City Staff at (510) 215-4350 or green@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us.
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First Annual Play Like a Girl+ Event
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The City of El Cerrito Recreation Department hosted its first annual Play Like a Girl+ event on Sunday, September 24th to introduce girls+ in grades 2-6 to a variety of sports in a fun-filled setting as well as provide encouragement and resources for long-term involvement in athletics. The event took place at the El Cerrito Community Center and Cerrito Vista Park at no cost to participants. After a welcome and inspirational message from Mayor Lisa Motoyama and City Manager Karen Pinkos, participants got to experience two athletic sessions, visit booths of local sports clubs and teams, and watch a performance by the El Cerrito Recreation Advanced Gymnastics class.
“My kiddo is excited now about playing volleyball at Korematsu, after never having tried it before! Everywhere I looked, all day, I saw a ton of girls having fun, being encouraged and empowered, and stretching themselves. The opening speeches were honestly very moving to me... I was thrilled that the event managed to balance being girl focused and gender inclusive.” - Parent of Event Participant
Play Like a Girl+ would not be possible without the support from community leagues, organizations, coaches, and businesses! For a complete list of sponsors, visit www.el-cerrito.org/playlikea. We look forward to making this an annual event and hope to see even more girls+ in 2024!
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Pumpkin Splash
El Cerrito Swim Center held the annual Pumpkin Splash on Friday October 13, 2023. The Pumpkin Splash is a floating pumpkin patch where families can swim in the pool with pumpkins, and then “pick” their pumpkin. Tickets were $12 each and included a pumpkin. There were two time slots: 3:30pm-5:00pm and 5:30pm-7:00pm. Both time slots sold out with 150 participants each. Staff from the Police and Fire Departments were at the event handing out candy and coloring books, along with Community Development asking participants about the Strategic Plan.
El Cerrito Recreation would like to thank Speer Family Farms, located at 2453 Hancock St. in Alameda, for their generous donation of pumpkins. The event was a huge success, and we look forward to having it again in 2024!
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Swim Center Pool Covers
El Cerrito Swim Center has been working with MCE CLEAResult to replace old pool covers on both the Emery G. Weed III Lap Pool and the Activity Pool. The final pool covers were delivered and installed on Tuesday, October 17th. The new pool covers will help lower the costs of heating and chemicals, and MCE is providing a 100% rebate of the purchase price.
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Senior Resource Fair
On Friday, November 3rd from 10:00am-1:00pm, the Recreation Department will host a Senior Resource Fair at the El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane. The Senior Resource Fair strives to provide seniors with information about valuable resources in our area including transportation, caregiving, counseling, support services, travel and more. Light refreshments will be provided. If you are a vendor interested in being a part of the Senior Resource Fair, applications can be found online at www.el-cerrito.org/onlinereg/specialevents. For more information about this event, call (510) 599-7000 or email recreation@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us.
September Recreation Recap
In the month of September, the El Recreation Department offered over 190 activities with over 1,300 enrollments. There were 922 activity registrations, and 555 facility reservations. At the Swim Center, there were 3,900 pass visits and 1,812 drop-in visits. 205 Senior meals were served, and 175 one-way Easy Ride Paratransit trips were provided to seniors.
Special Events: Mark Your Calendars!
Senior Resource Fair – Friday, November 3rd, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Pancake Breakfast – Saturday, December 2nd, 9:00am – 11:00am
Boomer Dance – Saturday, December 2nd, 4:00 – 6:00pm
(Adult) Line Dance – Friday, January 27, 2024, TBD Evening
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
- Appointed Nate Schaffran (Financial Advisory Board), Adam Levenson (Arts & Culture Commission, and Kevin Schenthal (Economy Development Committee)
- Recognized Filipino American History Month, Cyber Security Awareness Month, National Arts and Humanities Month, and Indigenous Peoples Day
- Increased City Council Compensation to $650 per month
- Awarded Construction Contract for Arlington Park Improvement Project
- Authorized purchase for one residential recycling truck
- Amended City Manager Employment Agreement
-Recognized Shelter in Place Education Day, Ujima Lodge #35, Bullying Prevention Month and Unity Day
-Appointed Linda Cain (Committee on Aging)
-Received a presentation on Sundar Shadi Garden Awards
-Authorized purchase of an emergency replacement generator for Station 52
-Received FY 2023-24 First Quarter Cash and Investment Report
- Received Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for September 2023
-Received FY 2022-23 General Fund Budget Quarterly Update through June 2023
-Received Fire Safety and Regional Coordination Update
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Saturday, October 28, 2023 (Special City Council Meeting) 9:00 AM
- Strategic Plan Workshop
Tuesday, November 7, 2023 (Regular City Council Meeting)
-Curbside Recycling Outsourcing Study
-Library Presentation
-Fire Cost Hearing
Tuesday, November 21, 2023 (Regular City Council Meeting)
-AC Transit presentation on draft route changes
-Public Hearing on Waste Management, Garbage and Green Waste Collection and Processing Fees
-Consider Placement of a Measure on the March 5, 2024 Ballot
-1st Quarter General Fund Budget Update
-Advisory Body Study Session (Tentative)
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Agenda materials and public comment instructions are available online at
(510) 215-4305.
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STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Please join the Finance Department in welcoming Jill Du as our new Senior Accountant.
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Jill has a Master’s in Accounting from Saint Mary’s College of California and a Bachelor’s degree from Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
Prior to joining the City of El Cerrito, Jill worked in Commercial Property Management in Corte Madera as a Senior Accountant. Jill lives in Pinole with her husband, and she loves to cook and travel when she can.
Jill is excited to join the excellent team in El Cerrito and support the city’s growth and success!
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The City is pleased to offer the following employment opportunities:
- Police Officer – Lateral and Academy Graduate
- Police Officer – Recruit
- Police Cadet – (part time)
- Assistant Gymnastic Coach (Recreation Program Leader) – Part-Time
- Childcare Aide – Part-Time
- Childcare Teacher – Part-Time
- Facility Attendant (Senior Recreation Leader)
- Summer Camp Counselor (Childcare Aide) – Part-Time
- Swim Coach (Aquatics Specialist) – Part-Time
- Lifeguard & Senior Lifeguard (Part-Time)
- Van Driver – Part-Time
- Water Aerobics Instructor (Aquatics Specialist I) – Part-Time
- Water Aerobics Instructor (Aquatics Specialist II) – Part-Time
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10890 San Pablo Ave.
El Cerrito, CA 94530
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