CITY MANAGEMENT

Join us for Coffee and Conversations with the City Manager

Interested in learning more about the City and engaging with your local government? Grab a coffee at Well Grounded and join us at the Juku Coworking Space a few doors down for an informal conversation with City Manager Karen Pinkos.

Coffee and Conversations with City Manager Karen Pinkos

September 10, 2026, 4 – 5:30pm
Juku Coworking and Event Space
7019 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito, CA

For more information, contact citymanager@elcerrito.gov

Pest Control Resources Workshop

Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 6pm

10870 San Pablo Avenue, Hana Gardens Senior Center

Join the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District and City of El Cerrito to learn about the services and programs available to El Cerrito residents at no cost. At this workshop, staff will discuss prevention and control measures for rats/mice, mosquitoes, skunks, bees, and more. Let’s work together to maintain the health and safety of our community. Please email community@elcerrito.gov with questions about this workshop.

The Great California ShakeOut Drill Is October 15

At 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, millions of Californians will stop what they're doing and practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On. It takes one minute, it's free, and it works, because practicing what to do in an earthquake is what makes the response instant.

Register at ShakeOut.org. Sign up a household, a classroom, or a whole agency, and get free drill broadcasts, planning manuals, and safety graphics. A few simple habits can keep your household ready:

• Download the free MyShake app from the App Store or Google Play. It is available in six languages and includes a Homebase feature that keeps you covered even when location services are off.



• Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On with everyone in your home so the response is automatic when an alert sounds.



• Refresh your emergency kit for summer with extra water, sun protection, and supplies for warm weather and travel.

Learn more and get alerts at earthquake.ca.gov.

Take Steps to Reduce the Risk of West Nile Virus

The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District confirms seven birds and one group of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus so far this year, with the majority of the activity in El Cerrito where four of the birds were found. Community members are reminded to:

• Use mosquito repellent
• Dump out ANY amount of standing water
• Report mosquito issues to the District

Learn more at contracostamosquito.gov

AC Transit Preparing for the Worst-case Scenario

At the El Cerrito City Council meeting on July 21, Staff from AC Transit reported that if long-term funding is not secured by December 2026, AC Transit will need to reduce services beginning in June 2027. AC Transit is working now to develop an emergency Contingency Service Plan that would outline which routes and schedules would be reduced. Please provide your feedback on which routes, schedules, and connections matter most to your daily life. Your feedback will help AC Transit focus limited resources where they will have the greatest impact, if funding is not secured.

Learn more and provide input at actransit.org/contingency-plan

Tired of School Traffic in El Cerrito? Consider Carpooling or Taking the Bus with Programs from 511 CCTA

Free Bus Passes for Students | Pass2Class

Students can get up to two months of free bus rides with 511 CCTA’s Pass2Class program. Passes are available for up to two students per family, while supplies last. Learn more and apply at 511.ccta.ca.gov/schools/pass2class-program.

Carpool to School for a Chance to Win a $250 Back to School Shopping Spree | SchoolPool

Share the ride to save gas and reduce school traffic. Carpooling is fun for students and saves time and money for parents. Drivers and passengers who register their carpool will be entered to win one of ten $250 back-to-school shopping sprees at Target, courtesy of 511 CCTA’s free SchoolPool program. Learn more and sign up at 511.ccta.ca.gov/schools/schoolpool.

CITY CLERK

Updates on the November Election

El Cerrito Qualified Candidates

As of the close of the nomination period, the City of El Cerrito had a total of six candidates qualified for placement on the November ballot to elect two City Councilmembers. The qualified candidates (and their ballot designations) are as follows, listed in the order they will appear on the ballot:

Information on candidates is available on the City’s website at elcerrito.gov/2026Candidates.

Nomination Period for Write-In Candidates

The nomination period for write-in candidates will open on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 and will end on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Write-In Candidates are subject to the same requirements as other candidates with the exception that their name and ballot designation will not appear printed on the ballot, and no information will be included in the voter information guide. 

Qualifying as a write-in candidate allows write-in votes cast for the individual to be counted. For more information, please contact the City Clerk at cityclerk@elcerrito.gov or (510) 215-4305. 

For more information on the upcoming election please visit elcerrito.gov/elections.  

Political Signs

The placement of political signs are subject to local regulations. In the City of El Cerrito, sign regulations and restrictions are covered under El Cerrito Municipal Code Chapter 19.26. Campaign signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way or on City property. Restrictions include placement on any kind on wooden telephone poles, metal poles, wire, public sidewalks, crosswalks, median strips, curbs, hydrants, trees, fire alarm or police alarm systems or any public right-of-way or traffic control fixture of the City.

Campaign signs are considered “temporary” non-commercial signs under the El Cerrito Municipal Code and are subject to those regulations as to number, size, and location as identified in El Cerrito Municipal Code section 19.26.070. Signs are requested to be placed no sooner than the 90 days leading up to the election and removed within 10 days of election day.

Public Works Maintenance will remove all signs placed in the public right-of-way or on City property and will hold them for pick up at the City’s Corporation Yard. Arrangements to pick up removed signs can be made by contacting the City’s Maintenance division at (510) 215-4369 or maintenance@elcerrito.gov.

For more information regarding campaign signs, please email cityclerk@elcerrito.gov.

Update on Library Task Force

On February 17, 2026 the City Council formed the El Cerrito Library Task Force (Resolution 2026-11) to serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council with regard to a new or updated library for El Cerrito. On March 3, 2026 the City Council provided staff direction on the application structure, selection process, and interview questions. Based on the selection process, as the number of applications received by the deadline exceeded 12, each Councilmember independently reviewed all applications received and put forward a list of applicants, in preferred order, that they wanted to interview for a seat on the Task Force. Based on the feedback, the top 10 ranked candidates were scheduled and interviewed by the City Council on July 14, 2026.

The Task force will have a limited duration of one year to complete its work and is expected to meet no less than every other month. The following residents have been appointed to the Task Force through July 15, 2027.

The first meeting of the Task Force is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers. Meeting materials, as well as additional information pertaining to the Library Task Force is available on the City Website. For questions, please contact the City Clerk at cityclerk@elcerrito.gov or (510) 215-4305.

Recent City Council Meeting Highlights 

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 (Special and Regular City Council Meeting)

• Held interviews and appointed the following individuals:
• Arsh Hothi (Citizen Streets Oversight Committee)
• Arsh Hothi and Erin Gillett  (Design Review Board)
• Received Presentations on the BART Alternative Service Plan and El Cerrito Fire Safe Council Grant
• Adopted an MOU with the El Cerrito Public Safety Management Association (Police and Fire Chief units)

Upcoming City Council Agenda Items (Subject to Change)

• EC STARS Presentation
• Annual Sundar Shadi Garden Club Awards
• Local Road Safety Plan Adoption

Upcoming meeting dates, agenda materials and public comment instructions are available online at elcerrito.gov/MeetingsandAgendas as well as video archives. For questions or more information, please contact the City Clerk at cityclerk@elcerrito.gov or (510) 215-4305.

Help Shape Parking Changes around El Cerrito Plaza

The City is evaluating parking changes around the El Cerrito Plaza BART station, and we need your input! Visit parking.elcerrito.gov to learn about two parking concepts for the area, how decisions will be made, the project schedule, and how you can get involved:

• Take the online survey by October 3.
• Attend an online community meeting on August 27 at 6:00 p.m.
• Visit our booth at Tri-City Safety Day on September 19 anytime between 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Your feedback will help shape the City’s Draft Parking Management Action Plan, which will be presented to the community for input in early 2027. Learn more at parking.elcerrito.gov

Building Permits

In July, 108 building permits were issued, five of which were solar permits and four Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). For comparison, in July 2025, 89 building permits were issued, including 19 solar permits and 2 ADUs. Currently the application processing time 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 for eligible projects in-person during counter hours or can be submitted via email to buildingapplications@elcerrito.gov and will be issued within 1-2 business days. Please visit elcerrito.gov/PermitCounter for more information.

Permit Counter Self-Service Kiosk at City Hall

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new self-service kiosk at City Hall. Located in the lobby next to the Permit Counter, the kiosk allows community members to quickly complete everyday City business without waiting in line. Using the kiosk, you can:

• Apply for building, fire, or engineering permits
• Request/schedule inspections
• Renew/pay your business license
• Submit your annual rent registry*
• Access and complete additional City services and digital forms
• And More

Stop by and try it out, and if you need a hand, staff are nearby to assist you.



*Rent Registry Submissions: Property owners who have experienced technical constraints or issues while attempting to complete these forms on mobile devices can use the kiosk for a full size, fully compatible digital interface and hassle-free filing. 

New Business Updates 

Sansaar Books officially opened its doors at 6500 Fairmount Avenue on Saturday, August 8, 2026! The shop centers literature, history, and political thought that looks at the world beyond the Western canon - from anti-colonial theory and Indigenous sovereignty to revolutionary fiction. Because of the cozy size of the space, the shelves are highly curated, but the shop can easily special order any title you are looking for.

Operating Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 9 p.m., the space features comfortable indoor and outdoor seating where visitors can enjoy a selection of non-alcoholic drinks and vegan treats available for purchase. Follow along on Instagram at @sansaarbooks or visit sansaarbooks.com for opening details.

Design Set Match is growing and now has an office in El Cerrito at 7511 Fairmount Avenue. They specialize in tiny kitchen and bathroom projects but can also work on other spaces. Learn more about this local business by visiting designsetmatch.com.

2026 Best of El Cerrito

The votes have been tallied and the results are in! Announcing the Best of El Cerrito 2026 Winners, Runner-ups, and Best in Class! Thank you to everyone who nominated and voted, thank you to all of the Best of El Cerrito 2026 sponsors, and congratulations to everyone on this list! To see more information on all the businesses and to learn more about the Best of El Cerrito campaign visit bestofelcerrito.com. Shop and support local businesses, El Cerrito. For more information, visit elcerritochamber.org/best-of-ec.

Contra Costa Transit Authority Adaptive Cycling Event

Affordable Housing Resources    

Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa         

The Project Based Voucher Waiting List for several properties located throughout Contra Costa County will be open between September 8 - October 1, 2026. Click to view the flyer in English and in Spanish. For more, visit contracostahousing.org.

Visit Doorway Housing Portal to view affordable housing listings across the Bay Area.

Click to view August 2026 Affordable Housing Opportunities– All Bay Area Counties (Courtesy of openhousesf.org)

Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) currently has several waitlist openings in the Bay Area. Visit sahahomes.org/apply for more information.

The Housing Trust of Silicon Valley is operating a first-time home buyer program (Home Access Program) with down payment assistance loans up to $200,000 for income qualified households throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Click here to learn more or email homebuyer@housingtrustsv.org.

Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services: HUD Pre-Purchase Workshop

Saturday, September 12, 2026, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Whether you’re just starting to think about homeownership or already in the process of buying, this workshop will give you the tools and knowledge to navigate the homebuying journey with confidence. Click here to learn more and register.

Operations

Wildfire activity remains significant across Oregon and Washington, and the Department has deployed two specialty-qualified members to assist with incidents in those states. These deployments provide immediate support to affected communities while strengthening the Department’s local readiness. Personnel return with current operational practices, expanded professional relationships, and real-world experience managing large and complex emergencies. The Department will continue supporting qualified deployments while maintaining local staffing and emergency response coverage.

Public Outreach

The El Cerrito Fire Department continues its wildfire-prevention and preparedness efforts as fire season becomes increasingly active. During August, Fire Prevention personnel will begin second-round vegetation-management and defensible-space inspections. Staff will revisit properties requiring follow-up and verify that hazards identified during the initial inspection cycle have been corrected. This work helps reduce the potential for wind-driven embers and surface fires to reach homes, improves emergency apparatus access, and creates safer operating space for firefighters.

The Department is also emphasizing the heightened danger created when Red Flag conditions are accompanied by extreme winds. Strong winds can rapidly accelerate fire spread, carry embers far ahead of the main fire, damage trees and power lines, reduce visibility, complicate evacuations, and limit or ground firefighting aircraft. Residents are encouraged to monitor official alerts, keep vehicles fueled, charge communication devices, prepare medications, go-bags and pet supplies, and know at least two routes out of their neighborhood.

The Department will continue developing a leave-early preparedness framework for evacuation-constrained areas of El Cerrito when Red Flag Warnings coincide with forecast extreme winds, particularly when ridge-top gusts approach or exceed 50 miles per hour. A leave-early recommendation would be a preparedness message for residents who need additional time or who wish to avoid smoke, power outages, falling trees, and traffic congestion. It would not replace an official Evacuation Warning or Evacuation Order.

Calls for Service  

The El Cerrito Police Department (ECPD) handled 2,150 calls for service in July. To read more about the types of calls the ECPD handles, check out our Nixle Feed at local.nixle.com/el-cerrito-police-department.

Tri City Safety Day

Mark your calendars for Tri-City Safety Day on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in El Cerrito Plaza! This free, family-friendly event brings together the El Cerrito, Albany, and Kensington Police and Fire Departments for a day focused on community safety, education, and fun.

Meet first responders, explore police and fire vehicles, watch live demonstrations, learn valuable safety tips, and enjoy interactive activities for all ages. Whether you're interested in emergency preparedness, crime prevention, or simply getting to know the public safety professionals who serve our community, there's something for everyone.

Bring your family and join us as we strengthen community partnerships and celebrate the spirit of regional collaboration. We hope to see you there!

PUBLIC WORKS

Draft Local Road Safety Plan Public Comment Period Closes

Thank you to everyone who reviewed and shared feedback on the Public Draft Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP)! If you haven't had a chance to provide comments yet, it's not too late, please submit your comments by this Friday, August 21. Your feedback will shape the final version of the LRSP, which City Council will consider adopting on September 15 at their regularly scheduled meeting. City Council meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. and are held at City Hall Council Chambers located at 10890 San Pablo Avenue. The public are welcome and encouraged to participate. More information about City Council meetings may be found here. 

2026 Street Seal Project 

The 2026 Slurry Seal project will begin soon. The project is a component of the City’s Measure A-funded Street Improvement Program and generally implements the second year of a five-year pavement maintenance plan that is intended to achieve an average Pavement Condition Index of 70 (good). The 5-year plan (pictured below) groups El Cerrito streets into geographical zones. This second year focuses on the streets in the vicinity of Potrero Avenue, including 23 street segments.

The work consists of patch paving, crack sealing, the application a slurry seal treatment where applicable, installation of enhanced traffic striping and pavement markings to improve safety for all modes of travel, and other related work. This also includes traffic signing and striping enhancements at spot locations throughout the City in response to requests from community members. Please see the links below for updates: 

Current CIP Projects | El Cerrito, CA - Official Website |

2026 Slurry Seal Project | El Cerrito, CA - Official Website

Quarry Hill Fire Fuel Reduction Project

Starting in September, the City will begin the Quarry Hill eucalyptus grove removal project funded by the State Coastal Conservancy. City Council awarded a contract to Powers Forestry LLC to remove fire prone eucalyptus and other invasive tree species from approximately 8.7 acres of Quarry Hill in the El Cerrito Hillside Natural Area. After tree removal, the project will include regenerative native habitat stabilization measures. As part of the grant, the City will also host a lumber milling demonstration in the fall and a fire resilient landscapes community workshop in the spring. The event dates will be published as the project progresses. 

The tree removal project is anticipated to last 45 days barring inclement weather. For questions about the project, please contact the City’s Maintenance Division at spree@elcerrito.gov or (510) 559-7685.

Afterschool Childcare Now Running! 

Program Dates: Thursday, August 20, 2026 – Tuesday, June 8, 2027

There is no programming during the first and last two days of school.

Program will run from dismissal until 6 p.m. for students at Harding, Madera, and Fairmont Elementary Schools. For more information about childcare or to register for the waitlist, please visit After-School Childcare.

For families already enrolled, don't forget to review the Parent Handbook.

Swim Center Price Changes

Beginning Monday, August 24, 2026, prices at the Swim Center will be changing. Drop-In prices will now be:

Fitness Swim: $9*

Masters: $14*

Water Aerobics: $14*

rECswim Adult: $8

rECswim Youth: $5

Splash Park / 7 & Under Swim: $5

Pass prices are also changing. For all prices, please visit elcerrito.gov/swimcenter.



*Resident Discount of $1 with proof of residency (driver's license, account with the Recreation Department, utility bill, etc.)

Teeter Tot Program Still Has Space!

There is space in our Teeter Tots program, which emphasizes a nurturing, first-time experience for your toddler in a play-based learning environment designed to prepare them for a preschool or school setting. Children develop important social skills through activities focused on sharing, taking turns, communication, and building positive relationships with peers.

Families can choose from 2-day or 4-day program options.

Interested families can also schedule a tour to learn more about the program and see the classroom environment. For more information visit elcerrito.gov/preschool.

Senior Resource Fair – Call for Vendors

The City is seeking organizations that provide programs, services, and resources for older adults to participate as vendors in our Annual Senior Resource Fair on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Vendor applications will be accepted through Friday, October 2, 2026, or until sold out. Apply online at elcerrito.gov/Senior-Resource-Fair. For more information call (510) 559-7000 or email recreation@elcerrito.gov .

Fall Fling Line Dance

Saturday, September 12, 2026, 6 –8 p.m. at the El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane

Put on your dancing shoes and join us for an evening of fun at our Fall Fling Line Dance on Saturday, September 12, from 6 – 8 p.m. Enjoy line dance instructions, light refreshments, and a great night out. Open to ages 18+. Cost is $10 per person. Tickets on sale now at elcerrito.gov/OnlineReg!