CITY MANAGEMENT

We’re Moving to a New Website and Email Domain!

On August 15, 2025, the City will be transitioning to a new website domain www.elcerrito.gov and a new email extension @elcerrito.gov! For example, citymanager@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us is becoming citymanager@elcerrito.gov. Any visits to our previous domain or messages sent to prior email addresses will still be redirected and received through at least August 1, 2026.

On October 8, 2023, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1637 into law, which requires all cities and counties to transition all public-facing websites and employee email addresses to a “.gov” domain by 2029. This transition will make the City’s domains easier to remember, comply with AB 1637, and ensure visitors know that when they view materials on the City's website, it is from a trusted government source.

Please visit our website to find more information during the transition or contact citymanager@elcerrito.gov

Immigration Resources in Contra Costa County

The City of El Cerrito is a “Sanctuary City” and by City Council Resolution prohibits City officials and employees, including law enforcement, from actively participating with Federal agents seeking to enforce Federal immigration law or targeting individuals for detention based on their actual or perceived race, national origin, immigration status, and other factors.

To support the needs of members in our community, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, in partnership with the philanthropic community, funded Stand Together Contra Costa. Stand Together Contra Costa provides rapid-response deportation defense services, a 24-hour hotline, and training and education for families in need of immediate immigration legal assistance. This effort is a joint commitment from the public and private sectors to work in partnership with the community to ensure that Contra Costa is a welcoming, inclusive place where everyone has access to due process and the opportunity to thrive.

To report ICE activity and for free rapid response immigration legal services in Contra Costa County, call (925) 900-5151 or visit standtogethercontracosta.org

El Cerrito Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Approved

At the June 17 City Council meeting, the City Council formally adopted the 2nd year of the City's "Biennial Budget", approving the budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. The Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 maintains the City's total General Fund Balance above $20 million, equating to a 39% reserve ratio. Review the Staff Report and City Council Meeting Materials here and review the City's adopted budget numbers for all departments at el-cerrito.org/budget

CITY CLERK

LAST CALL For Nominations - Wall of Fame Nominations due July 1, 2025 

The Wall of Fame program was created by the City Council to recognize residents of El Cerrito who have made substantial civic contributions to the community over a long period of time through hard work on special projects in the community, and to honor their lifetime achievements and volunteer service.  

Honorees of the Wall of Fame are on display in the lobby of Council Chambers, located at City Hall (10890 San Pablo Ave), as well as online at el-cerrito.org/WallofFame.  

The City Council accepts and reviews nominations for the Wall of Fame in odd numbered years. A nominee must be a resident of El Cerrito, with an outstanding volunteer service record of enduring value to the residents of El Cerrito. Civic contributions and community service for which an individual is recognized must be an ongoing activity in El Cerrito for at least 15 years.  

Any individual or group of individuals, with the exception of current Councilmembers, may nominate an individual for this prestigious distinction. The application and instructions can be requested by emailing the City Clerk at cityclerk@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us. The deadline to submit a nomination is Tuesday, July 1, 2025.  

Recent City Council Meeting Highlights 

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 (Regular Meeting) 

• Recognized Loving Day and National Night Out 
• Approved HNA Fire Resilience and Forest Conservation Management Plan
• Received a presentation on the draft Mid-Cycle Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
• Approved one-time expenditures for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
• Adopted three-year resolution for Management and Confidential employee salaries and conditions of employment

Tuesday, June 17, 2025 (Public Financing Authority and Regular City Council Meeting)

• Recognized Juneteenth and Parks Make Life Better Month
• Approved modifications to the City’s Record Retention Schedule
• Introduced an ordinance regarding defensible space and home hardening inspections, and designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones
• Adopted the Public Financing Authority and City Budgets for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
• Awarded Construction contract for 2025 Surface Seal Project
• Awarded Consulting Agreement for Swim Center Design Services and discussed options for addressing necessary repairs 

Upcoming City Council Agenda Items (Subject to Change)

• Active Transportation Plan/Complete Streets Study Session (July 15)
• Library Study Session
• Council Policy and Rules of Order and Procedure Revisions

City Council Summer Meeting Schedule

The City Council adopted a regular meeting schedule reducing meetings to the 3^rd Tuesday of the month during the summer months of July – September. 

CANCELLED Regular Meetings 

July 1 | August 5 | September 2

Upcoming meeting dates, agenda materials and public comment instructions are available online at el-cerrito.org/CouncilMeetingMaterials as well as video archives. For questions or more information, please contact the City Clerk at cityclerk@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us or (510) 215-4305.

Contra Costa Housing Authority: Project Based Voucher Waiting List Opportunity 

The Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa (HACCC) will be opening the Project Based Voucher Waiting List for several properties located throughout Contra Costa County. This opening is NOT for the Housing Choice Voucher Program but for Project Based Voucher assisted units in the properties listed on the linked flyers below. This opening begins on June 30, 2025, at 10 a.m. until July 24, 2025, at 4 p.m. Visit the HACCC for more information or click on the flyers in English or Spanish to learn how to apply. 

Housing Opportunities and Resources

June 2025 Affordable Housing Opportunities– All Bay Area Counties (Courtesy of openhousesf.org).

Check out the Doorway Housing Portal to view affordable housing listings across the Bay Area here or visit housingbayarea.org. To learn about new affordable housing opportunities in El Cerrito, subscribe to the Community Development eNewsletter or visit el-cerrito.org/AffordableHousing. 

Building Permits In May, 121 building permits were issued, 13 of which were solar permits and 0 were ADUs. Last year in May, 127 building permits were issued, which included 18 solar permits and 1 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 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 el-cerrito.org/PermitCounter for more information. 

Annual Business License Renewals and Rent Registry: It’s that time of year again! Just a friendly reminder that all businesses operating in El Cerrito are required to have a valid Business License Certificate. Business license fees are due on July 1 and payments received after July 31 may be subject to penalties. This year, we’re going digital. Renewal notices will be sent via email on June 30, so please keep an eye on your inbox for details on how to renew. Visit the City’s website el-cerrito.org/BusinessLicenses for more information or feel free to reach out for assistance BusinessLicense@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us. 

Online Rent Registry: Starting July 1, 2025, all property owners/managers of rental properties will be required to register or renew their residential rental property data through the City’s online portal by July 31, 2025, along with the annual business license renewal process. Please note that paper forms will not be accepted. The annual fee is $49.00/unit for the reporting period of July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Detailed information, including online account access and instructions, will be provided with the Business License Renewal Notices. To learn more, please visit el-cerrito.org/RentRegistry or send a message to housing@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us. 

2025 Summer Kick Off Party and Makers Faire 

June 7th was filled with good times and memories in celebration of our amazing community, artists, local makers and musicians. Special thanks to the Little Hill, El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce, the Arts & Culture Commission, and all those who had a hand in making our 2nd Annual Summer Makers Faire a success. A full list of vendors can be viewed at el-cerrito.org/MakersFaire. Subscribe to the Community Development eNews at el-cerrito.org/CommDev for notifications about future events.  

Photo by: Stephanie Dolen 

Training

The Fire Department concluded its annual wildland drill with Berkeley, Richmond, Moraga-Orinda, and East Bay Regional Parks District fire departments. The drill focuses on a coordinated response to the Tilden Park area to ensure the multiple fire departments and dispatch centers can quickly organize into an effective team to manage a fire that may threaten Kensington, Berkeley, or El Cerrito. Every year, the drill allows our crews to meet face-to-face and overcome the physical and jurisdictional boundaries that separate our communities. 

Public Outreach 

The Fire Department continues to meet with community members to discuss safe vegetation management integrated with the responsible promotion of natural plant species. The Fire Department operates as a public educator and advocates for wildfire prevention activities by assisting community groups and owners in removing invasive plant species and maintaining indigenous plants that promote soil stability and shaded fuel breaks. 

Calls for Service  

The El Cerrito Police Department (ECPD) handled 2,332 calls for service in May. To read more about the types of calls the ECPD handles, check out our Nixle Feed at www.local.nixle.com/el-cerrito-police-department/.

Be Aware of Scams! Stay vigilant against scams like the "gold bar scam," where fraudsters pose as distressed individuals or fake officials offering gold bars or other valuables at a steep discount. These scams often involve urgent stories or fake documentation to pressure victims into quick decisions. Be cautious of anyone asking for upfront payments, requesting secrecy, or offering deals that seem too good to be true. Always verify identities and consult trusted sources before engaging in any unusual financial transactions. No legitimate government agency will ever ask for any form of payment over the phone. If in doubt, report suspicious behavior to our non-emergency dispatch at (510) 237-3233. For more information on other types of scams, visit consumer.ftc.gov/scams 

Vacation Home Checks 

Help safeguard your home while you go out of town by notifying the Police Department. An officer will conduct periodic checks of your residence while you are out of town. By submitting the vacation notification, the Police Department will also be able to contact you or your emergency contact, should the need arise. To request a vacation home check, submit the online vacation house notification approximately two weeks prior to your departure. You can fill out the form on the Police Department's website.

Employment Opportunities with the ECPD 

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: el-cerrito.org/jobs.

PUBLIC WORKS

Know Your Monthly Street Sweeping Day! Remember to Move Your Vehicle  

and Help Keep El Cerrito Clean! 

Street sweepers play a critical role in preventing pollution by removing litter and other debris before they can enter storm drains, ditches, creeks and the Bay. The City of El Cerrito asks that residents move their vehicles from the street on their monthly street sweeping day.  

Find your street’s sweeping schedule at el-cerrito.org/StreetSweeping. There you can find a map that lists your street's monthly street sweeping day. 

2025 Red Flag Parking Pilot Program

In collaboration with Make El Cerrito Fire Safe, the City is continuing the Red Flag Parking Pilot Program, which was launched in 2024. This pilot program is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety responsiveness and community emergency preparedness. Red Flag Days are declared by the National Weather Service when fire weather conditions, consisting of warm temperatures, very low humidity, and strong wind, are especially dangerous. In El Cerrito, these days typically occur a handful of days or less a year. 

What to expect: 

Now through November on Red Flag Days, on-street parking will be prohibited on one side of select streets to allow access for public and emergency vehicles in a fire-related emergency. The affected streets include: 

• Rifle Range Road between Bel View Court and City Limit 
• Terrace Drive between Arlington Boulevard and Ridgewood Lane 
• Contra Costa Drive between Devonshire Drive and King Drive 
• Contra Costa Drive between King Drive to Betty Lane (new to the program this year) 
• King Drive from between Contra Costa Drive and King Court 

Temporary “No Parking Any Time on Red Flag Days” signs will be posted on one side of each street. These signs will include a QR code linking to the National Weather Service’s Red Flag alert page: https://www.weather.gov/wrh/CAFW?area=CAZ508. The Fire Department will also place Red Flag Warning signs at key locations to alert the public. During the pilot, volunteers in safety vests will distribute educational flyers to vehicles parked in violation. No citations or towing will occur during this pilot phase. 

To learn more or provide feedback, visit Red Flag Warning on City website.

Stretching the length of Richmond Street between Hill Street and Fairmount Avenue, the Richmond Street Complete Streets Improvement project will improve safety, connectivity, and comfort for all travelers by installing traffic calming features, creating buffered bicycle lanes north of Moeser Lane, planting new street trees, adding pedestrian warning lights and safety lighting, replacing damaged sidewalk, resurfacing the street pavement, and more.  

To learn more about the project and view the preliminary design plans, visit the project website. 

How can I comment? Written comments must be received by July 9, 2025 

• E-mail: pworks@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us  
• Postal mail: Public Works Engineering, City of El Cerrito, 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530 

What happens next? 

• July 15: City Council will receive a presentation on Citywide Active Transportation and Complete Street policies that shape City projects such as this one. Members of the public are encouraged to attend. 
• Late July: The City Engineer will make a decision concerning the removal of on-street parking. The decision will be noticed and can be appealed within 15 days. More information is available here.  

The El Cerrito del Norte Complete Streets Project Continues!  

Construction activity for the El Cerrito Del Norte Complete Streets Project will now include work along Cutting Boulevard between San Pablo Avenue and I-80. Traffic will be shifted towards the center of the road so work can be completed at its outer edge. 

On San Pablo Avenue between Knott Avenue and Potrero Avenue, reconstruction of the median is now complete. The narrowing of the median made room for new separate bikeways. Additional work includes upgrades to crosswalks at San Pablo Avenue and Cutting Boulevard, including curb ramps, and ongoing installation of electrical and irrigation infrastructure between Hill Street and Potrero Avenue. This work will provide a new crosswalk on the south side leg of the San Pablo Avenue and Cutting Boulevard intersection, allowing a more direct path for people walking across San Pablo Avenue to and from the BART station.  

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to complete this important project to improve safety and access for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users. 

Please exercise caution in this area, for the safety of other drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and the construction crews. 

For questions or comments about this project reach out to: transformingdelnorte@gmail.com or the project hotline: (800) 930-3720.  

Visit: el-cerrito.org/TransformingDelNorte. 

2025 Street Surface Seal Project 

On June 17, 2025, the City Council awarded a construction contract to Pavement Coating Co. for the 2025 Street Surface Seal Project. The project is a component of the City’s Measure A-funded Street Improvement Program and generally implements the first 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 groups El Cerrito streets into geographical zones, as shown here. This first year focuses on the northernmost zone, including 68 street segments.

The work consists of patch paving, crack sealing, the application of either an asphalt rubber cape seal or a slurry seal treatment, installation of traffic striping and markings, minor concrete work, 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 as well as the repair of a sunken section of roadway on the 700 block of Sea View Drive. 

Construction is anticipated to start in August. Visit the 2025 Surface Seal Project Page in mid-July for project updates.  

Encroachment Permits

For May, 72 encroachment permits were issued. Currently the application processing time for encroachment permits is no more than 7 days after the date a complete application is submitted. Permits can be submitted via email to encroachmentpermit@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us. Please visit el-cerrito.org/EncroachmentPermit for more info.

Summer Camp 2025 Underway! 

After a full week of staff training that included topics like active supervision, water safety, group games and activity leadership, and First Aid/CPR/AED, summer camps officially kicked off the week of June 16. There were just under 500 enrollments in our first week of camp, and campers enjoyed activities including LEGO engineering, superhero games, a variety of sports, art, and much more.  

Weekly camps will continue through the second week of August. There are still opportunities to enroll in many of the camp options! Click Here to view ALL camps with space remaining, as well as details including schedule, fees, registration, and more. To learn more about the El Cerrito Recreation summer camp programs, visit el-cerrito.org/SummerCamp.   

Updated Summer Class Locations

Anyone ages 16+ is invited to join summer Zumba and Beginner Line Dance classes. For up-to-date summer class locations click the links below:  

Zumba

Beginner Line Dance

Summer Programs at the Pool 

Friday Family Fun Nights, Fridays 6/27-8/15 from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. 

For families with children of all ages, Family Fun Night is rECswim in the evening. Taking place every Friday in the Activity Pool (0-3.5 feet deep) and Splash Park, it is the perfect place for families to enjoy the summer evenings!  

Hot Summer Nights: rECswim After Dark, Saturdays 7/19-8/9 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 

rECswim After Dark is perfect for families with older youth and teens, and includes the Activity Pool plus use of the diving boards. Enjoy the pool in the dark with fun lights and music! 

Celebrate the 4th of July in El Cerrito 

Friday, July 4, 2025 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Cerrito Vista Park (950 Pomona Ave, El Cerrito) 

The annual City of El Cerrito/worldOne July 4th Festival provides the chance to celebrate amongst high-flying banners, world-class music, friends, community groups, vendors and more. Join us on Friday, 7/4 to celebrate this renowned El Cerrito Tradition! The event is free to the public, with pay-as-you-go options for attractions such as food booths, rides, bounce houses, vendor booths and more! 

Ride & Bounce House Wristbands & Tickets on Sale Now! 

Are you coming to the City of El Cerrito/worldOne 4th of July Festival? Avoid the line by purchasing a wristband in advance! Pre-sale tickets and wristbands can be purchased at el-cerrito.org/OnlineReg and picked up at will-call at the Ticket Booth during the festival (center of the park across from the rides). All purchases are non-refundable. 

Presale options include: 

Wristband for $30.00 (Unlimited Rides and Bounce Houses) 

6 Tickets for $16.00 

• Inflatables are 1 Ticket, or included in Wristband 
• Rides are 2 Tickets, or included in Wristband 

Pre-sale ends Wednesday 7/2 at 4 p.m.  

Fall Program Registration Coming Soon! 

Tuesday, 7/29 for El Cerrito Residents 

Wednesday, 7/30 for Everyone 

Save the date! The Fall 2025 rECguide will be available online at el-cerrito.org/RecGuide by Tuesday, 7/15. Be sure to check it out to see the newest schedule of recreational classes, activities, services, and special events for September - December 2025. Fall program registration opens at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, 7/29 for El Cerrito Residents, and Wednesday, 7/30 for everyone. Registration is accepted online at el-cerrito.org/OnlineReg, or in person at the El Cerrito Community Center (7007 Moeser Lane) during business hours. To prepare for registration, make sure you can log in and ensure all account information is up to date. For additional help with registration visit el-cerrito.org/HowToRegister. 

ATTACHMENTS/FLYERS

• Albany FilmFest at the Rialto Cinemas Cerrito: 5 Films about Social Justice
• Take the East Bay Regional Park District Survey