CITY MANAGEMENT

El Cerrito Pride Month

Join us on Monday for the 2026 El Cerrito Pride Month Kickoff Celebration! Starting on June 1 at 4 p.m., join us for a Pride Flag-Raising Ceremony at City Hall, followed by a gathering and celebration at Castro Park at 5 p.m. Since 2013, the City has proudly flown the rainbow flag at City Hall throughout the month of June to symbolize our celebration of diversity and support for the LGBTQIA+ community. We can't wait to see you there!

Help Draw New El Cerrito City Council Districts!

As the City transitions to district-based City Council elections, we want help from YOU to draw the new district boundaries.

What is a district-based City Council election?

With this move to district elections, starting in 2028 residents will vote for one representative who lives in their district rather than voting for all five City Council members. Please see the City Clerk section below for more information on the transition to district-based elections.

Community members can submit maps identifying where they believe district boundaries should be drawn and submit input on which neighborhoods or communities they think should be drawn into a shared district. Draw a map or learn more at elcerrito.gov/districts!

Join us for an in-person community workshop to hear more about this process and to have help submitting your own maps or input:

Community Workshop

June 3, 2026, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
City Council Chambers

Learn more of the background on this process and why it is happening in the City Clerk section of this newsletter below and at elcerrito.gov/districts.

Join the Human Relations Commission in Celebrating Loving Day

Loving Day takes place each June 12 and recognizes the landmark judicial ruling Loving v. Virginia (1967) that outlawed bans on interracial marriage in the United States. Mildred and Richard Loving, an interracial couple, were married in 1958 in Washington, D.C., because it was illegal for them to marry in their home state of Virginia. When they tried to return home, they were arrested, convicted, and threatened with jail time unless they left the state. The Lovings decided to fight this ruling, eventually winning in a unanimous decision by the U.S. Supreme Court after nine years of appeals. This ruling is considered one of the most notable civil rights decisions in U.S. history. Loving Day has grown into an annual celebration of multicultural community and provides opportunities to learn history lessons while envisioning ways to improve the future. Please join the Human Relations Commission to recognize Loving Day! Watch, read, and create with resources for all ages on our website: elcerrito.gov/LovingDay

CITY CLERK

June 2, 2026 Special Municipal Election 

Election day is just around the corner! In El Cerrito, voters will vote on Measure C, a qualified citizens initiative petition for a new El Cerrito Library and Library Services Parcel Tax on the ballot. For information regarding the measure, please visit the June 2026 Ballot Measure C page.  

El Cerrito Polling Locations 

El Cerrito Community Center (7007 Moeser Lane) 

Hana Gardens (108970 San Pablo Ave) 

St. Jerome Catholic Church (308 Carmel Ave) 

St. John's Community Center (6500 Gladys Ave) 

Permanent Vote-by-Mail Drop Box 

El Cerrito City Hall (10890 San Pablo Ave) 

Adjacent to the rear parking lot of City Hall 

For more information related to voting and the upcoming election, please visit the Contra Costa Elections website or call (925) 335-7800. 

The Future of City Council Elections 

On April 21, 2026, the City Council adopted a Resolution declaring its intention to transition to a district-based system for electing members of the El Cerrito City Council. This action was taken in response to allegations that the City's current at-large election system violates the California Voting Rights Act ("CVRA"). Although the City denies a violation exists, it can be costly and difficult to defend in court. 

The City Council, an elected legislative body serving the residents of El Cerrito, is currently elected in an at-large election system, where each of the five Councilmembers are elected by registered voters of the entire city, regardless of residence, as opposed to a district-based election system, where each Councilmember must reside in a specific district within the City, and is voted on only by voters within that district. 

It is important to note that the transition to district-based elections will not affect the November 2026 election. The process to run for City Council in November 2026 will remain under the process of an at-large election system. 

Election Code outlines a 90-day process to complete the transition to a district-based election system, which began with the Council’s action on April 21, 2026. The City has created a robust website at elcerrito.gov/districts with information regarding this process, as well as how the public can participate. Below is a snapshot of actions taken so far, as well as those that are scheduled in the coming months. 



Completed Actions 

• April 21, 2026: Adopted Resolution of Intent to Transition to Districts 
• May 5, 2026: 1st Public Hearing held 
• May 12, 2026: Virtual Community Workshop (Watch the recording here!) 
• May 14, 2026: Community Outreach at Bike to Wherever Day event 
• May 19, 2026: 2nd Public Hearing held 

Remaining Actions/Events 

• June 3, 2026: Community Workshop #2 (6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers) 
• June 9, 2026: 3rd Public Hearing (Draft presentation and additional public input on draft maps) 
• June 16, 2026: 4th Public Hearing (Additional public input on draft maps, Council to select final map) 
• July 7, 2026: 5th Public Hearing (Approve final map and Introduce the Ordinance to change to District-Based Elections) 
• July 21, 2026: Adopt the Ordinance to change to District-Based Elections 

Timeline for Transition 

While the CVRA allows for extensions to the 90-day transition timeframe with agreement of the potential plaintiff, the City was unable to obtain an agreement for extensions. 

Based on the extensive process required to make the transition to district-based elections, and the deadlines imposed by the Contra Costa County Elections department related to district maps, it has been determined that the earliest election feasible for the transition is commencing with the November 2028 General Municipal Election. 

For more information regarding Elections in El Cerrito, please contact the City Clerk at cityclerk@elcerrito.gov or (510) 215-4305.

Recent City Council Meeting Highlights 

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (Regular City Council Meeting)

• Library Week Presentation and Recognition
• Recognized California Cities Week, and Education and Sharing Day 
• Public Hearing on Military Equipment Ordinance
• Adopted Resolution of Intention to transition to District-Based Elections Beginning November 2028

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 (Regular City Council Meeting)

• Held 1st Public Hearing Regarding Transition to District-Based Elections
• Recognized National Public Works Week, Affordable Housing Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Bike to Wherever Day
• Environmental Quality Committee Appointment (Mordecai Stayton)
• Public hearing on Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District and Storm Drain Fees
• Held 2nd Study session on Biennial Budget for Fiscal Years 2026-27 and 2027-28

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 (Regular City Council Meeting)

• Held 2nd Public Hearing Regarding Transition to District-Based Elections
• Recognized LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
• Received Presentation from Marin Clean Energy
• Held FY 26-27 Master Fee Schedule Public Hearing
• Held 3rd Study Session on FY 26-27 and 27-28 Budget

Upcoming City Council Agenda Items (Subject to Change)

• Additional FY 26-27 and 27-28 Study Sessions and Budget Adoption
• Additional Public Hearings on Transition to District-Based Elections
• Presentations on Strategic Economics and Affordable Housing 

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.

Elora (formerly known as Mayfair Affordable) Update

The Elora Apartments, located at 11690 San Pablo Avenue, near the El Cerrito del Norte BART Station, received their Temporary Certificate of Occupancy in April and officially welcomed their first new resident on May 15, 2026. The project was constructed by BRIDGE Housing and includes 69 affordable units ranging from 30% to 60% of area median income. It also features a community room, outdoor recreation spaces, on-site laundry facilities, transit passes for each unit for three years and a publicly accessible pathway connecting San Pablo Avenue to Kearney Street. Lease-up is slated to be completed in Summer 2026.

El Cerrito Plaza Transit Oriented Development Update: Modules Arriving

The modules for the first phase of the El Cerrito Plaza Transit Oriented Development are scheduled to start arriving and being placed on May 28. They will be installed over an approximately three-week period, resulting in the 70-unit, six-story building taking shape at what is called Parcel A-South. The podium for the project was poured earlier this month. The project is scheduled to be complete in Spring 2027. The work will take place during regular construction hours, and be staged entirely from within the fenced construction zone.

Bike to Wherever Day 2026 Recap

In partnership with 511 CCTA and Bike East Bay, thousands of people across the Bay Area chose alternate methods of commuting to their destinations. This year the City of El Cerrito Energizer Station counted 299 cyclists (and other rollers) as part of the 1,035 counted in West County. This is the first time since the pandemic that West County has surpassed a four-digit count. Contra Costa County as a whole counted just over 2,300 cyclists, which means that West County was about 40% of the counties total count this year (total counts provided by 511 CCTA). The dedication to alternative methods of transportation speaks to the community's commitment to sustainability.

Special thanks to The Natural Grocery Company for providing refreshments to participants and volunteering to spend the morning with us. Visit elcerrito.gov/b2wd for more information.

El Cerrito Summer Kickoff Festival and Market

Make, create, and celebrate at El Cerrito’s Summer Kickoff Festival and Market. Join us on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 12 - 4 p.m. at Hana Gardens Senior Center, located at 10870 San Pablo Ave., and discover the incredible local creators/vendors showcasing their talents paired with live music and local eats. Visit elcerrito.gov/ECSummerFest for a list of vendors and more information.

BART Mobility Survey for El Cerrito Businesses & Employees

Please participate in this short online survey for employees commuting near BART Stations to learn how people’s travel patterns have changed across the Bay Area since the COVID-19 pandemic. It only takes 5–10 minutes and the survey will be open until the end of May. All participants are eligible to enter a $150 gift card drawing! Just click on the link here. This effort is being led by UC Berkeley in partnership with BART.

511 CCTA is Giving Away Free Transit Perks to El Cerrito Commuters

Living in El Cerrito means you're already in a prime transit sweet spot. With both El Cerrito Plaza and El Cerrito del Norte stations right in your backyard, avoiding traffic on I-80 or San Pablo Avenue is incredibly easy.

Whether you’re heading to school, the office, a worksite, or across the Bay, 511 CCTA has a free transit incentive for you:

• Try Transit: Are you an eligible El Cerrito commuter or college student? Snag a pre-loaded $25 Clipper card just for pledging to hop on BART or the bus instead of driving. Claim your $25 Clipper Card: 511cc.org/TryTransit
•  Take 10: Heading across the Bay on your commute? Grab 10 free one-way trips (a full week of free rides!) on AC Transit Transbay lines or the nearby Richmond-SF Ferry. Claim your 10 Free Rides: 511cc.org/take10

Why white-knuckle the steering wheel when you could be reading, catching up on podcasts, or just zoning out while someone else drives? By trading your solo drive for public transit, you’ll immediately save on gas, pricey bridge tolls, and parking, all while cutting down on wear-and-tear on your car. Plus, you’re doing your part to clear the air right here in El Cerrito.

Whether you leave the car at home just one day a week or commit to all five days, your choice makes a massive difference—and right now, it comes with a reward.

Affordable Housing Resources    

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

Click to view May 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.

A Word from the El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce

2026 Best of El Cerrito

Final Voting Open Now thru June 15, 2026

This community-driven awards program is run by the El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce together with the Best of El Cerrito contests team that builds civic pride, highlights our world-class, diverse local businesses, and gives neighbors a chance to show their love for their favorite spots in town. Businesses located in El Cerrito (94530) and along San Pablo within City boundaries are eligible to participate. Cast your vote for your favorite local business now at elcerritochamber.org/best-of-ec.

Businesses: Register today and receive your free, custom “Vote for Us” badge and marketing materials – perfect for social media, email signatures, your website, and more. This is a great way to increase engagement, draw support from loyal customers, and stand out. Click here to register and for more information.

Building Permits In April, 129 building permits were issued, 8 of which were solar permits and 1 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). For comparison, in April 2025, 104 building permits were issued, consisting of 14 solar permits and 0 ADUs. A building permit for Crunch Fitness at El Cerrito Plaza (at the former Barnes and Noble) was submitted on March 31. 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 at buildingapplications@elcerrito.gov and will be issued within 1-2 business days. Please visit elcerrito.gov/PermitCounter for more information.

Training

As we rapidly approach wildfire season, the El Cerrito Fire Department is preparing for its annual pre-summer wildland fire drill in collaboration with the Berkeley Fire Department, Oakland Fire Department, Moraga-Orinda Fire District, Richmond Fire Department, and East Bay Regional Parks. This annual exercise is designed to ensure all participating agencies can effectively respond together to a wildfire originating in the parklands east of Berkeley and El Cerrito. The drill focuses on a rapid coordinated response across city and county lines to ensure we can identify fires early, suppress them quickly, and keep them out of surrounding neighborhoods and homes.

These exercises are a critical reminder that wildfire response is a regional effort. No single agency can handle these incidents alone, and strong partnerships, communication, and training are essential to protecting our communities.



This drill represents the El Cerrito Fire Department’s continued commitment to improving preparedness, strengthening interagency cooperation, and keeping our residents safe through ongoing training and collaboration. Our mission remains simple: save lives and protect property. That mission drives the work we do every day.

Public Outreach 

The El Cerrito Fire Department invites residents to join us for an important community presentation on Defensible Space and Wildfire Preparedness. As wildfire conditions continue to impact communities across California, creating defensible space around your home remains one of the most effective ways to protect your property, your neighborhood, and first responders during fire season. This free presentation will cover:

• Vegetation management requirements

• Creating safer zones around your home

• Reducing wildfire risk to your property

• Resources available to El Cerrito residents

Whether you’re just getting started or already working on your property, this presentation will provide practical, easy-to-understand information for every homeowner and resident.

Come meet your local fire prevention team, ask questions, and learn simple steps that can make a real difference.

📍 Hana Gardens Senior Center Meeting Room

10860 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA

📅 Saturday, May 30

⏰ 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you there and working together to keep El Cerrito fire safe.

Calls for Service  

The El Cerrito Police Department (ECPD) handled 1,868 calls for service in April. To read more about the types of calls the ECPD handles, check out our Nixle Feed at local.nixle.com/el-cerrito-police-department.

Keeping Our Roads Safe: April and May Traffic Safety Campaigns

During April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month, ECPD officers focused enforcement efforts on distracted driving violations to help improve roadway safety throughout the community. Over the course of the month, officers issued more than 125 citations related to distracted driving offenses!

Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of preventable traffic collisions, injuries, and fatalities. Even a few seconds of taking your eyes off the road to check a phone, send a text, or interact with in-vehicle technology can have serious consequences. Focused enforcement and public education efforts help remind drivers to stay attentive and make safe choices behind the wheel.

In May, the Department will participate in the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign, with officers placing additional emphasis on seat belt enforcement. Wearing a seat belt is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce serious injuries and save lives in traffic collisions. The department encourages all drivers and passengers to buckle up every trip, every time.

Congratulations, Detective Chand!

Congratulations to Detective Chand, who graduated from the Inner Perspectives program this month. The Inner Perspectives program focuses on leadership, personal growth, communication, and strengthening connections within the community. Detective Chand’s dedication to professional development reflects the commitment our Department has to continuous learning and service.



Please join us in congratulating Detective Chand on this achievement and representing the El Cerrito Police Department with professionalism and pride.

PUBLIC WORKS

Make Way for Trucks on Collection Day!

Many residential streets in El Cerrito are narrow and tricky for collection trucks to drive through. Give our drivers the space they need to service your street and prevent any potential accidents by taking the following steps on collection day:

• Park in Your Driveway, Not on the Street.

If possible, park your vehicle in your home’s driveway instead of the street on collection days so our trucks have more room to maneuver and service your

recycling, compost, and garbage carts.

• Place Carts 2ft. Apart from Each Other and 4ft. from Vehicles and Other Personal Property.

In residential areas, collection vehicles use mechanical arms to grab, empty and return carts at the curb. These arms can reach forward up to 12ft. from the side of the vehicle; the grabbers at the end of the arms can open up to 8ft. wide to clutch onto carts. Carts should be placed at least 4ft. away from any vehicles or personal property and 2ft. apart from each other so they can be serviced individually without risking any potential damage to nearby objects.



• Place Carts Out the Night Before or by 6 a.m. on Scheduled Pick-Up Days.

To avoid missed pick-ups and go-back fees, carts should be at the curb by 6 a.m. at the latest on collection days.

El Cerrito Earth Day Recap!

On Saturday, April 25, over 60 Earth Day volunteers helped make El Cerrito a cleaner and greener place to live by picking up litter around the del Norte and Plaza BART stations, pulling weeds at Tassajara Park and Motorcycle Hill and rejuvenating plant beds at the El Cerrito Library, El Cerrito High School and Fairmont Elementary. Volunteers collected ten 32-gallon bags of litter that weighed over 100 lbs! These amazing volunteers prevented dozens of plastic bottles, straws, caps and wrappers from polluting our streams, bay and ocean!

The City also hosted a repair workshop at the Community Center where 43 attendees worked with coaches to learn how they could repair their portable grills, clothes, lamps and laptops (just to name a few). 22 items were fully repaired on-site! While not all items could be fully repaired, each attendee got a chance to learn how their item works and how it was assembled.

We want to give a big thanks to all the volunteers, repair coaches and City staff that helped make this Earth Day such a success! 

El Cerrito Recycling Center Closures

The El Cerrito Recycling + Environmental Resource Center (RERC) will be closed on Wednesday, June 3 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for Staff Training.

Curbside collection of recycling, compost and garbage will occur as normal. Questions? Contact us via email or call us at (510) 215-4350.

Fire Fuels Reduction Work Near the Hillside Natural Area and Easements

City contractors started work in mid-April maintaining defensible space and shaded fuel breaks with high weed mowing and dead wood removal around the perimeter of the Hillside Natural Area (HNA). Special focus has been on clearing fuels along the property borders east of Navellier St., above Wildwood Creek, west of King Drive, and north of Potrero Ave. Additionally, Memorial Grove pine trees were raised to be compliant with shaded fuel break standards during last winter. City staff are progressing with their annual work mowing easements to reduce flash fuels throughout the city.

Volunteers with the Friends of the Hillside continue their ambitious work removing invasive fuels such as French broom on the interior of the HNA, with great success twice a week. Under the El Cerrito Fire Department guidance, they have effectively prepared areas for controlled burning by ECFD this spring on dates that will be widely announced in advance.

Share Your Opinion On What Matters Most for the Future of Contra Costa County

Residents of Contra Costa County are invited to take a quick, five-minute survey to voice their priorities around local infrastructure, the environment and climate change. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter or business owner, your feedback will help guide future outreach and ensure resources reflect what matters most to our community. Click here to take the survey.

City of El Cerrito & worldOne Fourth of July Festival

We’re excited to invite you to participate in the 2026 City of El Cerrito & worldOne Fourth of July Festival, an award-winning and beloved community tradition! Come celebrate American’s 250 Independence Day and California’s 175 anniversary of statehood in El Cerrito with your neighbors and friends. This lively celebration draws thousands of attendees for a full day of music, food, and family fun.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Location: Cerrito Vista Park, 950 Pomona Ave.
• More Information: elcerrito.gov/july4

Sponsors and Donations Needed! 

We need the community's support to help preserve and sustain El Cerrito’s largest and most popular annual event! Our goal is to raise over $50,000 to continue this tradition and provide unforgettable memories for our community. Event Sponsorships not only help support the festival but also amplify each sponsor's presence as an organization that cares about the people of El Cerrito and nearby communities. Click here to donate today!

Vendor Applications

Applications are now open! If you’d like to showcase your products, services, or classic car, you can apply in the following ways. The deadline for all applications is Thursday, 6/4 (or sooner if sold out). Find out more information at the link below:  

4th of July & worldOne Festival Vendor & Classic Car Showcase Application

Ride & Bounce House Wristbands on Sale Starting Tuesday, June 2

Avoid the line at the festival by purchasing a wristband in advance! Pre-sale wristbands will be available for purchase at elcerrito.gov/OnlineReg starting 6/2 at 9 a.m., and can be picked up at will-call (Info Booth #2) the day of the event. Wristbands are $30 each and include unlimited rides and bounce houses.

Registration App Now Available

The Recreation Department has just launched an app that allows you to register for any of our programs! Register not only in person and online, but now through the El Cerrito Recreation app. Download today and register for any program, rental, special event, or purchase passes. Use the QR code above, or click here to download.

A New Era Begins in Community Services!

The Recreation Department is pleased to welcome two new employees to the City who will be leading the Department’s Community Services Division.

Recreation Supervisor Matteo Clark-Hurley has spent the last 15+ years working to make sure kids and families have real access to quality programs, connecting schools, community organizations, and local resources across the Bay Area and beyond. He's a lifelong East Bay resident whose own kids have gone through El Cerrito's Recreation programs, and he's genuinely excited to expand opportunities for families in the community.

Recreation Coordinator Perry Nalle, an El Cerrito native, joined us from the City of Berkeley Parks and Recreation, where she oversaw summer camps and specialty classes. She studied Parks and Recreation at Cal Poly. Prior to Berkeley, she worked for the Town of Corte Madera running their senior programs and rentals. Perry is excited to work for her hometown and support the programs she attended as a child. 

Open Spots in Summer Camp!

Did you know that many of our camp programs still have space? It’s not too late to join our award-winning camp program and enjoy a summer filled with FUN – friends, unity, and new experiences. A variety of camps are offered from art to sports to traditional camps.

Full-day options, including lunch-bunch (supervised lunchtime, lunch not provided), or half-day options are available.

Click here to view and register for camps that have space for new enrollments.

El Cerrito Older Americans Month Recap! 

During the month of May, the City celebrated El Cerrito’s older adults by hosting a series of special Older Americans Month events. Over 100 seniors participated throughout the month, attending our Pickleball 101 class, Downsize & Declutter presentation, and the closing Hawaiian Music Luau. We would like to thank our generous volunteers and donors for helping make these wonderful events possible and for supporting our senior community.