CITY MANAGEMENT

Coffee and Conversations with City Manager Karen Pinkos / Event Recap

Thanks to everyone who joined us for Coffee and Conversations at the Juku Coworking and Event space on September 10. It was great to be able to talk about current community issues, answer questions, and provide up-to-date information from our City organization. Please stay tuned for additional dates, including evening meeting times, as we look to find more ways for community members to engage with their local government. Have a suggestion for a future event? Contact Assistant to the City Manager Will Provost at wprovost@elcerrito.gov.

Close Your Street on Halloween Night with New El Cerrito Pilot Program!

On September 15, the City Council approved of a new pilot program waiving permit fees and encouraging neighborhoods to host block parties on Halloween so that children can go door-to-door safely. If you live on a block where large groups are anticipated, consider hosting a block party to close your street to thru traffic on Halloween night. Note, permit fees will be waived for up to 10 block parties, on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply for a Halloween Street Closure Permit by October 16 at elcerrito.gov/HalloweenBlockParty

Celebrate United Against Hate Week with the City of El Cerrito on October 17

United Against Hate Week takes place October 18 - 24, 2026. To celebrate, join the El Cerrito Human Relations Commission and Arts & Culture Commission for an all-ages event 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 17 on the Ohlone Greenway next to Centennial Park. We invite residents to create sidewalk chalk artwork on this year’s theme of “Belonging in Action”. Local Artist Naima Yi will create a chalk centerpiece, with music and a storytime hour appropriate for elementary school ages thanks to suggestions from the El Cerrito Public Library. Learn more at elcerrito.gov/stophate

General Fund Balance Estimated at $23.2 million 

As reported to the City Council in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Fourth Quarter General Fund Budget Update on September 15, as of June 30, 2026 the City received revenues 3% higher than the City’s adopted budget, and the City's expenditures were 1% less than budgeted. As a result, the projected unaudited year-end total General Fund Balance is estimated to be $23.2 million, equivalent to 41% of annual expenditures. This includes $12,581,551 in unrestricted funds which represents 22% of General Fund expenditures (the City's policy is a minimum of 17%), $7.5 million designated for the Emergency Disaster Relief Fund (which can only be used in case of an emergency), and $2.9 million in the Section 115 Trust (which can only be spent on pension costs). These numbers will be audited and validated as part of the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report later this year. These results demonstrate the City’s continued commitment to budgeting conservatively and ongoing fiscal discipline. Read the full report here.

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.

Library Task Force Update

The El Cerrito Library Task Force held its first meeting on September 8, 2026, to review, analyze, and make recommendations to the City Council regarding a new or updated Library in El Cerrito. At the meeting, City staff provided a broad overview of efforts to address the El Cerrito Library facility needs dating back more than 20 years, followed by a discussion among Task Force members on specific activities they could undertake as they seek to develop a recommendation to the City Council on how to proceed. An upcoming meeting will include a detailed tour of the current El Cerrito library facility. All meetings of the Task Force, including the upcoming tour, are open to the public and interested community members are encouraged to attend. Watch a recording of the first meeting and learn more at elcerrito.gov/LibraryTaskForce

El Cerrito Receives Budget and Financial Reporting Awards from Government Finance Officers Association

On September 9, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) announced it has awarded the City of El Cerrito with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the City’s Biennial Budget adopted by the City Council in June. This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting and reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting, according to a statement released by the Association. In order to receive the budget award, the City had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation.

On September 17, GFOA announced that the City was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

Review the full Fiscal Year 2026-27 and 2027-28 Biennial Budget, the 11-page Budget in Brief, and the Fiscal Year 2024-25 ACFR at elcerrito.gov/budget.

Celebrate El Cerrito Arts Month This October!

Presented by the El Cerrito Arts & Culture Commission, the City of El Cerrito is excited to celebrate local creativity and shine a spotlight on the amazing arts organizations and events happening right here in our community. Support our local arts scene and explore the full calendar of events at elcerrito.gov/artsmonth

CITY CLERK

November 3, 2026 Voter Information



Voter Registration – Voters can check their registration status with Contra Costa County at contracostavote.gov/elections/voter-registration/register-to-vote, and can register online at registertovote.ca.gov. The deadline to register to vote in the November Election is Monday, October 19, 2026.

Vote-By-Mail Secure Drop Boxes- All California voters will be sent vote-by-mail ballots beginning October 5, 2026. Contra Costa County voters can return their ballots using the 24-hour secure ballot box located at El Cerrito City Hall. The box is only accessible by the City’s Election Official and County Election staff who will pick up ballots directly and transport them back to the County facility for processing. There is no involvement with the U.S. Postal Service in servicing the permanent ballot box and the box is under the City’s video surveillance system. The box will be unlocked by October 5, 2026 and remain open until 8 p.m. on election day. For more information on secure ballot drop boxes, please visit contracostavote.gov/elections/official-ballot-drop-boxes. 

Track Your Ballot - While ballots will not be mailed until October 5, you can sign up now to track your ballot though California’s official “Where’s My Ballot?” tracking tool. Signing up takes less than three minutes and you will be able to track when your ballot is mailed, when it has been received, and when it has been counted. Visit california.ballottrax.net/voter to sign up today. For more information, please contact Contra Costa County Elections at voter.services@vote.cccounty.us or (925) 335-7836. Voters can also contact the City Clerk at cityclerk@elcerrito.gov or (510) 215-4305.

Recent City Council Meeting Highlights 

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 (Special and Regular City Council Meeting)

• Recognized National Suicide Prevention Month and Hispanic Heritage Month
• Received ECSTARS Presentation
• Received 4th Quarter General Fund Budget Update
• Approved Halloween Block Party Pilot Program
• Adopted Local Road Safety Plan

Upcoming City Council Agenda Items (Subject to Change)

• Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District (CCMVCD) Presentation
• Fire Side Program Presentation
• Annual Sundar Shadi Garden Club Awards
• 2026 Legislative Update with City Lobbyist
• Advisory Body Study Session with Council Ad-Hoc

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 currently evaluating parking changes for the area around the El Cerrito Plaza BART station and seeking community input. The City is seeking feedback through a survey which will be open until October 3, 2026 and held the first community meeting on August 27, 2026.

• Watch the Community Meeting recording at elcerrito.gov/parking
• Take the online survey by October 3.
• 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

September is Transit Month in the Bay Area

Hosted by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), the celebration of transit systems, its operators, and riders will make its way around the Bay with a series of transit-centered events, games, and contests, to promote the importance of transit. Click here for the calendar of events.

Building Permits

In August, 95 building permits were issued, five of which were solar permits. For comparison, in August 2025, 113 building permits were issued, including 18 solar permits and 3 Accessory Dwelling Units (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.

Planning Commission Recap

At their August 19, 2026 meeting, the Planning Commission approved the Tier IV Design Review application for a project at 6501 Fairmount Avenue consisting of 16 townhomes and 882 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. The project is taking advantage of the Project Kickstart program adopted by the City Council in 2025. This program modifies some fees and inclusionary housing requirements in an effort to kickstart qualifying approved projects that stalled due to changing market conditions. For more details about the project, visit elcerrito.gov/1574/6501-Fairmount

The Planning Commission also approved a Conditional Use Permit to allow the extension of an existing non-conforming side setback at 611 Norvell Street. 

New Business Updates 

Mamba Martial Arts, located at 11100 San Pablo Avenue, is now open and offering classes/training right here in El Cerrito. Follow Mamba Martial Arts for more information and for a free class pass.

Cafe Bueno Aires, located at 6401 Fairmount Avenue, is happy to announce their expansion and fourth location right here in El Cerrito this fall. The cafe is known for their renowned Argentine empanadas, South American coffee blends and creating community spaces. Shop locally and welcome our new neighbors.

Planet Fitness applied for a building permit to operate a new location at 10794 San Pablo Avenue. Subscribe to the Community Development Department eNewsletter at elcerrito.gov/CommDev to receive new business updates. 

Join the El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce and City staff for a special ribbon cutting celebration at Miles Pizza Slice on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Come meet our newest business owner, who also happens to be an El Cerrito local, for a slice of pizza and toast. Visit milespizzaslice.com to learn more about their menu, business hours and how to grab a slice/pie!

Taking Your Business to the Next Level: September 22, 2026 @ 10 A.M.

We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming West County Business Roundtable: “Taking Your Business to the Next Level.” This free event is happening right here in El Cerrito in partnership with the West County cities of El Cerrito, Hercules, Pinole, San Pablo, Richmond, and unincorporated Contra Costa County alongside the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County and Contra Costa County Economic Development. Join us to connect with local small business resource providers in areas that include funding opportunities and capital access, marketing, recruitment assistance, human resources, and other support to help your business thrive. Click the link below to register or contact Aissia Ashoori at aashoori@elcerrrito.gov for more information. Click here to register.

Vector Control Workshop Recap

On September 9, 2026, the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District and City staff held a workshop to share available programs. Vector Control provides inspection and education services for mosquitos, rats/mice, skunks, ticks, yellowjackets, and bees to El Cerrito residents at no cost. To view the workshop materials, click here or visit contracostamosquito.com. 

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 September 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.

Home Match Contra Costa County, Alameda, Marin, and San Francisco. If you see something of interest, contact Home Match at (925) 956-7385 or homematchcontracosta@frontporch.net.

Public Outreach

Fire Prevention: California Adopts Zone Zero Regulations

What the State Rules Require

Phased Implementation: Three Years + Five Years

The state deliberately adopted a multi-year rollout for existing homes. The Board's stated approach is to prioritize education and outreach, give homeowners time to plan and budget, and use inspections to identify issues and demonstrate progress rather than expect an immediate full retrofit. The exact calendar dates will begin when the regulation becomes effective. The state framework is organized as follows:

Department Implementation Plan for El Cerrito

The El Cerrito Fire Department has developed a plan to integrate Zone 0 into the existing annual vegetation-management and defensible-space inspection cycle, rather than create a separate surprise enforcement program. The plan will be coordinated with surrounding fire agencies so residents receive consistent interpretations and practical guidance across jurisdictional boundaries.

What El Cerrito Residents Should Expect

Residents should expect Zone 0 guidance to appear during the normal inspection period, with clear written explanations of what is required now, what may be completed later, and the applicable deadline. The Department will continue to encourage early voluntary action because the first five feet can materially affect whether embers ignite a structure, but the inspection process will reflect the State's phased compliance schedule.

Until the regulation becomes effective and the regional implementation materials are finalized, residents should continue meeting existing vegetation-management requirements and may begin with simple actions: move firewood and combustible storage away from structures, remove dead material, clean roofs and gutters, and avoid adding new combustible landscaping or fence components in the first five feet.

Calls for Service  

The El Cerrito Police Department (ECPD) handled 2,112 calls for service in August. To read more about the types of calls the ECPD handles, check out our Nixle Feed at local.nixle.com/el-cerrito-police-department.

Halloween Coloring Contest

Homicide Investigation Update

On August 23, 2026, at approximately 12:17 p.m., the El Cerrito Police Department responded to a report of a shooting in the parking lot of the Del Norte Plaza shopping center on San Pablo Avenue. Officers from El Cerrito, Kensington, and Richmond responded and located a young man suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by officers and emergency medical services personnel to provide medical aid, the victim succumbed to his injuries. The investigation determined that the victim became involved in an altercation with multiple suspects near his vehicle. The suspects subsequently fled the area in a dark-colored sedan. Detectives later determined that the suspects had targeted the victims in a planned marijuana robbery.

Through extensive investigative work and collaboration with regional law enforcement agencies, detectives identified the suspect vehicle involved and developed information leading to the identification of the suspects. On August 24, with the assistance of the Richmond Police Department, officers arrested and booked one of the suspects into the county jail on charges related to robbery and homicide. Investigators later recovered the vehicle believed to have been used by the suspects to flee the scene. Surveillance footage, along with information obtained through regional automated license plate reader systems, was instrumental in identifying and locating the vehicle.

On August 31, El Cerrito officers, working with regional law enforcement partners, located and arrested a second 18-year-old Richmond resident identified as the getaway driver. He was booked on charges related to the robbery and was also found in possession of an illegal assault rifle and high-capacity magazine. The investigation remains active as detectives continue working to locate any additional individuals involved.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the El Cerrito Police Department Investigations Division at (510) 215-4435.

Stay Informed!

Sign Up for Nixle Alerts

Stay informed about important public safety information happening in your community by signing up for Nixle alerts. The El Cerrito Police Department uses Nixle to share timely notifications about significant incidents, road closures, public safety concerns, and other important information that may impact our community.

Signing up is quick and easy and helps ensure you receive important updates directly from the Police Department. Residents are encouraged to register and stay connected to what is happening in El Cerrito.

Signing up is quick and easy. To receive alerts by text message, text your ZIP code to 888777. You can also sign up online through the Nixle website (nixle.com) and customize how you receive notifications.

Sign Up for Contra Costa County Community Warnings

Emergencies can happen at any time, and receiving timely information can help you and your family stay safe. Contra Costa County’s Community Warning System (CWS) provides important emergency alerts and information about incidents that may impact your area, including severe weather, fires, hazardous conditions, and other emergencies.

Residents are encouraged to sign up and ensure their contact information is current so they can receive critical notifications when they matter most. Take a few minutes today to register and help ensure you are prepared and informed when an emergency occurs.

Sign up for the Contra Costa County Community Warning System and encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same! Sign up at CWSalerts.com.

PUBLIC WORKS

$13.1 Million in State Funding Approved to Make San Pablo Ave Smoother and Safer in El Cerrito 

On August 31, the California Transportation Commission announced their approval of a $13,113,000 investment in San Pablo Avenue in the city of El Cerrito, from the Alameda County line to I-80 near Cutting Boulevard. The project, which is anticipated to start construction in 2027, will include:

- Pavement Rehabilitation: New asphalt pavement between both curbs in both directions of travel

- Curb & Gutter: Replacing damaged sections of the curb and gutter at multiple locations 

- Sidewalk & Street Trees: Replacing damaged sidewalks at three locations. Removing and adding new street trees at 16 locations

- Road Safety & Complete Streets: Adding new safety lighting, high-visibility signage and improved pavement markings at crosswalks, and rectangular rapid flashing beacons at San Pablo Ave/Carlos Ave and San Pablo Ave/Sacramento Ave.

Stay tuned for more information!

Coastal Cleanup Day at Creekside Park

Saturday, September 19 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join your fellow community members in protecting the waters of Cerrito Creek, SF Bay and the California Coast! Volunteers across California will be working together to clean up and prevent trash from polluting the Pacific Ocean as a part of Coastal Cleanup Day.

Meet at Creekside Park by the Santa Clara Ave entrance between 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Volunteers should come prepared with long pants, long sleeves, sturdy shoes with good grip, a hat and water. For more information, please email green@elcerrito.gov or call (510) 215-4350.

Register for the Fall Citywide Garage Sale by Sunday, September 27

The City of El Cerrito coordinates the Citywide Garage Sale in the Spring and Fall to promote reuse, so that one person’s unwanted items can become another person’s treasure! Consider hosting a garage sale at your home, school or church!

This Fall's event will be held on Saturday, October 17 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Registration for the Fall Garage Sale is now open, please fill out the online registration form here: Fall Citywide Garage Sale Online Registration. Registration deadline is Sunday, September 27 at midnight.

The City publicizes the event via citywide newsletters, social media and creates an 11x17 duplexed map, so that shoppers can easily find host locations enticed by sale descriptions.

Printed maps with listings of all the garage sale locations and offerings will be available one week prior to the event online, at El Cerrito City Hall (10890 San Pablo Ave), the Recycling Center (7501 Schmidt Ln.) and at the Community Center (7007 Moeser Ave). A digital map with listings and locations will also be hosted on our website at elcerrito.gov/GarageSale.

For more information, please email green@elcerrito.gov or call (510) 215-4350.

Traffic Safety Corner: Double White Lines

Double white lines are used to mark sidewalk extensions where pedestrians are expected to be. Common uses for double white lines include roadway neckdowns and bulb-outs. Double white lines are often — but not always — accompanied by vertical delineator posts or some other vertical visual element. Areas marked with double white lines shall be considered outside of the roadway and thus treated as curb and sidewalk.

2026 Street Seal Project Continues 

The 2026 Slurry Seal project continues on 23 street segments in the vicinity of Potrero Avenue. 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. 

Please stay alert for temporary traffic controls and detours, plan for delays, and use caution when traveling through the work area. Your attention helps protect motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and construction crews. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as the City works to maintain and improve our local streets.

For project updates, please visit elcerrito.gov/2026surfaceseal

Help Shape An East-West Bikeway from El Cerrito Plaza BART Station to Bay Trail and More

Crosstown Connect will define an east-west route for a new bikeway linking El Cerrito neighborhoods to the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station, parks, schools, and businesses all the way to the Bay Trail. The City is currently exploring potential routes for the bikeway along with other multimodal improvements, and we need your input! Visit elcerrito.gov/CrosstownConnect to learn more about the potential bikeway routes, opportunities for public input, and the project schedule. Also, visit us in person at:

• Tri-City Safety Day on September 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Pumpkin Splash on October 16, 3:30 to 7 p.m.



We want to hear from you. Your input will help shape one of the highest priority projects in the City’s Active Transportation Plan.

2026 Surface Seal Quick-Build Traffic Safety Improvements

As a part of the 2026 Street Surface Seal Project, the City will be installing several "quick-build" safety features throughout the city, primarily within the project paving limits. Consistent with the City’s Active Transportation Plan and Complete Streets Policy, the project is implementing many quick-build pedestrian and bikeway improvements.

Typical quick-build pedestrian improvements consist of painted curb bulb-outs with vertical delineator posts and low-profile plastic bumps to narrow travel lanes and calm traffic along with high-visibility crosswalk signs and markings. As part of the 2026 Street Surface Seal Project, these include 21 refreshed or newly installed high visibility crosswalks, 34 refreshed or newly installed painted bulb-outs, and more formalization of the California Daylighting Law (AB413) on collector and arterial roadways.

Quick-build bikeway improvements to be implemented include the following:

• Bike Lanes on Potrero Ave between San Pablo Ave and Ohlone Greenway
• Shared Bike Route on Potrero Ave between Ohlone Greenway and Navellier St
• Bike Boulevard on Blake St between San Pablo Ave and Navellier St
• Shared Bike Routes on Cutting Blvd between Jordan Ave and Wilson Way, Wilson Way, Ganges Ave between Wilson Way to Blake St, and Navellier St between Blake St and Potrero Ave

Because this is a routine resurfacing project rather than a full street improvement project, parking removal associated with the quick-build improvements will be limited.

Red Flag Parking Pilot Program Continues

The City, in collaboration with the El Cerrito FireSafe Council, is continuing the Red Flag Parking Pilot Program. 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 humidities, and strong wind, are especially dangerous. In El Cerrito, these days typically occur a handful of days or less a year.

What to expect:

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
• King Drive from between Contra Costa Drive and King Court

To learn more, visit: elcerrito.gov/405/Red-Flag-Warning.

Annual Tennis Court Resurfacing Program

Each fiscal year, the City resurfaces the tennis courts at one of the five City facilities. The work consists of preparing the courts, patching areas and repairing cracks, resurfacing the court, painting the surface and playing court lines, and painting the net posts.

The City contracted with First Serve Productions, Inc. for this work in Fiscal Year 2025-26 and 2026-27. The company finished resurfacing the two tennis courts at Harding Park in June and finished resurfacing the three tennis courts at Arlington Park in August. For more information, please contact the City’s Maintenance Division at (510) 215-4369 or ksamkian@elcerrito.gov.

Quarry Hill Fire Fuel Reduction Project

State Coastal Conservancy-funded tree removal work began in the Hillside Natural Area Quarry Hill eucalyptus grove during the first week of September and will continue into October. City Council awarded a contract to Powers Forestry LLC to remove the fire prone eucalyptus groves from approximately 8.7 acres. 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 this fall and a community workshop on fire resilient landscaping in the spring. The event dates will be published as the project progresses. 

For more information, visit the project website at elcerrito.gov/HillsideProject. For additional questions, contact Stephen Prée in the Public Works Department at spree@elcerrito.gov or (510) 559-7685.

Get Ready for the Rainy Season

As the rainy season approaches, the City encourages residents and businesses to plan ahead and stay informed, especially given the forecasted El Niño this year. See below for resources and information.

Prepare in Advance

• Rainfall data can help alert you when flooding is more likely to occur. Learn about Flood Forecasting at the Contra Costa County website.
• If you have a creek on your property, inspect your property and arrange for clean-up and removal of any loose debris, trash, or vegetation that could obstruct creek flow as soon as possible. Follow Public Works recommended guidelines for creek maintenance to minimize flood risks for yourself and neighbors.
• To prepare for potential flooding on your property starting in October, obtain up to ten sandbags per household or business per year on a first-come-first-serve basis from the El Cerrito Recycling & Environmental Resource Center at 7501 Schmidt Lane. The City provides shovels for residents to fill the bags with sand. Please bring proof of El Cerrito or Kensington address and check in at the Recycling Center front counter during business hours. More information can be found here.
• Gather and store food, water, medical supplies and personal comfort needs for all household members, including pets.
• Be ready for prolonged power outages with flashlights, a battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
• Establish a family communication plan to stay connected during separations.

For more emergency preparedness tips, visit ready.gov.

Help Keep Storm Drains Clear

• Help maintain storm drain grates, gutters, and drainage systems by clearing nearby trash, leaves, or other debris before a forecasted storm.
• During a storm, monitor storm drain grates near your property and contact the Maintenance Division at (510) 215-4369 or email maintenance@elcerrito.gov if you observe a drain that is not draining properly or needs to be cleared.
• In case of emergencies when City offices are closed, please contact Police Dispatch at (510) 237-3233.

For more information, please visit please visit elcerrito.gov/959/Preparing-for-the-Rainy-Season

For August, 67 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 online via eTrakit. Please visit elcerrito.gov/EncroachmentPermit for more info.

After-school Enrichment Programs (ASEP) are running!

After-school Enrichment Programs (ASEP) have launched! The ASEPs start this month at Harding, Fairmont, and Madera elementary schools! The Recreation Department is excited to bring professional instructors and coaches to host a variety of recreation classes held conveniently at these school campuses each weekday afternoon for grades TK-6. To learn more, visit elcerrito.gov/asep. Late registrations welcome! Reach out to recreation@elcerrito.gov to register for classes. 

HASEP at Harding Elementary School

Session 1: Tues, 9/8 – Thurs, 12/17

MASEP at Madera Elementary School

Session 1: Tues, 9/8 – Thurs, 12/17

FASEP at Fairmont Elementary School

Session 1: Mon, 9/14 – Thurs, 12/17

El Cerrito Swim Center's Annual Pumpkin Splash

Instead of going to the same old pumpkin patch, take a dip in the pool and pick your pumpkin! There are three time slots to chose from:

• 3 - 5 p.m. is Splash Park ONLY time, which is for families with children ages 7 years and younger. Price is $10 per person, includes pumpkin.
• 3:30 - 5 p.m. is better for families with younger children. The Activity Pool will be available during the time. Price is $12 per person, includes pumpkin.
• 5:30 - 7 p.m. is better for families with older children. The Activity Pool and Emery G. Weed III Lap Pool with the Low-Dive will be available. The slide will not be available during either time. Price is $12 per person, includes pumpkin.

Pre-registration is required, this event sells out every year. Please register everyone coming into the facility (except 1 year and younger), everyone gets a pumpkin! Register online at elcerrito.gov/OnlineReg. 

Recreation Programs this Fall & Winter

Registration is now open for Fall/Winter classes running September 2026 through February 2027! Families can register online at elcerrito.gov/onlinereg, or in person at the El Cerrito Community Center (7007 Moeser Lane). Many classes still have spaces left!

 Check out these Fall Programs for Youth!                                

• Youth Fencing *NEW*
• Preschool Gymnastics *ADDITIONAL DAY ADDED*
• Crouching Tiger Tennis - ALL Age Groups
• Youth Pickleball
• Capoeria
• Kids Pickleball
• Super Soccer Stars
• X-Fit Lil Ninja
• Ball2Thrive Basketball Classes

Check out these Fall Programs for Adults & Seniors!

• Scandinavian Folk Dance
• Basic Drawing: Still Life *NEW*
• Is it Still Rock “N” Roll?
• Pointed Pen Calligraphy *NEW*
• Feldenkrais® Awareness Through Movement
• Senior Sing-Along
• Pickleball
• Women’s Full Body Workout
• Bingocize©
• Chair Exercise

El Cerrito Senior Resource Fair | Free Community Event

Friday, October 23, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane

Join us for the El Cerrito Senior Resource Fair on Friday, October 23, 2026. Attendees can meet local vendors, learn about community services, transportation options, health and wellness resources, volunteer opportunities and more. The event will also feature informational presentations at 10:45 a.m. and 12 p.m. by Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA), Transit Ready and Mobility Matters. Light refreshments will be provided. 

Whether you are looking for resources for yourself or a loved one, the Senior Resource Fair is a great opportunity to connect with local organizations and learn about programs that support healthy, engaged aging. For more information call (510) 559-7000 or email recreation@elcerrito.gov .

Upcoming Community Events

El Cerrito Art Association's Annual Art Show

Opening Night Reception, Friday, October 2, 7 - 9 p.m.

Weekend Sales: Saturday and Sunday, October 3 & 4, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane

Join us for this annual event featuring an Unframed Art Bin Sale! For more information: elcerritoart.org

El Cerrito Free Folk Festival

Saturday, October 10, 12 - 8 p.m.

El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane

Features workshops and performances presented by the San Francisco Folk Music Club in association with the El Cerrito Arts & Culture Commission. For more information: elcerritofreefolkfestival.org

El Cerrito Garden Club Plant Sale

Sunday, October 11, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

El Cerrito Library Parking Lot 6510 Stockton Ave

Features native plants, pollinator plants, pumpculents, succulents and edibles.

For more information: elcerritogardenclub.org/events-1

El Cerrito ECCRU Artist Halloween Mask Making Workshop

Thursday, October 29, 2026, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane

Celebrate the spooky season with a creative twist! Join ECCRU Artist Susan Kuchinskas for a fun, drop-in Halloween Mask Making Workshop using recycled materials. Create your own unique Halloween mask while exploring imaginative art techniques and sustainable crafting. All materials provided. No registration required. Just drop in and get creative! For more information: recreation@elcerrito.gov or (510) 559-7000.

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The Recreation App has all the activities, rentals, and events that the El Cerrito Recreation Department has to offer, now just a tap away.

Download today: get.myfitapp.de/a/CQCL?p=6?pv=1