At our February 21, 2023 meeting, the El Cerrito City Council directed staff to proceed with plans to possibly build a new public library at the Transit Oriented Development planed at the El Cerrito Plaza BART station. This is great progress!
Read More ...What a year it’s been!
It’s included a range of problems resulting from Covid-19 and its economic and social impacts; the constant threat of wildfires in the East Bay hills; racial tensions and debates on police accountability; an unstable economy; and El Cerrito making the top ten list of the State Auditor’s financially troubled cities in California. We were in a bad financial place in El Cerrito last January. We ended up better — but we still have a long way to go.
When I was sworn in a year ago, I presented my 5 top priorities for 2021 that I would focus on. Some progress has been made. Let me give a brief update on the goals I mentioned:
Read More ...El Cerrito passed its own new foodware ordinance on November 2nd. The El Cerrito ordinance prohibits one-use plastic foodware, educates businesses and consumers on compostable foodware that can go into our green waste bins, and encourages reusable foodware items. And for those with disabilities who rely on durable plastic straws, food providers will be required to keep plastic straws in stock for customers who request them.
Read More ...At the September 21, 2021 El Cerrito City Council Meeting the Council passed a motion I made to make sure that staff and Council members consider “equity” when we also make policy for our city.
Read More ...Now that El Cerrito has gotten through a tough budget year and we’ve hopefully seen progress on COVID-19, it’s time to finally turn our attention to the center and heart of our community — San Pablo Avenue — and begin assisting and enhancing our businesses and developments so we can improve our city and our long-term financial sustainability.
Read More ...Last year, I said that when we get to passing a budget for the new Fiscal Year — I probably won’t have any friends left. Well, this is that time — when no one is completely happy.
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