News and Views. News. Views. and. Saturday, September 20 THE CITY OF EL CERRITO

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1 THE CITY OF EL CERRITO Dear Neighbor, We hope that you ll take a moment to learn more about our ongoing efforts to protect and maintain services that benefit our community. This edition is full of information, including the Budget-in-Brief and an explanation of Measure R on the November 4 ballot. If Measure R is extended at the one-cent rate, it would help the City to maintain current levels of public safety programs including police services, neighbor hood patrols, crime prevention programs, and rapid response times. It would also assist us to continue to offer after-school youth programs, and to maintain and improve city parks, playfields, paths, and open spaces. The continuation of Measure R includes the same financial oversights, including citizen participation in the annual budget process, mandatory financial audits and reports to the community to continue to ensure that all voterapproved funds are spent appropriately. For more information about Measure R, visit Thank you, Scott Hanin City Manager News and Views Upcoming Events 2 3 Voter Information 3 Pickleball Comes to El Cerrito 3 Budget in Brief 4 6 Preparing for Rain 7 Thank You, July 4th Sponsors 7 Serve on an Advisory Board 7 Drop, Cover, and Hold 8 Tri-City Safety Day is a free, family-friendly event to promote safety. News and Views fall 2014 Local Measure R on the November Ballot The El Cerrito City Council has placed a local funding measure on the November ballot to extend the voter-approved Measure R at the one-cent sales tax rate for 12 years. If enacted, this continuation measure would generate locally-controlled funds to be spent on local projects and services. This money could not be taken by the State. Measure R will help maintain current levels of fire protection and police services, including neighborhood patrols, crime prevention programs, and response times; afterschool programs for children and teens; and city parks, playfields, paths and open spaces. Learn more about the measure at and remember to vote in the November 4, 2014 Election. Your opinion counts! Saturday, September 20 Tri-City Safety Day Come to the El Cerrito, Kensington, and Albany Fire Departments annual Tri-City Safety Day on Saturday, September 20. Drop by the El Cerrito Plaza (in front of the Lucky supermarket) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a fun, informative meeting and talk with local first responders. In addition to activities for children and a vehicle display, there will be a K-9 demonstration by the Police Department, and an auto extrication demonstration by the Fire Department. Representatives of the Police and Fire Departments of Albany, El Cerrito and Kensington will be on hand, as will personnel from other local agencies. For more details, call during business hours or go online to The City of El Cerrito serves, leads and supports our diverse community by providing exemplary and innovative services, public places and infrastructure, ensuring public safety and creating an economically and environmentally sustainable future.

2 UPCOMING EVENTS! Third Wednesdays Seniors Monthly Tea Dance The Recreation Department invites adults 55 or better to a Monthly Tea Dance on the third Wednesday of each month. Dancers of all levels are welcome to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of dance and music by D.J. Patrick So. No partners necessary. $4 admission at the door. When: September 17, October 15, November 19, December p.m. Saturday & Sunday September 27 & 28 Electronic Waste Collection Event Recycle your old electronics at this free drop-off event. Workers will unload your car for you. Remember, the Center now collects e-waste year round! For more information, visit or call UnWaste at When: 9 a.m. 3 p.m. Where: El Cerrito Recycling + Environmental Resource Center 7501 Schmidt Lane Monday September 29 to Sunday, October 5 Free Compost Giveaway El Cerrito residents (with proof of residency) may collect up to 5 cubic feet (30 gallons) of free recycled compost (until supplies are exhausted.) First come, first served. Bags, containers, and shovels are not provided so please bring your own. When: 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Where: El Cerrito Recycling + Environmental Resource Center 7501 Schmidt Lane Saturday, October 11 Fall Citywide Garage Sale Keep waste out of the landfill, shop for great deals, and get to know your neighbors! Garage Sale listings are available from self-serve literature stands at the El Cerrito Recycling Center and El Cerrito Community Center, or online at starting October 3. When: 9 a.m. 3 p.m. Where: Various locations First Saturdays Baxter Creek Work Party Join other volunteers and help maintain Baxter Creek Gateway Park. All ages welcome with guardian. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes; heavy rain cancels. For details, call or spree@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us. When: October 4, November 1, December 6 10 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Where: Baxter Creek Meet at Conlon Avenue Sunday, October 12 Music for Madera El Cerrito Open Space Campaign fund raiser to support the City s purchase of the Madera Property in the Hillside Natural Area will feature classical, jazz, and other musical performances. Free: donations requested. For event details, call or visit musicformadera. For more information about the Madera property and the community fundraising effort to raise $100,000, go to hnaproperty. When: 2 6 p.m. Saturday, October 18 FestiFall The Recreation Department pre sents the first El Cerrito FestiFall with rides, games, food, and fun! Free admission. Discounted ride wristbands available starting September 8. No pets please! For details, call , or visit recreation. When: 11 a.m. 4 p.m. Where: Cerrito Vista Park 950 Pomona Ave. Monday, October 20 Deadline to Register to Vote See article on page 3. Saturday, October 25 Saturday, December 13 CPR/First Aid Classes The El Cerrito Kensington Fire Department offers classes in CPR and Basic First Aid, with priority registration for El Cerrito and Kensington residents. Space is limited. fire@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us or call When: Two classes on each date. CPR, 8:30 a.m. noon; First Aid, 1 p.m. 4 p.m. Where: October 25 Arlington Community Church 52 Arlington Ave., Kensington December 13 El Cerrito Senior Center 6500 Stockton Avenue Saturday, October 25 El Cerrito Free Folk Festival The Arts and Culture Commission announces the return of the San Francisco Folk Music Club s free event, featuring folk music, kids program, and workshops! Bring your own instrument and jam with fellow musicians! For details, including volunteering, visit or kenhayes13@yahoo.com. When: Noon 9 p.m. Where: El Cerrito High School 540 Ashbury Avenue page 2 El Cerrito News and Views, Fall 2014

3 Saturday, November 8th C.E.R.T. Boot Camp The recent earthquake is a good reminder that Bay Area residents need to be prepared! Attend a condensed one-day Community Emergency Response Team training. The Fire Department is offering this service to help residents become self-sufficient in the event of a disaster. All CERT classes are offered free of charge. For reservations, call , or register online at When: 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Where: Arlington Community Church 52 Arlington Avenue Kensington Tuesday, November 11 Veterans Day Holiday City Offices will be closed. Includes City Hall, the Recreation Department offices, and the Recycling Center. Curbside collection of garbage, recycling, and green waste will continue on the usual schedule. Saturday, November 22 Chamber Music Concert The Arts and Culture Commission is co-sponsoring a free performance by the Lucas Valley Chamber Orchestra. Free. Donations at the event will benefit the Recreation Department s David Hunter Memorial Youth Scholarship. More details online at When: 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday November 27 and 28 Thanksgiving Day Holiday City Offices will be closed. Includes City Hall, the Recreation Department offices, and the Recycling Center. Curbside collection of garbage, recycling, and green waste will continue on the usual schedule. Saturday, December 13 Annual Holiday Pancake Breakfast Enjoy a pancake breakfast, a visit from Santa, and a special perfor mance. Bring your cameras! Proceeds go to the David Hunter Scholarship Fund, offering scholar ships for local youth to participate in City programs. At the breakfast, you can also donate a toy to the Richmond El Cerrito Firefighter s Holiday Toy Drive (optional). Tickets available on November 3 at the Community Center or online at When: 9 a.m. 11 a.m. Week of December 22 Week of December 29 Holiday Break Camp Open to students in grades K 6. Registration Information available on December 1 online at recreation or at the El Cerrito Community Center. Campers will enjoy holiday activities, gift projects, and more. When: December 22, 23, 26, 29, 30 January 2 Wednesday, December 24 to Friday, January 2 WINTER BREAK Check the website in December for details about holiday closures at City administrative offices and facilities, including City Hall. There will be no curbside collection of garbage, green waste, or recycling on December 25 or January 1. All collections during the break will be one day later than usual, for example Friday collections on Saturdays. The usual schedule resumes on Monday, January 5. For collection details, visit or call Register to Vote in November The deadline to register to vote in the November general election is Monday, October 20. Remember, if you have moved, changed your name, or changed your political party affiliation, you must re-register in order to vote. Voter registration forms are available at the Contra Costa County Election Department, the El Cerrito City Hall, U.S. Post Offices, and the California Department of Motor Vehicles. For questions regarding voter registration, absentee ballots, or polling places, call the County Election Department in Martinez, visit or call (925) For questions about local polling places only, contact the El Cerrito City Clerk at or cmorse@el-cerrito.ca.us. Coming soon to El Cerrito Pickleball! November TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 4 5 The Recreation Department is planning to start Pickleball games in El Cerrito during the day and evening. Pickleball is a paddle sport that can be played by kids, teens, adults, and seniors. It combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. The rules are simple, and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but it can become a skilled, fast-paced, competitive game for players who want to take it to the next level. For more information, check out the United States Pickleball Association s website, what-is-pickleball/. If you are interested in learning how to play pickleball, please contact Janet Bilbas, Adult Programs Supervisor, at jbilbas@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us or You will be notified of upcoming dates, times, and clinics as soon as these are finalized. El Cerrito News and Views, Fall 2014 page 3

4 City Adopts Two-Year Budget El Cerrito s biennial budget for Fiscal Years and provides funding for all City services, including police, fire, recreation, community development, public works, building, planning, environmental services, and city management. City staff have worked diligently to maintain the current level of services in this two-year budget by relying extensively on vacancies and employee concessions, using special funds as much as possible, and pursuing grants to support reinvestments in our community. The final budget shows the General Fund in balance for FY , but there is not enough set aside for a working margin, the City s reserve funds are at half the desired level, and some services have been reduced. While the City s future potential has never been stronger, the current fiscal year has provided more challenges than anticipated. Some parts of the Bay Area are starting to recover from the Great Recession, but El Cerrito is still struggling. Here are some of our challenges: The City needs local control over local funds. The State s dissolution of the City s Redevelopment Agency, instrumental in financing the San Pablo Avenue improvements, the Cerrito Theater, and new affordable housing, has resulted in an annual revenue loss of approximately $1 million. The City has had to rely increasingly on unfilled vacancies. There are currently 15 vacant positions including vacancies in Public Works, Police, Fire, Economic Development, and Code Enforcement. The City has decreased its investment in facilities, parks, and infrastructure. Revenue About $17.5 million of El Cerrito s General Fund revenue comes from property and sales taxes, the utility users tax, and franchise fees. Another $3.5 million are special operating funds dedicated to specific programs, such as maintenance and improvements in landscaping, lighting, streets, the storm water system, and the City s swim center. The remaining $20 million of City revenues comes from several sources, including $2,168,000 from Kensington for fire protection services and $520,000 from the West Contra Costa Unified School District for school resources officers at the middle school and high school; $6.8 million in fees for services, primarily recreation and recycling; $2.8 million in transfers between funds; and about $2.3 million from licenses and permits, facility rentals, donations, rebates, and other funding, typically on a single-use basis that varies from year to year. Addressing the City s Needs El Cerrito faces a variety of fiscal challenges, including continued State takeaways and a slow economic recovery. In July of this year, the El Cerrito City Council unanimously decided to place a funding measure on the November ballot to address the City s financial needs. Measure R, the Preservation of Citywide Services Measure, was approved by local voters in 2010 as a ½ cent general sales tax. This November, voters will be asked about extending Measure R at the one-cent sales tax rate for 12 years. If enacted, this would generate additional Anticipated Revenues Fiscal Year Budgeted Expenses by Department Fiscal Year Interfund Transfers $2,852,500 Property Tax $6,442,500 Transfers $2,852,500 City Management $2,646,500 Other Revenues* $891,000 Charges for services $6,819,500 Intergovernmental Revenues $8,442,500 Facility Rental, etc. $486,000 Fines & Forfeitures $341,500 Licenses & Permits $531,000 Sales Tax $6,003,000 Utility Users Tax $3,677,000 Local Parcel Taxes $1,908,000 Franchise Taxes $1,393,000 Business License Tax $770,500 Other taxes $807,500 Capital Outlay $3,719,500 Recreation $4,185,500 Community Development $1,964,500 Public Works $4,600,000 Finance $2,773,500 Police $10,690,000 Fire $8,270,000 * Includes revenues paid to the City by other agencies for providing services, in lieu fees from the state, and some grants page 4 El Cerrito News and Views, Fall 2014

5 locally-controlled funds, for local projects and services, with money that could not be taken by the State. More information on Measure R and the November 4, 2014 election is in this newsletter and also online at Q& Aabout Measure R Capital Improvements The City s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) assesses needs and plans for the construction and improvement of public facilities and infrastructure such as streets and other transportation facilities, parks, playfields, open spaces, paths, trails, storm drains, creeks, and buildings. The CIP currently has identified 32 such projects, including 14 projects in construction or undergoing planning or design. Expenditures of $3.8 million are planned for FY The projects include construction of the Ohlone Nature Area and Rain Gardens (along the Greenway between Fairmount Ave and Brighton Ave); acquisition of the Madera property to expand the Hillside Natural Area; implementation of Huber Park improvements; design of Ohlone Greenway/BART Station Area Access, Safety, and Placemaking Improvements; and development of various other safety, access, and paving projects. Projects planned for FY are projected to cost approximately $2.8 million, largely to be funded through various grants and special funds. CIP funds typically cannot be used to fund operations. More details on the CIP projects are available online at An In-depth look The El Cerrito Budget Book provides more details about each Department's recent accomplishments and plans to meet the needs of our residents and businesses in the future. For a look at the budget book, visit budget. Paper copies are available for review at both City Hall and the Library. If you have questions, please contact Lisa Malek-Zadeh, Finance Director at lmalek-zadeh@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us or Q: What is Measure R? A: In November 2014, voters will be asked about extending Measure R at the one-cent sales tax rate for 12 years. Measure R provides a locally-controlled source of funding that cannot be taken away by the State, to be used to address community priorities. Q: What is the background on Measure R? A: The original Measure R, the Preservation of Citywide Services Measure, was approved by local voters in 2010 as a ½ cent general sales tax to be collected for only seven years. Measure R revenue has been essential in maintaining city services, including emergency response, police patrols, and fire protection. Q: What is the urgency? A: Without additional revenue, the City would need to make further service cuts next year. El Cerrito faces a variety of fiscal challenges, including continued State takeaways and a slow economic recovery. The City s reserve funds are at less than half the desired level, and the City currently has 15 vacant positions. Property crimes have increased over time in El Cerrito, and we need a fully-staffed police force to prevent crime from getting worse. Q: How does Measure R impact local services? A: If adopted by voters, Measure R would address community priorities, including: maintaining rapid response times, neighborhood police patrols, crime prevention, and crime investigation maintaining current levels of firefighters, fire protection, and emergency medical services maintaining earthquake and disaster preparedness programs maintaining after-school programs for children and teens maintaining and improving city parks, playfields, paths, and open spaces Q: Are there assurances that Measure R funds will be spent properly? A: The City will continue to carry out its current fiscal practices that emphasize transparency, fiscal prudence, and public financial oversight, including citizen participation in the budget process, mandatory financial audits, and reports to the community to ensure that all voter-approved funds are spent appropriately. The City will continue this financial accountability with the Measure R extension, if enacted. Q: Where can I get more information about Measure R? A: Please visit the City s website at for more information including the official ballot language and other important information. El Cerrito News and Views, Fall 2014 page 5

6 Selected Accomplishments The City continues to seek opportunities to further its mission and implement the vision described in its Strategic Plan. Much was accomplished over the last fiscal year, despite the City s financial challenges. Some of our recent major accomplishments in each Strategic Plan Goal area are: Deliver Exemplary Government Services expanded Police capabilities by adding a second police K-9 and handler as part of the Measure A Street Improvement Program, resurfaced 2.3 miles of local streets, including improvements to curbs, gutters, sidewalks, curb ramps, storm drain facilities, and traffic striping held four neighborhood budget meetings to solicit input from the community on fiscal priorities Achieve Long Term Financial Sustainability secured $4 million in outside funding to complete the Ohlone Greenway and Pedestrian Safety Improvements; the San Pablo Avenue Complete Streets, and the Del Norte Precise Plan received a federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for $251,000, and over $50,000 in donations was The Central and Liberty Streetscape Project included improvements for bicyclists, walkers and the neighborhood. raised by the Open Space Campaign for acquisition of the Madera Property saved $40,000 by providing custodial services through the city, rather than using vendors Deepen a Sense of Place and Community Identity expanded the scope of both hiring and volunteerism through the E.C.S.T.A.R.S. High School Internship Program, an expanded Police Explorer Program, and a second Police Citizens Academy; identified eight new Volunteers in Police Service recruits facilitated the introduction of weekly Off the Grid food truck events supported the Ohlone Gardens affordable housing project, currently under construction began an updated library needs assessment installed a series of artworks entitled 12 Wind Sculptures on San Pablo Avenue Develop & Rehabilitate Public Facilities as Community Focal Points partnered with El Cerrito Youth Baseball to renovate infields and fencing at Harding, Castro, and Canyon Trail Parks celebrated the completion of BART s Earthquake Safety Program Project, including the Ohlone Greenway trail and landscaping improvements began Ohlone Greenway Natural Area and Rain Garden Project Ensure Public Health & Safety completed Potrero Avenue Safety Improvements, Moeser Lane and Ashbury Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Corridor Improvements, Central and Liberty Streetscape, and Street Improvement Projects reduced crime through the use of data, flexible deployments, and continued crime analysis, despite limitations on recruitment and retention Top: The Fire Department's new aerial ladder truck. Above: Members of the City s custodial crew. secured Homeland Security grants for almost $1 million towards a new fire ladder truck and rescue equipment installed in-pavement and roadside flashing lights with detection devices at six crosswalks along and near the Ohlone Greenway Foster Environmental Sustainability Citywide installed energy-efficient water heaters at the swim center installed solar panels on many city buildings to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions began development of an Urban Greening Plan and Active Transportation Plan implemented the Single-Use Bag and Food Waste Ordinances conducted a workshop series on energy and water efficiency for residents Installed El Cerrito s first public electric vehicle charging station (located in the City Hall parking lot) gene go page 6 El Cerrito News and Views, Fall 2014

7 Preparing for Rain With winter s wet weather approaching, remember, Only Rain Down the Storm Drain. Rain can carry pollutants, such as motor oil, fertilizers, pesticides, and litter, into the storm drain system, and eventually into San Francisco Bay. Here are some things you can do to prevent this. Problem: Litter in the street Solution: Street sweeping removes litter, such as wrappers, plastics, cigarette butts, and leaves, from the street before they can get into the storm drain. Please be certain to move your car on your street sweeping day so the sweepers can access the curb. Keep in mind that the street sweeping machine cannot remove large piles of leaves, so don t sweep or blow the leaves into the gutter. Instead, put them in your greenwaste bin. For more street sweeping information, refer to the street sweeping map online at streetsweeping, or call Problem: Motor Oil Solution: Leaky cars lead to more pollution than oil spills. Most of the oil that seeps into North American oceans each year stems from human activity, such as allowing motor oil to ooze from cars onto driveways and streets every day. Since rain helps carry that oil into waterways, look for leaks now, and get them fixed ASAP. Problem: Clogged storm drains Solution: If you have a storm drain grate near your home or business, check frequently to make sure it is not blocked, especially during wet weather. To request a storm drain cleaning, contact the Operations and Environmental Services Division at Idea: Rain barrels It s easy to set up a rain barrel on your property to collect rainwater to use in your garden after the rain stops. Rainwater harvesting protects local waterways by lowering the amount of runoff that spills into creeks where it can cause erosion and flooding. Thank You, Sponsors! Thousands of people celebrated Independence Day at the 2014 City of El Cerrito worldone July 4th Festival at Cerrito Vista Park. This Festival was made possible by the generous support of many sponsors, including Honda of El Cerrito, The Mechanics Bank, East Bay Sanitary, Sierra Nevada, The Natural Grocery Company, Maria-TinaVision, Contra Costa Community College, WCCUSD, The Whole 9, RecycleMore, Olivero Plumbing, Safeway Bottling Company, JC armstrong, Super 8, C.V.S., O Reilly Auto Parts, J&P Properties, and other local businesses and individuals. If you represent a local business, and would like to find out more about sponsorship opportunities through the Recreation Department, call or recreation@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us. Serve on an advisory Board! Currently, over 90 El Cerrito residents contribute to the community by serving on one of the City s 13 boards, commissions, or committees. Several advisory bodies have openings now, with more expected as terms expire at the beginning of The following bodies advise the City Council on matters within their area of responsibility: Arts & Culture Commission Citizens Street Oversight Committee Civil Service Commission Committee on Aging Crime Prevention Committee Design Review Board Economic Development Committee Environmental Quality Committee Financial Advisory Board Human Relations Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Planning Commission Tree Committee If you are interested in serving on a board, commission, or committee, or as El Cerrito s representative to the West Contra Costa Citizens Bond Oversight Committee or Contra Costa Transportation Authority Citizen s Advisory Committee, please submit an application to the City Clerk, at City Hall, San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA by December 8. For an application, call the City Clerk at or go online to commissions where you can also find more information about El Cerrito s boards, commissions or committees, and the selection process. El Cerrito News and Views, Fall 2014 page 7

8 City of El Cerrito City Hall San Pablo Ave. El Cerrito, CA TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL: PLEASE DELIVER BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2014 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid oakland, CA permit #2508 ECR-WSS POSTAL CUSTOMER printed on recycled paper THE CITY OF EL CERRITO EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL Janet Abelson, Mayor Rebecca Benassini, Mayor Pro Tem Jan Bridges Mark Friedman Greg Lyman CITY WEBSITE @ElCerritoPD City Hall Holidays (office closed): Veterans Day Nov 11 Thanksgiving Nov 27 & 28 Winter Break check website City Council winter/spring meetings: September 22 (Monday) October 7 and 21 November 18 December 2 and 16 Regular Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at City Hall, San pablo Ave. Schedules are subject to change; check the website for updates. Regular Council meetings are broadcast live on Comcast Cable channel 28 and KECG, 88.1 FM radio. To watch meetings online, go online to and click on the Streaming Media link. The City Council meeting agenda packet is available at least three days prior to each City Council meeting at: The City of El Cerrito serves, leads and supports our diverse community by providing exemplary and innovative services, public places and infra - structure, ensuring public safety and creating an economically and environmentally sustainable future. CITY HALL (All area codes 510) San Pablo Ave. City Management City Clerk City Council City Manager Human Resources Community Development Department Building Code Enforcement Planning Economic Development Housing Finance Public Works After-Hours Emergency Corporation Yard Engineering Maintenance Recycling & Waste Management Recycling + Environmental Resource Center 7501 Schmidt Lane Community Center Recreation Department Park/Facility Rentals Swim Center The Open House Senior Center 6500 Stockton Ave. Senior Services Public Safety Building San Pablo Ave. Emergency 911 Police/Fire/Medical Dispatch Fire Administration Police Administration Drop, Cover, and Hold With the recent earthquake in Napa County on people s mind, here are some tips on what to do during an earthquake. When the shaking starts,the American Red Cross recommends: If you are inside Drop, cover and hold on. If you are in bed, curl up, and hold on. Protect your head with a pillow. Stay away from windows to avoid being injured by shattered glass. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. Remember to put on shoes. When you exit, use stairs rather than an elevator in case there are aftershocks, power outages, or other damage. If you are outside Find a clear spot and drop to the ground. Stay there until the shaking stops (away from buildings, power lines, trees, streetlights). If you are in a vehicle, pull over at a clear location and stop. Avoid bridges, overpasses and power lines, if possible. Stay inside until the shaking stops. Then drive carefully, avoiding bridges and ramps that may have been damaged. If a power line falls on your vehicle, do not get out. Wait for assistance. If you are near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for landslides