El Cerrito, CA

Community Safety Committee

The Community Safety Committee's regular meeting scheduled for October 5th 2026 at 6:00 PM at the El Cerrito City Council Chambers, 10890 San Pablo Avenue, has been cancelled. The notice states the next special meeting is scheduled for November 2nd 2026 at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers, 10890 San Pablo Ave. No agenda items, votes, or decisions are listed in this document. Staff liaison is Sergeant Aaron Leone, 510-215-4418.

• Regular meeting of Oct 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM cancelled
• Next special meeting set for Nov 2, 2026 at 6:00 PM, City Hall Council Chambers, 10890 San Pablo Ave
• No substantive agenda items listed in this notice
• Contact: Sergeant Aaron Leone, 510-215-4418

City Council

The El Cerrito City Council meets Tuesday, October 6, 2026, with a 5:00 PM special session and a 6:00 PM regular meeting. The special session includes a closed-session conference with labor negotiators regarding the Police Employees Association. The regular meeting is largely proclamations and presentations, plus a consent calendar that includes a $2,000,000 combined annual spending limit for on-call professional services contracts and an $80,000 amendment to a vehicle repair services agreement.

• Consent item: resolution authorizing two-year extensions of on-call professional services contracts through October 2028, with a combined annual spending authority not-to-exceed $2,000,000 per fiscal year
• Consent item: resolution amending the agreement with Tecknica Auto, Inc. for repair services to a not-to-exceed $80,000 through July 31, 2027
• Closed session at 5:00 PM: conference with labor negotiators regarding the Police Employees Association (PEA) under Government Code Section 54957.6
• Presentations: Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District update and West Contra Costa Unified School District update
• Proclamations: Neighborhood Preservation Week (Oct 11-17), Filipino American History Month, National Arts and Humanities Month, United Against Hate Week (Oct 18-24), Unity Day (Oct 21), and recognition of resident Janet James for 40 years of service to Eskaton Hazel Shirley Manor

Design Review Board

The regular meeting of the Design Review Board scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, 2026, has been cancelled. No business will be conducted by this body during this scheduled time.

Urban Forest Committee

Library Task Force

Environmental Quality Committee

Human Relations Commission

Economic Development Committee

City Council

Committee on Aging

Planning Commission

Financial Advisory Board

Park and Recreation Commission

Community Safety Committee

City Council

Design Review Board

Citizen Street Oversight Committee

Urban Forest Committee

Environmental Quality Committee

Library Task Force

Economic Development Committee

City Council

Planning Commission

Committee on Aging

Arts and Culture Commission

Financial Advisory Board

City Council

Design Review Board

Community Safety Committee

Environmental Quality Committee

Park and Recreation Commission

Human Relations Commission

Urban Forest Committee

City Council

Planning Commission

Arts and Culture Commission

Library Task Force

Library Task Force

Library Task Force

Library Task Force

Arts and Culture Commission

The Arts and Culture Commission will review 13 artist proposals for the City Hall Gallery Space and consider a recommendation to spend up to $3,000 from the Public Art Fund on reception staffing. It will also consider a $122 mini-grant for Spanish puppet shows, a draft call for artists for the Creative ReUse residency, and discuss October events and a possible community center mural project.

• Mini-grant: $122 to Experience Español for two Spanish puppet shows
• Select artists for City Hall Gallery Space from 13 proposals
• Recommend up to $3,000 from Public Art Fund for gallery reception staffing
• Approve draft Call For Artists for Creative ReUse Artist Residency
• Discuss October Arts Month events, including United Against Hate Week Chalk Art Event

Citizen Street Oversight Committee

The Citizens Street Oversight Committee will review the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and the 2008 Sales Tax Agreed Upon Procedures Report. The committee will also discuss the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Expenditure Plan Status Report and review committee standing rules.

• Approval of May 11, 2026, meeting minutes
• Review of Fiscal Year 2024-25 ACFR and AUPR regarding Measure A Street Improvement Fund
• Approval of Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Report Memorandum to City Council
• Review of Fiscal Year 2025-26 Expenditure Plan Status Report
• Review of Standing Rules adopted on September 28, 2020

Park and Recreation Commission

The Park and Recreation Commission will hear a presentation on the Recreation Department's organization and services, focusing on Adult Programs, Senior Services & Facilities. They will also discuss their work plan, future meeting topics, and review the status of funded and unfunded parks and recreation capital projects.

• Presentation on Recreation Department Adult Programs, Senior Services & Facilities Division
• Discussion of Park and Recreation Commission Work Plan goals and progress
• Review of Parks Projects Status Sheet for capital improvement projects
• Approval of minutes from August 26, 2026 meeting
• Public oral communications limited to 3 minutes per person

Financial Advisory Board

The regular September 22, 2026 meeting of the El Cerrito Financial Advisory Board has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 20, 2026 at City Hall Council Chambers, 10890 San Pablo Ave. No agenda items are listed for this cancelled meeting.

• Meeting cancelled

City Council

This agenda is a notice of cancellation. The special City Council meeting scheduled for September 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. has been cancelled. No items will be discussed or decided at this meeting.

• Special City Council meeting cancelled

Economic Development Committee

The El Cerrito Economic Development Committee is holding a regular meeting to discuss the status of its workplan implementation timelines and receive updates from staff, the City Council liaison, and the Chamber of Commerce. The agenda is largely procedural, including public comments, approval of minutes from the July 20, 2026 meeting, and announcements.

• Approval of minutes from the July 20, 2026 regular meeting
• Discussion of workplan implementation timelines
• Oral communications from the public (3-minute limit)
• Staff and City Council liaison announcements
• Chamber of Commerce updates

Committee on Aging

The El Cerrito Committee on Aging will hold a regular meeting to receive updates on the upcoming Senior Resource Fair, discuss progress on its FY 2026-2027 Biennial Work Plan, and consider assigning members as liaisons to senior living facilities. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and liaison reports from various organizations. No major policy decisions or budget items are on the agenda.

• Update on El Cerrito Senior Resource Fair scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Discussion of FY 2026-2027 Biennial Work Plan, including centenarian recognition and street sign condition recommendations to Public Works
• Consider assigning liaisons to Eskaton Hazel Shirley Manor and El Cerrito Royale
• Approval of minutes from June 17, 2026 meeting
• Liaison reports from Advisory Council on Aging, California Senior Legislature, West County Senior Coalition, and others

Planning Commission

The El Cerrito Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a conditional use permit for a new two-story, two-unit building at 1018 Everett St that would exceed the required main building envelope. The rest of the agenda is routine: roll call, public comments, minutes adoption, and staff reports.

• Public hearing: Conditional Use Permit PL26-0064 for 1018 Everett St to allow a two-story duplex to exceed the main building envelope (ECMC 19.06.030.D, Ch. 19.34)
• Project categorically exempt from CEQA under Class 3 (small structures)
• Adoption of August 19, 2026 meeting minutes

City Council

The El Cerrito City Council will hold a special closed-session meeting on labor negotiations and anticipated litigation, then a regular meeting. The regular agenda includes adopting a Local Road Safety Plan with a Vision Zero policy, rolling forward unfinished FY 2025-26 purchase orders and projects, accepting a $200,000 grant for Swim Center ADA improvements, and approving several contracts and proclamations.

• Adopt Local Road Safety Plan including Citywide Vision Zero Policy
• Roll forward $69,891 from General Fund and $2,452,251 from special revenue/enterprise funds for incomplete FY 2025-26 purchase orders
• Accept $200,000 CDBG grant plus $50,000 city match for El Cerrito Swim Center locker room ADA improvements; authorize $34,500 additional design compensation to RS+M
• Renew Mark43, Inc. software agreement for computer aided dispatch and records management, not to exceed $57,000
• Approve Halloween Block Party pilot program waiving block party permit fees on October 31

Urban Forest Committee

The El Cerrito Urban Forest Committee is meeting to discuss updates on the HNA Wildfire Resilience and Forest Conservation Management Plan, collaboration with other city bodies, and its own work plan and calendar. The agenda includes routine items like adopting minutes and public comments, with most time devoted to planning activities such as Arbor Week 2027 and fire-wise restoration.

• Update on implementation of the HNA Wildfire Resilience and Forest Conservation Management Plan
• Discussion on collaboration with the Environmental Quality Committee and Park and Recreation Commission
• Planning for Arbor Week 2027 and outreach
• Ad-hoc subcommittee update on fire-wise restoration in the HNA
• Consider adopting minutes from August 10, 2026 meeting

Human Relations Commission

The Human Relations Commission will hold a regular meeting to elect a vice chair, review its accomplishments list for City Council, and plan upcoming community events including the 2027 MLK Parade/Event, the 2026 United Against Hate Week Chalk Art Event, and a possible 2027 Loving Day celebration. The commission will also discuss the City Hall flag schedule and rotation, and its ongoing workplan. Public comments are limited to three minutes per person for items not on the agenda.

• Election of vice chair due to recent vacancy
• Discussion of HRC Accomplishment List due to City Council
• Planning for 2027 MLK Parade/Event
• Planning for 2026 United Against Hate Week Chalk Art Event
• Discussion of City Hall flag schedule and rotation

Library Task Force

The El Cerrito Library Task Force is holding a special meeting to receive a presentation on the history of efforts for a new or improved library, discuss its purview and develop a workplan, and adopt a regular meeting schedule. The meeting is open to the public with options for in-person, Zoom, phone, or written comments.

• Presentation on history and efforts for a new or improved library in El Cerrito
• Discussion of Task Force purview and workplan development
• Motion to adopt a regular meeting schedule for the Task Force
• Public comments accepted via multiple methods, including email to [email protected]

Environmental Quality Committee

The regular meeting of the Environmental Quality Committee scheduled for September 8, 2026, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers.

• Meeting cancelled
• Next meeting: October 13, 2026, 7:00 PM

Design Review Board

The regular meeting of the Design Review Board scheduled for Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM has been cancelled. No items will be discussed or decided at this meeting. For more information, contact Staff Liaison Jeff Ballantine.

• Meeting cancelled
• No agenda items listed

City Council

Park and Recreation Commission

The Park and Recreation Commission will hold a regular meeting to discuss its work plan, review the status of funded and unfunded capital improvement projects for parks and recreation, and receive updates from the Recreation Department. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings scheduled.

• Review of Parks Projects Status Sheet for funded and unfunded capital improvement projects
• Discussion of Commission Work Plan goals, progress, and possible Work Plan Groups and Community Group Liaisons
• Approval of minutes from the July 22, 2026 meeting
• Recreation Department update on items of interest

Financial Advisory Board

The El Cerrito Financial Advisory Board will convene to discuss and document its accomplishments for the past fiscal year and outline its workplan for the upcoming fiscal year. The board will also consider approving the minutes from its June 4, 2026 meeting. Public comments will be heard, and future agenda items such as Internal Service Fund policy and investment policy review will be discussed.

• Discussion of FY 2025-26 accomplishments and FY 2026-27 workplan
• Approval of minutes from June 4, 2026 meeting
• Future agenda items include Internal Service Fund policy, Purchasing Ordinance, Service Delivery Study, Pool funding, and investment policy review

Arts and Culture Commission

The Arts and Culture Commission will consider approving a $3,600 mini-grant to the El Cerrito Art Association for its 49th Annual Art Show, review a Call for Artists for the City Hall Gallery, and discuss the October Arts Month calendar. They will also hear a report on a potential community center mural project and consider supporting a chalk art event with supplies and a $200 stipend.

• Mini-grant application: $3,600 for El Cerrito Art Association's 49th Annual Art Show, Oct 2-4, 2026
• Call for Artists for City Hall Gallery Space exhibition
• United Against Hate Week Chalk Art Event: possible $200 stipend for artist Naima Yi, Oct 17, 2026
• Community Center Mural Project exploration and next steps
• October Arts Month events list (e.g., Free Folk Festival, Jazz on Tuesdays)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee is holding a special meeting to approve the July 20, 2026 minutes and discuss the status of its workplan implementation timelines. The agenda is largely procedural, with no new policy decisions or public hearings scheduled.

• Approval of July 20, 2026 regular meeting minutes
• Discussion of workplan implementation timelines
• Public oral communications (3-minute limit per speaker)
• El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce updates
• Staff/City Council liaison announcements

Planning Commission

The El Cerrito Planning Commission will hold two public hearings: one for a conditional use permit to expand a non-conforming setback at 611 Norvell St, and another for a Tier IV design review of a three-story development with 16 townhomes and 757 sq ft of commercial space at 6501 Fairmount Ave. The commission will also adopt minutes from the July 1 meeting and hear public comments.

• Public hearing: Conditional Use Permit PL26-0041 for 611 Norvell St to allow expansion of non-conforming setback (single-family dwelling)
• Public hearing: Tier IV Design Review PL26-0024 for 6501 Fairmount Ave and 412 Lexington Ave - new 3-story development with 16 townhomes and 757 sq ft ground-floor commercial space
• Adoption of July 1, 2026 meeting minutes
• Oral communications from the public (3-minute limit per person)

City Council

The El Cerrito City Council is holding a special meeting at 5:00 PM for commission interviews and a closed session on labor negotiations, followed by a regular meeting at 6:00 PM. The regular agenda includes presentations from BART and the Fire Safe Council, a consent calendar with several contracts and agreements, and a policy matter on new labor agreements for police and fire chief units. Most items are routine approvals, with the notable exception of the labor memorandums of understanding.

• $424,500 agreement with Powers Forestry LLC for invasive tree removal at Hillside Natural Area Quarry Hill fire fuel reduction project
• $54,000 purchase of 26 trash recycling cans for San Pablo Avenue, Ohlone Greenway, and parks
• $487,305 four-year contract with Knorr Systems for Swim Center maintenance and chemicals
• Resolution approving new MOUs with PSMA Police Chief and Fire Chief Units, appropriating $71,643 for salary increases
• Amendment to West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority agreement changing fiscal year to calendar year

The City Council appointed new members to the Design Review Board and the Citizen Streets Oversight Committee during a special meeting. In the regular meeting, the Council approved labor agreements for police and fire management, authorized several infrastructure and maintenance contracts, and received presentations on BART service and fire safety.

• Appointed Erin Gillett to Design Review Board (5-0)
• Appointed Arsh Hothi to Design Review Board and Streets Oversight Committee (5-0)
• Approved waste authority agreement amendment (5-0)
• Approved $54,000 purchase agreement for 26 trash/recycling cans (5-0)
• Approved $424,500 fire fuel reduction project contract (5-0)
• Approved $487,305 four-year swim center maintenance contract (5-0)
• Approved police and fire management labor agreements (4-1)

Economic Development Committee

The regular meeting of the El Cerrito Economic Development Committee scheduled for Monday, August 17, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. has been cancelled. No items will be discussed or decided at this meeting.

• Meeting cancelled

Environmental Quality Committee

The Environmental Quality Committee will hold a regular meeting with public comment, approval of minutes, and updates on collaborations with the Urban Forest Committee and Friends of the Hillside. They will also discuss the EQC budget and calendar of events, including upcoming cleanups, and implementation of the FY 26-27 work plan. The September 8 meeting is cancelled.

• Presentation from Friends of the Hillside Natural Area (45 min)
• Discussion on collaboration with Urban Forest Committee
• Green Team 2026 Cleanups: Coastal Cleanup Day 9/19 at Creekside Park, Northern Gateways 10/11 at Del Norte Plaza, Baxter Creek 12/6
• FY 26-27 Work Plan implementation discussion
• September 8, 2026 meeting cancelled

Urban Forest Committee

The El Cerrito Urban Forest Committee is meeting to hear updates on the Hillside Natural Area wildfire resilience and forest conservation plan, as well as a progress report from Friends of the Hillside on invasive species and fire fuel reduction work. The committee will also discuss collaborations with other city bodies and plan future activities like Arbor Week 2027.

• Update on implementation of the HNA Wildfire Resilience and Forest Conservation Management Plan
• Presentation by Friends of the Hillside on invasive species management and fire fuel reduction volunteer work
• Discussion of collaboration with the Environmental Quality Committee and Park and Recreation Commission
• Preliminary planning for Arbor Week 2027
• Adoption of minutes from June 9, 2026 meeting

Design Review Board

The regular meeting of the Design Review Board scheduled for August 5, 2026, has been cancelled.

City Council

Community Safety Committee

The Community Safety Committee will receive a presentation from the Fire Department on vegetation management and the state's "Zone Zero" law. The body will also interview two candidates for committee membership and receive an update on a West Nile virus case.

• Presentation by Battalion Chief Chase Beckman on "Zone Zero" law and vegetation management
• Interviews and membership vote for Katherine "Rin" Kimsey and Tova Feldmanstern
• Update on a bird that tested positive for West Nile virus in El Cerrito
• Discussion on City Advisory Body Member Feedback Survey submission

Community Safety Committee

Financial Advisory Board

The Financial Advisory Board will discuss and document its accomplishments for the past fiscal year and establish a workplan for the upcoming year. The board will also provide collective feedback to the Council Ad-Hoc Committee on Advisory Bodies. Future agenda items include review of Internal Service Fund policy, purchasing ordinance updates, and pool funding.

• Discuss and adopt minutes from June 4, 2026 meeting
• Provide feedback to Council Ad-Hoc Committee on Advisory Bodies via survey
• Review FY 2025-26 accomplishments and set FY 2026-27 workplan
• Future discussion topics: Internal Service Fund policy, purchasing ordinance, service delivery study, pool funding, investment policy

Park and Recreation Commission

The El Cerrito Park and Recreation Commission will consider adopting minutes from May and June 2026. Commissioners will discuss the 2026 Work Plan goals, the Mid-Year Report, and updates from work‑plan groups. They will also review the status sheet of funded and unfunded capital improvement projects for parks and recreation. Additional updates from the Recreation Department will be presented.

• Approve minutes of meetings held May 27, 2026 and June 24, 2026
• Discuss 2026 Park and Recreation Commission Work Plan and Mid‑Year Report
• Review Parks and Recreation Projects Status Sheet (funded and unfunded)
• Recreation Department update on department items
• Identify topics for future agendas, including facilities projects and work‑plan group reports