El Cerrito, California Development News
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Special and Regular City Council Meeting - Media
Published: Jul 21, 2026
Arts Commission Updates, Fire Vehicle Procurement, and Microsoft Software Purchase Discussed
During the consent calendar discussion, Council Member Moteyoma pulled item 6C, "Advisory Body Accomplishments," to allow members of advisory bodies to speak. Kip Settles, a commissioner for Arts and Culture, presented the commission's recent activities, including seeking a poet laureate, maintaining a registry of local artists, decorating utility boxes, presenting on city murals, partnering with schools and the library on art projects, hanging art in the lobby, and organizing an art show. They are also preparing for October Arts Month and held a 'Messi Art Day.' Settles noted they meet on the fourth Monday of the month and welcome public participation. Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman inquired about the fire command vehicle purchase (item 6H), specifically regarding the possibility of using an electric vehicle or biodiesel. Fire Chief Taylors explained that while electric vehicles are suitable for non-response vehicles, they are not practical for response vehicles due to potential power outages during disasters, as electricity is often the first utility to fail in such events. He also clarified that the department uses renewable diesel, not biodiesel, and that ordering electric versions of response vehicles would be a custom order, more expensive, and incur significant delays. He noted that the fire department has 10 vehicles, with a plan to replace one per year over 10 years, and all are considered response or tow vehicles. Council Member Motiama also asked about the Microsoft M365 purchase (item 6I), with IT Manager Eric Ang explaining that the price increase in years two and three is due to new state legislation (SB 122) imposing sales tax on software as a service, which will provide enhanced cybersecurity and data protection for the city.
New Community Development Director Introduced, City Announces Public Engagement Opportunities and Election Information
During the City Manager's announcements, Claudia Garcia was formally introduced as the new Community Development Director. She previously served as Assistant Community Development Director in Vacaville and as a Principal Planner in Berkeley, bringing experience in planning, building, development services, and economic development. A virtual community meeting, 'El Cerrito 101,' is scheduled for July 23rd to educate residents on how the city works, its budget, and to answer questions for potential city council candidates. The nomination period for the November 3rd, 2026, city council election opened on July 13th and closes August 7th, with a potential extension to August 12th if incumbents do not file. This will be the city's last at-large election before switching to district-based elections in 2028. Residents were also reminded about the importance of neighbors looking out for each other following the removal of FLOCK cameras, as El Cerrito is now the only city in the East Bay without them, and previously had a high property crime rate.
City Encourages Participation in National Night Out on August 4th
Captain Lauren Caputo invited residents to participate in National Night Out on August 4th, an event aimed at strengthening community relationships and fostering positive partnerships between residents and public safety. Approximately 40 neighborhood block parties have registered. Residents can host or attend gatherings, and members of the police and fire departments, city council, and staff will visit to meet residents and address concerns. To host a party, residents must register on the city's website by July 24th to receive a host kit, which may include a street closure permit and barricades. A webpage will be available next week to view registered party locations.
Resident Concerns on Traffic Safety, EV Adoption, and Election District Scheduling Raised
During public comment, Karen Robinson described multiple car accidents in front of her house on Elm Street, totaling four cars in three and a half years, including her own. She detailed incidents involving a driver without insurance or a valid license, a driver under the influence, and drivers at high speeds. Robinson expressed fear for her safety and her son's safety and is concerned about potential traffic and parking impacts from the Richmond Street renovations. Howdy Gowdy spoke in favor of pulling the consent agenda item for the fire command vehicle purchase (6H) to allow for further evaluation of electric vehicle options, citing the city's climate action plan and the cost-effectiveness of EVs. He noted that the base model EV is cheaper than the selected gas option. Fire Chief Taylors responded that response vehicles, like fire command vehicles, cannot be electric due to the immediate loss of power during disasters, which would render them inoperable. He also clarified that the department uses renewable diesel, not biodiesel. Mary Ann Jawili praised the El Cerrito Del Norte Complete Streets project and expressed excitement about the Richmond Street project to slow down traffic, despite losing parking spots. Rebecca Kenney suggested that future contracts with FLOCK include a clear timeline for hardware removal and allow the city to remove hardware if the company fails to do so. She also commented on the district maps, expressing disappointment with the rationale for selecting Map A2, which she felt favored the upper middle class. Wally Newinsky raised concerns about scheduling districts two and four for election in 2030, a midterm election, arguing it would systematically reduce voter participation among renters, who have a significant drop in turnout during midterms.
City Provides Updates on FLOCK Camera Removal and Recognizes Officer for DUI Arrests
The City Manager provided an update on the removal of FLOCK cameras, stating that the cameras have been turned off and that the city is in contact with FLOCK for a timeline for permanent removal. The City Manager also noted that the contract does not specify a removal timeframe and that the city cannot remove the cameras themselves due to liability risks, lack of staff, and equipment. Captain Caputo confirmed ongoing contact with FLOCK and committed to providing updates to the council until the cameras are removed. Residents are also encouraged to look out for each other due to the absence of cameras. Separately, Officer William Seppi was honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for arresting 27 impaired drivers last year and 37 so far this year.
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The El Cerrito News archive
Special City Council Meeting - Media
Special City Council Mtg and Concurrent Special Public Financing Authority/Regular City Council Mtg - Media
Municipal Services Corporation Meeting - Media
Special City Council Meeting - Media
Special and Regular City Council Meeting - Media
Regular City Council Meeting - Media
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