Agenda packet — El Cerrito City Council, January 16, 2024

Mayor Councilmembers
Tessa Rudnick Paul Fadelli
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger AGENDA Gabriel Quinto

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (5:30 PM)
Hillside Conference Room - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito

CONCURRENT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SUCCESSOR AGENCY SPECIAL MEETING AND REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
Council Chambers - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito
Closed Caption Services (Via Zoom):
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81148488235?pwd=tmPaOaY0ZLtqo7ZcbrVeTh0rbyIxBV.1 Meeting ID: 811 4848 8235 Password: 736877 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 View (Regular Meeting Only):

1. Cable T.V. Broadcast on KCRT Channel 28

2. Livestream Online at www.el-cerrito.org/CouncilMeetingMaterials Accommodations: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 510- 215-4305. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable accommodations. Closed Captions available via zoom.

Conduct: This meeting shall be conducted pursuant to the El Cerrito City Council Rules of Order and Procedure, including adjourning by 11:00 PM unless extended to a specific time determined by a majority of the Council.

Public Comments:

1. In-person by submitting a request to speak to the City Clerk.

2. By Email to [email protected] identified in the subject line as Public Comments – Agenda Item #.

Written comments received by 2:00 p.m. the day of the meeting will be provided to the City Council and posted online in advance of the meeting. Comments received after the deadline will be provided to the City Council and will be posted after the meeting. 5:30 PM ROLL CALL - CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING

1. CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION ON ANY REQUEST FROM A

COUNCILMEMBER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING REMOTELY DUE TO EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES PURSUANT TO AB 2449
Agenda Packet Page 1 of 217
Mayor Councilmembers
Tessa Rudnick Paul Fadelli
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger AGENDA Gabriel Quinto

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2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
All persons wishing to speak should sign up with the City Clerk. Remarks are typically limited to 3 minutes per person and to items on the special meeting agenda only.

3. CLOSED SESSION CONFERENCE WITH NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: Karen Pinkos, City Manager; Alexandra Orologas, Assistant City Manager; Shannon Bassi, Senior Human Resources Analyst; Glenn Berkheimer, Labor Negotiator; and Sky Woodruff, City Attorney.

Employee Organizations: Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1021.

Contact: Sky Woodruff, City Attorney, City Management

4. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE CONNCURRENT REDEVELOPMENT

AGENCY SUCCESSOR AGENCY SPECIAL MEETING AND REGULAR

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

1. CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION ON ANY REQUEST FROM A

COUNCILMEMBER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING REMOTELY DUE TO EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES PURSUANT TO AB 2449

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OR OBSERVATION OF A

MOMENT OF SILENCE

3. TELECONFERENCE AND PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS

4. COUNCIL/STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Reports of closed session, commission appointments and informational reports on matters of general interest which are announced by the City Council and staff.

Comments related to items appearing on the Public Hearing or Policy Matter portions of the Agenda will be heard prior to the City Council taking action on each item.

Agenda Packet Page 2 of 217
Mayor Councilmembers
Tessa Rudnick Paul Fadelli
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger AGENDA Gabriel Quinto

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6. PRESENTATIONS
A. Wildcat El Cerrito Pipeline Project Presentation
Action Proposed: Receive and file a presentation from East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD) on the Wildcat Pipeline Project – El Cerrito
Contact: Gus Cicala, Senior Civil Engineer, EMBUD

7. ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR
All items on the consent calendar shall be acted upon in one motion, unless a member of the City Council or staff request separate consideration.

A. Approval of Minutes
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve the City Council Meeting minutes from November 21, December 5, and December 19, 2023.

Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management B. REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SUCCESSOR AGENCY ITEM: Approve
Draft Annual Recognized Obligations Payment Schedule 24-25 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025)
Action Proposed: Adopt a Successor Agency resolution reviewing and authorizing submittal of the draft Recognized Obligations Payment Schedule 24-25.

Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance C. Adopt a Revised Resolution for the Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities Program for Mayfair Affordable
Action Proposed: Adopt a revised resolution authorizing staff to apply and receive the Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities Program funding as a joint applicant with Mayfair Affordable LLC (Developer), an affiliate of BRIDGE Housing Corporation, for 69 affordable housing units located at 11690 San Pablo Avenue (Project).

Contact: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development
Manager; Melanie Mintz, Community Development Director, Community Development Department
Agenda Packet Page 3 of 217
Mayor Councilmembers
Tessa Rudnick Paul Fadelli
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger AGENDA Gabriel Quinto

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8. PUBLIC HEARINGS

9. POLICY ITEMS
A. Purchase Authorization and Budget Appropriation for Property Located at 10936 San Pablo Avenue
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all required documents and agreements associated with the purchase of 10936 San Pablo Avenue - APN 502-411-
006 (“Property”) with Life In Christian Ministry of the Assemblies of God (“Seller”) and to appropriate $1,604,631 from the General Fund Unreserved Balance to complete the acquisition.

Contact: Melanie Mintz, Community Development Director, Community Development Department; Karen Pinkos, City Manager

10. CITY COUNCIL LOCAL & REGIONAL LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS
Mayor and City Council communications regarding local and regional liaison assignments, committee reports, and any required reporting under AB 1234 for meetings (as defined by the Brown Act) attended at the public's expense.

A. 2024 Local Liaison Assignments
The Mayor will announce the 2024 City Council Liaison Assignments to City Boards, Commissions, and Committees and to Regional Bodies.

11. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

The City of El Cerrito serves our diverse community by providing exceptional services that create a safe and resilient future for all.

Agenda Packet Page 4 of 217
`
Wildcat Pipeline Improvement
El Cerrito Construction Update
El Cerrito City Council, January 16, 2024
Y’Anad Burrell
Community Affairs Representative
Gus Cicala, PE
Associate Civil Engineer
Karl Tingwald, PE
Senior Civil Engineer
Brian Lambert
Cratus Inc. Project Manager
www.ebmud.com/Wildcat
Agenda Item No. 6.A.

Agenda Packet Page 5 of 217
Agenda
• EBMUD overview
• Project purpose and scope
• Transmission pipeline construction process
• Traffic control and work hours
• Paving restoration plan
• Project schedule overview
• Questions
Agenda Packet Page 6 of 217
2 6 Treatment plants
167 Reservoirs
136 Pumping plants
4,200 mi. pipelines
Your EBMUD Water System
Agenda Packet Page 7 of 217
3 West of Hills
Northern Pipelines EIR
• Environmental Impact Report
Certified in 2013
• Wildcat Pipeline Berkeley
• Construction completed summer 2021
• Wildcat Pipeline El Cerrito
• Construction beginning in November 2023
• Planned completion in Summer 2025
Wildcat Pipeline
(El Cerrito)
Wildcat Pipeline
(Berkeley)
Sobrante
WTP
Orinda
WTP
4 Agenda Packet Page 8 of 217
4 Why We Are Doing This
• More reliable water service to El Cerrito
and the surrounding area
• Operational flexibility
• Better ability to respond to drought
conditions
Agenda Packet Page 9 of 217
5 Project Scope
• 13,860 ft (2.5+ miles) of 36-inch
diameter welded steel
transmission pipeline
• Primarily Open Trench
• Construction from November
2023 – Summer 2025
Agenda Packet Page 10 of 217
6 Typical Transmission Pipeline Construction & Progress Agenda Packet Page 11 of 217
7 Transmission Pipeline
Installation - Open Trench
Agenda Packet Page 12 of 217
8 Ashbury at Fairmount Ave
• Trenchless methods at this
intersection.
• Avoids other underground
utilities.
• Reduces construction duration
due to existing utility congestion.

Agenda Packet Page 13 of 217
9 Receiving Pit Example
Agenda Packet Page 14 of 217
10 Traffic Control Approach
Rolling closure to
thru traffic
Maintain Traffic
w/ shift
Off-hours TCP
Area
Agenda Packet Page 15 of 217
11 Rolling Closure to Through Traffic
• Block by block residential street
closures
• Controlled access to residents’
homes during street closures
• Access maintained for emergency
vehicles, garbage/recycling
collection, and mail/package
delivery services
Agenda Packet Page 16 of 217
12 Rolling Closure to Through Traffic
Agenda Packet Page 17 of 217
13 Maintain Traffic with Shift Example
Agenda Packet Page 18 of 217
14 Off Hours Traffic Control Plan Area
Agenda Packet Page 19 of 217
15 Work Hours
• Typical work hours:
• 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday
• Lane/Road Closures:
• 9:00 am – 4:00 pm on Arterials
• Hill Street
• Richmond/Elm Street
• Central Ave
• Ashbury Ave
• 8:30 am – 4:30 pm on Local/Collectors
• Lincoln Ave, Clayton Ave, Lynn Ave
Agenda Packet Page 20 of 217
16 Work Near Schools
• Summit K2 School
• Hill St and Elm St
• El Cerrito High School
• Central Ave and Ashbury Ave,
North of Fairmount
• Harding Elementary School
• Ashbury Ave, South of Fairmount
Agenda Packet Page 21 of 217
17 Pavement Restoration
• Interim trench paving designed to last until the end of the project will be installed behind EBMUD’s contractor’s transmission pipeline “train”. • EBMUD’s contractor will perform final paving of the trench and surrounding pavement at the end of the project on Lynn, Ashbury, Central, Clayton, and Lincoln.
• Richmond/Elm Paving Agreement w/City of El Cerrito
• EBMUD’s contractor will complete interim trench paving • City of El Cerrito’s future project will provide final paving Agenda Packet Page 22 of 217
18 Final Trench Paving
• Lynn Ave
• Ashbury Ave
• Clayton Ave
• Lincoln Ave
• Central Ave
Agenda Packet Page 23 of 217
19 Construction
• Trenchless Installation (Fairmount/Ashbury)
• Connections
• Mainline Installation
• Final Paving
Dec 2023 to Feb 2024
Nov 2023 to June 2025
Summer 2024
Spring 2025
Community Outreach
October 2023
Public Meeting
Schedule Overview
20 January 2024
City Council Ongoing
Feb 2024 to Spring 2025
Agenda Packet Page 24 of 217
Thank you - Contact Information
21 Y’Anad Burrell
(510) 287-7208
[email protected]
More information at:
www.ebmud.com/Wildcat
Follow us @ebmud
Agenda Packet Page 25 of 217
Questions
Agenda Packet Page 26 of 217

Agenda Item No. 7.A.

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Mayor Councilmembers
Lisa Motoyama Paul Fadelli
Mayor Pro Tem Gabriel Quinto
Tessa Rudnick Carolyn Wysinger

EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL DRAFT MINUTES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023
View:

1. Cable T.V. Broadcast on KCRT Channel 28

Public Comments:

1. In-person by submitting a request to speak to the City Clerk.

2. By Email to [email protected] identified in the subject line as Public Comments – Agenda Item #.

Written comments received by 2:00 p.m. the day of the meeting will be provided to the City Council and posted online in advance of the meeting. Comments received after the deadline will be provided to the City Council and will be posted after the meeting. 6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Motoyama called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM.

Present: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Wysinger Present (Remotely): Councilmember Quinto Absent: None

1. CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION ON ANY REQUEST FROM A

COUNCILMEMBER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING REMOTELY DUE TO EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES PURSUANT TO AB 2449

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OR OBSERVATION OF A

MOMENT OF SILENCE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
City Council Chambers - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito Join Via Zoom (Closed Captions Available):
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84586259090?pwd=VHZxUjdRSzlnc2U2RVBrbnJEOGt0dz09 Meeting ID: 845 8625 9090 Password: 941608 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 Agenda Packet Page 27 of 217

Agenda Item No. 7.A.

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3. TELECONFERENCE AND PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS

4. COUNCIL/STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Reports of closed session, commission appointments and informational reports on matters of general interest which are announced by the City Council and staff.

City Manager Pinkos - announced City Hall closure from 12/21/23 - 1/1/2024.

Councilmember Wysinger - announced Democratic Club support of cities providing hybrid meetings.

Councilmember Fadelli - reported on attendance at 70th anniversary celebration at St. Peter's Church, Urban Forest Committee, and Committee on Aging; thanked sponsors in the Chamber for lights along San Pablo Avenue.

Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick - announced fundraiser at the Contra Costa Civic Theater in December.

Mayor Motoyama - announced City Holiday Pancake Breakfast and Boomer Dance on 12/2/23, and Hana Gardens Makers Faire 12/16/23; reported on attendance at the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Housing Committee meeting, and Environmental Quality Committee.

Comments related to items appearing on the Public Hearing or Policy Matter portions of the Agenda will be heard prior to the City Council taking action on each item.

Buddy Akacic - commented on the need for a senior center.

Patrick Curtin - requested better regulation of speed and traffic on upper Moeser Lane.

Stuart Sonatina - spoke regarding the need and ideas for increasing bike and pedestrian access in the city.

Gaia Sonatina - commented regarding bike access and safety in the city.

Greg Lyman - shared information about the upcoming Sundar Shadi Display on Moeser and Sea View.

Ira Sharenow - shared comments on process for getting a new library and need for a senior center.

6. PRESENTATIONS
A. Citizens Street Oversight Committee Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2021-22
Agenda Packet Page 28 of 217

Agenda Item No. 7.A.

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Action Proposed: Receive and file the Citizens Street Oversight Committee Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2021-22 to City Council and Citizens of El Cerrito.

Contact: Matthew Kelly, Citizens Street Oversight Committee; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department Action: Received and filed
B. AC Transit Draft Route Changes
Action Proposed: Receive and file a presentation from AC Transit regarding draft route changes in El Cerrito and surrounding areas.

Contact: Ryan Lau, External Affairs Representative; Carissa Lee, Acting Senior Transportation Planner, AC Transit
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding financial stability, Bay Bridge bus only lane options, and modifications to El Cerrito bus stops.

Public Comments:

Ira Sharenow - commented on the condition of roads in El Cerrito.

Action: Received and filed

7. ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR
All items on the consent calendar shall be acted upon in one motion, unless a member of the City Council or staff request separate consideration.

Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Fadelli/Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick Action:

Approve the consent calendar as indicated below. Ayes: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
A. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for October 2023 Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of October 2023.

Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
B. Amendment to the City's Classification Plan
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution amending the City's Classification Plan to authorize an additional classification of Maintenance Operations Supervisor in the Public Works Department.

Contact: Shannon Bassi, Senior Human Resources Analyst, City Management
Action: Approved Resolution 2023-84
Agenda Packet Page 29 of 217

Agenda Item No. 7.A.

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8. PUBLIC HEARINGS

9. POLICY MATTERS
A. FY 2023-24 General Fund Budget Quarterly Update through September 2023
Action Proposed: Receive and file an update on City General Fund revenues and expenses for FY 2023-24 through September 2023.

Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding business licenses, additional property tax revenue, increasing homeowners with rentals in compliance with the required business licenses, and real property transfer tax projections.

Public Comments:

Ira Sharenow - provided comments regarding general fund deficit and surplus.

Action: Received and filed
B. Library Presentation
Action Proposed: Receive a presentation on the cumulative work of City staff as well as surveys, polling, and community feedback regarding funding for a new Library in El Cerrito and provide staff direction on next steps.

Contact: Karen Pinkos, City Manager, City Management
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding polling margin of error, how the $0.17 amount used for polling was developed, timing of development phases, internal design, role of the county in the process, size of the proposed space, parking accommodations, financial oversight, tax sunset date, potential constitutional amendment, outreach efforts, use of technology and division of costs with the county, and exploring additional financial options.

Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.

Dr. Barry Koops, Charles Taylor, Georgina Edwards, Al Miller, Clare Sheridan, Michael Fischer, Greg Lyman, and Tom Panas - spoke in support of a new library and the proposed project.

Agenda Packet Page 30 of 217

Agenda Item No. 7.A.

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Elizabeth Bashor - spoke regarding the need for increased public engagement, parking concerns, need for written agreements with the county on management.

Ira Sharenow - spoke against the project, need for a senior center, and parking citations.

Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Quinto/Councilmember Wysinger Action: Directed Staff to continue exploring financial options including a potential ballot measure in 2025. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None Absent: Mayor Motoyama (recused due to potential conflict of interest).

10. CITY COUNCIL LOCAL & REGIONAL LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS Mayor and City Council communications regarding local and regional liaison assignments, committee reports, and any required reporting under AB 1234 for meetings (as defined by the Brown Act) attended at the public's expense.

Councilmember Quinto - reported on attendance at the National League of Cities annual conference.

Mayor Motoyama - reported on attendance at Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Housing Committee meeting, Lions Club Veterans Day Observance event, Tibetan Association of Northern California Thanksgiving lunch, Cub Scout tour at City Hall, Environmental Quality Committee meeting, Advisory Body Ad-Hoc Subcommittee meeting, and Asian Pacific Islander (API) Coalition Civic Leadership USA National Elected Leaders Conference.

11. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The regular meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM
Lisa Motoyama, Mayor
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the City Council meeting of November 21, 2023 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.

Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Packet Page 31 of 217

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Mayor Councilmembers
Lisa Motoyama Paul Fadelli
Mayor Pro Tem Gabriel Quinto
Tessa Rudnick Carolyn Wysinger

EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL DRAFT MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2023
View:

1. Cable T.V. Broadcast on KCRT Channel 28

Public Comments:

1. In-person by submitting a request to speak to the City Clerk.

2. By Email to [email protected] identified in the subject line as Public Comments – Agenda Item #.

Written comments received by 2:00 p.m. the day of the meeting will be provided to the City Council and posted online in advance of the meeting.

Comments received after the deadline will be provided to the City Council and will be posted after the meeting.
6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Motoyama called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.

Present: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick,
Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Absent: None

1. CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION ON ANY REQUEST FROM A

COUNCILMEMBER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING REMOTELY
DUE TO EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES PURSUANT TO AB 2449
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
City Council Chambers - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87822110302?pwd=YzJIVkFsVGNSZDhwTWdKNWVBWGkvZz09 Meeting ID: 878 2211 0302 Password: 497589 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 Agenda Packet Page 32 of 217

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2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OR OBSERVATION OF A

MOMENT OF SILENCE

3. TELECONFERENCE AND PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS

4. COUNCIL/STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Reports of closed session, commission appointments and informational reports on matters of general interest which are announced by the City Council and staff.

City Manager Pinkos - announced City Hall holiday closure from 12/21/23- 1/1/2024, the first Annual State of the City Address at 5:00 PM on 12/19/23 in Council Chambers; provided a current status on the pickleball agreement and the trail signage in the Hillside Natural Area.

Police Chief Keith - Provided an overview of the recent public fire evacuation drill event.

Councilmember Fadelli - announced Supervisor John Gioia's upcoming Christmas party on 12/7/2023, upcoming West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee (WCCTAC) meeting presentations, and Urban Forest Committee meeting.

Mayor Motoyama - announced 12/6/23 holiday mixer at Mechanics Bank, Recreation program sign-ups open on 12/12/23, Recreation Nutcracker Program on 12/12/23, senior sign along on 12/13/23, Hana Gardens Maker Faire on 12/16/23, Sundar Shadi holiday display begins on 12/16/23, El Cerrito Historical Society Historic Photo Contest Reception on 12/6/23.

Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick - announced upcoming deadlines to apply for ECCRU Artist in Residence and Poet Laureate programs with the Arts and Culture Commission.

5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Remarks are typically limited to 3 minutes per person. The Mayor may reduce the time limit per speaker depending upon the number of speakers and may limit the total time for public comment to facilitate the completion of business on the agenda. Comments regarding non-agenda, presentation and consent calendar items will be heard first. Comments related to items appearing on the Public Hearing or Policy Matter portions of the Agenda will be heard prior to the City Council taking action on each item.

Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.

Howdy Goudey - spoke regarding consistency with allowing remote public comments and the need for a policy to be consistent.

Agenda Packet Page 33 of 217

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6. PRESENTATIONS

7. ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR
All items on the consent calendar shall be acted upon in one motion, unless a member of the City Council or staff request separate consideration.

Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Fadelli/Councilmember Quinto Action: Approve the consent calendar as indicated below. Ayes: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None A. Approve the 2024 Regular Meeting Schedule for City Council Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve the regular meeting schedule for 2024, reducing to the third Tuesday of the month for January, July, August, September and November; and adding a meeting on 2/13/24, 2/15/24, and 9/24/24 for Advisory Body Interviews.

Contact: Holly Charléty, City Clerk, City Management
Action: Approved Schedule
B. Agreement with Carahsoft to Procure Spot AI Security Video Surveillance Management and Storage System for City
Facilities
Action Proposed: Approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a five year pricing agreement with Carahsoft for Spot AI’s security video surveillance management and storage system for City Facilities in an amount not to exceed $133,691.65.

Contact: Eric Ng, Information Technology Manager, City
Management
Action: Approved Resolution 2023-85 with revised agreement as presented
C. Storm Drain Easement Acceptance and Agreement for 729 Kearney Street Exempt from CEQA review pursuant to section 15061(b)(3)
Action Proposed: Adopt a Resolution accepting a Storm Drain Easement from Bingyi Yu and Xin Dong, property owners, for public storm drain facilities located at 729 Kearney Street and authorizing the City Manager to execute an Easement Agreement.

Contact: Roland Lambert, Associate Engineer; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public
Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Adopt Resolution 2023-86 with the following modification:

In the second WHEREAS clause, after the word Southwest, add the words "corner of".

Agenda Packet Page 34 of 217

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8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Proposed East Bay Sanitary Garbage & Organic Waste
Collection and Post-Collection Rates and Integrated Waste Management Fees -
- Effective January 1, 2024
Notice published 11/25/23 and 12/1/2023
Action Proposed: 1) Conduct a public hearing and upon
conclusion adopt a resolution establishing maximum allowable East Bay Sanitary (EBS) garbage and organic waste collection and postcollection rates, effective January 1, 2024; and 2) Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion adopt a resolution fixing and setting Integrated Waste Management (IWM) Fees, effective January 1, 2024.

Contact: Susan Kattchee, Interim Operations and Environmental Services Division Manager; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works
Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding long range planning capital project needs, compliance activities for SB1383, need for consistency in fees for similar services across all services, state grant funding, status of additional services introduced in 2022, monthly amount of contamination in containers, revenue balancing account.

Public Hearing: Mayor Motoyama opened the East Bay Sanitary (EBS) public hearing.

Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.

Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Quinto/Councilmember Fadelli Action: Closed the public hearing. Ayes: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick/Councilmember
Wysinger Action: Adopted Resolution 2023-87 (EBS Rates).

Ayes: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Noes:

None
Public Hearing: Mayor Motoyama opened the Integrated Waste Management (IWM) public hearing.

Agenda Packet Page 35 of 217

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Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.

Howdy Goudey - commented regarding support of the item and the use of savings from the reduction of recent number of new recycling trucks purchase and potential use of those funds.

Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Wysinger/Councilmember
Quinto Action: Closed the public hearing. Ayes: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick/Councilmember
Fadelli Action: Adopted Resolution 2023-88 (IWM Rates). Ayes:

Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember
Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Noes:

None

9. POLICY MATTERS
A. Construction Contract Award for the El Cerrito Del Norte Transit- Oriented Development Complete Streets Project, City Project No. C4014, Federal Project No. CML 5239(029)
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving plans and specifications for the El Cerrito Del Norte Transit-Oriented Development Complete Streets Project, City Project No. C4014, Federal Project No. CML 5239(029) (Project); accepting the two bids submitted for the Project; authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract in the amount of $9,398,889 with Ghilotti Bros, Inc. and to approve change orders in an amount not to exceed $940,000 for the construction of the Project; and amending the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Adopted Budget and Capital
Improvement Program to appropriate $879,077 in the Capital Improvement Fund for the Project.

Contact: Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding expansion of Ohlone Greenway, protected bike lanes versus standard bike lanes, managing priorities and planned regional transportation improvement projects, parking layout for the areas with new building in the Del Norte area, accommodation for realignment plans for AC Transit, and connectivity of bike lanes to the Ohlone Greenway.

Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Wysinger/Mayor Pro Tem
Rudnick Action: Approved Resolution 2023-89. Ayes: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Agenda Packet Page 36 of 217

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Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None B. Adoption of the City of El Cerrito Strategic Plan 2024-2029 Action Proposed: Approve a resolution to adopt the City of El Cerrito Strategic Plan 2024-2029.

Contact: Alexandra Orologas, Assistant City Manager; Karen Pinkos, City Manager, City Management
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding modifications to the proposed vision and strategies under Community safety, and inclusion of equity considerations in agenda bills.

Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.

Howdy Goudey - spoke in support of being clear in language for disaster versus emergency.

Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Wysinger/Councilmember Quinto Action: Modify the vision to read: "The City of El Cerrito is a welcoming community committed to a high quality of life with thriving businesses, active public spaces, as well as diverse cultural, educational and recreational opportunities for everyone." Ayes:

Mayor Motoyama, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Wysinger/Councilmember Quinto Action: Modify Public Safety Goal to 1) update 3rd strategy to read "Strengthen El Cerrito’s overall disaster preparedness capabilities, resources, and tools and implement changes as needed to ensure the City is properly positioned to respond to emergencies and disasters; and 2) update 5th strategy to read "Sustain and enhance climateadapted resilience, forest conservation activities, and wildfire prevention in the Hillside Nature Area." Ayes: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Fadelli/Mayor Motoyama Action:

Failed motion to modify the 6th strategy under Livability and Belonging to add "including equity considerations on all City Council Agenda Bills Ayes: Mayor Motoyama, Councilmember Fadelli Noes:

Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Wysinger/Councilmember Quinto Action: Approve Resolution 2023-90 with the modifications moved above Ayes: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick,
Agenda Packet Page 37 of 217

Page 7 of 8 ends

Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
C. Study Session on City Board, Commission, and Committees Action Proposed: Continue the study session from September 19, 2023 on City Boards, Commissions, and Committees (Advisory Bodies), consider recommendations made by the City Council ad-hoc committee and if applicable, provide staff direction.

Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management on behalf of City Council Ad-hoc Subcommittee of Mayor Lisa Motoyama and Councilmember Paul Fadelli
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding the high number of advisory bodies for a city of our size, legal considerations regarding youth members as a voting member, use and effectiveness of the Crime Prevention Committee (CPC), increasing interest in residents getting involved, and time commitment for staff liaison work.

Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.

Jim Dolgonas - spoke in opposition to the expansion of the CPC into a Community Safety Committee, the current ineffectiveness of the CPC, and what neighboring cities are doing.

Jon Basher - spoke in opposition to the expansion of the CPC, the ineffectiveness of the current committee, and work that the Fire Department is already doing in the proposed areas.

Howdy Goudey - spoke in opposition to a two-year workplan cycle and separation of accomplishments, elimination of presentations to council, and ways to recruit and incentivize individuals to run, and support the expansion of the CPC.

Robin Mitchell - spoke in favor of a one-year workplan and accomplishments, continuation of annual presentations to council, need for some type of response to recommendations submitted, support of continuation of monthly meeting, and a voting youth member.

Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick/Councilmember Wysinger Action: Passed a motion directing staff to return with legislation to implement the ad-hoc recommendations as presented, except the recommendation regarding the Crime Prevention Committee, which include regulations regarding workplan and accomplishments, recommendations; restriction to serving on more than two bodies at Agenda Packet Page 38 of 217

Page 8 of 8 ends

one time, reduce minimum meeting frequency, modify pre-meeting requirement to recommenced, and youth participation. Ayes: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: Councilmember Quinto
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick/Councilmember Wysinger Action: Passed a motion directing staff to return with legislation to disband the Crime Prevention Committee Ayes: Mayor Motoyama, Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto

10. CITY COUNCIL LOCAL & REGIONAL LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS Mayor and City Council communications regarding local and regional liaison assignments, committee reports, and any required reporting under AB 1234 for meetings (as defined by the Brown Act) attended at the public's expense.

Councilmember Quinto - reported on attendance at the Cal Cities Leaders Summit.

Councilmember Wysinger - announced appointment to the LGBT caucus as a board member with the National League of Cities.

Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick - reported on attendance at the City's Pancake Breakfast event, and Makers Holiday Faire.

Councilmember Fadelli – announced Richmond, Oakland and Berkeley joined the MOU for Wildfire Prevention.

Mayor Motoyama - reported on attendance at the Advisory Body Ad-Hoc meeting, and Pancake Breakfast event.

11. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The regular meeting adjourned at 9:13 PM
Lisa Motoyama, Mayor
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the City Council meeting of December 5, 2023 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.

Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Packet Page 39 of 217

Page 1 of 4 ends

Mayor Councilmembers
Lisa Motoyama Paul Fadelli
Mayor Pro Tem Gabriel Quinto
Tessa Rudnick Carolyn Wysinger

EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL DRAFT MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023
View:

Accommodations: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 510- 215-4305. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable accommodations. Closed Captions available via zoom.

Public Comments:

1. In-person by submitting a request to speak to the City Clerk.

2. By Email to [email protected] identified in the subject line as Public Comments – Agenda Item #.

Written comments received by 2:00 p.m. the day of the meeting will be provided to the City Council and posted online in advance of the meeting. Comments received after the deadline will be provided to the City Council and will be posted after the meeting. 6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Motoyama called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM.

Present: Councilmember Motoyama, Mayor Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger Absent: None

1. CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION ON ANY REQUEST FROM A

COUNCILMEMBER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING REMOTELY DUE TO EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES PURSUANT TO AB 2449

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OR OBSERVATION OF A

MOMENT OF SILENCE

3. TELECONFERENCE AND PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
City Council Chambers - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82807565690?pwd=Wk85Zk5vRVlPc1I4dUtzNytVUkNiZz09 Meeting ID: 828 0756 5690 Password: 206769 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 Agenda Packet Page 40 of 217

Page 2 of 4 ends

4. COUNCIL/STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Reports of closed session, commission appointments and informational reports on matters of general interest which are announced by the City Council and staff.

City Manager Pinkos - announced City Hall Closure for the holidays from 12/21/23 - 1/2/24.

Councilmember Fadelli - announced the Sundar Shadi holiday display will remain up until December 27th.

Mayor Motoyama - Announced recognition of centenarians Theresa Parella and Peggy Hender.

Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.

Mehmet Seflek, Somaia Nassef, Fred Bialy, Ashley Corri, Sherry Drobner, Toby Blome - spoke in support of a cease-fire resolution in support of Gaza.

Faith M. - spoke regarding the Israel/Palestine conflict and against Council action regarding a cease-fire.

Anne Ogonowski - announced a walk sponsored by Friends of the Five Creeks on December 23rd from 10-12 in the Hillside National Area (HNA).

Jonathan Mintzer - spoke in support of electing Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick as the next El Cerrito Mayor and against Council action regarding a cease-fire.

Buddy Akacic - commented regarding the need for a senior center.

6. PRESENTATIONS

7. ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR
All items on the consent calendar shall be acted upon in one motion, unless a member of the City Council or staff request separate consideration.

Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Quinto/Councilmember Wysinger Action:

Adopted the consent calendar as indicated below Ayes: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
Agenda Packet Page 41 of 217

Page 3 of 4 ends

A. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for November 2023
Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of November 2023.

Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
B. Transportation Impact Fee Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2022-23 Report publicly posted 12/04/2023
Action Proposed: Receive and file the Transportation Impact Fee Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2022-23, ending June 30, 2023.

Contact: Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Received and filed
C. CalRecycle Grant Program Applications
Action Proposed: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to submit applications for payment and grant programs and related authorizations to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery.

Contact: Christina Leard, Management Analyst III; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved Resolution 2023-91

8. PUBLIC HEARINGS

9. POLICY MATTERS
A. City Council Reorganization
The City Council will elect a Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tempore to serve a term of one year.

Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Mayor Motoyama shared remarks on her year as mayor and called for the reorganization. Councilmember Fadelli nominated Councilmember Rudnick for the office of Mayor.

Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Quinto Action: Closed nominations and selected Councilmember Rudnick as Mayor for 2024. Ayes: Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Rudnick,
Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
Mayor Rudnick shared remarks on her vision as Mayor in the upcoming year. Councilmember Motoyama nominated Councilmember Wysinger for the office of Mayor Pro Tem.

Agenda Packet Page 42 of 217

Page 4 of 4 ends

Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Rudnick
Action: Closed nominations and selected Councilmember Wysinger as Mayor Pro Tem for 2024. Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None
Public Comments:

Dean Kertesz - shared well wishes and congratulations to the new Mayor.

John Stashik - thanks to the outgoing mayor for service and responsiveness and congratulations to the new Mayor.

Buddy Akacic - shared planning for first annual Janet Abelson stroll in 2024.

10. CITY COUNCIL LOCAL & REGIONAL LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS Mayor and City Council communications regarding local and regional liaison assignments, committee reports, and any required reporting under AB 1234 for meetings (as defined by the Brown Act) attended at the public's expense.

Councilmember Quinto - reported on testifying before the Little Hoover Commission.

Councilmember Motoyama - reported attendance at the El Cerrito Historical Society award event, Mechanics Bank holiday mixer, Contra Costa Mayors Conference, ribbon cutting for Little Kathmandu Restaurant, Northern California Carpenters Moose Feed Luncheon, Hana Gardens Makers Faire, and the grand opening of Yve Dominican Salon.

Councilmember Fadelli - reported attendance at a tour with West Contra Costa School District, and West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee (WCCTAC) meeting.

Mayor Rudnick - reported attendance at the Hana Gardens Makers Faire.

11. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The regular meeting adjourned at 7:08 PM
Tessa Rudnick, Mayor
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the City Council meeting of December 19, 2023 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.

Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Packet Page 43 of 217

AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 7.B.

Date: January 16, 2024
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Subject: REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SUCCESSOR AGENCY ITEM: Approve Draft Annual Recognized Obligations Payment Schedule 24-25 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025)

ACTION PROPOSED
Adopt a Successor Agency resolution reviewing and authorizing submittal of the draft Recognized Obligations Payment Schedule 24-25.

BACKGROUND
Recognized Obligation Payment Schedules
ABx1 26 (Dissolution Act) dissolved the El Cerrito Redevelopment Agency (RDA) and established the El Cerrito Redevelopment Successor Agency (Successor Agency) on February 1, 2012. Under the Dissolution Act, the portion of property tax revenues collected in the City of El Cerrito Redevelopment Project Area (Project Area) that was considered Tax Increment prior to the RDA’s dissolution are called Redevelopment Property Tax and are deposited by the County Auditor-Controller (Auditor-Controller) into the Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fund (RPTTF). The Auditor-Controller distributes the funds in the RPTTF with the following priority:

1. Auditor-Controller’s administrative costs

2. Pass-through payments to the taxing entities affected by the Redevelopment Plan for the Project Area, calculated the same as prior to RDA dissolution

3. Distribution to the Successor Agency to retire the former RDA’s obligations

4. Repayment of loans from the Housing Fund (starting in FY 2014-15)

5. Distribution of residual funds to taxing entities
Beginning with the 2016-17 ROPS period, the Successor Agency must review and authorize submittal of a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) for each fiscal year. Each ROPS must then be approved by the Oversight Board to the Successor Agency (Oversight Board) and the California Department of Finance (DOF) before the Auditor-Controller disburses funding for payments on the approved ROPS.

The attached schedule is the draft ROPS 24-25 covering payments due during the period of July 2024 to June 2025. The Countywide Oversight Board has asked the Successor Agency to submit the materials for ROPS 24-25 to the County by January 18, 2024, and is scheduled to consider ROPS 24-25 for approval at its upcoming meeting on January 29, 2024. The approved ROPS 24-25 must then be submitted to the DOF no later than February 1, 2024. After submittal, the DOF then has until April 15, 2024 to review the ROPS and approve or disapprove of any items. The Successor Agenda Packet Page 44 of 217
Agenda Item No. 7.B.

Agency can request additional review by the DOF and an opportunity to meet and confer on disputed items, and must make that request within five business days of receiving a DOF determination. The DOF is required to notify the Successor Agency and Auditor-Controller of its final determination of the approved payments at least 15 days prior to the first distribution date of RPTTF for the ROPS, which is June 1, 2024.

RPTTF will continue to be distributed twice annually, on June 1st and January 2nd of each year.

The annual ROPS can be amended once per year as long as the amendment is received by the DOF before October 1st of the applicable fiscal year.

ANALYSIS
The proposed ROPS 24-25 is Exhibit A to the attached Successor Agency resolution, authorizing its submittal. It includes: 1) a summary of the funding request, 2) an itemized listing of obligations (“ROPS Detail”), and 3) a report of cash balances. Obligations with remaining outstanding balances are included on ROPS 24-25, as follows:
• Tax Allocation Bond Debt Service: Debt service payment for this fiscal year is due as part of ROPS 24-25 in the amount of $2,122,794.
• Union Bank Administrative Fee ($10,000): This fee is to cover the fiscal agent service fees charged by Union Bank for the trust administration of the 2016 Series A and B Bonds.
• FY 2024-25 Administrative Allowance ($250,000): One half of the Successor Agency’s administrative allowance is included in each six-month period on the ROPS.

The total amount of RPTTF funding required for ROPS 24-25 is estimated to be $2,382,794.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
The amended ROPS supports the City’s Strategic Plan Goal of:
• High Performing Organization.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
This section is not applicable to this agenda item.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
It is estimated that the total amount of RPTTF funding required for ROPS 24-25 is $2,382,794. In order to repay the obligations of the Successor Agency, the ROPS must be approved and submitted to the DOF.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
All actions being requested are consistent with the Dissolution Act, as amended and Agenda Packet Page 45 of 217
Agenda Item No. 7.B.
have been reviewed by the Agency attorney.

Reviewed by:

Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:

1. Resolution

2. ROPS 24-25
Agenda Packet Page 46 of 217
SUCCESSOR AGENCY RESOLUTION 2024-XX

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO ACTING AS

THE EL CERRITO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SUCCESSOR AGENCY

AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF THE DRAFT RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE 24-25, AS REQUIRED UNDER THE DISSOLUTION ACT
WHEREAS, pursuant to the California Community Redevelopment Law (the “Redevelopment Law”), the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of El Cerrito (the “City”) adopted the Redevelopment Plan for the City of El Cerrito Redevelopment Project Area by Ordinance No. 77-17, as amended by Ordinances No. 80-13; No. 89-5; No. 94- 4; No. 2004-3; No. 2005-01; and No. 2006-10 (collectively, the “Redevelopment Plan”); and
WHEREAS, the El Cerrito Redevelopment Agency (the “RDA”) was responsible for implementation of the Redevelopment Plan; and
WHEREAS, as part of the 2011-12 State budget bill, ABx1 26 (the “Dissolution Act”) was enacted significantly modifying the Redevelopment Law to require the dissolution of redevelopment agencies throughout California and the establishment of successor agencies to wind down the former redevelopment agencies’ affairs; and WHEREAS, on August 15, 2011, pursuant to the Dissolution Act, the City elected to serve as the El Cerrito Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency (the “Successor Agency”), should the RDA be dissolved; and
WHEREAS, California redevelopment agencies were dissolved on February 1, 2012; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Dissolution Act, upon dissolution, the RDA transferred as a matter of law all remaining liabilities, debts and obligations to the Successor Agency; and transferred all unencumbered funds and assets to the Successor Agency’s Redevelopment Obligation Retirement Fund (the “RORF”), for disposition and/or use by the Successor Agency to retire RDA debt and pay for RDA obligations; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the Dissolution Act, the Contra Costa County Auditor Controller (the “Auditor-Controller”) established the Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fund (the “RPTTF”) to hold Redevelopment Property Tax collected from the City of El Cerrito Redevelopment Project Area to be disbursed to the Successor Agency for payment of its enforceable obligations and to taxing entities affected by the Redevelopment Plan; and
WHEREAS, SB 107 was enacted on September 22, 2015 modifying the Dissolution Act to require the Successor Agency to form an Oversight Board; and submit an Oversight Board approved annual Recognized Obligations Payment Schedule to the Department of Finance (the “DOF”); and
WHEREAS, the Oversight Board to the Successor Agency to the El Cerrito Redevelopment Agency (the “Oversight Board”) was formed on April 4, 2012; and was dissolved on June 30, 2018 by the County, and a Countywide Oversight Board came into being on January 1, 2019; and
Agenda Packet Page 47 of 217
WHEREAS, the Successor Agency has reviewed the draft ROPS 24-25 that was prepared pursuant to the Dissolution Act, which is attached and incorporated as Exhibit A to this Resolution, for submittal to the Countywide Oversight Board, the AuditorController, and DOF; and WHEREAS, the Successor Agency has determined that the amounts owed to the City constitute an enforceable obligation pursuant to Section 34171(d)(2) to be listed on the ROPS 24-25; and
WHEREAS, the Successor Agency wishes to authorize Successor Agency staff to amend the ROPS 24-25 administratively to account for any additional changes made by the DOF to the ROPS form or changes made by the Countywide Oversight Board that occur after the Successor Agency’s consideration.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City El Cerrito Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency hereby finds the above recitals to be true and accurate.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the El Cerrito Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency authorizes the submittal of the draft Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule 24-25 as required under the Dissolution Act, subject to such changes as may be necessary to accommodate changes in the DOF approved form and any changes made by the Oversight Board any such changes to be approved by the City Manager.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and adoption.

I CERTIFY that at the regular meeting on January 16, 2024, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito acting as the El Cerrito Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency passed this resolution by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:

IN WITNESS of this action, I sign this document and affix the corporate seal of the City of El Cerrito on _________.

Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk
APPROVED:

Tessa Rudnick, Mayor
Agenda Packet Page 48 of 217
Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 24-25) - Summary Filed for the July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 Period Successor Agency: El Cerrito
County: Contra Costa
Current Period Requested Funding for Enforceable
Obligations (ROPS Detail)
24-25A Total
(July -
December)
24-25B Total
(January -
June)
ROPS 24-25
Total
A Enforceable Obligations Funded as Follows (B+C+D) $ - $ - $ - B Bond Proceeds - - -
C Reserve Balance - - -
D Other Funds - - -
E Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fund (RPTTF) (F+G) $ 1,191,397 $ 1,191,397 $ 2,382,794 F RPTTF 1,066,397 1,066,397 2,132,794
G Administrative RPTTF 125,000 125,000 250,000
H Current Period Enforceable Obligations (A+E) $ 1,191,397 $ 1,191,397 $ 2,382,794 Certification of Oversight Board Chairman:

Name Title
Pursuant to Section 34177 (o) of the Health and Safety
code, I hereby certify that the above is a true and
accurate Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule for
the above named successor agency. /s/
Signature Date
Agenda Packet Page 49 of 217
El Cerrito
Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 24-25) - ROPS Detail July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W
Item
# Project Name Obligation Type
Agreement
Execution
Date
Agreement
Termination
Date
Payee Description Project
Area
Total
Outstanding
Obligation
Retired
ROPS
24-25
Total
ROPS 24-25A (Jul - Dec)
24-25A
Total
ROPS 24-25B (Jan - Jun)
24-25B
Total
Fund Sources Fund Sources
Bond
Proceeds
Reserve
Balance
Other
Funds RPTTF Admin RPTTF
Bond
Proceeds
Reserve
Balance
Other
Funds
RPTTF
Admin
RPTTF
$3,704,191 $2,382,794 $- $- $- $1,066,397 $125,000 $1,191,397 $- $- $- $1,066,397 $125,000 $1,191,397 25 Administrative
Allowance
Admin
Costs
06/01/
2014
09/01/2025 City of
El
Cerrito
Annual
allowance
El
Cerrito
500,000 N $250,000 - - - - 125,000 $125,000 - - - - 125,000 $125,000 29 2016 Tax
Allocation
Bonds
Bonds
Issued
After 12/
31/10
08/04/
2016
09/01/2025 Union
Bank
Refunding
of prior
outstanding
bonds.

El
Cerrito
3,184,191 N $2,122,794 - - - 1,061,397 - $1,061,397 - - - 1,061,397 - $1,061,397 30 Fiscal Agent
Fees
Bonds
Issued
After 12/
31/10
08/04/
2016
09/01/2025 Union
Bank
Fees for
fiscal agent
El
Cerrito
20,000 N $10,000 - - - 5,000 - $5,000 - - - 5,000 - $5,000 Agenda Packet Page 50 of 217
El Cerrito
Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 24-25) - Report of Cash Balances July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022
(Report Amounts in Whole Dollars)
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 34177 (l), Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fund (RPTTF) may be listed as a source of payment on the ROPS, but only to the extent no other funding source is available or when payment from property tax revenues is required by an enforceable obligation.

A B C D E F G H
ROPS 21-22 Cash Balances
(07/01/21 - 06/30/22)
Fund Sources
Comments
Bond Proceeds Reserve Balance Other Funds RPTTF
Bonds issued
on or before
12/31/10
Bonds issued
on or after
01/01/11
Prior ROPS
RPTTF and
Reserve
Balances retained
for future
period(s)
Rent, grants,
interest, etc.

Non-Admin
and Admin
1 Beginning Available Cash Balance (Actual 07/01/21)
RPTTF amount should exclude "A" period distribution
amount.
10,644 176 -
2 Revenue/Income (Actual 06/30/22)
RPTTF amount should tie to the ROPS 21-22 total
distribution from the County Auditor-Controller
2,382,794
3 Expenditures for ROPS 21-22 Enforceable Obligations
(Actual 06/30/22)
2,376,719
4 Retention of Available Cash Balance (Actual 06/30/22) RPTTF amount retained should only include the amounts
distributed as reserve for future period(s)
5 ROPS 21-22 RPTTF Prior Period Adjustment
RPTTF amount should tie to the Agency's ROPS 21-22 PPA
form submitted to the CAC
No entry required 6,075
6 Ending Actual Available Cash Balance (06/30/22)
C to F = (1 + 2 - 3 - 4), G = (1 + 2 - 3 - 4 - 5)
$- $- $10,644 $176 $-
Agenda Packet Page 51 of 217
El Cerrito
Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 24-25) - Notes July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025
Item # Notes/Comments
25 29
30 Agenda Packet Page 52 of 217

AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 7.C.

Date: January 16, 2024
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Manager; Melanie Mintz, Community Development Director, Community Development Department
Subject: Adopt a Revised Resolution for the Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities Program for Mayfair Affordable

ACTION PROPOSED
Adopt a revised resolution authorizing staff to apply and receive the Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities Program funding as a joint applicant with Mayfair Affordable LLC (Developer), an affiliate of BRIDGE Housing Corporation, for 69 affordable housing units located at 11690 San Pablo Avenue (Project).

BACKGROUND
The Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program is administered by the Strategic Growth Council (SGC) and implemented by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The purpose of the AHSC Program is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through projects that implement land-use, housing, transportation, and land preservation practices. The maximum AHSC Program loan or grant award or combination thereof is $30 million with a minimum award of at least $1 million. On February 26, 2021, SGC and HCD issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Round 6 FY 2019-2020 that was due on June 8, 2021.

On May 4, 2021, the City Council authorized submittal of an application for the Project through Resolution 2021-20. The initial resolution authorized an AHSC Loan maximum of $20,000,000 and AHSC Grant maximum of $10,000,000. On February 4, 2022, the Project was awarded $26,910,844 with $11,938,472 allocated as AHSC Program Grant Funds and $14,972,372 as AHSC Loan Funds. To proceed with the AHSC Program acceptance documents, HCD staff has requested a revised resolution authorizing the AHSC Grant maximum of $12,000,000, as proposed in Attachment 1.

As a reminder, the Project will provide 69 affordable units to families with levels of affordability ranging from 30% to 60% of area median income. The Project includes a mix of studios, 1 BR, 2 BR, and 3 BRs. AHSC funds will be utilized to construct housing and related infrastructure as well as to support the City's del Norte Complete Streets project and BART-related investments.

Agenda Packet Page 53 of 217
Agenda Item No. 7.C.

ANALYSIS
Since the AHSC application was submitted in June 2021, the Project has secured all the necessary funding commitments. The Project is slated to close construction financing in May 2024 and begin construction in June 2024. Please refer to Table 1 for the current Project schedule.

Table 1: Performance Schedule
Activity Projected Schedule
CDLAC Award December 2023
Building Permit Issuance March/April 2024
Close on Construction Financing May 2024
Commence of Construction June 2024
Completion of Construction Spring 2026
Staff recommends the City Council adopt the revised resolution which will allow the City, HCD, and Developer to advance this Project into construction.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
The Project fulfills the City’s Strategic Plan Goal of:
• Livability and Belonging.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Authorization of a grant application/award is not a project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Any projects funded by the grant will be evaluated under CEQA, as applicable.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The City is not required to provide additional matching funds toward this grant. The Project must receive a certificate of occupancy no later than November 30, 2027. The time of City employees spent administering the grant is not eligible for grant funds.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
This has been reviewed by the City Attorney.

Agenda Packet Page 54 of 217
Agenda Item No. 7.C.

Reviewed by:

Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:

1. Resolution
Agenda Packet Page 55 of 217
RESOLUTION 2024-XX

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO TO SUBMIT AN

APPLICATION FOR, ACCEPT AND APPOPRIATE LOAN AND GRANT FUNDS UNDER THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA’S ROUND 6 2019-2020 AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITES PROGRAM FOR MAYFAIR EL CERRITO LOCATED AT 11690 SAN PABLO AVENUE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $30,000,000, AND

AUTHORIZE AGREEMENTS WITH BART FOR TRANSPORTATION-RELATED

IMPROVEMENTS
WHEREAS, the State of California, the Strategic Growth Council (SGC) and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) issued a Notice of Funding Availability dated February 24, 2021 (NOFA), under the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program established under Division 44, Part 1 of the Public Resources Code commencing with Section 75200; and
WHEREAS, there was one application submitted for the City of El Cerrito; and WHEREAS, a resolution was required for each application for which the City of El Cerrito is a joint applicant; and
WHEREAS, BRIDGE Housing Corporation (BRIDGE), as a joint applicant with the City of El Cerrito, applied for AHSC Program funds released by HCD for the AHSC Program; and WHEREAS, the SGC is authorized to approve funding allocations for the AHSC Program, subject to the terms and conditions of the NOFA, Program Guidelines, Application Package, and Standard Agreement; and
WHEREAS, HCD is authorized to administer the approved funding allocations of the AHSC Program; and
WHEREAS, there is substantial need for additional funds for the development of affordable housing in the City of El Cerrito; and
WHEREAS, the project known as Mayfair Affordable El Cerrito is located at 11690 San Pablo Avenue (Project) was vetted by the City’s Planning Commission and is supported by the City to apply for an award of AHSC program funds; and WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to delegate authority to the City Manager or her designee to apply for, receive and accept such AHSC Program Funds on behalf of the City, and to negotiate, execute, enter into and deliver such agreements and instruments with HCD related to or in connection with such AHSC Program Funds without returning to the City Council, including agreements with the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) for transportation-related improvements; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Resolution 2021-20 on May 4, 2021, authorizing the AHSC Application to include AHSC Loan amount not to exceed $20,000,000 and AHSC Grant amount not to exceed $10,000,000; and
Agenda Packet Page 56 of 217
WHEREAS, on February 4, 2022, the SGC awarded the Project a total of $26,910,844 that includes AHSC Loan Funds of $14,972,372 and AHSC Program Grant Funds of $11,938,472 and;
WHEREAS, HCD requires a revised AHSC resolution to accurately reflect the maximum AHSC Program Grant Funds not to exceed $12,000,000.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of El Cerrito that the City is hereby authorized and directed to incur an obligation for the AHSC Loan, and that in connection with the AHSC Loan, the City Manager or her designee is authorized and directed on behalf of the City to enter info, execute, and deliver a State of California Standard Agreement in an amount not to exceed $20,000,000 and any and all other documents required or deemed necessary or appropriate to carry into effect the full intent and purpose of this Resolution or as may be required by HCD in connection with the AHSC Loan and all amendments thereto (collectively, the AHSC Loan Documents).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City is hereby authorized and directed to incur an obligation for the AHSC Grant, and that in connection with the AHSC Grant, the City Manager or her designee is hereby authorized and directed on behalf of the City to enter into, execute, and deliver a State of California Standard Agreement in an amount not to exceed $12,000,000 and any and all other documents required or deemed necessary or appropriate to carry into effect the full intent and purpose of this Resolution, in order to evidence the AHSC Grant, the City’s obligations related thereto, and HCD’s security therefor, including, but not limited to, a disbursement agreement, a covenant and certain other documents required by HCD as security for, evidence of, or pertinent to the AHSC Grant, and all amendments thereto (collectively, the AHSC Document, and together with the AHSC Loan Documents, collectively, the AHSC Documents).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that that the City Manager is authorized to negotiate and enter into an agreement that provides for joint and several liability and mutual indemnities between joint applicants as the City Manager deem necessary.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said agreements shall be reviewed and approved by the City Attorney for form and legality prior to their execution by the City, and copied will be placed on file with the City Clerk.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager or her designee on behalf of the City of El Cerrito is authorized to accept the California Strategic Growth Council Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program funds, and appropriate said funds in a total amount not to exceed $30,000,000 to the Project.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, if awarded, the housing portions of said AHSC Loan and AHSC Grant funds shall be deposited in the State of California Fund (2159), Housing Development Organization (89929), Project (TBD), and transportation portions of said AHSC Loan and AHSC Grant funds shall be deposited in the State of California Fund (2159), Complete Streets Design Organization (35212), Project (TBD).

Agenda Packet Page 57 of 217
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City shall be subject to the terms and conditions as specified in the Standard Agreements; that funds are to be used for allowable capital asset Project expenditures to be identified in Exhibit A or other relevant portions of the Standard Agreements; that any and all activities funded, information provided, and timelines represented in the application are enforceable through the Standard Agreements; and that the City hereby agrees to use the funds for eligible capital assets in the manner presented in the application as approved by HCD and in accordance with the NOFA and applicable AHSC Program Guidelines.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council hereby appoints the City Manager or her designee, as agent of the City, to conduct negotiations, execute and deliver all documents (including, without limitation, all AHSC Documents), accept AHSC Program Funds, and take any and all other action with respect to the AHSC Program and the AHSC Loan and AHSC Grant as required by HCD for participation in the AHSC Program.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager or her designee is authorized to negotiate and execute agreements with BART pertaining to transportation-related improvements funds by the AHSC Loan or AHSC Grant.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager or her designee is hereby authorized to take any other action with respect to the AHSC Loan, the AHSC Grant, or the Project consistent with this Resolution and its basis purposes.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall become effective immediately upon passage and adoption.

I CERTIFY that at a regular meeting on January 16, 2024 the City Council of the City of El Cerrito passed this Resolution by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:

IN WITNESS of this action, I sign this document and affix the corporate seal of the City of El Cerrito on .
________________________
Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk
APPROVED:
________________________
Tessa Rudnick, Mayor
Agenda Packet Page 58 of 217

AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 9.A.

Date: January 16, 2024
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Melanie Mintz, Community Development Director, Community Development Department; Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Subject: Purchase Authorization and Budget Appropriation for Property Located at 10936 San Pablo Avenue

ACTION PROPOSED
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all required documents and agreements associated with the purchase of 10936 San Pablo Avenue - APN 502-411- 006 (“Property”) with Life In Christian Ministry of the Assemblies of God (“Seller”) and to appropriate $1,604,631 from the General Fund Unreserved Balance to complete the acquisition.

BACKGROUND
The Property located at 10936 San Pablo Avenue was built in 1952 and has continuously operated as a religious institution since then. The Property is located between two City-owned parcels: the Public Safety Building to the south and the parking lot to the north, as shown in Figure 1. The City has long had interest in acquiring this Property given its location between both City-owned parcels. The Property is made up of a 10,000 Square Foot (SF) lot that consists of two buildings that total 5,698 SF. The main building comprises 4,498 SF and includes a kitchen, cafeteria, and auditorium. The secondary building is 1,200 SF and is currently utilized as classrooms and offices. The parking lot has housed modular buildings that have served as a temporary site for City Hall, the Midtown Activity Center, and are currently leased by the Kensington Police Department.

Figure 1: Location Source: City GIS
Agenda Packet Page 59 of 217
Agenda Item No. 9.A.

Figure 2: Property Source: City GIS.

ANALYSIS
On June 20, 2023, the Property was listed for sale by Coldwell Banker Bartels at $1,910,000. The listing notes that the Property is 20,000 SF (0.46 acres) without dedicated parking. Although the future use of the site has not yet been determined, the City’s Capital Improvement Program identifies the need to reconstruct the current Public Safety Building and this site plays an important role in making such a project feasible.

During Closed Session on August 15, 2023, the City Council authorized the City Manager and City Attorney to negotiate purchase terms and perform related tasks for acquiring the Property. These tasks included determination of purchase price, site investigations, and other due diligence actions. Due to their extensive experience on the San Pablo Avenue corridor, the City engaged Erik Housh of MRE Commercial Real Estate to serve as the City’s real estate agent. Negotiation tasks are itemized in Table

1. Real Property Acquisition includes:
• Offer Phase: Owner/Agent Contact
• Options Phase: Due Diligence
• Pending Phase: Authorize/Approval of Purchase Price
• Closing Phase: Title and Escrow
Table 1 includes a list of due diligence items that were completed.

Table 1: Due Diligence for 10936 San Pablo Avenue
Inspections Date Vendor Fee/Cost
Appraisal 11/23/2023 Valbridge Property
Advisors $5,500
Phase 1 Environmental Site
Assessment 11/22/2023 Ninyo Moore $4,500
Building Inspection/Facility
Assessment 11/22/2023 AEI $3,000
Agenda Packet Page 60 of 217
Agenda Item No. 9.A.

Land Survey 11/21/2023 Kister Savio & Rei $5,574
Pest Inspection 11/18/2023 East Bay Structural
& Termite $3,195
Appraisal:

The appraisal concluded the value of the property was $1,290,000 based on the highest/best use of the Property being to demolish the existing buildings and redevelop it. In addition, the gross land area of the Property was determined to be 10,000 SF instead of 20,000 SF as described in the listing. Other possible or likely uses of the site as-is include religious organizations/churches or preschools.

Phase I, ESA:

There was no evidence of recognized environmental conditions (RECs) in connection with the Property.

Building Assessment:

The buildings on the Property were identified overall as in fair condition given the water damage in the secondary building (offices/classrooms). Depending upon use, and whether the secondary building is retained or demolished, short-term repairs are estimated to be approximately $75,000. The Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of the main building is estimated at not less than 30 years. The roof of both buildings has reached the end of useful life (EUL) and will need either short-term repairs or total replacement.

Once the transaction is completed, City staff will begin the process of a needs assessment of the buildings on the property to determine future use, if any.

Land Survey:

Initial and secondary field surveys were completed to establish property boundaries.

Pest Inspection:

A pest report identified a number of issues associated with deferred maintenance. The majority of the items were associated with the smaller building. Repairs were estimated at between $75,000 in immediate repair needs and an additional $75,000 over 1-12 years. The principal building (Building 1) had minimal issues, however the smaller building (Building 2) would require significant repair for reuse. Staff obtained estimated costs for demolition of Building 2 at approximately $35,000.

Purchase Price:

On October 13, 2023, the City submitted a Letter of Interest to purchase the property.

The seller replied with a counteroffer. After entering into a Purchase and Sale agreement, and through several addendums and negotiation, the City and Seller eventually agreed to a purchase price of $1,500,000 with the City (Buyer) paying all closing costs. The total Buyer’s cost including sales prices and all closing costs is $1,582,862.22.

Agenda Packet Page 61 of 217
Agenda Item No. 9.A.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
The proposed action supports the following Strategic Plan goals:
• Infrastructure and Amenities; and
• Community Safety.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
The purchase of this Property does not require environmental analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The total cost of acquisition, inclusive of both the buyer’s cost of $1,582,862 and completion of the due diligence items of $21,769, is $1,604,631. Staff requests a onetime appropriation of $1,604,631 from the General Fund unrestricted Fund Balance to complete this acquisition.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
This item has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.

Reviewed by:

Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:

1. Resolution

2. Exhibit A to Resolution
Agenda Packet Page 62 of 217
RESOLUTION 2024-XX

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO APPROVING

AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PURCHASE OF 10936 SAN PABLO AVENUE (APN 502-411-006) AND AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2023-24 ADOPTED BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE $1,604,631 FROM THE GENERAL FUND

UNRESTRICTED FUND BALANCE TO COMPLETE ACQUISITION
WHEREAS, the property at 10936 San Pablo Avenue (“Property”) was listed for sale on June 20, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Property is located adjacent to and between two City-owned properties, including the Public Safety Building, as shown and attached hereto as Exhibit A to this Resolution; and
WHEREAS, the City’s Capital Improvement Program has identified the need to reconstruct the current Public Safety Building and ownership of the property improves the feasibility of such a project; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager conducted due diligence regarding the Property, including an appraisal, and, with City Council authorization, made an offer to purchase the Property, subject to final approval of Council; and WHEREAS, due diligence reports included a property condition assessment, pest reports, and a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment; and WHEREAS, the studies identified deferred maintenance items on the property but did not identify evidence of recognized environmental conditions (RECs) in connection with the property; and
WHEREAS, the City entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement and subsequent amendments establishing the purchase price to be $1,500,000 plus closing costs, subject to City Council approval; and
WHEREAS, the purchase price, closing costs, and due diligence costs total $1,604,631; and
WHEREAS, the City’s use of the property and/or buildings has not yet been determined. Acquisition of the Property is categorically exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, which applies to operation and maintenance of existing facilities and structures. If the City Council decides to undertake a project on the property in the future, it will undertake environmental review under CEQA at the earliest feasible time.

Agenda Packet Page 63 of 217
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of El Cerrito authorizes the City Manager or designee to execute all required documents as are necessary to effectuate the purposes of the Purchase and Sale agreement for the purchase of 10936 San Pablo Avenue (APN 502-411-006), shown in Exhibit A to this Resolution, at a purchase price of $1,500,000 plus costs of closing, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of El Cerrito that it hereby amends the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget to appropriate $1,604,631 for the acquisition, closing costs, and costs of completing due diligence.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and adoption.

I CERTIFY that at a regular meeting on January 16, 2024 the City Council of the City of El Cerrito passed this Resolution by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:

IN WITNESS of this action, I sign this document and affix the corporate seal of the City of El Cerrito on _______________ .
_______________________
Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk
APPROVED:
______________________
Tessa Rudnick, Mayor
Agenda Packet Page 64 of 217
Exhibit A
Agenda Packet Page 65 of 217
LEGISLATIVE BODY Meeting Schedule
Meeting Location
2023 Appointee
Alternate
2024 Appointee
Alternate
Association of Bay Area Governments
(ABAG), General Assembly
June (Annually)
Bay Area Metro Center Board Room, SF
Motoyama
Rudnick
Rudnick
Motoyama
League of California Cities East Bay
Division (Delegate) (Includes League
Annual Conf.)
4th Thurs at 7:00 pm (most months)
Various East Bay Cities
Rudnick
Wysinger
Rudnick
Wysinger
Contra Costa Mayors’ Conference
(Delegate)
1st Thursday at 6:30 p.m. (Monthly)
Various Contra Costa County Cities
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
West County Mayors’ & Supervisors’
Assosiation
4th Thursday at 8:30 a.m. (Monthly)
El Cerrito (Jan - June)
Pinole (July - Dec)
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Marin Clean Energy Board (Delegate) 3rd Thursday at 6:30 PM San Rafael/Concord
Quinto
Motoyama
Quinto
Motoyama
West Contra Costa Transportation
Advisory Committee (Delegate)
(Makes appointment to CCTA)
4th Friday at 8:00 a.m. (Monthly)
Council Chambers
Fadelli
Quinto
Fadelli
Quinto
Tom Bates Regional Sports Field JPA As Needed
Albany
Motoyamaa
Rudnick
Motoyama
Wysinger
West County Integrated Waste
Management Authority (Delegate)
RecycleMore
2nd Thursday at 6:15 p.m. (Monthly)
Hercules
Rudnick
Wysinger
Rudnick
Fadelli
Arts & Culture Commission 4th Monday at 7:00 p.m. (Monthly) Council Chambers Motoyama Motoyama
Committee on Aging 3rd Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. (Monthly) Council Chambers Fadelli Fadelli
Crime Prevention Committee 1st Monday at 7:00 p.m. (Monthly) Council Chambers Quinto Rudnick
Design Review Board 1st Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. (Monthly) Council Chambers Wysinger Quinto
Economic Development Committee 3rd Monday at 7:00 p.m. (Monthly) Council Chambers Wysinger Rudnick
Environmental Quality Committee 2nd Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. (Monthly) Council Chambers Motoyama Wysinger
Financial Advisory Board 4th Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. (Monthly) Council Chambers Wysinger Fadelli
Human Relations Commission 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. (Monthly) Council Chambers Rudnick Wysinger
Park and Recreation Commission 4th Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. (Monthly) Council Chambers Rudnick Motoyama
Planning Commission 3rd Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. (Monthly) Council Chambers Quinto Rudnick
Urban Forest Committee 2nd Monday at 7:00 p.m. (Monthly) Council Chambers Fadelli Quinto
Municipal Services Corporation
Chair/Vice Chair (Per bylaws)
As needed
Council Chambers
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Pension Board Chair
(Meets same as Council)
As needed
Council Chambers
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Appointments Effective 1/16/2024
2024 CITY COUNCIL LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS
Agenda Item No. 10.A.

Agenda Packet Page 66 of 217
CITY HALL 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Telephone (510) 215-4305 Fax (510) 215-4379 http://www.el-cerrito.org

SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA MATERIALS

SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
January 16, 2024
(revised January 18, 2024)

1. Public Comments

2. Agenda Item 9A - Purchase Authorization and Budget Appropriation for Property Located at 10936 San Pablo Avenue
a. Presentation
Agenda Packet Page 67 of 217
From: Cordell Hindler
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comments
Date: Thursday, January 11, 2024 3:00:30 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Hello Mayor Rudnick, Council Members and Staff,
I AM Submitting the Following Comments into the Record:

1. for a Future Agenda, The Council Should Direct Staff to Provide an Update on the Class & Comp Study

2. Also to Have Danny Wan to Provide a Presentation on the Port of Oakland Sincerely
Cordell
General Public Comments
Agenda Packet Page 68 of 217
From: Zeid Arnaout
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Friday, January 12, 2024 11:19:42 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation —as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace.

Saying nothing is in fact saying something. It means that we are complicit in the killing of innocent civilians. Supporting a ceasefire should not be controversial. The Jewish Community Resource Council (JCRC) will argue that this is not an appropriate discussion at the local level and that local resolutions lead to hate.

Our neighboring cities Richmond and Oakland have passed resolutions and most recently, the largest city to pass a resolution was San Francisco. Other local cities are taking action including Union City, Santa Cruz, Davis, Santa Rosa, Petaluma and Cotati. Cudahy in Southern California was the first city to pass a resolution. Local resolutions support the broader sentiment not only in our cities but across the United States. As many as 15 cities around across the country such as Atlanta, Georgia and Providence, Rhode Island have also passed a ceasefire resolution.

As of last month, sixty-one percent of likely voters, including a majority of Democrats (76%) and Independents (57%) and a plurality of Republicans (49%), support the U.S. calling for a permanent ceasefire and a de-escalation of violence in Gaza as of Dec 5, 2023. As a voter, how representatives act on this issue will influence my decision in the polls.

While the pro-war organizations suggest that our local city address potholes and recreation Agenda Packet Page 69 of 217
programs, we know that our resources for our community are scarce and State and Federal dollars that might alleviate problems in our own backyard are instead funding large weapons contracts. All dots are connected and we are part of the world stage.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Agenda Packet Page 70 of 217
From: Adriana Cerundolo
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Friday, January 12, 2024 11:23:20 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace.

While the pro-war organizations suggest that our local city address potholes and recreation Agenda Packet Page 71 of 217
programs, we know that our resources for our community are scarce and State and Federal dollars that might alleviate problems in our own backyard are instead funding large weapons contracts. All dots are connected and we are part of the world stage.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Adriana
Agenda Packet Page 72 of 217
From: judith green
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Friday, January 12, 2024 11:31:16 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members, Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace. In April of 2022, the City Council passed a resolution in support of the Ukrainian people and displayed the Ukrainian flag as a statement of solidarity.The resolution expressed support for the Ukrainian people for defending their homeland in the face of overwhelming aggression. The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes. We call on our City Council to once again stand up for the innocent civilians of Gaza who are facing starvation and death in the face of aggression from the Israeli government supported by U.S. military aid. We are asking that you support a ceasefire resolution and be on the side of compassion and humanity. As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace. Saying nothing is in fact saying something. It means that we are complicit in the killing of innocent civilians. Supporting a ceasefire should not be controversial. The Jewish Community Resource Council (JCRC) will argue that this is not an appropriate discussion at the local level and that local resolutions lead to hate. Our neighboring cities Richmond and Oakland have passed resolutions and most recently, the largest city to pass a resolution was San Francisco. Other local cities are taking action including Union City, Santa Cruz, Davis, Santa Rosa, Petaluma and Cotati. Cudahy in Southern California was the first city to pass a resolution. Local resolutions support the broader sentiment not only in our cities but across the United States. As many as 15 cities around across the country such as Atlanta, Georgia and Providence, Rhode Island have also passed a ceasefire resolution. As of last month, sixty-one percent of likely voters, including a majority of Democrats (76%) and Independents (57%) and a plurality of Republicans (49%), support the U.S. calling for a permanent ceasefire and a de-escalation of violence in Gaza as of Dec 5, 2023. As a voter, how representatives act on this issue will influence my decision in the polls. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will begin hearing oral arguments in the case filed by South Africa, charging Israel with genocide. South Africa is invoking the Genocide Convention in the context of Israel’s ongoing military assault on Gaza. Even the Zionist Americans for Peace Now, a pro-Israel organization is calling for a ceasefire. While the prowar organizations suggest that our local city address potholes and recreation programs, we know that our resources for our community are scarce and State and Federal dollars that might alleviate problems in our own backyard are instead funding large weapons contracts. All dots are connected and we are part of the world stage. Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Agenda Packet Page 73 of 217
From: Rhea Ewing
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Friday, January 12, 2024 11:42:36 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace.

While the pro-war organizations suggest that our local city address potholes and recreation Agenda Packet Page 74 of 217
programs, we know that our resources for our community are scarce and State and Federal dollars that might alleviate problems in our own backyard are instead funding large weapons contracts. All dots are connected and we are part of the world stage.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.
-Rhea Ewing
El Cerrito Resident
Agenda Packet Page 75 of 217
From: Npa
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Friday, January 12, 2024 11:51:35 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
My Name is Nanci and I live in El Cerrito.

Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

In April of 2022, the City Council passed a resolution in support of the Ukrainian people and displayed the Ukrainian flag as a statement of solidarity.The resolution expressed support for the Ukrainian people for defending their homeland in the face of overwhelming aggression.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace. Saying nothing is in fact saying something. It means that we are complicit in the killing of innocent civilians. Supporting a ceasefire should not be controversial. The Jewish Community Resource Council (JCRC) will argue that this is not an appropriate discussion at the local level and that local resolutions lead to hate.

While the pro-war organizations suggest that our local city address potholes and recreation programs, we know that our resources for our community are scarce and State and Federal dollars that might alleviate problems in our own backyard are instead funding large weapons contracts. All dots are connected and we are part of the world stage.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Thank you for standing for humanity.

Nanci Andrade
Agenda Packet Page 76 of 217
From: Seth Morrison
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Friday, January 12, 2024 7:40:41 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace.

While the pro-war organizations suggest that our local city address potholes and recreation Agenda Packet Page 77 of 217
programs, we know that our resources for our community are scarce and State and Federal dollars that might alleviate problems in our own backyard are instead funding large weapons contracts. All dots are connected and we are part of the world stage.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Seth Morrison
Agenda Packet Page 78 of 217
From: yasmin oriqat
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Friday, January 12, 2024 7:59:08 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Sent from my iPhone
Agenda Packet Page 79 of 217
From: Alba Isfahani
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Friday, January 12, 2024 8:48:07 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace.

While the pro-war organizations suggest that our local city address potholes and recreation Agenda Packet Page 80 of 217
programs, we know that our resources for our community are scarce and State and Federal dollars that might alleviate problems in our own backyard are instead funding large weapons contracts. All dots are connected and we are part of the world stage.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Agenda Packet Page 81 of 217
From: Helen Dickey
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Cc: Helen Dickey
Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Saturday, January 13, 2024 9:28:08 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine— have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Agenda Packet Page 82 of 217
From: Miguel Gravelle Izaguirre
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Sunday, January 14, 2024 5:52:40 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace.

While the pro-war organizations suggest that our local city address potholes and recreation Agenda Packet Page 83 of 217
programs, we know that our resources for our community are scarce and State and Federal dollars that might alleviate problems in our own backyard are instead funding large weapons contracts. All dots are connected and we are part of the world stage.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Sincerely,
Miguel Gravelle
El Cerrito resident
Agenda Packet Page 84 of 217
From: Janine Penafort
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Sunday, January 14, 2024 9:29:16 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace.

While the pro-war organizations suggest that our local city address potholes and recreation Agenda Packet Page 85 of 217
programs, we know that our resources for our community are scarce and State and Federal dollars that might alleviate problems in our own backyard are instead funding large weapons contracts. All dots are connected and we are part of the world stage.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

In solidarity with the Palestinian people,
Janine
Agenda Packet Page 86 of 217
From: leslie adams
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Sunday, January 14, 2024 11:33:48 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.
-leslie d adams
el cerrito
Agenda Packet Page 87 of 217
From: Danielle Westbrook
To: City Clerk; Carolyn Wysinger; Gabe Quinto; Lisa Motoyama; Paul Fadelli; Tessa Rudnick Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 7:57:48 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Danielle Watters Westbrook
El Cerrito resident
Agenda Packet Page 88 of 217
From:

To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 10:27:58 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Sent from my iPhone
Agenda Packet Page 89 of 217
From: La Purse
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 10:42:28 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Osman Seflek
El Cerrito CA 94530
Agenda Packet Page 90 of 217
From: Somaia Nassef
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 10:56:42 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Somaia Nassef
El Cerrito resident
Agenda Packet Page 91 of 217
From: Tessa Rudnick
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fw: Safety first!
Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 12:47:31 PM
From: Judy Massarano
Sent: Monday, January 15, 2024 9:28 AM
To: Paul Fadelli <[email protected]>; Lisa Motoyama <[email protected]>; Gabe Quinto <[email protected]>; Tessa Rudnick <[email protected]>; Carolyn Wysinger <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: Safety first!
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear City Councilmembers,
I want to bring your attention to an incident that took place last weekend. Members of an anti-Israel protest in Albany and El Cerrito crossed the street to confront a small group of peaceful Jewish and Israeli counter protesters. Protesters screamed antisemitic and racist hate speech, stole and ripped up signs, stole Israeli flags and burned and danced on them, and knocked people to the street causing minor injuries (see local news coverage here and more footage here). Despite around a hundred calls to local police, there was no police response at the time of these incidents. These events frighteningly reminded me of Paul Kessler, an elderly Jewish man who died after being struck in the head by an anti-Israel protester in Los Angeles in November (coverage here).

The Vice Mayor of Albany was one of the speakers at the protest calling for an immediate ceasefire. While I respect his and others rights to free speech, I am concerned because I have not yet seen a public acknowledgement or statement condemning the hateful and violent acts against Jews and Israelis at this event.

We do not need more vitriol and violence in our streets.

I thank the council for keeping the focus of city council meetings on the important issues facing our city that impact all city residents. I ask the following:

1. Keep the focus on the local issues that impact all of us and keep our community safe and welcoming.

2. Take a clear stance against anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli hatred and violence in our streets and council meetings as the council would do for any other minority group under state and federal law.

3. Take proactive and decisive actions to ensure all residents’ may safely exercise their Agenda Packet Page 92 of 217
rights to free speech and expression, including at these meetings.

The council should uphold its commitment to welcoming, valuing, and keeping safe all of the East Bay’s diverse community members.

Judy Massarano,
Berkeley resident
Agenda Packet Page 93 of 217
From: Tessa Rudnick
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fw: Hate crimes at rally
Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 12:49:20 PM
From: Noga Alon
Sent: Monday, January 15, 2024 9:36 AM
To: Paul Fadelli <[email protected]>; Lisa Motoyama <[email protected]>; Gabe Quinto <[email protected]>; Tessa Rudnick <[email protected]>; Carolyn Wysinger <[email protected]>
Subject: Hate crimes at rally
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

We do not need more vitriol and violence in our streets.

I thank the council for keeping the focus of city council meetings on the important issues facing our city that impact all city residents. I ask the following:

1. Keep the focus on the local issues that impact all of us and keep our community safe and welcoming.

2. Take a clear stance against anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli hatred and violence in our streets and council meetings as the council would do for any other minority group under state and federal law.

3. Take proactive and decisive actions to ensure all residents’ may safely exercise their Agenda Packet Page 94 of 217
rights to free speech and expression, including at these meetings.

The council should uphold its commitment to welcoming, valuing, and keeping safe all of the East Bay’s diverse community members.

Sincerely,
Concerned El Cerrito resident
Agenda Packet Page 95 of 217
From: Rayah Jaymes
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - EC Ceasefire Resolution Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 12:55:47 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace.

While the pro-war organizations suggest that our local city address potholes and recreation Agenda Packet Page 96 of 217
programs, we know that our resources for our community are scarce and State and Federal dollars that might alleviate problems in our own backyard are instead funding large weapons contracts. All dots are connected and we are part of the world stage.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Rayah Jaymes
Agenda Packet Page 97 of 217
From: Ariel Mihic gmail
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 4:47:14 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Agenda Packet Page 98 of 217
From: Tessa Rudnick
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fw: Stand against hate speech and violence in El Cerrito Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 6:41:38 PM
Tessa Rudnick, MPA
Mayor - City of El Cerrito
10890 San Pablo Ave.

El Cerrito, CA 94530(510) 215-4305
www.el-cerrito.org
From: Esther Brass
Sent: Monday, January 15, 2024 3:27 PM
To: Paul Fadelli <[email protected]>; Lisa Motoyama <[email protected]>; Gabe Quinto <[email protected]>; Tessa Rudnick <[email protected]>; Carolyn Wysinger <[email protected]>
Subject: Stand against hate speech and violence in El Cerrito Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear El Cerrito Council-members,
I write to you today on Martin Luther King’s birthday to express my concern about an incident that took place last weekend which very much violates the Dr King’s fight against hatred and his devotion to non-violence.

I am a resident of Berkeley and live very near the city borders of Albany and El Cerrito and frequent businesses in Albany and El Cerrito.

I was dismayed to hear of hateful and assaultive behavior last weekend at a Gaza protest in Albany and El Cerrito. Participants in this protest crossed the street to confront a smaller group of Jewish and Israeli counter protesters, screamed antisemitic and racist hate speech, stole signs and Israeli flags, and pushed people down. This violent behavior is unacceptable.

Although there were many calls to the local police, there was no police response during these incidents. This is also unacceptable. I understand that El Cerrito police are now following up, which is positive, but police were not there when much needed, and it may now be difficult to find the perpetrators whose faces were covered.

Those of us who live in the vicinity and frequent this area want to know that local city governments and police departments care about safety for all and act accordingly.

Hate speech and violence in our streets is unacceptable.

Please comply with state and federal law and take a clear stance and actions against antiJewish and anti-Israeli hatred and violence in our streets and council meetings as the council should do for any minority group.

Agenda Packet Page 99 of 217
Please make it a priority to keep our community safe and welcoming.

Let us all be united against hate,
Esther Brass-Chorin
I live and work on unceded Ohlone land. I pay a voluntary land tax as one way to be a good guest and support Indigenous life. Learn more here.

Agenda Packet Page 100 of 217
From: Tessa Rudnick
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fw: El Cerrito encourages Antisemitism
Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 6:46:00 PM
From: Karen Jaffe
Sent: Monday, January 15, 2024 3:48 PM
To: Paul Fadelli <[email protected]>; Lisa Motoyama <[email protected]>; Gabe Quinto <[email protected]>; Tessa Rudnick <[email protected]>; Carolyn Wysinger <[email protected]>
Subject: El Cerrito encourages Antisemitism
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

We do not need more vitriol and violence in our streets.

I thank the council for keeping the focus of city council meetings on the important issues facing our city that impact all city residents. I ask the following:

1. Keep the focus on the local issues that impact all of us and keep our community safe and welcoming.

2. Take a clear stance against anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli hatred and violence in our streets and council meetings as the council would do for any other minority group under state and federal law.

3. Take proactive and decisive actions to ensure all residents’ may safely exercise their rights to free speech and expression, including at these meetings.

Agenda Packet Page 101 of 217
The council should uphold its commitment to welcoming, valuing, and keeping safe all of the East Bay’s diverse community members.

Thank you
Karen Jaffe
Agenda Packet Page 102 of 217
From: Anne Okahara
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 8:01:45 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Anne Okahara
Sent from my iPhone
Agenda Packet Page 103 of 217
From: Mehmet Seflek
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 9:24:57 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Best,
Mehmet Seflek
Sent from my mobile device
Agenda Packet Page 104 of 217
From: Rachel Whalen
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 10:05:28 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Agenda Packet Page 105 of 217
From:

To: City Clerk
Cc: Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Council meeting on January 16, 2024. Public comments - not on the agenda.

Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 10:17:03 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

From Laura Givental
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Dear City Councilmembers,
My family came as refugees from the Soviet Union in 1990. For many years, I was prosecuted there for being a jew. I hoped to come to a country that would be safe for my family. I lived in El Cerrito for more than 33 years and felt safe, but unfortunately, recent events make me feel scared for the future of my kids and grandkids here.

I want to address the incident that took place last weekend. Members of an anti-Israel protest in Albany and El Cerrito crossed the street to confront a small group of peaceful Jewish and Israeli counter-protesters. Those protesters screamed antisemitic and racist hate slurs, stole and ripped up signs, stole Israeli flags, burned and danced on them. They knocked people to the street, which caused injuries (see local news coverage here and more footage here). Despite making almost a hundred calls to local police, there was no response from the police during these incidents.

These events frighteningly reminded me of what I witnessed in the Soviet Union more than 33 years ago and also the recent case of Paul Kessler, an elderly Jewish man who died after being struck in the head by an anti-Israel protester in Los Angeles in November (coverage here).

The Vice Mayor of Albany was one of the speakers at the protest, calling for an immediate ceasefire. While I respect his and others' rights to free speech, I am worried that I have not yet seen a public acknowledgment or statement condemning the hateful and violent acts against Jews and Israelis at this event.

We do not need more vitriol and violence in our streets. The parties abroad are not listening to municipal governments, so the discussions on the local level have no impact on the war. However, these discussions increase division and hate at home, as we have seen with violent rhetoric and attacks on Jews in this community, like the one in Albany/El Cerrito on January 6.

I thank the council for keeping the focus of city council meetings on the important issues facing our city that impact all city residents. I ask the following:

1. Keep the focus on the local issues that impact all of us and keep our community safe and welcoming.

2. Take a clear stance against anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli hatred and violence in our streets and council meetings as the council would do for any other minority group Agenda Packet Page 106 of 217
under state and federal law.

3. Take proactive and decisive actions to ensure all residents may safely exercise their free speech and expression rights, including at these meetings.

The council should uphold its commitment to welcoming, valuing, and keeping all of the East Bay’s diverse community members safe.

I appreciate your understanding,
Laura Givental
El Cerrito resident for more than 33 years
Agenda Packet Page 107 of 217
From: Hatice Seflek
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 10:18:59 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Hatice Seflek
Sent from my iPhone
Agenda Packet Page 108 of 217
From: Judith Green
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 10:32:51 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine— have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

I am a Jewish resident of El Cerrito and believe the killing of thousands of civilians, forced evacuations and the destruction of Gaza by the Israeli government must be stopped now. Please take this initial step to discussi a ceasefire resolution.

Thanks again.

Judith Green
Agenda Packet Page 109 of 217
From: Itamar Landau
To: Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger; City Clerk Subject: Public comment in advance of 1/16 meeting -- anti-Jewish hatred and violence on our streets (no item on agenda)
Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 11:13:40 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear City Councilmembers,
I'm a resident of North Berkeley, and I want to bring your attention to an incident that took place last weekend. Members of an anti-Israel protest in Albany and El Cerrito crossed the street to confront a small group of peaceful Jewish and Israeli counter protesters, including a number of my friends and community members. Protesters screamed antisemitic and racist hate speech, stole and ripped up signs, stole Israeli flags and burned and danced on them, and knocked people to the street causing minor injuries (see local news coverage here and more footage here). Despite around a hundred calls to local police, there was no police response at the time of these incidents. These events frighteningly reminded me of Paul Kessler, an elderly Jewish man who died after being struck in the head by an antiIsrael protester in Los Angeles in November (coverage here).

We do not need more vitriol and violence in our streets.

I thank the council for keeping the focus of city council meetings on the important issues facing our city that impact all city residents. I ask the following:

1. Keep the focus on the local issues that impact all of us and keep our community safe and welcoming.

2. Take a clear stance against anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli hatred and violence in our streets and council meetings as the council would do for any other minority group under state and federal law.

3. Take proactive and decisive actions to ensure all residents’ may safely exercise their rights to free speech and expression, including at these meetings.

The council should uphold its commitment to welcoming, valuing, and keeping safe all of the East Bay’s diverse community members.

Itamar Landau
Agenda Packet Page 110 of 217
From: adelitalarosa
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 11:15:34 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Adelle LaRosa Noble
Sent from my iPhone
Agenda Packet Page 111 of 217
From: Grecia Resendez
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 1:59:11 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.
-Grecia
Agenda Packet Page 112 of 217
From: Kristine
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 4:46:24 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Sent from my iPhone
Agenda Packet Page 113 of 217
From: Andrew Zieminski
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 6:38:48 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

We are asking that you support a ceasefire resolution and be on the side of compassion and humanity.

Supporting a ceasefire should not be controversial. Our neighboring cities Richmond and Oakland have passed resolutions and most recently, the largest city to pass a resolution was San Francisco. Other local cities taking action include Union City, Santa Cruz and Davis. Cudahy in Southern California was the first city to pass a resolution. Local resolutions support the broader sentiment not only in our cities but across the United States. As many as 15 cities around across the country such as Atlanta, Georgia and Providence, Rhode Island have also passed a ceasefire resolution. As of Dec 5, 2023, sixty-one percent of likely voters, including a majority of Democrats (76%) and Independents (57%) and a plurality of Republicans (49%), support the U.S. calling for a permanent ceasefire and a de-escalation of violence in Gaza. As a voter, how representatives act on this issue will influence my decision in the polls.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda.

Thank you very much for your time.

Andy Zieminski
El Cerrito resident
Agenda Packet Page 114 of 217
From: William Casper-Ortiz
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 7:11:25 AM
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As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace.

Agenda Packet Page 115 of 217
Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Agenda Packet Page 116 of 217
From: Liberty Schubert
To: Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger; City Clerk Subject: Public comment not in Agenda: Stand Against Anti Jewish Hate Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 8:14:24 AM
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Dear City Councilmembers,
I want to bring your attention back to an incident that took place last weekend. Members of an anti-Israel protest in Albany and El Cerrito crossed the street to confront a small group of peaceful Jewish and Israeli counter protesters.

Protesters screamed antisemitic and racist hate speech (such as "you can't be a Jew because you're Black"), stole signs --tearing out the word Hamas and posing with it proudly; stole Israeli flags, burned, and danced on them; beat on a car with children in it; and in violation of the spirit of peaceful protest, knocked people to the street causing minor injuries. I'm sure you have seen the news coverage.

Despite around a hundred calls to local police, there was zero police response at the time of these incidents. These events give me a chilling reminder of the circumstances surrounding the murder of Paul Kessler, an elderly Jewish man who died after being struck in the head by an anti-Israel protester in Los Angeles in November. Again, I am sure you have seen the news coverage.

We do not need more vitriol and violence in our streets.

I thank the council for keeping the focus of city council meetings on the important issues facing El Cerrito that impact all city residents. I ask the following of the council:

1. Keep the focus on the local issues that impact all of us and keep our community safe and welcoming. Issues such as: homelessness, the housing crisis, disaster preparations, etc.

2. Take a clear stance against anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli hatred and violence in our streets and council meetings as the council would do (and has done) for any other minority group protected under state and federal law.

3. Take proactive and decisive actions to ensure all residents’ may safely exercise their rights to free speech and expression, including at council meetings.

The council should uphold its commitment to welcoming, valuing, and keeping safe all of El Cerrito's diverse community members.

Sincerely
-Liberty Schubert
Agenda Packet Page 117 of 217
From: Masami Chin
To: City Clerk; Carolyn Wysinger; Gabe Quinto; Lisa Motoyama; Paul Fadelli; Tessa Rudnick Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 8:35:12 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace.

Agenda Packet Page 118 of 217
Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Masami Chin
Agenda Packet Page 119 of 217
From: Tessa Rudnick
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fw: No to Ceasefire and Divisive Resolutions
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 8:49:08 AM
From: Barbara Schick
Sent: Monday, January 15, 2024 3:15 PM
To: Carolyn Wysinger <[email protected]>
Cc: Lisa Motoyama <[email protected]>; Gabe Quinto <[email protected]>; Tessa Rudnick <[email protected]>; Paul Fadelli <[email protected]> Subject: No to Ceasefire and Divisive Resolutions
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Dear El Cerrito Mayor and Council Members,
As a concerned citizen, I highly recommend that the Council not pass a Ceasefire Resolution concerning the war in Gaza. Or if you decide to pass such a resolution that it not one-sided and divisive, and place the blame for the current conflict where it belongs - on Hamas. Furthermore, it should insist on the release of all hostages held by Hamas. My reasons are as follows:
i) The City Council does not have unlimited time, resources, and stamina to deal with the multiple critical issues in El Cerrito [crime, homelessness, housing issues, infrastructure repair, all forms of hate (racism, anti-semitism, islamophobia), and public health, to name a few], so I believe concentrating your efforts on these regional issues would be a more beneficial use of your valuable than officially commenting on the Israel-Gaza conflict. ii) The history of Israel, Palestine, and the entire Middle East is complicated. So complicated that without appropriate and unbiased information, it is easy for people to become antisemitic, islamophobic, anti-Israel and/or anti-Arab. iii) If the El Cerrito City Council passes a ceasefire resolution, many people will assume (without ever reading it) that it agrees with unbalanced ones passed by other cities, which I believe will only inflame and re-traumatize our impacted communities. iv) In 2005, Israel withdrew all Israel citizens and military personal from Gaza, leaving the Palestinians in Gaza to determine their own destiny. Soon after, Hamas (which is an internationally recognized terrorist organization) gained control of Gaza , and several military conflicts between Israel and Gaza ensued. Since the Hamas took control, there have been many ceasefires (six I believe), all of which were broken by Hamas. So I believe another ceasefire would only defend Hamas and let it regain its strength to attack Israel again. Both Palestinians and Israelis (Jews and Arab citizens) deserve a chance to determine their destiny without the interference of Hamas.
v) El Cerrito residents can directly contact their elected officials (President, Vice-President, and US Congress members) to express their opinions on international policy.

Agenda Packet Page 120 of 217
vi) I agree with a statement of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) which I am paraphrasing here:

I am deeply concerned that the City Council may consider a divisive resolution about the Israel-Hamas War. As antisemitism and Islamophobia continue to escalate, and as past examples in Oakland, Richmond , and San Francisco show, such actions will only further inflame tensions and re-traumatize our impacted communities. Instead, the City Council should take steps to bring residents together and solve the crucial challenges facing the city.

Furthermore, I ask the City Council to take concrete steps to maintain order and decorum during all meetings. The antisemitic comments and actions, violent rhetoric, and amplification of conspiracy theories that have plagued past meetings on this issue have no place in El Cerrito.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely yours,
Dr. Barbara Schick, PhD
Agenda Packet Page 121 of 217
From: Tessa Rudnick
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fw: Protect our communities
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 8:49:34 AM
From: Elinor Tamari
Sent: Monday, January 15, 2024 6:48 AM
To: Carolyn Wysinger <[email protected]>; Gabe Quinto <[email protected]>; Lisa Motoyama <[email protected]>; Paul Fadelli <[email protected]>; Tessa Rudnick <[email protected]>
Subject: Protect our communities
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

We do not need more vitriol and violence in our streets.

I thank the council for keeping the focus of city council meetings on the important issues facing our city that impact all city residents. I ask the following:

1. Keep the focus on the local issues that impact all of us and keep our community safe and welcoming.

2. Take a clear stance against anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli hatred and violence in our streets and council meetings as the council would do for any other minority group under state and federal law.

3. Take proactive and decisive actions to ensure all residents’ may safely exercise their rights to free speech and expression, including at these meetings.

The council should uphold its commitment to welcoming, valuing, and keeping safe all of the East Bay’s diverse community members.

Sent from Gmail Mobile
Agenda Packet Page 122 of 217
From: Tessa Rudnick
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fw: Recommendations Following January 6th, 2024 Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 8:57:30 AM
From: Judd Goodman
Sent: Monday, January 15, 2024 10:59 PM
To: Paul Fadelli <[email protected]>; Lisa Motoyama <[email protected]>; Gabe Quinto <[email protected]>; Tessa Rudnick <[email protected]>; Carolyn Wysinger <[email protected]>
Subject: Recommendations Following January 6th, 2024
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Hello El Cerrito City Council,
My family and I are proud citizens of El Cerrito since 2013. I witnessed firsthand the ugly antisemitism that took place during the 1/6/24 Albany/El Cerrito Ceasefire Now march and protest. While a minority of the Pro-Palestinian protesters were the troublemakers, none of them intervened to stop it. They let it happen. It was not safe for the Pro-Israel protesters. I would be happy to share my personal experience with you, although I have shared already with Lisa Motoyama.

In partnership, here are my recommendations for future actions by the City:

1. Keep it local. No resolution on Israel. Don’t divide this strong community and distract from solving important city issues. Thank you for taking this stance now and into the future!

2. Develop safety and security measures for future free speech. Base it on lessons learned from the aggression, bullying, and assault that occurred by pro-Palestinian protesters on 1/6/24.

Such protests are not common in our little City, but protection of free speech should be assured nonetheless. Police do have a role in keeping the peace. Protests will not be going away any time soon.

3. Acknowledge that hate acts occurred by some pro-Palestinian protesters on 1/6/24 and denounce it. I do believe the City has made great progress on this.

Thank You for your consideration and for your commitment to our community. This City Council has been a beacon of light in the Urban East Bay by not considering a ceasefire resolution. Thank you for doing what is right and not dividing our community or isolating certain members. With your stance I am proud to be an El Cerritian! Best Regards,
Judd
Agenda Packet Page 123 of 217
From: Michelle Ayazi
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 9:04:22 AM
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Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Greetings! My name is Michelle Ayazi and I am a 10-year resident of El Cerrito. Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace. In April of 2022, the City Council passed a resolution in support of the Ukrainian people and displayed the Ukrainian flag as a statement of solidarity. The resolution expressed support for the Ukrainian people for defending their homeland in the face of overwhelming aggression.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

We are asking that you support a ceasefire resolution and be on the side of compassion and humanity. As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace. Saying nothing is in fact saying something. It means that we are complicit in the killing of innocent civilians. Supporting a ceasefire should not be controversial. The Jewish Community Resource Council (JCRC) will argue that this is not an appropriate discussion at the local level and that local resolutions lead to hate.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has begun hearing oral arguments in the case filed by South Africa, charging Israel with genocide. South Africa is invoking the Genocide Convention in the context of Israel’s ongoing military assault on Gaza. Even the Zionist Americans for Peace Now, a pro-Israel organization is calling for a ceasefire.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

With peace and in community,
Michelle Ayazi
Agenda Packet Page 124 of 217
From: Tessa Rudnick
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fw: city position on antisemitism and racism
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 9:34:46 AM
From: Tania Katz
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 9:31 AM
To: Paul Fadelli <[email protected]>; Lisa Motoyama <[email protected]>; Gabe Quinto <[email protected]>; Tessa Rudnick <[email protected]>; Carolyn Wysinger <[email protected]>
Subject: city position on antisemitism and racism
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

We do not need more vitriol and violence in our streets.

I thank the council for keeping the focus of city council meetings on the important issues facing our city that impact all city residents. I ask the following:

1. Keep the focus on the local issues that impact all of us and keep our community safe and welcoming.

2. Take a clear stance against anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli hatred and violence in our streets and council meetings as the council would do for any other minority group under state and federal law.

3. Take proactive and decisive actions to ensure all residents’ may safely exercise their rights to free speech and expression, including at these meetings.

The council should uphold its commitment to welcoming, valuing, and keeping safe all of the East Bay’s diverse community members.

Respectfully,
Tania Bekerman
Agenda Packet Page 125 of 217
From: RingCentral
To: Holly Charléty
Subject: New Voice Message from on 01/15/2024 3:25 PM
Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 3:26:13 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Voice Message
Dear Holly Charléty,
You have a new voice message:

From:

Received: Monday, January 15, 2024 at 3:25 PM
Length: 00:42
To: (510) 215-4305 Holly Charléty
Voicemail Preview:
"Yes, hi. I am calling again to ask the mayor and the council to prioritize the safety of all of us living in a so we do not Jewish people living here. We do not feel safe. There are a lot of things going on. People do not report because they are afraid and they know nobody's going to happen. Nothing is going to happen. So please, please bring this up to the attention of the council. We need to live here in peace and safety. We do not want to live a beautiful places here. So I hope they would take this into consideration. Thank you."
Listen to this message over your phone or log in to your RingCentral account with your main number, extension number, and password. You can also manage your voicemails in your RingCentral account.

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Agenda Packet Page 126 of 217
From: Gary Prost
To: City Clerk
Cc: Sue Duncan
Subject: Public Comments - Not on the Agenda - Regular City Council Meeting 1-16-2024 Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 10:26:47 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Mayor Rudnick and City Council,
Happy New Year and congratulations to Tessa Rudnick on becoming mayor.

Make El Cerrito Fire Safe would like to know the status of the City test case on Red Flag Day parking restrictions. We understand that some narrow streets have been selected, and have been told that the city is eager to do this test.

We encourage you to inform the public on what is actually happening. This could be done in the City Manager's Updates to the public, or in other forums. There is a public interest in knowing what fire safety actions are being taken by the City prior to the next Fire Season, which begins in about 2 months.

Thank you,
Gary Prost
Resident of El Cerrito
Virus-free.www.avg.com
Agenda Packet Page 127 of 217
From: Abe Leider
To: Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger; City Clerk Subject: Public comment - non-agenda matters
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 10:31:22 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear City Councilmembers,
Last weekend members of an anti-Israel protest in Albany and El Cerrito crossed the street to confront a small group of peaceful Jewish and Israeli counter protesters. Protesters screamed antisemitic and racist hate speech, stole and ripped up signs, stole Israeli flags and burned and danced on them, and knocked people to the street causing minor injuries (see local news coverage here and more footage here). Despite around a hundred calls to local police, there was no police response at the time of these incidents. These events frighteningly reminded me of Paul Kessler, an elderly Jewish man who died after being struck in the head by an anti-Israel protester in Los Angeles in November (coverage here).

We do not need more vitriol and violence in our streets.

I thank the council for keeping the focus of city council meetings on the important issues facing our city that impact all city residents. I ask the following:

1. Keep the focus on the local issues that impact all of us and keep our community safe and welcoming.

2. Take a clear stance against anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli hatred and violence in our streets and council meetings as the council would do for any other minority group under state and federal law.

3. Take proactive and decisive actions to ensure all residents’ may safely exercise their rights to free speech and expression, including at these meetings.

The council should uphold its commitment to welcoming, valuing, and keeping safe all of the East Bay’s diverse community members.

Agenda Packet Page 128 of 217
From: Faika Alsharif
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 10:39:57 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace.

Agenda Packet Page 129 of 217
Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Agenda Packet Page 130 of 217
From: Karen Pinkos
To: Holly Charléty
Subject: Fwd: Very important!
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 10:42:09 AM
Karen Pinkos
City Manager
City of El Cerrito
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:

From: Gabe Quinto <[email protected]>
Date: January 16, 2024 at 10:11:48 AM PST
To: Karen Pinkos <[email protected]>, "Paul A. Keith" <[email protected]>, "Woodruff, Sky" <[email protected]> Subject: Fwd: Very important!
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:

From: Liya Garber
Date: January 13, 2024 at 10:17:28 PM PST
To: Carolyn Wysinger <[email protected]>, Gabe Quinto <[email protected]>, Lisa Motoyama
<[email protected]>, Paul Fadelli <[email protected]cerrito.ca.us>, Tessa Rudnick <[email protected]> Subject: Very important!
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear City Council members,
I want to bring your attention to an incident that took place last weekend. Members of an anti-Israel protest in Albany and El Cerrito crossed the street to confront a small group of peaceful Jewish and Israeli counter protesters. Protesters screamed antisemitic and racist hate speech, stole and ripped up signs, stole Israeli flags and burned and danced on them, and knocked people to the street causing minor injuries (see local news coverage here Agenda Packet Page 131 of 217
and more footage here). Despite around a hundred calls to local police, there was no police response at the time of these incidents.

These events frighteningly reminded me of Paul Kessler, an elderly Jewish man who died after being struck in the head by an antiIsrael protester in Los Angeles in November (coverage here).

We do not need more vitriol and violence in our streets.

I thank the council for keeping the focus of city council meetings on the important issues facing our city that impact all city residents. I ask the following:

1. Keep the focus on the local issues that impact all of us and keep our community safe and welcoming.

2. Take a clear stance against anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli hatred and violence in our streets and council meetings as the council would do for any other minority group under state and federal law.

3. Take proactive and decisive actions to ensure all residents’ may safely exercise their rights to free speech and expression, including at these meetings.

The council should uphold its commitment to welcoming, valuing, and keeping safe all of the East Bay’s diverse community members.

Thank you
Liya
Agenda Packet Page 132 of 217
From: Kelsey Hennick
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 10:45:06 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Thanks,
Kelsey
Agenda Packet Page 133 of 217
From: Rakin Huq
To: City Clerk; Carolyn Wysinger; Gabe Quinto; Lisa Motoyama; Paul Fadelli; Tessa Rudnick Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 11:24:58 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

The resolution expressed support for the Ukrainian people for defending their homeland in the face of overwhelming aggression. The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

We call on our City Council to once again stand up for the innocent civilians of Gaza who are facing starvation and death in the face of aggression from the Israeli government supported by U.S. military aid. We are asking that you support a ceasefire resolution and be on the side of compassion and humanity. As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace. Saying nothing is in fact saying something. It means that we are complicit in the killing of innocent civilians. Supporting a ceasefire should not be controversial. The Jewish Community Resource Council (JCRC) will argue that this is not an appropriate discussion at the local level and that local resolutions lead to hate.

As many as 15 cities around across the country such as Atlanta, Georgia and Providence, Rhode Island have also passed a ceasefire resolution. As of last month, sixty-one percent of likely voters, including a majority of Democrats (76%) and Independents (57%) and a plurality of Republicans (49%), support the U.S. calling for a permanent ceasefire and a deescalation of violence in Gaza as of Dec 5, 2023.

As a voter, how representatives act on this issue will influence my decision in the polls. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will begin hearing oral arguments in the case filed by South Africa, charging Israel with genocide. South Africa is invoking the Genocide Convention in the context of Israel’s ongoing military assault on Gaza. Even the Zionist Americans for Peace Now, a pro-Israel organization is calling for a ceasefire. While the prowar organizations suggest that our local city address potholes and recreation programs, we know that our resources for our community are scarce and State and Federal dollars that might alleviate problems in our own backyard are instead funding large weapons contracts. All dots are connected and we are part of the world stage. Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda.

Thank you very much for your time.

Agenda Packet Page 134 of 217
From: vivian zelaya
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 11:29:19 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine— have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.
--
Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in a final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius Agenda Packet Page 135 of 217
of its scientists, the hopes of its children.... This is not a way of life at all in any true sense.

Under the cloud of threatening war, it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron. Dwight D.

Eisenhower farewell speech to the American people.

Agenda Packet Page 136 of 217
From: Darjine Munir
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 12:21:57 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace.

While the pro-war organizations suggest that our local city address potholes and recreation programs, we know that our resources for our community are scarce and State and Federal Agenda Packet Page 137 of 217
dollars that might alleviate problems in our own backyard are instead funding large weapons contracts. All dots are connected and we are part of the world stage.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Agenda Packet Page 138 of 217
From: Eileen Hazel
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 12:35:28 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace.

Agenda Packet Page 139 of 217
Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Eileen Hazel
Resident of El Cerrito
Agenda Packet Page 140 of 217
From: Sarah Donoghue
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 12:39:19 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Sarah
Agenda Packet Page 141 of 217
From: D Dorenz
To: City Clerk
Subject: No to ceasefire resolution and increase police funding Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 12:54:47 PM
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Dear City council Members,
I am writing as a Bay Area citizen who shops in El Cerrito, goes to the Doctor in El Cerrito, walks, and visits friends in El Cerrito. All our cities are interconnected, therefore your vote on this resolution reverberates throughout the Bay Area and beyond. But the City Council's job is to take care of the needs of El Cerrito.

I urge you to vote "No" to any resolution submitted regarding a ceasefire in the war between Hamas and Israel.

These kinds of resolutions have perpetuated hate in our communities, and encouraged the attack on Jan 6 b y those who sought
to take away our groups right to assembly and free speech.

Jan 6th in El Cerrito was a glaring example of the antisemitism that results from these resolutions due to the agenda of
those who support ceasefire resolutions. I am asking the City Council to focus on increasing funding for the police, so that there will be a police presence and response when needed.

On Jan 6th first in Albany, we stood on Solano Avenue in opposition to the ceasefire rally held on Masonic at which the Vice Mayor Lopez was speaking. We were far away from that rally, but those supporting a cease fire and "Free Palestine," swarmed around us, blocking our Israeli flags and signs and screaming "Free Palestine" which is a way of saying "destroy Israel", and doing so by sticking a bullhorn repeatedly in our ears. This was an abusive attack on us. They were in violation of our freedom of speech and assembly. We kept moving away from them, and they kept pursuing and harassing us. We called the police, but got no response.

In El Cerrito the same people attacked us, pushed a young woman to the ground, stole her flag and burned it. They also grabbed the flag of another woman, and burned it. The El Cerrito Police designated this attack as a felony hate crime. Using brute force to suppress our freedom of speech and right to assembly, is not the way in a democracy. A ceasefire resolution will only enable Hamas to stay in power and repeat its atrocities on Israelis and Jews worldwide, as it has sworn to do.

I support Israel's right to exist, and it's right to defend itself from Hamas' brutality, and its repeated breaking of all ceasefire agreements by declaring war on Israel. I urge the City Council to take care of the business of Albany, and not to wade into foreign policy which is not the job you were elected to do. Thank you for hearing my concerns. --
Dorothea Dorenz
Agenda Packet Page 142 of 217
From: John Adranly
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 1:07:49 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace.

Agenda Packet Page 143 of 217
Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda.

Thank you very much for your time,
John Adranly
Agenda Packet Page 144 of 217
From: Elizabeth Thorsnes
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comments — Not on the Agenda
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 1:08:00 PM
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Dear El Cerrito Mayor and City Council Members,
I have thought long and hard about writing this letter, and about the appropriateness of asking a small-town City Council to comment on something as distant and divisive as the current Israel/Palestinian “conflict” in Gaza.

The following is how I decided that it is indeed appropriate to ask you to consider making some sort of a statement supporting the cessation of the Israeli attacks in Gaza, and the immediate provision of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. In one word, my reason is children. Children. That’s it.

The children in Gaza do not deserve the terrible life they are living, and that is only if they are lucky enough to live. This “conflict” has gone on for just over 100 days now, and by day 96, more than 24,000 Palestinians had died, including more than 10,000 children! Children! I understand that Israeli children have died at the hands of Hamas, too, but the number is very disproportionate to the number of Palestinian children, reportedly a total of about 150 Israeli children since late 2000. And while I certainly don’t mean to say that an Israeli child is of less value than a Palestinian child, Israeli children have access to food, water, heat, and medical care. Palestinian children do not. Israel has control over all Palestinian land through its border controls and military occupation. Israel is modern and wealthy, while Palestinians are suffering poverty, loss of homes, and very limited military resources. (I know, I know, Hamas sometimes get military support from nearby Arab nations, but Israel astronomically outpaces Palestinians in this regard, and there is no use to argue that. The statistics are clear.) Meanwhile, Palestinians haven’t been allowed to get to their jobs in Israeli-controlled areas like the West Bank, so unemployment is very high for them right now. This means that not only is food and humanitarian aid not available, Palestinian families can’t afford to buy anything that might be available.

Many news sources have reported that Israel has shut off water to the people of Gaza, and that electricity is strictly limited. And even more frightening, a few days ago Israel denied the World Health Organization’s request to deliver medical supplies to Gaza. And while all this continues, the U.S., my government, continues to send at least ten and a half million dollars in military aid per day to Israel! This amount makes Israel the largest recipient of U.S. aid ever, and it has been thus for nearly fifty years. I spent so much of my working life as a special educator helping children that I can barely sleep because of thinking about the children in Palestine. Waiting for Bombs. For aircraft to growl overhead. For gunfire. It is just wrong.

Now there are reports of children begging for food and people waiting in long lines for meager handouts in Palestine. Starvation is already in progress, but Israel persists in its policy. And so does the U.S., my country. Getting food into Gaza is an obligation. Not doing so violates the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court; starvation cannot be a tactic of warfare. Yet my own country is not stepping up on behalf of all those souls in Gaza, all those little children.

It is doing nothing to stop the Israeli bombing of Gaza, and in fact continues to fund it. I Agenda Packet Page 145 of 217
understand that Israel considers Hamas to be a terrorist organization and that there is a great deal of fear and distrust toward Hamas by Jews everywhere, but given the number of Palestinian deaths and the prospect of mass starvation, Israel’s solution to Hamas appears to be way out of proportion.

So I say that it seems that it is necessary for each of us American citizens to step up, which is what I am trying to do by way of this email. Many years ago I marched in opposition to the U.S. involvement in the Viet Nam war, trying to tell my government how I felt about its involvement. (“Science Students for Peace!” I was a nerd . . .) Now, by asking my local government to take a stand that my national government won’t take, I’m trying to tell that government that letting so many children be at risk of traumatic childhoods, let alone at risk of actually dying, is not acceptable.

That is why I’ve written this. Because of children. Small, innocent children. We all need to get into this march to tell our administration that we don’t want our country supporting this situation. This does not make us anti-Semitic, just anti-Israel policy. And it doesn’t have to be a big ask. It can be just to ask for the bombing to stop and humanitarian aid to be allowed in. It can be just some food, and some delicious water, and some silence from the bombing.

I’m writing this in the same spirit that I joined the anti Viet Nam War marches so many years ago, and I hope our little city can also join this march, for the children. This task should not be at all divisive. Not feeding children is not how any of us want to operate as Americans, so let us try to get this turned around so that we can feed them, and get them into good shelters, and get them back to school. We can do this without fighting amongst ourselves! We just have to work together, with intention.

In all sincerity,
BJ Thorsnes
Agenda Packet Page 146 of 217
From: Maddie Carpenter
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 1:14:07 PM
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As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace.

Agenda Packet Page 147 of 217
Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Agenda Packet Page 148 of 217
From: Lauren Arnest
To: City Clerk; Carolyn Wysinger; Gabe Quinto; Lisa Motoyama; Paul Fadelli; Tessa Rudnick Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 1:16:20 PM
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Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

In April of 2022, the City Council passed a resolution in support of the Ukrainian people and displayed the Ukrainian flag as a statement of solidarity. The resolution expressed support for the Ukrainian people for defending their homeland in the face of overwhelming aggression.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation —as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation.

Our neighboring cities Richmond and Oakland have passed resolutions and most recently, the largest city to pass a resolution was San Francisco. Other local cities taking action include Union City, Santa Cruz and Davis. Cudahy in Southern California was the first city to pass a resolution. Local resolutions support the broader sentiment not only in our cities but across the United States. As many as 15 cities around across the country such as Atlanta, Georgia and Providence, Rhode Island have also passed a ceasefire resolution. As of last month, sixty-one percent of likely voters, including a majority of Democrats (76%) and Independents (57%) and a plurality of Republicans (49%), support the U.S. calling for a permanent ceasefire and a deescalation of violence in Gaza as of Dec 5, 2023. As a voter, how representatives act on this issue will influence my decision in the polls.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will begin hearing oral arguments in the case filed by South Africa, charging Israel with genocide. South Africa is invoking the Genocide Convention in the context of Israel’s ongoing military assault on Gaza. Even the Zionist Americans for Peace Now, a pro-Israel organization is calling for a ceasefire. While the prowar organizations suggest that our local city address potholes and recreation programs, we know that our resources for our community are scarce and State and Federal dollars that might alleviate problems in our own backyard are instead funding large weapons contracts. All dots are connected and we are part of the world stage.

Agenda Packet Page 149 of 217
Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Best,
Lauren Arnest
Agenda Packet Page 150 of 217
From: Mary McKnight
To: City Clerk; Carolyn Wysinger; Gabe Quinto; Lisa Motoyama; Paul Fadelli; Tessa Rudnick Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 1:21:15 PM
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The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation.

Agenda Packet Page 151 of 217
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will begin hearing oral arguments in the case filed by South Africa, charging Israel with genocide. South Africa is invoking the Genocide Convention in the context of Israel’s ongoing military assault on Gaza. Even the Zionist Americans for Peace Now, a pro-Israel organization is calling for a ceasefire.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Sincerely,
Mary
Agenda Packet Page 152 of 217
Agenda Packet Page 153 of 217
invite hate to El Cerrito.

Sincerely, Rabbi Dean Kertesz
Agenda Packet Page 154 of 217
From: Sue Duncan
To: City Clerk
Subject: Items not on agenda
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 1:36:16 PM
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Good afternoon Mayor and Council Members and Happy New Year! I am strongly requesting that you join the East Bay Hills MOU soon. From what I understand, the city wanted to wait to see what other entities would join. The cities of Richmond, Berkeley and Oakland have joined. Alameda County has also joined. The Contra Costa County Board of supervisors will discuss joining at their February meeting.

Here is a reminder of the resolution, number 21-38, that this present council unanimously adopted on July 20, 2021, stating that the City would "remain involved and participate in presentations, meetings, and negotiations to consider formation of a regional Vegetation Management Joint Powers Agency to address and improve fire safety in the East Bay Area.”
As you are now aware, since you adopted this, it has been changed to an MOU and as the above entities have joined it is now time for El Cerrito to join, too. What are you waiting for? No more delays, join.

Also, what is the status of the parking restrictions on Red Flag Days? I understand that three areas of concern have been chosen as test areas. It would be good to let EC residents know the status of this project and a projected time of implementation. Hopefully the staff is working on it and it will be in place this year before the Diablo Winds start to blow. A public update should be announced.

Thank you,
Sue Duncan
Make El Cerrito Fire Safe.

Agenda Packet Page 155 of 217
From: Lily Hill
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 1:41:17 PM
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As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace.

Agenda Packet Page 156 of 217
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will begin hearing oral arguments in the case filed by South Africa, charging Israel with genocide. South Africa is invoking the Genocide Convention in the context of Israel’s ongoing military assault on Gaza. Even the Zionist Americans for Peace Now, a pro-Israel organization is calling for a ceasefire.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Diane L Hill
Agenda Packet Page 157 of 217
From: Fred Bialy
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comments - Regular City Council Meeting Item 5, Comments on non-agenda item - Resolution for Permanent Cease in Israeli war on Gaza
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 1:44:03 PM
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Dear Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, City Council Members Fadelli, Motoyama and Quinto, On December 19, 2023, I spoke up during the Public Comments section of the City Council Meeting urging the Council to adopt a resolution for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Israel’s war on Gaza and the West Bank.

Some may argue that the City Council should stick to addressing local issues. But this war, as war everywhere, affects us all. As more people speak out, the scales of the U.S foreign policy decision making will eventually tip in the direction of justice, dignity and humanity for all people.

Since December 19, almost 5,000 more Gazans have been killed. More than 9,000 have been injured. On the Israeli side, just short of 60 more IDF soldiers have died. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has only gotten worse. Eventually many more people will die from the illness and starvation that this catastrophe is producing. A permanent ceasefire and an end of the siege of Gaza is needed desperately and now.

As we celebrate and think about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I believe that if Dr. King were alive today, he would call out for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Dr. King said, “Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.” At another time, Dr King said “On some positions Cowardice asks, ‘Is it safe?”, Expediency asks, “Is it politic?’, Vanity asks, ‘Is it popular?’, but Conscience asks, “Is it right?’” In embracing these words, Dr.

Randolph Walters, Special Assistant to the President of Eastern University (Pennsylvania) for Diversity, Equity, and Belonging wrote, “There comes a time when we must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because it is right.” Dr. King did so when he spoke out for an end to the war in Vietnam. The Israeli war against the Palestinians is now another such time.

In his “I Have a Dream” speech, Dr. King said “We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there IS such a thing as being too late. This is not a time for apathy or complacency.”
We must end the carnage that is happening in Gaza. You can add your voices and represent what I believe is the majority of El Cerritans, by adopting a resolution for an immediate ceasefire and ending of the siege in the war against Gaza.

Sincerely,
Fred Bialy
El Cerrito Resident
Agenda Packet Page 158 of 217
Agenda Packet Page 159 of 217
Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

In solidarity, in peace
James Ryder
El Cerrito business owner/resident
Hillside Earth-Arts Lab
earthartslab.com
MFA in Creative Writing
Yoga + Meditation Teacher/RYT-500
Agenda Packet Page 160 of 217
From: deb massey
To: Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger; City Clerk Subject: Public Comment- not on the agenda
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 1:48:59 PM
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Dear City Councilmembers,
First...I want to thank you for the inspiring and meaningful MLK Day Celebration yesterday.

I am proud to be a Jewish resident of El Cerrito and love our city's diversity.

I want to bring your attention to an incident that took place last weekend. Members of an anti-Israel protest in Albany and El Cerrito crossed the street to confront a small group of peaceful Jewish and Israeli counter protesters. Protesters screamed antisemitic and racist hate speech, stole and ripped up signs, stole Israeli flags and burned and danced on them, and knocked people to the street causing minor injuries (see local news coverage here and more footage here). Despite around a hundred calls to local police, there was no police response at the time of these incidents. These events frighteningly reminded me of Paul Kessler, an elderly Jewish man who died after being struck in the head by an anti-Israel protester in Los Angeles in November (coverage here).

We do not need more vitriol and violence in our streets. Please answer the question...where were the police when they were called? I thank the council for keeping the focus of city council meetings on the important issues facing our city that impact all city residents. I ask the following:

1. Keep the focus on the local issues that impact all of us and keep our community safe and welcoming.

2. Take a clear stance against anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli hatred and violence in our streets and council meetings as the council would do for any other minority group under state and federal law.

3. Take proactive and decisive actions to ensure all residents’ may safely exercise their rights to free speech and expression, including at these meetings.

The council should uphold its commitment to welcoming, valuing, and keeping safe all of the East Bay’s diverse community members.

Agenda Packet Page 161 of 217
Thank you for the important work you do!
Debra Massey
El Cerrito Resident for 15 years
Agenda Packet Page 162 of 217
From: Walla Oriqat
To: City Clerk
Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Friday, January 12, 2024 10:54:45 AM
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As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace.

While the pro-war organizations suggest that our local city address potholes and recreation programs, we know that our resources for our community are scarce and State and Federal Agenda Packet Page 163 of 217
dollars that might alleviate problems in our own backyard are instead funding large weapons contracts. All dots are connected and we are part of the world stage.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Best,
Walla
Agenda Packet Page 164 of 217
From: Vanessa Warheit
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item to add to the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution Date: Friday, January 12, 2024 5:29:56 PM
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Dear Mayor and City Council members,
I am writing to request that you add an item to the Council agenda to consider a Gaza ceasefire resolution. Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace, including the April 2022 resolution in support of the Ukrainian people and displaying the Ukrainian flag as a statement of solidarity. That resolution expressed support for the Ukrainian people for defending their homeland in the face of overwhelming aggression.

As an El Cerrito resident, it is important to me that the city continues to stand up for social justice and peace. Saying nothing is in fact saying something; it means that we are complicit in the killing of innocent civilians. While the Jewish Community Resource Council (JCRC) will argue that this is not an appropriate discussion at the local level and that local resolutions lead to hate, as a Jew and person of conscience, I believe that supporting a ceasefire should not be controversial.

An increasing number of cities around the country have passed ceasefire resolutions, including Atlanta, Georgia and Providence, Rhode Island. Our neighboring cities Richmond, Oakland, and San Francisco have passed resolutions. Other local cities are taking action including Union City, Santa Cruz, Davis, Santa Rosa, Petaluma and Cotati. Cudahy in Southern California was the first city to pass a resolution. Local resolutions like these indicate the will of the people and send an important signal to national lawmakers.

As of last month, sixty-one percent of likely voters, including a majority of Democrats (76%) and Independents (57%) and a plurality of Republicans (49%), support the U.S. calling for a permanent ceasefire and a de-escalation of violence in Gaza. As a voter, how representatives act on this issue will influence my decision at the polls.

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While the pro-war organizations suggest that our local city address potholes and recreation programs, we know that resources for our community are scarce and that State and Federal dollars that might alleviate problems in our own backyard are instead funding large weapons contracts. All dots are connected and even though we are small, we are part of the world stage.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on the next El Cerrito City Council agenda.

Thank you very much,
Vanessa Warheit
Agenda Packet Page 166 of 217
From: Berrin Leyla Yilmaz
To: City Clerk; Carolyn Wysinger; Gabe Quinto; Lisa Motoyama; Paul Fadelli; Tessa Rudnick Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Friday, January 12, 2024 8:38:10 PM
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Agenda Packet Page 167 of 217
From:

To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Saturday, January 13, 2024 10:28:35 AM
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Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine— have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Leslie DiBenedetto Adams
El Cerrito, CA
Agenda Packet Page 168 of 217
From: Starcat311
To: Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger; City Clerk; Karen Pinkos Subject: Regarding Ceasefire Resolution discussion
Date: Sunday, January 14, 2024 9:54:31 PM
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Dear Mayor Rudnick, Council member Fadelli, Council member Motoyama, Council member Quinto, and Council member Wysinger,
I was born and raised in Berkeley and have been an El Cerrito resident for about 15 years now.

I would like to request that the El Cerrito city council not take up a resolution about a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. As we've seen in nearby cities, these resolutions can create division among residents, and can cause anger towards Jews. According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic incidents nationwide have gone up 360% since the events of Oct 7. My family and many Jews I know have been feeling less safe since then. Please help keep El Cerrito a welcoming and inclusive community for all.

Thank you for your time,
Emily Somberg
El Cerrito resident
Agenda Packet Page 169 of 217
From: Barbara Schick
To: City Clerk
Subject: PUBLIC COMMENTS: Agenda Item 2. or 5. Oral Communications from the public Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 2:27:29 PM
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SUBJECT : TAKE A STRONG STANCE AGAINST ANTI-JEWISH HATE AND TAKE PROACTIVE ACTIONS TO ENSURE RESIDENTS’ SAFETY AND RIGHTS TO FREE SPEECH
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I strongly encourage this council to take a clear and strong stance against antiJewish hate and to take pro-active actions to ensure all residents’ safety while responsibly exercising their rights to free speech.

Last weekend, members of an anti-Israel protest in Albany and El Cerrito crossed the street to confront a small group of peaceful Jewish and Israeli counter protesters. Protesters screamed antisemitic and racist hate speech, stole and ripped up signs, stole Israeli flags and burned and danced on them, and knocked people to the street causing minor injuries, which was reported by local news outlets. Despite around a hundred calls to local police, there was no police response at the time of these incidents. A similar event in Los Angeles in November resulted in the death of Paul Kessler, an elderly Jewish man, when confronted by an antiIsrael protester.

We do not need more vitriol and violence in our streets.

I encourage and thank the council for keeping the focus of city council meetings on the important issues facing the city and that impact all city residents. I ask the following:

1. Keep focused on the local issues that impact all of us and keep our community safe and welcoming.

2. Take a clear and strong stance against anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli hatred and violence in our streets and council meetings as the council would do for any other minority group under state and federal law.

3. Take proactive and decisive actions to ensure all residents’ may safely exercise their rights to free speech and expression, including at these meetings.

The council should uphold its commitment to welcoming, valuing, and keeping safe all of the East Bay’s diverse community members.

Sincerely yours,
Dr. Barbara Schick
While I respect everyone’s rights to free speech, I am concerned because I have not yet seen a public acknowledgement or statement condemning the hateful and violent acts against Jews and Israelis at this event.

Agenda Packet Page 170 of 217
From: Barbara Schick
To: City Clerk
Subject: PUBLIC COMMENTS: Agenda Item 2. or 5. Oral Communications from the public Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 3:19:48 PM
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SUBJECT: NO TO CEASEFIRE AND DIVISIVE RESOLUTIONS
Dear El Cerrito Mayor and Council Members,
As a concerned citizen, I highly recommend that the Council not pass a Ceasefire Resolution concerning the war in Gaza. Or if you decide to pass such a resolution that it not one-sided and divisive, and place the blame for the current conflict where it belongs - on Hamas.

Furthermore, it should insist on the release of all hostages held by Hamas. My reasons are as follows:
i) The City Council does not have unlimited time, resources, and stamina to deal with the multiple critical issues in El Cerrito [crime, homelessness, housing issues, infrastructure repair, all forms of hate (racism, anti-semitism, islamophobia), and public health, to name a few], so I believe concentrating your efforts on these regional issues would be a more beneficial use of your valuable than officially commenting on the Israel-Gaza conflict. ii) The history of Israel, Palestine, and the entire Middle East is complicated. So complicated that without appropriate and unbiased information, it is easy for people to become antisemitic, islamophobic, anti-Israel and/or anti-Arab. iii) If the El Cerrito City Council passes a ceasefire resolution, many people will assume (without ever reading it) that it agrees with unbalanced ones passed by other cities, which I believe will only inflame and re-traumatize our impacted communities. iv) In 2005, Israel withdrew all Israel citizens and military personal from Gaza, leaving the Palestinians in Gaza to determine their own destiny. Soon after, Hamas (which is an internationally recognized terrorist organization) gained control of Gaza , and several military conflicts between Israel and Gaza ensued. Since the Hamas took control, there have been many ceasefires (six I believe), all of which were broken by Hamas. So I believe another ceasefire would only defend Hamas and let it regain its strength to attack Israel again. Both Palestinians and Israelis (Jews and Arab citizens) deserve a chance to determine their destiny without the interference of Hamas.
v) El Cerrito residents can directly contact their elected officials (President, Vice-President, and US Congress members) to express their opinions on international policy. vi) I agree with a statement of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) which I am paraphrasing here:

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Furthermore, I ask the City Council to take concrete steps to maintain order and decorum during all meetings. The antisemitic comments and actions, violent rhetoric, and amplification of conspiracy theories that have plagued past meetings on this issue have no place in El Cerrito.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely yours,
Dr. Barbara Schick, PhD
Agenda Packet Page 172 of 217
Agenda Packet Page 173 of 217
From: Maisa A
To: City Clerk; Carolyn Wysinger; Gabe Quinto; Lisa Motoyama; Paul Fadelli; Tessa Rudnick Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 9:54:48 AM
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As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace.

Agenda Packet Page 174 of 217
Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Agenda Packet Page 175 of 217
Agenda Packet Page 176 of 217
Agenda Packet Page 177 of 217
From: Brendan Harrison
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 1:07:57 PM
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As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace.

Agenda Packet Page 178 of 217
Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Agenda Packet Page 179 of 217
From: Joe Khalaf
To: City Clerk; Carolyn Wysinger; Gabe Quinto; Lisa Motoyama; Paul Fadelli; Tessa Rudnick Subject: Adopt a Ceasefire Resolution - Add to Council Agenda Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 1:37:11 PM
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Dear Mayor and City Council members,
As a historically proud resident of El Cerrito and a first generation Arab-American born and raised in the United States with family ties to Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine, I’m heartbroken at what I see happening in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. It’s devastating seeing innocent children who look like my own, have the same names as my own, and are just one and four years old like my own being killed daily. These same children could have one day ended up your neighbors as my family has.

The only thing more heartbreaking is the loneliness we’ve felt in our own community and country where the narrative of suffering and killing has been made purely political and omitted for most of the population to see. Just as October 7th was condemned, so too should the 102 days of mass killing and displacement of Palestinian civilians be condemned. We must do our part to call for a ceasefire and support community members like my own family in standing for peace. My children cannot grow up in El Cerrito being viewed as less than others or their mistreatment justified which is what is happening to Palestinians en masse. Notice I did not note religion at all, it has nothing to do with what is happening. The above is all true even when knowing we are not a Muslim family.

Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace. In April of 2022, the City Council passed a resolution in support of the Ukrainian people and displayed the Ukrainian flag as a statement of solidarity.The resolution expressed support for the Ukrainian people for defending their homeland in the face of overwhelming aggression.

As a resident and Arab-American, it is important that our city continues to stand up for social justice and peace, and representing all its constituents in pursuit of those values. Saying nothing is in fact saying something. It means that we are complicit in the killing of innocent civilians. Supporting a ceasefire should not be controversial. The Jewish Community Resource Council (JCRC) will argue that this is not an appropriate discussion at the local level and that local resolutions lead to hate.

Our neighboring cities Richmond and Oakland have passed resolutions and most recently, the Agenda Packet Page 180 of 217
largest city to pass a resolution was San Francisco. Other local cities taking action include Union City, Santa Cruz and Davis. Cudahy in Southern California was the first city to pass a resolution. Local resolutions support the broader sentiment not only in our cities but across the United States. As many as 15 cities around across the country such as Atlanta, Georgia and Providence, Rhode Island have also passed a ceasefire resolution.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda.

Thank you very much for your time.

Joe Khalaf
Agenda Packet Page 181 of 217
From: Allen Mayer
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public comments - not on agenda
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 1:38:14 PM
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Dear City Councilmembers,
I am concerned about the increase in divisiveness and hate in our community. I am sure that you are aware of the anti-semitic speech and violent confrontation by anti-Israel demonstrators in Albany and El Cerrito last weekend. I am concerned that the Vice-Mayor of Albany, who spoke at the protest, has not acknowledged or condemned the hateful and violent acts against Jews at this event.

I would ask that the Councilmembers continue to focus on local issues and resist efforts to get involved in global conflicts, especially those that generate such hateful speech and actions on our streets. Addressing international issues will have no positive effect on them, but by sowing division and hatred in our community, it has a definite negative effect. I thank the Councilmembers for addressing issues directly impacting our local community, and keeping our neighborhoods safe and welcoming for everyone.

Sincerely,
Allen Mayer
Kensington, CA 94707
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Dear Mayor Rudnick and City Council Members
This letter is written in strong support of the El Cerrito City Council adoption of a resolution in support of a ceasefire in Gaza, the West Bank and all of Palestine.

My wife and I have been residents of El Cerrito for over thirty years. We have raised our family in El Cerrito and educated our children in El Cerrito schools. In thirty years, this is the first resolution that my neighbors and family have rallied together to insist you enact.

For over one hundred days the Israeli government under the leadership of the right-wing faction of the Knesset have waged an indiscriminate bombing campaign against the citizens of Gaza. Conservative reports count over 24,000 civilians have been killed to this date. Thousands more lay dead beneath the rubble left by American made munitions. In addition to bombing, Netanyahu and his armies have cut off food, water and aid to the innocents. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continue to target and kill members of the press and their families while demolishing whole neighborhoods. These unrelenting and consistent attacks have led to the charge of genocide in the world court.

There is much more that could be written here to catalogue the abusive, unjust, disproportionate and inhumane conduct of the Israeli government.

I want to also note that a resolution calling for a ceasefire and respect for the humanity of Palestinians is also a Jewish value. Many Jews support a ceasefire. Most Jews are not violent Zionists. So, the call for a ceasefire is standing with the majority of Jews in El Cerrito, California and the world.

My family and I stand with our neighbors to insist on a strongly worded resolution condemning the ongoing genocide and conduct of the IDF and Israeli government. I also request that a copy of our resolution be sent to the State Department and the President of the United States.

El Cerrito may be small, but we are mighty. And the citizens of our city demand a more just and livable world for everyone!
Rev. Brian K. Woodson, Sr.

Agenda Packet Page 184 of 217
John Gioia (say “Joy-a”)
District One
Chair, Board of Supervisors
Contra
Costa
County
11780 San Pablo Avenue, Suite D
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Phone: (510) 231-8686
Fax: (510) 374-3429
Email: [email protected] ● Website: www.cocobos.org/gioia EAST RICHMOND HEIGHTS ◊ EL CERRITO ◊ EL SOBRANTE ◊ KENSINGTON ◊ MONTALVIN MANOR NORTH RICHMOND ◊ PINOLE ◊ RICHMOND ◊ ROLLINGWOOD ◊ SAN PABLO ◊ TARA HILLS January 16, 2024
Dear El Cerrito Mayor and Councilmembers:

I am saddened and angered by the immense and tragic loss of life of innocent Israeli and Palestinian citizens over the last few months.

Israelis and Palestinians deserve the opportunity to live free of warfare and violence.

I support the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and a sovereign and safe homeland.

Hamas’ brutal killing of innocent Israelis does not take away this right. I also support Israel’s right to exist in a safe environment for its citizens. This does not justify the killing of innocent Palestinians.

I believe it is important at times like these to bring our community together rather than create divisiveness. Rather than passing a resolution at this time, I believe that the Council can play a leadership role to bring together our Muslim and Jewish communities in El Cerrito to work together to develop a statement, resolution or other action that acknowledges and validates the voices of both communities.

Some of the recent city council hearings involving Israel-Palestine issues have turned into forums for expressions of hate. This has resulted in increased safety fears for a number of residents. The recent alleged hate crime where a woman holding an Israeli flag at a counter-protest was pushed down and the flag burned is an example of what we want to avoid in our community. This type of hate is unacceptable.

Bringing our Muslim and Jewish communities together is a better approach to avoid fostering an environment of hate.

Thank you for your consideration of this suggestion.

Sincerely,
John Gioia
Supervisor, District One
Agenda Packet Page 185 of 217
From: Kay Yatabe
To: City Clerk; Carolyn Wysinger; Gabe Quinto; Lisa Motoyama; Paul Fadelli; Tessa Rudnick Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 2:39:50 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members:

I am a long-time El Cerrito resident. I graduated from ECHS in 1965 and returned to live here 24 years ago.

I support our city making a resolution calling for a cease-fire in Israel.

Kay Yatabe
Agenda Packet Page 186 of 217
From: Amalia Barrett
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 3:15:24 PM
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Dear Mayor and City Council members,
The City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

As an East Bay resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace. Saying nothing is in fact saying something. It means that we are complicit in the killing of innocent civilians. Supporting a ceasefire should not be controversial. The Jewish Community Resource Council (JCRC) will argue that this is not an appropriate discussion at the local level and that local resolutions lead to hate.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Concerned East Bay resident,
Amalia Barrett
Agenda Packet Page 187 of 217
From: Destry Miller
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Gabe Quinto; Carolyn Wysinger; Lisa Motoyama; Tessa Rudnick Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 3:24:19 PM
Attachments: El Cerrito Resolution draft.docx
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

The U.S. governmenthas repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Supporting a ceasefire should not be controversial. The Jewish Community Resource Council (JCRC) will argue that this is not an appropriate discussion at the local level and that local resolutions lead to hate.

Our neighboring cities Richmond and Oakland have passed resolutions and most recently, the largest city to pass a resolution was San Francisco. Other local cities have taken action by passing resolutions, including Union City, Santa Cruz, Davis, Santa Rosa, Petaluma and Cotati. Cudahy in Southern California was the first city to pass a resolution. Local resolutions support the broader sentiment not only in our cities but across the United States. Other cities across the country such as Atlanta, Georgia and Providence, Rhode Island have also taken the lead and passed a ceasefire resolution.

As of last month, sixty-one percent of likely voters, including a majority of Democrats (76%) and Independents (57%) and a plurality of Republicans (49%), support the U.S. calling for a permanent ceasefire and a de-escalation of violence in Gaza as of Dec 5, 2023. As a voter, how local, state and federal representatives act on this issue will influence my decision in the polls.

You can listen to the compelling opening arguments given on Jan. 11 by South African attorneys at the ICJ here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2vQ7suQWGg
While the pro-war organizations suggest that our local city address potholes and recreation programs, we know that our resources for our community are scarce and State and Federal dollars that might alleviate Agenda Packet Page 188 of 217
problems in our own backyard are instead funding large weapons contracts.

All dots are connected and we
are part of the world stage.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.
..., El Cerrito resident.

Agenda Packet Page 189 of 217
From: Janet Carter
To: City Clerk
Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 3:33:01 PM
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Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes. We call on our City Council to once again stand up for the innocent civilians of Gaza who are facing starvation and death in the face of aggression from the Israeli government supported by U.S. military aid. We are asking that you support a ceasefire resolution and be on the side of compassion and humanity. As a resident, it is important that El Cerrito continues to stand up for social justice and peace. Saying nothing is in fact saying something. It means that we are complicit in the killing of innocent civilians. Supporting a ceasefire should not be controversial. The Jewish Community Resource Council (JCRC) will argue that this is not an appropriate discussion at the local level and that local resolutions lead to hate.

Our neighboring cities Richmond and Oakland have passed resolutions and most recently, the largest city to pass a resolution was San Francisco. Other local cities taking action include Union City, Santa Cruz and Davis. Cudahy in Southern California was the first city to pass a resolution. Local resolutions support the broader sentiment not only in our cities but across the United States. As many as 15 cities around across the country such as Atlanta, Georgia and Providence, Rhode Island have also passed a ceasefire resolution. As of last month, sixty-one percent of likely voters, including a majority of Democrats (76%) and Independents (57%) and a plurality of Republicans (49%), support the U.S. calling for a permanent ceasefire and a de-escalation of violence in Gaza as of Dec 5, 2023. As a voter, how representatives act on this issue will influence my decision in the polls. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will begin hearing oral arguments in the case filed by South Africa, charging Israel with genocide. South Africa is invoking the Genocide Convention in the context of Israel’s ongoing military assault on Gaza. Even the Zionist Americans for Peace Now, a pro-Israel organization is calling for a ceasefire.

Agenda Packet Page 190 of 217
From: Alexa Burrell
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 3:33:13 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Sent from my iPhone
Agenda Packet Page 191 of 217
From: Rebecca Sussman
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Jews note: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 4:26:40 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. This Jew says, thank you very much for your time.

Best,
Bex Sussman
Agenda Packet Page 192 of 217
From: elcerritoresident
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Gabe Quinto; Carolyn Wysinger; Lisa Motoyama; Tessa Rudnick Subject: item not on agenda- a draft of a ceasefire resolution Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 4:35:36 PM
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Dear Mayor, vice mayor, city council members,
I am appealing to you as someone who has jewish relatives, muslim relatives, christian relatives, atheist relatives, and a rainbow of relations from all corners of the planet and am deeply concerned about global south countries and the domination of the global north countries over political and life giving resources of our small endangered planet.

I urge you to adopt a resolution regarding immediate ceasefire and support of Palestinians who are collectively being punished for the actions of Hamas on October 7th and onward. In the entire Palestinian territory, whether in the political party or the militias altogether numbers no more than 20,000 to 25,000. so far over 30,000 palestinians , 2/3 of them women and children, have been killed by aerial attack of the Israeli military in the shortest duration ever recorded in history and are clearly collectively punished for a few bad actors.

Hamas was at a 7% aproval rate in Palestine before october at the last study done the month before. Hamas was empowered and encourage as a divisive organization to split Palestinian support for their secular PLO organization by the Israeli government. Now the Israeli government is using it as an excuse to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from Gaza. What the Israeli military is engaging in with the support of our President and Military aid, only serves the interest of the merchants of death and does not help Israelis be safer, and is certainly a genocidal attempt on the life of Palestinians in Gaza and damaging to the fragile political relations in the middle east as a whole.

The resolution attached does also contain language about protecting Israeli civilians and seems like a very reasonable draft of a ceasefire to engage with and get agreement on adn adopt. SF recently adopted a similar ceasefire resolution as well as city of Richmond CA, and a dozen other cities nationwide have taken a brave and just stance, join their ranks and send the copy of the resolution to the president and foreign minister.

The present government of Israel is an extreme right wing government which seeks to do to Israel and the people of middle east the same or worse than what trump seeks to do here in the US and to US relations. Do you want to stand on the same side of history as these bad actors and self interested delusional pseudo-fascists and fascists? It is an urgent matter and deserves your attention immediately. Stand on the right side of history. this is a matter of upholding international law and political process over bloodshed.

What the world and Gaza and Israel and the people of the US need is a permanent ceasefire and fair and just political solutions.
respectfully
el cerrito resident
resources about this issue:
https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/how-a-private-israeli-intelligence-firm-spied-on-propalestinian-activists-in-the-us Agenda Packet Page 193 of 217
https://www.newsweek.com/list-us-cities-calling-israel-gaza-ceasefire-1859568 fair.org
Resolution draft
WHEREAS, the City of El Cerrito stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people of Gaza, who are currently facing a campaign of ethnic cleansing & collective punishment by the state of Israel; &
WHEREAS, collective punishment is considered a war crime under international law, & refers to a form of sanction imposed on persons or a group of persons in response to a crime committed by one of them or a member of the group; & WHEREAS, the state of Israel is engaging in collective punishment against the Palestinian people in Gaza in response to Hamas attacks on Israel; & WHEREAS, this collective punishment of the Palestinian people includes shutting off all access to electricity, drinking water, food, & humanitarian aid; & WHEREAS, the UN says approximately 2 million people in Gaza may soon run out of drinking water & all medical care; &
WHEREAS, ethnic cleaning refers to the creation of an ethnically homogenous geographic area through the elimination of unwanted ethnic groups by deportation, forcible displacement, or genocide; and
WHEREAS, Israel is now engaged in an ethnic cleansing campaign by explicitly requiring two million Palestinians to leave Gaza immediately or risk being bombed in their homes by the Israeli army; &
WHEREAS, the Gaza Strip, one of the most densely populated places on Earth, has been repeatedly referred to by human rights groups as “the world’s largest open-air prison” even prior to this conflict; and
WHEREAS, Gaza is known as “the world’s largest open-air prison” due to ongoing, unbearable living conditions imposed by the state of Israel, including a full air, land & sea blockade, enclosure of its borders by concrete walls & barbed wire fences, & the strict prohibition of Palestinians from leaving & entering the territory freely; and WHEREAS, this blockade on Gaza has caused a 42% unemployment rate, while 84% of the population relies on humanitarian aid, 41% of Palestinians have too little food, 60% of Palestinian children are anemic, & the Gazan population cannot count on more than 2-4 hours of continuous electrical power a day; & WHEREAS, prior to this current water shortage, only 1% of Gaza population had Agenda Packet Page 194 of 217
access to safe drinking water, leaving Gaza’s population – half of whom are children – increasingly vulnerable to waterborne diseases, infections, & dehydration; and WHEREAS, Israel has not allowed many common cancer diagnosis & treatment tools, including PET CT & radiotherapy, to enter Gaza since 2007; and WHEREAS, pediatric cancer cases that are typically considered treatable are often fatal in the Gaza Strip, as a result of the lack of healthcare & restrictions on movement; and
WHEREAS, the state of Israel would not be able to maintain an apartheid regime without enormous military aid provided by the United States every year, thereby also depriving Americans of money for their own urgent needs; and WHEREAS, 1,400 Israelis have been killed by Hamas on October 7th & nearly 20,000 Palestinians have been killed by the state of Israel in this escalated conflict; and
WHEREAS, we mourn the loss of all civilian lives lost on both sides from October 7th to the present & also throughout the decades of displacement, occupation, oppression & blockade endured in Gaza & the West Bank;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of El Cerrito takes seriously the entreaty of “Never Again,” & that the historical memory of the Holocaust means fighting ethnic cleansing & apartheid everywhere; &
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of El Cerrito vows to combat antisemitism & ethno-nationalism in all its forms; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of El Cerrito calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire & the safe passage of substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza; &
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of El Cerrito calls for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages taken by Hamas; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of El Cerrito calls for an end to Israeli apartheid & the occupation & blockade of Palestinian land by Israeli military forces; & BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of El Cerrito opposes all existing & any future military aid to Israel; and
FINALLY, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of El Cerrito advocates for the dignity & safety of residents in every community, regardless of what crimes a minority group of its larger members may commit, or the leadership may commit, & that peaceful diplomacy is the only way to achieve this safety & dignity.

Agenda Packet Page 195 of 217
From:

To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 5:09:11 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Sent from my iPhone
Agenda Packet Page 196 of 217
From: Eric Gold
To: Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger; City Clerk Subject: Public comments – not on the agenda -- Violence/crimes committed against peaceful demonstrators on 1/6/2024 in Albany
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 5:12:36 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Protesters screamed antisemitic and racist hate speech, stole and ripped up signs, stole Israeli flags and burned and danced on them, and knocked people to the street causing minor injuries (see local news coverage here and more footage here). Despite around a hundred calls to local police, there was no police response at the time of these incidents. These events frighteningly reminded me of Paul Kessler, an elderly Jewish man who died after being struck in the head by an anti-Israel protester in Los Angeles in November (coverage here).

We do not need more vitriol and violence in our streets.

I thank the council for keeping the focus of city council meetings on the important issues facing our city that impact all city residents. I ask the following:

1. Keep the focus on the local issues that impact all of us and keep our community safe and welcoming.

2. Take a clear stance against anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli hatred and violence in our streets and council meetings as the council would do for any other minority group under state and federal law.

3. Take proactive and decisive actions to ensure all residents’ may safely exercise their rights to free speech and expression, including at these meetings.

The council should uphold its commitment to welcoming, valuing, and keeping safe all of the East Bay’s diverse community members.

Thank you,
Eric Gold
Agenda Packet Page 197 of 217
From: Noah Helman
To: Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger; Karen Pinkos Cc: City Clerk
Subject: thank you
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 5:22:34 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Councilmembers and City Manager,
As a resident of El Cerrito, I would like to thank you for continuing to support all members of our community.

I understand that there is some pressure on you all to pass resolutions about the Israel-Hamas war or to make statements that support one side or the other. Unfortunately, we live in a time of divisiveness and hate crimes are increasing. The El Cerrito City Council taking a stand on one side of this complicated and divisive issue is only likely to inflame tensions. For example, recent hate crimes against Jews in the East Bay are deeply disturbing.

Please continue to resist requests for the Council to pass a resolution on the Israel-Hamas war and stay focused on local issues. Our city relies on your guidance to strengthen our community and keep us safe. We must set an example for all the young people in our city about how to have different opinions without disagreements boiling over into violence.

Thank you for your service to our community,
Noah Helman
Agenda Packet Page 198 of 217
From: Kirah Caminos
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public comment - not on the agenda
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 4:53:44 PM
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Dear City Councilmember,
I want to bring your attention to an incident that took place last weekend. Members of an anti-Israel protest in Albany and El Cerrito crossed the street to confront a small group of peaceful Jewish and Israeli counter protesters. Protesters screamed antisemitic and racist hate speech, stole and ripped up signs, stole Israeli flags and burned and danced on them, and knocked people to the street causing minor injuries (see local news coverage here and more footage here). Despite around a hundred calls to local police, there was no police response at the time of these incidents. These events frighteningly reminded me of Paul Kessler, an elderly Jewish man who died after being struck in the head by an anti-Israel protester in Los Angeles in November (coverage here).

We do not need more vitriol and violence in our streets.

I thank the council for keeping the focus of city council meetings on the important issues facing our city that impact all city residents. I ask the following:

1. Keep the focus on the local issues that impact all of us and keep our community safe and welcoming.

2. Take a clear stance against anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli hatred and violence in our streets and council meetings as the council would do for any other minority group under state and federal law.

3. Take proactive and decisive actions to ensure all residents’ may safely exercise their rights to free speech and expression, including at these meetings.

The council should uphold its commitment to welcoming, valuing, and keeping safe all of the East Bay’s diverse community members.

Thank you,
Kirah Caminos
Agenda Packet Page 199 of 217
Agenda Packet Page 200 of 217
and welcomed. Please continue to resist hateful one-sided, divisive rhetoric and resolutions.

Regarding the incident in El Cerrito, I was very grateful for ECPD's message today that it is investigating the hate crime. I did hear from some folks at the rally that they had trouble getting police assistance when they called for help when the assault was carried out, so I would ask that you continue to make sure that police protection is available at any such future events for residents' safety. I also wanted to ask you to see if any city efforts are underway to help facilitate different community groups (interfaith, etc.) come together, build bridges, and protect against hate crimes in our community, and if there was any way I could help assist El Cerrito with these efforts as a volunteer at this time.

Thank you for all you do,
Rachel Sommovilla
Agenda Packet Page 201 of 217
From: Ken Solnit
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Public comment -- not on agenda
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 8:07:08 PM
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Dear City Council,
I'm writing to express my concern about the violent attacks last weekend by pro-Palestinian demonstrators against peaceful counter-protestors,
whose repeated calls to police for help were apparently ignored.

This is hardly the civilized behavior one expects to be tolerated in a California city in 2024.

Yours truly,
Kenneth Solnit
Agenda Packet Page 202 of 217
From: Adena Kaplan
To: City Clerk
Subject: public comment for EC Council meeting 1/16/24 against a ceasefire resolution Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 8:37:02 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

I have been a resident and homeowner in El Cerrito for 18 years. I appreciate the tone the Mayor set at tonight's council meeting for civil discourse in our community. I ask the Council to NOT adopt a resolution regarding the Hamas-Israel war. I do not think a resolution will contribute to the tone of civil discourse the Mayor called for. What I hear from my fellow city residents and other speakers tonight who are calling for a ceasefire, is an undertone of opposition to the right for Israel to exist and defend herself. Many of us want to see an end to this war and a path to peace in the middle east where all live peacefully side by side. A resolution by this council will not create that future. One thing it may do is elevate my sense of unease, living as a Jew in our community. If the council feels the need to make a public statement on this issue, you may bring the community together to attempt to create a common statement. My preference is no statement at all. I appreciate the usual business of our council and prefer you focus your time and energy on building our new library, paving our streets, improving our parkes and open spaces, and funding our law enforcement to keep our neighborhoods safe. Thank you.

Adena Kaplan
Agenda Packet Page 203 of 217
From: Neta A Gotlieb
To: Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger; City Clerk Subject: public comments – not on the agenda
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 8:59:32 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear City Councilmembers,
I want to bring your attention to an incident that took place last weekend. Members of an antiIsrael protest in Albany and El Cerrito crossed the street to confront a small group of peaceful Jewish and Israeli counter protesters. Protesters screamed antisemitic and racist hate speech, stole and ripped up signs, stole Israeli flags and burned and danced on them, and knocked people to the street causing minor injuries (see local news coverage here and more footage here). Despite around a hundred calls to local police, there was no police response at the time of these incidents. These events frighteningly reminded me of Paul Kessler, an elderly Jewish man who died after being struck in the head by an anti-Israel protester in Los Angeles in November (coverage here).

We do not need more vitriol and violence in our streets.

I thank the council for keeping the focus of city council meetings on the important issues facing our city that impact all city residents. I ask the following:

1. Keep the focus on the local issues that impact all of us and keep our community safe and welcoming.

2. Take a clear stance against anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli hatred and violence in our streets and council meetings as the council would do for any other minority group under state and federal law.

3. Take proactive and decisive actions to ensure all residents’ may safely exercise their rights to free speech and expression, including at these meetings.

The council should uphold its commitment to welcoming, valuing, and keeping safe all of the East Bay’s diverse community members.

Thank you,
------
Neta Gotlieb, PhD
Reproductive Neuroendocrinology Lab
Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience, Psychology Department Agenda Packet Page 204 of 217
From: Hanna Barniv
To: Carolyn Wysinger; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; City Clerk; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Public comments – not on the agenda
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 9:45:50 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear City Councilmembers,
I want to bring your attention to an incident that took place last weekend. Members of an anti-Israel protest in Albany and El Cerrito crossed the street to confront a small group of peaceful Jewish and Israeli counter protesters. Protesters screamed anti-Semitic and racist hate speech, stole and ripped up signs, stole Israeli flags and burned and danced on them, and knocked people to the street causing minor injuries (see local news coverage). Despite around a hundred calls to local police, there was no police response at the time of these incidents. These events frighteningly reminded me of Paul Kessler, an elderly Jewish man who died after being struck in the head by an anti-Israel protester in Los Angeles in November (coverage here).

I have lived in Santa Clara County for over 40 years and have never encountered such terrifying events. I feel terrorized and frightened because the governments and police that were supposed to protect me, didn't show up. Why my right to free speech was not respected and protected? The Vice Mayor of Albany was one of the speakers at the protest calling for an immediate ceasefire.

While I respect his and others rights to free speech, I am concerned because I have not yet seen a public acknowledgement or statement condemning the hateful and violent acts against Jews and Israelis at this event.

We do not need more vitriol and violence in our streets.

I thank the council for keeping the focus of city council meetings on the important issues facing our city that impact all city residents. I ask the following:

1. Keep the focus on the local issues that impact all of us and keep our community safe and welcoming.

2. Take a clear stance against anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli hatred and violence in our streets and council meetings as the council would do for any other minority group under state and federal law.

3. Take proactive and decisive actions to ensure all residents’ may safely exercise their rights to free speech and expression, including at these meetings.

The council should uphold its commitment to welcoming, valuing, and keeping safe all of the East Bay’s diverse community members.

Thank you,
Hanna Tagger
Agenda Packet Page 205 of 217
From: Ts Ach
To: Holly Charléty
Subject: I was one of the 9 that did not get a chance to speak today at the meeting. Please consider my perspective Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 10:39:04 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization. · Dear Counsel, I am a graduate of UC Berkeley and live right next door
· We can all agree this is a ruthless and senseless religious war · This ongoing conflict is protracted and complex and cannot be summarized with often biased sound bites
· For example, more indigenous Jews were pushed out from Muslim countries than Muslims ever were from Israel. And Israel is mostly composed of these Jewish refugees.
· The silence here about these aspects here are deafening. · Israel is the only remaining place left in the Middle East with Jews. · Moreover > 3k missiles accompanied the Hamas human hunting and rape expedition on Oct 7th.
o How many missiles would be ok for El Cerrito?
· Does the letter discuss this?
· It is easy to miss details and inadvertently support further cleansing of the cleansed middle East.
· Thus I ask to avoid thinly veiled one-sided propaganda under "ceasefire" or free Palestine (from Jews) without deep knowledge. · I would suggest something like: El Cerrito is categorically against those that would harm Israelis or Palestinians and especially those that would pit them against each other.

Thank you!
Steve Hatch
Agenda Packet Page 206 of 217
From: Alyssa Sarmiento
To: City Clerk; Paul Fadelli; Lisa Motoyama; Gabe Quinto; Tessa Rudnick; Carolyn Wysinger Subject: Item not on the agenda - Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 9:46:50 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council members,
Our City of El Cerrito has a proud history of standing up against hate and taking a stand for social justice and peace.

The U.S. government has repeatedly said that people living under foreign military occupation—as in Ukraine—have a right to militarily resist their occupation. Palestinians have that same right. At the same time, the laws of war that lay out the right to resist occupation also limit that right, forbidding attacks on civilians—like those witnessed on Oct. 7—and other war crimes.

Please act now by putting forward a ceasefire resolution for discussion on your City Council agenda. Thank you very much for your time.

Alyssa Sarmiento
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Sent from my iPhone
Agenda Packet Page 207 of 217
From: Cindy McPherson
To: Holly Charléty
Subject: Fwd: public comment for Jan 16 mtg - in support of ceasefire Date: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 11:47:39 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization. sorry i mistyped the address the first time
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Cindy McPherson
Date: Wed, Jan 17, 2024 at 9:37 AM
Subject: public comment for Jan 16 mtg - in support of ceasefire To: <[email protected]>
Cc: James Ryder
My name is Cindy McPherson. I am a resident of El Cerrito. I speak for myself and my husband, James Ryder, who was not able to make it to city council meeting last night.

My grandparents fled the Holocaust, and my great grandmother was murdered in Auschwitz. I support an immediate, permanent ceasefire, including Israel and Hamas; and release of all hostages. I support a resolution that acknowledges the pain, violence, and victimization on both sides.

Destroying Gaza, killing tens of thousands of civilians will not bring peace or eradicate Hamas. Israel is attacking with an intensity that is made possible by U.S. military aid. I do not want my tax dollars bombing Gaza.

Below I submit a list of Palestinian babies who were killed in October by the Israeli attack on Gaza. This is a humanitarian crisis. I would be honored for El Cerrito to take a stand against such actions.

Agenda Packet Page 208 of 217
Thank you for including my comment since the public comment time last night was cut short, and I did not get a turn to speak to the council.

Cindy
Agenda Packet Page 209 of 217
Purchase Authorization and
Budget Appropriation for
10936 San Pablo Avenue
(APN 502-411-006)
City Council
January 16, 2024
Melanie Mintz, Community Development Director
Agenda Item No. 9.A.

Agenda Packet Page 210 of 217
10936 San Pablo Avenue
Agenda
• Background
• Process, Timeline, Due Diligence
• Next Steps
2 Agenda Packet Page 211 of 217
10936 San Pablo Avenue: Property Details
Parcel Address Parcel Size Use
10936 San Pablo Avenue 0.23 acres/10,000 SF Church
10900 San Pablo Avenue 0.94 acres/40,000 SF Public Safety, El Cerrito 10940 San Pablo Avenue 0.43 acres/18,000 SF Public Safety, Kensington Agenda Packet Page 212 of 217
10936 San Pablo Avenue
Property Listing Information
• Property Address: 10936 San Pablo Avenue; 502-411-006 • Property Owner: Assembly of God Tabernacle (Life in Christ Ministry) • Built: 1952
• Size: 0.46 (20,000 sq ft; no parking) 0.23 acres (10,000 sf) • Two buildings on one lot totaling 5,698 square feet
• Main building:
• 4,498 sq. ft,
• Church, kitchen, cafeteria, auditorium (capacity for 225 people) • Second building
• 1,200 sq. ft,
• Classrooms, office
• Listing Date: 6/20/2023
• Listing Price $1,910,000
• Listing Agent: Coldwell Banker Bartels 4
Agenda Packet Page 213 of 217
10936 San Pablo Ave: Real Property Acquisition
Process and Timeline
Action Scope Timeline Price
Property Listed Offered for sale June 20, 2023 $1,910,000 City Council Authorization Authorized the City Manager and City Attorney to negotiate the purchase
terms for the Property
August 15, 2023
Initial Property Discussion Owner/Agent contact August-September 2023 Offer Phase
• Contract
• Earnest Money Deposit
• Realtor/Broker
Negotiations regarding terms,
conditions, contingencies, sales price,
escrow period, etc.

October-November 2023
Options Phase Due diligence and contingencies November-December 2023 Pending Phase (under contract) Authorization/Approval of Purchase November-January 2024 $1,500,000 Closing Phase
(subject to City Council approval)
5 Title and Escrow January 31, 2024
Agenda Packet Page 214 of 217
10936 San Pablo Avenue
Due Diligence
• Appraisal: $1,290,000 based on highest/best use of the Property (less costs of demolition of secondary building)
• Phase I, ESA: There was no evidence of recognized environmental conditions (RECs) in connection with the Property.
• Building Assessment: The buildings on the Property were identified overall as in fair condition given the water damage in the secondary building (offices/classrooms).

Depending upon use, and whether the secondary building is retained or demolished, short-term repairs are estimated to be approximately $75,000. • Land Survey: Property determined to be 10,000 SF instead of 20,000 SF • Pest Inspection: A pest report identified several issues associated with deferred maintenance. Most of the items were associated with the secondary building. 6 Agenda Packet Page 215 of 217
10936 San Pablo Avenue
Next Steps
Consider a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all required documents and agreements associated with the purchase of 10936 San Pablo Avenue with Life in Christian Ministry of the Assemblies of God and to appropriate $1,604,631 from the General Fund Unreserved Balance 8 Agenda Packet Page 216 of 217
Questions, Answers, Discussion
Thank you!
Agenda Packet Page 217 of 217

El Cerrito City CouncilJanuary 16, 2024

El Cerrito City Council
January 16, 2024