El Cerrito City Council
December 2, 2025

November 2025
b. Coordination with West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) and private schools to develop and regularly update evacuation plans that address both safe on-campus procedures and coordinated off-site transport to predetermined refuge locations beyond the disaster area.
c. Targeted outreach and planning for areas with high concentrations of physically and socially vulnerable residents, including those with age-related, disability-related, or other mobility challenges.
d. Conducting periodic community-wide evacuation exercises to test and refine evacuation plans and procedures.
e. Encouraging residents and employees to sign up with the Contra Costa County Community Warning System and Genasys Protect to receive emergency alerts and ensure effective distribution of evacuation notifications (New policy). f. Identifying pedestrian paths, including stairs and trails, on evacuation maps.

Policy 8.15: Evacuation Assistance Program. Support and coordinate an evacuation assistance program with Contra Costa Transportation Authority, AC Transit, paratransit, dial-a-ride agencies, and care homes to help those with limited mobility, lack of access to a vehicle, and other at-risk populations evacuate safely. Consider training for emergency responders and volunteers in assisting vulnerable populations during evacuations.

Policy 8.16: Hazard Planning in Capital Improvements. As part of the Capital Improvements Program, CIP Budget, and related planning and funding processes for capital improvements, include a forward-looking assessment of how the proposed improvements may be affected by current and anticipated future hazards, including those subject to climate change. Highlight how the project supports community-wide safety, equity, and climate readiness now and in the future. All projects shall incorporate at a minimum standard resilience practices, materials, and other elements to minimize future maintenance. Larger or more complex projects shall include a thorough resilience analysis that describes specific design, material, and construction strategies to ensure long-term durability and adaptability.

Agenda Packet Page 159 of 465
Implementation
Hearing Draft Page 55
November 2025

IMPLEMENTATION
The implementation matrix identifies
information to support the implementation of
the Safety Element policies. For each policy,
the implementation matrix includes
information on the Department responsible,
time frame, and the relative cost to implement
the measure (ranging from low to high). The
City Manager’s Office oversees all
departments and leads community outreach
and engagement efforts to support these
measures.

Agenda Packet Page 160 of 465
City of El Cerrito Safety Element

November 2025
Table 1: Safety Element Policy Matrix
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources
Goal 1: Mitigate risk from geologic and seismic hazards.

1.1: Geotechnical Review. Require geotechnical
studies for development proposals in areas at risk
from geologic and seismic hazards (see Figure S-1,
Local Fault Lines; Figure S-3, Liquefaction Areas; and
Figure S-5, Landslide Susceptibility Areas), in
accordance with City procedures. Such studies
should evaluate the extent of geotechnical hazards,
optimum location for structures, the advisability of
special structural requirements, and the feasibility
and desirability of a proposed facility in a specified
location.

Community
Development
Department,
Building
Division
Ongoing Low Permit fees

1.2: Erosion Control. Provide appropriate control
measures in conjunction with proposed development
in areas susceptible to erosion, including an erosion
control plan and revegetation plan as part of grading
permits.

Community
Development
Department,
Building
Division
Ongoing Public Works Medium Permit fees

1.3: Seismic Safety of New Development. Require
new structures to be designed to contemporary
standards for seismic safety. Require that new Cityowned critical facilities be constructed to the highest possible standard of seismic safety.

Community
Development
Department,
Building
Division
Ongoing Low Permit fees

1.4: Seismic Safety of Existing Development. Assist
occupants and owners of existing structures in
identifying seismic risks to their structures and
provide support in obtaining appropriate seismic
retrofit measures. Evaluate all City-owned facilities to determine seismic risks and implement appropriate
seismic retrofit measures.

Community
Development
Department,
Building
Division
MidtermHigh Bonds, General
Fund, grants,
permit fees
Agenda Packet Page 161 of 465
Implementation
Hearing Draft Page 57
November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

1.5: Seismic Safety of Utilities. Encourage local gas,
water, and sewer providers to review and retrofit their main distribution pipes.

Public Works
Department,
LongtermEBMUD, PG&E Low General Fund,
grants
Goal 2: Minimize potential damage from existing hazardous materials and prevent future hazardous materials contamination.

2.1: Potential Hazardous Soils Conditions of New
Development. Evaluate new development on
potentially contaminated sites (such as older fill sites, historical auto service uses, industrial uses, or areas where hazardous materials may have been used, as
mapped in Figure S-6, Hazardous Materials Sites) and
require that development proposals contain adequate
measures to mitigate hazardous material exposure
prior to development approvals.

Community
Development
Department
Ongoing Low Permit fees

2.2: Hazardous Soil Conditions in Inundation Hazard
Areas. Work with Contra Costa Health Services and
other regional partners to identify hazardous
materials sites where proximity to mapped flood
hazard zones, sea level rise inundation areas, and
other water-based hazards that may spread
hazardous materials. Prioritize remediation of these
sites.

Community
Development
Department,
Public Works
Department
MidtermContra Costa
Health Services
Medium General Fund,
grants

2.3: Hazardous Materials at Municipal Facilities.

Ensure that hazardous materials owned or stored by
the City are managed and disposed of appropriately
to protect human and environmental health and
safety.

Public Works
Department
NeartermContra Costa
Health Services,
Contra Costa
Clean Water
Program
Medium General Fund
Agenda Packet Page 162 of 465
City of El Cerrito Safety Element

November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

2.4: Hazardous Materials Storage and Disposal.

Require proper storage and disposal of hazardous
materials in accordance with all State, federal, and
local laws and regulations to prevent leakage,
potential explosions, fires, or the escape of harmful
gases, and to prevent individually innocuous
materials from combining to form hazardous
substances, especially at the time of disposal.

Fire
Department
Ongoing Contra Costa
Health Services
Low General Fund,
permit fees

2.5: Hazardous Materials Usage in Construction.

Require and enforce effective mitigation measures to
minimize exposure to toxic and hazardous materials
during building renovations and demolitions.

Community
Development
Department,
Building
Division
Ongoing Bay Area Air
District
Low Permit fees

2.6: Hazardous Materials Public Education. Provide
information to the community regarding the potential
health hazards posed by hazardous materials and
possible ways to reduce hazardous materials use and
properly dispose of hazardous materials.

Public Works Nearterm
Contra Costa
Health Services,
Recyclemore
Low General Fund,
grants, permit
fees
Goal 3: Reduce risks from flooding and sea level rise and provide timely and effective flood response.

3.1: Flood-responsive Siting of New Critical
Facilities. Prohibit the construction of new critical
facilities and infrastructure, including hospitals,
health care facilities, emergency shelters, fire
stations, emergency command centers, and
emergency communication facilities in mapped flood
hazard and sea level rise inundation zones (see
Figures S-7, S-8, and S-9).

Community
Development
Department,
Planning and
Building
Divisions,
Public Works
Department
Ongoing Low General Fund
Agenda Packet Page 163 of 465
Implementation
Hearing Draft Page 59
November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

3.2: Flood-proofing New Construction. Require that
new and significantly renovated buildings and
structures in the mapped 100-year flood zones be
constructed to a higher standard of flood protection
to improve resilience, as required by the California
Building Code and in accordance with the City’s
Floodplain Management ordinance.

Community
Development
Department,
Building
Division
Ongoing Public Works Medium Permit fees

3.3: Flood Hazards from New Construction. Require
new development and significant redevelopment
projects, greater than 50,000 square feet of
conditioned space, to prepare drainage studies to
assess stormwater runoff impacts on the local storm
drain system, and to develop recommended detention
and drainage facilities as needed to ensure that
increased risks of flooding on to neighboring
properties do not result from development.

Community
Development
Department,
Planning and
Building
Divisions,
Public Works
Department
Ongoing Medium Permit fees,
developer
impact fees

3.4: Flood Hazards to Existing Development. Help
property owners identify qualified service providers
and obtain financial incentives to floodproof existing
buildings. Continue to evaluate new opportunities to
help reduce flood hazards to existing development,
including development at risk of current or future
flooding not in the mapped 100-year floodplain.

Community
Development
Department,
Planning and
Building
Divisions,
Public Works
Department
MidtermContra Costa
County Flood
Control District,
FEMA
Medium FEMA grants,
General Fund,
Community
Development
Block Grants
Agenda Packet Page 164 of 465
City of El Cerrito Safety Element

November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

3.5: Maintenance for the City’s Storm Drainage
Facilities. Continue to enforce existing laws
prohibiting the dumping of debris, fill or other waste
materials, and illicit discharges into storm drains,
creeks and channels, and the littering of garbage.

Continue to ensure that local storm drainage facilities are sufficiently maintained. Pursue viable funding
sources for local and regional drainage improvements
for adequate flood control and protection.

Public Works
Department
Ongoing Contra Costa
County Flood
Control District
High Stormwater
utility fees,
General Fund

3.6: Creek Maintenance Education. Continue to
educate local property owners about their
responsibilities to maintain creeks, storm drain-pipes, and open channels on private property, including
regularly clearing trash and other debris.

Public Works
Department
NeartermFriends of Five
Creeks, Contra
Costa Clean
Water Program
Low General Fund

3.7: Natural Stormwater Management Solutions.

Continue to identify opportunities and funding
sources to expand the City’s green infrastructure
network, as defined in the City’s Green Infrastructure
Plan. Update Chapter 8.40 of the City’s Municipal
Code, Stormwater Management and Discharge
Control, to require new development to incorporate
natural stormwater management solutions on-site as
a condition of approval for discretionary projects, as
appropriate.

Community
Development
Department,
Planning and
Building
Divisions,
Public Works
Department
MidtermSan Francisco
Estuary
Partnership,
State Water
Resources
Control Board
Medium Green
Infrastructure
grants, Prop
84/1
Stormwater
Grant Program
Agenda Packet Page 165 of 465
Implementation
Hearing Draft Page 61
November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

3.8: Permeable Paving and Green Infrastructure.

Continue to require that new development complies
with Contra Costa Clean Water Program Stormwater
C.3 Guidebook Requirements for treatment of
stormwater. Encourage new development to reduce
impervious areas and use permeable surfaces in
paving and landscaping. Promote the use of green
infrastructure, such as bioswales, rain gardens, and
vegetated swales, to manage stormwater and
enhance groundwater infiltration as outlined in the
City’s Green Infrastructure Plan. Include permeable
surfaces and green infrastructure into City
construction and improvement projects.

Community
Development
Department,
Public Works
Department
NeartermLow Development
impact fees,
General Fund

3.9: Continuity of public facilities during flooding.

Maintain the structural and operational integrity of
essential public facilities during flooding through
structural retrofits, flood management, operational
improvements, and other appropriate actions.

Community
Development
Department,
Public Works
Department
Midterm
Cal OES, FEMA High FEMA Hazard
Mitigation Grant
Program,
General Fund,
infrastructure
resilience bonds

3.10: Sea Level Rise Coordination. Coordinate with
local, regional, State, and federal agencies to plan for the impacts of flooding, sea level rise, and
groundwater intrusion in the community.

Community
Development
Department,
Public Works
Department
LongtermBCDC, State
Coastal
Conservancy
Medium State Coastal
Conservancy
grants, regional
adaptation
funds
Agenda Packet Page 166 of 465
City of El Cerrito Safety Element

November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

3.11: Flood Response. Coordinate with the Contra
Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation
District and neighboring jurisdictions to address
regional flood hazards.

Public Works
Department
NeartermContra Costa
County Flood
Control, Water
Conservation
District
Medium FEMA Hazard
Mitigation Grant
Program,
General Fund

3.12: Public Flood Preparedness Information.

Improve public access to information about flood
risks, preparedness, and response steps. Revise and
expand on existing resources, such as those available
on the City’s website, to help residents and property
owners understand what to do before, during, and
after flooding events.

Public Works
Department
NeartermContra Costa
County Flood
Control, Water
Conservation
District
Low General Fund

3.13: Adopt-A-Drain Program. Explore the
development and funding of an Adopt-A-Drain
program. This initiative would encourage residents,
businesses, and community groups to voluntarily
adopt storm drains and commit to their regular
maintenance by removing debris, leaves, and litter to
ensure proper stormwater flow.

Public Works
Department
NeartermLocal schools,
communitybased
organizations
Low Volunteer
services,
General Fund

3.14: Central Avenue and I-80 Resilience. Support
efforts to improve flood protection and long-term
resilience to sea level rise for Central Avenue and the I-80 interchange area. Ensure flood protection and
climate adaptation initiatives to prioritize El Cerrito’s transportation needs, including evacuation needs.

Public Works
Department
LongtermCaltrans, Contra
Costa County
Flood Control,
Water
Conservation
District
High FEMA Hazard
Mitigation Grant
Program,
infrastructure
resilience bonds
Agenda Packet Page 167 of 465
Implementation
Hearing Draft Page 63
November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources
Goal 4: Reduce El Cerrito’s risk of wildfire and provide timely and effective fire response.

4.1: Fire-Resilient Existing Development. Work with
property owners and building occupants to raise
awareness about potential building and landscape
modifications to improve wildfire resilience and work
to obtain funding to help property owners make these
improvements, in accordance with applicable State
requirements and the City’s local ordinances and
Vegetation Management Program.

Fire
Department,
Community
Development
Department,
Planning and
Building
Divisions
Midterm
Medium General Fund,
FEMA PreDisaster
Mitigation
Grants, State
Fire Marshal
grants

4.2: Fire-Retardant Landscaping. Require the use of
fire-retardant vegetation for landscaping in new
development in high fire hazard areas. Encourage the
use of fire-retardant vegetation in all development
City-wide. Fire- retardant vegetation, also known as
fire-resistant plants, refers to plants that do not
readily ignite from flames or other ignition sources
and, if exposed to fire, their foliage and stems do not significantly contribute to the fire’s fuel or intensity.

Fire
Department,
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Division
Nearterm
Low Permit fees,
development
impact fees

4.3: Hillside Natural Area. Manage vegetation in the
Hillside Natural Area to reduce fire hazards in
accordance with the recommendations of the Hillside
Natural Area Fire Resilience and Forest Conservation
Management Plan. The Fire Department and Public
Works Department shall share responsibility for
implementation. Pursue viable funding sources to
implement measures identified in the Hillside Natural
Area Fire Resilience and Forest Conservation
Management Plan that promote wildfire resilience.

Public Works
Department,
Fire
Department
Ongoing Friends of the
HNA, Friends of
Five Creeks, El
Cerrito Fire Safe
Council, El
Cerrito Trail
Trekkers
High General Fund,

CAL FIRE
Wildfire
Prevention
Grants
Agenda Packet Page 168 of 465
City of El Cerrito Safety Element

November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

4.4: Hazardous Tree Removal on Private Property.

Help residents access resources for removing
hazardous trees on private property that threaten
residential buildings and critical facilities. Distribute information about available programs and facilitate
efforts to connect property owners with external
funding sources, local organizations, nonprofits, or
state agencies that can provide resources or
assistance.

Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Division
MidtermMedium CAL FIRE
Wildfire
Prevention
Grants

4.5: Urban Forest Management for Wildfire Risk
Reduction. Maintain and manage El Cerrito’s urban
forest to reduce wildfire risk in accordance with the
recommendations of the Hillside Natural Area Wildfire
Resilience and Forest Conservation Plan.

Fire
Department,
Public Works
Department
Ongoing Medium General Fund,

CAL FIRE
Wildfire
Prevention
Grants

4.6: Fuel Breaks. Require property owners of existing
and new development in Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zones or the Wildland-Urban Interface (as
shown on Figure S-10 and Figure S-11) to create and
maintain fuel breaks and defensible space around
structures and along roadways that is free from dry
brush and other flammable materials and to comply
with the 100-foot Defensible Space Requirement in
Public Resources Code Section 4291 and
Government Code Section 51182 for fuel modification
to reduce fire danger.

Fire
Department
Ongoing Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Division
Medium
Agenda Packet Page 169 of 465
Implementation
Hearing Draft Page 65
November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

4.7: Regional Wildfire Prevention. Continue to
collaborate with the Contra Costa Resource
Conservation District, Alameda County Resource
Conservation District, neighboring jurisdictions, the
East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments, the El
Cerrito and Diablo Fire Safe Councils, Hills Emergency
Forum, and local community organizations to
regularly review regional wildfire hazards and
vulnerabilities and develop regional wildfire
abatement and response strategies.

Fire
Department
Ongoing Contra Costa
RCD, Alameda
County RCD,
neighboring
jurisdictions,
East Bay Wildfire
Coalition of
Governments,
and local
communitybased
organizations
Low General Fund,
interagency
agreements,
regional
resilience grants

4.8: Wildfire Risk from Energy Infrastructure.

Coordinate with PG&E to reduce wildfire risk related
to electrical infrastructure, including:
 Maintenance of fire breaks around electrical
infrastructure.
 Installation of covered conductors to reduce
ignition risk from contact with vegetation or
debris.
 Use of Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings
that automatically shut off power in high-risk
conditions.
 Vegetation management beyond minimum
clearance requirements in high-risk areas.
 Implementation of Public Safety Power
Shutoffs during extreme fire weather events,
with coordination to help minimize community
disruption.
 Undergrounding electricity infrastructure in
Very High and High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

Fire
Department,
Public Works
Department
Midterm
PG&E Medium PG&E
infrastructure
hardening funds,

CAL FIRE
mitigation
grants
Agenda Packet Page 170 of 465
City of El Cerrito Safety Element

November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

4.9: Firefighting Infrastructure. Facilitate the timely and effective provision of firefighting services by:

1. Expanding the availability of fire hydrants in
Very High and High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

This may include installation of sufficiently
sized hydrants in areas identified in the Hillside
Natural Area.

2. Coordinating with the East Bay Municipal Utility
District to ensure that adequate peak load water
supplies are available to fight fires.

Redundancies in the water storage and capacity
distribution network should be considered and
implemented in those areas of the City where
ground failure could result in breaks to both the
water and gas mains, with the potential for
significant conflagrations. Ensure that hydrants
remain accessible for fire response.

3. Requiring that development in Very High Fire
Hazard Severity Zones contain visible street
signage, such as reflective signs that clearly
indicate street names, addresses, and
directional arrows for emergency response,

4. Studying and establishing, as appropriate, Red
Flag Day parking restrictions to ensure
unobstructed access for emergency vehicles.

5. Requiring that new development provide
adequate water pressure for firefighting.

6. Identifying opportunities to facilitate access of
emergency vehicles to existing development in
Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

7. Identifying opportunities to facilitate access of
emergency vehicles to existing development.

Fire
Department,
Public Works
Department
MidtermEBMUD, PG&E High EBMUD
partnership
funds, CAL FIRE
grants, General
Fund
Agenda Packet Page 171 of 465
Implementation
Hearing Draft Page 67
November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

4.10: Sufficient Firefighting Services. Regularly
review funding, staffing levels, fire station location, equipment availability, water availability, and
availability of other key resources of the El CerritoKensington Fire Department to ensure that the department is keeping pace with changes in local
population.

Fire
Department
Ongoing City Manager's
Office
High General Fund,
equipment
replacement
reserves

4.11: Fire Protection for New Development. Ensure
new development is located where fire and
emergency services have sufficient capacity to meet
project needs and that existing development
maintains its current level of protection service. In
addition to adequate fire department staffing and
resources, this may include increased requirements
for fire protection systems for residential units, such as roof sprinkler systems or other site-specific fire
resilience features.

Fire
Department,
Community
Development
Department,
Planning and
Building
Divisions
Ongoing Medium Development
impact fees,
General Fund

4.12: Post-Fire Development. Require redevelopment
after wildfires to meet current California Building
Code, California Fire Code, and California Fire Safe
Standards to reduce future vulnerabilities to fire
hazards through site preparation, layout design, fireresistant landscaping, and fire-retarding building design and materials. Re-evaluate development
standards after a wildfire to ensure consistency with
the latest regulations and best practices. In addition, regularly review and update local development
standards to ensure consistency with the latest
regulations and best practices, independent of local
fire events.

Fire
Department,
Community
Development
Department,
Planning and
Building
Divisions
NeartermCalifornia Office
of Emergency
Services
Medium Permit fees,
General Fund,

CAL FIRE
resilience grants
Agenda Packet Page 172 of 465
City of El Cerrito Safety Element

November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

4.13: Post-Fire Displacement. Work with neighboring
jurisdictions and local homeless service and
emergency support providers to help residents
displaced from wildfires to secure housing and other
necessary services.

Community
Development
Department,
Housing
Division
NeartermContra Costa
Health Services,
local housing,
and emergency
assistance
nonprofits
Medium General Fund,
Emergency
Solutions
Grants,
Community
Services Block
Grant

4.14: Post-Fire Slope Stabilization. Coordinate with
local, state, and federal agencies to stabilize and
vegetate burned slopes after a wildfire.

Public Works,
Fire
Department
NeartermCAL FIRE, Cal

OES, FEMA
High FEMA Hazard
Mitigation Grant
Program, Cal
OES grants,
General Fund

4.15: Wildfire Health Impacts. Work with the Contra
Costa County Public Health Division and health
service providers to plan for increased levels of
illness and injury due to wildfire and to distribute N95 masks during periods of poor air quality.

Fire
Department,
City
Manager's
Office
MidtermContra Costa
County Public
Health Division,
local healthcare
providers
Medium General Fund,
public health
grants
Agenda Packet Page 173 of 465
Implementation
Hearing Draft Page 69
November 2025

4.16: New Development in Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zones. Encourage new residential
development to occur outside of the Very High Fire
Hazard Severity Zones identified by CAL FIRE (see
Figure S-10, Fire Hazard Severity Zones). Where new
construction or significant redevelopment is
proposed in such areas, require review by the
Community Development Department and El CerritoKensington Fire Department prior to the issuance of development permits. Plans for proposed
development in such areas shall include, at a
minimum:
 Site plan, planting plan, planting palette, and
irrigation plan to reduce the risk of fire hazards
and with consideration to site conditions,
including slope, structures, and adjacencies.
 Development and maintenance of defensible
space and shaded fuel breaks.
 Development of fire protection plans that
include at a minimum:
o Risk analysis;
o Fire response capabilities;
o Fire safety requirements, including
defensible space, infrastructure, and
building ignition resistance;
o Mitigation measures and design
considerations for non-conforming
fuel modification;
o Wildfire education, maintenance, and
limitations; and
o Evacuation planning.
 Multiple points of ingress and egress to
improve evacuation, emergency response, fire
equipment access and adequate water
infrastructure for water supply and fire flow
that meets or exceeds the standards in the
Community
Development
Department,
Planning and
Building
Divisions, Fire
Department
Ongoing CAL FIRE Medium Permit fees,
developerfunded
improvements,
fire resilience
grants
Agenda Packet Page 174 of 465
City of El Cerrito Safety Element

November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources
California Fire Safe Regulations. This
specifically includes two sections of Title 14 of
the California Code of Regulations, Division 1.5,
Chapter 7: Subchapter 2, Articles 1-5
(commencing with Section 1270, State
Responsibility Area Fire Safe Regulations); and
Subchapter 3, Article 3 commencing with
Section 1299.01, Fire Hazard Reduction Around
Buildings and Structures Regulations).
 Class A roof materials for new and
replacement roofs.
 Location and source of anticipated water
supply.

4.17: Fire Hazards Response Support. Facilitate
firefighting in low-visibility conditions by requiring
measures such as high-visibility signage for streets
and building addresses that meet or exceed the
standards in the California Fire Safe Regulations (Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Articles 2 and 3, Sections 1273 and 1274).

Fire
Department
Nearterm
Medium General Fund

4.18: Access for Fire and Emergency Vehicles and
Equipment. Require proposed development to provide
adequate access for fire and emergency vehicles and
equipment that meets or exceeds the standards in
the California Fire Safe Regulations (California Code
of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7):

Subchapter 2, Articles 1-5 (commencing with Section
1270, State Responsibility Area Fire Safe
Regulations); and Subchapter 3, Article 3
(commencing with Section 1299.01, Fire Hazard
Reduction Around Buildings and Structures
Regulations).

Fire
Department,
Public Works
Department,
Community
Development
Department
Ongoing CAL FIRE Medium Development
impact fees
Agenda Packet Page 175 of 465
Implementation
Hearing Draft Page 71
November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

4.19: Retrofitting City-Owned Roadways. Identify
existing public and private roadways in fire hazard
severity zones that are not in compliance with current
fire safety regulations, to the extent resources are
available. Work at retrofitting and maintaining Cityowned roadways as needed to meet current standards and encourage private property owners to
do the same, to the extent feasible and given the
absence of other site constraints. These standards
include road standards for evacuation and emergency
vehicle access, vegetation clearance, and other
requirements of the California Fire Safe Regulations,
Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Division

1.5, Chapter 7): specifically Subchapter 2, Articles 1-5 (commencing with Section 1270, State Responsibility
Area Fire Safe Regulations); and Subchapter 3, Article
3 (commencing with Section 1299.01, Fire Hazard
Reduction Around Buildings and Structures
Regulations).

Public Works
Department,
Fire
Department,
Police
Department
LongtermHigh General Fund,
state
transportation
grants,
infrastructure
resilience grants

4.20: Firewise Communities. Work with the El Cerrito
Fire Safe Council to publicize the Firewise USA
program to neighborhoods in areas with high fire risks
and support neighborhoods in Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zones and the Wildland-Urban Interface in
pursuing designation as Firewise Communities.

Fire
Department
NeartermNational Fire
Protection
Association,
neighborhood
associations
Low General Fund,
Firewise USA
program support
Goal 5: Reduce risk from and provide timely and effective response to extreme heat and severe weather.

5.1: Urban Tree Canopy. Maintain the health of the
urban tree canopy to increase shaded surfaces and
reduce risk of downed trees during severe weather.

Expand and renew the urban tree canopy to help
reduce the impacts of extreme heat.

Public Works
Department
MidtermMedium Urban Greening
Grants, CAL FIRE
Urban &
Community
Forestry
Program,
General Fund
Agenda Packet Page 176 of 465
City of El Cerrito Safety Element

November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

5.2: Shading and Heat-Mitigating Materials. Use
heat-mitigating materials and install shade structures, both green and built infrastructure, at parks,, along
public streets and trails, and at other public spaces
under City control. Coordinate with school districts
and private schools to encourage similar
improvements at school sites to to reduce ground
surface temperatures.

Public Works
Department
MidtermWest Contra
Costa Unified
School District,
California
Department of
Education,
private school
operators
Medium Prop 68 funds,
General Fund,
California
Natural
Resources
Agency grants

5.3: Shading and Heat-Mitigating Materials at Transit
Stops. Coordinate with local and regional public
transportation providers to increase shading and
heat-mitigating materials at transit stops.

Public Works
Department
MidtermAlameda-Contra
Costa Transit
District, Bay
Area Rapid
Transit District,
Western Contra
Costa Transit
Authority, Contra
Costa
Transportation
Authority
Medium Transportation
grants, Green
Infrastructure
funds, Caltrans
Active
Transportation
Program
Agenda Packet Page 177 of 465
Implementation
Hearing Draft Page 73
November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

5.4: Resilience Hubs. Identify existing facilities that can function as community resilience hubs. Maintain
these facilities as needed to serve as resilience hubs, ensuring that they are well-equipped, accessible, and
are situated outside of areas at risk from hazards
impacts, and that the public is aware of these
resources. Work with neighboring jurisdictions to
promote awareness and use of these hubs. Evaluate
the feasibility of creating new resilience hubs when
new facilities are developed or existing facilities are retrofitted, incorporating renewable energy
generation, energy storage, and the ability to offer
refuge from extreme heat and poor air quality due to
regional wildfire smoke.

Public Works
Department,
Operations &
Environmental
Services
Division
MidtermContra Costa
County, PG&E,
local
communitybased
organizations
High Community
Resilience
Centers
Program,
Resilience Hubs
Grant Program,
General Fund

5.5: Resilient Development. Encourage new and
existing development to incorporate building and site
design features that reduce the effects of extreme
heat, improve indoor air quality, and reduce energy
demand. These features could include air
conditioning, air filtration, energy-efficient duct work improvements, passive cooling design and amenities,
cool roofs, reflective or pervious paving materials,
high-albedo surfaces, shade trees, and other green
infrastructure. Help residents connect with
contractors and financial assistance programs to
implement these improvements.

Community
Development
Department,
Planning and
Building
Divisions
Midterm
Medium BayREN
incentives,
Green Building
grants, EnergyEfficiency
Financing
programs

5.6: Resilient Power Supplies. Work with PG&E, MCE,
and local solar energy installers to support resiliency of the local power grid, including distributed
generation and microgrids for residents, businesses,
and public agencies.

Public Works
Department
MidtermPG&E, MCE,
local solar
energy providers
High California
Energy
Commission
programs,
federal energy
resilience
funding, General
Fund
Agenda Packet Page 178 of 465
City of El Cerrito Safety Element

November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

5.7: Renewable Energy and Energy Storage at City
Facilities. Maintain, improve, and where fiscally viable expand distributed renewable generation and energy
storage at City facilities. Include provisions for the
ongoing maintenance and performance monitoring of
these systems to ensure long-term reliability.

Prioritize buildings and facilities that provide
essential City services during extreme weather events
for energy storage systems.

Public Works
Department
MidtermBayREN,
California
Energy
Commission
High BayREN
incentives,
state/local
infrastructure
funds,
renewable
energy rebates

5.8: Community Solar and Energy Storage. Work in
partnership with MCE, the Bay Area Regional Energy
Network, and others to support the development of
community solar projects, streamline permitting
where possible, and prioritize storage systems to
ensure community solar could be used during
outages.

Community
Development
Department,
Planning and
Building
Divisions
Longterm
MCE, BayREN Medium BayREN
incentives, MCE
incentives, state
energy grants,
infrastructure
investment
funds

5.9: Planning for Extreme Heat. Participate in
regional planning with neighboring jurisdictions to
develop an extreme heat response plan that includes
establishment of community cooling centers,
weatherization of city buildings, temperature triggers
for when cooling centers would open, and cooling
strategies for persons engaged in outdoor work and
persons experiencing homelessness.

Fire
Department
NeartermContra Costa
Health Services,
neighboring
jurisdictions
Medium Public Health
Emergency
Preparedness
grants, General
Fund

5.10: Community Support and Mutual-Aid Networks.

Support residents in developing neighborhood
support programs to perform wellness checks on
vulnerable neighbors during hazardous events.

Fire
Department,
Police
Department,
NeartermNeighborhood
groups, senior
service
providers
Low General Fund
Agenda Packet Page 179 of 465
Implementation
Hearing Draft Page 75
November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

5.11: Urban Greening Plan. Implement the Urban
Greening Plan to enhance public places and open
spaces throughout the city. Open and green spaces
provide cooling from heat and are linked to mental
health and quality of life benefits.

Community
Development
Department,
Planning and
Building
Divisions,
Public Works
Department
MidtermRecreation
Department
Medium Urban Greening
Program (Prop
84), General
Fund
Goal 6: Secure a resilient water supply and use water supplies sustainably.

6.1: Drought-Tolerant Landscaping. Require droughttolerant landscaping in new private and municipal development, in accordance with applicable state and
local laws. Ensure that new landscaping does not
exacerbate wildfire or flood risks, and aligns with
vegetation and stormwater management standards.

Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Division,
Public Works
Department
Nearterm
Low EBMUD rebates,
General Fund

6.2: Water-Efficient Development. Require the
installation of water-efficiency measures in new
private development at municipal facilities.

Encourage the installation of water-efficiency and
graywater measures in existing private development,
including by helping residents identify rebates and
other financial incentives.

Community
Development
Department,
Building
Division
NeartermMedium EBMUD rebates,
BayREN waterefficiency
programs,
General Fund

6.3: Drought Planning. Work with regional water
providers to prepare for reduced long-term water
supply resulting from more frequent and severe
drought events, and implement extensive water
conservation measures and ensure sustainable water
supplies, including fire suppression needs.

City
Manager's
Office, Public
Works
Department
MidtermEBMUD Medium Integrated
Regional Water
Management
funds, General
Fund, Cal OES
drought
resilience funds
Agenda Packet Page 180 of 465
City of El Cerrito Safety Element

November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources
Goal 7: Protect the health of El Cerrito residents.

7.1: Regional Health. Support Contra Costa County in
disseminating information on disease conditions that
may affect El Cerrito residents.

Contra Costa
County, Public
Health
Division
Ongoing City Manager's
Office
Low General Fund,
public health
grants

7.2: Pandemic Planning. Support Contra Costa
County to plan for future pandemic events, including
securing necessary public health supplies, preparing
effective messaging for preventative actions and
treatments, and identifying and evaluating potential
public health measures.

Contra Costa
County, Public
Health
Division
NeartermCity Manager's
Office
Medium General Fund,
public health
grants

7.3: Vector-Borne Diseases. Support the County and
the Mosquito Vector and Control District in working
with healthcare providers to support free or reducedcost vaccinations for vector-borne diseases for El Cerrito residents.

Contra Costa
County, Public
Health
Division
MidtermCity Manager's
Office
Low General Fund

7.4: Medical Providers. Support Contra Costa County
to coordinate with local medical providers to ensure
low-cost medical and emergency medical services
are available to all residents in the city.

Contra Costa
County, Public
Health
Division
MidtermCity Manager's
Office
Low General Fund,
community
health
partnerships

7.5: Outdoor Workers. Support opportunities to
ensure that workers in outdoor industries have the
training and resources to be adequately protected
from environmental hazards, including extreme heat,
poor air quality, pests, and diseases, in alignment with applicable OSHA and Cal/OSHA regulations and
standards.

City
Manager's
Office, Public
Works
Department
NeartermCal/OSHA, labor
unions, Public
Works
contractors
Low General Fund

7.6: Public Awareness. Work with local community
groups, providers of senior services, and childcare
workers to raise awareness about disease prevention
and response.

City
Manager's
Office
NeartermSenior service
providers,
childcare
organizations,
local nonprofits
Low General Fund
Agenda Packet Page 181 of 465
Implementation
Hearing Draft Page 77
November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources
Goal 8: A community prepared for an effective response and recovery in the event of emergencies or natural and human-caused disasters.

8.1: Hazard Awareness. Publicize areas at risk of
local hazards, emergency preparedness programs,
evacuation planning resources, and other efforts to
promote resident awareness and caution regarding
hazards, including soil instability, earthquakes,
flooding, and fire.

City
Manager's
Office, Fire
Department
NeartermContra Costa
County
Low General Fund

8.2: Public Facilities. Avoid construction of new
emergency buildings (police, fire, hospital, etc.) and
vital utilities, communication systems, and other
public facilities in identified fire, flood, and geologic hazard zones (see Figure S-5, Landslide Susceptibility
Areas; Figure S-7, Flood Hazard Zones; and Figure S10, Fire Hazard Severity Zones) to the extent feasible.

Design such buildings and infrastructure to remain
operational during and after an emergency or disaster
and ensure that existing critical facilities and
infrastructure remain operational during and after an
emergency or disaster.

Community
Development,
Planning and
Building
Divisions,
Public Works
Department
Longterm
High General Fund,
grants
Agenda Packet Page 182 of 465
City of El Cerrito Safety Element

November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

8.3: Emergency Notification and Communication.

Promote participation in the City’s Emergency Alert ENotifications program, PG&E’s emergency alert system, emergency HAM radio operators’ network,
and other networks that can reach residents in the
event of an emergency. Continue to support the
County’s Community Warning System sirens and
explore opportunities to expand emergency warning
siren systems in El Cerrito. Use all City social media
channels, both citywide accounts and departmental
accounts, to share timely and accurate emergency
information. Ensure that the City can issue
emergency warnings and ensure communication
between emergency responders even in the absence
of electrical and cellular service, and update the
Emergency Operations Plan to specify these
alternatives. Ensure that all official City
communications are provided in formats and
languages that are reflective of the demographics of
El Cerrito. Conduct regular outreach and education so
that residents understand how notifications and
alerts will be shared during an emergency, what
emergency sirens mean, and what protective actions
should be taken when they are activated.

City
Manager's
Office, Fire
Department,
Police
Department
NeartermContra Costa
County, PG&E
Medium General Fund

8.4: Power Outages. Identify residents whose health
and safety may be most severely impacted by power
outages and provide support and assistance in
obtaining backup power supplies and other safety
resources.

Fire
Department,
Community
Development
Department,
Building
Division
NeartermCity Manager's
Office
Medium General Fund
Agenda Packet Page 183 of 465
Implementation
Hearing Draft Page 79
November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

8.5: Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. After update and
certification by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, incorporate the current Contra Costa County
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and the City’s Annex
into this Safety Element by reference, as permitted by
California Government Code Section 65302.6.

Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Division
NeartermFire Department Low General Fund

8.6: Community Emergency Preparedness. In
partnership with neighboring jurisdictions, conduct
community emergency response and evacuation
drills to increase awareness and support improved
community preparedness for future emergencies.

Fire
Department,
Police
Department
Nearterm0Neighboring
jurisdictions
Medium General Fund

8.7: Community Emergency Response Team
Training. Support, encourage, and continue to offer
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
training to residents and members of the business
community to increase disaster awareness and
emergency response capability.

Fire
Department
Ongoing Low General Fund

8.8: Hazard Insurance. Work with property and rental
insurance providers to raise awareness about the
latest safety requirements related to seismic, flood,
and fire hazards and regularly incorporate these
requirements into development codes as necessary,
referencing related local ordinances and programs,
such as the City’s 2025 amendments to Chapter 8.30
of the El Cerrito Municipal Code. Work with other
jurisdictions and local community-based
organizations to evaluate opportunities to preserve
and improve the cost and quality of property
insurance for El Cerrito community members.

Community
Development
Department,
Building
Division
MidtermLow General Fund
Agenda Packet Page 184 of 465
City of El Cerrito Safety Element

November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

8.9: Regional Emergency Response and Mutual Aid.

Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions, the Contra
Costa County Office of Emergency Services, Contra
Costa County Sheriff’s Office, and Caltrans in
emergency response and evacuation planning.

Maintain and participate in mutual aid agreements
with these agencies to ensure coordinated response
capabilities, adequate medical and emergency
services, and effective inter-agency communication.

Cooperate with partners to assess and project future
emergency service needs and to conduct joint
preparedness, training, and exercises.

Fire
Department,
Police
Department
Ongoing Caltrans Low Mutual-aid
agreements,
General Fund

8.10: Multi-Destination Evacuation Planning. Identify
and maintain a list of multiple evacuation
destinations in different locations in the vicinity of the City to provide diverse points of refuge and reduce
evacuation times. The City should select these sites
based on their capacity to accommodate the
estimated number of people evacuating from El
Cerrito and unincorporated Kensington.

Fire
Department,
Police
Department
Nearterm
Medium General Fund
Agenda Packet Page 185 of 465
Implementation
Hearing Draft Page 81
November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

8.11: Inter-Jurisdictional Coordination for
Evacuation Route Maintenance. Collaborate and plan
with the City of Albany, City of Richmond,, Contra
Costa County, Contra Costa Transportation Authority,
and Caltrans to ensure the ongoing maintenance and
readiness of potential evacuation routes serving El
Cerrito and unincorporated Kensington, including
making improvements to existing roads to support
safe evacuations, as needed. Continue to implement
and expand existing agreements where feasible along
evacuation routes. These agreements shall include
provisions for:
a. Regular assessment and improvement of
existing roads to support safe evacuations.
b. Coordinated planning and implementation of
traffic management strategies during
evacuations.

These efforts will help to ensure adequate capacity,
safety, and viability of evacuation routes in the event of an emergency.

Public Works
Department,
Fire
Department,
Police
Department
MidtermCity of
Richmond,
Contra Costa
County, Contra
Costa
Transportation
Authority, and
Caltrans
Medium Transportation
planning funds,
infrastructure
grants
Agenda Packet Page 186 of 465
City of El Cerrito Safety Element

November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

8.12: Evacuation Route Infrastructure Preparedness.

To enhance evacuation efficiency and safety, the City
will:
a. Continue to evaluate and to the extent feasible
provide back-up power systems for all Cityowned traffic signals on potential evacuation routes.
b. Evaluate and as appropriate develop or update
emergency evacuation traffic signal timing
plans for all signals on potential evacuation
routes, prioritizing outbound traffic flow while
maintaining access for emergency vehicles
through traffic signal pre-emption.
c. Identify and designate routes where temporary
evacuation capacity can be created through
manual traffic direction to optimize traffic flow,
including use of available parking lanes,
shoulders, and bikeways for traffic while
ensuring emergency responder access is
maintained. This will include pre-identifying
bottleneck intersections and positioning law
enforcement personnel to maintain traffic
movement during evacuations.
d. Identify additional opportunities to preserve
and enhance evacuation route infrastructure
preparedness as part of regular maintenance
activities, including evaluating the expansion of
temporary parking restrictions (such as the red
flag day pilot program) to enhance public
safety during evacuations, as appropriate.

Public Works
Department,
Fire
Department,
Police
Department
MidtermHigh General Fund
Agenda Packet Page 187 of 465
Implementation
Hearing Draft Page 83
November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

8.13: Evacuation Route Clearance and Capacity
Enhancement. To maximize evacuation route
effectiveness:
a. The City will implement a permanent program
that allows restriction of on-street parking on
designated evacuation routes during high-risk
periods for various hazards based on
evaluation of pilot program.
b. El Cerrito will support efforts by PG&E to
prioritize the undergrounding of utilities and the
upgrading of power poles with current
isolating/shutdown technologies along main
evacuation routes to minimize the risk of
downed wires during evacuations. The City will
also support tree trimming and other regular
maintenance conducted by PG&E along utility
corridors.

Public Works
Department,
Fire
Department,
Police
Department
MidtermPG&E Medium General Fund,
PG&E
infrastructure
hardening funds
Agenda Packet Page 188 of 465
City of El Cerrito Safety Element

November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

8.14: Community Evacuation Education and
Preparedness. El Cerrito will implement a
comprehensive community evacuation education and
preparedness program, including:
a. Regular updates and dissemination of
information about how to plan for safe and
effective evacuations, in multiple languages
and formats accessible to all community
members.
b. Coordination with West Contra Costa Unified
School District (WCCUSD) and private schools
to develop and regularly update evacuation
plans that address both safe on-campus
procedures and coordinated off-site transport
to predetermined refuge locations beyond the
disaster areas.
c. Targeted outreach and planning for areas with
high concentrations of physically and socially
vulnerable residents, including those with agerelated, disability-related, or other mobility challenges.
d. Conducting periodic community-wide
evacuation exercises to test and refine
evacuation plans and procedures.
e. Encouraging residents and employees to sign
up with the Contra Costa County Community
Warning System and Genasys Protect to
receive emergency alerts and ensure effective
distribution of evacuation notifications.
f. Identifying pedestrian paths, including stairs
and trails, on evacuation maps.

Police
Department
NeartermFire
Department, City
Manager's Office
West Contra
Costa Unified
School District
Medium General Fund
Agenda Packet Page 189 of 465
Implementation
Hearing Draft Page 85
November 2025
Policy Responsible
Department Timing
Supporting
Department(s) Supporting
Agencies
Relative
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources

8.15: Evacuation Assistance Program. Support and
coordinate an evacuation assistance program with
Contra Costa Transportation Authority, AC Transit,
paratransit, dial-a-ride agencies, and care homes to
help those with limited mobility, lack of access to a
vehicle, and other at-risk populations evacuate safely.

Consider training for emergency responders and
volunteers in assisting vulnerable populations during
evacuation.

City
Manager's
Office
MidtermPublic Works
Department,
Recreation
Department
Contra Costa
Transportation
Authority,
Alameda-Contra
Costa County
Transit District,
paratransit, diala-ride agencies
Medium General Fund

8.16: Hazard Planning in Capital Improvements. As
part of the Capital Improvements Program, CIP
Budget, and related planning and funding processes
for capital improvements, include a forward-looking
assessment of how the proposed improvements may
be affected by current and anticipated future hazards,
including those subject to climate change. Highlight
how the project supports community-wide safety,
equity, and climate readiness now and in the future.

All projects shall incorporate at a minimum standard
resilience practices, materials, and other elements to
minimize future maintenance. Larger or more
complex projects shall include a thorough resilience
analysis that describes specific design, material, and
construction strategies to ensure long-term durability
and adaptability.

Public Works
Department
MidtermCity Manager's
Office
Medium General Fund
Agenda Packet Page 190 of 465
City of El Cerrito Safety Element

November 2025

IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES GLOSSARY
Capital Improvement Program - https://www.elcerrito.org/475/Capital-Improvement-Program El Cerrito's multi-year plan for funding and implementing major infrastructure projects, including those that enhance community safety, hazard mitigation, and climate resilience.

Climate Action and Adaptation Plan - https://www.elcerrito.org/325/Climate-Action-Plan El Cerrito's comprehensive strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for climate change impacts,
including measures that overlap with hazard mitigation such as urban forestry, green infrastructure, and wildfire
prevention.

Community Collaborations
Partnerships between the City of El Cerrito and local
organizations, neighborhood groups, businesses, and
service providers to implement safety policies, conduct outreach, and enhance emergency preparedness.

Development Regulations
El Cerrito's set of zoning ordinances, subdivision
regulations, building codes, design guidelines, and other land use controls that govern how property can be
developed, including requirements related to hazard
mitigation and safety.

Development Review - https://www.elcerrito.org/DocumentCenter/View/4760/2017- Development-Review-Application?bidId=
The City of El Cerrito's comprehensive process for
evaluating proposals for new construction and significant renovations. This process ensures compliance with
applicable zoning regulations, subdivision standards,
building codes, design guidelines, environmental
requirements, and other municipal policies.

Emergency Preparedness Planning - https://www.elcerrito.org/572/Get-Ready---Emergency-Preparedness El Cerrito's comprehensive approach to planning for
disasters. This covers a wide range of City activities, including maintaining and updating the Emergency
Operations Plan that directs the City’s emergency response and recovery procedures, evacuation plans and protocols, and coordination with the Contra Costa County Emergency Services.

Geologic, Fire, Flooding, and Other Hazard Maps
Official maps maintained by El Cerrito that identify areas subject to specific hazards, including fault zones, landslideprone areas, Fire Hazard Severity Zones, and flood zones.

Green Infrastructure Plan - https://www.elcerrito.org/1335/Green-Infrastructure-Plan El Cerrito's strategy for implementing natural systems to manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and provide multiple environmental benefits, including specific projects and maintenance protocols.

Hazardous Soils Remediation
The process of identifying and cleaning up sites with soils that have been contaminated with hazardous materials or other pollutants in El Cerrito, particularly in areas with historical industrial use or other potential sources of contamination.

Hillside Natural Area Fire Resilience and Forest
Conservation Management Plan – https://www.elcerrito.org/DocumentCenter/View/21576/HNA-Draft-FinalPlan-020625?bidId= A specific plan for El Cerrito's 102-acre Hillside Natural Area that balances fire risk reduction through vegetation
management with conservation of native plant communities and wildlife habitat.

Intergovernmental Coordination
El Cerrito's formal and informal relationships with other governmental entities, including Contra Costa County,
neighboring cities, special districts, and state agencies to address hazards and emergency planning.

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan –
https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/82
601/City-of-El-Cerrito-Annex-2024-HMP
The Contra Costa County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard
Mitigation Plan and El Cerrito's Annex (a locally specific appendix), which identify risks from natural and humancaused hazards and outline short-term, detailed strategies to reduce these risks.

Municipal Code –
https://library.municode.com/ca/el_cerrito/codes/code_of_ ordinances?nodeId=TIT1GEPR
The codified ordinances of El Cerrito that establish legal requirements for various activities, including those related to public safety, building standards, and emergency
management.

Release of Hazardous Materials -
https://www.cchealth.org/health-and-safetyinformation/hazmat-programs El Cerrito's protocols for responding to and providing public information about hazardous materials incidents, including Agenda Packet Page 191 of 465
Implementation
Public Review Draft Page 87
November 2025
coordination with Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Programs.

Urban Forest Management Plan – https://www.elcerrito.org/463/Urban-Forest-Management-Plan El Cerrito's comprehensive approach to maintaining and
expanding the city's tree canopy, including street trees and trees in parks and other public spaces. The tree canopy helps to reduce urban heat island effects and manage
stormwater.

Agenda Packet Page 192 of 465
City of El Cerrito Safety Element

November 2025

ENDNOTES
i U.S. Geological Survey. 2025, September 22 (accessed). HayWired Scenario: Science Applica�on for Risk Reduc�on. htps://www.usgs.gov/programs/science-applica�on-for-risk-reduc�on/science/haywired-scenario ii California State Water Resources Control Board. 2024, August 23 (accessed). GeoTracker Database. htps://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/map/?CMD=runreport&myaddress. iii California Department of Toxic Substances Control. 2024, August 23 (accessed). EnviroStor Database. htps://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/map/?myaddress. iv U.S. Department of Transporta�on. 2025, February 14 (accessed). Incident Sta�s�cs. htps://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmatprogram-management-data-and-sta�s�cs/data-opera�ons/ incident-sta�s�cs. v U.S. Department of Transporta�on. 2025, February 14 (accessed). Incident Sta�s�cs. htps://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmatprogram-management-data-and-sta�s�cs/data-opera�ons/ incident-sta�s�cs. vi U.S. Geological Survey. 2018, January 23. ARkStorm Scenario. htps://www.usgs.gov/programs/science-applica�on-forrisk-reduc�on/science/arkstorm-scenario vii California Ocean Protec�on Council. 2024. State of California Sea Level Rise Guidance: 2024 Science & Policy Update. htps://opc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/California-Sea-Level-Rise-Guidance-2024-508.pdf. viii Center for Disease Control and Preven�on. 2022. QuickStats: Deaths Involving Exposure to Excessive Heat, by Sex. Na�onal Vital Sta�s�cs System, United States, 1999–2020.
htps://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7134a5.htm#:~:text=During%201999%E2%80%932020%2C%20the %20annual,than%20among%20females%20each%20year. ix U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2024. Extreme Heat. htps://web.archive.org/web/20250116035618/htps://www.hhs.gov/climate-change-health-equity -environmental-jus�ce/climate-change-health-equity/climate-health-outlook/extreme-heat/index.html. x United States Census Bureau, 2020, “Year Structure Built,” in 2016–2020 American Community Survey 5-Year Es�mates. xi Cal-Adapt. 2025, March 18 (accessed). Extreme Heat Days and Warm Nights. htps://cal-adapt.org/tools/extreme-heat xii Cal-Adapt. 2025, June 18 (accessed). Annual Averages. htps://cal-adapt.org/tools/annual-averages xiii Cal-Adapt. 2025, June 18 (accessed). Snowpack. htps://cal-adapt.org/tools/snowpack/ xiv California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. 2024. Vector-borne diseases. htps://oehha.ca.gov/climatechange/epic-2022/impacts-human-health/vector-borne-diseases# :~:text=Warming%20temperatures%20and%20changes%20in,the%20blood%20of%20infected%20birds. xv California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. 2024. Vector-borne diseases. htps://oehha.ca.gov/climatechange/epic-2022/impacts-human-health/vector-borne-diseases# :~:text=Warming%20temperatures%20and%20changes%20in,the%20blood%20of%20infected%20birds.

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CHAPTER 7 RESOURCES AND

HAZARDS
The Resources and Hazards section of the General Plan covers four State mandated elements: Open Space, Conservation, Safety and Noise. The subject matter of this element is intertwined with the rest of the General Plan. For example, areas designated for open space are also intended to minimize damage due to geologic hazards, and trails plans that link local and regional open space areas at the same time providing recreation and offering an alternative to driving.

Hazards policies address issues related to geologic and seismic risk, flooding, hazardous materials and noise. The purpose is to identify and appraise hazards in the community, which will establish a basis for the goals, policies and implementing actions necessary to assure community safety. The noise portion of the element is concerned with planning for land uses that are typically sensitive to noise impacts, including residential development, residential neighborhood quality of life, nursing homes, schools, wildlife sanctuaries, hospitals and treatment centers.

The element also contains policies for the preservation of open space and the conservation of natural resources. The General Plan designates open space and sets forth policies and programs defining ways in which open space will be used, water and air quality will be enhanced, and natural resources will be protected and managed.

NATURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES
A. Setting
Open Space
Open space is discussed primarily in Chapters 4 and 6, although it also serves an important function in preserving natural resources. This is especially true of plant and animal habitats, creeks, erosion control, and visual amenities. Open space serving these functions is subject to the same level of protection as provided by the policies and implementation measures in Chapter 6.

Wildlife
The scarcity of undeveloped land in the City has had a limiting effect on natural areas for both vegetation and wildlife. Some forms of wildlife, such as deer, fox, coyote, and raccoons, can be found in the hills of the City, especially next to the large open areas of Wildcat Canyon. Wildlife also have been found elsewhere in the August 30, 1999 Resources and Hazards 7-1
three
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City. The natural habitat within the City itself is somewhat limited, although it provides an important part of the character and quality of the community. Some plant and animal species are designated as sensitive because of their overall rarity, endangerment, restricted distribution, and/or unique habitat requirements.

Air Quality
Because ventilation is relatively good, and there is little transport of pollutants into El Cerrito from other upwind urban areas, the pollution potential of El Cerrito is relatively low compared to other parts of the San Francisco Bay Area. However, during periods of light or calm winds, which typically occur in the fall and winter months, El Cerrito and the entire Bay Area are subject to stagnation and poor air quality.

Storm Runoff
The watershed within the city limits is fully urbanized, and relatively little additional runoff is anticipated from new development. There are eight major watersheds that drain through the City of El Cerrito. These watersheds generally drain from the Berkeley Hills along the east border of El Cerrito westward towards the City of Richmond and San Francisco Bay. Runoff from the hills generally drains into intermittent drainageways. These waterways are steep, average six feet in width, and have rocky to cobbly substrates incised into bedrock. Recent improvements to the city’s storm drainage system have dramatically improved capacity of the system. El Cerrito has also adopted management guidelines to comply with National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements. NPDES is a federal environmental protection program that regulates the discharge of contaminants to surface waters.

Historic Resources
Prehistoric resources typically include chert or obsidian flakes, projectile points, mortars and pestles, and dark, friable soil containing shell and bone, dietary debris, heat-affected rock, or human burials. Prehistoric archaeological sites in Western Contra Costa County are typically located near historical marsh margins, on terraces along watercourses, and at the base of hills near watercourses. Common prehistoric archaeological resources found at such sites include shell middens and bedrock milling stations. The City of El Cerrito is situated to the east of the general zone where shellmounds have been found. Further from the shoreline and upslope, the likelihood of encountering a classic deposit diminishes. Less than five percent of the city has been surveyed for prehistoric resources. There are five recorded prehistoric archaeological sites within El Cerrito’s boundaries.
“Historic” resources typically include stone or adobe foundations or walls; structures and remains with square nails; and refuse deposits (often found in old wells and privies). The Office of Historic Preservation has also determined that buildings and structures 45 years and older may be of historic value. There are only a few identified historic properties in the city that are listed in the State Office of Historic Preservation Historic Properties Directory, the Contra Costa County Historic Resources 7-2 Resources and Hazards August 30, 1999
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Inventory, and/or a list of historic buildings identified by the El Cerrito Historical Society. There are no properties in the city listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

B. Trends
Open space and natural resources are important to El Cerrito and reflect a variety of important values: ecological, educational, aesthetic, economic and recreational.

These values are interwoven throughout the community in numerous ways so that the preservation of these resources is very important to the well being of the City.

City policies have preserved open space and natural resource values in combination with protection of public health and safety. Such actions include the designation of the Hillside Natural Area and other open space areas, and preparation of the Hillside Natural Area Vegetation Management Plan. (See Figure 12, Open Space Plan.)
This portion of the General Plan is designed to accomplish two major objectives:

1. To identify and protect open space used for the preservation of natural resources and to protect the resources themselves for the benefit of present and future generations.

2. To encourage urban growth in those areas where the natural characteristics of the land are most suited to such development, and to protect the public from risks to life and property.

To accomplish these objectives, two types of policies are proposed––one type proposes specific physical changes, or prescribes management policies for a distinct physical area. The other type of policy applies to the entire area, and prescribes management techniques for new development, makes recommendations to other agencies, or suggests efforts to educate the public.

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C. Goals and Policies
The Implementation Measures associated with each policy are described at the end of this chapter.

Goal R1: Protected natural resources (important habitat, ecological resources, key visual resources, ridges and ridgelines, creeks and streambanks, steeper slopes, vista points, and major features), and clean air and water.

Policies Implementation Measures
R1.1 Habitat Protection. Preserve
oak/woodland, riparian vegetation,
creeks, native grasslands, wildlife
corridors and other important wildlife
habitats. Loss of these habitats should be
fully offset through creation of habitat of
equal value. Compensation rate for
habitat re-creation shall be determined by
a qualified biologist.
• Hillside Natural Area
Vegetation
Management Plan
• Tree Preservation
Ordinance
• Consultation on Fish
and Wildlife Impacts
• CEQA
R1.2 Rare and Endangered Species. Limit
development in areas that support rare
and endangered species. If development
of these areas must occur, any loss of
habitat should be fully compensated onsite. If off-site mitigation is necessary, it should occur within the El Cerrito
planning area whenever possible, and
must be accompanied by plans and a
monitoring program prepared by a
qualified biologist.
• Hillside Natural Area
Vegetation
Management Plan
• Open Space
Preservation Program
• CEQA
R1.3 Potential Environmental Impacts.

Encourage development patterns that
minimize impacts on the City’s biological,
visual and cultural resources, and integrate
development with open space areas.
• Tree Preservation
Ordinance
• Open Space
Preservation Program
• Environmental
Education Programs
• CEQA
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R1.4 Air Quality. Strive to achieve federal and
state air quality standards by managing
locally generated pollutants, coordinating
with other jurisdictions and implementing
measures to limit the increase of
automobile trips in El Cerrito and the
region.
• Air Quality Strategies
R1.5 Clean Energy Sources. Support efforts
by public and private agencies to develop
new sources of energy for all uses, heating
and industrial activities as well as
transportation that will be non-polluting
of our atmosphere.
• Air Quality Strategies
R1.6 Runoff Water Quality. Maintain, at a
minimum, the water quality levels
established by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), implement
Clean Water Program and NPDES
requirements, and achieve the highest
possible level of water quality reasonable
for an urban environment in City creeks.
• Water Quality
Strategies
R1.7 Creek Protection. Preserve riparian
vegetation, protect owners and buyers of
property from erosion and flooding, and
increase public access to the creeks.

Lands adjacent to riparian areas should be
protected as public or private permanent
open space through dedication or
easements.
• Riparian and Stream
Restoration Programs
R1.8 Creek Improvements. Accomplish
design and improvements along creeks
(Cerrito Creek, Baxter Creek, etc.) in
consultation and cooperation with creek
restoration and design professionals.
• Riparian and Stream
Restoration Programs
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R1.9 Development Near Creeks.

For development adjacent to creeks and
major drainages, provide adequate
building setbacks from creek banks,
provision of access easements for creek
maintenance purposes and for public
access to creekside amenities, and creek
improvements such as bank stabilization.

Also protect riparian vegetation outside
the setback.
• Development
Regulations (zoning)
• Development Review
• Creek Ordinance
• CEQA
R1.10 Cerrito Creek and Baxter Creek. In
implementing improvements to Cerrito
Creek, follow design objectives
established in 1996 by the City Council.

Similarly, establish a set of design
objectives that are specific to Baxter
Creek.
• City Council
Resolution 96-103
• Design Objectives for
Baxter Creek
• Creek Ordinance
R1.11 Native Plant Communities. Encourage
use of native plant species for landscaping
in hillside areas, preserve unique plant
communities, and use fire-preventive
landscaping techniques.
• Hillside Natural Area
Vegetation
Management Plan
• Hillside Ordinance
R1.12 Ridgelines Protection in East
Richmond Heights Area. Control
development on ridges to protect the
form of the ridges and, in particular, by
restricting development on ridgelines.

Natural contours and vegetation on
ridgelines should be maintained. Locate
and design structures and other public
and private improvements so as to
minimize cut and fill areas that will impact
public views, safety and surrounding uses,
and avoid building profiles (silhouettes)
being located above the ridgeline when
viewed from public streets and designated
public access areas.
• Open Space
Preservation Program
• CEQA
R1.13 View Protection and Vista Points.

Preserve prominent views of visual
resources and the bay, and consider visual
access and view corridors when reviewing
development proposals. Require
• Open Space
Preservation Program
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assessment of critical public views,
ridgelines, scenic overlooks, Bay vista
points, significant knolls, stands of trees,
rock outcrops, and major visual features
as part of the project review process to
assure that projects protect natural
resources through proper site planning,
building design and landscaping, and that
public access is provided if possible to
vista points.

R1.14 Continued Inter-Agency Cooperation
in Environmental Resource
Protection: Ensure that the mandatory
referral process is utilized by all
governmental projects prior to any
authorization, and that the cities, county,
and appropriate agencies initiate
cooperative studies, when needed, in
matters pertaining to open space and
environmental resource protection.
• CEQA
• Intergovernmental
Coordination
R1.15 Joint Watershed Partnership. Assure
coordination between the cities of El
Cerrito, Albany, Berkeley, and Richmond,
the East Bay Regional Park District, and
the University of California at Berkeley to
restore the watershed of the joint
jurisdictions to a healthy condition.

Cooperate closely to achieve the goals
expressed in The Joint Watershed Goals
Statement.
• Intergovernmental
Coordination
• Joint Watershed Goals
Statement
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Goal R2: Protected and rehabilitated architectural, historical, cultural, and archaeological resources that are of local, state, or federal significance.

Policies Implementation Measures
R2.1 Historic Preservation. Ensure that the
remodeling and renovation of historic
structures respects the character of the
structure and its setting.
• Historic Preservation
Ordinance
• Development Review
• Historical Inventory
and Designation
• Archaeological
Resources
• Development
Regulations (zoning)
R2.2 Development Approvals. Ensure that
all local, state, and federal laws pertaining
to such resources are observed in the
granting of development approvals.
• Historic Preservation
Ordinance
• Development Review
• Design Guidelines
• CEQA
R2.3 Vegetation. Include significant trees and
other plant materials in the definition of
significance.
• Historic Preservation
Ordinance
• Design Guidelines
R2.4 Coordination. Coordinate City
preservation activities with appropriate
community groups and state and federal
agencies.
• Historic Preservation
Ordinance
R2.5 Public Awareness. Promote public
awareness of significant resources
through educational programs, tours,
markers, and other appropriate measures.
• Historic Preservation
Ordinance
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HAZARDS
A. Setting
The policies below address issues related to geologic and seismic risk, flooding, hazardous materials and noise. The element covers two state mandated general plan elements, safety and noise. The purpose of the element is to identify and appraise hazards in the community that will establish a basis for the goals, policies and implementing actions necessary to assure community safety. Other issues such as disaster preparedness, fire and crime prevention will be addressed in more detail in the Public Facilities and Services section of the General Plan.

El Cerrito lies on the southwest facing slopes of the Berkeley Hills, rising from the Bay Plain to the top of the ridgeline (approximate elevation 900 feet). Several faults run roughly parallel to the ridgeline, with an extensive portion of the Alquist-Priolo fault zone mostly located in the City of El Cerrito. Potential health and safety hazards due to earthquake, other geologic conditions, fire, noise and flooding exist in El Cerrito. These conditions are summarized below.

Earthquake
There is a probability of roughly one in four of a large earthquake (magnitude 7 or greater) occurring in the next thirty years along each of the two Hayward fault segments, as well as the peninsula segment of the San Andreas Fault. The Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities (1990) has estimated that there is only a 2 percent chance of a magnitude 8 earthquake occurring on the nearby segment of the San Andreas Fault within the next 30 years.

Other Geologic Hazards
From a geologic and geotechnical standpoint, the primary concerns in El Cerrito are: (1) slope stability; (2) earthquake ground shaking; (3) fault ground rupture; and (4) liquefaction potential. According to the Tri-Cities Seismic Safety Study (Bishop 1973), virtually all of the upland areas of El Cerrito have a moderate to high landslide risk. The highest risk for groundshaking is in the flatter areas, which have shallow alluvium. Several small areas along Baxter and Cerrito creeks are identified as having a high liquefaction potential.

Fire Hazards
El Cerrito’s intermix of urban housing and wildland areas increases the community’s risk of loss from a devastating fire. The City’s Fire Hazard Reduction Program addresses hazard reduction in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity zones of the city, requiring that property owners take special precautions with their properties, including vegetation management, to reduce the risk of fire. In addition, creation of a buffer zone interface between developed areas and the East Bay Regional Park District open space and City parks should occur to reduce the risk of fire. 7-10 Resources and Hazards August 30, 1999
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Areas Prone to Flooding
There have been a number of large storms in El Cerrito that have caused drainage problems and flooding in the past. Recent completion of the first phase in the City’s storm drain master plan program has addressed the highest priority sites and significantly reduced localized flooding issues in the city. During the past year of heavy rains, only three sites had drainage-related flooding problems. The only portion of El Cerrito located in a FEMA Flood Insurance Zone is the area located west of San Pablo Avenue and south of Central Avenue. Flooding is generally caused by the relatively low ground elevations and high tides in this area, coupled with hydraulic restrictions in the existing downstream channels located in Richmond between El Cerrito and San Francisco Bay.

NOISE
A. Setting
The major noise sources in the City of El Cerrito are vehicular and rail traffic. Noise generated by vehicular traffic in El Cerrito is greatest along Interstate 80 and San Pablo Avenue. In most cases there will not be significant increases in noise from these sources. BART trains are a significant noise source in El Cerrito, but are different in nature from vehicular noise because they are characterized by numerous discrete, periodic events during train pass-bys. Studies indicate that after entering or leaving the Del Norte BART Station, BART trains produce maximum noise levels typically in the range of 72 to 76 dBA. Further away from the station, where BART trains travel faster, maximum noise levels typically range from 75 to 80 dBA.

Residents also complain about BART noise where the tracks curve in the northern end of the City.

Land uses that are most sensitive to external noise sources include schools and libraries, hospitals and convalescent homes, churches and outdoor recreation areas.

Other sensitive uses are residential and public facilities located near transportation links such as BART, San Pablo Avenue, or the Freeway.

B. Trends
Hazards – General
The intent of the General Plan is to reduce the potential for injury, damage, public expense, and loss of life due to natural and man-made hazards. The concept of public safety expressed in the General Plan is based on the following assumptions:

1. Hazards are an unavoidable aspect of life. Not every degree of risk or all hazards can be eliminated.

2. Public policy and action are appropriate to mitigate against hazards which: (a) have a high degree of risk to the general public or to a large part of the population; (b) may have relatively low risk but which would be considered disasters should the event occur; and (c) may not have a disaster potential but which are persistent safety problems with a history of occurring in the City.

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The extent of the hazard depends on local conditions, since most hazards are confined to a particular area or site. Various health and safety hazards should be considered in planning the location, design, intensity, density and type of land uses in a given area. Long-term costs to the City, such as maintenance, liability exposure and emergency services, are potentially greater where high hazards exist.

The 1975 General Plan provided the framework and direction for development of more detailed studies, policies, and programs, including designation of the Hillside Natural Area and other open space areas; preparation of the Hillsides Natural Area Vegetation Management Plan; preparation of the Storm Water Master Plan; designation of Very High Fire Hazard Severity zones; and development of the City’s Fire Hazard Reduction Program. The 1999 update reflects these plans and programs as well as respond to other issues of community concern. In addition, Chapter 6, Public Facilities and Services, contains policies and programs covering fire hazards.

It is important that coordination and review of resource and environmental hazard protection implementing measures continue to occur in El Cerrito. (See Figure 13) Noise
The noise portion of the General Plan is concerned with planning for land uses that are typically sensitive to noise impacts, including residential development, residential neighborhood quality of life, nursing homes, schools, wildlife sanctuaries, hospitals and treatment centers. Noise is generally defined as unwanted sound. Whether a sound is unwanted depends on when and where it occurs, what the listener is doing when it occurs, characteristics of the sound (loudness, pitch and duration, speech or music content, irregularity) and how intrusive it is above background sound levels.

Examples of potential noise generators in residential neighborhoods include, among others, I-80, BART, retail center operations and the location of play areas (such as school and park play areas). The Noise portion of the General Plan will establish the basis for code enforcement and regulation through the proposed adoption of a noise ordinance to control nuisances such as off-hour truck unloading and trash pickup, barking dogs, loud music and vehicle noise.

The normally acceptable noise standards for new land uses are established in Table 7-1, Land Use Compatibility for Community Exterior Noise Environments. This table defines the acceptable noise environment for the uses listed – it does not refer to the noise generated by the uses listed.

Table 7-2 shows existing (1998) and projected (2020) noise levels for BART, I-80 and San Pablo Avenue. The projected increase in noise levels along other City streets is projected to be less than 1 decibel (dB), which is less than noticeable. It should be noted that the projected increase in traffic on I-80 will be offset by a decrease in the average travel speed and noise levels are not projected to increase over existing levels.
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Figure 13 is unavailable at this time in this digital version.

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Figure 7-1 Land Use Compatibility for Community Noise Environments Land Use Compatibility for Community Noise Environments Exterior Noise Exposure (Ldn or CNEL, dB)
Land Use Type 55 60 65 70 75 80
Residential, Hotels
and Motels
Outdoor Sports and Recreation,
Neighborhood Parks and Playgrounds
Schools, Libraries, Museums, Hospitals,
Personal Care, Meeting Halls, Churches
Office Buildings, Business Commercial,
and Professional
Auditoriums, Concert Halls,
Amphitheaters
Industrial, Manufacturing, Utilities
and Agriculture
Normally Acceptable
Specified land use is satisfactory, based upon the assumption that any buildings involved are of normal conventional construction, without any special noise insulation requirements.

Conditionally Acceptable
Specified land use may be permitted only after detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements and needed noise insulation features included in the design.

Unacceptable
New construction or development should generally not be undertaken because mitigation is usually not feasible to comply with Noise Element policies.
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Table 7-2 Existing and General Plan Buildout Noise
Contour Distances
Interstate 80 with Soundwalls
Ldn (dB) Distance from Centerline (feet)
70 140
65 320
60 1100
Source: Illingworth & Rodkin, Inc., 1999
Interstate 80 without Soundwalls
Ldn (dB) Distance from Centerline (feet)
80 150
75 400
70 1200
65 3000
60 6500
Source: Illingworth & Rodkin, Inc., 1999
BART (Existing and Projected)
Ldn (dB) Distance from Centerline (feet)
70 30
65 150
60 320
Source: Illingworth & Rodkin, Inc., 1999
San Pablo Avenue (Existing and Projected)
Distance from
Centerline (feet)
Distance from Centerline (feet)
Ldn (dB) Existing General Plan Buildout
70 45 55
65 140 175
60 300 380
Source: Illingworth & Rodkin, Inc., 1999
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C. Goals and Policies
The Implementation Measures associated with each policy are described in the following section of this chapter.

Goal H1: Minimal potential for loss of life, injury, damage to property, economic and social dislocation and unusual public expense due to natural and man-made hazards, including protection from the risk of flood damage, hazards of soil erosion, fire hazards, weak and expansive soils, potentially hazardous soils materials, other hazardous materials, geologic instability, seismic activity, and release of hazardous materials from refineries and chemical plants in West County.

Policies Implementation Measures
H1.1 Location of Future Development.

Permit development only in those areas
where potential danger to the health,
safety, and welfare of the residents of the
community can be adequately mitigated.
• Building Code Update
• Geologic, Fire,
Flooding and Other
Hazard Maps
• CEQA
H1.2 Development Review. Require
appropriate studies to assess identified
hazards and assure that impacts are
adequately mitigated.
• Building Code Update
• Geologic, Fire,
Flooding and Other
Hazard Maps
• Geotechnical Review
Procedures
• CEQA
H1.3 Geotechnical Review. Require
geotechnical studies for development
proposals in potentially hazardous areas;
such studies should determine the actual
extent of geotechnical hazards, optimum
location for structures, the advisability of
special structural requirements, and the
feasibility and desirability of a proposed
facility in a specified location.
• Geologic, Fire,
Flooding and Other
Hazard Maps
• Geotechnical Review
Procedures
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H1.4 Soils and Geologic Review. Require
soils and geologic review of development
proposals as mapped in accordance with
City procedures to assess potential
seismic hazards, liquefaction, landsliding,
mudsliding, erosion, sedimentation and
settlement in order to determine if these
hazards can be adequately mitigated.
• Geologic, Fire,
Flooding and Other
Hazard Maps
• Geotechnical Review
Procedures
H1.5 Erosion Control. Provide appropriate
control measures in conjunction with
proposed development in areas
susceptible to erosion, including an
erosion control plan and revegetation
plan as part of grading permits, and
ensure that mineral production be
planned and carried out to avoid
destruction or degradation of the
environment.
• Hillside Natural Area
Vegetation
Management Plan
• Development Review
• Design Guidelines
H1.6 Development on Steeper Slopes. As a
soil conservation and flood prevention
measure, slopes exceeding 30 percent in
steepness should be developed with
extreme caution and should be designed
to control erosion and runoff.
• Hillside Natural Area
Vegetation Plan
• Development Review
• Hillside Ordinance
H1.7 Geological Hazards Mitigation.

Require all geologic hazards be adequately
addressed and mitigated through project
development. Development proposed
within areas of potential geological
hazards shall not be endangered by, nor
contribute to, the hazardous conditions
on the site or on adjoining properties.
• Geologic, Fire,
Flooding and Other
Hazard Maps
• Geotechnical Review
Procedures
H1.8 Seismic Safety. Assure existing and new
structures are designed to contemporary
standards for seismic safety. Review,
amend, and update, at regular intervals, all
relevant City codes and ordinances to
incorporate the most current knowledge
and highest standards of seismic safety.
• Building Code Update
• Geologic, Fire,
Flooding and Other
Hazard Maps
• Geotechnical Review
Procedures
• Unreinforced Masonry
Buildings
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H1.9 Potential Hazardous Soils Conditions.

Evaluate new development on sites that
may have involved hazardous materials
(such as older fill sites, historical auto
service uses, industrial uses, or areas
where hazardous materials may have been
used) prior to development approvals.
• Hazardous Materials
Storage Tanks
• Hazardous Soils
H1.10 Hazardous Materials Storage and
Disposal. Require proper storage and
disposal of hazardous materials in
accordance with all State, Federal and
local laws and regulations to prevent
leakage, potential explosions, fires, or the
escape of harmful gases, and to prevent
individually innocuous materials from
combining to form hazardous substances,
especially at the time of disposal.
• Hazardous Waste
Management
• Hazardous Materials
Storage Tanks
• Hazardous Soils
H1.11 Hazardous Waste Management.

Support measures to responsibly manage
hazardous waste to protect public health,
safety and the environment, and support
state and federal safety legislation to
strengthen requirements for hazardous
materials transport.
• Hazardous Waste
Management
• Transportation of
Hazardous Materials
H1.12 Hazardous Materials Usage. Minimize
the use of toxic and hazardous materials.

Encourage the use of safer alternative
materials and practices, and advise
builders on applying for any programs for
non-toxic building materials incentives.
• Hazardous Waste
Management
H1.13 Clean Environment. Provide
information to the community regarding
the potential health hazards posed by
pollution and possible solutions. Such
educational programs sponsored by
educational institutions should also be
supported.
• Hazardous Waste
Management
H1.14 Regional Agencies Coordination.

Cooperate with and to promote the
efforts of regional organizations in their
efforts to clean up the environment.
• Hazardous Waste
Management
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H1.15 Flood Hazards. Assure existing and
new structures are designed to protect
people and property from the threat of
potential flooding. New development
shall be designed to provide protection
from potential impacts of flooding during
the “1% chance” or “100-year” flood.
• Geologic, Fire,
Flooding and Other
Hazard Maps
H1.16 Maintenance for the City’s Storm
Drainage Facilities. In order to
maintain unobstructed drainage courses,
existing laws prohibiting the dumping of
debris, fill or other waste materials into
creeks and channels, and the littering of
garbage should be strictly enforced. The
City will also continue to maintain a high
level of maintenance for its storm
drainage facilities. New developments will
be carefully reviewed to insure that
adequate storm drain facilities are
available both on and off the site.
• Storm Drainage
Facilities
• Cooperation with
Other Jurisdictions in
Solving Storm
Drainage Problems
H1.17 Storm Drainage Capacity. Ensure
storm drainage capacity to be available to
carry runoff generated by new
developments, and implement the City’s
Storm Water Master Plan.
• Storm Drainage
Facilities
• Cooperation with
Other Jurisdictions in
Solving Storm
Drainage Problems
H1.18 Rise in Sea Level. Coordinate with
local, regional, state, and federal agencies
regarding potential rise in sea level.
• Cooperation with
Other Jurisdictions in
Solving Storm
Drainage Problems
H1.19 Standards of Fire Safety. Review,
amend, and update, at regular intervals, all
relevant City codes and ordinances to
incorporate the most current knowledge
and highest standards of fire safety. The
City should also review at adequate
intervals, the adequacy of existing fire
service facilities throughout the
community in relation to such factors as
hydrant capacity, peak load water
requirements, fire access roads to
wildland areas, and other fire protection
factors.
• Building Code Update
• Geologic, Fire,
Flooding and Other
Hazard Maps
• Emergency
Preparedness Planning
7 lso
s
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H1.20 Fire Hazard Reduction Program.

Promote fire safety in El Cerrito through
fire prevention programs and public
information programs. Emphasis should
be given to programs devoted to the
following:

1. Very High Fire Hazard Severity zones
in the City as they relate to definable
fire and fire safety hazards.

2. Map high hazard areas.

3. Strengthen existing codes in relation
to such high hazard areas.
• Building Code Update
• Geologic, Fire,
Flooding and Other
Hazard Maps
• Emergency
Preparedness Planning
H1.21 Fire Retardant Landscaping.

Encourage the use of fire-retardant
vegetation for landscaping, especially in
high fire hazard areas.
• Geologic, Fire,
Flooding and Other
Hazard Maps
• Emergency
Preparedness Planning
H1.22 Hillside Natural Area. Control
vegetation growth in the Hillside Natural
Area to reduce fire hazards.

• Annual Budget
Goal H2: Government agencies, citizens and businesses are prepared for an effective response and recovery in the event of emergencies or disasters.

Policies Implementation Measures
H2.1 Hazard Awareness. Publicize disaster
plans and promote resident awareness
and caution regarding hazards, including
soil instability, earthquakes, flooding, and
fire.
• Geologic, Fire,
Flooding and Other
Hazard Maps
• Emergency
Preparedness Planning
• Release of Hazardous
Materials
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H2.2 Public Facilities. Locate and design
emergency buildings (police, fire, hospital,
etc.) and vital utilities, communication
systems and other public facilities so that
they remain operational during and after
an emergency or disaster.
• Geologic, Fire,
Flooding and Other
Hazard Maps
• Emergency
Preparedness Planning
Goal H3: New development complies with the noise standards established in the General Plan, all new noise sources are within acceptable standards, and existing objectionable noise sources are reduced or eliminated.

Policies Implementation Measures
H3.1 Noise Levels in New Residential
Projects. New residential development
projects shall meet acceptable exterior
noise level standards. The "normally
acceptable" noise standards for new land
uses are established in Table 7-1, Land
Use Compatibility for Community
Exterior Noise Environments, which
shall be modified by Policies H3.2
through H3.12, below.
• Noise Standards
Review
• State Noise Insulation
Standards
• CEQA
H3.2 Outdoor Noise Levels. The goal for
maximum outdoor noise levels in
residential areas is an Ldn of 60 dB. This
level is a requirement to guide the design
and location of future development and is
a goal for the reduction of noise in
existing development. However, 60 Ldn
is a goal that cannot necessarily be
reached in all residential areas within the
realm of economic or aesthetic feasibility.

This goal will be applied where outdoor
use is a major consideration (e.g.,
backyards in single-family housing
developments and recreation areas in
multi-family housing projects). The
outdoor standard will not normally be
applied to the small decks associated with
apartments and condominiums but these
will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Noise Standards
Review
• State Noise Insulation
Standards
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Where the city determines that providing
an Ldn of 60 dB or lower outdoors is not
feasible, the outdoor goal may be
increased to an Ldn of 65 dB at the
discretion of the Planning Commission.

H3.3 Indoor Noise Levels. The indoor noise
level as required by the State of California
Noise Insulation Standards must not
exceed an Ldn of 45 dB in new housing
units.
• Noise Standards
Review
• State Noise Insulation
Standards
H3.4 Indoor Instantaneous Noise Levels.

Interior noise levels in new single-family
and multi-family residential units exposed
to an Ldn of 60 dB or greater should be
limited to a maximum instantaneous noise
level in the bedrooms of 50 dBA.

Maximum instantaneous noise levels in
other rooms should not exceed 55 dB.

The typical repetitive maximum
instantaneous noise level at each site
would be determined by monitor.

Examples would include truck passbys on
busy streets, BART passbys and train
warning whistles.
• Noise Standards
Review
• State Noise Insulation
Standards
H3.5 Impacts of BART Noise. If the noise
source is BART, then the outdoor noise
exposure criterion should be 70 Ldn for
future development, recognizing that
BART noise is characterized by relatively
few loud events.
• BART Noise
H3.6 New Commercial, Industrial and
Office Noise Standards. Appropriate
interior noise levels in commercial,
industrial, and office buildings are a
function of the use of space and shall be
evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Interior noise levels in offices generally
should be maintained at 45 Leq (hourly
average) or less.
• Noise Standards
Review
• State Noise Insulation
Standards
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H3.7 Areas Below Desired Noise Standards.

These guidelines are not intended to be
applied reciprocally. In other words, if an
area currently is below the desired noise
standards, an increase in noise up to the
maximum should not necessarily be
allowed. The impact of a proposed
project on an existing land use should be
evaluated in terms of the increase in
existing noise levels and potential for
adverse community impact, regardless
• Noise Standards
Review
• State Noise Insulation
Standards
H3.8 Non-Transportation Related Noise
Sources. For non-transportation related
noise sources, noise levels outdoors
should not exceed the limits in the table
above. Interior noise levels shall be 15
decibels lower than those shown in the
table.
• Noise Standards
Review
• State Noise Insulation
Standards
H3.9 Noise Environment in Existing
Residential Areas. Protect the noise
environment in existing residential areas.

In general, the City will require the
evaluation of mitigation measures for
projects under the following
circumstances:

1. The project would cause the Ldn to
increase 3 dB(A) or more.

2. Any increase would result in an Ldn
greater than 60 dB(A).

3. The Ldn already exceeds 60 dB(A).

4. The project has the potential to
generate significant adverse
community response.
• Noise Standards
Review
• State Noise Insulation
Standards
• Noise Ordinance
H3.10 Mitigating the Effects of Noise on
Adjacent Properties. Require proposals
to reduce noise impacts on adjacent
properties by incorporating appropriate
measures into the project.
• Noise Standards
Review
• State Noise Insulation
Standards
• Noise Ordinance
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H3.11 Commercial or Industrial Source
Noise. Noise created by commercial or
industrial sources associated with new
projects or developments shall be
controlled so as not to exceed the noise
level standards set forth in the table
below (Maximum Allowable Noise
Exposure for Stationary Noise Sources),
as measured at any affected residential
land use.
• Noise Standards
Review
• State Noise Insulation
Standards
• Noise Ordinance
H3.12 New Noise Reducing Technologies.

Support and employ new noise reducing
technologies in the development and
maintenance of local and regional
infrastructure.
• Noise Standards
Review
• State Noise Insulation
Standards
Maximum Allowable Noise Exposure for Stationary Noise Sources (1) Daytime (5) Nighttime (2,5)
(7 AM to 10 PM) (10 PM to 7 AM)
Hourly Leq, DB (3) 55 45
Maximum Level, dB (3) 70 65
Maximum Level, dB - Impulsive Noise (4) 65 60
(1) As determined at the property line of the receiving land use. When determining the effectiveness of noise mitigation measures, the standards may be applied on the receptor side of noise barriers or other property line noise mitigation measures. (2) Applies only where the receiving land use operates or is occupied during nighttime hours. (3) Sound level measurements shall be made with "slow" meter response. (4) Sound level measurements shall be made with "fast" meter response. (5) Allowable levels shall be raised to the ambient noise levels where the ambient levels exceed the allowable levels. Allowable levels shall be reduced 5 dB if the ambient hourly Leq is at 7-24 Resources and Hazards August 30, 1999
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IMPLEMENTATION
The following is a summary of the major tools available to the City for implementation of the policies in this chapter, Resources and Hazards.

1. Air Quality Strategies
Implement trip reduction and energy conservation measures for jobs/housing balance, Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and transit, as identified in the Community Design and Development, and Housing Elements, and coordinate with regional and state agencies and other West County jurisdictions in enhancing air quality.

2. Annual Budget
The annual budget should provide adequate funds for community facilities, infrastructure, and services. In particular, it should place a high priority on the inspection and maintenance of recreational facilities, especially on ensuring the safety of these facilities. Once the existing problems of deferred maintenance are corrected, it should be avoided because it inevitably leads to higher costs.

3. Archaeological Resources
Where possible, archaeological sites or fragile historic sites will be placed within open space areas as defined during the specific project review process.

4. BART Noise
Continue to work with-BART on noise reduction programs, placing special emphasis on noise reduction adjacent to noise sensitive uses. (i.e., public library, Fairmont School, Civic Center and residences within 200 feet of BART right-ofway)

5. Building Code Update
Update the Building and other codes as necessary to address earthquake, fire and other hazards and support programs for the identification, abatement or mitigation of existing hazardous structures.

6. CEQA
The City should ensure that the CEQA review process adequately identifies impacts of new development upon the natural environment.

7. City Council Resolution 96-103
The following objectives were adopted by City Council Resolution 96-103, and are summarized below:
a. Create a strong relationship between the creek and adjacent land by integrating retail, housing and civic uses with the creek, and improving the creek as an amenity.
b. Create a continuous pedestrian/bicycle corridor along the creek, linking this segment to creek alignments to the west and east.

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c. Link a creekside pedestrian/bicycle corridor along Cerrito Creek to the Bay Trail.
d. Provide opportunities for visual and physical linkages between Albany and El Cerrito.
e. Create an open natural channel along its entire length within the Plaza area. f. Restore the creek channel as a natural riparian corridor with habitat enhancement.
g. Provide variety of uses and diversity of experiences along the creek alignment. h. Extend the open creek channel to San Pablo Avenue and investigate the potential to realign the creek north of the Wells Fargo building, and to make a visible connection across San Pablo Avenue.
i. Provide for physical access by pedestrians to the creek channel.

8. Consultation on Fish and Wildlife Impacts
The City will continue to notify and consult with the California Department of Fish and Game and the Army Corps of Engineers when development projects are proposed in locations where there may be impacts to fish and wildlife and their habitats.

9. Cooperation with Other Jurisdictions in Solving Storm Drainage Problems
Work with other agencies, such as the City of Richmond and Contra Costa County, to address downstream drainage problems. Such jurisdictions should be encouraged to participate and help solve such drainage problems. In the event that Kensington decides to install new storm drainage facilities, El Cerrito should review the plans to insure that the proposed system will be compatible with the design and capacity of El Cerrito’s system and to encourage contributions to any adjacent system changes as a result of such plans.

10. Creek Ordinance
Consider adoption of a creek ordinance applicable city-wide to waterways to be specified, to include, among other factors, such provisions as setbacks of construction including buildings and paved areas; avoidance of culverting; standards for waterway restoration; and principles of watershed management.

11. Design Objectives for Baxter Creek
A set of objectives should be adopted by the council for Baxter Creek, similar to Resolution 96-103. Objectives might include:
a. Improve the natural channel characteristics.
b. Maintain and improve the riparian habitat.
c. Improve and maintain water quality in the creek channel. d. Integrate the Baxter Creek corridor with the Ohlone Greenway and establish a connection with the proposed Central Richmond Greenway. e. Provide for physical access by pedestrians to the creek channel. 7-26 Resources and Hazards August 30, 1999
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f. Establish a creek corridor through public ownership of a conservation easement or other interest in a portion of the property through which the creek flows. g. Establish setbacks for buildings and other improvements, through special regulations or a general Citywide creek protection ordinance.

12. Design Guidelines
Design guidelines are very useful tools for ensuring that development is compatible with the surrounding area and that it provides required design features. To the extent possible, the guidelines should be specific; guidelines that are quantifiable should be considered for incorporation into the development regulations.

13. Development Regulations (zoning)
The development regulations, primarily the zoning regulations, provide the standards for development, prescribe allowable uses, contain specific incentive provisions, and include other standards and procedures related to approval of development projects.

14. Development Review
The development review process includes discretionary review by the Planning Commission and the Design Review Board, based on consideration of General Plan objectives and policies, and criteria established by the zoning and subdivision ordinances and other city regulations and adopted guidelines. Most discretionary actions are subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The development review process also includes administrative review of projects to verify compliance with Planning Commission and Design Review Board requirements, as well as standards set by the City through adoption of building and fire codes, engineering standards, and other regulations and ordinances.

15. Emergency Preparedness Planning
Continue to implement emergency preparedness plans in coordination with the County Office of Emergency Services regarding the provision of emergency services in the event of a large earthquake or other disaster. Continue to organize a comprehensive grassroots emergency preparedness plan using volunteer to organize neighborhood-level disaster response and preparation.

16. Environmental Education Programs
Establish public information/education programs to enhance public knowledge about environmental protection and conservation measures.

17. Geologic, Fire, Flooding and Other Hazard Maps
Maintain detailed hazard maps for use in development review.

18. Geotechnical Review Procedures
Update City guidelines establishing geotechnical review procedures, including but not limited to, the content of geologic feasibility reports and design level geotechnical reports, and the credentials of the authors of such reports.

Considerations include:

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a. Implement procedures and requirements of the state-established Alquist-Priolo zone.
b. Establish procedures addressing the type(s) of investigation, minimum report guidelines, minimum standards, technical review of reports submitted to the City, and enforcement of recommendations contained in the reports and City policy.
c. Define types of projects and areas within the planning area that trigger report requirements for engineering geologic and/or geotechnical (soil and foundation engineering) reports to address these concerns. d. Require engineering geologic reports: (a) for certain projects within a Fault Studies Zone; and (b) for certain projects in hillside and flatland areas and within 50 feet of creekbanks.
e. Require geotechnical reports for: (a) additions imposing significant new loads on existing foundations; (b) projects involving significant grading, particularly where located on a slope (e.g. swimming pools, basements); (c) repair of foundation distress; (d) landslide repairs; and (e) repair of distressed retaining walls over 4 feet in height. f. Require the engineering geologist of record (where one is required on the project) to be an engineering geologist certified by the State of California.
g. Require the geotechnical consultant of record to be a registered civil engineer who holds a valid authorization to use the title “soil engineer” as provided in Section 6736.1 of the State of California Business and Professions Code.
h. Continually revise the existing database to indicate those sites with geologic/geotechnical reports on file.

19. Hazardous Materials Storage Tanks
A comprehensive investigation of hazardous materials storage tanks should be undertaken for specific sites when development is proposed. The potential hazard of any tanks or former tank sites found should then be evaluated using California EPA and local regulatory guidelines, and remedied.

20. Hazardous Soils
Sites within El Cerrito that are contaminated with hazardous substances should be remediated in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. If it is not feasible to fully remediate soils, land uses may be restricted to protect public health and safety.

21. Hazardous Waste Management
Work with Contra Costa County, other cities in the county and other jurisdictions on implementing measures of the County Hazardous Waste Management Plan.

22. Hillside Natural Area Vegetation Management Plan
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Implement the Hillside Natural Area Vegetation Management Plan in coordination with fire reduction programs.

23. Hillside Ordinance
The City should examine its existing regulations regarding hillside development and assess other hillside ordinances, such as the City of Richmond’s April 1997 Hillside Ordinance, to ensure that environmental and safety issues are properly addressed.

24. Historic Preservation Ordinance
Consider adopting a Historic Preservation Ordinance following procedures identified by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to protect historic resources and to ensure that new buildings and remodeling of existing buildings are compatible with City goals for preserving the City's historic resources and character.

The City should also examine financial assistance options for eligible historic properties. The ordinance would:
a. Establish standards for determining the historic value of potentially historic properties.
b. Define historic areas where new development will be required to complement the character of the surrounding historic structures. c. Establish separate historic design guidelines that could be used to allow the adaptive re-use of historic buildings and facade improvements, and include guidelines and standards covering specific historical/architectural features, materials, colors, etc. for all new construction.
d. Address Unreinforced Masonry Building safety.
e. Establish exceptions from parking, lot coverage and setback requirements for historic buildings (through separate zoning amendment).

25. Historical Inventory and Designation
The City should initiate, or work with a local civic group to initiate, an inventory of structures or sites that may have architectural, historical, archeological, or cultural significance to the community. The City should then consider action to list the most significant structures or sites on the California Register of Historical Resources and the National Register of Historic Places.

26. Intergovernmental Coordination
The City should continue to coordinate with other cities, Contra Costa and Alameda counties, and other agencies to ensure that environmental objectives are achieved.

27. Joint Watershed Goals Statement
Assure ongoing general cooperation in the furtherance of joint watershed goals as adopted by the City of El Cerrito on September 5, 1995, and seek out opportunities to jointly apply for grants and jointly undertake planning, construction, educational, and watershed management projects which will be approved on a case-by-case basis by the respective governing bodies. Joint Watershed Goals include:
a. Restoring creeks by removing culverts, underground pipes, and obstructions to fish and animal migration, and putting creeks in August 30, 1999 Resources and Hazards 7-29
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EL CERRITO GENERAL PLAN
restored channels up in the sunshine where people and wildlife can enjoy them.
b. Restoring creek corridors as natural transportation routes with pedestrian and bicycle paths along creekside greenways; wherever possible, using creekside greenways to connect neighborhoods and commercial districts east of Interstate 80 freeway to the shoreline of San Francisco Bay and the San Francisco Bay Trail.
c. Restoring a healthy freshwater supply to creeks and the Bay by eliminating conditions that pollute rainwater as it flows overland to creeks, and eliminating conditions that prevent a healthy amount of rainwater from soaking into the ground and replenishing the underground water supplies that nourish creeks.
d. Instilling widespread public awareness of the value of developing infrastructure along lines that promote healthier watersheds and watershed-oriented open spaces where nature and community life can flourish.

28. Noise Ordinance
Adopt a noise ordinance to regulate noise-generating activities.

29. Noise Standards Review
Review development proposals to assure consistency with noise standards. The City will require the following and other means, as appropriate, to mitigate noise impacts on adjacent properties:
a. Screen and control noise sources such as parking, outdoor activities and mechanical equipment.
b. Increase setbacks for noise sources from adjacent dwellings. c. Wherever possible do not remove fences, walls or landscaping that serve as noise buffers, although design, safety and other impacts must be addressed.
d. Use soundproofing materials and double glazed windows. e. Control hours of operation, including deliveries and trash pickup to minimize noise impacts.

The City will use the Future Noise Contours data to determine if additional noise studies are needed for proposed development.

30. Open Space Preservation Program
See Implementation Section of Chapter 4.

31. Release of Hazardous Materials
Update emergency preparedness planning and education related to the release of hazardous materials from refineries and chemical plants in West County to take into account risk management plans of operators.

32. Riparian and Stream Restoration Programs
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Establish priorities for riparian and stream restoration that include erosion control measures, stream clean-up, improved capacity and reliability of the City’s storm drain system, and revegetation plans. Coordinate creek preservation with CEQA review, bicycle master plan, open space preservation actions, and grant funding.

33. State Noise Insulation Standards
Use the adopted Health and Safety Element as a guideline for compliance with the State’s noise insulation standards by providing noise contour information around all major sources in support of the sound transmission control standards (Chapter 2- 35, Part 2, Title 24, California Administrative Code).

34. Storm Drainage Facilities
f i l
Efforts should be made to provide funds for the improvement of the City’s storm drainage facilities to meet the substantial cost of any such projects.

35. Transportation o Hazardous Mater a s
Work with Contra Costa County, other cities in the county and other jurisdictions in establishing standards for the transportation of hazardous wastes through West County and the City.

36. Tree Preservation Ordinance
Consider adoption of a tree preservation ordinance that will define types and size of trees to be protected, and will include specific criteria, procedures and mitigation when trees are proposed to be removed.

37. Unreinforced Masonry Buildings
Develop strategies for abatement of Unreinforced Masonry Buildings (URMB) hazards consistent with Guidelines established by the California Seismic Safety Commission, with provisions for coordination with historic preservation.

38. Water Quality Strategies
Implement habitat protection programs and evaluate proposed projects for potential water quality impacts that may require sediment basins as part of grading activities, grease/oil traps where concentrations of such pollutants are anticipated, or other measures. In coordination with Contra Costa County, continue to implement measures consistent with the City’s NPDES Stormwater Permit.

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City of El Cerrito
GENERAL PLAN SAFETY ELEMENT:

ADDENDUM TO THE

CITY OF EL CERRITO GENERAL PLAN

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
October 2025 | Addendum
State Clearinghouse No. 1999022058
Agenda Item No. 8.B.

Attachment 4
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October 2025 | Addendum
State Clearinghouse No. 1999022058
SAFETY ELEMENT CEQA DOCUMENT:

ADDENDUM TO THE

CITY OF EL CERRITO GENERAL PLAN

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
for the City of El Cerrito
Prepared for:

City of El Cerrito
Contact: Sean Moss, Planning Manager
10890 San Pablo Avenue
El Cerrito, CA 94530
510.215.4359
Prepared by:

PlaceWorks
Contact: Liza Debies, Associate Principal
2040 Bancroft Way, Suite 400
Berkeley, California 94709
314.591.7979
[email protected]
www.placeworks.com
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OCTOBER 2025 i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction ...................................................................................................1-1

1.1 Purpose and Scope............................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Environmental Procedures................................................................................... 1-2

2. Project Description.........................................................................................2-1

2.1 Regional Location................................................................................................. 2-1

2.2 Study Area............................................................................................................ 2-1

2.3 Background .......................................................................................................... 2-1

3. Environmental Analysis ..................................................................................3-1

3.1 Environmental Evaluation and Discussion ........................................................... 3-1

4. Conclusion......................................................................................................4-1

4.1 Substantial Changes to the Project...................................................................... 4-1

4.2 Substantial Changes in Circumstances................................................................. 4-1

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CITY OF EL CERRITO SAFETY ELEMENT CEQA DOCUMENT:

ADDENDUM TO THE GENERAL PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

CITY OF EL CERRITO
ii PlaceWorks
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OCTOBER 2025 1-1

1. INTRODUCTION
This is an Addendum to the El Cerrito General Plan Environmental Impact Report (General Plan EIR), prepared in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15168. This Addendum reviews the proposed goals and policies in the Safety Element update and finds that the Safety Element update is consistent with the General Plan and that its potential environmental impacts are within the scope of those addressed in the General Plan EIR, which was certified by the El Cerrito City Council in September 1999.

1.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The City of El Cerrito (City) certified the El Cerrito General Plan Environmental Impact Report (Certified EIR), State Clearinghouse (SCH) Number 1999022058, in September 1999. The General Plan is the “blueprint” for the City and lays out the future of the City’s development in general terms through a series of policies. The General Plan provides the City with a vision for achieving balanced residential, commercial, and civic uses in El Cerrito.

The Safety Element is a State-mandated General Plan element (topic area) that must identify potential natural and human-caused hazards that could affect the City’s residents, businesses, and services. The Safety Element is the section of the General Plan that helps to protect the community against natural disasters and other hazardous conditions. This element identifies these hazards and contains goals and policies to improve the City’s resilience. The proposed project consists of updating the Safety Element to address changed conditions, current best practices, and to meet current requirements in State law.

Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15164 and 15168, this Addendum has been prepared to document that the potential environmental impacts associated with the Safety Element update (herein referred to as Safety Element update or proposed project) are within the scope of those addressed in the Certified EIR. This Addendum also documents that none of the conditions have occurred, as described in Public Resources Code Section 21166 or CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15163, that would call for preparation of a subsequent or supplemental EIR. As described below, there are no changes associated with the proposed project or changes in circumstances that would trigger subsequent environmental review.

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ADDENDUM TO THE GENERAL PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

CITY OF EL CERRITO

1. INTRODUCTION
1-2 PlaceWorks

1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEDURES
Pursuant to the CEQA Statutes Section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15162, when an EIR has been certified for a project, no subsequent EIR shall be prepared for the project unless the lead agency determines that one or more of the following conditions are met:
 Substantial project changes are proposed that will require major revisions of the previous EIR due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects;  Substantial changes would occur with respect to the circumstances under which the project is undertaken that require major revisions to the previous EIR due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects; or
 New information of substantial importance that was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the previous EIR was certified shows any of the following:
a. The project will have one or more significant effects not discussed in the previous EIR. b. Significant effects previously examined will be substantially more severe than identified in the previous EIR.
c. Mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in fact be feasible and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects of the project, but the project proponent declines to adopt the mitigation measures or alternatives. d. Mitigation measures or alternatives that are considerably different from those analyzed in the previous EIR would substantially reduce one or more significant effects on the environment, but the project proponent declines to adopt the mitigation measures or alternatives.

Where none of the conditions specified in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 are present,1 the lead agency must determine whether to prepare an Addendum or whether no further CEQA documentation is required (CEQA Guidelines Section 15162[b]). An Addendum is appropriate where some changes or additions to the previously certified EIR are necessary, but there are not any new or substantially more severe significant impacts (CEQA Guidelines Section 15164).

In accordance with the CEQA Guidelines, as demonstrated in Section 2, Project Description, and Section 3, Environmental Analysis, of this Addendum, the City has determined that an Addendum to the Certified EIR is appropriate for the proposed project. 1 See also Section 15163 of the CEQA Guidelines, which applies the requirements of Section 15162 to supplemental EIRs.

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2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 REGIONAL LOCATION
The City of El Cerrito is in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. The City is approximately 11 miles northeast of San Francisco in Contra Costa County, bordered by the City of Richmond to the north and west, Wildcat Canyon Regional Park to the east, the Cities of Albany and Berkeley to the south, and the San Franciso Bay to the west (beyond the City of Richmond). Regional access to the City is provided by Interstate 80 (I-80), Interstate 580 (I-580), and by the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) transit system. The City encompasses approximately four square miles.

2.2 STUDY AREA
The Study Area for this Addendum is the area within the El Cerrito City limit, approximately 2,386 acres. This area was evaluated in the Certified EIR.

2.3 BACKGROUND

2.3.1 1999 General Plan
The General Plan, adopted in 1999, lays out the future of the City’s development through goals and policy framework. Currently, the State-mandated Safety Element is woven through two chapters of the existing General Plan (Chapter 6, Public Facilities and Services, and Chapter 7, Resources and Hazards), which include the policies that address safety. These policies were evaluated as part of the environmental review conducted in the Certified EIR.

2.3.2 Safety Element Update (Proposed Project)
The existing 1999 Safety Element is out of date and does not include many of the required topics in current State law. As described previously, policies addressing safety within the City are addressed through two chapters in the General Plan. The proposed project will ensure that the Safety Element meets current requirements and contains important components, such as climate change adaptation and evacuation. The Safety Element will be a dedicated element in the General Plan.

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The Safety Element update follows the requirements of Section 65302(g) of the California Government Code, which mandates that a Safety Element contain background information and policies to address multiple natural hazards, an analysis of vulnerabilities from climate change, policies to improve climate change resilience, and an assessment of residential areas with evacuation constraints. The Safety Element update covers the following safety issues: seismic and geologic hazards, hazardous waste and materials, flood and inundation hazards, fire hazards, extreme heat and severe weather, drought, human health hazards, and emergency preparedness and response. The Safety Element update is a programmatic document, which provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City.

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3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
As previously described in Section 1.2, Environmental Procedures, this Addendum has been prepared pursuant to the Public Resources Code Section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15164 to determine whether implementation of the proposed project would result in any new impacts compared to those evaluated in the Certified EIR. This Addendum only considers the extent to which the proposed project could result in new or more severe impacts than previously evaluated in the Certified EIR; it does not reevaluate impacts that would remain consistent with the analysis provided in the Certified EIR.

The proposed project is a program-level policy document focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and policies and does not include land use or zoning changes that would result in direct or indirect growth or changes in building density and intensity. As shown in the supporting environmental checklist, no provisions implemented under the proposed project would result in direct or indirect population growth and thus would not place additional demands on natural resources, public services, or infrastructure. In addition, the proposed project does not include any site-specific designs or proposals to develop specific projects, nor does it grant any entitlements for development projects. Any future construction-level projects occurring from implementation of the proposed project would be subject to applicable federal, State, regional, and/or City regulations, including compliance with General Plan policies and Municipal Code requirements, and undergo an appropriate level of environmental review under CEQA, including incorporating mitigation measures from the Certified EIR, as required.

3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION AND DISCUSSION
Sections 3.1.1 through 3.1.21 provide a summary of the conclusions from the Certified EIR and then provides an evaluation of the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project as compared to the impacts identified in the Certified EIR. This evaluation is organized to correspond with the standards of significance consistent with Appendix G, Environmental Checklist Form, of the CEQA Guidelines. CEQA identifies and analyzes the significant effects on the environment, where “significant effect on the environment” means a substantial or potentially substantial adverse change in any of the physical condition within the area affected by the project (CEQA Guidelines Section 15382). The proposed project, which does not increase development potential, introduce new types of development, or expand the boundaries of the Study Area evaluated under the Certified EIR, is analyzed herein.

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3.1.1 Aesthetics
The Certified EIR concluded that development consistent with the General Plan would result in less-than-significant impacts on scenic vistas, would not substantially damage scenic resources, would not conflict with applicable zoning or other regulations governing scenic quality, or create a new source of light and glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area with implementation of mitigation measures that include the adoption of, and adherence to, the following policies: LU1.1, LU1.2, LU1.3, LU.3, LU1.5, LU1.5, LU1.6, LU1,7, LU2.1, LU2.5, LU3.1, LU3.2, LU4.1, LU4.5, LU4.6, LU5.1, LU5.2, LU5.3, LU5.4, LU5.6, LU6.1, CD1.1, CD1.2, CD1.3, CD3.3, CD3.4, CD3.9, CD4.1, CD4.2, T1.7, T2.1, PR1.7, PS2.11, PS2.12, PS3.5, and PS5.3, and adherence to applicable guidelines, and procedures, including, but not limited to, Design Guidelines, Development Regulations (zoning), and Development Review. 2 The proposed project is a program-level policy document that provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City. Therefore, the proposed project would not change the scale or location of development beyond that which could occur from implementation of the General Plan, and, as such, would not result in adverse impacts to aesthetics beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR. There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project would not result in new or more severe impacts beyond what was addressed in the Certified EIR and would not meet any other standards under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3).

3.1.2 Agriculture and Forestry Resources
The Certified EIR concluded that development consistent with the General Plan would result in no impacts on Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, and Farmland of Statewide Importance, would not conflict with a Williamson Act contract, would not conflict with forest land or timberland, would not result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use, and would not involve the conversion of Farmland to nonagricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use.
3 2 City of El Cerrito. 1999, April 16. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of El Cerrito General Plan Update, page 2-10 and pages 4-83 through 4-87. 3 City of El Cerrito. 1999, April 16. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of El Cerrito General Plan Update, page 1-2.

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The proposed project is a program-level policy document which provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City. Therefore, the proposed project would not change the scale or location of development beyond that which could occur from implementation of the General Plan, and, as such, would not result in adverse impacts with respect to agriculture and forestry resources.

There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project would not result in new or more severe impacts beyond what was addressed in the Certified EIR and would not meet any other standards under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3).

3.1.3 Air Quality
The Certified EIR concluded that development consistent with the General Plan would result in significant and unavoidable impacts with respect to conflicts with an applicable air quality plan and would result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of a criteria pollutant for which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable federal or State ambient air quality standard. The Certified EIR also concluded that development consistent with the General Plan would result in a less-than-significant impact with respect to exposing sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations with implementation of normal permit and review procedures and mitigation measures that include the adoption of, and adherence to, the following policies: R1.4, LU5.5, T1.3, T1.4, and T2.2. In addition, the Certified EIR concluded that development consistent with the General Plan would result in no impact on other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people. 4 The proposed project is a program-level policy document that provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City. The proposed project would not change the scale or location of development or overall ground-disturbing activities beyond those that could occur from implementation of the General Plan, and, as such, would not result in adverse impacts to air quality resources beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR. There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project would not result in new or more severe impacts beyond what was addressed in the Certified EIR and would not meet any other standards under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3). 4 City of El Cerrito. 1999, April 16. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of El Cerrito General Plan Update, pages 2-4 and 2-5 and 4-31 through 4-38.

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3.1.4 Biological Resources
The Certified EIR concluded that development consistent with the General Plan would result in less-than-significant impacts on candidate, sensitive, or special-status species, would not have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat, would not have a substantial adverse effect on wetlands or wildlife corridors, would not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, and would not conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan with implementation of mitigation measures that include the adoption of, and adherence to, the following policies: LU6.1, R1.1, R1.2, R1.3, R1.7, R1.8, and R1.9, and adherence to applicable guidelines, procedures, and implementing strategies, including, but not limited to, Riparian and Stream Restoration Programs, Environmental Education Programs, a Hillside Natural Area Vegetation Management Plan, Tree Preservation Ordinance, Open Space Preservation Actions, and consultation with applicable regulatory agencies.
5 The proposed project is a program-level policy document that provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City. The proposed project would not change the scale or location of development or overall ground-disturbing activities beyond those that could occur from implementation of the General Plan, and, as such, would not result in adverse impacts to biological resources beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR. There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project would not result in new or more severe impacts beyond what was addressed in the Certified EIR and would not meet any other standards under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3).

3.1.5 Cultural Resources
The Certified EIR concluded that development consistent with the General Plan would result in less than significant impacts on historical resources, would not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource, and would not disturb any human remains with implementation of mitigation measures that include the adoption of, and adherence to, Policy R1.3, and adherence to applicable guidelines, procedures, and 5 City of El Cerrito. 1999, April 16. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of El Cerrito General Plan Update, pages 2-9 and 2-10 and 4-78 through 4-82.

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implementing strategies, including, but not limited to, Development Review, Historical Inventory and Designation, and Archaeological Resources.6
The proposed project is a program-level policy document that provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City. The proposed project would not change the scale or location of development or overall ground-disturbing activities beyond those that could occur from implementation of the General Plan, and, as such, would not result in adverse impacts to cultural resources beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR. There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project would not result in new or more severe impacts beyond what was addressed in the Certified EIR and would not meet any other standards under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3).

3.1.6 Energy
The Certified EIR concluded that development consistent with the General Plan would result in less-than-significant impacts with respect to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources and would not conflict with or obstruct a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency with implementation of mitigation measures that include the adoption of, and adherence to, the following policies: LU5.5, T1.3, T1.4, T2.2, R1.4, R1.5, CD4.4, CD4.5, CD5.1, and H-7, and adherence to applicable guidelines, procedures, and implementing strategies and plans, including, but not limited to, the Bicycle Master Plan, Capital Improvement Program, Travel Demand Management (TDM), Intergovernmental Coordination, Development Regulations (zoning), Development Review, and Air Quality Strategies.7 The proposed project is a program-level policy document that provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City. As described in more detail in Section 4.1.8, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, the El Cerrito City Council adopted the City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) that addresses energy use along with GHG emissions and community resilience in the face of climate change-related hazards. The Safety Element update incorporates the climate vulnerability assessment in the CAAP and contains policies that support the adaptation and resilience efforts in the CAAP. Therefore, the proposed project reaffirms and further implements efforts of the CAAP in safeguarding the existing energy infrastructure and promoting energy efficiency. It 6 City of El Cerrito. 1999, April 16. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of El Cerrito General Plan Update, pages 2-10 and 4-88 through 4-90. 7 City of El Cerrito. 1999, April 16. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of El Cerrito General Plan Update, pages 2-8 and 4-63 through 4-64.

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would not change the scale or location of development or overall ground-disturbing activities beyond those that could occur from implementation of the General Plan, and, as such, would not result in more intense energy usage or any other adverse impacts to energy beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR. There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project would not result in new or more severe impacts beyond what was addressed in the Certified EIR and would not meet any other standards under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3).

3.1.7 Geology and Soils
The Certified EIR concluded that development consistent with the General Plan would not directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death, related to faulting, seismic shaking, or landslides with implementation of applicable General Plan policies, guidelines, procedures, and implementing strategies and plans, including the use of Geologic, Fire, Flooding, and Other Hazard Maps, Geotechnical Review Procedures, and Emergency Preparedness Planning. The Certified EIR also concluded that there would be less-than-significant impacts with respect to the loss of topsoil and that development would not be located on unstable soil or expansive soil and would not destroy a unique paleontological resource with implementation of mitigation measures that include the adoption of, and adherence to, the following policies: H1.1, H1.2, H1.3, H1.4, H1.5, H1.6, H2.1, and H2.2, and adherence to applicable guidelines, procedures, and implementing strategies and plans, including, but not limited to, the Capital Improvement Program and Development Review.

Additionally, the Certified EIR concluded that there would be no impacts associated with soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks. 8 The proposed project is a program-level policy document that provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City. The proposed project includes policies to address seismic and geologic hazards (Goal 1). It would not change the scale or location of development or overall grounddisturbing activities beyond those that could occur from implementation of the General Plan, and, as such, would not result in adverse impacts with respect to geology and soils beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR. There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project would not result in new or more severe impacts beyond what was 8 City of El Cerrito. 1999, April 16. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of El Cerrito General Plan Update, pages 2-9, 4-68 through 4-78, and 4-88.

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addressed in the Certified EIR and would not meet any other standards under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3).

3.1.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The Certified EIR did not include an evaluation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions pursuant to CEQA Guidelines criteria (a) and (b) for GHG emissions because these criteria were not introduced to the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G, Environmental Checklist, until 2010, and therefore were not required by CEQA at the time the Certified EIR was prepared. However, global climate change could have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the EIR was certified. In the U.S. Supreme Court Case of Massachusetts v. USEPA (2007) 549 U.S. 497, 507, the Court explained the issue began garnering governmental attention long before the General Plan EIR was certified in 1999. The opinion states: “[i]n the late 1970s, the Federal Government began devoting serious attention to the possibility that carbon dioxide emissions associated with human activity could provoke climate change. In 1978, Congress enacted the National Climate Program Act, 92 Stat. 601, which required the President to establish a program to ‘assist the Nation and the world to understand and respond to natural and man-induced climate processes and their implications.” Although the Certified EIR did not include a GHG analysis, the Certified EIR included an evaluation of the GHG emissions (particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter [PM10], reactive organic gases [ROG], nitrogen oxides [NOx], ozone [O3], and carbon monoxide [CO]) in Chapter 4.5, Air Quality. 9 On July 16, 2024, the El Cerrito City Council adopted the City’s CAAP to address GHG emissions and community resilience in the face of climate change-related hazards. The City developed the CAAP’s focus areas and strategies based on results from community engagement, the vulnerability assessment, and GHG analysis. The CAAP intends to serve as a roadmap toward reaching aggressive emissions-reduction targets, improving the City’s resilience to climate change impacts, and guiding collaboration between the City and community of El Cerrito. The CAAP aims to distribute the benefits of climate action and adaptation equitably by prioritizing vulnerable communities in planning and implementation. The Safety Element update incorporates the climate vulnerability assessment in the CAAP and contains policies that support the adaptation and resilience efforts in the CAAP. Therefore, the proposed project would support the CAAP in reducing GHG emissions for construction and operation of potential future development in the City. There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project would not result in new or more severe impacts beyond what was 9 City of El Cerrito. 1999, April 16. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of El Cerrito General Plan Update, pages 4-31-4-38.

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addressed in the Certified EIR and would not meet any other standards under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3).

3.1.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
The Certified EIR concluded that development consistent with the General Plan would result in less-than-significant impacts with respect to disposal of hazardous materials, would not cause a release of hazardous materials into the environment, would not emit hazardous emissions within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school, would not be located on a site that is included on a list of hazardous materials sites, would not physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan, and would not expose people or structures to wildland fires with implementation of applicable mitigation measures that include the adoption of, and adherence to, the following policies: H1.7, H1.8, H1.9, H1.10, and H1.11, and adherence to applicable guidelines, procedures, and implementing strategies and plans, including, but not limited to, the Hazardous Waste Management, Development Review, and Transportation of Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Materials Storage Tanks. The Certified EIR also concluded that development consistent with the General Plan would not result in impacts to an airport land use plan or within two miles of a public airport or public use airport. 10 The proposed project is a program-level policy document that provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City. The proposed project includes policies to address hazardous waste and materials (Goal 2). It would not change the scale or location of development or overall grounddisturbing activities beyond those that could occur from implementation of the General Plan, and, as such, would not result in adverse impacts with respect to hazards and hazardous materials beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR. There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project would not result in new or more severe impacts beyond what was addressed in the Certified EIR and would not meet any other standards under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3).

3.1.10 Hydrology and Water Quality
The Certified EIR concluded that development consistent with the General Plan would result in less-than-significant impacts with respect to water quality standards, would not decrease groundwater supply, would not alter the drainage pattern of the area such that it would cause erosion, runoff, polluted runoff, and flooding, would not release pollutants due to project 10 City of El Cerrito. 1999, April 16. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of El Cerrito General Plan Update, pages 2-6, 4-55, and 4-56, and 4-65 through 4-68.

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inundation, and would not conflict with a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan with implementation of mitigation measures that include the adoption of, and adherence to, the following policies: PS1.1, PS1.2, PS4.1, H1.13, H1.14, H1.15, H1.16, R1.6, R1.7, R1.8, and R1.9, and adherence to applicable guidelines, procedures, and implementing strategies and plans, including, but not limited to, the Capital Improvement Program, Development Review, Water Quality Strategies, and use of Geologic, Fire, Flooding, and Other Hazard Maps.11
The proposed project is a program-level policy document that provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City. The proposed project includes policies to address flooding and inundation hazards (Goal 3). It would not change the scale or location of development or overall grounddisturbing activities beyond those that could occur from implementation of the General Plan, and, as such, would not result in adverse impacts with respect to hydrology and water quality beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR. There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project would not result in new or more severe impacts beyond what was addressed in the Certified EIR and would not meet any other standards under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3).

3.1.11 Land Use and Planning
The Certified EIR concluded that development consistent with the General Plan would result in less-than-significant impacts with respect to dividing an established community and would not conflict with applicable land use plans, policies, and regulations with implementation of mitigation measures that include the adoption of, and adherence to, the following policies:

LU1.1, LU1.2, LU1.3, LU1.4, LU1.5, LU1.6, LU1.7, LU2.1, LU2.5, LU3.1, LU3.2, LU4.1, LU4.5, LU4.6, LU5.1, LU5.2, LU5.3, LU5.4, LU5.6, LU6.1, CD1.1, CD1.2, CD1.3, CD3.3, CD3.4, CD3.9, CD4.1, CD4.2, T1.7, T2.1, PR1.7, PS2.11, PS2.12, PS3.5, and PS5.3. 12 The proposed project is a program-level policy document that provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City. The proposed project would not change the scale or location of development or overall ground-disturbing activities beyond those that could occur from implementation of the General Plan, and, as such, would not result in adverse impacts with 11 City of El Cerrito. 1999, April 16. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of El Cerrito General Plan Update, pages 2-6, 2-9, 4-44, and 4-73 through 4-77. 12 City of El Cerrito. 1999, April 16. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of El Cerrito General Plan Update, pages 2-2, 2-3, and 4-3 through 4-17.

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respect to land use and planning beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR. There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project would not result in new or more severe impacts beyond what was addressed in the Certified EIR and would not meet any other standards under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3).

3.1.12 Mineral Resources
The Certified EIR does not identify any mineral resources in the City.

The proposed project is a program-level policy document that provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City. The proposed project would not change the scale or location of development or overall ground-disturbing activities beyond those that could occur from implementation of the General Plan, and, as such, would not result in adverse impacts with respect to mineral resources beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR. There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project would not result in new or more severe impacts beyond what was addressed in the Certified EIR and would not meet any other standards under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3).

3.1.13 Noise
The Certified EIR concluded that development consistent with the General Plan would result in less-than-significant impacts on temporary or permanent increases in ambient noise levels and would not be located in a private airstrip or airport land use plan that would expose people to excessive noise levels with implementation of mitigation measures that include the adoption of, and adherence to, the following policies: H3.1, H3.2, H3.3, H3.4, H3.5, H3.6, H3.7, H3.8, H3.9, H3.10, H3.11, and H3.12, and adherence to applicable guidelines, procedures, and implementing strategies and plans, including, but not limited to, compliance with the Noise Ordinance, State Noise Insulation Standards, and BART Noise.13 The General Plan EIR did not include an evaluation of groundborne vibration pursuant to criterion (b). However, impacts associated with groundborne vibration could have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the EIR was certified, and no such impact was identified in the Certified EIR. The Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual, prepared by the Federal Transit Administration, was originally issued in 1995, prior to 13 City of El Cerrito. 1999, April 16. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of El Cerrito General Plan Update, pages 2-5 and 4-39 through 4-43.

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certification of the Certified EIR.14 The manual provides procedures for prediction and assessing noise and vibration impacts for transit projects and is commonly used to evaluate impacts associated with groundborne vibration for several types of development projects.

The proposed project is a program-level policy document that provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City. It would not change the scale or location of development or overall grounddisturbing activities beyond those that could occur from implementation of the General Plan, and, as such, would not result in adverse impacts with respect to noise beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR. There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project would not result in new or more severe impacts beyond what was addressed in the Certified EIR and would not meet any other standards under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3).

3.1.14 Population and Housing
The Certified EIR concluded that development consistent with the General Plan would result in less-than-significant impacts on inducing substantial unplanned population growth and would not displace people or housing with implementation of mitigation measures that include the adoption of, and adherence to, the following policies: LU1.1, LU1.2, LU1.3, LU1.4, LU1.5, LU1.6, LU1.7, LU2.1, LU2.3, LU2.5, LU3.1, LU3.2, LU4.1, LU4.2, LU4.5, LU5.1, LU5.2, LU5.3, and LU5.4, and adherence to applicable guidelines, procedures, and implementing strategies and plans, including, but not limited to, the Capital Improvement Program, Design Guidelines, Development Regulations (zoning), Development Review, Economic Development Strategy, Housing Program, Redevelopment Program, and Specific Plans.15 The proposed project is a program-level policy document that provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City. It would not change the scale or location of development or overall grounddisturbing activities or directly or indirectly induce population growth beyond that which could occur from implementation of the General Plan, and, as such, would not result in adverse impacts with respect to population and housing beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR.

There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project 14 Federal Transit Administration. 2018, September. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual. 15 City of El Cerrito. 1999, April 16. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of El Cerrito General Plan Update, pages 2-3 and 4-17 through 4-20.

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would not result in new or more severe impacts beyond what was addressed in the Certified EIR and would not meet any other standards under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3).

3.1.15 Public Services
The Certified EIR concluded that development consistent with the General Plan would result in less-than-significant impacts on fire protection services, police protection services, schools, parks, and other public facilities with implementation of mitigation measures that include the adoption of, and adherence to, the following policies: GM4.2, PS1.1, PS1.2, PS1.3, PS1.4, PS1.7, PS2.1, PS2.2, PS2.3, PS2.4, PS2.5, PS2.6, PS2.7, PS2.8, PS2.9, PS2.10, PS2.11, PS2.12, PS3.1, PS3.5, PS5.3, PS6.1, PS6.2, PS6.3, H1.17, H1.18, H1.19, H2.1, LU4.6, CD2.4, CF1.8, PR1.1, PR1.6, PR2.3, CF1.1, CF1.2, CF1.4, CF1.5, CF1.6, CF1.7, and CF1.8, and adherence to applicable guidelines, procedures, and implementing strategies and plans, including, but not limited to, the development review process and requirements for payments of public facilities fees.16 The proposed project is a program-level policy document that provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City. The proposed project includes policies to reduce fire hazards (Goal 4) and assist the community and public services providers with responding to and recovering from emergencies (Goal 8). It would not change the scale or location of development or overall ground-disturbing activities or directly or indirectly induce population growth beyond that which could occur from implementation of the General Plan, and, as such, would not result in adverse impacts with respect to public services beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR.

There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project would not result in new or more severe impacts beyond what was addressed in the Certified EIR and would not meet any other standards under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3).

3.1.16 Recreation
The Certified EIR concluded that development consistent with the General Plan would result in less-than-significant impacts on existing neighborhood and regional parks and would not require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities with implementation of mitigation measures that include the adoption of, and adherence to, the following policies:

PR1.2, PR1.3, PR1.4, PR1.5, PR1.6, PR1.7, PR1.8, PR1.9, PR1.10, PR1.11, PR1.12, PR1.14, PR2.1, PR2.2 and PR2.3, and adherence to applicable guidelines, procedures, and implementing 16 City of El Cerrito. 1999, April 16. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of El Cerrito General Plan Update, pages 2-5 through 2-8 and 4-44 through 4-61.

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strategies and plans, including, but not limited to, Development Review, Grant Funds, In-lieu Fees, Annual Budget, Asset Replacement Fund, and Capital Improvement Program.17 The proposed project is a program-level policy document that provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City. It would not change the scale or location of development or overall grounddisturbing activities or directly or indirectly induce population growth beyond that which could occur from implementation of the General Plan, and, as such, would not result in adverse impacts with respect to recreation facilities beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR.

There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project would not result in new or more severe impacts beyond what was addressed in the Certified EIR and would not meet any other standards under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3).

3.1.17 Transportation
The Certified EIR concluded that development consistent with the General Plan would result in less-than-significant impacts on conflicts with the circulation system, would not increase hazards or incompatible uses, and would not result in inadequate emergency access with implementation of mitigation measures that include the adoption of, and adherence to, the following policies: LU5.1, GM1.1, GM1.2, GM3.3, GM4.1, GM4.3, T1.1, T1.2, T1.7, T2.1, T2.2, T3.1, T3.3, T4.1, T4.2, T4.3, and T4.4, and adherence to applicable guidelines, procedures, and implementing strategies and plans, including, but not limited to, the Capital Improvement Program, use of the General Plan Circulation Map, Development Review, Intergovernmental Coordination, Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan, Transportation System Performance Measures, Bicycle Master Plan, Travel Demand Management (TDM), Design Guidelines, Design Review, and Development Regulations (zoning).
18 The Certified EIR did not include an evaluation of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) pursuant to criterion (b) of the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G, Environmental Checklist, because this criterion was not introduced to the checklist until 2018, and therefore were not required by CEQA at the time the EIR was certified. With the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 743 (September 2013), which was codified in Public Resources Code Section 21099, and the subsequent adoption of revised CEQA Guidelines (December 2018), level of service (LOS) can no longer be used as a criterion for 17 City of El Cerrito. 1999, April 16. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of El Cerrito General Plan Update, pages 2-7 and 4-59 through 4-61. 18 City of El Cerrito. 1999, April 16. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of El Cerrito General Plan Update, pages 2-7, 4-21 through 4-30, and 4-55 through 4-59.

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identifying significant transportation impacts for most projects under CEQA.19 SB 743 changed the focus of transportation impact analysis in CEQA from measuring quality-of-life impacts to drivers, to measuring the physical impacts of driving on the environment. Changes in law, regulation, or guidelines adoption are not “new information” as that term is used in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 if the information about the issue (i.e., VMT) was known or should have been known at the time EIR was certified (in this case 1999). The Certified EIR included a discussion of the generation of additional daily automobile trips in Chapter 4.8, Energy, of the Certified EIR.20 Since the certification of the General Plan EIR, the issue of VMT has become a more prominent issue of concern, as evidenced by passage of SB 743 in 2013.

The proposed project is a program-level policy document that provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity within the City. It would not change the scale or location of development or overall ground-disturbing activities or directly or indirectly induce population growth beyond that which could occur from implementation of the General Plan, and, as such, would not result in adverse impacts with respect to transportation beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR.

There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project would not result in new or more severe impacts beyond what was addressed in the Certified EIR and would not meet any other standards under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3).

3.1.18 Tribal Cultural Resources
The Certified EIR did not include an evaluation of tribal cultural resources in accordance with criteria in CEQA Guidelines Appendix G Sections XVIII(a) and XVIII(b) because these criteria were not introduced to the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G, Environmental Checklist, until 2017, and were not required to be evaluated per CEQA at the time the EIR was certified. Changes in law, regulation, or guidelines adoption are not “new information” as that term is used in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 if the information about the issue (i.e., tribal cultural resources) was known or should have been known at the time EIR was certified (in this case 1999). Numerous studies completed in the twentieth centuries have documented resources and/or sites of 19 LOS is the measure of the average amount of delay experienced by vehicle drivers at an intersection or along a road segment during the most congested time of day. VMT measures the total number of daily miles traveled by vehicles on the roadway network and thereby the impacts on the environment from those miles traveled. LOS is a measure of local vehicle congestion at an intersection or on a road segment, and VMT is a measure of the total miles of vehicle travel measured area-wide or at the project level. 20 City of El Cerrito. 1999, April 16. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of El Cerrito General Plan Update, pages 4-62 through 4-64.

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significance to Native American tribes. Therefore, this is not new information per CEQA Guidelines Section 15162.

In compliance with SB 18,21 a letter was sent to the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to determine whether any sacred sites are listed on its Sacred Lands File for the potential sites for housing. A response was received on June 13, 2025, indicating the search returned positive results for tribal cultural resources within the Study Area and recommended contacting tribal representatives. The City sent SB 18 letters to the tribal representatives provided by the NAHC on June 23, 2025. The City received a response from the Confederated Villages of Lisjan Nation requesting consultation on July 16, 2025, and a response from the Indian Canyon Mutsun Band of Costanoan on July 25, 2025. The City clarified with representatives of both tribes that the Safety Element update is a policy document and any future discretionary projects occurring from implementation of the proposed project would undergo an appropriate level of environmental review under CEQA, including tribal consultation, as required per CEQA. City staff met with a representative of the Indian Canyon Mutsun Band of Costanoan on August 12, 2025 and discussed the project. The City followed up with both tribes on September 17, 2025 to confirm that neither tribe had any comments to share regarding the Safety Element update. No other responses have been received to date.

3.1.19 Utilities and Service Systems
The Certified EIR concluded that development consistent with the General Plan would result in less-than-significant impacts on water, wastewater treatment, and stormwater drainage, electric power, natural gas, and telecommunications facilities, would not affect water supply for future development, would not create the need for additional wastewater treatment capacity, would not generate solid waste in excess of state or local standards, and would comply with statutes related to solid waste with implementation of mitigation measures that include the adoption of, and adherence to, the following policies: GM5.1, GM5.2, GM5.3, GM5.4, PS2.8, PS3.5, PS5.1, S4.1, PR2.3, PS4.1, R1.6, R1.7, R1.8, R1.9, H1.14, and H1.15, and adherence to applicable guidelines, procedures, and implementing strategies and plans, including, but not limited to, the Growth Management Element of the El Cerrito General Plan that establishes a service standard (for capacity planning purposes), Capital Improvement Program, and Development Review.22 21 Senate Bill 18, passed in 2005, requires a city to consult with the Native American Heritage Commission and any appropriate Native American tribes for the purpose of preserving relevant tribal cultural resources prior to the adoption, revision, amendment, or update of a General Plan. 22 City of El Cerrito. 1999, April 16. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of El Cerrito General Plan Update, pages 2-5 through 2-8 and 4-44 through 4-57.

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The proposed project is a program-level policy document which provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City. The proposed project includes policies to safeguard utility infrastructure (Goals 1, 5, and 8). It would not change the scale or location of development or overall grounddisturbing activities or directly or indirectly induce population growth beyond that which could occur from implementation of the General Plan, and, as such, would not result in adverse impacts with respect to utilities and service systems beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR. There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project would not result in new or more severe impacts beyond what was addressed in the Certified EIR and would not meet any other standards under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3).

3.1.20 Wildfire
While wildfire was not introduced as its own topical section in the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G, Environmental Checklist, until 2018, Chapter 4.7, Public Services and Utilities, of the Certified EIR addressed impacts to fire protection services and emergency evacuation and impacts were found to be less than significant with implementation of mitigation measures that include the adoption of, and adherence to, the following policies: PS2.1, PS2.2, PS2.3, PS2.4, PS2.5, PS2.6, PS2.7, PS2.8, PS2.9, PS2.10, PS2.11, PS2.12, PS3.1, H1.17, H1.18, H1.19, and H2.1, and adherence to applicable guidelines, procedures, and implementing strategies and plans. 23 The proposed project is a program-level policy document that provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City. The proposed project includes policies to address fire hazards, including wildfire (Goal 4). It would not change the scale or location of development or overall grounddisturbing activities beyond those that could occur from implementation of the General Plan, and, as such, would not result in adverse impacts with respect to wildfires materials beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR. There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project would not result in new or more severe impacts beyond what was addressed in the Certified EIR and would not meet any other standards under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3).
23 City of El Cerrito. 1999, April 16. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of El Cerrito General Plan Update, pages 4-49 through 4-57.

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3.1.21 Mandatory Findings of Significance
The proposed project is a program-level policy document that provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City. It would not change the scale or location of development or overall grounddisturbing activities or directly or indirectly induce population growth beyond that which could occur from implementation of the General Plan. As discussed throughout this Addendum, the proposed project would not result in a new impact or a substantial increase in magnitude of the existing impacts evaluated in the Certified EIR.

CEQA Guidelines Section 15355, Cumulative Impacts, defines cumulative impacts as two or more individual effects, which, when considered together, are considerable or which compound or increase other environmental impacts. Cumulative impacts may result from individually minor, but collectively significant projects taking place over a period of time. As described in Sections 3.1.1 through 3.1.20, implementation of the proposed project would not result in a new or a substantial increase in magnitude of the existing cumulatively considerable impacts of the General Plan.

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4. CONCLUSION
As demonstrated in the Certified EIR, all impacts from implementation of the General Plan were found to be less than significant except for the significant and unavoidable impacts related to air quality. As discussed in Section 3.1.3, Air Quality, the proposed project would not exacerbate these impacts. The proposed project does not include any site-specific designs or proposals to develop specific projects, nor does it grant any entitlements for development projects. Any future construction-level projects occurring from implementation of the proposed project would be subject to applicable federal, State, regional, and/or City regulations, including compliance with General Plan policies and Municipal Code requirements, and undergo an appropriate level of environmental review under CEQA, including incorporating mitigation measures from the Certified EIR, as required.

As summarized in this chapter and for the reasons described in Chapter 3, Environmental Analysis, the City has determined that an Addendum to the Certified EIR is appropriate for the proposed project. None of the conditions analyzed under the Certified EIR have changed, nor does the proposed project, as an implementing tool of the General Plan, meet any of the criteria for preparing a subsequent or supplemental EIR. The proposed project will not have one or more significant effects not discussed in the Certified EIR, nor does the proposed project create substantially more severe significant effects than previously examined in the Certified EIR.

4.1 SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES TO THE PROJECT
The proposed project does not represent a substantial change to the Certified EIR because the proposed project is a program-level policy document that provides strategies to address public safety and resilience issues focused on hazard reduction and adaptation goals and does not include land use or zoning changes and would not result in an increase in development capacity in the City. It would not change the scale or location of development or overall grounddistributing activities beyond those which could occur from implementation of the General Plan. Consequently, there are no substantial changes proposed that would require major revisions of the Certified EIR due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects.

4.2 SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES IN CIRCUMSTANCES
The proposed project would not result in substantial changes in physical circumstances that would cause a new significant impact or substantially increase the severity of a previously identified significant impact, and there have been no other changes in the circumstances that Agenda Packet Page 253 of 465
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meet this criterion. There have been no changes in the environmental conditions in the Study Area that were not contemplated and analyzed in the Certified EIR and that would result in new or substantially more severe environmental impacts in association with implementation of the proposed project.

4.3 NEW INFORMATION
There is no new information of substantial importance, which was not known or could not have been known at the time of certification of the General Plan EIR by the El Cerrito City Council in September 1999, that identifies a new significant impact; a substantial increase in the severity of a previously identified significant impact; mitigation measures or alternatives previously found infeasible that would now be feasible and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects of the General Plan; or mitigation measures or alternatives that are considerably different from those analyzed in the Certified EIR and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects on the environment.

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AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 9.A.

Date: December 2, 2025
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Roland Lambert, Associate Engineer, Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department; Christopher Jones, Recreation Director, Recreation Department
Subject: Award of Construction Contract for the Swim Center Lap Pool Replastering Project, City Project No. C3050.9

ACTION PROPOSED
Adopt a resolution awarding the contract for the Swim Center Lap Pool Replastering Project, City Project No. C3050.9 to Burkett's Pool Plastering Inc. as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder; authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract in the amount of $228,103 and to approve potential change orders in an amount not to exceed $34,215, for the construction of the Project; and appropriating a one-time allocation from the General Fund in the amount of $183,300 in Fiscal Year 2025-26.

BACKGROUND
The Project implements the urgent replastering work for the Emery G. Weed III Lap Pool, part of the Swim Center improvements discussed by the City Council at its August 19, 2025 and October 21, 2025 meetings. The Project consists of demolition of the existing plaster and tiles to the existing bare concrete shell, retiling, replastering, and associated work necessary to provide a safe and functional Lap Pool.

The Notice Inviting Bids for the Project was advertised in the West County/East Bay Times on November 4 and 10, 2025. Additionally, the notice along with a complete set of Contract Documents was sent to Builder and Construction Exchanges in the Bay Area and Northern California and made available for purchase through an online plan room used by the City. The notice was also posted on the City’s website.

A non-mandatory pre-bid conference was held on November 10, 2025 and two (2) addenda were issued. Addendum No. 1 revised the Bid Opening date from November 18, 2025 to November 19, 2025. Addendum No. 2 was prepared in response to an item that was identified during the pre-bid conference about waterproofing of the pool's surge tank. The surge tank helps the pool water level stay consistent and requires waterproofing, which is a task that involves specialized work similar to the pool replastering project. Since the sequencing of the replastering work already provides access to the surge tank, performing both tasks concurrently minimizes disruption and avoids redundant mobilization. If the surge tank waterproofing was deferred, the pool would need to be shut down again in the future to drain the tank, resulting in additional downtime, inconvenience to facility users, and increased costs. By addressing the surge tank waterproofing now, while the pool is already drained for replastering, the City can achieve significant operational efficiencies and cost savings.

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Agenda Item No. 9.A.

ANALYSIS
Four bids were received by the advertised Bid Opening date and time of November 19, 2025, at 2 p.m. The bids were publicly opened and read by the City Clerk. All bids were checked for completeness and Burkett's Pool Plastering Inc., the apparent low bidder at the time of the Bid Opening, was found to be responsive. City staff determined that the three remaining bids were non-responsive due to having submitted their bid on the wrong Bid Proposal form, which was updated by Addendum No. 2 issued on November 14, 2025, four days before the Bid Opening. USA Construction LLC also had an incomplete Bid Bond form.

The results of the bids are summarized below:

Name and Location of Bidder Base Bid Additive Alternate 1 Engineer’s Estimate $540,000.00 $35,000.00
Burkett's Pool Plastering Inc.

Ripon, CA
$224,133.00 $3,970.00
Adams Pool Solutions
Pleasanton, CA
$249,216.00 Non-Responsive
Dave Gros Enterprise Inc.

Sacramento, CA
$462,677.00 Non-Responsive
USA Construction LLC
San Francisco, CA
$528,460.00 Non-Responsive
The sole Base Bid of $224,133 and Alternate No. 1 Bid of $3,970 submitted by Burkett's Pool Plastering Inc. are well below the Engineer’s Estimate of $540,000 and $35,000, respectively. The Engineer’s Estimate was rooted in the assumption that a bidder could be a General Contractor, using a subcontractor to perform the pool replastering.

However, since the scope of work was limited, three (3) specific pool contractors were able to submit bids without a General Contractor, eliminating a great deal of overhead.

The pool contractors that bid are also local, which leads to much lower General Conditions and overhead than what was budgeted. Additionally, interest from multiple contractors led to more competitive bid prices.

City staff recommend that the City Council award the construction contract in the amount of $228,103 for the Base Bid and Additive Alternate 1 to Burkett's Pool Plastering Inc. as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
This action supports the City’s Strategic Plan Goal(s) of:
• High Performing Organization; and
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Agenda Item No. 9.A.
• Community Safety; and
• Livability and Belonging; and
• Infrastructure and Amenities.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
The Project is categorically exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) because the Project is a repair to an existing facility involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that presently existing. Additionally, under this exemption the restoration or rehabilitation of deteriorated or damaged facilities to meet current standards of public health and safety is exempt, unless it is determined that the damage was substantial and resulted from an environmental hazard such as an earthquake, landslide, or flood. There are no such environmental hazard present here.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Based on the Project bid results, the currently estimated cost for the Swim Center Replaster plus Parking Lot ADA & Path of Travel, Stormwater Bioretention & Electric Vehicle Charging Improvements totals $1,994,851, a decrease of $316,280 from the amount previously reported in August and October 2025. This includes some increased costs for project management and design for various elements of the improvements including design to accommodate upgrades from Level 2 to Level 3 ("Quick Chargers") Electrical Vehicle Chargers in the future, developing three bid packages instead of two due to project phasing, and distributed egress points to both the parking lot and Portola Drive as required by the City Building Official and Fire Marshal, as well as additional project management tasks to refine the project scope and coordinate with design team.

The estimated cost and expenditures to date are summarized below. Additional details are provided in Attachment 2.

Original Estimate (August 2025) $2,311,131
Current Estimate (November 2025) $1,994,851
Difference -$316,280
Expenditures for Construction of Project plus
Continued Design & Bid
$883,264
Previously Approved Funding $700,00
Funding Needed $183,264
The City Council has previously approved budget in the amount of $700,000 including $200,000 from Measure H and $500,000 from discretionary General Fund reserves.

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Agenda Item No. 9.A.

This leaves a shortfall of just under $183,300 to complete the construction of the Project as well as continue the design, permitting, and bidding of the remaining phases of the Lap Pool improvements. City staff requests a budget appropriation in this amount from the General Fund unassigned balance to fully fund the Project in Fiscal Year 2025-26.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
The City Attorney has reviewed the proposed actions and found that legal considerations have been addressed.

Reviewed by:

Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:

1. Resolution

2. Cost Estimate
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RESOLUTION 2025-XX

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO AWARDING

THE CONTRACT FOR THE SWIM CENTER LAP POOL REPLASTERING PROJECT, CITY PROJECT NO. C3050.9 (PROJECT) TO BURKETT'S POOL PLASTERING INC.

AS THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $ $228,103.00

AND TO APPROVE POTENTIAL CHANGE ORDERS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $34,215 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT; AND

APPROPRIATING A ONE-TIME ALLOCATION FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $183,300 IN FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
WHEREAS, the Project implements the urgent replastering work for the Swim Center Lap Pool Replaster plus Parking Lot ADA & Path of Travel, Stormwater Bioretention, & Electric Vehicle Charging Improvements approved by the City Council at its August 18, 2025 meeting; and
WHEREAS, the Project consists of demolition of the existing pool plaster and tiles to existing bare concrete shell, retiling, replastering, and associated work necessary to provide a safe and functional pool; and
WHEREAS, the Notice Inviting Bids for the Project was advertised in the West County Times on November 4 and 10, 2025 and the notice and complete set of contract documents were sent to Builder and Construction Exchanges and made available to contractors through an online planroom; and
WHEREAS, a non-mandatory pre-bid meeting was held on November 10, 2025, and two addenda were issued; and
WHEREAS, four bids were publicly opened and read by the City Clerk on November 19, 2025, at 2 p.m., the advertised Bid opening date and time; and WHEREAS, all bids were checked for completeness and Burkett's Pool Plastering Inc., the apparent low bidder at the time of the Bid Opening, was found to be responsive; and
WHEREAS, the bids submitted by Adams Pool Solutions (Pleasanton, CA), Dave Gros Enterprise Inc. (Sacramento, CA), and USA Construction LLC (Sacramento, CA) were determined to be non-responsive as they did not meet the bid proposal form requirements; and
WHEREAS, the sole Base Bid of $224,133.00 and Alternate No. 1 Bid of $3,970.00 submitted by Burkett's Pool Plastering Inc. are well below the Engineer’s Estimate; and
WHEREAS, Burkett's Pool Plastering Inc. submitted the lowest responsible and responsive bid; and
Agenda Packet Page 259 of 465
WHEREAS, a one-time allocation of funds is required from the General Fund unassigned balance to complete the Project and continue design, permitting, and bidding of the remaining components of the Swim Center improvements; and WHEREAS, the Project is categorically exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) because the project is a repair to an existing facility involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that presently existing.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of El Cerrito that is hereby:
1) Awards a contract for the Swim Center Lap Pool Replastering Project, City Project No. C3050.9 (Project) to Burkett's Pool Plastering Inc. as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder; and
2) Authorizes the City Manager to execute a contract in the amount of $228,103 with Burkett's Pool Plastering Inc. and approve potential approve change orders in an amount not to exceed $34,215 for the construction of the Project; and 3) Amends the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Budget to appropriate $183,300 from the General Fund unassigned balance
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall become effective immediately upon passage and adoption.

I CERTIFY that at a regular meeting on December 2, 2025, 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:
________________________
Carolyn Wysinger, Mayor
Agenda Packet Page 260 of 465

CITY COUNCIL-APPROVED

SWIM CENTER IMPROVEMENTS

UPDATED PROJECT COST ESTIMATE
November 2025
FY2025-26
ITEM AUG 2025 CURRENT IN-PROGRESS

CONTRACTOR COSTS
$ 538,704 $ 224,133 $ 224,133
$ 3,970 $ 3,970
$ 538,704 $ 228,103 $ 228,103
HARD COSTS 15% CONTINGENCY $ 80,806 $ 34,215 $ 34,215
TOTAL HARD COSTS $ 619,510 $ 262,318 $ 262,318
SOFT COSTS (Percentages based on Subtotal Hard Costs)
$ 15,951 $ 15,951 $ 15,951
$ 29,540 $ 54,015 $ 54,015
$ 3,000 $ 3,000 $ 3,000
$ 65,000 $ 65,000 $ 65,000
$ 113,491 $ 137,966 $ 137,966
$ 17,024 $ 10,000 $ 10,000
TOTAL SOFT COSTS $ 130,515 $ 147,966 $ 147,966
TOTAL HARD & SOFT COSTS $ 750,024 $ 410,284 $ 410,284
FULL SCOPE DESIGN FEE $ 220,000 $ 220,000 $ 220,000
GRAND TOTAL $ 970,024 $ 630,284 $ 630,284
FY2025-26
ITEM AUG 2025 CURRENT IN-PROGRESS

CONSTRUCTION - PARKING LOT
$ 561,400 $ 561,400
$ 73,000 $ 73,000
$ 114,900 $ 114,900
$ 749,300 $ 749,300
CONTRACTOR COSTS (Percentages based on Renovation Subtotal Costs) General Conditions $ 89,916 $ 89,916
Insurance $ 14,986 $ 14,986
Overhead and Profit $ 112,395 $ 112,395
$ 217,297 $ 217,297
HARD COSTS 15% CONTINGENCY $ 144,990 $ 144,990
$ 1,111,587 $ 1,111,587
SOFT COSTS (Percentages based on Subtotal Hard Costs)
Design Fee $ 5,000 $ 25,400 $ 25,400
Permitting Fees $ 17,356 $ 17,356 $ 17,356
Pre-Construction Project Management $ 29,540 $ 29,540 $ 29,540 Testing and Inspection $ 27,500 $ 27,500 $ 27,500
Construction Project Management $ 120,186 $ 120,186 $ 120,186 $ 199,582 $ 219,982 $ 219,982
$ 29,937 $ 32,997 $ 32,997
TOTAL SOFT COSTS $ 229,520 $ 252,980 $ 252,980
$ 1,341,106 $ 1,364,566 $ 252,980
$ 2,311,131 $ 1,994,851 $ 883,264
DIFFERENCE $ (316,280)
$ 700,000
$ 183,264

TOTAL HARD & SOFT COSTS
OPTION 2 GRAND TOTAL
SOFT COSTS CONTINGENCY (ORIGINALLY 15%)

PROJECT NAME
ADA Parking Lot and Related Amenities

SUBTOTAL CONTRACTOR FEES

TOTAL HARD COSTS
Funding Needed

PROJECT NAME
Lap Pool Replaster

COST ESTIMATE
Previously Approved Funding
SOFT COSTS CONTINGENCY (ORIGINALLY 15%)

COST ESTIMATE
Additive Alternative No. 1
Accessible Parking - Path of Travel, Stormwater Bioretention EV Charging - trenching, conduit, equipment
Parking Lot Rehabilitation - Grind and Overlay, Striping Base Bid

SUBTOTAL SOFT COSTS

SUBTOTAL HARD COSTS

SUBTOTAL SOFT COSTS
Permitting Fees
Pre-Construction Project Management
Testing and Inspection
Construction Project Management

SUBTOTAL ITEM COSTS
12%
2%
15%
Agenda Packet Page 261 of 465

SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA MATERIALS

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
December 2, 2025
(rev. 12.3.2025)
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
Public Comments (Not on the Agenda and Consent Calendar) Materials received at meeting
Agenda Item No. 6.A. – State of the District Presentation - Contra Costa Community Collage
Materials received at meeting
Agenda Item No. 7.E. – Cooperative Agreement between the City of El Cerrito and Caltrans for the Caltrans State Route 123 Pavement Rehabilitation Project in El Cerrito, Caltrans Project ID: 0419000452
Public Comments
Agenda Item No. 8.A. – Proposed East Bay Sanitary Garbage & Organic Waste Collection and Post-Collection Rates and Integrated Waste Management Fees – Effective January 1, 2026
Presentation
Public Comments
Agenda Item No. 8.B. – Adoption of an amendment to the Safety Element of the El Cerrito General Plan
Presentation
Safety Element (with Appendix A)
Agenda Item No. 9.A. – Award of Construction Contract for the Swim Center Lap Pool Replastering Project, City Project No. C3050.9
Presentation
CITY HALL 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Telephone (510) 215-4305 Fax (510) 215-4379 http://www.el-cerrito.org Agenda Packet Page 262 of 465
From: Cordell Hindler
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comments
Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2025 4:31:09 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Happy Holidays Mayor Wysinger, Council Members and Staff, I AM SUBMIITTING the Following Comments into the Record:

1. for a future Agenda, the Council Should Revisit the idea of Having the Public to Participate Remotely

2. Also to Have Bike East Bay to present on their Organization Sincerely
Cordell
General Public Comments
Agenda Packet Page 263 of 465
From: Stuart Sonatina
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comments - Not on the agenda
Date: Monday, December 1, 2025 9:51:17 PM
Dear councilmembers,
The recent pedestrian collisions here in El Cerrito highlight the need for significant changes to the way we design our streets. While these tragedies were severe enough to show up on a police report, many more go unreported due to the inconvenience and stigma attached to calling the police for what some may see as the "cost of doing business" on america's streets today. It doesn't have to be this way.

From the vision zero network:
"For too long, we’ve considered traffic deaths and severe injuries to be inevitable side effects of modern life. While often referred to as “accidents,” the reality is that we can prevent these tragedies by taking a proactive, preventative approach that prioritizes traffic safety as a public health issue."
visionzeronetwork.org
I urge the council to commit to a vision zero strategy to traffic safety. Let's become a Vision Zero city and eliminate traffic injuries. The benefits go far beyond simply not killing our community members; when the young and old can get around without a car and without fearing for their lives, our little city will transform.

We've paid for the studies, conducted the surveys, hired the consultants, and dilly-dallied for years. Let's do this thing.

Thank you,
Stuart Sonatina
Agenda Packet Page 264 of 465
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From: Gaia Sonatina
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment Dec. 2nd 2025
Date: Monday, December 1, 2025 10:06:45 PM
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Dear El Cerrito City Council,
I have lived in El Cerrito for 7years, and I love it here! I am deeply invested in the wellbeing of this city and its inhabitants. The news of multiple pedestrian accidents in such a short span is shocking to say the least.

As I'm sure you will hear over and over this evening, it is time to make changes.

Don't wait for death to improve life.

Crossing the street should not be the life risking act that it is.

Please do everything in your power to adopt a Vision Zero Network. It can only make El Cerrito a nicer place to be.

Thank you for caring about our wonderful city. Let's change it together! Thank you,
Gaia Sonatina
--
Gaia J Sonatina
Agenda Packet Page 265 of 465
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From: Carrie Hobbs
To: City Clerk
Cc:

Subject: public comments – not on the agenda
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 10:19:47 AM
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Dear Members of the City Council,
I am writing to urge the City Council to install stop signs at all street crossings along the Ohlone Greenway. I moved to El Cerrito in 2010 and now live here with my spouse and two children. Biking is our primary form of transportation so the safety of these crossings is a daily concern for us. Recent pedestrian-involved collisions along the Greenway make it clear that the current design is not protecting residents.

In just the last month, multiple pedestrians have been struck while using Greenway crosswalks. These collisions show that marked crosswalks alone are not enough when drivers are not required to stop. Installing stop signs at every Greenway crossing would slow vehicle speeds, increase pedestrian visibility, and create clear and consistent rules for drivers approaching these high-use areas.

Given the recent incidents and the heavy daily use of the Greenway by families, students, commuters, and seniors, this issue requires prompt action. I respectfully ask that the Council agendize this matter and move forward with installing stop signs at all Ohlone Greenway street crossings.

Thank you for your attention to this important safety concern.

Sincerely,
Carrie Schulman
Agenda Packet Page 266 of 465
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From: Javier Arbona-Homar
To: City Clerk
Subject: “Public Comments – not on the agenda.” Re: Collisions on San Pablo Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 10:37:26 AM
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TWIMC,
I'm writing out of alarm and concern about safety crossing San Pablo. I'm a parent of a child at Fairmont elementary. This is not the first time I write to officials about this issue. I think I've resigned myself to believing that no one cares about children, elderly, disabled, and all other pedestrians who live or visit here.

In the recent past, in addition to the serious car violence we've had this Fall, we had a car run straight over the curb and hit a "massage parlor" facade near the Stockton Ave corner (next to Outline contractors in EC) — still boarded up, by the way. We also had a car take out the signal light at Stockton within the last two years. When people name pedestrian strikes "accidents," it is misrepresented. These are anticipated incidents, as we've written (and I, like many, have reported these to Caltrans as instructed by officials). Meanwhile, I see drivers all the time looking at their phones, running red lights, speeding at busy intersections, etc etc.

The chief of police scolds pedestrians to be more alert — the chief should come out any morning of a school day to see the constant risks faced by our children crossing this dangerous road, even when everyone is alert. But children, for one, are not and should not be as worried and obsessive about cars as the grown-ups are. It's insulting that we're blamed for our own situation with the cars.

There need to be traffic safety measures and physical barriers — I could go on about the need to have more transit and fewer and fewer cars, but that's beyond the scope, I suppose.

I hope the city can exert pressure to have more improvements and investigate these incidents.

Best,
Javier Arbona
Agenda Packet Page 267 of 465
From: Christoph Dankert
To: City Clerk
Subject: [UNKNOWN SENDER] Public Comment - Dec 2, 2025 City Council Meeting - Agenda Item 7.E Caltrans Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025 9:38:59 PM
Hi,
It was with great disappointment that I read the news about the number of vehicle-pedestrian accidents in El Cerrito over the last two weeks.

Thank goodness there were no fatalities, but that may just have been luck. The one at Ohlone Greenway and Central Ave hit particularly hard, as I bike the greenway with our two kids on a cargo bike most weekdays.

I myself was once chafed by a carm albeit in Albany at Solano and Greenway, that didn't pay any attention to the traffic signals and turned on red when that was forbidden.

I understand this is part of a sad nationwide trend, as recently illustrated in the Nov 19 Washington Post article "The deadliest roads in America".

I'd like to city to take every possible step to reduce pedestrian and bike accidents. This includes taking measures to make our streets safer, such as may be possible with the upcoming Caltrans agreement for the improvements along San Pablo. I'd also like to encourage the city to use technology to improve vehicle driver and bike rider behavior. Police resources are intensive, so why not consider stop sign and red light and other cameras that send tickets to drivers not obeying traffic laws? And consider ticketing for bike riders as well, as they're sometimes part of the problem.

Regards,
Christoph Dankert
Agenda Packet Page 268 of 465
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From: Ly Nguyen
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment/Not on Agenda
Date: Monday, December 1, 2025 11:58:04 AM
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Hello El Cerrito City Council Members:

I am a parent and resident of the Richmond Annex. I am deeply concerned about how unsafe the crosswalks are along San Pablo Ave. In particular, my daughter attends the Ah-Lan dance center and heard the two car crashes that occurred right near Waldo Ave. two weeks ago while in class. I have witnessed cars make quick u-turns or cross over two lanes with high speed from Carlson to make that turn on to Waldo Ave. Something has to be done to control the traffic in that section as soon as possible.

Our family walks every day on San Pablo Ave. and we see neighborhood children, including mine cross the busy corridors whether to attend Koretmatsu or Fairmont. We need to ensure that each crosswalk has proper lights and is well lit warning systems for drivers. It is very hard to see pedestrians as the evening rolls in as a driver. We cannot wait for more fatalities to occur to take action. I urge the city to work with Caltrans and demand that they create safe crosswalks for our families.

Thank you for reading my comment.
-Ly Nguyen
(Parent and Rchmond Annex Resident)
--
___
Ly Nguyen
Support Oasis for Girls
Have a beautiful day!
Agenda Packet Page 269 of 465
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From: Katharine Bierce
Cc: City Clerk;
Subject: Ohlone greenway public comments – not on agenda Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 10:26:07 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

As a regular bicyclist on the Ohlone greenway, I agree with Carrie’s comments and request stop signs along the streets near the greenway.

Katharine
On Tue, Dec 2, 2025 at 10:18 AM Carrie Hobbs < > wrote:

Dear Members of the City Council,
I am writing to urge the City Council to install stop signs at all street crossings along the Ohlone Greenway. I moved to El Cerrito in 2010 and now live here with my spouse and two children. Biking is our primary form of transportation so the safety of these crossings is a daily concern for us. Recent pedestrian-involved collisions along the Greenway make it clear that the current design is not protecting residents.

In just the last month, multiple pedestrians have been struck while using Greenway crosswalks. These collisions show that marked crosswalks alone are not enough when drivers are not required to stop. Installing stop signs at every Greenway crossing would slow vehicle speeds, increase pedestrian visibility, and create clear and consistent rules for drivers approaching these high-use areas.

Given the recent incidents and the heavy daily use of the Greenway by families, students, commuters, and seniors, this issue requires prompt action. I respectfully ask that the Council agendize this matter and move forward with installing stop signs at all Ohlone Greenway street crossings.

Thank you for your attention to this important safety concern.

Sincerely,
Carrie Schulman
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Agenda Packet Page 270 of 465
From: Ah-Lan Dance
To: City Clerk
Subject: [UNKNOWN SENDER] Public Comments – Request for Pedestrian Safety Improvements on San Pablo Ave Date: Monday, December 1, 2025 9:20:55 PM
Dear City Council Members and City Clerk,
My name is Yaqi, and I lead a business on San Pablo Avenue at Ah-Lan Dance Studio. I am writing to express my deep concern regarding pedestrian safety at the intersection and crosswalk area directly in front of our studio.

In the week before Thanksgiving, there were two car accidents in this same area—one of which involved a 70-year-old pedestrian who sustained life-threatening injuries at the crosswalk. These incidents occurred during our evening classes, and our students and families heard and witnessed the crashes firsthand. Understandably, this has caused significant concern among our staff, families, and community members.

This intersection has long been known to be dangerous, and we strongly urge the City of El Cerrito, in coordination with Caltrans, to prioritize and expedite safety improvements for this stretch of San Pablo Avenue. Our business serves many children and families each day, and safe pedestrian access is essential to their well-being.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I appreciate the City’s efforts and respectfully request that pedestrian safety enhancements be made as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
Yaqi
Artistic Director at Ah-Lan Dance Studio
Agenda Packet Page 271 of 465
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From: Janet Byron
To: City Clerk
Cc: ; Amelia Schmale
Subject: Public Comment for Dec. 2 council meeting: El Cerrito must do better on traffic safety Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 11:06:41 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear City Council,
The recent spate of traffic accidents on San Pablo Avenue, including two very serious ones (and several minor car-pedestrian collisions that could have beena lot worse), show that El Cerrito has a long way to go toward being a safe environment for all travelers, especially walkers.

Crossing San Pablo Avenue should not be a life-threatening enterprise for the elderly, children on their way to school, and all who are simply trying to get to the other side.

Steps that El Cerrito can take immediately to improve street safety include:
1) Include as many safety improvements as possible as part of the Caltrans street repaving project.
2) Pass a Vision Zero policy, declaring El Cerrito's intention to eliminate traffic violence from our city.
3) In a public process, plan and implement a traffic calming strategy for the entire city, which would include stop signs, speed bumps, traffic diversions, and other lower-cost measures to slow down traffic on El Cerrito's neighborhood streets.

In June of 2024, ~ 130 people signed a petition calling for "immediate measures to improve traffic safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and children in the areas between San Pablo Ave., Potrero Ave., Moeser Ave., and Navellier St." In a subsequent meeting, the public works director told a group of concerned residents that traffic calming measures would be implemented in this area. To our knowledge, no traffic-calming measures have been implemented.

Also, as part of the Local Road Safety Plan process, a community survey found that nine out of ten residents want slower streets. (The LRSP and the results of this survey have not been publicly released. When will this information be made publicly available?)
El Cerrito residents are demanding safer, slower streets. The city must act now to prevent future traffic violence on El Cerrito.

Sincerely,
Janet Byron
Member, El Cerrito/Richmond Annex Walk & Roll coordinating committee --
Janet Byron
Agenda Packet Page 272 of 465
From: islandgirl
To: City Clerk
Cc: Marlene Metcalf
Subject: [UNKNOWN SENDER] Public Comment - Not on Agenda Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 1:04:53 PM
Good evening, El Cerrito City Council and all city residents.

I would like to express my deep opposition to the proposed 30- year Bond measure advertised as a project to build a new library that will definitely cost atleast $75 million by 10 years of operation. Beyond the first 10 years, it will require taxes to be increased even more, or else cut services.

I note that we have a nice, well-functioning public library already in place, with lots of parking, and it's owned by the city: no payments needed. It can be expanded if necessary in future as plans were drawn up years ago to add a second story, complete with cost estimates and specs. However, since I am at that library every day, I have observed that usage is steadily going down, not up; thus is borne out by city usage statistics. If usage is going down, there may not be any reason to expand the size. It could be augmented or remodeled in various ways in the same size space, again if need is determined to be high.

I am in my 70's and live on a fixed income. So do half the people on my block and more than half of El Cerrito residents. My property taxes with this stunningly expensive project proposal will go up $255 a year immediately and reach $1340 a year extra tax by 5 years. Then $2857 a year by 15 years. Finally $6,514 a year extra tax, after 20 years. This bond money is to raise at least $20 million to pay a not yet revealed contractor to build a 770-aparment complex on the parking lot of our El Cerrito Plaza, using almost all the 1,400 parking spaces, and in the process also build a new library.

So the library is first of all an afterthought; it seems to me it's just an excuse to get the 770 apartments built.

However, there is nothing in the plan that requires a time schedule to start building either the new library or in fact the apartments. However, once the bond measure is passed by 50 percent of EC voters plus one, taxes start. It immediately goes on our property tax bills for 30 years even if nothing is ever built, or is built 5 years late, or 10 years late, or never.

The bond measure would be paid by property tax on El Cerrito homeowners (6,600), plus all renters can expect their rents to be raised by homeowner landlords as the property tax grows and grows according to the tax increase schedule.

This proposed library would have no parking spaces. It would have to be entered by the same entrance, in fact only entrance, for an estimated1,500-2,500 people who would live in the 770 new apts, and for which only 100 parking spaces will be allocated to these 770 new families for their own parking. So, a quiet, peaceful environment for reading + studying? Not with 1500 to 2500 people going in and out of their apts up to ten times a day, every day, right thru the library space!
Again, no parking --none-- for the proposed new library.

Half of El Cerrito is over 55, and many have mobility issues so cannot walk miles to the library, so parking is important. The current library has parking, is already paid for, and is in a convenient location already for most.

It should be noted that this building project will wipe out the present functionality of BART as a way to get to work for many residents, as people drive to the BART station and park, then Agenda Packet Page 273 of 465
get on their train. With this proposal, there will be only 290 parking spaces for BART users, instead of the 1,400 spaces that were available as designed by BART.

In summary, I feel strongly that this measure is a disaster, both in cost and design/function.

The city's own estimates say we will pay $2.7 million a year for at least 30 years, which if you multiply that, is $85 million. The city can actually decide to INCREASE the tax rate for this project EVERY YEAR with no further vote. That to me is frightening and spells bankruptcy for many homeowners as well as the City itself which may attract more interest from the State of California auditors who have already noted our city's tendency to spend $9 million a year beyond its income and borrowing with short term expensive loans to plug the shortfall. I propose setting aside this disastrous not-well-thought-out proposal.

Thank you,
Marlene Metcalf
a concerned resident of El Cerrito
Agenda Packet Page 274 of 465
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From: Ariel Gold
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment – Street Safety on San Pablo Avenue and Key Crossings Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 2:24:39 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

I’m asking the City Council to make pedestrian and bicycle safety an urgent priority in the San Pablo Avenue project and at key crossings throughout El Cerrito. In just two weeks, multiple people were hit in crosswalks on San Pablo Avenue, at Central and the Ohlone Greenway, and at Carlson. This is clear evidence that our streets are not working for the most vulnerable users.

We need improvements that physically slow vehicles, increase visibility, and give people walking and biking clear priority. That means installing measures such as raised crossings, daylighting, tighter turning radii, and other proven traffic-calming designs that make drivers slow down and yield predictably.

These crashes are preventable. I urge the Council and staff to ensure the Caltrans project includes strong, immediate safety upgrades so no one else is injured while simply trying to cross the street.

Thank you.

Ariel Gold
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Agenda Packet Page 275 of 465

RECEIVED

AT THE MEETING OF

CITY OF EL CERRITO

CITY CLERK
St. John's Senior Center
3fOTimyTOTLOICKana si3Vgmo3\cg
uHth live music
the St John’s Wadele cirdc
hosted by Darlene Newman I
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9
11:15 music and sing-along
12:00 potiuck lunch
Contributions of food or drink welcome
Location: 6500 Gladys Ave. at Lexington Ave., El Cerrito (St. John's Community Center Building)
Questions? call or email (no texts) Director, Buddy Akacic (925) 628-9325 buddyakacic@gmaiLcom
Education, ftdutt
contra and
Baptist
VJest
contra
jobntVie
VAosted by
1 St
Agenda Packet Page 276 of 465
Contra Costa
Community
College District
Contra Costa
Community
College District
Contra Costa Community College District
Strategic Plan 2025-2030

RECEIVED

AT THE MEETING OF
12/02/2025

CITY OF EL CERRITO

CITY CLERK
Agenda Packet Page 277 of 465
Agenda Packet Page 278 of 465
Strategic Plan 2025-2030 3
Table of Contents
Chancellor’s Message 4
Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) Leadership 4 Planning Process Chronology 5
4CD’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030 | Summary 7
District Profile 8
Financial Overview 8
4CD’s Economic Contribution 8
Service Area 10
Population Trends and Projections 10
Economic Conditions 11
4CD Student Characteristics 12
Enrollment Trends 12
Student Demographics 13
Strategic Plan Purpose and Scope 14
Strategic Planning Process 15
Planning Context 16
Economic Trends and Assumptions 16
State and Federal Policy Trends 17
Public Perceptions of Higher Education 18
The Expanding Role of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies 19 4CD Values 20
4CD Strategic Goals 2025-2030 21
Appendix: 4CD Colleges 30
Contra Costa College 30
Diablo Valley College 30
Los Medanos College 31
Agenda Packet Page 279 of 465
4 Contra Costa Community College District
District
Administrative
Team
Mojdeh Mehdizadeh, Chancellor
Dr. Kimberly R. Rogers, President,
Contra Costa College
Dr. Monica Chahal, President,
Diablo Valley College
Dr. Pamela Ralston, President,
Los Medanos College
Dr. Micaela Ochoa, Executive Vice
Chancellor, Administrative Services
Kelly Schelin, Executive Vice Chancellor,
Education and Technology
Ines Zildzic, Vice Chancellor, Facilities
Planning and Construction
Dr. Jeffrey Michels, Associate Vice
Chancellor, Chief Human Resources Officer
Dr. Mandy Liang, Associate Vice Chancellor,
Educational Services
Dr. Tony Wold, Associate Vice Chancellor,
Chief Financial Officer
4CD Leadership
Chancellor’s Message
In the last quarter of 2024, the Contra Costa Community College District was completing its yearlong celebration of our 75th anniversary and simultaneously kicking off our strategic planning process to identify the goals and strategies that will guide our next five years.

The process was thoughtful and inclusive as we sought to hear from all of the constituency groups who comprise our community: students, faculty, classified staff, industry partners, and other key stakeholders from all over the county.

Thank you to everyone who participated. We heard your input, and we value your perspectives. With your feedback, we were able to tailor our strategic objectives to address our current needs and emerging priorities.

Our 2020-2025 strategic plan was completed in 2019, less than a year ahead of the Covid pandemic, which catalyzed major changes in how education is delivered. While we had already begun implementing professional development for the delivery of effective distance education, the rapid shift to fully remote instruction, student services, and support functions was a monumental undertaking marked by innovation, adaptability, and a deep commitment to supporting student success under unprecedented conditions.

Staying nimble and attuned to the needs of students and employers continues to be an area of focus for us as we look ahead to the next five years.

Our updated mission statement highlights the need to equip students with the knowledge and resilience to thrive in a changing world. As technology and industry needs evolve, we remain committed to providing equitable pathways to student success and fostering innovation and adaptability.

Through the goals and strategies outlined in this plan, our colleges will remain steadfast in creating an environment of excellence and belonging where all students can achieve their educational and career goals.

Sincerely,
Mojdeh Mehdizadeh
Chancellor
Agenda Packet Page 280 of 465
Strategic Plan 2025-2030 5
Governing Board
Andy Li, President
Diana Honig, Vice President
Fernando Sandoval, Secretary
John E. Márquez, Member
Rebecca Barrett, Member
Sophie Khouri, Student Trustee
Top row, left to right: Rebecca Barrett, John E. Márquez Bottom row, left to right: Diana Honig, Andy Li, Fernando Sandoval. Not pictured: Sophie Khouri
Planning Process Chronology
September 17, 2024 Chancellor’s Cabinet Initial Planning Meeting October 1, 2024 District Governance Council (DGC) Initial Planning Meeting October 9, 2024 Strategic Planning Discussion with Governing Board November 20, 2024 Planning Forum at Diablo Valley College November 26, 2024 Planning Forum at Contra Costa College December 2, 2024 Planning Forum at Los Medanos College
December 4, 2024 Planning Forum on Zoom
January 14, 2025 Community Planning Forum
February 11, 2025 DGC provides feedback on Mission, Vision, and Values February 19, 2025 Strategic Planning Update to Governing Board April 8, 2025 DGC provides feedback on Goals, Priorities, and Strategies April 24, 2025 Online Survey Opens - Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals April 29, 2025 First Draft reviewed by Chancellor’s Cabinet May 6, 2025 First Draft reviewed by DGC
May 14, 2025 First Draft reviewed by the Governing Board May 27, 2025 Final Draft reviewed by Chancellor’s Cabinet June 3, 2025 Final Draft reviewed by DGC
June 11, 2025 Final Draft approved by the Governing Board 4CD Leadership
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6 Contra Costa Community College District
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Strategic Plan 2025-2030 7
4CD’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030
Summary
The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) Strategic Plan aligns and supports the work of all District sites—including Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, Los Medanos College, and the District Office—by providing a shared direction and fostering coordinated efforts across the entire District.

Mission
To deliver innovative, high-quality educational programs and services that enrich communities, advance equity and belonging, and equip students with the knowledge and resilience to thrive in a changing world.

Vision
To be a leader in educational excellence—advancing equitable student achievement, fostering social mobility, and transforming the communities we serve.

Values
Student-Centered • Equity and Belonging • Future-Readiness and Adaptability • Excellence and Integrity Strategic Goals

1. Equitably improve student learning and completion by providing holistic support.

2. Foster a culture of inclusion, belonging, and student-focused engagement.

3. Embed future readiness and adaptability into 4CD’s educational programming and operations by fostering innovation, responsiveness, and proactive problem-solving at all levels.

4. Responsibly, proactively, and sustainably steward 4CD resources.

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8 Contra Costa Community College District
Figure 1. 4CD Funding Sources
Property Tax
State Apportionment
Enrollment Fees
Other Local
Other State
58%
5%
7%
8%
22%
District Profile
In 2024, 4CD proudly celebrated 75 years of service to the Contra Costa County community. This rich history demonstrates a strong commitment to educational excellence, partnership development, and regional advancement. 4CD’s longstanding presence has nurtured reliable relationships and collaborations, creating a solid foundation for implementing this plan, which guides us in addressing the community's changing needs.

The strategic plan is informed by this legacy of service and current and emerging factors influencing our local context. These factors include 4CD’s economic contributions, financial landscape, student demographics, and relevant data regarding its service area, county population forecasts, and overall economic conditions.

Financial Overview
4CD’s operational budget is supported by a combination of local, state, federal, and other revenue sources.

Local property taxes account for the largest share at 58% of total revenues, followed by state apportionment at 22% (see Figure 1)
4CD’s Economic Contribution
According to the recent economic impact analysis, 4CD contributes approximately $2.3 billion in annual income to the economy (Figure 2). This contribution exceeds the entire income generated by the County's Transportation and Warehousing sector and is comparable to sustaining 23,752 jobs in the area.

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Strategic Plan 2025-2030 9
Figure 2. Highlights of District Economic Impact, Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Economic impact analysis
= 250 jobs * = family of four
Alumni impact
Impact of the increased
earnings of 4CD alumni and
the businesses they work for
$1.8 billion Added income 1 out of every 25
jobs in Contra Costa County
is supported by the activities
79 of 4CD and its students.
annual impact
4CD total
10101U23,752
Jobs supported
$2.3 billion
Added income
OR
Construction spending impact
Impact from $30.0 million spent on construction projects $15.7 million Added income 129 Jobs
supported
OR
Operations
spending impact
Impact of annual payroll
and other spending
$233.9 million Added income Enough to buy
4,950 new cars
OR 3,711 Jobs supported
Student spending impact
Impact of the daily spending of
4CD students attracted to or
retained in the county
$224.8 million Added income Enough to buy 15,327 families* a year’s worth of groceries
OR 2,790 Jobs supported
An economic boost similar to
hosting the Super Bowl 5x
OR 17,121 Jobs supported
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10 Contra Costa Community College District
Figure 3. Contra Costa Community College District Service Area With three colleges on five
campuses serving nearly 50,000
students annually, 4CD is
committed to delivering innovative,
high-quality educational
programs and services that enrich
communities, advance equity and
belonging, and equip students with
the knowledge and resilience to
thrive in a changing world.

Service Area
4CD comprises one of the largest multi-college districts in California, serving more than 1.16 million people who reside in Contra Costa County. Geographically, 4CD’s boundaries are virtually coterminous with those of the County, encompassing all but 48 of the County’s 734-square-mile land area (see Figure 3).

Population Trends and Projections
1 Contra Costa Community College District. (2025). Environmental scan 2025. Office of Research and Planning. www.4cd.edu/environmentalscan 4CD’s recent environmental scan projects steady but limited population growth in Contra Costa County through 2033. The County’s population is expected to age significantly over that period, with a notable increase in residents aged 65 and older and a decrease in those under 18.1
This shift accompanies a gradual
decline in traditional high school graduate pipelines and highlights the importance of engaging adult learners (Figure 4). Nearly half of the County’s adult population does not hold an associate degree or higher, presenting a critical opportunity for 4CD to expand access and address evolving educational and workforce needs through targeted programs for adult and returning learners.

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Strategic Plan 2025-2030 11
Figure 4. High School Graduate Projection for the Bay Area and Contra Costa County Economic Conditions
Contra Costa County’s residents represent a diverse range of income levels, with a relatively high proportion of high-earning households compared to the overall state. However, the County’s high cost of living places significant financial pressure on many residents, particularly students, and higher incomes do not fully alleviate these challenges. Economic conditions vary significantly across different communities, with higher concentrations of poverty generally found in the western and eastern regions of the County. Traditional poverty measures likely underestimate the true extent of financial hardship in the County, as they do not adequately account for the high cost of living.

While job growth is expected to continue in the near term, 2024 marked an increase in unemployment compared to the previous two years. Broader economic shifts may also emerge as federal policy changes impact trade and other key sectors. Despite these uncertainties, Contra Costa County’s economy remains on a growth trajectory, supported by investments in transportation infrastructure, workforce development, and business incentives.

However, persistent challenges such as housing affordability and infrastructure demands continue to shape the region’s economic landscape.
4CD’s three colleges—Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, and Los Medanos College—serve the distinct regions of West, Central, and East County, respectively. Each college’s unique strengths, programming, and deep connection to its community position it to respond effectively to the specific demographic, economic, and workforce trends shaping its service area.

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4CD Student Characteristics
Enrollment Trends
With two years of enrollment growth, 4CD is seeing encouraging signs of recovery following a prolonged period of decline exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic (see Figure 5). Historically, enrollment patterns have closely reflected regional economic conditions, typically rising during periods of economic downturn. However, during COVID-19 and the resulting economic instability, this enrollment trend did not occur, disrupting a reliable pattern often used in enrollment planning. This disruption highlights an increasing complexity in people’s decisions to pursue post-secondary education. As social perceptions and national conditions continue to evolve, likely amid ongoing uncertainty over the next five years, maintaining flexibility and responsiveness in enrollment planning will be critical to sustaining and building on this recovery.

Recent high school graduates make
up approximately one-quarter
of 4CD’s student population.

High school graduation rates
have been gradually declining
since 2020–2021, a trend that is
expected to continue. Although the
percentage of graduates enrolling at
a 4CD college decreased during the
pandemic, enrollment rates among
this group are now showing signs of
recovery (Figure 6).

The COVID-19 pandemic
significantly accelerated the
diversification of instructional
delivery at 4CD, leading to a
lasting expansion of learning
modalities available to students
across disciplines. In the postpandemic learning environment, students continue to engage across the three primary modalities: face-to-face, hybrid, and online. As of fall 2024, 4CD experienced equal enrollment in face-to-face and online courses, each accounting for 42%, with hybrid enrollments showing steady growth (see Figure 7).

Figure 5. 4CD Enrollment Trends
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Strategic Plan 2025-2030 13
Figure 8. 4CD Students' Ethnic Composition Compared to Contra Costa County Figure 6. Local High School Transitions to 4CD Figure 7. Credit Student Fall Enrollment by Modality Student Demographics
Districtwide, the broad demographic patterns of
4CD students mirror the diversity of the County.

The 4CD student body has higher concentrations
of Hispanic, African American, and students
identifying as Two or More races (see Figure 8).

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14 Contra Costa Community College District
Strategic Plan
Purpose and Scope
4CD’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan provides a unifying
framework to guide collaborative decision-making, align efforts across all District sites, and drive positive change to achieve meaningful results for students, employees,
and the communities we serve.

At its core, the plan affirms our collective commitment to continuous improvement in service to our students,
employees, and communities. Through strategic planning, we define our organizational identity—who we are, what
we value, where we aspire to go, and how we will get
there, together. By examining our current context through the lens of our shared purpose and values, we identify
common goals and priorities that will guide efforts to
advance equitable student outcomes, address evolving
workforce needs, and foster supportive, inclusive learning and work environments across 4CD.

This plan is designed to inform and support the
development of each college’s strategic educational plan and integrate with other institutional plans, promoting coherence across all planning efforts.

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Strategic Plan 2025-2030 15
Strategic Planning Process
The 4CD Districtwide Strategic Plan was developed through an inclusive, participatory process that incorporated the perspectives of students, employees, and community partners. Instead of establishing separate planning structures, the process was embedded within existing governance bodies, districtwide committees, and workgroups, and was complemented by a series of focused planning forums. This approach supported continuous refinement and broad engagement throughout the planning period.

The 4CD Governing Board initiated the plan development process in fall 2024 by offering guidance related to 4CD’s overarching direction and core values, which served as a compass for the remainder of the planning process. The District Governance Council (DGC) served as the District Strategic Planning Committee throughout the planning period, grounding the process in 4CD’s participatory governance framework and providing consistent guidance and oversight.

Input was gathered through multiple formats to encourage broad and inclusive participation. More than 250 individuals directly contributed to the plan's content, including classified professionals, faculty, administrators, students, and external partners. A series of strategic planning forums served as key touchpoints for engagement:
• Three hybrid college forums—one at each college—welcomed employees and students to participate in person or via Zoom.
• A districtwide virtual forum provided an additional opportunity for engagement across all sites.
• A dedicated community partner forum brought together voices from education, business and industry, community-based organizations, elected offices, and workforce and economic development agencies.

To complement the forums, online surveys and digital feedback opportunities allowed stakeholders to review and comment on draft components of the plan, including the mission, vision, values, goals, and strategic priorities. This ensured that community feedback directly informed the development of the plan. The Chancellor’s Cabinet and District Governance Council (DGC) reviewed and finalized the plan, which the Governing Board ultimately approved.

This collaborative, multi-modal approach helped create a plan that reflects diverse perspectives and articulates the shared purpose of advancing student success, equity, and innovation across 4CD.

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16 Contra Costa Community College District
Planning Context
The Strategic Plan is shaped by 4CD’s broader environmental context, which includes current and emerging economic trends, sociopolitical dynamics, statewide priorities and mandates, emerging technologies, and changing workforce demands. The goals, priorities, and strategies detailed in the plan represent 4CD’s deliberate response to this evolving landscape, grounded in its mission, aligned with its values, and directed toward achieving its long-term vision.

The summary below highlights key trends considered during the planning process. It is important to note that while this plan is a static document providing a snapshot of the environment at a particular point in time, it results from an ongoing districtwide planning process that adapts to circumstances as new needs emerge.

Economic Trends and Assumptions
As of early 2025, Contra Costa County's economy continues to display resilience, although some moderation is evident. Following a sharp rise in unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic, the County’s job market has largely rebounded. The unemployment rate peaked at 15.3% in 2020 and then declined steadily in subsequent years, reaching 4.6% in early 2025. Excluding pandemic outliers, the County’s unemployment rate has
remained below the statewide average, which was 5.4% during the same period.

California continues to face fiscal uncertainty at the state level.

Its progressive tax system, which is heavily dependent on capital gains, leaves state revenues vulnerable to economic fluctuations.

Recent trends show a drop in consumer spending alongside a largely stagnant labor market.2
Nationally, key economic
indicators—such as yield curve inversions, slowing job growth, and weakening consumer confidence—suggest that the U.S. economy faces an elevated risk of recession in the coming years.

Given these dynamics, 4CD’s Strategic Plan acknowledges the ongoing economic uncertainty and anticipates slower economic growth or the potential for a recession during the 2025–2030 period, including the related enrollment and budgetary implications.
2 Legislative Analyst’s Office. (2024, March). The 2024–25 budget: California community colleges. https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4939 Agenda Packet Page 292 of 465
Strategic Plan 2025-2030 17
State and Federal Policy Trends
Statewide Frameworks
California’s higher education landscape is increasingly shaped by ambitious statewide initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes, streamlining transfer, and aligning programs with workforce demands. The Governor’s Roadmap for Community Colleges, California Community Colleges’ Vision 2030, and California’s Master Plan for Career Education establish a statewide strategic framework. While these state-led efforts promote systemwide coherence and student success, they also place significant demands on institutional capacity and reduce the flexibility available for locally driven planning, innovation, and improvement.

The Roadmap for California Community Colleges outlined systemwide priorities tied to increased base funding, establishing a policy foundation built on data-informed planning, equity-focused investments, and measurable outcomes. These principles shaped the development of Vision 2030, which extends the Roadmap’s direction by providing a long-term strategy to advance equity, increase credential attainment, and strengthen connections between education and regional workforce needs. The Master Plan for Career Education complements this work by advancing a statewide vision for universal access to relevant, high-quality training and clearly defined pathways to economic mobility.

Legislative Mandates and Structural Reform
In tandem with these strategic frameworks, the California Legislature has enacted several policy mandates requiring colleges and districts to implement significant structural reforms—changes that necessitate deeper coordination between instruction and student services and often involve substantial investments of time, staffing, and resources for effective implementation. Assembly Bill 928 (the Transfer Achievement Reform Act) requires a single general education pattern for CSU and UC transfer, while Assembly Bill 1111 (Common Course Numbering) mandates standardized course numbering across California Community Colleges. These reforms aim to streamline the student experience but require significant curricular, operational, and technological adjustments at the district and college levels.

These state policy trends signify a shift from local and regionally tailored planning to state-directed structural change. While the intent is to create a more coherent and navigable system for students, the cumulative effect is an increasing expectation that districts implement uniform structural changes with limited flexibility to adapt solutions based on regional or institutional context. For district-level strategic planning, this evolving landscape necessitates a proactive and adaptive approach that aligns local priorities with state mandates, anticipates systemic change, and builds the internal capacity needed to implement reforms at scale. Strategic planning must incorporate compliance timelines, cross-functional coordination, and sustainable change management, all while remaining focused on student success and equity.

Evolving Federal Landscape
Executive orders and administrative actions under the current federal administration have created a new policy environment impacting California’s community colleges. These include attempts to limit or dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, as well as shifts in immigration policy and other directives with potential impacts on student access and support. Together, they contribute to a climate of uncertainty for institutions and the students they serve, particularly for undocumented students and those from historically marginalized populations. As a result, strategic planning must consider the implications of these federal actions and incorporate flexibility to respond to evolving national policy conditions over the next five years.

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18 Contra Costa Community College District
Public Perceptions of Higher Education
Public perceptions of higher education are complex, varied, and often conflicting. While views of higher education in the United States have improved slightly since pre-pandemic levels, concerns about affordability and return on investment remain paramount, despite a broad acknowledgement of higher education’s role in economic mobility and long-term career success.3

These perceptions vary significantly depending on the type of institution and the job sector in question. Community colleges are generally viewed more favorably than four-year institutions for their affordability, flexibility, and direct pathways to employment— particularly in technical and healthcare fields. However, four-year institutions are often regarded more favorably in terms of academic prestige, research opportunities, and long-term earning potential.

Fortunately, local perceptions of 4CD have remained consistently favorable over time. In January 2024, EMC Research surveyed Contra Costa County voters and found that 4CD colleges were rated positively for providing good or excellent overall quality and educational value. Fewer than 14% of respondents expressed an unfavorable view of the District or its colleges. These results closely mirror findings from a similar survey conducted by EMC Research in October 2013, reflecting a consistent and sustained positive perception of 4CD over the past decade.

Furthermore, data from a recent economic impact study
commissioned by the District reveals that 4CD enhances the economic well-being of county residents and generates substantial financial returns for both students and residents. Every dollar students spend on tuition and fees yields, on average, $8.40 in the form of higher future lifetime earnings. Similarly, for every dollar of public money invested in 4CD, taxpayers receive a cumulative value of $2.00, equating to a 200% return on investment. The return to society in added revenue and social savings is estimated at $14.40 for every dollar of investment (see Figure 9).4
Figure 9. Summary of Investment Analysis, Fiscal Year 2022-2023 41 52 58
66 100
< High school
High school
Certificate
Associate
Bachelor's
$31,400
$40,100
$44,300
$50,600
$76,900
Investment analysis: Average earnings by education level at career midpoint The average associate degree graduate
from 4CD will see an increase in earnings of
$10,500 each year compared to someone with
a high school diploma working in California.

Students gain $8.40
in lifetime earnings
Taxpayers gain $2.00 in added tax
revenue and public sector savings
For
every
$1… Society gains $14.40 in
added income and social savings
3 Contra Costa Community College District. (2025). Environmental scan 2025. Office of Research and Planning. www.4cd.edu/environmentalscan 4 Lightcast (2024). The Economic Value of the Contra Costa College District. www.4cd.edu/economicimpact Agenda Packet Page 294 of 465
Strategic Plan 2025-2030 19
The Expanding Role of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies Artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping the landscape of higher education and the future of work. These advancements are transforming how students learn, how educators teach, and the skills required for future careers. As AI tools become more embedded in educational practices and operations, they create opportunities to tailor learning experiences, streamline administrative processes, and broaden access to information.

At the same time, this rapid evolution demands that higher education adapt swiftly to prepare students for a workforce shaped by automation, data, and digital systems. In addition to technical competencies, students need critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and digital citizenship skills to navigate complex digital environments successfully.

These shifts represent more than technological advancements; they signify a fundamental redefinition of institutional roles in preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world. The magnitude and pace of this change emerged as a consistent theme in strategic planning forums held across the colleges and the broader community, highlighting a collective awareness of its far-reaching impact and the need for a coordinated response across 4CD.

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20 Contra Costa Community College District
Student-Centered
We are committed to putting students first, recognizing that serving and supporting them is our shared purpose.
• Student-First Approach – Ensure that policies, programs, and practices are designed to support student needs and success. • Student Voice and Agency - Actively seek and integrate student perspectives in decision-making.
• Shared Responsibility and Engagement - Strengthen
collaboration among faculty, staff, administrators, and partners in service to students.

Equity and Belonging
Equity and belonging are core values guiding our work as we strive to create more diverse, just, inclusive, and supportive learning and work environments.
• Addressing Inequities – Remain reflective and proactive in identifying and addressing disproportionate impacts in our policies, practices, programs, and processes.
• Inclusive Collaboration – Work collectively to create welcoming spaces that reflect and celebrate our communities' diverse identities and cultures.
• Safe and Supportive Environments – Foster a culture where students and employees feel physically, psychologically, and emotionally safe in order to thrive.

Future-Readiness and Adaptability
We strive to prepare students, employees, and our institution for a rapidly changing world by fostering a culture of resilience, responsiveness, and ongoing improvement.
• Sustainability and Stewardship – Responsibly manage
resources and embrace sustainable, forward-thinking practices. • Flexible and Responsive Systems – Design programs and services that adapt to evolving student, workforce, and community needs.
• Proactive Innovation – Anticipate and drive positive change by embracing emerging technologies, data-informed strategies, and innovative practices.
• Preparation and Resilience – Equip students and employees with critical thinking skills, knowledge, and tools to navigate and shape a dynamic future.

Excellence and Integrity
We are committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence and integrity in all aspects of our institution.
• Academic and Institutional Excellence – Maintain high expectations for students, staff, and institutional practices to ensure rigorous, high-quality programs and services.
• Proactively Affirm Student Potential – Recognize the extraordinary abilities and resilience of our students and communities, engaging with humility and a commitment to meaningful support.
• Ethics, Transparency, and Accountability – Uphold ethical standards and clear, transparent processes with built-in accountability to ensure continuous improvement.
• Thoughtful Action and Reflection – Assess the impact of our decisions and continuously refine our practices to align with our values.
4CD Values
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Strategic Plan 2025-2030 21
4CD Strategic Goals
2025-2030
Over the next five years, 4CD will pursue four goals
that reflect and advance its mission and values. These
goals provide a framework for aligning districtwide
efforts with our commitment to student success,
equity, and continuous improvement. Each goal is
supported by four priorities that focus and coordinate
action, along with suggested strategies and progress
measures that identify specific steps and promote
measurable outcomes. Together, these elements
ensure that our mission and values are translated into
meaningful, sustained impact across 4CD.

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22 Contra Costa Community College District
Provide high-quality, evidence-based, and culturally responsive educational programs and support that meet the evolving needs of students and communities. Simplify systems and processes to improve student success and remove barriers to completion, focusing on closing equity and opportunity gaps for historically marginalized students.

Goal 1 Equitably improve student learning and completion by providing holistic support.

Priority 1
Align districtwide completion, participation, and student support goals with those identified in the California Community Colleges Vision 2030.

Suggested Strategies and Progress Measures
Annually review districtwide progress toward Vision 2030 student completion, participation, and support goals to achieve districtwide improvement by 2030.
a) Completion: Increase with equity the number of 4CD students completing a certificate, associate degree, or baccalaureate degree by 30%.
b) Participation: Increase with equity the number of students attending a 4CD college by either 25%, or enrollment levels that surpass pre-pandemic numbers for student populations that experienced declines during the pandemic, whichever is greater. c) Maximizing Financial Aid: Increase with equity the number of 4CD students receiving Pell and California College Promise Grant by 10%.
d) Reducing Units to Completion: Reduce with equity the average number of units required to complete an associate degree for transfer.

Priority 2
Clarify educational pathways and streamline institutional processes, ensuring students can navigate them easily and track their progress with confidence.

Suggested Strategies and Progress Measures
a) Utilize integrated technologies to guide students through the enrollment process, key educational milestones, and timely access to support services. Regularly review relevant performance indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions.
b) Evaluate student-facing processes across 4CD to identify opportunities for automation, streamlining, and standardization to improve the overall student experience.
c) Review and revise policies and practices to remove structural and systemic barriers that hinder the success of historically minoritized groups.

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Strategic Plan 2025-2030 23
Goal 1
Priority 3
Collaborate with other systems, agencies, institutions, and community-based organizations to increase equitable access and offer students holistic academic, financial, and social support.

Suggested Strategies and Progress Measures
a) Enhance collaboration and alignment with K-12 and adult education partners to support equitable access and seamless transition to 4CD colleges. Annually review the District Feeder High School Report and California Adult Education metrics to track student enrollment and success.
b) Aligning with Vision 2030, collaborate with regional UC and CSU systems to equitably increase the number of 4CD students earning associate degrees for transfer by 30%, while providing effective transfer services and support.
c) Expand districtwide partnerships with local municipalities, cultural organizations, public agencies, and community-based organizations to effectively address student needs and enhance support services.

Priority 4
Design educational offerings that are accessible, flexible, and responsive to students' diverse needs and educational goals.

Suggested Strategies and Progress Measures
a) Implement a technology-enabled process to create datainformed, student-centered class schedules while streamlining schedule development for faculty, staff, and administrators. b) Assess 4CD’s accessibility support infrastructure using the California Community Colleges Accessibility Center’s Accessibility Capability Maturity Model (ACMM) and implement necessary improvements.
c) Promote college affordability by expanding the use of Open Educational Resources (OER) and increasing the availability of Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) and Low Textbook Cost (LTC) sections across disciplines. Improve transparency by displaying instructional material costs in the student-facing schedule, aiming to provide cost information for at least 80% of course sections by 2030.
d) Support the expansion of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) across 4CD, to increase the number of students earning CPL by 25% by 2030.
e) Annually review progress on the metrics identified in the 2022- 2027 Distance Education Strategic Plan.

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Cultivate increasingly inclusive learning and work environments across 4CD where students and employees feel connected, engaged, and valued. Provide equitable opportunities for all community members to contribute, collaborate, and grow.

Foster a culture of inclusion, belonging, and studentfocused engagement.

Priority 1
Implement the CREED5 Framework across 4CD to reinforce our common purpose, promote a research-driven approach, encourage open and effective dialogue, and ensure deliverables are broadly communicated.

Suggested Strategies and Progress Measures
a) Host CREED trainings throughout 4CD, with an emphasis on utilizing the framework in participatory governance settings. b) Regularly assess the utilization and impact of the CREED Framework and identify opportunities for continuous
improvement.

Priority 2
Ensure broad and active participation in 4CD’s governance structures, with diverse representation across roles, backgrounds, and perspectives. Intentionally elevate the voices of students and those most impacted by decisions.

Suggested Strategies and Progress Measures
a) Assess 4CD employee engagement in participatory governance to determine who is engaged, how they contribute to decisionmaking, and identify opportunities to enhance involvement. b) Regularly review and share findings from student surveys (e.g., the Survey of Entering Student Engagement [SENSE], Community College Survey of Student Engagement [CCSSE], etc.), focus groups, and other mechanisms used to gather student input, ensuring that student perspectives are amplified and inform decision-making across 4CD.
5 The CREED Model was developed by Dr. Alvin B. Tillery, Jr., Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy at Northwestern University. The five CREED pillars are: Common Purpose, Research, Equanimity, Empathy, and Deliverables.

Goal 2
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Strategic Plan 2025-2030 25
Priority 3
Expand and enhance districtwide professional development opportunities, including employee mentoring programs.

Suggested Strategies and Progress Measures
a) Revitalize and sustain the 4CD Leadership Institute (4CDLI) or a similar leadership development program.
b) Assess faculty, staff, and administrator engagement in professional learning using qualitative and quantitative measures.
c) Design and scale districtwide professional learning
opportunities that align with districtwide strategic priorities, address Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) requirements, and support progress toward Vision 2030 goals.

Priority 4
Plan and build safe, flexible, and inspiring spaces that reflect the identities and cultures of our students, employees, and communities.

Suggested Strategies and Progress Measures
a) Regularly monitor progress on implementing District Facilities Plans, which include projects that prioritize accessibility, safety, and the use of universal design principles to create inclusive environments.
b) Evaluate and implement new facility projects and renovations in alignment with 4CD standards and codes, including Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) guidelines. c) Incorporate culturally significant design elements into new and renovated spaces, including artwork, symbols, bilingual signage, and visual representations that celebrate the heritage and traditions of diverse cultural groups.

Goal 2
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26 Contra Costa Community College District
Adopt a future-focused, data-informed approach to address evolving educational, workforce, social, and fiscal demands. Embrace emerging technologies and build strategic partnerships to enhance adaptability, ensuring programs, services, and infrastructure align with emerging needs.

Embed future readiness and adaptability into 4CD’s educational programming and operations by fostering innovation,
responsiveness, and proactive problem-solving at all levels.

Priority 1
Foster an organizational culture that actively encourages and supports experimentation, innovation, and strategic risk-taking.

Suggested Strategies and Progress Measures
a) Offer professional development for managers to cultivate a leadership approach that encourages experimentation and innovation within their areas.
b) Convene faculty, staff, and administrators committed to driving culture change to explore models from higher education institutions that have effectively promoted a culture of innovation and adaptability.

Priority 2
Design educational programs and learning environments to swiftly adapt to evolving educational, technological, and workforce demands.

Suggested Strategies and Progress Measures
a) Regularly analyze regional labor market data and trends to develop and refine a districtwide strategy that leverages each college’s strengths and potential to address evolving workforce needs effectively.
b) Aligning with Facilities Plans, implement planning and design strategies that create flexible, technology-integrated learning environments that optimize utility and simulate real-world settings.

Goal 3
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Strategic Plan 2025-2030 27
Priority 3
Embrace emerging technologies, data-informed strategies, and forward-thinking practices to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world.

Suggested Strategies and Progress Measures
a) Assess opportunities to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into institutional practices, administrative workflows, and student support services to increase efficiency, improve responsiveness, and predict student needs.
b) Convene forums that bring together faculty, staff, and administrators to explore opportunities to engage students with emerging technologies while promoting critical thinking and responsible digital citizenship.

Priority 4
Strengthen the resilience of Contra Costa County communities by advancing a future-ready workforce, providing educational opportunities that promote social mobility, and championing environmental sustainability.

Suggested Strategies and Progress Measures
a) Expand demand-driven, apprenticeship, and ‘earn-and-learn’ models across 4CD.
b) In alignment with Vision 2030, increase with equity the percentage of 4CD students who earn a living wage for the Bay Area by 10%.
c) Strengthen partnerships with workforce development boards, industry councils, and trade organizations to proactively design educational programs that address sector-specific training needs anticipated in Contra Costa County over the next five to ten years.

Goal 3
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Prudently steward Contra Costa County’s investment in 4CD by sustainably and strategically leveraging all resources. Prioritize fiscal responsibility and environmental sustainability, recognizing their integral connection to student success and institutional resilience.

Responsibly, proactively, and sustainably steward
4CD resources.

Priority 1
Allocate financial, human, and capital resources strategically and responsibly to enhance student success, ensure financial integrity and stability, and promote long-term institutional excellence.

Suggested Strategies and Progress Measures
a) Regularly monitor districtwide performance on the StudentCentered Funding Formula metrics and share the results broadly to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
b) Develop models and projections to assess how decisions, interventions, and strategies may influence future funding and financial sustainability.
c) Continuously assess 4CD’s funding composition and proactively diversify revenue sources.
d) Regularly assess 4CD’s financial state using the Sound Fiscal Management Checklist.

Priority 2
Optimize operational efficiencies by streamlining standard processes and eliminating unnecessary complexity.

Suggested Strategies and Progress Measures
a) Identify and assess key districtwide processes that impact employee workload and operational efficiency, with a focus on improving those that are repetitive and manual and increase liabilities.
b) Engage appropriate districtwide workgroups or form ad hoc taskforces to achieve process improvement goals and communicate progress widely.
c) Recognize 4CD teams and employees who contribute to
identifying and implementing successful process improvements.

Goal 4
Agenda Packet Page 304 of 465
Strategic Plan 2025-2030 29
Priority 3
Support a strong and secure technology infrastructure that enhances workforce efficiency, delivers excellent service to students and employees, and maintains high security and privacy standards.

Suggested Strategies and Progress Measures
a) Assess and address ongoing infrastructure improvement needs. b) Regularly review and update technology-related policies and practices to ensure alignment with industry standards and federal and state regulations related to security, risk mitigation, and access control.

Priority 4
Develop and implement practices and procedures that promote sustainability, environmental stewardship, proactive maintenance, and long-term resilience in all areas of the District.

Suggested Strategies and Progress Measures
a) Annually evaluate progress on 4CD’s Districtwide Energy and Sustainability Goals to assess advancement toward 2030
benchmarks.
b) Track the adoption of practices and process improvements that demonstrate environmental stewardship and replicate best practices across District sites.

Goal 4
Agenda Packet Page 305 of 465
30 Contra Costa Community College District
Appendix:
4CD Colleges
Contra Costa College
Contra Costa College (CCC) was the first college in the Contra Costa Community College District. As a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution, CCC serves a majority Latinx, African American, and Asian student population drawn from a socioeconomically diverse, culturally rich, and resilient community. The Chronicle of Higher Education has ranked its faculty among the most diverse in the nation.

CCC has earned national distinction for its academic
partnerships and student opportunities. It is the only Northern California campus chosen for NASA’s Aerospace Scholars
program. CCC also supports Middle College High School,
a National Blue Ribbon School, and has been recognized for many of its academic and student support programs.

West County residents have a long tradition of supporting education, and their strong support for our facilities bond measures demonstrates their recognition that higher education is key to improving the quality of life in our community. The completion of the new Science Center and fully renovated and expanded PE/Kinesiology Complex are the kind of investments that West County and our students will enjoy for decades to come. We appreciate the support that voters have shown by passing Measure E and earlier bond measures.

Diablo Valley College
Diablo Valley College (DVC) has earned recognition as one of the most successful community colleges in the country—offering exceptional degree and certificate programs in both transfer and career education to an increasingly diverse student body. With campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, DVC is ranked first in the state for the number of students transferring to UC Berkeley and is regularly highly ranked for transfer rates to all UC and CSU campuses.

Preparing students of today to be the leaders of tomorrow requires facilities designed with student learning and success in mind.

Thanks to the support of voters through Measure E bond funds, DVC recently completed several major projects, including the new Art Complex and Athletics Complex on the Pleasant Hill campus, as well as the Library and Academic Success Center on the San Ramon campus. These investments, along with critical upgrades to aging facilities and infrastructure, ensure that our students continue to benefit from the high-quality instruction for which DVC is known for. We appreciate the support that voters have shown by passing Measure E and earlier bond measures.

Contra Costa College
Agenda Packet Page 306 of 465
Strategic Plan 2025-2030 31
Los Medanos College
Los Medanos College (LMC) offers award-winning transfer and career education programs, stellar support services, and diverse learning opportunities in East Contra Costa County. Our exceptional educators, innovative curricula, growing degree and certificate offerings, and strong regional partnerships focus on student success. Of the 1,600 two-year institutions across the nation, LMC has been recognized on the list of “Top 150 U.S. Community Colleges” by the Aspen Institute since 2017 and was named one of the “50 Best Community Colleges” by College Choice. LMC ranks No. 12 among the best accredited colleges for associate degrees in mathematics, according to BestAccreditedColleges.org.

We are grateful to county residents for supporting our facilities bond measures, enabling the college to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment in state-of-the-art facilities at our Pittsburg Campus, including a new Kinesiology/Athletics and Student Union Complex, as well as new Brentwood
Center. Such community investment allows LMC to continue positioning our students for success at four-year universities, in the workforce, and beyond.

Los Medanos College
Diablo Valley College
Agenda Packet Page 307 of 465
Contra Costa Community College District www.4cd.edu
Agenda Packet Page 308 of 465
Allow sender | Block sender
From: Amelia Schmale
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comments
Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025 4:14:25 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

To Whom It May Concern:

It has come to my attention that the El Cerrito City Council will soon be reviewing a contract with Caltrans for street, sidewalk, and landscaping improvements along San Pablo Avenue (State Route 123), with El Cerrito committing up to $400,000 over the next two years to the project.

I am very concerned about the safety of pedestrians and cyclists along all of El Cerrito's streets and particularly along San Pablo Avenue. I urge the council to make sure that the Caltrans project includes urgently needed improvements to slow down traffic and make intersections and crosswalks safer along San Pablo Avenue.

Traffic calming will make that corridor not only safer, but more attractive to businesses and shoppers, as well as more visually appealing.

Thank you,
Amelia Schmale
El Cerrito
Agenda Item No. 7.E.

Agenda Packet Page 309 of 465
Public Hearing:

Proposed East Bay Sanitary Rates &
Integrated Waste Management Fees
Effective January 1, 2026
Presentation to City Council
December 2, 2025
Agenda Item No. 8.A.

Agenda Packet Page 310 of 465
Agenda
 El Cerrito’s Solid Waste Services
 New Regional Post-Collection Agreement
 2026 Rate Changes
 Zero Emission Vehicles
 Accomplishments & Objectives
2 Agenda Packet Page 311 of 465
Proposed City Council Actions
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, 2026.  Adopt a resolution setting Integrated Waste Management (IWM) Fees effective January 1, 2026, and appropriating an allocation from the Integrated Waste Management Fund in the amount of $218,507 3 Agenda Packet Page 312 of 465
El Cerrito’s
Solid Waste
Services
 (2) East Bay Sanitary
(EBS): Garbage and
Organic Waste
Collection
 (3) RecycleMore
and Republic:

Post-Collection
Services
(1) Integrated Waste
Management (IWM): Curbside
Recycling, Recycling Center &
Compliance
4 Agenda Packet Page 313 of 465
2026 Solid
Waste Rates
 Residential rates are proposed to increase 10.6% to

11.6%
 Commercial rates are proposed to increase 10.3% to

11.2%
 Attachment 3 of Agenda Bill provides all rates of specific / additional services
5 Agenda Packet Page 314 of 465
Existing City Post-Collection Agreements
 Per City’s existing Post-Collection Agreement (PCA) with Republic Services (Republic), EBS pays Republic $134.70/ton for solid waste and organics processing on behalf of the City
 Fees EBS pays Republic also includes the City’s costs for Household Hazardous Waste services and membership in the RecycleMore Joint Powers Authority  City further pays recyclables processing costs of $55/ton, which require its trucks to make daily drop-offs in Napa
 Existing PCA with Republic expires 12/31/2025
6 Agenda Packet Page 315 of 465
New
RecycleMore
Post-Collection
Agreement
7  City joined RecycleMore’s new regional PCA with Republic, effective 1/1/2026 at $195.82 per/ton for solid waste,
organics, and recycling
 New PCA decreases the City’s recycling transportation, maintenance, and toll costs
 Value added provisions in new PCA include:
 SB 1383 Compost Procurement Compliance - Continuation of supplied compost for compost giveaways
 Continuation of student tours of Republic recycling facility  Continuation of Household Hazardous Waste programs
 Predictable future post-collection rates - Fixed costs for years 1-3, cap on Consumer Price Index in following years
 The proposed 2026 EBS and IWM rates reflect these new post-collection costs.

Agenda Packet Page 316 of 465
Overall Factors
Affecting 2026
Solid Waste
Rate
Adjustment
2025
Revenues
2026
Revenues
Change in
Revenue
% Impact to
Rates
East Bay Sanitary
(Garbage and
Organics Collection)
$5,725,063 $5,853,705 $128,642 1.1%
City Integrated
Waste Management
(Recyclables
Collection + RERC)
$4,158,143 $4,193,889 $35,746 0.3%
Recyclables PostCollection
(Processing)
$184,745 $657,759 $473,014 4.0%
Garbage and
Organics PostCollection
(Processing)
$1,765,990 $2,437,949 $671,958 5.7%
Total $11,833,942 $13,143,303 $1,309,360 11.1%
8 Agenda Packet Page 317 of 465
2026 Residential Rates
9 Proposed Monthly Rates for Residential Customers
Garbage Container Size
EBS
Collection
(2026)
Post- Collection
(2026)
IWM Fee
(2026)
TOTAL
Monthly
2026
TOTAL
Monthly
2025
Monthly
Change
20 Gallon Cart $24.00 $8.90 $24.38 $57.28 $51.79 $5.49
35 Gallon Cart $33.87 $15.61 $26.66 $76.14 $68.21 $7.93 64 Gallon Cart $67.74 $31.20 $52.25 $151.19 $135.46 $15.73 Agenda Packet Page 318 of 465
2026 Commercial and Multi-Family Rates
10 Proposed Monthly Rates for Commercial/Multi-family Customers Garbage Container Size
EBS
Collection
(2026)
Post- Collection
(2026)
IWM Fee
(2026)
TOTAL
Monthly
2026
TOTAL
Monthly
2025
Monthly
Change
20 Gallon Cart $26.12 $8.90 $24.38 $59.40 $53.91 $5.49
35 Gallon Cart $36.79 $15.61 $26.66 $79.06 $71.13 $7.93 64 Gallon Cart $73.59 $31.20 $52.25 $157.04 $141.31 $15.73 1 Cubic Yard (Loose) $241.63 $90.26 $188.33 $520.22 $470.82 $49.40 2 Cubic Yards (Loose) $466.99 $180.44 $376.65 $1,024.08 $925.28 $98.80 Agenda Packet Page 319 of 465
Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) Update
 El Cerrito is amidst Public Fleet Electrification Transition Plan with a Spring 2026 estimated completion.
 El Cerrito learning from peers’ beta use of new technology to minimize risks
 demonstration of reliable battery range and depletion rate (especially on hills and when fully loaded), spare ratio, impact of efficient operator behavior
 market stabilization, costs to decline, technology
standardization, defects and technical problems to resolve, repair solutions to develop, mechanics to be trained
11 Agenda Packet Page 320 of 465
Funding Plan for ZEV Purchases
 Zero emission solid waste trucks cost approximately ~$1 M per vehicle (2025), not including the significant costs of installing charging infrastructure and of the electricity.
 Proposed 2026 IWM Fees are structured to continue to generate reserve funds for purchase of one ZEV (estimated 2027-2028)  Proposed 2026 EBS Rates continue to generate surplus revenues which may be applied to future ZEV purchases (or to offset future rate adjustments) – specifics to be determined between City and EBS per terms and conditions of the Franchise Agreement 12 Agenda Packet Page 321 of 465
Recent Accomplishments
13  2025 Platinum Spotlight Beacon
Award
 Collaborated with RecycleMore on
regional PCA
 Advertising campaign promoting
composting via SB 1383
Implementation Grant
Agenda Packet Page 322 of 465
Recent Accomplishments, Cont’d
14  Purchased & Installed 40 New Dual-Trash
Receptacles for Parks
 Outfitted recycling drivers with tablets to
facilitate Hauler Hero software
implementation to improve service
Agenda Packet Page 323 of 465
2026 Waste
Objectives
 Implement Provisions of the New Post-Collection
Agreement
 Continue Public Fleet Electrification Transition Plan development
 Continue to Implement SB 1383 Grant
 Deploy New Recycling Truck into Operations
 Continue to identify vendors to expand materials the
Recycling & Environmental Resource Center accepts
15 Agenda Packet Page 324 of 465
Proposed City Council Actions
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, 2026.  Adopt a resolution fixing and setting Integrated Waste Management (IWM) Fees effective January 1, 2026, and appropriating an allocation from the Integrated Waste Management Fund in the amount of $218,507
16 Agenda Packet Page 325 of 465
Questions
17 Agenda Packet Page 326 of 465
Allow sender | Block sender
From: Howdy Goudey
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public comment for agenda item 8A - waste fees Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 5:14:36 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Mayor Wysinger and Councilmembers,
When considering the rate setting of waste fees, I encourage there to be more attention to funding programs to reduce the volume of waste generated, as called for in the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CW1.1 - 1.5).

Waste management shouldn't just be about hauling stuff off and getting it processed, but rather dramatically reducing the amount of waste generated in the first place. That will best serve the community both environmentally, as well as reduce household costs.

Please direct staff to publicly report and track the tonnage of each of the three streams, as part of the annual rate setting process presentation, as well as implement, and report on, the CW1.1 - 1.5 actions using funding from the waste management fees.

Thanks for your time and consideration,
Howdy Goudey
El Cerrito
Agenda Packet Page 327 of 465

SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE

EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL
December 2, 2025
Agenda Item No. 8.B.

Agenda Packet Page 328 of 465
Agenda

1. Project Team

2. Overview of Safety Element

3. Summary of Feedback and
Responses
Agenda Packet Page 329 of 465
City Council Hearing| December 2, 2025
Project Team
City
 Sean Moss, Planning
Division, Planning Manager
 Jeff Ballantine, Planning
Division, Senior Planner
 Chase Beckman, Fire
Marshal
PlaceWorks
 Eli Krispi, Project Manager
 Miles Barker, Assistant
Project Manager
Agenda Packet Page 330 of 465

OVERVIEW OF SAFETY

ELEMENT
Agenda Packet Page 331 of 465
City Council Hearing| December 2, 2025
Safety Element
 Mandatory part of the General Plan.
 Identifies hazards of concern and related
issues.
 Contains policies to protect El Cerrito against
natural disasters and other hazards.
 Seismic and geologic hazards
 Flooding
 Wildfire
 Hazardous materials
 Emergency response and evacuation
 Sea level rise
 Other topics of concern
Agenda Packet Page 332 of 465
City Council Hearing| December 2, 2025
Relevance of Safety Element
 The Safety Element plays an important role in people’s daily lives.
 Addresses various safety concerns and hazards that
potentially impact the community.
 Natural Hazard Mitigation
 Emergency Preparedness
 Environmental Hazards
 Land Use Planning
Agenda Packet Page 333 of 465
City Council Hearing| December 2, 2025
Why Update the Safety Element?
 State law requires a review and
update of the Safety Element
every eight years.
 Current Safety Element is 26
years old.
 New requirements for policies
and background information.
 Need to integrate other recent
planning efforts.
 Changes in community needs
and priorities
Safety
Element
Update
Emergency
Operations
Plan
Local
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan
Climate
Action and
Adaptation
Plan
Details City’s
approach for
emergency
response and
recovery.

Short-term,
focused plan
with detailed
implementation
actions.

Identifies how
the community is
at risk from
climate change
impacts.

Agenda Packet Page 334 of 465
City Council Hearing| December 2, 2025
New State Requirements
 Increased requirements for flood and
wildfire sections.
 SB 379: Requires a Safety Element to
address climate related hazards and
resilience.
 AB 2140: Incorporation of the LHMP.
 SB 99 / AB 747: Show evacuation routes
and assess evacuation-constrained
areas.

Agenda Packet Page 335 of 465
City Council Hearing| December 2, 2025
Overall Project Timeline
Project start
•Fall 2023
Initial
research and
analysis
•Fall 2023 –
summer 2024
Policy
development
•Fall 2024 – spring
2025
Draft element
•Spring 2025 –
summer 2025
Public and
state agency
review
•Summer – fall
2025
Planning
Commission
hearing
•October 15, 2025
City Council
hearing
•December 2,
2025
Community
open house:

November 2024
Community open
house: May 2024
Agenda Packet Page 336 of 465

FEEDBACK AND

RESPONSES
Agenda Packet Page 337 of 465
City Council Hearing| December 2, 2025
Timeline of Comments Received
 Public Workshop held on November 20, 2024
 Received comments from the Planning Commission, City
Council, and community members.
 60-Day Public Review and State Agency Review Period
(August – October 2025)
 Received comments from residents, the El Cerrito Fire Safe Council, and CAL FIRE.

Agenda Packet Page 338 of 465
City Council Hearing| December 2, 2025
Planning Commission/City Council Comments
 Focus Areas. All comments from November 2024 study session  Strengthen policy language (“require” vs. “encourage”) and clarify implementation priorities, costs, and responsibilities.
 Integrate resilience into City budgeting and CIP to ensure long-term action.  Add discussion of risk tolerance and address insurance availability challenges.  Clarify whether sea level rise hazard zones apply to El Cerrito.  Implementation Oversight. All comments from November 2024 study session  Provide a list of hazard-abatement requirements and pre-approved techniques.  Ensure the implementation matrix is sorted by priority and updated regularly.  Improve coordination across departments and regional partners such as the East Bay Wildfire Coalition.

Agenda Packet Page 339 of 465
City Council Hearing| December 2, 2025
Responses to Commission/Council comments
 Overall Approach
 Reviewed all Planning Commission and City Council feedback and incorporated feasible edits.
 Strengthened the Safety Element to improve clarity, implementation detail, and policy direction.
 Refined organization and language for consistency and ease of use.  Key Outcomes
 Clarified roles, responsibilities, and alignment across City departments and partner agencies.
 Integrated long-term resilience into City budgeting and CIP.  Enhanced coordination and transparency across departments and regional partners.

Agenda Packet Page 340 of 465
City Council Hearing| December 2, 2025
Community Comments
 Preparedness & Communication
 Expand drills and preparedness (November 2024 Public Workshop).  Strengthen emergency communication systems (November 2024 Public Workshop).  Improve multilingual outreach (November 2024 Public Workshop and Fall 2025 Public Review Period).
 Evacuation & Infrastructure
 Add signage along public paths (November 2024 Public Workshop and Fall 2025 Public Review Period).
 Provide backup power for traffic signals on key evacuation routes (Fall 2025 Public Review Period).
 Evaluate parking restrictions on red-flag days (November 2024 Public Workshop).

Agenda Packet Page 341 of 465
City Council Hearing| December 2, 2025
Community Comments
 Wildfire & Flood Resilience
 Implement the Hillside Fire Resiliency Plan (Fall 2025 Public Review Period).  Expand home-hardening programs (Fall 2025 Public Review Period).  Update flood maps for climate-driven events (Fall 2025 Public Review Period).  Expand green-infrastructure and Adopt-a-Drain programs (November 2024 Public Workshop).
 Equity & Community Resilience
 Support small-business retrofits and hazard preparedness (November 2024 Public Workshop).
 Increase CERT participation and outreach to renters and older adults (November 2024 Public Workshop and Fall 2025 Public Review Period).
 Ensure ongoing, inclusive engagement in emergency preparedness and response planning (November 2024 Public Workshop and Fall 2025 Public Review Period).

Agenda Packet Page 342 of 465
City Council Hearing| December 2, 2025
CAL FIRE Review
 Required by State law for jurisdictions with certain fire zones.  CAL FIRE recommends that Safety Elements include certain policies and background information related to fire protection.  CAL FIRE staff reviewed the Safety Element in September and October of 2025.
 The Board of Forestry reviewed the Safety Element at its November 4th meeting.
 Praised several items in the Safety Element.
 Only recommendations were to correct minor technical wording.

Agenda Packet Page 343 of 465
City Council Hearing| December 2, 2025
Responses to Community Comments
 Overall Approach
 Reviewed all written comments including those from residents, the El Cerrito Fire Safe Council, and CAL FIRE.
 Incorporated feasible edits to clarify intent, strengthen policies, and improve accuracy.
 Coordinated with City departments and CAL FIRE to align policy language and mapping updates.
 Key Revisions Made
 Expanded focus to cover multiple hazards and long-term community resilience.  Strengthened communication, outreach, and equity considerations throughout.  Clarified department roles and timelines in the implementation matrix.  Updated data and mapping references using current State and federal resources.

Agenda Packet Page 344 of 465
City Council Hearing| December 2, 2025
Implementation
 Implementation begins after adoption.
 Policy matrix is a roadmap and a tool for implementation  City to lead implementation, with support from local, regional, and state agencies and other third parties.
 Several policies may require securing additional funding.  City staff have evaluated the cost of providing signage at public stairs and pedestrian paths, consistent with Planning Commission direction from prior hearing.

Agenda Packet Page 345 of 465
City Council Hearing| December 2, 2025
Staff Recommendation
Adopt a resolution amending the El Cerrito General Plan, adopting an update to the Safety Element, and finding that the Safety Element Update is consistent with the certified General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and that an Addendum has been prepared in accordance with CEQA
Guidelines Section 15164.

Agenda Packet Page 346 of 465

THANK YOU
Agenda Packet Page 347 of 465
City of El Cerrito
Safety Element
Hearing Draft
November 2025
Prepared for:

City of El Cerrito
10890 San Pablo Avenue
El Cerrito, CA 94530
510.215.4300
Prepared by:

PlaceWorks
2040 Bancroft Way, Suite 400,
Berkeley, CA 94704
510.848.3815
Agenda Packet Page 348 of 465
City of El Cerrito
Safety Element
Hearing Draft Page i
November 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Overview ...................................................................................................................................... 1 Purpose and Content.............................................................................................................................. 1 Relationship to Other Local Plans.......................................................................................................... 1 Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment........................................................................................... 2 Public Safety Issues ..................................................................................................................... 4 Seismic and Geologic Hazards .............................................................................................................. 4 Hazardous Waste and Materials.......................................................................................................... 14 Flood and Inundation Hazards............................................................................................................. 18 Fire Hazards .......................................................................................................................................... 26 Extreme Heat and Severe Weather...................................................................................................... 37 Drought .................................................................................................................................................. 42 Human Health Hazards ........................................................................................................................ 44 Emergency Preparedness and Response ........................................................................................... 46 Implementation ..........................................................................................................................55 Endnotes ....................................................................................................................................88 Appendix A – Evacuation Study
Agenda Packet Page 349 of 465
City of El Cerrito Safety Element
Page ii Hearing Draft
November 2025
TABLES
PAGE
Table 1: Safety Element Policy Matrix....................................................................................................56

FIGURES
PAGE
Figure S-1 Local Fault Lines.................................................................................................................. 6 Figure S-2 Regional Fault Lines ............................................................................................................ 7 Figure S-3 Liquefaction Areas .............................................................................................................. 9 Figure S-4 Tsunami Inundation Areas................................................................................................10 Figure S-5 Landslide Susceptibility Areas .........................................................................................12 Figure S-6 Hazardous Materials Sites................................................................................................15 Figure S-7 Flood Hazard Zones ..........................................................................................................20 Figure S-8 Sea Level Rise Projections by 2100 for Permanent Flooding........................................22 Figure S-9 Sea Level Rise Projections by 2100 for Permanent and Temporary Flooding .............23 Figure S-10 Fire Hazard Severity Zones...............................................................................................29 Figure S-11 Wildland-Urban Interface Areas .......................................................................................30 Figure S-12 Extreme Heat in El Cerrito................................................................................................. 38 Figure S-13 Potential Evacuation Routes.............................................................................................49 Figure S-14 Evacuation-Constrained Parcels ......................................................................................50 Agenda Packet Page 350 of 465
City of El Cerrito
Safety Element
Hearing Draft Page 1
November 2025

OVERVIEW
The Safety Element is the section of the City’s
General Plan that helps to protect the
community against natural disasters and other
hazardous conditions. This Element identifies
these hazards and contains goals, policies, and
implementation measures to improve El
Cerrito’s resilience.

PURPOSE AND CONTENT
The Safety Element follows the requirements
of Section 65302(g) of the California
Government Code, which mandates that the
Safety Element contain background
information and policies to address multiple
natural hazards, an analysis of vulnerabilities
from climate change, policies to improve
climate change resilience, and an assessment
of residential areas with evacuation
constraints. This Safety Element covers the
following safety issues in El Cerrito:
• Seismic and geologic hazards
• Hazardous waste and materials
• Flood and inundation hazards
• Fire hazards
• Extreme heat and severe weather
• Drought
• Human health hazards
• Emergency preparedness and response

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LOCAL
PLANS
The El Cerrito General Plan’s Safety Element is
one of several plans that address community
safety and related topics. Other plans include
the Contra Costa County Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan, El Cerrito Climate Action and
Adaptation Plan, El Cerrito Emergency
Operations Plan, and various local regulations.

The Safety Element is consistent with these
other plans and integrates them as appropriate
to ensure that the City has a unified strategy to
address public safety and resilience issues.

General Plan Elements
The Safety Element provides policy direction
and designs safety improvements that
complement the intent and policies of other
General Plan elements/chapters. How land
uses are determined in areas prone to natural
hazards, what regulations limit development in
these areas, and how hazards are mitigated for
existing development are all issues that tie the
elements together. For instance, the Public
Facilities and Services chapter must consider
how hazards will affect the park and recreation
infrastructure and facilities in El Cerrito but
also recognize that parks can provide
strategies to reduce flood risks throughout the
City. The Housing Element is closely tied to the
Safety Element. Future potential development
in the City must be protected from hazards and
able to adapt to climate change hazards to
ensure homes and the people living in them
remain safe. Safety Element policies,
especially those concerning evacuation routes
and critical facilities, must also be consistent
Agenda Packet Page 351 of 465
City of El Cerrito Safety Element