El Cerrito City Council
December 2, 2025

Mayor Councilmembers
Carolyn Wysinger William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Gabe Quinto AGENDA Rebecca Saltzman

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2025
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
City Council Chambers - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito Closed Captions available Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83401463040?pwd=HfvAhl5pIHavXD2nkshSBbrWv3FnOv.1 Meeting ID: 834 0146 3040 Passcode: 076754 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 View:

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

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

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

Public Comments:

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

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

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

Agenda Packet Page 1 of 465
Mayor Councilmembers
Carolyn Wysinger William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Gabe Quinto AGENDA Rebecca Saltzman

6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

1. CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION ON ANY REQUEST FROM A

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

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

MOMENT OF SILENCE

3. TELECONFERENCE AND PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS

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

5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Remarks are typically limited to 3 minutes per person. The Mayor may reduce the time limit per speaker depending upon the number of speakers and may limit the total time for public comment to facilitate the completion of business on the agenda. Comments regarding non-agenda, presentation and consent calendar items will be heard first.

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

6. PRESENTATIONS
A. State of the District Presentation - Contra Costa Community Collage Action Proposed: Receive and file a presentation from the Contra Costa Community College regarding the State of the District
Contact: Mojdeh Mehdizadeh, Chancellor, Contra Costa Community College

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

A. Urban Forest Committee Appointment
Action Proposed: Approve an Urban Forest Committee
recommendation to appoint Valerie Mih to the Urban Forest Committee effective December 2, 2025.

Agenda Packet Page 2 of 465
Mayor Councilmembers
Carolyn Wysinger William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Gabe Quinto AGENDA Rebecca Saltzman

Contact: Stephen Prée, Environmental Programs Manager/City Arborist; Amelia Timbers, Operations and Environmental Services Division Manager, Public Works Department
B. Financial Advisory Board Recommendations
Action Proposed: Receive and file recommendations from the Financial Advisory Board.

Contact: David Carvel, Chair, Financial Advisory Board; Crystal Reams, Finance Director/Staff Liaison, Finance Department
C. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for October 2025 Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of October 2025.

Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
D. Spending Authority and Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Albany to Implement the Albany-El Cerrito Wildfire Resilience Demonstration Project Funded by a Joint California Coastal Conservancy Grant
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Albany to implement the Albany-El Cerrito Wildfire Resilience Demonstration Project as funded by a joint California Coastal Conservancy grant; and approve a budget amendment to increase revenues by $200,000 and expenditures by $200,000 in Capital Improvement Program Fund 304 in Fiscal Year 2025-26.

Contact: Stephen Prée, Environmental Programs Manager; Karineh Samkian, Senior Program Manager; Public Works Department; Chase Beckman, Battalion Chief, Fire Department
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
Agenda Packet Page 3 of 465
Mayor Councilmembers
Carolyn Wysinger William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Gabe Quinto AGENDA Rebecca Saltzman

Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Cooperative Agreement No. 04-3069 between the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the City of El Cerrito (City) for street, sidewalk, and landscaping improvements along State Route 123 with a contribution amount by the City of $141,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-26, and authorizing the City Manager to execute a future amendment to the agreement for an additional contribution amount of $259,000 for Fiscal Year 2026-27, for a total not to exceed amount of $400,000.

Contact: Jarrett Mullen, Sustainable Transportation Program Manager, Community Development Department; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer; James Mizutani, Associate Engineer, Public Works Department

8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Proposed East Bay Sanitary Garbage & Organic Waste Collection and Post-Collection Rates and Integrated Waste Management Fees – Effective January 1, 2026
Notice published on 11/22/2025 and 11/28/2025
Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion 1) Adopt a Resolution establishing maximum allowable East Bay Sanitary (EBS) garbage and organic waste collection and post-collection rates, effective January 1, 2026, and 2) 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 in Fiscal Year 2025-26.

Contact: Amelia Timbers, Operations and Environmental Services Division Manager, Christina Leard, Management Analyst III, Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Public Works Department B. Adoption of an amendment to the Safety Element of the El Cerrito General Plan
Notice Published 11/22/2025. The Safety Element Update is consistent with the certified General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and an Addendum has been prepared in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

Agenda Packet Page 4 of 465
Mayor Councilmembers
Carolyn Wysinger William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Gabe Quinto AGENDA Rebecca Saltzman

Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing, and upon conclusion, adopt a resolution 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, and amending the El Cerrito General Plan and adopting an update to the Safety Element.

Contact: Sean Moss, Planning Manager, Community Development Department

9. POLICY MATTERS
A. 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.

Contact: Roland Lambert, Associate Engineer, Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department; Christopher Jones, Recreation Director, Recreation Department

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

11. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

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

Agenda Packet Page 5 of 465
State of the
Contra Costa
Community College
District
Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh
Dr. Kimberly Rogers, President, Contra Costa College
Dec. 2, 2025
Agenda Item No. 6.A.

Agenda Packet Page 6 of 465
A few facts about us…
2 Created in December 1948, the first countywide
junior college district in the state
(county population: 249,000)
Celebrated our 75-year anniversary in 2024
(county population: 1.16 million)
Currently serve nearly 50,000 students annually
Currently employ nearly 3,400 people
Agenda Packet Page 7 of 465
California’s Community
College System
3 • 2.1 million students
• 116 colleges
• Largest system of higher
education in the U.S.

Data obtained from the California Community College’s Chancellor’s Office Website (cccco.edu) Agenda Packet Page 8 of 465
John E. Márquez
Ward 1
Rebecca Barrett
Ward 3
Andy Li
Ward 4
Fernando Sandoval
Ward 5
Sophie Khouri
Student Trustee
Diana Honig
Ward 2
Agenda Packet Page 9 of 465
Who We Serve: 4CD Demographics
5 9%
<1%
18%
38%
10%
4%
1%
21%
8%
<1%
20%
28%
6%
1% <1%
38%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
4CD Students Contra Costa County
Agenda Packet Page 10 of 465
Who We Serve: CCC Demographics
13%
0%
13%
5%
50%
1%
7%
2% 1%
8%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
6 Agenda Packet Page 11 of 465
What We Offer
• More than 220 associate
degrees and 330 certificates
• 81 transfer pathways with
guaranteed admission into
CSUs
• Career training and industryrecognized credentials
• Flexible schedules with day,
evening, and weekend classes
• Online, in-person, and hybrid
classes and programs
7 Agenda Packet Page 12 of 465
Our Commitment:

Affordability and Access
FREE Tuition Programs
22,740 students received FREE tuition in 2024-2025
Classes with Reduced or No-Cost Textbooks
Wellness Centers to Meet Basic Needs
• Food Pantries
• Online Mental and Health Services
• Technology Loan Programs
Three Foundations: $3.2M since 2020
• Scholarships
• Emergency funds
• Program support 8
Agenda Packet Page 13 of 465
Students access 4CD colleges from multiple entry points with a range of goals High
Schools
Adult
Schools
Community
4CD
Colleges
4-Year
Colleges
Workforce
Workforce Boards
Community Partners
Adult Learners
Job Seekers and
Life-Long Learners
Transfer & Return
for Needed Credits
Skills Building &
Career Advancement
Early College
Credit Students
4CD Colleges as the Educational Hub
9 Agenda Packet Page 14 of 465
10,000
23,000
2,500
10,000
Brentwood Center
3,000
HS Graduates Who Attend 4CD
10 Agenda Packet Page 15 of 465
Partnership Highlight: Transfer Institutions
11 51% of CSU graduates and 29% of UC graduates
started at a community college
Agenda Packet Page 16 of 465
Strong Fiscal Health: Financial Highlights
• $267.5 million annual budget
• Board required reserve of at least
two months of operating expenses
- 2025-26 unrestricted reserves of
$52.3 million or 19.5% of
expenditure budget
- Continued clean audit findings for
District operations and bond
measures
12 Agenda Packet Page 17 of 465
4CD Economic Impact
13 Agenda Packet Page 18 of 465
Funding Per Full-Time Equivalent Student
22-23 23-24 24-25
K-12 $18,665 $19,573 $20,269
CCC $12,605 $12,631 $13,244
CSU $20,385 $22,151 $22,645
UC $34,485 $35,589 $36,662
14 Agenda Packet Page 19 of 465
Bond Issuance &
Financial Stewardship
15 • 2014 Measure E is
approximately 90% spent
• Final $110 million
authorization was sold in 2022
• Strong Bond Rating of AA+
(S&P) and Aa1 (Moody's)
• The District refinanced prior
bond sales ($402M) as a
measure of fiscal stewardship,
successfully saving taxpayers
$44 million
Agenda Packet Page 20 of 465
Aging Facilities,
Continued Need
16 • Infrastructure and buildings are
50+ years old
• Facilities need repairs or
replacement
• Technology is insufficient to
meet evolving needs
• Flexible spaces and state-of-the- art equipment are required to help students prepare for
in-demand careers
Agenda Packet Page 21 of 465
Potential Future Bond
17 • Reviewing facilities plans for each
college
• Prioritizing projects
• Seeking community input
• Governing Board considering general
obligation bond for 2026
Agenda Packet Page 22 of 465
Q & A
18 Agenda Packet Page 23 of 465

AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 7.A.

Date: December 2, 2025
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Stephen Prée, Environmental Programs Manager/City Arborist; Amelia Timbers, Operations and Environmental Services Division Manager, Public Works Department
Subject: Urban Forest Committee Appointment

ACTION PROPOSED
Approve an Urban Forest Committee recommendation to appoint Valerie Mih to the Urban Forest Committee effective December 2, 2025.

BACKGROUND
Valerie Mih submitted her application for appointment to the Urban Forest Committee (UFC), on July 13, 2025. During the November 10, 2025, Regular Meeting, the UFC approved a motion to recommend to the City Council that Ms. Mih be appointed to the Committee.

ANALYSIS
Ms. Mih, a resident of El Cerrito for over 20 years, has attended three UFC meetings.

She has expressed a strong interest in public service at the city level. She has a passion for supporting ecosystem maintenance and restoration with a particular focus on education and communication. Ms Mih previously volunteered for national and regional environmental organizations and is now shifting her focus to serve the local community through the UFC. She recognizes the value of the El Cerrito urban forest, and the Hillside Natural Area (HNA) as ecological treasures and recreational gems. She intends to contribute to the advisory process of implementing the HNA Fire Resilience and Forest Conservation Management Plan (HNA Plan), and communicating with the El Cerrito community, as well as providing additional support for the urban forest in other areas of the City. Ms. Mih received a B.A. in American Studies from Stanford University and an M.F.A. in Film, Video and Computer Animation from U.C.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts. She has over 20 years experience teaching media production and communication. She has expert experience producing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) content, and is an experienced volunteer for the Sierra Club, the Urban Wildlife Research Project, and the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. She participated in the Bioregioning in Practice Certificate Program, and Gaia Education programs in 2025.

If the City Council approves the recommendation of Valerie Mih to the Urban Forest Committee, the number of Committee members will be six (6) out of the possible membership total of fifteen (15).

Agenda Packet Page 24 of 465
Agenda Item No. 7.A.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
This action supports the City’s Strategic Plan Goal(s) of:
• Livability and Belonging
• Infrastructure and Amenities
• Environmental Sustainability
The work of the Urban Forest Committee is instrumental in helping the City achieve the El Cerrito Strategic Plan goals to "Promote a high quality of life and sense of community for current and future generations", " Advance climate-focused, sustainable infrastructure efforts that have community benefit", and to "Promote environmental sustainability and stewardship by engaging in initiatives that reduce our carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and foster a culture of environmental responsibility".

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
As stated in its enabling Resolution 2007-96, the Urban Forest Committee was established to assist the City in the "stewardship of its urban forest, including establishing a citywide commitment to a healthy, growing forest, and creating a coordinated, high quality forest management program." The Urban Forest Committee supports the City in developing programs and policies that help protect the local environment, while also engaging in activities that have a direct impact on trees and environmental quality.

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

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

Reviewed by:

Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:

Application(s) on file with the City Clerk
Agenda Packet Page 25 of 465
Agenda Item No. 7.B.

Financial Advisory Board
Date: December 2, 2025
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Financial Advisory Board
Subject: Receive and File Board Recommendation

ACTION PROPOSED
Receive and file the following recommendations from the Financial Advisory Board.

POLICY
Pursuant to City Council Resolution 2024-16, Section 4, Advisory Body Recommendations shall be provided to the City Council on the consent calendar as a “receive and file” and if a member of the City Council wishes to further discuss any recommendation received, it may be requested as an agenda item at a future meeting.

RECOMMENDATIONS
On October 28, 2025, the Financial Advisory Board voted on the following recommendation(s) to the City Council:

1. The Financial Advisory Board (FAB) recommends the City Council take action in the next budget cycle (26/27 – 27/28) to meet the 17% unassigned reserve goal.

Moved/Second: Chair Carvel/Member Szlatenyi. Ayes: Chair Carvel; Vice-Chair McDougall; Member Szlatenyi and White; Noes: None Absent: None Youth Member: Watson-Lamprey Singer expressed support for the action.

2. The Financial Advisory Board (FAB) recommends, prior to Council acting on any actionable recommendations from the service delivery study, that the FAB would like the opportunity to evaluate and advise on the recommendation.

Moved/Second: Chair Carvel/Member White. Ayes: Chair Carvel; Vice-Chair McDougall; Member Szlatenyi and White; Noes: None Absent: None Youth Member: Watson-Lamprey Singer expressed support for the action.

ASSOCIATED WORKPLAN GOAL(S)/AREA(S) OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. Work Plan Goals

2. El Cerrito Municipal Code 2.04.300 Financial Advisory Board There shall be a financial advisory board consisting of five members who reside in Agenda Packet Page 26 of 465
the city and have demonstrated expertise in financial management, accounting, fiscal analysis, computer applications, economic analysis or related skills.

The financial advisory board shall have the powers and duties stated below, and such other duties and the council shall decide:

1. To conduct a review and make recommendations on the proposed annual budget and long -term financial plan for the city and all component units to assist the city council in making decisions on major expenditures and revenue sources, and to include a review of city council compensation consistent with county-wide
recommendations included in Contra Costa Grand Jury Report No. 1104.

Attachment(s):

1. Rationale for Recommendations
Agenda Packet Page 27 of 465
Agenda Packet Page 28 of 465
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (510) 215-4312
City of El Cerrito
10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Find us online at: elcerrito.gov
Agenda Packet Page 29 of 465

AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 7.C.

Date: December 2, 2025
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department Subject: Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for October 2025

ACTION PROPOSED
Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of October 2025.

BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
California Government Code, Title 4. Government of Cities, Division 3, Part 3, Chapter 3, Section 41004 states, “Regularly, at least once each month, the city treasurer shall submit to the city clerk a written report and accounting of all receipts, disbursements, and fund balances. The city treasurer shall file a copy with the legislative body.” In addition, the City’s Comprehensive Financial Policy, Item 5.1 Accounting Standards indicates the City’s accounting and financial reporting systems shall be maintained in conformance with all state and federal laws.
• Month ending October 31, 2025, reflecting 268 Accounts Payable General Warrant Nos. 94433 through 94700, 46 Automated Clearing House/Electronic Funds Transfer (ACH/EFT) transactions, and 935 payroll-related checks and EFTs for a grand total of $6,937,933.52.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
The City’s Comprehensive Financial Policy, which includes ensuring policies, procedures, and systems represent best practices in financial management, is aligned with requirements referenced in California Government Code, Title 4, Chapter 3, Section 41004.

This action supports the City’s Strategic Plan Goal(s) of:
• High Performing Organization by ensuring the City maintains a strong financial position and a high-preforming organization where employees feel a sense of inclusion and belonging.

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

Agenda Packet Page 30 of 465
Agenda Item No. 7.C.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
There is no fiscal impact associated with acceptance of the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report.

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

Reviewed by:

Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:

1. Monthly Payment Register October 2025
Agenda Packet Page 31 of 465
Number Date Status Void Reason
Reconciled/ Voided
Date Description Transaction Amount

94433 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/15/2025 Supplies - Business cards $ 312.60 94434 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/08/2025 general office supplies 267.40 94435 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/06/2025 general office supplies 599.76 94436 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/08/2025 PLAN CHECK ARCH/ENGINEERING AUG 2025 5,349.00 94437 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/06/2025 USED MOTOR OIL RECYCLING 9/17/2025 153.00 94438 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/14/2025 HARDING CLUBHOUSE PEST CONTROL SVCS SEPT 2025 85.00 94439 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/07/2025 LEGAL ADVERTISING 2025 OHLONE GREENWAY 8/1/25-8/31/25 862.92 94440 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/08/2025 MEDICAL GLOVES 511.35 94441 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/08/2025 PRINTING AND BINDING 179.92 94442 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/14/2025 ACADEMY TRAINING 20,800.00 94443 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/07/2025 INV SOFTWARE 8/22/25-8/21/26 22,564.65 94444 10/02/2025 Open MLK CELEBRATION, PANEL DISCUSSION 500.00 94445 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/08/2025 MADERA CHILDCARE TEMPS 458.25 94446 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/08/2025 CORP YARD WEEKLY UNIFORM RENTALS 700.19 94447 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/07/2025 UNIFORMS 900.72
94448 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/07/2025 SIMS MASKS 362.17 94449 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/14/2025 PARKING MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN AUG 2025 1,105.00 94450 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/08/2025 EBMUD 7/1/25-8/30/25 116.00 94451 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/06/2025 DEL NORTE TOD COMPLETE STREETS IMPROV 7/21/25-8/20/25 718,411.68 94452 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/08/2025 STREET SWEEPING SPOILS ON 9/5/25 & 9/9/25 969.12 94453 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/10/2025 HOUSING LEGAL SVCS SEPT 2025 292.00 94454 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/08/2025 CENTRAL PARK SERVICE 9/16/25-10/13/25 241.05 94455 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/09/2025 DEL NORTE TOD AUG 2025 686.00 94456 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/07/2025 CERRITO VISTA PARK SLIDE PROJ 25-6729 8,383.96 94457 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/07/2025 FAIRMOUNT CLUBHOUSE PEST CONTROL SVC AUG 2025 515.00 94458 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/10/2025 UNMET LIABILITY DEDUCTIBLE 7/2025 934.79 94459 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/09/2025 SUPPLIES FOR PD 4.62 94460 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/27/2025 E55 TOW 1,694.01 94461 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/10/2025 CITY HALL SVCS CALL FOR KITCHEN SINK 9/8/25 195.00 94462 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/08/2025 CREDIT CARD PROCESSING FEES AUG 2025 3,526.06 94463 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/08/2025 SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE SVC 03/01-03/31/25 1,447.13 94464 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/08/2025 RECYCLING OFFICE PUBLIC BATHROOM SVCS 710.53 94465 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/15/2025 COMMUNITY CENTER ALARM AUG 2025 1,069.32 94466 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/07/2025 SAN PABLO & LINCOLN XWALK REPAIRS 1,950.00 94467 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/07/2025 REIMBURSEMENT FOR TRENCH RESCUE TECH CLASS SEPT 15-18 2025 929.81 94468 10/02/2025 Open REIMBURSEMENT FOR COMPANY OFFICER 2C CLASS 449.00 94469 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/27/2025 REAL PROPERTY TAX REBATE FOR 3421 BELMONT AVE 1,700.00 94470 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/10/2025 REAL PROPERTY TAX REBATE FOR 1708 MANOR DR 1,042.00 94471 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/07/2025 REAL PROPERTY TAX REBATE FOR 7800 EUREKA AVE 2,350.00 94472 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/30/2025 RELEASE OF BONDS -SEPT 2 2025 823.00 94473 10/02/2025 Open RELEASE OF BONDS -SEPT 2 2025 2,663.00 94474 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/15/2025 RELEASE OF BONDS -SEPT 2 2025 6,089.89 94475 10/02/2025 Reconciled 10/14/2025 RELEASE OF BONDS -SEPT 2 2025 8,935.24 94476 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/16/2025 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - CE SUPPORT AUG 2025 1,424.00 94477 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/15/2025 PUBLIC TREE MAINTENANCE SVCS 22,927.80 94478 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/15/2025 PARK SUPPLIES - TENNIS AND BASKETBALL NETS, STRAPS 994.29 94479 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/21/2025 COM CNTR GENERATOR PERMIT 564.00 94480 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/24/2025 ICE CREAM SOCIAL FOR EMPLOYEE EVENT 595.00 94481 10/09/2025 Open MOU AND LABOR CONTRACT 4TH QTR 2025 10,000.00 94482 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/15/2025 COPY PAPER FOR RECYCL 112.43 City of El Cerrito
Payment Register
From Payment Date: 10/1/2025 - To Payment Date: 10/31/2025 Source Payee Name
AP-AP Check - Accounts Payable Checking Accoun
Check
Accounts Payable CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Accounts Payable BLAISDELL'S BUSINESS PRODUCTS
Accounts Payable PREMIER GRAPHICS
Accounts Payable 4LEAF, INC.

Accounts Payable ASBURY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Accounts Payable ATCO Pest Control
Accounts Payable BAY AREA NEWS GROUP EAST BAY
Accounts Payable BOUNDTREE MEDICAL LLC
Accounts Payable BPX PRINTING & GRAPHICS
Accounts Payable CCCSO LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING
Accounts Payable CELLEBRITE INC.

Accounts Payable Chaumette Consulting
Accounts Payable CHILDCARE CAREERS, LLC
Accounts Payable CINTAS CORPORATION #054 UNIFORMS
Accounts Payable CONCORD UNIFORMS
Accounts Payable DANA SAFETY SUPPLY
Accounts Payable Dixon Resources Unlimited
Accounts Payable EBMUD
Accounts Payable GHILOTTI BROS, INC
Accounts Payable GOLDEN BEAR TRANSFER STATION
Accounts Payable GOLDFARB & LIPMAN LLP
Accounts Payable HONEY BUCKET
Accounts Payable LSA ASSOCIATES, INC.

Accounts Payable MIRACLE PLAYSYSTEMS INC.

Accounts Payable MORTON'S URBAN PEST MANAGEMENT
Accounts Payable MUNICIPAL POOLING AUTHORITY
Accounts Payable ODP BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC
Accounts Payable OLIVER'S TOW INC.

Accounts Payable OLIVERO PLUMBING
Accounts Payable PAYMENTUS CORPORATION
Accounts Payable PLACEWORKS
Accounts Payable ROTO ROOTER SERVICES COMPANY
Accounts Payable SSD ALARM
Accounts Payable ST. FRANCIS ELECTRIC
Accounts Payable FERREIRA-CLIFTON, JOEL
Accounts Payable VAN WYCK, JAMES
Accounts Payable HE, YULEI
Accounts Payable MANANDHAR, ASHIK
Accounts Payable PELTON, ANTONIO
Accounts Payable CABLECOM
Accounts Payable PG&E
Accounts Payable SEWER CONNECTION INC
Accounts Payable SEWER WORKS, INC
Accounts Payable 4LEAF, INC.

Accounts Payable A PLUS TREE, LLC
Accounts Payable AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, INC.

Accounts Payable BAY AREA AIR QUALITY MGMT DIST
Accounts Payable BAY AREA ICE CREAM CATERING
Accounts Payable BERKHEIMER LABOR RELATIONS, LLC
Accounts Payable BLAISDELL'S BUSINESS PRODUCTS
user: Crystal Reams Pages: 1 of 7 Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Agenda Packet Page 32 of 465
Number Date Status Void Reason
Reconciled/ Voided
Date Description Transaction Amount
City of El Cerrito
Payment Register
From Payment Date: 10/1/2025 - To Payment Date: 10/31/2025 Source Payee Name
94483 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/15/2025 FD SATELLITE PHONES 154.50 94484 10/09/2025 Voided/Reissued Check was Lost 10/31/2025 2,731.00 94485 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/16/2025 BRANDED JACKET + SHIRTS FOR C.LEARD 493.11 94486 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/16/2025 SERVICE DELIVERY STUDY DEVELOPMENT SEPT 2025 27,511.00 94487 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/23/2025 MIXED PAPER + HDPE PLASTIC RECYCLING AUG 2025 416.34 94488 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/16/2025 IN0319925/IN0320071/IN0320168 TIPPING WALL INSP + RPRT 1,786.00 94489 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/15/2025 FLAMENCO DANCE SEPT 2025 192.00 94490 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/14/2025 E55 REPAIRS 13,433.79 94491 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/15/2025 PSYCH EVAL 750.00 94492 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/16/2025 EBMUD 8/1/25-10/1/25 4,568.07 94493 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/17/2025 FD UNIFORM 1,875.62 94494 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/17/2025 RECYCLING TRUCK R4: PEDAL ASSEMBLY 5,540.61 94495 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/15/2025 CITYWIDE NEWSLETTER 6,135.72 94496 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/24/2025 PREPARE PPA FOR 23-24 1,200.00 94497 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/16/2025 ADULT BALLET SEPT 2025 686.40 94498 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/29/2025 CAR WASH 18.99
94499 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/15/2025 C4: FLAT REPAIR 283.72 94500 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/15/2025 RECYCL HVAC 9/19/25 595.00 94501 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/17/2025 AIKIDO SEPT 2025 312.00 94502 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/16/2025 BRIDGE SEPT 2025 458.40 94503 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/20/2025 QUARTERLY MAINTENANCE 6,825.14 94504 10/09/2025 Voided Duplicate Payment 11/05/2025 237.61 94505 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/23/2025 EAP 7/25-9/25 1,784.85 94506 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/17/2025 CURBSIDE RECYCLING PROCESSING JUL 2025 30,023.95 94507 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/16/2025 PROFESSIONAL SVCS 10/1/25-12/25 3,047.93 94508 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/16/2025 DRY CLEANING SEPT 2025 473.30 94509 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/16/2025 SUPPLIES FOR PD 187.98 94510 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/17/2025 STA 52 SVCS CALL 1,067.50 94511 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/15/2025 UNLEADED FUEL 14,339.47 94512 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/16/2025 SERVICE PROGRAM 2X YEAR CATCH BASIN FILTER INSERTS 6,984.00 94513 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/15/2025 MONTHLY LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AUG 2025 40,665.36 94514 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/17/2025 RELEASE OF BONDS - JUN 2025 1,871.00 94515 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/27/2025 TRANSCRIPTION 298.06 94516 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/14/2025 MEDICAL WASTE 1,046.53 94517 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/20/2025 SEPT SVCS + VALVES AIR RELIEF 4,374.08 94518 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/20/2025 CREDMIT MEMO CM20996 $606.99 APPLIED 1,503.97 94519 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/15/2025 RENEWABLE DIESEL 9/25/25 16,133.06 94520 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/17/2025 PER DIEM FOR CRRA CONFERENCE 8/5/25 293.25 94521 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/20/2025 REIMBURSEMENT FOR PER DIEM + MILEAGE CRRA CONFERENCE 8/3-8/5/25 219.40 94522 10/09/2025 Open KARATE ADULT JULY 2025 270.00
94523 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/15/2025 CREDIT MEMO FOR EXCESS PREMISE TIME ORIG INV20637982 273.16 94524 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/15/2025 FD HELMET 7,944.75 94525 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/16/2025 PROFESSIONAL SVCS 10/1/25-12/25 2,916.24 94526 10/09/2025 Reconciled 10/27/2025 ACADEMY PER DIEM 9/15-9/26 500.00 94527 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/22/2025 PER3 - CALPERS Longterm Care Ins 43.62 94528 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/24/2025 Franchise Tax Board Payroll Deduction 1,361.87 94529 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/23/2025 DEN1 - Dental 1* 17,638.75 94530 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/21/2025 DUE4 - UNION LOCAL 1230 5,929.76 94531 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/24/2025 K1 - Kaiser 1* 263,929.60 94532 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/22/2025 LEGL - PRE-PAID LEGAL SRVC 153.50 94533 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/23/2025 LIFE - Supp Life Ins.* 12,954.92 94534 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/28/2025 FHEA - Fire Health Savings Acct 18,175.00 Accounts Payable BLUECOSMO
Accounts Payable BORDI, CRAIG
Accounts Payable CINTAS CORPORATION #054 UNIFORMS
Accounts Payable CITYGATE ASSOCIATES, LLC
Accounts Payable COMMUNITY CONSERVATION CENTERS, INC.

Accounts Payable CONTRA COSTA HEALTH SERVICES
Accounts Payable COOKE, JOANNE
Accounts Payable CUMMINS WEST, INC.

Accounts Payable DUNNIGAN PSYCHOLOGICAL & THREAT ASSESSMENTS Accounts Payable EBMUD
Accounts Payable ENTENMANN-ROVIN CO.

Accounts Payable FLEET MANAGEMENTHOLDINGS, LLC
Accounts Payable FOLGERGRAPHICS, INC.

Accounts Payable FRASER & ASSOCIATES
Accounts Payable GABRIEL, BARBARA, A.

Accounts Payable GRAND PRIX CAR WASH
Accounts Payable J & O'S COMMERCIAL TIRE CENTER
Accounts Payable KEL-AIRE
Accounts Payable KI RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Accounts Payable KINSEY, KATHRYNE ANN
Accounts Payable KNORR SYSTEMS, INC.

Accounts Payable LANER ELECTRIC SUPPLY
Accounts Payable MUNICIPAL POOLING AUTHORITY
Accounts Payable NAPA RECYCLING & WASTE SERVICES, LLC
Accounts Payable NBS
Accounts Payable NORGE CLEANERS
Accounts Payable ODP BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC
Accounts Payable OLIVERO PLUMBING
Accounts Payable PINNACLE PETROLEUM INC
Accounts Payable REVEL ENVIRONMENTAL MANUFACTURING, INC.

Accounts Payable RUBICON ENTERPRISES INC
Accounts Payable SEWER WORKS, INC
Accounts Payable SPEAKWRITE LLC
Accounts Payable STERICYCLE, INC.

Accounts Payable TWO BROTHERS POOL & SPA, INC
Accounts Payable UNIVERSAL BUILDING SERVICE
Accounts Payable WESTERN STATES OIL COMPANY
Accounts Payable HERNANDEZ, CARLOS
Accounts Payable LEARD, CHRISTINA
Accounts Payable BALTZ, LEONARD
Accounts Payable GARDA CL WEST,INC.

Accounts Payable L.N. CURTIS & SONS
Accounts Payable NBS
Accounts Payable USTICK, JARED
Accounts Payable CALPERS LONG TERM CARE PROGRAM
Accounts Payable FRANCHISE TAX BOARD
Accounts Payable HEALTH CARE DENTAL TRUST
Accounts Payable IAFF LOCAL 1230
Accounts Payable KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN
Accounts Payable LEGALSHIELD
Accounts Payable MUNICIPAL POOLING AUTHORITY
Accounts Payable NATIONWIDE TRUST COMPANY, FSB
user: Crystal Reams Pages: 2 of 7 Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Agenda Packet Page 33 of 465
Number Date Status Void Reason
Reconciled/ Voided
Date Description Transaction Amount
City of El Cerrito
Payment Register
From Payment Date: 10/1/2025 - To Payment Date: 10/31/2025 Source Payee Name
94535 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/21/2025 COPE - VOLUNTARY COPE DEDUCTION* 1,918.80 94536 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/21/2025 PAR - PARS - ARS 457* 3,898.52 94537 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/21/2025 shredding services 108.76 94538 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/22/2025 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - STAFFING AUG 2025 28,054.44 94539 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/21/2025 OFFICE SUPPLIES PW 14.88 94540 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/22/2025 PROPANE FOR FORKLIFTS 1,247.06 94541 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/20/2025 USED MOTOR OIL RECYCLING 10/1/25 153.00 94542 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/22/2025 2025 ACCESS MODIFICATION DESIGN AUG 2025 4,349.25 94543 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/21/2025 TEMPORARY CLERICAL HELP 439.00 94544 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/22/2025 GRANT WRITING & ADVOCACY SVCS SEPT 2025 6,500.00 94545 10/16/2025 Open MEMBERSHIP DUES 2025 425.00
94546 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/23/2025 MADERA TEMPS 156.00 94547 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/22/2025 BRANDED SHIRT FOR C.LEARD 362.52 94548 10/16/2025 Open FELDENKRAIS ATM SEPT 2025 130.50
94549 10/16/2025 Open BUILDING & SAGETY AUG 2025 400.00 94550 10/16/2025 Open DISABILITY ACCESS & EDU FEE FOR Q3 2025 872.90 94551 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/22/2025 EBMUD 8/4/25-10/2/25 19,356.28 94552 10/16/2025 Open OPEN CERAMICS MON SEPT 2025 1,030.20 94553 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/22/2025 STREET SWEEPING SPOILS ON 9/29/25 740.23 94554 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/21/2025 HOSTING & MAINTENANCE MAY 2025 1,026.00 94555 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/27/2025 GYM EQUIPMENT REPAIR 324.69 94556 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/23/2025 CITYWIDE CUSTODIAL SUPPLIES 9/26/25 2,683.41 94557 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/23/2025 FIRST WATCH ANNUAL FEE 8/26/25-8/25/26 2,750.00 94558 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/23/2025 FD16 TIRES 1,470.42 94559 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/21/2025 HATHA YOGA SEPT 2025 1,236.00 94560 10/16/2025 Open CONSULTING SVCS PL24-0088 MAP REVIEW FOR SEPT 2025 1,125.00 94561 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/23/2025 CHLORINE 9/17/25 4,987.04 94562 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/21/2025 OC SPRAY 3,814.73 94563 10/16/2025 Open OPEN CERAMICS WED EVENING AUG 2025 1,233.60 94564 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/22/2025 FD FORMS 145.75
94565 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/30/2025 CURBSIDE RECYCLING PROCESSING SEPT 2025 14,482.60 94566 10/16/2025 Open SCANDINAVIAN FOLK DANCING SEPT 2025 168.00 94567 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/22/2025 OFFICE SUPPLIES REC 139.68 94568 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/21/2025 CITYHALL WATER DISPENSER REPAIR 1,685.00 94569 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/22/2025 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE 325.06 94570 10/16/2025 Open OPEN CERAMICS MON AFTERNOON SEPT 2025 538.20 94571 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/22/2025 XFIT BOOT CAMP SEPT 2025 921.60 94572 10/16/2025 Open REFUND ENCROACHMENT FEE FOR PW23-0542 346.00 94573 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/21/2025 STRENGTH & BALANCE SEPT 2025 1,482.00 94574 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/22/2025 TS & SL MAINTENANCE & RESPONSE SEPT 2025 11,838.30 94575 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/24/2025 INV-6043366125 & INV-6043366126 OFFICE SUPPLIES 152.04 94576 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/21/2025 ALP & COMMDEV MIGRATION PROJECT 3,375.00 94577 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/20/2025 CITY STREET SIGNS 20 QTY 1,004.38 94578 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/24/2025 STATION 52 ORDER & LABOR INSTALLATION 9/18/25 3,950.93 94579 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/21/2025 RICHMOND ST & DEL NORTE TOD PROJ AUG 2025 25,799.00 94580 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/22/2025 HASEP 3 O' CLOCK ROCK 9/2-10/7 2025 S1 1,638.00 94581 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/31/2025 PLAN REVIEW ARCH/ENGINEERING 8/1/25-8/31/25 10,097.35 94582 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/21/2025 THROW MEMBER 670.41 94583 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/28/2025 JANITORIAL SERVICES -RECYCLE CENTER SEPT 2025 7,368.00 94584 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/27/2025 WIRELESS PHONE BILL 7/20-8/19/25 2,880.23 94585 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/21/2025 VSI COULD HOSTING OCT 2025 1,318.40 94586 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/23/2025 PARTS FOR BIN REPAIR 346.70 Accounts Payable SEIU LOCAL 1021
Accounts Payable U.S. BANK - INSTITUTIONAL TRUST - W REGION Accounts Payable CORODATA SHREDDING INC.

Accounts Payable 4LEAF, INC.

Accounts Payable AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, INC.

Accounts Payable AMERIGAS PROPANE INC
Accounts Payable ASBURY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Accounts Payable AVILA PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Accounts Payable BOLT STAFFING SERVICE, INC.

Accounts Payable CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP INC.

Accounts Payable California State Firefighters Association Accounts Payable CHILDCARE CAREERS, LLC
Accounts Payable CINTAS CORPORATION #054 UNIFORMS
Accounts Payable CONSTABLE, MARIANNE
Accounts Payable DATA TICKET, INC.

Accounts Payable DIVISION OF STATE ARCHITECT
Accounts Payable EBMUD
Accounts Payable FUJIWARA, PATTY
Accounts Payable GOLDEN BEAR TRANSFER STATION
Accounts Payable Green Halo Systems Inc,
Accounts Payable GYMDOC INC
Accounts Payable HILLYARD
Accounts Payable IMAGETREND LLC
Accounts Payable J & O'S COMMERCIAL TIRE CENTER
Accounts Payable JONES, HIROMI
Accounts Payable KISTER,SAVIO & REI INC
Accounts Payable KNORR SYSTEMS, INC.

Accounts Payable L.N. CURTIS & SONS
Accounts Payable LACK, CHRIS
Accounts Payable MERCURIO BROS. PRINTING, INC,
Accounts Payable NAPA RECYCLING & WASTE SERVICES, LLC
Accounts Payable NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SPELMANSLAG
Accounts Payable ODP BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC
Accounts Payable OLIVERO PLUMBING
Accounts Payable PLAZA AUTO SERVICE INC
Accounts Payable RILE, KATHRYN
Accounts Payable RUIZ, JOE
Accounts Payable SEWER CONNECTION INC
Accounts Payable SHAHKAR, MEHRAN
Accounts Payable ST. FRANCIS ELECTRIC
Accounts Payable STAPLES
Accounts Payable SUPERION, LLC
Accounts Payable The Construction Zone, LLC
Accounts Payable THE FLOOR STORE INC.

Accounts Payable THEIS ENGINEERING & ASSOCIATES
Accounts Payable THREE O'CLOCK ROCK LLC
Accounts Payable TRB AND ASSOCIATES, INC.

Accounts Payable U.S. SECURITY SUPPLY, INC.

Accounts Payable UNIVERSAL BUILDING SERVICE
Accounts Payable VERIZON WIRELESS
Accounts Payable VERMONT SYSTEMS, INC.

Accounts Payable WASTEQUIP MANUFACTURING CO LLC
user: Crystal Reams Pages: 3 of 7 Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Agenda Packet Page 34 of 465
Number Date Status Void Reason
Reconciled/ Voided
Date Description Transaction Amount
City of El Cerrito
Payment Register
From Payment Date: 10/1/2025 - To Payment Date: 10/31/2025 Source Payee Name
94587 10/16/2025 Open WCCTAC PAYMENT FY25-26 MEMBER DUE 57,420.00 94588 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/27/2025 330 RAMONA CITY TREE PROJ 865.75 94589 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/22/2025 REAL PROPERTY TAX REBATE FOR 1345 BREWSTER DR 6,400.00 94590 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/23/2025 REFUND ENCROACHMENT BOND & FEE FOR PW24-0455 1,154.00 94591 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/21/2025 REAL PROPERTY TAX REBATE FOR 407 SEA VIEW DR 5,760.00 94592 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/27/2025 REFUND -BUILDING INTAKE & PLAN REVIEW 195.00 94593 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/27/2025 REFUND FOR APPLICATION PL25-0073 1,292.00 94594 10/16/2025 Reconciled 10/30/2025 Communication support 3,750.00 94595 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/28/2025 Off site records storage 2,796.48 94596 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/28/2025 GYM MEMBERSHIPS SEP 2025 395.89 94597 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/29/2025 FIRE PLAN REVIEW SEPT 2025 800.00 94598 10/23/2025 Open RADAR TRAINING 1,880.00
94599 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/30/2025 COPPER LAND PHONE LINE FOR CITY STAFFS 8/12/25-9/11/25 26,307.58 94600 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/29/2025 PUBLIC HEARINGS SEPT 2025 385.56 94601 10/23/2025 Open CBSC FEES FY2026 Q1 621.00
94602 10/23/2025 Open STRONG MOTION INSTRUM. FEE W/PERMIT FY26 Q1 1,693.33 94603 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/30/2025 FAIRMONT TEMP 780.00 94604 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/30/2025 COMCAST BUSINESS INTERNET 10/11/25-11/10/25 1,968.22 94605 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/29/2025 PRE EMPLOYMENT PHYSICALS 1,340.00 94606 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/28/2025 CLASS A UNIFORM -BLUEFORD 911.69 94607 10/23/2025 Open ANIMAL CONTROL SVCS JUL-SEPT 2025 135,102.00 94608 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/28/2025 MARKETING AUG 2025 97.50 94609 10/23/2025 Open BIOHAZARD REMOVAL 260.00
94610 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/29/2025 2 KIOSK COMPUTERS FOR CITY CLERK & COMM DEV 2,098.59 94611 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/29/2025 EBMUD 8/13/25-10/11/25 12,829.35 94612 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/30/2025 CAFE COSTA SENIOR LUNCH PROGRAM CONTRIBUTION REIMB SEPT 2025 636.45 94613 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/28/2025 POSTAGE & DELIVERY LATE FEE 17.03 94614 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/29/2025 FORENSICS 8/1/25-8/31/25 4,264.70 94615 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/31/2025 LETTERHEAD 243.65 94616 10/23/2025 Open LIBRARY OWNER'S REP SERVICES SEPT 2025 3,247.16 94617 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/28/2025 VEH REPAIR 155.82 94618 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/31/2025 CITYWIDE CUSTODIAL SUPPLIES 749.96 94619 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/31/2025 PORTA POTTY SERVICE 9/26/25 60.00 94620 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/31/2025 EMS CALL REVIEW SEPT 2025 2,100.00 94621 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/30/2025 CHLORINE 9/24/25 1,131.78 94622 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/29/2025 DOG TRAINING SEPT & OCT 2025 360.00 94623 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/29/2025 OFFICE SUPPLIES PD 62.06 94624 10/23/2025 Open E52 TOW 10/6/25 943.26
94625 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/28/2025 MAINT SUPPLIES 24.77 94626 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/29/2025 STA 51 APP DOORS 1,367.07 94627 10/23/2025 Open ZUMBA SEPT 2025 3,052.35
94628 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/29/2025 VOLP PHONE SERVICE FOR CITY STAFFS 9/14/25-10/13/25 4,158.55 94629 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/30/2025 CONSTRUCTION DOC DEVELOPMENT 9/1/25-9/30/25 13,500.00 94630 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/29/2025 PER DIEM & REIMB FOR APA PLANNING CONF. 1,411.37 94631 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/31/2025 LAB FEES 1,417.50 94632 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/28/2025 FALL 2025 SEWING & TEXTILE CLASSES 9/8-10/10 3,168.00 94633 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/28/2025 COMMUNITY CENTER ALARM NOV 2025 205.22 94634 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/29/2025 FINGERPRINTING SEPT 2025 2,072.00 94635 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/29/2025 WASTE DISPOSAL 90.17 94636 10/23/2025 Open BADGE 182.55
94637 10/23/2025 Open REPAIR DOOR TO HISTORICAL ROOM 2,058.56 94638 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/31/2025 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - STAFFING AUG 2025 73,483.00 Accounts Payable West Contra Costa Transportation (WCCTC) Accounts Payable WOODREEVE CONSULTING, LLC
Accounts Payable DEMATHIEU, JEAN-GEORGES
Accounts Payable HO, FUJIAN
Accounts Payable HUEBL, AXEL
Accounts Payable MILLER, DAVID
Accounts Payable LEUNG, STEVEN
Accounts Payable TRIPEPI SMITH AND ASSOCIATES, INC.

Accounts Payable IRON MOUNTAIN
Accounts Payable 24 HOUR FITNESS USA, LLC
Accounts Payable 4LEAF, INC.

Accounts Payable ALAMEDA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Accounts Payable AT&T
Accounts Payable BAY AREA NEWS GROUP EAST BAY
Accounts Payable CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS COMMISSION Accounts Payable CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
Accounts Payable CHILDCARE CAREERS, LLC
Accounts Payable COMCAST
Accounts Payable CONCENTRA MEDICAL CENTERS
Accounts Payable CONCORD UNIFORMS
Accounts Payable COUNTY TREASURER
Accounts Payable CPS HR CONSULTING
Accounts Payable CRIME SCENE CLEANERS, INC.

Accounts Payable DELL MARKETING L.P.

Accounts Payable EBMUD
Accounts Payable EHSD-CC SENIOR NUTRITION
Accounts Payable FEDEX
Accounts Payable FORENSIC SERVICES DIVISION
Accounts Payable GILMAN PRESS
Accounts Payable Griffin Structures, Inc.

Accounts Payable HILLTOP FORD KIA
Accounts Payable HILLYARD
Accounts Payable HONEY BUCKET
Accounts Payable KENNEDY, GREG, C
Accounts Payable KNORR SYSTEMS, INC.

Accounts Payable LEVY, MIRI
Accounts Payable ODP BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC
Accounts Payable OLIVER'S TOW INC.

Accounts Payable PASTIME HARDWARE
Accounts Payable R&S ERECTION OF RICHMOND
Accounts Payable RAMOS, STEPHANIE, R
Accounts Payable RINGCENTRAL, INC.

Accounts Payable Rogers Stringer & McClelland, Inc.

Accounts Payable ROMERO, DIEGO
Accounts Payable Serological Research Institute
Accounts Payable SHABABO, TRACEY, ELISE
Accounts Payable SSD ALARM
Accounts Payable STATE OF CA DEPT OF JUSTICE
Accounts Payable STERICYCLE, INC.

Accounts Payable THE ED JONES COMPANY
Accounts Payable THE FLYING LOCKSMITHS - SAN JOSE
Accounts Payable TRB AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
user: Crystal Reams Pages: 4 of 7 Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Agenda Packet Page 35 of 465
Number Date Status Void Reason
Reconciled/ Voided
Date Description Transaction Amount
City of El Cerrito
Payment Register
From Payment Date: 10/1/2025 - To Payment Date: 10/31/2025 Source Payee Name
94639 10/23/2025 Open PROFESSIONAL SERVICES -FEE ENTRY 1,920.00 94640 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/30/2025 VERIZON WIRELESS 07/24-08/23/25 5,341.32 94641 10/23/2025 Open WCCTAC PAYMENT FY25-26 STMP FEES JUL-SEPT 2025 6,010.00 94642 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/28/2025 REIMB -SUPPLIES PURCHSED FOR THE CITY'S ANNUAL BENEFIT FAIR 162.32 94643 10/23/2025 Open LUNCH - RADER/LIDAR TRAINING COURSE 10/6-10/9/25 32.00 94644 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/30/2025 PUMPKINS FOR PUMPKIN SPLASH EVENT 2,265.00 94645 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/28/2025 DEL NORTE TOD COMPLETE STREETS IMPROV 8/21/25-9/20/25 517,675.70 94646 10/23/2025 Open LUNCH -ARMORER TRAINING 9/9/25-9/11/25 24.00 94647 10/23/2025 Open LUNCH - RADER/LIDAR TRAINING COURSE 10/6-10/9/25 32.00 94648 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/29/2025 LUNCH - RADER/LIDAR TRAINING COURSE 10/6-10/9/25 32.00 94649 10/23/2025 Open ACADEMY PER DIEM 9/29-10/10 500.00 94650 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/29/2025 LUNCH - RADER/LIDAR TRAINING COURSE 10/6-10/9/25 32.00 94651 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/31/2025 CANCEL PERMIT REFUND BD25-1042 158.17 94652 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/30/2025 SECURED PROP TAX BILL FY25-26 1ST 34,380.85 94653 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/29/2025 PER3 - CALPERS Longterm Care Ins 43.62 94654 10/23/2025 Open MGT1 - FIRE DEPT MGMT GROUP 50.00 94655 10/23/2025 Open MGT2 - SAFETY EMPLYEE MGMT GROUP 436.00 94656 10/23/2025 Open DUE2 - FIRE ASSN DUES CK 695.00
94657 10/23/2025 Open Franchise Tax Board Payroll Deduction 1,366.72 94658 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/29/2025 ACCD - Accidental Death & Dismembermt 52.50 94659 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/27/2025 DUE1 - POLICE ASSN DUES 1,241.49 94660 10/23/2025 Open DUE3 - EC PRO FIREFIGHTERS DUES 300.00 94661 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/28/2025 COPE - VOLUNTARY COPE DEDUCTION* 1,984.11 94662 10/23/2025 Reconciled 10/29/2025 PAR - PARS - ARS 457* 3,572.04 94663 10/30/2025 Open 2025 SURFACE SEAL PROJ -CONSTRUCTION PHASE 34,551.00 94664 10/30/2025 Open TEMPORARY CLERICAL HELP OCT 2025 1,550.99 94665 10/30/2025 Open ACFR STATISTICAL REPORT 2025 750.00 94666 10/30/2025 Open OPEN CERAMICS - FRIDAYS JUL,AUG & SEPT 2025 134.40 94667 10/30/2025 Open 2024/25 FINANCIAL AND COMPLIANCE AUDIT 16,600.00 94668 10/30/2025 Open CAD SEPT 2025 141,154.34
94669 10/30/2025 Open SECURED PROP TAX BILL FY25-26 1ST 1,771.26 94670 10/30/2025 Open CIP WEBSITE DESIGN JUL-SEPT 2025 9,550.00 94671 10/30/2025 Open FD MEMBERSHIP DEC 2025 65.00
94672 10/30/2025 Open DSI SET UP & USAGE FEES 2025 11,000.00 94673 10/30/2025 Open DEL NORTE TOD AUG 2025 111,903.22 94674 10/30/2025 Open GOVERNMENTJOBS SUBSCRIPTION FY2025-2026 39,167.47 94675 10/30/2025 Open CONTRACT SERVICES TRANSACTION TAX JUL-SEPT 2025 2,253.81 94676 10/30/2025 Open YOUTH CAPOEIRA AUG 2025 8/7-8/31 847.20 94677 10/30/2025 Open CHLORINE 10/1/25 947.10
94678 10/30/2025 Open MOMMY & ME YOGA SEPT-OCT 2025 532.20 94679 10/30/2025 Open UNMET LIABILITY DEDUCTIBLE 9/2025 3,068.40 94680 10/30/2025 Open FD WHOLE BODY SCANS 13,993.00
94681 10/30/2025 Open COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (LABOR) 9/3/25-9/30/25 31,993.03 94682 10/30/2025 Open OPEN CERAMICS MON AFTERNOON OCT 2025 1,276.80 94683 10/30/2025 Open SWIM CENTER DESIGN SUPPORT AUG 2025 6,920.00 94684 10/30/2025 Open 2025 SURFACE SEAL PROJECT 9/1/25-9/30/25 52,389.00 94685 10/30/2025 Open MILEAGE AND MEAL REIMBURSEMENT 7/1/25-10/10/25 4,017.18 94686 10/30/2025 Open MILEAGE AND MEAL REIMBURSEMENT 8/4/25-10/3/25 2,508.00 94687 10/30/2025 Open SENIOR SERVICES PETTY CASH REIMB 350.00 94688 10/30/2025 Open MILEAGE AND MEAL REIMBURSEMENT 8/4/25-10/3/25 2,043.80 94689 10/30/2025 Open MMANC ANNUAL CONFERENCE OCT 14-17 2025 1,552.67 94690 10/30/2025 Open MILEAGE AND MEAL REIMBURSEMENT 7/1/25-10/10/25 4,407.00 Accounts Payable Urban37, Inc.

Accounts Payable VERIZON WIRELESS
Accounts Payable West Contra Costa Transportation (WCCTC) Accounts Payable BASSI, SHANNON
Accounts Payable ELLIOTT, MARIELLE
Accounts Payable FRAZER, ELIZABETH
Accounts Payable GHILOTTI BROS, INC
Accounts Payable HUBBS, SIDNEY
Accounts Payable KATANSKI, ALEXANDER
Accounts Payable PORTILLO, JOANNA
Accounts Payable USTICK, JARED
Accounts Payable ZHAO, ZITIAN
Accounts Payable WEI, RAN
Accounts Payable CONTRA COSTA COUNTY TAX COLLECTORS OFFICE Accounts Payable CALPERS LONG TERM CARE PROGRAM
Accounts Payable EL CERRITO FIRE DEPT MGMT GRP
Accounts Payable EL CERRITO PUBLIC SFTY EE MGMT
Accounts Payable FIRE ASSOCIATION
Accounts Payable FRANCHISE TAX BOARD
Accounts Payable LIFE INSURANCE OF NORTH AMERICA
Accounts Payable POLICE ASSN.

Accounts Payable PRO FIREFIGHTERS ASSN DUES
Accounts Payable SEIU LOCAL 1021
Accounts Payable U.S. BANK - INSTITUTIONAL TRUST - W REGION Accounts Payable AVILA PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Accounts Payable BOLT STAFFING SERVICE, INC.

Accounts Payable California Municipal Statistics, Inc.

Accounts Payable CANN, COLETTE
Accounts Payable CHAVAN & ASSOCIATES, LLP
Accounts Payable CITY OF RICHMOND
Accounts Payable CONTRA COSTA COUNTY TAX COLLECTORS OFFICE Accounts Payable Convey, Inc.

Accounts Payable COSTCO WHOLESALE MEMBERSHIP
Accounts Payable FIRE ASIDE, INC.

Accounts Payable GHIRARDELLI ASSOCIATES
Accounts Payable GOVERNMENTJOBS.COM, INC.

Accounts Payable HdL Companies
Accounts Payable JADSON SOUZA DE JESUS
Accounts Payable KNORR SYSTEMS, INC.

Accounts Payable MAJA FRANKLIN YOGA
Accounts Payable MUNICIPAL POOLING AUTHORITY
Accounts Payable PRENUVO
Accounts Payable REDWOOD PUBLIC LAW, LLP
Accounts Payable RILE, KATHRYN
Accounts Payable SWINERTON MANAGEMENT & CONSULTING
Accounts Payable ZOON ENGINEERING, INC.

Accounts Payable Baca, Marco
Accounts Payable BLUEFORD, EMILE
Accounts Payable BRIDGET COONEY - SENIOR SERVICES PETTY CASH Accounts Payable BRIONES, ELROND
Accounts Payable COLEMAN, CLAIRE
Accounts Payable DADUL, JIGME
user: Crystal Reams Pages: 5 of 7 Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Agenda Packet Page 36 of 465
Number Date Status Void Reason
Reconciled/ Voided
Date Description Transaction Amount
City of El Cerrito
Payment Register
From Payment Date: 10/1/2025 - To Payment Date: 10/31/2025 Source Payee Name
94691 10/30/2025 Reconciled 10/30/2025 OPEN CERMAICS THRU SEPT 2025 319.80 94692 10/30/2025 Open MILEAGE AND MEAL REIMBURSEMENT 7/1/25-10/10/25 4,047.00 94693 10/30/2025 Reconciled 10/31/2025 WOMENS FBW SEPT 2025 1,476.00 94694 10/30/2025 Open MILEAGE AND MEAL REIMBURSEMENT 7/1/25-10/10/25 4,047.00 94695 10/30/2025 Open BI-ANNUAL FINGERPRINTING 18.00
94696 10/30/2025 Open travel reimbursement 345.21
94697 10/30/2025 Open DRONE FOR PD 2,552.29
94698 10/30/2025 Open BEAUTY AND BOUNTY SEPT 2025 212.40 94699 10/30/2025 Open MMANC ANNUAL CONFERENCE 10/16/25 404.87 94700 10/31/2025 Open FIRE STATION #52 AIR FILTRATION & FILTER & WATER & 2,731.00 $ 3,051,572.60

3455 10/03/2025 Open Medicare - Medicare* $ 5.78
3456 10/03/2025 Open California State Disbursement Unit Payroll Deduction 105.57 3457 10/03/2025 Open CA - CA Tax 66,165.04
3458 10/03/2025 Open FED - Fed Tax* 249,273.06
3459 10/03/2025 Open ICM1 - ICMA-457 #300530 FLAT DOLLAR* 60,037.90 3460 10/03/2025 Open PE1% - PERS SEIU* 208,413.15
3461 10/17/2025 Open CA - CA Tax 270.64
3462 10/17/2025 Open FED - Fed Tax* 393.48
3463 10/17/2025 Open PERS SAFETY MGMT - PERS SAFETY MGMT* 1,814.17 3464 10/17/2025 Open California State Disbursement Unit Payroll Deduction 105.57 3465 10/17/2025 Open CA - CA Tax 48,993.79
3466 10/17/2025 Open FED - Fed Tax* 195,000.33
3467 10/17/2025 Open ICM1 - ICMA-457 #300530 FLAT DOLLAR* 55,956.75 3468 10/17/2025 Open PE CM PEPRA - PERS CM PEPRA* 208,802.70 3469 10/02/2025 Open PGE 08/6/25-9/4/25 13.94
3470 10/21/2025 Open PGE 09/03/25-10/01/25 22,350.67
3471 10/21/2025 Open PG&E 09/01/25-9/30/25 35,608.24
3472 10/07/2025 Open PURCHASE POWER PASTAGE CL PYMT SEPT25 1,000.00 3473 10/27/2025 Open SUTTER HEALTH PLAN - NOV PAYMENT 32,703.80 3474 10/27/2025 Open 2017 REVENUE BOND DEBT SVC OCT 2025 146,067.96 3475 10/27/2025 Open STRYKER EQUIPMENT/ SVC LEASE AGRMNT OCT 2025 6,308.59 3476 10/27/2025 Open 2023 CHEVROLET TAHOE SPECIAL SERVICE VEHICLES WITH UPFITTING OCT 4,907.41 3477 10/28/2025 Open CALCARD OCT 2025 PAYMENT 73,580.18 3478 10/31/2025 Open California State Disbursement Unit Payroll Deduction 105.57 3479 10/31/2025 Open CA - CA Tax 46,809.70
3480 10/31/2025 Open FED - Fed Tax* 185,291.13
3481 10/31/2025 Open ICM1 - ICMA-457 #300530 FLAT DOLLAR* 56,558.91 3482 10/31/2025 Open PE1% - PERS SEIU* 216,353.71
3483 10/31/2025 Open EDD UI BENEFIT CHARGE 7/1/25-9/30/25 1,916.00 3484 10/30/2025 Open FORM 941X INTEREST PAYMENTS 200.92 3485 10/31/2025 Open MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - SEPT2025 831.86 3486 10/31/2025 Open MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - SEPT2025 103.11 3487 10/31/2025 Open MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - SEPT2025 997.48 3488 10/31/2025 Open MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - SEPT2025 187.25 3489 10/31/2025 Open MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - SEPT2025 731.11 3490 10/31/2025 Open MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - SEPT2025 38.38 3491 10/31/2025 Open MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - SEPT2025 38.37 3492 10/31/2025 Open MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - SEPT2025 38.40 3493 10/31/2025 Open MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - SEPT2025 59.08 3494 10/31/2025 Open MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - SEPT2025 23.90 Accounts Payable JAFFE, SCOT
Accounts Payable KIM, DANIEL
Accounts Payable RIVERA, NICOLE
Accounts Payable SAEPHAN, MATTHEW
Accounts Payable WIEGMANN, WENDY
268 Transactions
Accounts Payable MOTOYAMA, LISA
Accounts Payable General Pacific, Inc.

Accounts Payable RAYBIN, AURORA JADE , B.

EFT
Accounts Payable IRS
Accounts Payable California State Disbursement Unit
Accounts Payable COLEMAN, A'SHANTI
Accounts Payable BORDI, CRAIG
Type Check Totals:

Accounts Payable EDD - PAYROLL TAX DEPOSIT
Accounts Payable IRS
Accounts Payable MIssionSquare (name chg 03-2021 formerly ICMA) Accounts Payable P E R S
Accounts Payable EDD - PAYROLL TAX DEPOSIT
Accounts Payable IRS
Accounts Payable P E R S
Accounts Payable California State Disbursement Unit
Accounts Payable EDD - PAYROLL TAX DEPOSIT
Accounts Payable IRS
Accounts Payable MIssionSquare (name chg 03-2021 formerly ICMA) Accounts Payable P E R S
Accounts Payable PG&E
Accounts Payable PG&E
Accounts Payable PG&E
Accounts Payable PITNEY BOWES PURCHASE POWER
Accounts Payable SUTTER HEALTH PLUS
Accounts Payable U.S. BANK
Accounts Payable STRYKER CORPORATION
Accounts Payable KS STATEBANK
Accounts Payable U.S. BANK - CORPORATE PAYMENT SYS
Accounts Payable California State Disbursement Unit
Accounts Payable EDD - PAYROLL TAX DEPOSIT
Accounts Payable IRS
Accounts Payable MIssionSquare (name chg 03-2021 formerly ICMA) Accounts Payable P E R S
Accounts Payable EDD - CA Employment Development Dept
Accounts Payable IRS
Accounts Payable FIRST DATA MERCHANT SERVICES INC
Accounts Payable FIRST DATA MERCHANT SERVICES INC
Accounts Payable FIRST DATA MERCHANT SERVICES INC
Accounts Payable FIRST DATA MERCHANT SERVICES INC
Accounts Payable FIRST DATA MERCHANT SERVICES INC
Accounts Payable FIRST DATA MERCHANT SERVICES INC
Accounts Payable FIRST DATA MERCHANT SERVICES INC
Accounts Payable FIRST DATA MERCHANT SERVICES INC
Accounts Payable AMEX/AMERICAN EXPRESS
Accounts Payable CLOVER
user: Crystal Reams Pages: 6 of 7 Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Agenda Packet Page 37 of 465
Number Date Status Void Reason
Reconciled/ Voided
Date Description Transaction Amount
City of El Cerrito
Payment Register
From Payment Date: 10/1/2025 - To Payment Date: 10/31/2025 Source Payee Name
3495 10/31/2025 Open MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - SEPT2025 37.90 3496 10/31/2025 Open MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - SEPT2025 20.00 3497 10/31/2025 Open MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - SEPT2025 8,115.13 3498 10/31/2025 Open MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - SEPT2025 3,458.40 3499 10/31/2025 Open MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - SEPT2025 5,231.21 3500 10/31/2025 Open MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - SEPT2025 779.73 $ 1,945,805.97

Checks & EFT's Status Count Transaction Amount
Open 119 2,695,437.94
Reconciled 193 2,298,972.02
Voided 2 2,968.61
Stopped 0 -
Total 314 4,997,378.57
All Status Count Transaction Amount
Open 49 $43,162.48
Reconciled 886 $1,897,392.47
Voided 0 $0.00
Stopped 0 $0.00
Total 935 $1,940,554.95
1249 $6,937,933.52

PAYROLL

GRAND TOTAL

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Accounts Payable AUTHORIZE.NET
46 Transactions
Accounts Payable AUTHORIZE.NET
Accounts Payable CARDCONNECT
Accounts Payable CARDCONNECT
AP-AP Check - Accounts Payable Checking Accoun Totals
Accounts Payable CARDCONNECT
Accounts Payable MECHANICS BANK
Type EFT Totals:
user: Crystal Reams Pages: 7 of 7 Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Agenda Packet Page 38 of 465

AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 7.D.

Date: December 2, 2025
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Stephen Prée, Environmental Programs Manager; Karineh Samkian, Senior Program Manager; Public Works Department; Chase Beckman, Battalion Chief, Fire Department
Subject: Spending Authority and Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Albany to Implement the Albany-El Cerrito Wildfire Resilience Demonstration Project Funded by a Joint California Coastal Conservancy Grant

ACTION PROPOSED
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Albany to implement the Albany-El Cerrito Wildfire Resilience Demonstration Project as funded by a joint California Coastal Conservancy grant; and approve a budget amendment to increase revenues by $200,000 and expenditures by $200,000 in Capital Improvement Program Fund 304 in Fiscal Year 2025-26.

BACKGROUND
Over several years, concerns regarding fire risk in the City of El Cerrito's Hillside Natural Area (HNA) and surrounding residential communities have significantly increased. The City has responded with ongoing and increased vegetation maintenance activities in the approximately 107-acre open space area by completing work largely based on planning efforts that were completed many years ago.

The need for more robust, comprehensive, and current vegetation management practices that balance fuel reduction with native forest conservation became increasingly evident and was recognized in the City’s 2015 Urban Greening Plan and 2019 Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan. Therefore, with the help of the Urban Forest Committee (UFC), the City applied for a State of California Coastal Conservancy Wildfire Resilience Capacity Building Grant to develop the HNA Fire Resilience and Forest Conservation Management Plan and provide California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review and determination. The Conservancy awarded a grant of $145,000 to the City in 2022.

Between 2023 and 2025, City staff and consultants developed the Plan to guide future fire fuel and forest conservation management activities and better position the City to seek grant funding for phased implementation. The Plan development process involved:
• Reviewing existing City plans and policies.

Agenda Packet Page 39 of 465
Agenda Item No. 7.D.
• Assessing the conditions and constraints of the HNA which culminated in Biological Resources Report, Cultural Resources Evaluation, Fuel and Fire Hazard Assessment, and Hillside Natural Area Trails Report. • Soliciting community input via a Stakeholder Advisory Group, consultation with the Confederated Villages of Lisjan Nation, Public Survey, Public Workshops, Public Comment Period, and presentations to the Park and Recreation Commission, UFC, and Environmental Quality Committee.

These efforts informed the prioritization of actions to minimize wildfire threats while protecting the ecological value of the HNA and include:
• Highest Priority
o Create a defensible space within 100-feet of dwelling structures immediately adjacent to the HNA
• High Priority
o Establish shaded fuel breaks
• High-Medium Priority
o Remove eucalyptus and non-native conifer
o Manage a sustainable system of fire roads and trails
o Actively manage threats to native oak species
• Medium Priority
o Remove invasives shrubs and herbaceous species
o Restore and re-establish native species
o Monitor key performance indicators
On June 3, 2025, the City Council adopted the HNA Plan (Resolution 2025-35) with the intent that the projects outlined in the Plan would be undertaken if the City secured grant funding. At about the same time that the Plan was adopted, Conservancy staff reached out to the City and the City of Albany and suggested that the agencies jointly submit a pre-application for the Conservancy’s demonstration grant to implement our respective management plans. The City of Albany had also recently adopted their fire resilience plan for Albany Hill. After reviewing the pre-application, the Conservancy invited the agencies to submit a full application which was completed in July 2025. The State Conservancy Board awarded a $850,000 joint grant for the Albany-El Cerrito Wildfire Resilience Demonstration Project (Project) at their September 18, 2025 meeting.

ANALYSIS
Project
As part of the contract with the Conservancy, the agencies developed a Work Program (Attachment 2) detailing the scope of work, deliverables, and budget. In El Cerrito, the Project will consist of:

Project Management: Submit progress reports and invoices to the City of Albany.

Agenda Packet Page 40 of 465
Agenda Item No. 7.D.
• Milling & Community Engagement ($30,000):

1. In coordination with Bay Area Redwood, a milling demonstration will be hosted in the HNA to educate the public about milled wood reuse and give away suitable lumber for reuse. A second milling demonstration will be hosted on Albany Hill and residents from both cities are invited to attend any of the events.

2. The City will host a community workday in the HNA to discuss native plants, habitat restoration, and fire risk. A second workday will be hosted on Albany Hill and residents from both cities are invited to attend any of the events. The City will engage Friends of the HNA, El Cerrito Fire Safe Council, and Trail Trekkers in developing the community workday activities.
• Tree Removal & Habitat Restoration ($480,000):

1. The City will contract with a company to remove pervasive, flammable eucalyptus and invasive trees from 3.5 acres in and around Quarry Hill (Attachment 3), which is listed in the HNA Plan under High-Medium Priority. This location was selected to match the work scope and scale with the available grant funds and it will achieve, in part, creation of the 100-foot shaded fuel break (High Priority).

The contractor’s work will include treatment of eucalyptus tree stumps to prevent regrowth, mastication of smaller trees, and removal of invasive shrubs while protecting native trees and shrubs.

2. The City will engage an ecological restoration design consultant to develop scope and plans and then engage a company to perform native plant restoration in consultation with stakeholders.

MOU
Upon awarding the grant, the Conservancy requested that one agency serve as the lead and hold the agreement with the Conservancy. The City of Albany agreed to serve as the lead agency and developed a Memorandum of Understanding (Attachment 4) that clearly identifies the roles and responsibilities of each agency. The City of Albany will contract with the Conservancy and receive funds from the Conservancy. The City of El Cerrito will work closely with Albany staff to prepare reports and reimbursement requests. Upon receiving funding from the Conservancy, the City of Albany will reimburse El Cerrito’s share of the costs. The Project must be completed by June 30, 2027.

Next Steps
If the MOU is approved by the City Council, City staff will develop request for proposals for the tree removal and the habitat restoration work (staff will return to the City Council for contract award as needed) and meet with Albany staff to schedule the milling demonstrations and workdays.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
This item supports the City’s Strategic Plan Goal(s) of:

Agenda Packet Page 41 of 465
Agenda Item No. 7.D.
• Community Safety by implementing effective fire resilience work; and • Livability and Belonging by restoring one of the City’s most treasured and unique natural assets; and
• Environmental Sustainability by receiving funding to implement projects included in the HNA Plan.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
On June 3, 2025, the City Council adopted the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) and Mitigation and Reporting Program for the HNA Plan (Resolution 2025-34) which evaluated the impacts of the Plan to allow for streamlined implementation in the future.

All future projects and actions that are consistent with the HNA Plan and the analysis in the IS/MND will not require additional CEQA review. Since this Project was included in the HNA Plan and is consistent with the IS/MND, it is covered by the existing CEQA documents and no further evaluation is warranted.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The grant award amount of $510,000 will pay for the milling contractor, tree removal contractor, and habitat restoration design and planting consultant/contractor.

The City of El Cerrito will invoice the City of Albany on the 15th of January, April, July, and October for actual costs. The City of Albany will include El Cerrito’s invoices in the quarterly reimbursement request to the Conservancy and will reimburse the City 30 days after they receive reimbursement from the Conservancy. The Conservancy grant has no “local match” requirement. The Public Works Department will be able to manage the planning effort with existing staff.

The project is included in the 5-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). However, funding was identified as unsecured. Because this project is not specifically listed in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Budget and the current year CIP, staff recommends appropriating $200,000 in expenditures and $200,000 in revenues in CIP Fund 304 in Fiscal Year 2025-26. The net impact on the budget is zero, but this allows the City to ensure sufficient spending authority for the project. City staff will include the remaining amount for Fiscal Year 2026-27 during the upcoming biennial budget process.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
The City Attorney has reviewed the MOU and found that legal considerations have been addressed. The final MOU will be in substantially the form attached, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney.

Agenda Packet Page 42 of 465
Agenda Item No. 7.D.

Reviewed by:

Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:

1. Resolution

2. Grant Work Program

3. Approximate Project Area Map

4. MOU
Agenda Packet Page 43 of 465
Agenda Item No. 7.D.

Attachment 1
RESOLUTION 2025 - XX

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO

AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF

UNDERSTANDING WITH THE CITY OF ALBANY TO IMPLEMENT THE ALBANY-EL

CERRITO WILDFIRE RESILIENCE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT AS FUNDED BY

THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL CONSERVANCY AND APPROVE A BUDGET AMENDMENT TO INCREASE REVENUES BY $200,000 AND EXPENDITURES BY $200,000 IN CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUND 304 IN FISCAL YEAR 2025- 26 WHEREAS, the City has responded to concerns regarding fire risk in the Hillside Natural Area (HNA) with ongoing and increased vegetation maintenance activities by completing work based largely on past planning efforts; and WHEREAS, the need for more robust, comprehensive, and current vegetation management practices, that balance fuel reduction with native forest conservation, prompted the City to apply for and be awarded a $145,000 State of California Coastal Conservancy Wildfire Resilience Capacity Building Grant to develop the Hillside Natural Area (HNA) Fire Resilience and Forest Conservation Management Plan and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents; and
WHEREAS, the HNA Plan was developed through extensive studies and community engagement and includes a prioritized list of eight actions; and WHERAS, as part of the CEQA review, an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Plan was also developed, and future projects that are contained in the Plan will not require additional CEQA review; and
WHEREAS, the HNA Plan and the CEQA documents were adopted by the City Council on June 3, 2025 per Resolutions 2025-34 and 2025-35; and WHEREAS, the City partnered with the City of Albany and jointly applied for and was awarded a $850,000 Coastal Conservancy demonstration grant to implement the Albany-El Cerrito Wildfire Resilience Demonstration Project which includes a Project from the HNA Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Project will include removing hazardous trees from 3.5 acres in and around Quarry Hill, restoring the area, hosting milling demonstrations, and hosting community workdays; and
WHEREAS, a Memorandum of Understanding was developed to outline the roles and responsibilities for each agency with the City of Albany being the lead agency to contract and receive reimbursement from the Conservancy; and Agenda Packet Page 44 of 465
WHEREAS, funding for all contractor and consultant expenses for the Project is reimbursable by the State Coastal Conservancy in a no-match grant in an amount not to exceed $510,000.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of El Cerrito that the foregoing recitals are true and correct and made part of this resolution.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that it authorizes the City Manager to execute an Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Albany to implement the Albany-El Cerrito Wildfire Resilience Demonstration Project as funded by the California Coastal Conservancy.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it hereby amends the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Budget to increase revenues by $200,000 and expenditures by $200,000 in Capital Improvement Program Fund 304 in Fiscal Year 2025-26.

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 45 of 465
1 WORK PROGRAM
City of Albany, CA
Albany-El Cerrito Wildfire Resilience Demonstration Project SCC Grant Agreement # xx-xxx
11/18/2025
I. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The purpose of this project is to implement forest management activities included in State Coastal Conservancy-funded wildfire resilience plans for Albany Hill and the El Cerrito Hillside Natural Area (HNA), invest in continuing partnerships for workforce development in line with these activities, and demonstrate for public benefit useful practices for milling, native species planting, and fire hazard management. The City of Albany (Grantee) and the City of El Cerrito will perform eucalyptus tree removals (in addition to dead trees and invasive pine trees in El Cerrito) and habitat restoration in the respective areas and co-host milling demonstrations and community workdays. The Grantee will also invest in equipment and additional training for Albany’s vegetation management and habitat restoration service provider, Urban Tilth. Different phases of the project will leverage partnerships with Bay Area Redwood, Urban Tilth, and volunteer organization in both Cities to carry out grant activities and strengthen community relationships.

II. SCOPE OF WORK
Task 1 Project Management
The Grantee will coordinate with the Conservancy Project Manager to keep them informed about the status of the project. Grantee will be responsible for managing the budget and schedule, submitting requests for disbursement, and other project management activities.

Before hiring subcontractors for work under this grant agreement, Grantee will submit subcontractor qualifications to perform specified tasks for the review and approval of the Conservancy Project Manager. In the progress reports, the Grantee shall document all subcontractor activities, deliverables completed, progress, issues and proposed resolutions.

Task Deliverable(s): progress reports, invoices, and subcontract documentation Task 2 Milling & Community Engagement
This task comprises all tasks related to hosting hands-on community events in Albany and El Cerrito, specifically two milling demonstrations hosted on-site at Albany Hill and in Hillside Natural Area by Bay Area Redwood, and at least one community workday in each City for Agenda Item No. 7.D.

Attachment 2
Agenda Packet Page 46 of 465
SCC Grant Agreement # XX-XXX
Work Program, Date
2 native plant and wildfire resilience education. Costs include lumber milling and demonstration fees, event planning, outreach and publicity materials including graphic design and translation, work tools and supplies, refreshments, minor consulting fees for liability coverage for lumber giveaways, and event staff. Staff plan to engage local partners such as Friends of the HNA, El Cerrito Fire Safe Council, and Trail Trekkers to leverage networks for event attendance and publicity. Task 2 is a relatively low-cost task but is the highest-touch element of the project in terms of staff time.

Subtask 2.1
Plan and partner with Bay Area Redwood to host a minimum of 1 public milling demonstration/workshop each in Albany and El Cerrito to educate the public about milled wood reuse and give away suitable lumber as available for reuse. (Albany/El Cerrito) Subtask 2.2
Plan and host a minimum of 1 community workday each in Albany and El Cerrito to educate the public about native plants, habitat restoration, and fire risk. (Albany/El Cerrito) Task Deliverable(s): Event flyers, newsletter/website announcements, photos, videos if available, written summaries, milling & lumber giveaway metrics as available.

Task 3 Tree Removal & Habitat Restoration
This project phase comprises professional removal of hazardous eucalyptus and invasive trees in both cities—up to 50 trees in Albany and ~190 stems on 3.5 acres in El Cerrito— including stump treatment, invasive understory removal, erosion control, and disposal. Due to steep terrain and dense vegetation, this work requires skilled contractors and may include specialized equipment for safety and efficiency. Funds will also support restoration of native habitat at both sites, including a monarch butterfly overwintering pilot project on Albany Hill and native plant restoration on Quarry Hill. Costs cover native plant materials, soil amendments, irrigation supplies, and professional design or ecological consultation as needed.

Subtask 3.1
Develop an RFP, engage a contractor, and perform up to 50 high-priority tree removals on Albany Hill on the Taft Ave side. (Albany)
Subtask 3.2
Develop an RFP, engage a contractor, and perform up to 190 tree removals in and around Quarry Hill in the HNA. The selected contractor will also treat the stumps of the cut trees, masticate smaller trees, and remove invasive shrubs while protecting native trees and shrubs. (El Cerrito)
Agenda Packet Page 47 of 465
SCC Grant Agreement # XX-XXX
Work Program, Date
3 Subtask 3.3
Partner with Urban Tilth to perform a pilot tree planting project in the monarch area on Albany Hill (see trial tree schedule of Phase 1 of the Albany Hill Forest Management and Habitat Restoration Plan). (Albany)
Subtask 3.4
Develop an RFP, engage a restoration design consultant, and perform native plant restoration. (El Cerrito)
Task Deliverable(s): Contractor reports and invoices, before/after photos, planting plan/species list.

Task 4 Workforce Development
This task comprises support for the Grantee’s Habitat Restoration Internship Program, including participation in sustainable land management and wood reuse projects. Additional activities under this task include chainsaw certification, electric tool acquisition, and general annual costs for Urban Tilth’s Watershed Restoration Crew, who deliver vegetation management services to the Grantee and train local youth in building skills in forestry, restoration, and sustainable construction.

Subtask 4.1
Work with Urban Tilth to purchase electric chainsaws and confirm completed certification in chainsaw use.

Subtask 4.2
Hire two interns per year within the established Habitat Restoration Internship Program and report on project/program activities to the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission.

Subtask 4.3
Perform ongoing vegetation management work in the Grantee’s natural areas, specifically Albany Hill, to mitigate wildfire danger and improve safe access for residents.

Task Deliverable(s): Intern logs, Urban Tilth certification & maintenance records, equipment purchase summary, intern reports to advisory bodies.

III. SCHEDULE
Work Completion Date: June 30, 2027
Final Request for Disbursement and Final Progress Report: July 31, 2027 Grant Termination Date: December 31, 2027
Agenda Packet Page 48 of 465
SCC Grant Agreement # XX-XXX
Work Program, Date
4 The Grantee will submit project deliverables as listed in the schedule below. In the event the Grantee anticipates a delay in the project schedule, the Grantee shall inform the Conservancy Project Manager by email prior to the scheduled due date of that task or deliverable.

In the event the project cannot be completed prior to the completion date of the Grant Agreement, the Grantee shall request an extension by email, providing justification for the extension and a revised schedule of completion. There is no guarantee that the grant agreement will be extended.

Task
Number
Task Title Deliverable Estimated
Start Date
Estimated
Completion
Date
1 Project Management Requests for Disbursement
Copies of Subcontracts
Not
Applicable
Monthly
throughout the
contract term
2 Milling & Community
Engagement
Event flyers,
newsletter/website
announcements, photos,
videos if available, written
summaries, milling &
lumber giveaway metrics
as available
October 2026 June 2027
3 Tree Removal & Habitat
Restoration
Contractor reports and
invoices, before/after
photos, planting
plan/species list
July 2026 October 2026
4 Workforce Development Intern logs, Urban Tilth
certification &
maintenance records,
equipment purchase
summary, intern reports to
advisory bodies
October 2025 June 2027
Agenda Packet Page 49 of 465
SCC Grant Agreement # XX-XXX
Work Program, Date
5 IV. BUDGET OVERVIEW
Task
Number
Task Title Coastal
Conservancy
Grant
Required
Grantee
Match *
Estimated
Other
Funding
Total
Budget
1 Project Management $0 $0 $0 $0
2 Milling & Community
Engagement
$60,000 $0 $0 $60,000
3 Tree Removal & Habitat
Restoration
$610,000 $0 $0 $610,000
4 Workforce Development $180,000 $0 $0 $180,000
Indirect Costs (0%) $0 $0 $0 $0
TOTAL $850,000 $0 $0 $850,000
*No match is required.

V. BUDGET DETAIL

5.1 Direct Costs

1. Project Management - $0
City staff will coordinate with SCC staff on project management, including progress reports, requests for reimbursement, work program development and amendment (as needed), subcontractor reporting, publicity, and other project management tasks. No funding is needed from the SCC on this task.

2. Milling & Community Engagement – $60,000
Funds will support hands-on community events in Albany and El Cerrito, specifically two milling demonstrations hosted on-site at Albany Hill and in Hillside Natural Area by Bay Area Redwood, and at least one community workday in each City for native plant and wildfire resilience education. Costs include lumber milling and demonstration fees, event planning, outreach and publicity materials including graphic design and translation, work tools and supplies, refreshments, minor consulting fees for liability coverage for lumber giveaways, and event staff. Staff plan to engage local partners such as Friends of the HNA, El Cerrito Fire Safe Council, and Trail Trekkers to leverage networks for event attendance and publicity. Task 2 is a relatively low-cost task but is Agenda Packet Page 50 of 465
SCC Grant Agreement # XX-XXX
Work Program, Date
6 the highest-touch element of the project in terms of staff time.

3. Tree Removal & Habitat Restoration – $ 610,000
Task 3 covers professional removal of hazardous eucalyptus and invasive trees in both cities—up to 50 trees in Albany and 190 in El Cerrito—including stump treatment, invasive understory removal, erosion control, and disposal. Due to steep terrain and dense vegetation, this work requires skilled contractors and may include specialized equipment for safety and efficiency. Funds will also support restoration of native habitat at both sites, including a monarch butterfly overwintering pilot project on Albany Hill and native plant restoration on Quarry Hill. Costs cover native plant materials, soil amendments, irrigation supplies, and professional design or ecological consultation as needed.

4. Workforce Development – $ 180,000
Funds will support wages, training, and tools for Grantee’s Habitat Restoration Internship Program, including participation in sustainable land management and wood reuse projects. Funds will additionally support chainsaw certification, electric tool acquisition, and annual Albany Hill vegetation management costs for Urban Tilth’s Watershed Restoration Crew, building skills in forestry, restoration, and sustainable construction.

5.2 Travel Costs
Travel costs for the grantee and any subcontractors must be billed at State rates which can be found at this link.

5.3 Indirect Costs
N/A
VI. SUBCONTRACTORS
Grantee may award subcontracts, as necessary, to qualified consultants or other agencies.

Prior to subcontractor initiating work under this agreement, the Grantee shall submit subcontractor qualifications along with a summary of tasks and deliverables to be completed by the subcontractor to Project Manager for approval. These will be reviewed for approval by the Conservancy Project Manager.

City of El Cerrito, CA: Tree removals, cohost milling demonstrations & workshops, project management for El Cerrito tasks. MOU to be executed and attached to this work program. https://www.elcerrito.gov/1650/Hillside-Natural-Area-Plan Agenda Packet Page 51 of 465
SCC Grant Agreement # XX-XXX
Work Program, Date
7 Bay Area Redwood: Milling demonstrations & eucalyptus milling. https://www.bayarearedwood.com/
Urban Tilth: Vegetation management, pilot planting, chainsaw purchase & certification. https://urbantilth.org/
https://urbantilth.org/learn/basinsofrelations/
VII.PLAN FOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Grantee and the City of El Cerrito will post details of the funding award and ongoing project activities on a dedicated project page on each City’s website.

Grantee and the City of El Cerrito will include announcements for key project phases in each City’s eNewsletter or equivalent.

Grantee and the City of El Cerrito will include the Coastal Conservancy’s logo on all promotional materials for workshops and demonstrations, including flyers, signage, etc.

Agenda Packet Page 52 of 465
© 2024 LightBox. All rights reserved. 1
184 feet
Agenda Item No. 7.D.

Attachment 3
Agenda Packet Page 53 of 465
Albany-El Cerrito Wildfire Resilience Demonstration Project December 2025
1 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

BETWEEN THE CITY OF ALBANY AND

THE CITY OF EL CERRITO FOR REIMBURSEMENT

FOR THE ALBANY-EL CERRITO

WILDFIRE RESILIENCE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
This Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) is entered into this ____ day of ________ 2025, by and between the City of Albany, a California municipal corporation and charter city (“Albany”), and the City of El Cerrito, a California municipal corporation and charter city (“El Cerrito”). Albany and El Cerrito are sometimes individually referred to as “Party” and collectively as “Parties” in this MOU.

RECITALS
A. WHEREAS, the Parties have been jointly planning the Albany-El Cerrito Wildfire Resilience Demonstration Project (the “Project”), which is intended to implement forest management activities included in State Coastal Conservancy-funded wildfire resilience plans for Albany Hill and the El Cerrito Hillside Natural Area (HNA), invest in continuing partnerships for workforce development in line with these activities, and demonstrate for public benefit useful practices for milling, native species planting, and fire hazard management, and is located within their respective jurisdictions; and
B. WHEREAS, Albany has applied for discretionary funding from the State Coastal Conservancy (the “Conservancy”) to support the Project, which has been awarded in the total amount of $850,000, which will cover costs for tree removals, habitat restoration, community workdays, milling demonstrations, and workforce development (Albany only) associated with the Project; and
C. WHEREAS, Albany will serve as the primary recipient of the Conservancy funds and will be responsible for contracting, invoicing, and financial reporting to the Conservancy; and
D. WHEREAS, the Parties desire to set forth their respective responsibilities, coordination procedures, and reimbursement mechanisms for the Project, and to establish a clear framework through which El Cerrito may invoice Albany for eligible costs, as set forth in the terms and conditions of this MOU.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of these recitals and the mutual covenants contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:

1. Purpose:

The purpose of this MOU is to formalize the understanding between the Parties regarding the reimbursement of eligible Project costs and delineation of roles, responsibilities, and invoicing procedures, as further described in Exhibit “A,” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

2. Albany’s Responsibilities:

A. Serve as the lead agency for purposes of contracting with and receiving funds from the Conservancy.

Agenda Item No. 7.D.

Attachment 4
Agenda Packet Page 54 of 465
Albany-El Cerrito Wildfire Resilience Demonstration Project December 2025
2 B. Administer the grant agreement with the Conservancy, including the preparation and submittal of all required invoices and reports.

C. Reimburse El Cerrito for eligible, approved costs incurred for Project tasks, subject to the prior receipt of funds from the Conservancy.

D. Provide El Cerrito with a copy of the executed grant agreement and any material amendments or relevant guidance from the Conservancy.

E. Perform such other tasks as may be assigned to Albany in Exhibit “A.”

3. El Cerrito’s Responsibilities:

A. Maintain proper documentation of all costs incurred and submit itemized invoices, with supporting documentation, to Albany in a timely manner.

B. Comply with all applicable terms, conditions, and requirements of the Conservancy’s grant agreement, as provided by Albany.

C. Cooperate with Albany in the preparation of all reports or documentation required by the Conservancy.

D. Perform such other tasks as may be assigned to El Cerrito in Exhibit “A.”

4. Term:

This MOU shall become effective upon execution by both Parties and shall remain in effect until the earlier of: (i) the completion of the Project; (ii) expiration or termination of the Conservancy grant, or (iii) termination under Section 7.2 below.

5. Invoicing and Payment:

El Cerrito shall submit invoices to Albany at the close of every quarter, accompanied by receipts, time records, or other documentation reasonably required. Albany shall review the invoices for completeness and consistency with the Conservancy’s requirements. Albany shall reimburse El Cerrito only from funds actually received from Conservancy, and shall have no independent obligation to reimburse El Cerrito in the absence of Conservancy disbursements.

Payment shall be made within thirty (30) days following Albany’s receipt of the corresponding funds from the Conservancy.

6. Delivery of Notices:

A. All notices, invoices, and other communication pertaining to this MOU must be directed to the following representatives:

If to Albany:

City of Albany
1000 San Pablo Ave.

Albany, CA 94706
Attn: Devora Zauderer, Program Manager
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Albany-El Cerrito Wildfire Resilience Demonstration Project December 2025
3 Email: [email protected], cc: [email protected] If to El Cerrito:

City of El Cerrito
10890 San Pablo Ave.

El Cerrito, CA 94530
Attn: Karineh Samkian, Senior Program Manager
Email: [email protected], cc: [email protected]
B. Any notice required under this MOU must be sent in writing via email or posted mail.

7. General Provisions

7.1 Amendments. This MOU may only be amended in writing and such amendment must be executed by both parties.

7.2 Termination. Either Party may terminate this MOU upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to the other. Termination shall not relieve the other Party of responsibility for obligations incurred prior to the effective date of termination.

7.3 Authority. Each person executing this MOU on behalf of a Party warrants that the person is duly authorized to execute this MOU on behalf of that Party and that by doing so, that Party is formally bound to the provisions of this MOU.

7.4 Severability. If any part of this MOU is held to be invalid, void, or otherwise unenforceable to any extent by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this MOU is not affected thereby, and all other parts of this MOU remain valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

7.5 Counterparts. This MOU may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which is deemed an original. All counterparts are construed together and constitute one single MOU. A Party may sign this MOU electronically.

7.6 Governing Law. This MOU must be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California. If any action is brought to interpret or enforce any term of this MOU, the action must be brought in a state or federal court in the County of Alameda, State of California.

7.7 Relationship of the Parties. Except as otherwise provided herein, nothing contained herein may be construed to create an association, trust, or partnership or to impose a trust or partnership obligation on or with regard to either of the Parties. Each Party is individually responsible for its own obligations as herein provided.

7.8 Indemnification. Each Party shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the other Party, its elected and appointed officials, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or relating to the negligent acts, errors, or intentional misconduct of the indemnifying Party, its officers, employees, contractors, or agents in connection with this MOU. Nothing in this provision shall be construed to obligate either Party to indemnify the other for that Party’s sole negligence or willful misconduct.

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Albany-El Cerrito Wildfire Resilience Demonstration Project December 2025
4 7.9 Waiver. The delay or failure of either Party at any time to require performance or compliance by the other Party of any of its obligations or agreements does not waive a right to require such performance or compliance. No waiver of any provision of this MOU is effective unless in writing and signed by a duly authorized representative of the Party against whom enforcement of a waiver is sought. The waiver of any right or remedy with respect to any occurrence or event may not be deemed a waiver of any right or remedy with respect to any other occurrence or event, nor does any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

7.10 Records and Audit. Each Party shall maintain accurate records of all costs charged to the Project for a period of not less than three (3) years following final reimbursement.

Records shall be made available for audit by the Conservancy or other Party, as applicable.

7.11 Entire Agreement. This MOU represents the entire understanding of the Parties as to those matters contained herein, and supersedes and cancels any prior or contemporaneous oral or written understanding, promises or representations with respect to those matters covered hereunder. Each Party acknowledges that no representation, inducement, promise, or agreement has been made by any person that has not been incorporated herein, and that any other agreement is void. This MOU may not be modified or altered except in writing signed by both Parties hereto.
[Signature Page on Following Page]
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Albany-El Cerrito Wildfire Resilience Demonstration Project December 2025
5 SIGNATURE PAGE FOR MOU

BETWEEN THE CITY OF ALBANY AND

THE CITY OF EL CERRITO FOR REIMBURSEMENT

FOR THE ALBANY-EL CERRITO

WILDFIRE RESILIENCE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this MOU as of the date first written above.

CITY OF ALBANY CITY OF EL CERRITO
By: _________________________
Date: _________________________
By: _______________________________
Date: _______________________________
ATTESTED TO:

By:____________________________
City Clerk
ATTESTED TO:

By:____________________________
City Clerk
Approved as to Form:

By:___________________________
City Attorney
Approved as to Form:

By:___________________________
City Attorney
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Albany-El Cerrito Wildfire Resilience Demonstration Project December 2025
6 EXHIBIT “A”
Budget
The funding award from the State Coastal Conservancy for the Albany El-Cerrito Wildfire Resilience Demonstration Project totals $850,000. All funds must be expended by the agreement expiration date, as outlined in the Grantee Work Program.

The budget for this project is allocated between Albany and El Cerrito as follows.

Project Tasks Albany El Cerrito Grant Total
Project Management $0 $0 $0
Milling & Community
Engagement $30,000 $30,000 $60,000
Tree Removal &
Habitat Restoration $130,000 $480,000 $610,000
Workforce
Development $180,000 $0 $180,000
Totals $340,000 $510,000 $850,000
Invoices are to be sent to Albany in pdf format to [email protected], cc:
[email protected], including copies of supporting documents such as subcontractor invoices, photos, etc.

Conservancy Work Program Compliance
Albany will include El Cerrito as a subcontractor in the Grant Agreement/Work Program signed with the Coastal Conservancy for the project. As per the grant terms, El Cerrito must notify Albany and the Coastal Conservancy of any additional subcontractors so that the Work Program may be amended.

Agenda Packet Page 59 of 465

AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 7.E.

Date: December 2, 2025
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Jarrett Mullen, Sustainable Transportation Program Manager, Community Development Department; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer; James Mizutani, Associate Engineer, Public Works Department Subject: 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

ACTION PROPOSED
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Cooperative Agreement No. 04-3069 between the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the City of El Cerrito (City) for street, sidewalk, and landscaping improvements along State Route 123 with a contribution amount by the City of $141,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-26, and authorizing the City Manager to execute a future amendment to the agreement for an additional contribution amount of $259,000 for Fiscal Year 2026-27, for a total not to exceed amount of $400,000.

BACKGROUND
Project Overview
In 2022, Caltrans initiated the development of Project ID 0419000452 (Project), an approximately $14 million pavement rehabilitation project for the section of State Route 123 (SR-123) in El Cerrito, spanning 2.2 miles along San Pablo Avenue and Cutting Boulevard between the southern City limit at Cerrito Creek and the Interstate 80/Cutting Boulevard interchange.

Named San Pablo Avenue for almost its entire length except for the northernmost section along Cutting Boulevard, SR-123 is a 7.4-mile-long north-south state highway owned by Caltrans. Running between I-80/Cutting Boulevard in El Cerrito/Richmond and I-580 and San Pablo Avenue in Oakland, SR-123 serves established neighborhoods and planned growth areas in the inner East Bay. In El Cerrito, SR-123 encompasses about 80% of the San Pablo Avenue corridor, the City’s “main street,” making the Project an important opportunity to implement City goals where possible.

The Project is part of the 2024 State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) and applies Caltrans’ Capital Preventative Maintenance (CAPM) strategy.

SHOPP funds different types of “fix-it-first” projects on the state highway network, while CAPM is a type of Caltrans maintenance project that focuses on repairs to existing roadways in fair condition with considerable remaining service life (15–30 years) and does not alter existing roadway geometry. Caltrans anticipates completing the design phase in December 2025, with a Summer 2026 to Summer 2027 construction period.

Agenda Packet Page 60 of 465
Agenda Item No. 7.E.

The Project includes:
• Pavement Rehabilitation: Mill and install new asphalt pavement between both curbs in both directions of travel along the entire Project corridor. • Curb & Gutter: Remove and replace damaged sections of curb and gutter at multiple locations along the Project corridor.
• Sidewalk & Street Trees: Remove and replace severely damaged sidewalk at three locations. Remove and replace street trees at 16 locations. • Road Safety & Complete Streets:
o New rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB’s) at San Pablo Ave/Carlos Ave and San Pablo Ave/Sacramento Ave
o High-visibility signage and / or pavement markings at crosswalks o New safety lighting
City Role & Policy Framework
Caltrans engaged City staff in the fall of 2023 to provide Project information and seek feedback on the preliminary design. Since SR-123 is owned by Caltrans, City staff engaged the Caltrans team in a collaborative role, seeking to shape the project based on the following key policies, agreements, and constraints:

1. 2016 Active Transportation Plan (ATP): Identifies goals and policies that guide the City’s bicycle and pedestrian programs and infrastructure investments. Key goals include: supporting bicycling and walking as being practical, healthy, and convenient in El Cerrito; and implementing a well-connected active transportation system to attract users of all ages and abilities.

2. 2016 Complete Streets Policy: All project types, including maintenance projects, are subject to this policy, which calls for creating and maintaining complete streets that provide safe, comfortable, and convenient travel for all modes of travel.

3. 2014 San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan (Updated 2022): The City’s San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan focuses on economic development anchored by a strong public realm and sense of place, emphasizing pedestrian safety and connectivity.

4. City/Caltrans Ownership, Operations, & Maintenance Responsibilities: The City owns the sidewalk frontages along both sides of SR-123, while Caltrans owns the roadway. City/Caltrans agreements govern the operations, maintenance, and ownership of common features such as traffic signals, utilities, and landscaping. These responsibilities are generally summarized in Table 1.

5. Program & Resource Constraints: The CAPM project strategy focuses on pavement maintenance and does not include roadway geometry changes.

Roadway geometry refers to the design and layout of a road, which often requires additional approvals, public outreach, and engineering to change. State and City funding also constrains the project scope, with City funding a relevant variable for work that addresses a City-controlled feature, such as sidewalk pavement or landscaping.

Agenda Packet Page 61 of 465
Agenda Item No. 7.E.

Table 1: SR-123 Operations & Maintenance Responsibilities Roadway Element Caltrans City

ELECTRICAL
Traffic Signals* X X
Crosswalk Beacons** X X
Street Lights X

PAVEMENT
Vehicle Lanes X
Bicycle Lanes X
Sidewalk X

DRAINAGE
Curb & Gutter X X
Storm Drain Inlets & Pipes X

LANDSCAPING
Sidewalk Trees X
Median Trees & Plantings X
Street Furniture X

SIGNAGE & PAVEMENT MARKINGS
Parking Signage & Curb Markings X
Traffic Control Signage X
Pavement Markings X
*Caltrans and the City share responsibility for traffic signal operations and maintenance based on the number of legs at the intersection.
**Caltrans is responsible for crosswalk beacon operations and maintenance (Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons), except for systems installed by the City, which currently include flashing warning systems at Madison Avenue and at Lincoln Avenue.

ANALYSIS
City Input & Outcomes
Since roadway geometry may not be altered with CAPM projects, City staff requested pedestrian safety and connectivity upgrades to implement San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan and ATP priorities, focusing on two areas: uncontrolled crosswalk enhancements Agenda Packet Page 62 of 465
Agenda Item No. 7.E.
and curb and sidewalk repairs. Staff requested enhanced safety features at all existing marked, uncontrolled crosswalks; and, new mid-block crosswalks at six of the 17 locations identified in the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan’s Complete Streets Chapter, prioritizing locations with the greatest equity, safety, and connectivity needs. Working closely with Caltrans staff, City staff identified nine high-priority sidewalk locations to repair damage from street tree roots. During this evaluation, City staff found that up to 16 street trees would need to be removed and replaced to complete the adjacent sidewalk and curb work.

The 16 street trees to be removed have had a direct impact on the condition of the curb and sidewalks. Tree removal is the option of last resort, and City staff, including the City Arborist, considered alternatives to removal, such as root trimming and shaving, to promote a healthy urban forest along with maintain infrastructure in a safe condition over the long term. Many of the trees being removed are Liquidambar, commonly called Sweetgum trees. Trees of this species have shallow root systems that would likely cause future curb and sidewalk damage if they are not replaced with a species better suited for the planting sites located along San Pablo Ave.

Along SR-123, the City owns the sidewalks and Caltrans/City maintenance agreements define responsibilities for common features, including landscaping. Consistent with California state law, the El Cerrito Municipal Code (13.20.090) requires property owners to maintain fronting City sidewalks in a safe condition, but the City may provide sidewalk maintenance and repair if it is determined that the damage is caused by City street trees or related to other City-owned facilities. The sidewalk work listed as part of this Project is directly related to damage caused by City-owned street trees, while the street tree removal and replacement sites are necessary because the root pruning and soil compaction related to adjacent sidewalk and curb work would affect the tree’s health and structure, exceeding the tree's ability to survive post-construction.

Caltrans evaluated the City's crosswalk and curb and sidewalk repair requests. For the sidewalk repair requests, Caltrans staff determined that the City would be responsible for the cost of all requested sidewalk and street tree work, in accordance with City/Caltrans maintenance agreements. Through an iterative design and cost estimating process, City and Caltrans staff advanced three of the nine originally requested sidewalk repair locations. These areas have the greatest and most complex sidewalk repair needs and will benefit from Caltrans project delivery and the economies of scale associated with a larger project. Sidewalk and street tree removal and replacement locations are listed in Table 2.

Table 2: Sidewalk & Street Tree Work
Location Type of Work
10621 San Pablo Ave Sidewalk & Street Tree Removal and
Replacement (2 Trees)
10585 San Pablo Ave Sidewalk & Street Tree Removal and
Replacement
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Agenda Item No. 7.E.
10478 San Pablo Ave Sidewalk & Street Tree Removal and
Replacement
10936 San Pablo Ave Curb & Street Tree Removal and
Replacement
10770 San Pablo Ave Curb & Street Tree Removal and
Replacement (3 Trees)
10749 San Pablo Ave Curb & Street Tree Removal and
Replacement
10731 San Pablo Ave Curb & Street Tree Removal and
Replacement (2 Trees)
10609 San Pablo Ave Curb & Street Tree Removal and
Replacement
10585 San Pablo Ave Curb & Street Tree Removal and
Replacement
10567 San Pablo Ave Curb & Street Tree Removal and
Replacement
10551 San Pablo Ave Curb & Street Tree Removal and
Replacement
10531 San Pablo Ave Curb & Street Tree Removal and
Replacement
10361 San Pablo Ave Curb & Street Tree Removal and
Replacement
For the crosswalk upgrades, Caltrans staff currently propose a two-phase approach with upgrades included as part of the current Project and a future safety project. The locations, features, and timing are listed in Table 3. RRFB refers to a "Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon," a type of pedestrian-activated warning device, while PHB refers to "Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon," a type of pedestrian-activated signal that requires drivers to stop. The future safety project is currently unfunded, and City and Caltrans staff will continue to collaborate to advance these upgrades.

Table 3: Marked Uncontrolled Crosswalk Upgrades
Location Current Caltrans
CAPM Project
Future Caltrans Safety
Project**

EXISTING CROSSWALK UPGRADES
San Pablo Ave / Carlos Ave RRFB -
San Pablo Ave / Madison High-Visibility Signs / PHB / RRFB Agenda Packet Page 64 of 465
Agenda Item No. 7.E.

Ave* Markings
San Pablo Ave / Portola Dr High-Visibility Signs /
Markings
-
San Pablo Ave / Waldo Ave High-Visibility Signs /
Markings
-
San Pablo Ave /
Sacramento Ave
RRFB -
San Pablo Ave / Lincoln
Ave*
High-Visibility Signs /
Markings

PHB / RRFB

NEW MID-BLOCK CROSSWALKS
San Pablo Ave / Blake St - PHB / RRFB
San Pablo Ave / Cypress
Ave
- PHB / RRFB
San Pablo Ave / Jefferson
Ave
- PHB / RRFB
San Pablo Ave / Plumas Ave - PHB / RRFB
San Pablo Ave / Huntington
Ave
- PHB / RRFB
San Pablo Ave / Avila St - PHB / RRFB
* The existing City-owned flashing warning systems would be replaced with a PHB or RRFB as part of the future safety project.
** Beacon system selection (RRFB or PHB) would occur during the engineering design process.

Funding for the City's contribution to this Project would come from the SB 1 — Road Maintenance & Rehabilitation Account Fund. City staff initially proposed a maximum contribution of $141,000 to support the sidewalk and street tree work, with Caltrans and the City working to adjust the scope of work to this amount. However, the additional street tree removal and replacement that was identified by staff would exceed the City’s $141,000 contribution. Caltrans and City staff are currently developing revised estimates, but do not anticipate the costs to exceed $400,000.

At this time, City staff request authorization to execute the Cooperative Agreement for $141,000 for design, construction, and construction support costs and to execute a future amendment in the amount of $259,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $400,000. Caltrans staff will provide City staff with updates to the cost estimate, bid amounts, and actual construction costs as the Project progresses and will coordinate with City staff to implement options to reduce the scope the project if needed to meet available funding.

Agenda Packet Page 65 of 465
Agenda Item No. 7.E.

Caltrans will be the lead in all phases of project delivery. The delivery phases include design including preparation of plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E), right-of-way (ROW) work including utility relocations, and construction support services including coordination with neighboring agencies, execution of various project agreements, procurement of required consultants and contractors to complete all phases, and oversight of all work. The proposed agreement requires Caltrans to provide invoices for the scope of work requested by the City during the construction phase.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
This action supports the City’s Strategic Plan Goal(s) of:
• Livability and Belonging; and
• Infrastructure and Amenities; and
• Environmental Sustainability.

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.

More specifically, restoration or rehabilitation of deteriorated or damaged facilities to meet current standards of public health and safety, unless it is determined that the damage was substantial and resulted from an environmental hazard such as an earthquake, landslide, or flood, is exempt from CEQA.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
City contributions to the Project are to cover the cost of sidewalk and street tree replacement. These contributions in an amount not-to-exceed a total of $400,000 will be funded by the SB 1 — Road Maintenance & Rehabilitation Account Fund. The funding will be split between two fiscal years. The first portion in the amount of $141,000 is already appropriated in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Budget and Capital Improvement Program under the Access Modifications – Streets & Sidewalks Program.

This was initially reported at the August 19, 2025, City Council Meeting. For the remaining $259,000, City staff will request a Fiscal Year 2026-27 appropriation during the upcoming biennial budget process.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
The proposed cooperative agreement is in draft final form. The City Attorney has reviewed the agreement, provided comments, and found that legal considerations have been addressed. Minor revisions are pending. The final agreement will be in substantially the form attached, which, along with the future amendment, will be subject to review and approval by the City Attorney.

Agenda Packet Page 66 of 465
Agenda Item No. 7.E.

Reviewed by:

Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:

1. Resolution

2. Exhibit A to Resolution
Agenda Packet Page 67 of 465
RESOLUTION 2025-XX

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT NO. 04-3069

BETWEEN THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CALTRANS)

AND THE CITY OF EL CERRITO (CITY) FOR STREET, SIDEWALK, AND LANDSCAPING IMPROVEMENTS AS PART OF CALTRANS PROJECT ID 0419000452 (PROJECT) ALONG STATE ROUTE 123 WITH A CONTRIBUTION AMOUNT BY THE CITY OF $141,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY

MANAGER TO EXECUTE A FUTURE AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT FOR AN ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTION AMOUNT OF $259,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27, FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $400,000.

WHERAS, State Route 123 (SR-123) is a 7.4-mile-long State Highway owned and operated by Caltrans that runs along San Pablo Avenue and Cutting Boulevard between the Interstate 80 / Cutting Boulevard interchange in the Cities of El Cerrito and Richmond and the San Pablo Avenue/Interstate 580 overcrossing in the City of Oakland; and WHEREAS, Caltrans is responsible for the operations, maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of the State Highway System (SHS). Along SR-123 in El Cerrito, the City owns the sidewalks, while City/Caltrans maintenance agreements govern the operations, maintenance, and ownership of common features such as traffic signals, utilities, and landscaping; and
WHEREAS, the Project is primarily a maintenance project. The Project is part of the 2024 State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) and applies Caltrans’ Capital Preventative Maintenance (CAPM) strategy. SHOPP funds SHS maintenance projects, while CAPM is a project type that focuses on repairs to existing roadways in fair condition and does not alter existing roadway geometry; and WHEREAS, in El Cerrito, the Project spans 2.2 miles along SR-123 between the Interstate 80/Cutting Boulevard interchange and the southern City limit at Cerrito Creek.

The Project includes pavement rehabilitation, replacement of damaged sidewalk, curb, and gutter, crosswalk safety upgrades, new street lighting, and street tree removal and replacement; and
WHERAS, Caltrans engaged City staff in the fall of 2023 to provide Project information and seek feedback on the preliminary design; and WHEREAS, the Project will be removing and replacing damaged curb and gutter at approximately 60 locations located in Caltrans right-of-way; and WHEREAS, as part of the Project, City staff requested that Caltrans include sidewalk repair and replacement at three (3) sites which have been damaged by Cityowned street trees; and WHEREAS, the sidewalk repair locations were prioritized based on damage severity, location on a street identified as a major pedestrian route, proximity to schools or other key destinations, requests by people with disabilities, and type of repair; and Agenda Packet Page 68 of 465
WHEREAS, 16 street trees will be removed and replaced. These trees are adjacent to the Project’s sidewalk, curb, and gutter work, which would otherwise significantly affect tree health and stability; and
WHEREAS, the sidewalk work aligns with the City’s plans and policies, including the 2016 Actived Transportation Plan, the 2016 Complete Streets Policy, and the 2022 San Pablo Ave Specific Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City will provide funds for the costs incurred for the sidewalk repair and street tree removal and replacement work that has been requested under the proposed Cooperative Agreement No. 04-3069 from the SB 1 — Road Maintenance & Rehabilitation Account Fund; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Cooperative Agreement No. 04-3069 outlines the responsibilities of Caltrans and the City through the construction of the Project; 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 it hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute Cooperative Agreement 04-3069 between Caltrans and the City, for street, sidewalk, and landscaping improvements along State Route 123 with a contribution amount by the City of $141,000 for Fiscal Year 2025- 26, and authorizes the City Manager to execute a future amendment to the agreement for an additional contribution amount of $259,000 for Fiscal Year 2026-27, for a total not to exceed amount of $400,000, which shall be in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, including any minor amendments and subject to final review by the City Attorney.

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 69 of 465
Last Update: March 5, 2024 04-CC-123-0.0/2.198
EA: 04-0AA21
Project ID 0419000452
Agreement No. 04-3069
1 COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS
This AGREEMENT, executed on and effective from _________________, is between the State of California, acting through its Department of Transportation, referred to as CALTRANS, and:

City of El Cerrito, a body politic and municipal corporation or chartered city of the State of California, referred to hereinafter as CITY.

RECITALS

1. CALTRANS and CITY, collectively referred to as PARTIES, pursuant to California Streets and Highways Code Sections 114, 130 and 131 are authorized to enter into a Cooperative Agreement for improvements on State highways within the City of El Cerrito.

2. For this AGREEMENT, pavement rehabilitation to preserve and extend the life of the existing pavement, replacement of loop detectors impacted by cold planing, replacement of damaged curbs and gutters, and upgrade/installation of safety lighting on Route 123 in the City of El Cerrito, will be referred to hereinafter as CALTRANS PROJECT.

3. CITY has requested, or CALTRANS needs, to incorporate the work described in the Scope Summary as part of the CALTRANS PROJECT, referred to herein as IMPROVEMENTS and CITY has agreed to contribute an amount not to exceed $141,000 to the IMPROVEMENTS, as documented in the Funding Summary. The Scope Summary and Funding Summary are attached to and made an express part of this AGREEMENT.

4. All obligations and responsibilities assigned in this AGREEMENT to complete the IMPROVEMENTS will be referred to hereinafter as WORK.

5. PARTIES intend to define herein the terms and conditions under which WORK for IMPROVEMENTS are performed and financed.

SECTION I
CALTRANS AGREES:

1. To administer the construction contract for the CALTRANS PROJECT and have the contractor complete the IMPROVEMENTS as a part of the CALTRANS PROJECT.

2. To segregate accumulated charges for all costs to be paid by CITY towards IMPROVEMENTS pursuant to this AGREEMENT.

3. If CALTRANS anticipates that funding will be insufficient to complete WORK, CALTRANS will promptly notify CITY. CALTRANS may be required to stop WORK until additional funding is secured, pursuant to an amendment to this AGREEMENT signed by both PARTIES.

Exhibit A to Resolution
Agenda Packet Page 70 of 465
Last Update: March 5, 2024 04-CC-123-0.0/2.198
EA: 04-0AA21
Project ID 0419000452
Agreement No. 04-3069
2 4. After PARTIES agree that WORK is complete for the IMPROVEMENTS, CALTRANS will submit a final accounting for all costs. Based on the final accounting, CALTRANS will refund or invoice as necessary in order to satisfy the financial commitments of this AGREEMENT.

SECTION II
CITY AGREES:

1. To be responsible for establishing the scope of the IMPROVEMENTS, as defined in the Scope Summary.

2. To fund IMPROVEMENTS as provided in the Funding Summary of this AGREEMENT.

3. To grant CALTRANS and its contractors access to perform CALTRANS PROJECT’s work within the CITY’s operational right-of-way without the need for an Encroachment Permit.

SECTION III
IT IS MUTUALLY AGREED:

1. All portions of this AGREEMENT, including the Recitals section, are enforceable.

2. All CALTRANS’ obligations and commitments under this AGREEMENT are subject to the appropriation of resources by the Legislature, State Budget Act authority, programming, and allocation of funds by the California Transportation Commission (CTC).

3. Notwithstanding the terms of this AGREEMENT, PARTIES agree to abide by the funding guidelines for all contributed funds that are programmed and allocated by the CTC.

4. The cost of IMPROVEMENTS performed by CALTRANS includes all direct and applicable indirect costs. CALTRANS calculates indirect costs based solely on the type of funds used to pay support costs. State and federal funds administered by CALTRANS are subject to the current Program Functional Rate. All other funds are subject to the current Program Functional Rate and the current Administration Rate. The Program Functional Rate and Administration Rate are adjusted periodically.

5. CITY’s total obligation for IMPROVEMENTS is estimated in the amount of $141,000.

6. IMPROVEMENTS costs shall not be increased unless it is a result of:
 Material modifications based on approved plans and specifications by CITY.  The failure by CITY to perform its obligations under this AGREEMENT following written notice from CALTRANS to CITY.

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EA: 04-0AA21
Project ID 0419000452
Agreement No. 04-3069
3  Unforeseen conditions that are discovered during the performance of the IMPROVEMENTS.
 If all responsible bids come over the engineer’s estimate and CALTRANS chooses to award the contract.

7. CALTRANS will invoice CITY for a deposit (single payment) of $141,000 after execution of this AGREEMENT and forty-five (45) working days prior to the commencement of WORK.

This deposit is the estimated cost of WORK.

8. CALTRANS will invoice CITY for a lump sum payment of $84,500 for Construction Capital after execution of this AGREEMENT and forty-five (45) working days prior to the commencement of WORK. This deposit is the estimated cost of WORK.

Thereafter, CALTRANS will invoice and CITY will reimburse for actual costs incurred, but not more frequently than once month.

9. CITY will pay invoices within forty-five (45) calendar days of receipt of invoice when not paying with Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). When paying with EFT, CITY will pay invoices within five (5) calendar days of receipt of invoice.

In the event the costs of IMPROVEMENTS exceed the estimate per the terms of AGREEMENT, PARTIES agree to a revised and reduced scope of work as defined in the SCOPE SUMMARY. CALTRANS reserves the right to stop WORK on IMPROVEMENTS until additional funding is secured.

10. CITY will accept operation, maintenance and ownership or title to all materials or equipment installed as part of IMPROVEMENTS. CITY agrees to be responsible for all required tree establishment activities during the tree establishment period, upon completion of IMPROVEMENTS. CITY will defend, indemnify, and save harmless CALTRANS and all of its officers and employees from all claims, suits, or actions of every name, kind and description brought forth under, including, but not limited to, tortuous, contractual, inverse condemnation, or other theories or assertions of liability occurring by reason of the operation and maintenance of IMPROVEMENTS, except to the extent that such liabilities arise wholly from the negligence or willful misconduct of CALTRANS or its officers, employees, subcontractors, agents or volunteers.

11. HM-1 is hazardous material (including, but not limited to, hazardous waste) that may require removal and disposal pursuant to federal or state law, whether it is disturbed by the CALTRANS PROJECT or not.

HM-2 is hazardous material (including, but not limited to, hazardous waste) that may require removal and disposal pursuant to federal or state law only if disturbed by the CALTRANS PROJECT.

Agenda Packet Page 72 of 465
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EA: 04-0AA21
Project ID 0419000452
Agreement No. 04-3069
4 The management activities related to HM-1 and HM-2, including and without limitation, any necessary manifest requirements and disposal facility designations are referred to herein as HM-1 MANAGEMENT and HM-2 MANAGEMENT respectively.

13. If HM-1 or HM-2 is found the discovering PARTY will immediately notify all other PARTIES.

14. CALTRANS, independent of the CALTRANS PROJECT, is responsible for any HM-1 found within the existing State Highway System right-of-way. CALTRANS will undertake, or cause to be undertaken, HM-1 MANAGEMENT with minimum impact to the CALTRANS PROJECT schedule.

CALTRANS will pay, or cause to be paid, the cost of HM-1 MANAGEMENT for HM-1 found within the existing State Highway System right-of-way with funds that are independent of the funds obligated in this AGREEMENT.

15. CALTRANS is responsible for HM-2 MANAGEMENT within the CALTRANS PROJECT limits.

CITY and CALTRANS will comply with the Soil Management Agreement for Aerially Deposited Lead Contaminated Soils (Soil Management Agreement) executed between CALTRANS and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). Under Section 3.2 of the Soil Management Agreement, CALTRANS and CITY each retain joint and severable liability for noncompliance with the provisions of the Soil Management Agreement. CITY will assume all responsibilities assigned to CALTRANS in the Soil Management Agreement during CALTRANS PROJECT COMPONENTS for which they are the IMPLEMENTING AGENCY except for final placement and burial of soil within the State right-of-way, per Section 4.5 of the Soil Management Agreement, which is subject to CALTRANS concurrence and reporting to DTSC which will be performed by CALTRANS.

16. CALTRANS’ acquisition or acceptance of title to any property on which any HM-1 or HM-2 is found will proceed in accordance with CALTRANS’ policy on such acquisition.

17. CITY, independent of the CALTRANS PROJECT, is responsible for any HM-1 found within the CALTRANS PROJECT limits and outside the existing State Highway System right-ofway. CITY will undertake, or cause to be undertaken, HM-1 MANAGEMENT with minimum impact to the CALTRANS PROJECT schedule.

CITY will pay, or cause to be paid, the cost of HM-1 MANAGEMENT for HM-1 found within the CALTRANS PROJECT limits and outside of the existing State Highway System right-of-way with funds that are independent of the funds obligated in this AGREEMENT.

18. Neither CALTRANS nor any officer or employee thereof is responsible for any injury, damage, or liability occurring by reason of anything done or omitted to be done by CITY, its contractors, sub-contractors and/or its agents under or in connection with any work, authority, or jurisdiction conferred upon CITY or under this AGREEMENT. It is understood and agreed that CITY, to the extent permitted by law, will defend, indemnify, and save Agenda Packet Page 73 of 465
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EA: 04-0AA21
Project ID 0419000452
Agreement No. 04-3069
5 harmless CALTRANS and all of its officers and employees from all claims, suits, or actions of every name, kind and description brought forth under, but not limited to, tortious, contractual, inverse condemnation, or other theories or assertions of liability occurring by reason of anything done or omitted to be done by CITY, its contractors, sub-contractors and/or its agents under this AGREEMENT.

19. Neither CITY nor any officer or employee thereof is responsible for any injury, damage, or liability occurring by reason of anything done or omitted to be done by CALTRANS, its contractors, sub-contractors and/or its agents under or in connection with any work, authority, or jurisdiction conferred upon CALTRANS or under this AGREEMENT. It is understood and agreed that CALTRANS, to the extent permitted by law, will defend, indemnify, and save harmless CITY and all of its officers and employees from all claims, suits, or actions of every name, kind and description brought forth under, but not limited to, tortious, contractual, inverse condemnation, or other theories or assertions of liability occurring by reason of anything done or omitted to be done by CALTRANS, its contractors, sub-contractors and/or its agents under this AGREEMENT.

20. This AGREEMENT will terminate upon completion of the IMPROVEMENTS and all parties have met all scope, cost, and schedule commitments included in this AGREEMENT and have signed a Cooperative Agreement Closure Statement, which is a document signed by parties that verifies the completion of WORK for IMPROVEMENTS.

However, all indemnification, document, retention, audit, claims, environmental commitment, legal challenge, hazardous material, operation, maintenance and ownership articles will remain in effect until terminated or modified in writing by mutual agreement.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Agenda Packet Page 74 of 465
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EA: 04-0AA21
Project ID 0419000452
Agreement No. 04-3069
6 The information provided below indicates the primary contact information for each PARTY to this AGREEMENT. PARTIES will notify each other in writing of any personnel or location changes. Contact information changes do not require an amendment to this AGREEMENT.

CITY OF EL CERRITO
Yvetteh Ortiz, Director of Public Works
10890 San Pablo Avenue
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Office Phone: (510) 215-4345
Email: [email protected]

CALTRANS
Haleh Hakimi, Project Manager
111 Grand Avenue
Oakland, CA 94612
Office Phone: (510) 421-9728
Email: [email protected]

SIGNATURES
PARTIES are authorized to enter into this AGREEMENT and have delegated to the undersigned the authority to execute this AGREEMENT on behalf of the respective agencies and hereby Agenda Packet Page 75 of 465
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EA: 04-0AA21
Project ID 0419000452
Agreement No. 04-3069
7 covenants to have followed all the necessary legal requirements to validly execute this AGREEMENT. By signing below, the PARTIES each expressly agree to execute this AGREEMENT electronically.

The PARTIES acknowledge that executed copies of this AGREEMENT may be exchanged by facsimile or email, and that such copies shall be deemed to be effective as originals.

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
By:

Wajahat Nyaz
Deputy District Director, Design

By:

Attorney
Department of Transportation
VERIFIED OF FUNDS & AUTHORITY:

By:

Jeffrey Kuehnel
District Budget Manager

CERTIFIED AS TO FINANCIAL TERMS &
POLICIES:

By: ______________________________
Percy Ramil
HQ Accounting Supervisor

CITY OF EL CERRITO
By:

Karen Pinkos
City Manager
Attest:

By: _________________________________
Holly Charléty
City Clerk
By:

Sky Woodruff
City Attorney
Agenda Packet Page 76 of 465
04-CC-123-0.0/2.198
EA: 04-0AA21
Project ID 0419000452
Agreement No. 04-3069

SCOPE SUMMARY
Project Location: District 4, Contra Costa County, Route 123, PM 0.0/2.198 Scope of Work: Improvements include localized sidewalk repairs and associated tree treatments including tree removal/replacement/root pruning within the City of El Cerrito’s right of way to be constructed together with the adjacent curbs and gutters that were damaged by tree roots. The sidewalk repair locations will be per the approved project Plans, Specifications and Estimate, and are subject to change pending the actual bidder's costs and/or cost overruns during the construction period.

Deliverables: The deliverable includes the repair of broken sidewalks and tree removal/replacement/root pruning.

FUNDING SUMMARY FOR IMPROVEMENTS No. 1
FUNDING TABLE FOR IMPROVEMENTS No. 1

IMPLEMENTING
AGENCY: CALTRANS CALTRANS CALTRANS
Total
Source Fund
Type PS&E Construction Support
Construction
Capital
LOCAL Local $28,000 $28,500 $84,500 $141,000
Totals $28,000 $28,500 $84,500 $141,000

Agenda Packet Page 77 of 465

AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 8.A.

Date: December 2, 2025
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Amelia Timbers, Operations and Environmental Services Division Manager, Christina Leard, Management Analyst III, Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Public Works Department
Subject: Proposed East Bay Sanitary Garbage & Organic Waste Collection and Post-Collection Rates and Integrated Waste Management Fees – Effective January 1, 2026

ACTION PROPOSED
Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion 1) Adopt a Resolution establishing maximum allowable East Bay Sanitary (EBS) garbage and organic waste collection and post-collection rates, effective January 1, 2026, and 2) 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 in Fiscal Year 2025-26.

BACKGROUND
Each year the City Council establishes the maximum rates and fees charged to City of El Cerrito residents and businesses for solid waste collection and post-collection (meaning transfer, transport, processing, and disposal) services. These rates and fees consist of three components:

1. A per-service rate for the collection of garbage and organic waste by the City’s waste hauler, East Bay Sanitary Company (EBS);

2. A per-ton rate (also called the "Blended Per Ton Rate") charged by Republic Services for post-collection of solid waste and organic waste delivered by EBS, household hazardous waste (HHW), and other waste types through the services and facilities of the Golden Bear Transfer Station, Keller Canyon Landfill, West Contra Costa Sanitary Landfill, and West County Resource Recovery. The Blended Per Ton Rate also pays for El Cerrito’s participation in the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority (WCCIWMA), also known as RecycleMore, a joint powers agency that is responsible for ensuring that its member agencies in West Contra Costa County are in compliance with the California Integrated Waste Management Act (AB 939) and subsequent related regulations and managing regional Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) programs, outreach and education programs, and post-collection services; and Agenda Packet Page 78 of 465
Agenda Item No. 8.A.

3. An Integrated Waste Management (IWM) Fee that funds the City-operated curbside recycling collection for El Cerrito residents and businesses, contracted processing of curbside recyclable materials, the daily operations and waste reduction and recycling services of the El Cerrito Recycling and Environmental Resource Center (RERC), and other solid waste collection, source reduction and integrated waste management services, managed by the City’s Operations and Environmental Services Division.

Component one, the EBS rate, is based on the annual revenue required to run the operations that provide these services, as defined in the 2022 Solid Waste Collection Services Agreement between the City and EBS (Franchise Agreement). Component three, IWM Fees, are based on the City’s biennial budget and fund forecast for the IWM Fund.

Component two, the Blended Per Ton rate, is set per the new Post-Collection Agreement between RecycleMore and West County Resource Recovery, Inc., a subsidiary of Republic Services, as authorized by the RecycleMore Board of Directors at their November 17, 2025, Meeting (Agenda Item 8.1).

Residential and commercial customers pay these rates on either a per cart (based on the size of their garbage container) or per bin (based on the cubic yards of a weekly service) basis. Commercial customers (those using debris boxes or customer-owned compactors) pay on a per service plus a per-ton basis.

ANALYSIS
East Bay Sanitary Rate Components
East Bay Sanitary Garbage and Organic Waste Collection Rates EBS sets and charges the rates for garbage and organic waste collection (EBS Collection Rates) based upon rates authorized by the terms of the Franchise Agreement. The Franchise Agreement allows for an annual adjustment to EBS’s compensation via a Refuse Rate Index (RRI). The RRI is based upon a prescribed formula in which inflation indices for seven operational cost categories (e.g., fuel and labor) are weighted and calculated to provide an annual percentage adjustment to the revenue requirement. The City Council reviews EBS's proposed annual rate adjustments for consistency with the RRI. EBS has calculated and proposed a 2026 RRI revenue adjustment of 6.29% over their 2025 revenue requirement. City staff, with the assistance of R3 Consulting Group, a consulting firm that specializes in solid waste management, reviewed the RRI adjustment figures and the proposed 2026 collection revenue requirement and found them to be accurate, consistent, and reasonable.

Additionally, as part of the EBS Collection Rates, there will be an adjustment to ancillary service charges contained in Exhibit 3 of the Franchise Agreement, which are allowed to be adjusted by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), annually. This year, the CPI adjustment is 2.12%.

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Agenda Item No. 8.A.

East Bay Sanitary Post-Collection Rates
The City Council also determines that the proposed EBS Post-Collection Rates are consistent with the maximum allowable Post-Collection Rates necessary to cover expenses for processing and disposal of waste. In September 2013, the City Council approved a Post-Collection Agreement (PCA) between the City and Republic Services for processing and disposal services (Resolution 2013-54) through the services and facilities of the Golden Bear Transfer Station, Keller Canyon Landfill, West Contra Costa Sanitary Landfill, and West County Resource Recovery. The City’s existing agreement with Republic Services, which previously established the Blended Per Ton Rate, expires on December 31, 2025. As a member agency in RecycleMore, the City opted to participate in RecycleMore’s competitive request for proposals (RFP) process for a new regional PCA in October 2024. Via that process, RecycleMore received one proposal from the incumbent provider, Republic Services. In April 2025, the City Council authorized RecycleMore to negotiate and enter into a new regional PCA the City’s Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement with RecycleMore (Resolution 2025-20).

RecycleMore proceeded to negotiate the terms and conditions of a final PCA through June 30, 2040. The PCA established a 2026 Blended Per Ton Rate of $195.82 per ton of garbage, organic waste, recyclables, construction and demolition debris, and commercial dry waste delivered by EBS and the City to Republic’s facilities in West Contra Costa County. This rate also includes funding of El Cerrito’s participation in RecycleMore, and is incorporated into EBS Post-Collection Rates paid by El Cerrito residents and businesses. The Blended Per Ton rate will also now apply to the City’s curbside recyclable materials, as discussed in the following section.

It should be noted that the City evaluated alternatives to participating in the new RecycleMore post-collection agreement, including the potential for EBS and the City to haul wastes to other post-collection facilities operating in Contra Costa County, Marin County, and Alameda County. It was ultimately determined that such alternatives were infeasible or impractical given the additional costs for capital improvements, and increased travel distance that these alternatives would require.

Integrated Waste Management Fees
Component three of the rates and fees paid by El Cerrito residents and businesses for Solid waste management and recycling services is the Integrated Waste Management Fee. In 1990, the City of El Cerrito established IWM Fees to fund integrated waste management services provided by the City. The IWM Fee covers services including curbside collection of recyclable materials, contracted processing of curbside recyclable materials, operations of the RERC, and other waste collection, reduction, recycling, and related environmental programs operated by the City (such as illegal dumping abatement, technical assistance for businesses that must comply with state mandated recycling and composting laws, regulatory compliance, and collection of materials banned from landfills such as electronics, batteries, and medical sharps). The budget for the IWM Fund is approved as part of the City’s budget-setting process for each fiscal year, while the IWM Fees are usually approved as part of the solid waste rates on a calendar year basis.

Agenda Packet Page 80 of 465
Agenda Item No. 8.A.

The proposed fee adjustment is higher than that included in the FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget, as well as the 10-year fund forecast. This is due to the new $195.82 per ton rate for processing of curbside recyclable materials delivered to Republic Services facilities in West Contra Costa County. This represents an expense of approximately $658,000 in 2026, an increase of approximately $473,000 compared to estimated 2025 expenses of approximately $185,000. The reason for the increase is due to a change in the per ton rate from $55.00 per ton (delivered to recycling facilities in Napa) to the new $195.82 (delivered to facilities in West Contra Costa County). This increase will be partially offset by decreases in bridge tolls (approximately $11,000 annually) and fuel usage (approximately $25,000 annually). City staff anticipate additional benefits of reduced travel distances – these benefits have not yet been quantified but include reduced vehicle emissions and wear and tear on the truck fleet.

Zero Emission Vehicle Funding Strategy
Prior to 2024, EBS rates and the IWM Fee did not incorporate funding for future zero emission vehicle (ZEV) purchases. The costs of purchasing ZEV are significantly greater than internal combustion collection vehicles. The 2024 and 2025 EBS rates and IWM Fees were authorized to generate approximately $167,500 each year in funding, for a total of approximately $335,000 in new funding generated in each year (2024 and 2025). This $335,000 figure is approximately a third of today’s cost for one electric collection vehicle. Following this approach, the City and EBS would be able to purchase one (1) ZEV in 2028, once the three-year funding approach has been completed.

However, for EBS, the timing of a ZEV purchase is also governed by the terms and conditions of the Agreement and may be affected by other considerations depending on EBS’ financial performance and the availability of ZEV technology.

An achievable funding plan for ZEV implementation will be contingent on several factors, including: stable solid waste subscription levels (which may fluctuate especially if a recession were to occur); rate-setting calculations and adoption in 2027 that continue to include additional funding for all costs to be identified in the forthcoming ZEV transition plan; and barring unexpected, unforeseen significant expenses. The proposed 2026 rates continue the funding strategy for a future ZEV for IWM, as the revenue projection for ZEV is built into the IWM 10-year plan. The proposed 2026 rates do not include additional ZEV funding for EBS because existing revenues are projected to continue to generate a surplus of compensation. Additionally, given that the overall 2026 rate adjustment will be over 10%, this approach protects ratepayers from even higher rates in 2026.

The City and EBS will continue to evaluate the fiscal needs and opportunities for a ZEV purchase by EBS as per the terms and conditions of the Franchise Agreement.

Agenda Packet Page 81 of 465
Agenda Item No. 8.A.

Revenue Requirement and Rate Change Summary
Residential solid waste services are priced based on the garbage container size, regardless of how much a customer’s reduction in garbage is shifted to recycling and organic waste. Commercial customers also receive unlimited recycling service based on the garbage container size.

As shown in the table below, the revenue requirement for the entire suite of solid waste services will increase by $1,309,360 (compared to 2025) for a total 2026 rate revenue of $13,143,303. Overall, as shown in Attachment 3, residential solid waste rates and fees are proposed to increase by 10.6% to 11.6%, primarily due to the increase in the Blended Per Ton rate in the new post-collection agreement between RecycleMore and Republic Services. Commercial solid waste rates and fees are proposed to increase by

10.2% to 11.2%.

Table 1: 2026 Revenue Requirements
Component 2025* 2026 $ Change %
Change
in Rates
EBS Collection
Revenue
$5,820,432 $6,186,537 $366,105 3.1%
EBS Balancing
Account
($364,292) ($333,145) $31,147 0.3%
EBS PostCollection
Revenue
$1,700,477 $2,437,127 $736,650 6.2%
IWM Collection
and RERC
Revenue
$4,077,258 $4,192,975 $115,717 1.0%
IWM PostCollection
Revenue
$184,745 $657,759 $473,014 4.0%
Additional
Funding (Rate
Stabilization/ ZEV
Transition)
$415,322 $2,049 -$413,272 -3.5%
Total Revenue
Requirement
$11,833,942 $13,143,303 $1,309,360 11.1%
*Estimated Revenues in November 2025
Agenda Packet Page 82 of 465
Agenda Item No. 8.A.

If the proposed adjustments are implemented, the combined fees will result in total monthly cost increases (over rates adopted January 1, 2025) for residential customers of $5.49 for 20-gallon customers (49% of residential subscriptions), $7.93 for 35-gallon customers (47% of residential subscriptions), and $15.73 for 64-gallon customers (4% of residential subscriptions). Bulk commercial collection rates will increase by $49.40 to $98.80 for once weekly collection for a one cubic yard and two cubic yard container, respectively. The proposed EBS Collection and Post-Collection Rates, IWM Fees, and total solid waste rates, are included in Attachments 1, 2 and 3.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
This action supports the City’s Strategic Plan Goal(s) of:
• High Performing Organization by maintaining an emphasis on providing excellent customer service and ensuring the IWM Fund has a fund balance for cash flow and contingency purposes; and
• Environmental Sustainability by implementing the City’s Climate Action and Adaption Plan, including reducing the amount of waste generated in El Cerrito, transitioning to a ZEV fleet, and providing for implementation of SB 1383, which aims to directly reduce the emissions of short-lived climate pollutants and subsequently help mitigate the effects of climate change.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
All jurisdictions in California are required by law to provide recycling and organics recycling services for their residents and businesses through mandates established in AB 989, AB 341, and AB 1826. Recent legislation, SB 1383, mandated higher recycling and composting compliance rates starting in 2023.

Reliable and proper disposal, processing, and diversion of solid waste is necessary to protect the health and welfare of the community and the environment. The services being funded by the proposed 2026 EBS Collection Rates and Post-Collection Rates and IWM Fees not only ensure compliance with the State law and reliable solid waste collection, they also enable El Cerrito to reduce its environmental impact through robust solid waste diversion and HHW programs. The services funded by the rates and fees also contribute to implementation of the El Cerrito Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Authorization of the maximum 2025 EBS Rates and setting of IWM Fees, as proposed, supports funding the revenue requirements of the entities, including the City, that provide solid waste services for the City.

Agenda Packet Page 83 of 465
Agenda Item No. 8.A.

The cost for processing of curbside recyclable materials is estimated to increase $473,014 per year, offset by decreased costs of approximately $36,000 at a minimum for decreased toll and full costs. For the remainder of Fiscal Year 2025-26, City staff requests a budget authorization of $218,507 from the IWM Fund. The additional expenditure will be funded by the proposed IWM Fee increase.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
The City Attorney has reviewed the proposed actions and found that legal considerations have been addressed. The public hearing notice was published in the November 22 and 28, 2025 editions of the West County/East Bay Times.

Reviewed by:

Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:

1. Resolution (EBS)

2. Resolution (IWM)

3. 2026 Solid Waste Rate Schedule
Agenda Packet Page 84 of 465
RESOLUTION 2025-XX

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO

ESTABLISHING MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE RATES FOR THE COLLECTION,

PROCESSING AND DISPOSAL OF GARBAGE AND ORGANIC WASTE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026
WHEREAS, the City of El Cerrito and East Bay Sanitary Company (“the Company”) have entered into a Solid Waste Collection Services Agreement dated June 1, 2022 (the “Franchise Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, the Company has submitted a request for rate increases to be effective January 1, 2026, and such request was submitted pursuant to the methodology established in the Franchise Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the rate adjustments submitted to the City have been reviewed for accuracy, consistency with the adjustment methodology, and reasonableness.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of El Cerrito that the maximum monthly rates, unless otherwise noted, that East Bay Sanitary Company may charge, effective January 1, 2026, are as follows:

Garbage Container Size
Collection
Rate
Post-Collection
Rate
Residential
20 Gallon Cart $24.00 $8.90
35 Gallon Cart $33.87 $15.61
64 Gallon Cart $67.74 $31.20
Additional 35 Gallon Organics $16.94 $7.80
Additional 64 Gallon Organics $33.88 $15.61
Commercial
20 Gallon Cart $26.12 $8.90
35 Gallon Cart $36.79 $15.61
64 Gallon Cart $73.59 $31.20
One Cubic Yard (Loose) $241.63 $90.26
One Cubic Yard (Compacted) $418.99 $180.44
Two Cubic Yards (Loose) $466.99 $180.44
Two Cubic Yard (Compacted) $838.02 $360.92
Additional 35 Gallon Organics $16.94 $7.80
Additional 64 Gallon Organics $33.88 $15.61
One Cubic Yard Organics $232.92 $90.26
On-Call Compacted Rate (per yard) $96.69 $41.64
Agenda Packet Page 85 of 465
Standard Service Charges
Contaminated Container Charge $27.44
Overage Charge $27.44
Cart Cleaning $27.44
Bin Cleaning $54.87
Roll-off Cleaning $109.74
Cart / Bin Replacement Charge $71.33/ $1,097.37
Additional Large Item Collection Charge Per Extra Service Rates Below
Extra Service Charges (Services and Charges per Service Recipient Request) Extra Solid Waste Collection Services
Return for Service Charge (if Container not set out) $27.44 Extra 15-gal bag of Garbage or Organic Waste $6.96
Extra 20-gal bag of Garbage or Organic Waste $9.27
Extra 30-gal bag of Garbage or Organic Waste $13.88
Extra 64-gal bag of Garbage or Organic Waste $29.57
Extra 1/2 CU YD (4 x 30-gal bags) $46.64
Extra CU YD (8 x 30-gal bags) $93.28
Extra Dump on 1 YD Container $121.26
Extra Dump on 2 YD Container $215.15
Additional Services
Toilet (Seat & Water Tank) $82.31
Sofa up to 7FT / Sofa Bed $65.84 / $87.79
Stuffed Chair / Lazy Boy / Recliner $65.84
Twin / Full – Mattress or Box Spring $65.84
Queen / King – Mattress or Box Spring $71.33
Baby Crib Mattress $21.95
TV / Computer Monitor $164.61
Dishwasher / Washer / Dryer / Stove $109.74
Water Heater $87.79 /+$10.97 per gal
Refrigerator / Freezer / AC Unit $137.18
Area Rug 5ft and up $21.95 - $43.90
Office Chair $21.95
Office Desk $21.95 - $54.87
Patio Furniture (Tables/Chairs) $54.87 - $98.76
Dining Table / Chairs $54.87 - $98.76
L-Shape Sectional $65.84 - $164.61
Bedframe (Head/Footrest + Railing) $54.87 - $98.76
Bookshelves / End Tables / Nightstands $43.90 - $98.76
Exercise Equipment $109.74 - $164.61
Kitchen Cabinets / Sink / Windows $54.87- $164.61
Lock and Key Set for Carts or Containers $32.92
Locking System Installation on Containers $164.61
Agenda Packet Page 86 of 465
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 87 of 465
RESOLUTION 2025-XX

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO FIXING AND SETTING THE INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT FEES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026, AND

APPROPRIATING AN ALLOCATION FROM THE INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $218,507 IN FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
WHEREAS, the City of El Cerrito has established Integrated Waste Management Fees (IWM Fees) for Integrated Waste Management Services provided by the City including operation of the El Cerrito Recycling + Environmental Resource Center, curbside collection of recyclable materials, and other waste collection, reduction, recycling and related environmental programs; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito sets and charges the IWM Fees, and the Fees are collected by East Bay Sanitary Company as part of the garbage bills and transferred in whole to the City of El Cerrito’s Integrated Waste Management Fund, unless the City directs otherwise; and
WHEREAS, the City has reviewed and considered financial information as a part of the regular budget process as well as more recent financial information to determine whether increases to IWM Fees are warranted and justified; and
WHEREAS, the City Council intends to adopt IWM Fees to be effective January 1, 2026, thus keeping the City’s Integrated Waste Management Services as an on-going concern.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of El Cerrito that the fees for each IWM service, which are monthly rates unless otherwise noted, shall be as follows, effective January 1, 2026:

Garbage Container Size IWM Fee
Residential and Commercial
20 Gallon Cart $24.38
35 Gallon Cart $26.66
64 Gallon Cart $52.25
One Cubic Yard (Loose & Compacted) $188.33
Two Cubic Yards (Loose & Compacted) $376.65
Additional 35 Gallon Organics $13.33
Additional 64 Gallon Organics $26.13
Additional One Cubic Yard Organics $43.46
On-Call Compacted Rate (per yard) $43.46
On-Call Roll-off (per load) $137.62

Agenda Packet Page 88 of 465
Service Charges (Per Service / Incident) ($)
Contaminated Container Charge
(per incident after warnings) $27.44
Overage Charge $27.44
Cart Replacement / Bin Replacement $71.33/ $1,097.37
Return for Service $27.44
Extra Dump on Recycling Cart $29.57
Cart Cleaning $27.44
Bin Cleaning $54.87
Extra Dump on 1 YD Container $121.26
Extra Dump on 2 YD Container $215.15
Lock and Key Set for Carts or Containers $32.92
Locking System Installation on Containers $164.61
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it hereby amends the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Budget to appropriate $218,507 from the Integrated Waste Management Fund.

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 89 of 465
Container Size Collection
PostCollection IWM Fee
January 2026
Total Monthly
Cost
January 2025
Total Monthly
Cost
$ Change in
Monthly Cost
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 Container Size Collection
PostCollection IWM Fee
January 2026
Total Monthly
Cost
January 2025
Total Monthly
Cost
$ Change in
Monthly Cost
35 Gallon Cart $16.94 $7.80 $13.33 $38.07 $34.11 $3.96
64 Gallon Cart $33.88 $15.61 $26.13 $75.62 $67.75 $7.87 Monthly Cost based on garbage container size
Weekly Collection of Additional Organics Containers
(one 64 gallon organics container serviced weekly included in above rates) Monthly Cost based on size of each additional organic waste container Integrated Waste Management (IWM) Fee: The IWM Fee funds unlimited curbside recycling collection for El Cerrito residents and businesses, the daily operations of the El Cerrito Recycling + Environmental Resource Center (RERC), and other waste collection, source reduction, and integrated waste management services. The IWM Fee is set and assessed on each trash container collected by East Bay Sanitary Company based on trash container size, and any extra organics container collected by East Bay Sanitary Company based on the size of the extra organic waste container.

The City of El Cerrito
2026 Solid Waste Collection, Processing and Disposal Rates Effective January 1, 2026
Residential Rates | Single Family Homes and Multi-family Dwellings up to 4 units Residential Solid Waste Services include weekly collection of recycling (grey), organics (green), garbage (blue); limited free on-call collection of larger quantities from your home; free access to the regional Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility, and free access to most services at the El Cerrito Recycling + Environmental Resource Center. Additional recycling carts are available at no extra cost.

Weekly Collection of Recycling, Organics, and Garbage
Agenda Item No. 8.A.

Attachment 3
Agenda Packet Page 90 of 465
Container Size Collection
PostCollection IWM Fee
January 2026
Total Monthly
Cost
January 2025
Total Monthly
Cost
$ Change in
Monthly Cost
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 One Cubic Yard (Loose) $241.63 $90.26 $188.33 $520.22 $470.82 $49.40 One Cubic Yard (Compacted) $418.99 $180.44 $188.33 $787.76 $708.72 $79.04 Two Cubic Yards (Loose) $466.99 $180.44 $376.65 $1,024.08 $925.28 $98.80 Two Cubic Yards (Compacted) $838.02 $360.92 $376.65 $1,575.59 $1,417.61 $157.98 Container Size 1 2 3 4 5 6
20 Gallon Cart $ 59.40 $ 118.80 $ 178.20 $ 237.60 $ 297.00 $ 356.40 35 Gallon Cart $ 79.06 $ 158.12 $ 237.18 $ 316.24 $ 395.30 $ 474.36 64 Gallon Cart $ 157.04 $ 314.08 $ 471.12 $ 628.16 $ 785.20 $ 942.24 One Cubic Yard (Loose) $ 520.22 $ 1,008.32 $ 1,496.43 $ 1,984.54 $ 2,472.64 $ 2,960.75 One Cubic Yard (Compacted) $ 787.76 $ 1,575.51 $ 2,363.27 $ 3,151.03 $ 3,938.78 $ 4,726.54 Two Cubic Yards (Loose) $ 1,024.08 $ 2,000.17 $ 2,976.25 $ 3,952.33 $ 4,928.42 $ 5,904.50 Two Cubic Yards (Compacted) $ 1,575.60 $ 3,151.20 $ 4,726.80 $ 6,302.40 $ 7,878.00 $ 9,453.60 Container Size 1 2 3 4 5
64 Gallon Cart (first weekly collection
included in garbage rate) INCLUDED $ 75.62 $ 151.24 $ 226.86 $ 302.48 Container Size Collection
PostCollection IWM Fee
January 2026
Total Monthly
Cost
January 2025
Total Monthly
Cost
$ Change in
Monthly Cost
35 Gallon Cart $ 16.94 $ 7.80 $ 13.33 $ 38.07 $ 34.11 $ 3.96 64 Gallon Cart $ 33.88 $ 15.61 $ 26.13 $ 75.62 $ 67.75 $ 7.87 One Cubic Yard $ 232.92 $ 90.26 $ 43.46 $ 366.64 $ 332.45 $ 34.19 Container Size 1 2 3 4 5
35 Gallon Cart $ 38.07 $ 76.14 $ 114.21 $ 152.28 $ 190.35 64 Gallon Cart $ 75.62 $ 151.24 $ 226.86 $ 302.48 $ 378.10 One Cubic Yard $ 366.64 $ 701.17 $ 1,035.70 $ 1,370.23 $ 1,704.76 Once Weekly Collection of Garbage Containers
The City of El Cerrito
2026 Solid Waste Collection, Processing and Disposal Rates Effective January 1, 2026
Commercial Rates | Businesses and Multi-family Dwellings over 4 units Commercial Solid Waste Services include collection of recycling (grey), one 64 gallon organic waste (green) container collected once weekly, and garbage (blue). Commercial Solid Waste Services also include access to the El Cerrito Recycling + Environmental Resource Center (in quantities equivalent to those of residential properties). Additional recycling carts are available at no extra cost.

Pickups per week
Monthly rate based on garbage container size
Multiple Weekly Collections of Garbage Containers
Monthly rate based on garbage container size and number of pickups per week Pickups per week
Additional Weekly Collection of Universal Organic Waste Containers Monthly rate based on each additional collection of organic waste containers beyond those provided with base garbage rates Pickups per week
Weekly Collection of Additional Organic Waste Containers Monthly rate for each additional organic waste container beyond the one provided with the base garbage rate, collected once weekly Multiple Weekly Collections of Additional Organic Waste Containers Monthly rate based on size and collection frequency for each additional organic waste container Agenda Packet Page 91 of 465
The City of El Cerrito
2026 Solid Waste Collection, Processing and Disposal Rates Effective January 1, 2026
Service Charge Type 2025 Charge Per Unit CPI 2026 Charge Per Unit Contaminated Container Charge (Per Article 3) $26.87 2.12% $27.44 Overage Charge (Per Article 3) $26.87 2.12% $27.44
Cart Cleaning (Per Article 3) $26.87 2.12% $27.44
Bin Cleaning (Per Article 3) $53.73 2.12% $54.87
Roll-off Cleaning (Per Article 3) $107.46 2.12% $109.74 Cart / Bin Replacement Charge (Per Articles 6 and 7)* $69.85 / $1,074.59 2.12% $71.33/ $1,097.37 Additional Large Item Collection Charge (Per Articles 6 and 7 – Collection Vehicle per day* $386.85 2.12% $395.05
– Driver per Hour / Overtime* $163.34 / $186.98 2.12% $166.80 / $190.94 – Driver per Day / Overtime* $955.3 / $1,144.43 2.12% $975.55 / $1,168.69 Return for Service Charge (if Container not set out) $26.87 2.12% $27.44 Extra 15-gal bag of Garbage or Organic Waste $6.82 2.12% $6.96 Extra 20-gal bag of Garbage or Organic Waste $9.08 2.12% $9.27 Extra 30-gal bag of Garbage or Organic Waste $13.59 2.12% $13.88 Extra 64-gal bag of Garbage or Organic Waste $28.96 2.12% $29.57 Extra 1/2 CU YD (4 x 30-gal bags) $45.67 2.12% $46.64
Extra CU YD (8 x 30-gal bags) $91.34 2.12% $93.28
Extra Dump on 1 YD Container $118.74 2.12% $121.26
Extra Dump on 2 YD Container $210.68 2.12% $215.15
Toilet (Seat & Water Tank)* $80.60 2.12% $82.31
Sofa up to 7FT / Sofa Bed* $64.47 / $85.97 2.12% $65.84 / $87.79 Stuffed Chair / Lazy Boy / Recliner* $64.47 2.12% $65.84 Twin / Full – Mattress or Box Spring* $64.47 2.12% $65.84 Queen / King – Mattress or Box Spring* $69.85 2.12% $71.33 Baby Crib Mattress* $21.49 2.12% $21.95
TV / Computer Monitor* $161.19 2.12% $164.61
Dishwasher / Washer / Dryer / Stove* $107.46 2.12% $109.74 Water Heater * $85.97 /+$10.74 per gal 2.12% $87.79 /+$10.97 per gal Refrigerator / Freezer / AC Unit* $134.33 2.12% $137.18 Area Rug 5ft and up* $21.49 - $42.99 2.12% $21.95 - $43.90 Office Chair* $21.49 2.12% $21.95
Office Desk* $21.49 - $53.73 2.12% $21.95 - $54.87
Patio Furniture (Tables/Chairs)* $53.73 - $96.71 2.12% $54.87 - $98.76 Dining Table / Chairs* $53.73 - $96.71 2.12% $54.87 - $98.76 L-Shape Sectional* $64.47 - $161.19 2.12% $65.84 - $164.61 Bedframe (Head/Footrest + Railing)* $53.73 - $96.71 2.12% $54.87 - $98.76 Bookshelves / End Tables / Nightstands* $42.99- $96.71 2.12% $43.90 - $98.76 Exercise Equipment* $107.46 - $161.19 2.12% $109.74 - $164.61 Kitchen Cabinets / Sink / Windows* $53.73 - $161.19 2.12% $54.87- $164.61 Lock and Key Set for Carts or Containers $32.24 2.12% $32.92 Locking System Installation on Containers $161.19 2.12% $164.61 Extra Solid Waste Collection Services
Additional Services
EBS Exhibit 3
2025 Service Charges
Standard Service Charges
Per Extra Service Rates Below
Back-up Recycling Collection Services Charges (Per Article 10) and Emergency Service Charges (Per Article 16) Extra Service Charges (Services and Charges per Service Recipient Request) Agenda Packet Page 92 of 465
The City of El Cerrito
2026 Solid Waste Collection, Processing and Disposal Rates Effective January 1, 2026
Service Charge Type 2026 Charge Per Unit
Contaminated Container Charge $27.44
Overage Charge $27.44
Cart / Bin Replacement Charge $71.33/ $1,097.37
Cart Cleaning $27.44
Bin Cleaning $54.87
Return for Service Charge (if Container not set out) $27.44 Extra Dump on Recycling Cart $29.57
Extra Dump on 1 YD Container $121.26
Extra Dump on 2 YD Container $215.15
Lock and Key Set for Carts or Containers $32.92
Locking System Installation on Containers $164.61
Additional Services
Integrated Waste Management (IWM)
2026 Service Charges (Charged and Collected by EBS)
Standard Service Charges
Extra Service Charges (Services and Charges per Service Recipient Request) Extra Solid Waste Collection Services
Agenda Packet Page 93 of 465

AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 8.B.

Date: December 2, 2025
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Sean Moss, Planning Manager, Community Development Department Subject: Adoption of an amendment to the Safety Element of the El Cerrito General Plan

ACTION PROPOSED
Conduct a public hearing, and upon conclusion, adopt a resolution 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, and amending the El Cerrito General Plan and adopting an update to the Safety Element.

BACKGROUND
Pursuant to California Government Code, all cities and counties in California are required to adopt General Plans. The General Plan is a policy document that establishes a citywide vision and consistent direction for future development. It reflects community priorities and values, and includes supporting goals, policies, and implementation measures to achieve the community's vision. There are seven mandatory “elements” or topics that every jurisdiction must include in its General Plan.

Safety is one of the mandatory elements.

The current El Cerrito General Plan was adopted in 1999. Rather than each element being organized into individual chapters, the required elements are woven throughout eight chapters. The introduction to each chapter explains which components of the required elements are contained in that chapter. El Cerrito’s existing Safety Element resides within portions of Chapter 7: Resources and Hazards. The General Plan has been amended strategically at various times, notably in 2014 to accommodate the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan. However, the Safety Element portion of the General Plan has not been substantively amended since its adoption.

Senate Bill 1035, adopted in 2018, requires cities and counties to update their Safety Elements upon each revision of the Housing Element or Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, but not less than once every 8 years. El Cerrito’s updated Housing Element was adopted by the City Council on August 15, 2023 and City staff indicated to the state Department of Housing and Community Development that the Safety Element would be updated subsequently. The Governor’s Office Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) publishes General Plan Guidelines that describe the focus and requirements of the mandatory elements. The Safety Element generally addresses risks of injury, death, property damage, and economic and social dislocation from various hazards including fire, earthquake, flood, landslide, and climate change.

Agenda Packet Page 94 of 465
Agenda Item No. 8.B.

In 2023, the City selected PlaceWorks as the consultant for the Safety Element update (Resolution 2023-83) and commenced the Safety Element update project in early 2024.

On May 30, 2024, the City held a community meeting to gather feedback on the Safety Element update. City staff and PlaceWorks provided an informational presentation on the update followed by an opportunity for the public to ask questions and provide comments. The first part of the meeting was then followed by an open house with interactive stations covering various safety topics.

On November 20, 2024, City staff and PlaceWorks presented the draft policies to the Planning Commission and gathered feedback from the Commission and the public.

Staff and the consultant utilized the feedback from the Commission and the public to develop a draft of the updated Safety Element.

The public review draft of the Safety Element was published on August 15, 2025.

Comments were accepted through September 15, 2025.

On October 15, 2025, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing and considered the draft of the updated Safety Element. The Commission unanimously recommended that the City Council adopt the updated Safety Element without any modifications. The Commission also recommended that the City Council find that the Safety Element Update is consistent with the certified General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and that the Addendum to the General Plan EIR has been prepared in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15164.

ANALYSIS
The purpose of the Safety Element is to identify natural and human-caused hazards that may result in personal injury, loss of life, property damage, or environmental damage, and to include safety considerations in planning and decision-making processes by establishing goals and policies that address potential hazards.

The draft Safety Element begins with an overview that describes the purpose of the Element and its relationship to other plans. The Element then identifies seven categories of hazards present in the community. For each category of hazard, the Element describes the hazard generally and how it could affect El Cerrito. The Element then identifies one broad goal to address that category of hazards and a more specific set of policies to implement the goal. The identified categories of hazards include seismic and geologic hazards, hazardous waste and materials, flood and inundation, fire hazards, extreme heat and severe weather, drought, and human health hazards.

Additionally, the Element addresses emergency preparedness and response through the inclusion of an eighth goal and policies for this topic. The Element also contains a policy matrix which lists each policy, the entities responsible for leading and supporting the implementation of the policy, the relative timing and cost of the implementation, and potential funding sources.

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Agenda Item No. 8.B.

The updated Safety Element is proposed as a new stand-alone section of the General Plan. This new document would replace portions of the existing Chapter 7: Resources and Hazards. A redlined version of Chapter 7, illustrating what is being replaced, has been provided in Attachment 3. This document shows the portions of the existing General Plan that constitute the existing Safety Element and that would be struck as part of this action and replaced by the updated Safety Element. Not all portions of the existing Safety Element would be completely eliminated. Some existing policies will be carried over to the new Safety Element in modified versions. However, since these polices are being included in the new Safety Element, they are proposed to be removed from Chapter 7, so as not to be redundant and confusing.

Input from the public has been accepted throughout the update process, including as part of the May 30, 2024 community meeting, the November 20, 2024 Planning Commission meeting, the review of the draft Safety Element, and the October 15, 2025 Planning Commission meeting. The input received at each stage has been incorporated into the draft Safety Element as appropriate.

Notable changes to the document that incorporate feedback from the public and the Planning Commission include:
• Expanded focus of the Safety Element polices to cover multiple hazards and long-term community resilience
• Strengthened communication, outreach, and equity considerations throughout the Safety Element policies
• Clarified department roles and timelines in the policy matrix • Updated data and mapping references using current State and federal resources • Refined organization and language for consistency and ease of use • Integrated long-term resilience into City budgeting and CIP The Safety Element update also responds to several recent applicable changes in state law. Senate Bill 379 (2015) requires that the local agencies address climate adaptation within General Plans. Climate adaptation in El Cerrito was addressed as part of the recent update to the City's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). Accordingly, the CAAP Climate Risk Assessment is referenced in the draft Safety Element. Assembly Bill 747 (2019) requires identification of evacuation routes and their capacity, safety, and viability under a range of emergency scenarios. This evacuation analysis is included as Appendix A to the draft Safety Element. This analysis has informed many of the policies contained under Goal 8 (Emergency Preparedness and Response). Senate Bill 99 (2019) requires identification of residential developments in hazard areas that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes. A map identifying these areas is included in the draft Safety Element as Figure S-14 (Evacuation-Constrained Parcels).

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Agenda Item No. 8.B.

Review by Other Agencies
During the update process, the draft element was circulated to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, and the California Geological Survey, as required. Jurisdictions containing either State Responsibility Areas for fire protection or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must submit their draft Safety Elements to CAL FIRE’s Board of Forestry and Fire Protection for review and comment prior to adoption, per California Government Code 65302.5.

Prior to this formal process, CAL FIRE typically works with local government staff to conduct an informal review of the draft Safety Element. This process allows CAL FIRE staff to make recommendations for how the draft Safety Element may be improved before going to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, streamlining the review process. The draft Safety Element was submitted for informal review by CAL FIRE staff on August 20, 2025. CAL FIRE staff provided a limited set of recommended edits to the background information and policies related to wildfire and fire protection in the draft Safety Element. City staff incorporated these edits into the draft Safety Element, confirmed them with CAL FIRE staff, and then submitted the revised draft Safety Element for formal review by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection on October 6, 2025. The Board conducted a formal hearing on the draft Safety Element on November 4, 2025. At this hearing, Board members praised the draft Safety Element and recommended only two minor technical edits, which have been addressed in the draft Safety Element. Staff from the Office of Emergency Services confirmed that the draft Safety Element appropriately integrates the Contra Costa County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, allowing the City to be eligible for additional disaster relief funding through the California Disaster Assistance Act, should such funding be necessary. Staff from the California Geological Survey did not provide any comments or recommendations on the draft Safety Element.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
This action supports the City’s Strategic Plan Goal of Public Safety by:
• Aligning public safety services with community needs based on a data-driven decision-making approach.
• Strengthening El Cerrito’s overall disaster preparedness capabilities, resources, and tools and implement changes as needed to ensure the City is properly positioned to respond to emergencies and disasters; and • Sustaining and enhancing climate-adapted resilience, forest conservation activities, and wildfire prevention in the Hillside Nature Area.

It also supports the Strategic Plan Goal of Livability and Belonging by:
• Updating the General Plan to reflect and address current community values.

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Agenda Item No. 8.B.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), City staff analyzed the potential environmental impacts of the draft Safety Element and determined that an Addendum to the 1999 Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the El Cerrito General Plan is the appropriate document under CEQA. The proposed update to the Safety Element is a policy-level planning effort. It does not result in or authorize physical changes to the environment and will not change the current land use designations or assumptions about future development made in the certified General Plan EIR. It is also not reasonably foreseeable that adoption of the update will cause new impacts or result in a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects, and will not require the preparation of a subsequent or supplemental EIR under the criteria in CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162(a) and 15163(a). An addendum to the General Plan EIR was therefore prepared pursuant to Section 15164 of the CEQA Guidelines.

The addendum to the General Plan EIR is included as Attachment 4.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The relative cost (low, medium, high) of the implementation of each policy in the Safety Element is identified in the Policy Matrix (Table 1 of the Safety Element). City staff will continue to pursue grant funding for Safety Element implementation tasks when possible. Funding for Safety Element implementation tasks will be considered through the biennial budget process and the CIP process.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
This report and the draft resolution have been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.

Reviewed by:

Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:

1. Resolution

2. Draft Safety Element

3. Amended El Cerrito General Plan Chapter 7

4. Addendum to the Environmental Impact Report for the El Cerrito General Plan Agenda Packet Page 98 of 465
Agenda Item No. 8.B.

Attachment 1
RESOLUTION 2025-XX

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO MAKING

FINDINGS REQURIED FINDINGS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL

QUALITY ACT AND ADOPTING A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO INCORPORATE THE 2025 SAFETY ELEMENT INTO THE EL CERRITO GENERAL PLAN WHEREAS, recent legislation, including SB 1035 and SB 379, requires that Safety Elements be updated every eight years, in conjunction with Housing Element updates; and
WHEREAS, the current El Cerrito Housing Element (2023-2031) was adopted by the City Council on August 15, 2023; and
WHEREAS, on November 7, 2023, the City Council approved a contract with Placeworks to prepare an update of the City’s Safety Element (Resolution 2023-83); and WHEREAS, as provided in Government Code Section 65350 et. Seq. and Public Resources Code adoption of the 2025 Safety Element Update constitutes a General Plan Amendment; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 Safety Element incorporates by reference the current Contra Costa County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, as required by AB 2140; and WHEREAS, the 2025 Safety Element was reviewed by CAL FIRE, the California Geological Survey, and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services; and developed in consultation with emergency service providers and the public, and reflects best practices outlined in the State’s General Plan Guidelines and Technical Advisories; and
WHEREAS, public meetings for the Safety Element update were held on May 30, 2024 and November 20, 2024, and a public review draft of the Element was published on August 15, 2025; and
WHEREAS, as provided in Government Code Sections 65352 -- 65352.5 the City mailed a public notice to all California Native American tribes provided by the Native American Heritage Commission and other entities listed on June 23, 2025 and the City completed consultation with the Confederated Villages of Lisjan Nation and the Indian Canyon Mutsun Band of Costanoan; and
WHEREAS, an addendum to the Environmental Impact Report for the 1999 City of El Cerrito General Plan (SCH No. 99022058) has been prepared in conjunction with the Safety Element update pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164; and Agenda Packet Page 99 of 465
WHEREAS, on October 15, 2025, the El Cerrito Planning Commission conducted a public hearing and recommended that the City Council find that the Safety Element Update is consistent with the certified General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and that the Addendum to the General Plan EIR has been prepared in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15164; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission further recommended that the City Council adopt a General Plan amendment to incorporate the 2025 Safety Element into the El Cerrito General Plan; and
WHEREAS, on December 2, 2025 the El Cerrito City Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing and careful considered of all maps, facts, exhibits, correspondence, and testimony, and other evidence submitted in this matter.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of El Cerrito that the City Council does find and determine the following:

1. The City Council has reviewed the Addendum to the City’s certified General Plan Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 99022058) for the Safety Element General Plan Amendment, which determined that the 2025 Safety Element would not result in significant environmental impacts not previously studied in the EIR, and would not result in any conditions identified in CEQA Guidelines, Section 15162 that would require additional environmental review, and thus the City Council finds that the Addendum to the Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 99022058) is complete and adequate for the consideration of the General Plan Amendment.

2. The 2025 Safety Element is in the public interest and furthers the City of El Cerrito’s commitment to public safety, resilience, and emergency preparedness.

3. The 2025 Safety Element is internally consistent with the other elements of the El Cerrito General Plan.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council finds that the Safety Element Update is consistent with the certified General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and that the Addendum to the General Plan EIR has been prepared in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15164; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council hereby adopts a General Plan Amendment to revise Chapter 7: Resources and Hazards of the El Cerrito General Plan and incorporate the 2025 Safety Element into the El Cerrito General Plan.

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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
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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 Item No. 8.B.

Attachment 2
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Agenda Packet Page 103 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
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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 105 of 465
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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
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with those of the Transportation and
Circulation chapter.

Contra Costa County Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan
The Contra Costa County Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan (LHMP) assesses the risk of
hazards and vulnerabilities from natural and
human-caused hazards, including risk to
people and facilities, and identifies short-term
(five-year) mitigation actions to reduce or
eliminate hazard risks. The LHMP includes a
dedicated annex for the City of El Cerrito, which
discusses El Cerrito’s characteristics and
history, development trends, hazard mitigation
capabilities, integration with other hazard
mitigation planning efforts, and vulnerabilities
of specific facilities and infrastructure. Contra
Costa County led the preparation of the Hazard
Mitigation Plan in collaboration with the City
and other local agencies and special districts,
in accordance with the federal Disaster
Mitigation Act of 2000 and the Federal
Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA)
hazard mitigation assistance guidance. The
current LHMP and El Cerrito Annex, as certified
by FEMA, is incorporated into this Safety
Element by reference, as permitted by
California Government Code Section 65302.6.

It is available online at:
https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6415/LocalHazard-Mitigation-Plan.

City of El Cerrito Climate Action and
Adaptation Plan
On July 16, 2024, the El Cerrito City Council
adopted the City’s Climate Action and
Adaptation Plan (CAAP) to address
greenhouse gas (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.

One of these focus areas is community
resilience and empowerment, which includes
efforts such as establishing climate resilience
hubs, conducting equitable climate
preparedness activities, and offering public
education on climate risks and resources. The
CAAP intends to serve as a roadmap toward
achieving these goals: reaching aggressive
emissions reduction targets, improving El
Cerrito’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 incorporates the climate
vulnerability assessment in the CAAP, as
discussed in greater detail in the following
section, and contains policies that support the
adaptation and resilience efforts in the CAAP.

The CAAP is available online at: https://elcerrito.org/325/Climate-Action-Plan.

CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY

ASSESSMENT
Under California law, the Safety Element is
required to include a vulnerability assessment
that looks at how people, buildings,
infrastructure, and other key community assets
may be affected by climate change. In 2024,
the City conducted a vulnerability assessment
to identify current and future climate change
impacts and risks to different sectors and
communities of El Cerrito. The Vulnerability
Assessment includes an overview of climate
trends, projections, and impacts for El Cerrito
and the broader Bay Area region, and evaluates
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the risks and vulnerabilities across four City
sectors:
 Infrastructure and the Built
Environment. El Cerrito’s buildings,
facilities, and transportation systems.
 Natural Systems and Water. El Cerrito’s
open space, tree canopy, water supply,
and water-related (e.g., potable water,
wastewater, stormwater) infrastructure.
 Energy. El Cerrito’s energy delivery
infrastructure, supply, and demand.
 Community Health, Well-Being, and
Public Safety. El Cerrito’s community
mental and physical health and
emergency response services.

El Cerrito faces increasing climate-related risks
that threaten these four sectors. Climate
change is expected to cause El Cerrito to
experience warmer temperatures year-round,
including higher maximum summer
temperatures and more frequent and severe
heat waves; greater precipitation fluctuations
between wet and dry years, with higher risk of
flooding during wet years and higher risk of
drought during dry years; and increasing
chance of wildfire and poor air quality due to
wildfire smoke. El Cerrito’s natural landscapes,
urban forests, and water systems are highly
vulnerable to climate change. Rising
temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns will
stress vegetation, increasing the risk of insect
outbreaks, disease, tree mortality, and fire.

Extreme weather events in the community,
including droughts and floods, will lead to soil
erosion, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline.

Local water management will become more
difficult as intensified rainfall strains aged
stormwater infrastructure, increasing the risk
of flooding, groundwater contamination, and
untreated water entering homes and
waterways. The Bay Area’s alternating wet and
dry years are likely to create economic and
environmental challenges, affecting water
availability, agriculture, recreation, and public
health.

El Cerrito’s energy infrastructure faces growing
risks from climate-driven floods, heavy rain,
and strong winds, which could damage power
lines, substations, and transmission towers,
leading to outages. Wildfires pose an
additional threat, disrupting energy distribution
and impacting residents, businesses, and City
operations. Rising temperatures will increase
electricity demand, heightening the risk of
brownouts and power failures. Climate hazards
will also affect community health and safety.

More frequent landslides, floods, and wildfires
will raise the risk of injury, illness, and mental
health challenges, especially for vulnerable
populations like seniors and low-income
residents. Displacement, property damage, and
disruptions may worsen physical and mental
health issues. Emergency response activities in
the community will also be affected if flooding,
landslides, and wildfires disrupt transportation
routes, and energy blackouts impact
communication systems, delaying critical
services. The Vulnerability Assessment,
included as Appendix F of the CAAP, is
available online at: https://elcerrito.org/325/Climate-Action-Plan.

To increase community resilience and help
lower vulnerability, the Safety Element includes
goals, policies, and implementation measures
to improve the resilience of the populations
and assets identified as highly vulnerable in the
Vulnerability Assessment.

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PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES

SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC HAZARDS
Seismic and geologic hazards are risks caused
by the movement of different parts of the
earth’s surface, known as the crust. Seismic
hazards include earthquakes and hazardous
events caused by them, such as liquefaction
and tsunamis. Geologic hazards are other
hazards involving land movements that are not
linked to seismic activity, including landslides
caused by heavy rains, and can inflict harm to
people or property.

Seismic Hazards
Seismic activity occurs along boundaries in the
earth’s crust, called faults. Pressure along the
faults builds over time and is ultimately
released, resulting in ground shaking,
commonly referred to as an earthquake.

Earthquakes can also trigger other hazards,
including tsunamis, surface rupture (cracks in
the ground surface), liquefaction (causing
loose soil to lose its strength), landslides, and
subsidence (sinking of the ground surface).

Earthquakes
Though El Cerrito is at risk from many natural
and human-caused hazards, the event with the
greatest potential for loss of life or property
and economic damage is an earthquake. This
risk is true for most of the San Francisco Bay
Area region, which has several active seismic
faults. Earthquake risk is very high in Contra
Costa County, including the City of El Cerrito,
due to the presence of five major active faults
in the region: the Hayward Fault, Calaveras
(North Central) Fault, Concord-Green Valley
Fault, Mount Diablo Fault, and Greenville Fault.

The Hayward fault, which is an approximately
45-mile-long fault that runs through densely
populated areas on the East Bay, passes
through eastern El Cerrito. The Hayward Fault
is increasingly becoming a hazard of concern
throughout the Bay Area because of its
likelihood of activity and its intersection with
highly populated areas and critical
infrastructure. A significant earthquake on the
Hayward Fault is predicted to result in
catastrophic damage to buildings and
infrastructure and substantial loss of life. The
probability of experiencing a Magnitude 6.7 or
greater earthquake along the Hayward Fault in
the next 30 years is 33 percent. An earthquake
of this magnitude could cause widespread
devastation across the Bay Area, with the
potential for thousands of fatalities, mass
displacement, and long-term disruption of
essential services.

The U.S. Geological Survey developed the
HayWired Earthquake Scenario, a scientifically
realistic study of the likely impacts of a
magnitude 7.0 earthquake and its aftershocks
on the Hayward Fault, to evaluate these risks in
greater detail.
i The HayWired Scenario
emphasizes the vulnerabilities and strengths
posed by the Bay Area’s interconnected
infrastructure systems such as utilities, roads,
communications, and the compounded effects
these interdependencies create in
communities and the regional economy.

Because the Hayward Fault runs through
heavily developed areas, the scenario
anticipates widespread impacts, including
injuries, damage to buildings and
infrastructure, and significant displacement of
residents. The Hayward Fault crosses critical
infrastructure, including major highways, Bay
Area Rapid Transit (BART) tracks, and water
and gas pipelines, making the potential
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consequences especially severe for local and
regional transportation, utilities, and
emergency response systems.

In addition to direct ground shaking and
structural damage, large earthquakes can
rupture water and gas mains, down power
lines, and topple trees. These secondary
impacts increase the risk of fires, reduce the
City’s ability to fight fires due to water system
disruption, and can obstruct evacuation routes
and delay first responder access. Such
cascading hazards further illustrate the
interconnected risks facing El Cerrito during a
major seismic event.

The Calaveras (North Central) Fault, a major
branch of the San Andreas Fault, extends
76 miles from Hollister to Danville, east of the
Hayward Fault. The Concord-Green Valley Fault
beneath Concord runs 11 miles from Mount
Diablo to the Carquinez Strait and connects to
the Green Valley Fault. The Mount Diablo thrust
fault lies between the Calaveras, Greenville,
and Concord Faults in Contra Costa County.

The Greenville Fault, also part of the San
Andreas Fault system, runs through Contra
Costa and Alameda Counties, bordering
Livermore Valley and extending northwest
along the Marsh Creek and Clayton faults
toward Clayton Valley. Figure S-1 shows the
location of faults and Alquist-Priolo Fault
Zones in and around El Cerrito, while Figure S2 shows the fault lines in Contra Costa County.

Earthquakes are likely to continue on an
occasional basis. Most are expected to cause
no substantive damage and may not even be
felt by most people. However, a major
earthquake along any of the nearby faults
could result in substantial casualties and
widespread destruction. The greatest risk in El
Cerrito is from the Hayward Fault due to its
proximity and high potential to cause a severe
earthquake.

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Figure S-1 Local Fault Lines
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Figure S-2 Regional Fault Lines
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Other Seismic Hazards
In addition to the direct physical damage that
can result from the shaking of an earthquake,
earthquakes can cause secondary hazards.

Liquefaction occurs where waterlogged soils
near the ground surface lose compaction
during strong ground motion, causing the soil
to lose strength and behave as liquid. This can
cause building foundations to shift and can
result in significant structural damage. Soils
susceptible to liquefaction are typically found
in low-lying current or former floodplains.

Portions of the City near the floodplains in the
southern part of the City, adjacent to I-80, are
likely to face liquefaction during an
earthquake. Figure S-3 shows the areas facing
an elevated liquefaction risk in El Cerrito.

Earthquake-induced landslides pose a
significant risk due to the presence of
landslide-prone areas in the hillsides of eastern
El Cerrito and proximity of earthquake faults.

Ground shaking from seismic activity can
cause rocks, debris, and hillside soils to loosen
and fall downslope, harming people, buildings,
and infrastructure in their path.

A secondary hazard of earthquakes is a
tsunami, which has the potential to affect
areas near the shoreline of the Richmond/El
Cerrito area. Tsunamis are typically caused by
earthquakes in places where ocean plates are
forced down into the mantle by plate tectonic
forces. These areas are known as subduction
zones, although earthquakes in other parts of
the ocean may also cause tsunamis. Tsunami
waves can travel across entire ocean basins
and impact coastal areas that are far from the
earthquake’s epicenter, including places where
the shaking from the earthquake is not felt.

Tsunamis can result in severe property
damage and loss of life to affected areas near
the coast. They can also disrupt emergency
services and transportation routes. Also,
tsunami waves can diffract around land
masses, and because they are not
symmetrical, the wave may be much stronger
in one direction than another, depending on the
source and the surrounding geography.

Earthquakes with magnitudes below 6.5 are
very unlikely to trigger a tsunami. Earthquakes
of magnitudes between 6.5 and 7.5 do not
usually produce destructive tsunamis.

A similar hazard, known as a seiche, may also
occur. A seiche is a standing wave that
oscillates back and forth across an enclosed or
partially-enclosed water body, such as the San
Francisco Bay. Earthquakes, landslides, or
strong storms may create a seiche wave that
repeatedly floods shoreline areas, in a manner
similar to a tsunami.

Figure S-4 illustrates the area that may be
subject to inundation from a tsunami in
El Cerrito.

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Figure S-3 Liquefaction Areas
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Figure S-4 Tsunami Inundation Areas
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Geologic Hazards
Geologic hazards in El Cerrito include
landslides and erosion. Landslides, which can
occur as debris flows or rock falls, are most
common in steep, sloped areas with loose and
fragmented soil. While some landslides
develop gradually, others happen suddenly,
often with severe consequences. Landslides
are a continuous natural process affecting all
slopes with varying degrees of impact.

Landslides are often triggered by other natural
hazards, such as earthquakes, heavy rain,
floods, or wildfires, so landslide frequency is
often related to the frequency of these other
hazards. Landslides have occurred on hillsides
throughout the City, usually in winter during
high rainfall years. Due to the hilly terrain, the
eastern portion of the City is in a very high
landslide susceptibility class, as shown on
Figure S-5.

Localized over-steepened slopes in El Cerrito
present elevated risk of rockfall, particularly
when combined with heavy rainfall or
earthquake shaking. For example, oversteepened slopes such as the quarry face near the City’s Recycling Center pose a heightened
risk of rockfall that could affect nearby
facilities and operations. These site-specific
conditions illustrate the potential severity of
landslide hazards in the city and the
importance of ongoing monitoring and
mitigation where critical facilities are located
near unstable slopes.

Climate change is expected to result in more
precipitation extremes. More frequent periods
of heavy rainfall could cause an increase in the
number of landslides or make landslides larger
than normal. Increased wildfire frequency can
destabilize hillsides due to loss of vegetation
and change soil composition, which can
contribute to greater runoff and erosion.

Climate change will also cause more frequent
and extreme droughts, which dries out soil.

When heavy precipitation does occur (another
expected effect of climate change), the soil
cannot absorb as much water, which creates
higher levels of runoff, potentially leading to
landslides and mudflows. The combination of
more frequent drought and intense rainfall
combined with increased wildfire hazards are
likely to cause more mudslides and landslides.

El Cerrito is also susceptible to hazards related
to erosion, or the geological process in which
rocks and soil are worn away by natural forces
such as water or wind, causing the soil to
deteriorate. The eroded particles can end up in
local creeks and San Francisco Bay, creating
water quality problems. The eastern hillsides
of the City are particularly at risk due to their
steep slopes, making them more vulnerable to
erosion. Erosion can damage roads, bridges,
buildings, and other structures by weakening
the foundations of buildings and structures,
causing washouts during heavy rains, and
increasing the risk of landslides.

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Figure S-5 Landslide Susceptibility Areas
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Goals and Policies
Goal 1: Mitigate risk from geologic and seismic hazards.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

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

Policy 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.

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

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HAZARDOUS WASTE AND MATERIALS
Hazardous materials are materials that pose a
significant risk to public safety or to human or
environmental health. These include toxic
chemicals, flammable or corrosive materials,
petroleum products, and unstable or
dangerously reactive materials, which may be
stored, transported, or processed at dry
cleaners, gas stations, automotive repair
centers, and similar light industrial facilities in
El Cerrito. The release or spill of bulk
hazardous materials could result in fire,
explosion, toxic clouds, or direct contamination
of water, people, and property. The El Cerrito
Fire Department, Contra Costa Hazardous
Materials Division, and Contra Costa
Environmental Health Division are responsible
for hazardous materials accidents in El Cerrito.

Several State agencies have jurisdiction over
hazardous materials sites and oversee the
monitoring of hazardous materials and waste
facilities. The Regional Water Quality Control
Board (RWQCB) and the California Department
of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) are
responsible for different types of sites.

Facilities that use or store hazardous
materials, such as industrial plants,
laboratories, and storage facilities, must
comply with regulations enforced by the DTSC,
which ensures proper handling, transportation,
and disposal of hazardous substances.

Cleanup sites, which include contaminated
properties and hazardous waste disposal
areas, fall under the oversight of both RWQCB
and DTSC. The RWQCB focuses on preventing
hazardous materials from contaminating water
resources, conducting site inspections, and
enforcing water protection regulations. The
DTSC maintains records of these
contaminated sites, supervises cleanup efforts,
and ensures compliance with hazardous
materials laws. Both agencies coordinate with
local governments, businesses, and other
regulatory bodies to ensure the safe
management of hazardous materials and the
remediation of contaminated sites.

Figure S-6 identifies potential sites with
hazardous materials. DTSC typically acts as
the lead agency for sites involving toxic
substances and remediation, and the RWQCB
leads issues concerning water quality.

Additionally, the Contra Costa Environmental
Health Division serves as the oversight agency
for sites within the City. A review of the leaking
underground storage tank list produced by the
RWQCB and the DTSC EnviroStor databases
indicates 33 cleanup sites (2 open and 31 case
closed sites) and 7 cleanup program sites (5
open and 2 case-closed sites). ii,iiiOpen
cleanup sites for hazardous materials are still
undergoing investigation, remediation, or
monitoring to address contamination; closed
sites have met regulatory cleanup standards
and no longer require active remediation.

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Figure S-6 Hazardous Materials Sites
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Since 1970, there is no recorded history of
roadway or rail hazardous materials incidents
in El Cerrito.
iv While El Cerrito has not
experienced such incidents, the broader region
has seen hazardous materials transportation
incidents in the past, including cities adjacent
to El Cerrito. Notably, Berkeley has recorded
two roadway incidents; Richmond has
recorded 29 roadway and 45 rail incidents; and
San Pablo has recorded 21 roadway incidents.
v
These events, which involve the release of
hazardous materials during transportation by
roadway or rail transit, can pose a threat to
public health and safety, property, and the
environment. Hazardous materials in nearby
communities may affect El Cerrito, including
through indirect impacts such as closing
regional highways. It is possible that these
events may occur in El Cerrito and surrounding
communities in the future.

Climate change is unlikely to substantially
affect hazardous materials transportation
incidents. However, increases in the frequency
and intensity of climate hazards, such as
floods, landslides, and severe storms, may
create a greater risk of hazardous material
releases during these events. Beyond
transportation incidents, climate change
increases the risk of hazardous material
releases from industrial facilities, storage sites,
and other hazardous material locations.

Extreme weather can stress infrastructure,
causing equipment failures, leaks, or corrosion.

Flooding may submerge storage tanks, leading
to spills or contamination. Power outages can
disrupt cooling systems, heightening explosion
risks. Wildfires can ignite hazardous materials,
releasing toxins into the environment.

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Goals and Policies
Goal 2: Minimize potential damage from existing hazardous materials and prevent future hazardous materials contamination.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

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FLOOD AND INUNDATION HAZARDS
Flooding
Flooding is when water covers normally dry
land, often from poor drainage during heavy
precipitation or when a water body overflows
its banks. Floods are one of the most frequent
natural hazards in El Cerrito and among the
costliest natural disasters nationwide in terms
of human hardship and economic loss. Floods
cause substantial damage to structures,
landscapes, and utilities as well as life and
safety issues.

Historically, El Cerrito has been at risk of
flooding primarily during the winter and spring
when stream systems swell with heavy rain.

Occasionally, flash flooding results from
intense rainfall. In urban areas, flash flooding
can be a serious problem due to lack of
vegetation and replacement of groundcover
with impermeable surfaces such as roads,
driveways, and parking lots. These hard
surfaces prevent water from being absorbed
into the soil, leading to rapid runoff that
overwhelms storm drain infrastructure and
natural waterways. Without proper drainage,
excess water accumulates quickly, increasing
the likelihood of localized flooding. Other
impacts connected with flooding and
associated stormwater runoff include erosion,
sedimentation, habitat disruption, and
increased pollution in waterways. These
effects can degrade water quality, harm
aquatic ecosystems, and contribute to longterm environmental degradation.

Areas at an elevated risk of flooding are
divided into 100- and 500-year flood zones. A
100-year flood zone has a 1 percent chance of
experiencing a major flood in any given year,
and a 500-year flood zone has a 0.2 percent
chance of flooding in any given year. The 100-
year floodplain in El Cerrito is west of San
Pablo Avenue and south of Central Avenue in
the southern portion of the City. The City does
not have any areas in the 500-year floodplain.

However, it is important to note that flooding
can still occur outside of these mapped flood
zones, especially in low-lying areas with poor
drainage. Figure S-7 shows the mapped flood
zones in and around El Cerrito.

Scientists expect that climate change will
cause greater shifts in annual rainfall in El
Cerrito. This shift toward more extreme events
is likely to result in increases in flooding from
intense storm systems as well as an increase
in regional drought conditions. These intense
systems can drop substantial volumes of
precipitation over a short period and cause
flooding. Because of this, floods are expected
to happen more often in El Cerrito, and climate
change may expand the parts of the City that
are considered prone to flooding. More
frequent droughts are also likely to dry out soil,
hardening it and increasing the volume of
runoff when rainfall does return.One extreme
flooding scenario developed by scientists is
known as ARkStorm (and its updated
ARkStorm 2.0 model). These scenarios
simulate the impacts of prolonged, highintensity storms comparable to the “Great Flood” of 1862, which inundated much of
California. ARkStorm 2.0 imagines a period of
extreme rainfall lasting up to a month that
would cause extensive flooding across the
state, although particularly in the Central
Valley. Such events would likely overwhelm
flood-protection systems, trigger hundreds of
landslides, disrupt power, water, and
transportation infrastructure, and result in
economic losses estimated at more than $700
billion statewide.vi Rainfall totals in El Cerrito
could be as high as 23 inches over the course
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of the event, with an average rainfall of slightly
less than an inch each day, although some
days are modeled to see as many as four
inches of rainfall in El Cerrito.

The scenario underscores the potential for
extreme precipitation events to impact large
geographic areas simultaneously, thereby
limiting the availability of mutual aid and
compounding recovery challenges. This
research highlights the importance of local
flood preparedness and mitigation, particularly
as climate change increases the frequency and
severity of extreme weather events.

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Figure S-7 Flood Hazard Zones
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Sea Level Rise
Sea level rise is an increase in the ocean’s
surface height relative to the land and a direct
result of climate change. Sea level rise has the
potential to inundate homes, businesses, and
infrastructure near shorelines. Along the
shoreline, sea levels are projected to rise by as
much as 3 feet (36 inches) by 2070 and 6.6
feet (79.2 inches) by 2100.vii However, it is
possible that sea levels could rise faster than
these projections, which has happened
historically. Figure S-8 shows the permanent
flooding that may occur by 2100.

Rising sea levels can cause the shoreline to
flood more frequently and severely during
storms or king tide events. For example, a
storm that has a one in five chance of
occurring in a given year (known as a five-year
storm) can create a temporary increase in sea
levels of approximately two feet. Because sea
level rise will cause ocean levels to be higher
during normal conditions, shoreline floods will
expand and reach further onto land. Figure S-9
shows the additional temporary flooding that
may occur by 2100 from strong storms or high
tides.

Historical records from the San Francisco tidal
gauge show that the sea level in the San
Francisco Bay rose eight inches from 1897 to
2006. Sea levels are expected to continue to
rise over this century, likely faster than they
have historically. Rising sea levels will increase
the impacts of other coastal hazards, such as
shoreline erosion and tsunamis.

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Figure S-8 Sea Level Rise Projections by 2100 for Permanent Flooding Agenda Packet Page 127 of 465
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Figure S-9 Sea Level Rise Projections by 2100 for Permanent and Temporary Flooding Agenda Packet Page 128 of 465
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Goals and Policies
Goal 3: Reduce risks from flooding and sea level rise and provide timely and effective flood response.

Policy 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).

Policy 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.

Policy 3.3: Flood Hazards from New Construction. Require new development and significant redevelopment projects, greater than 5,000 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.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

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

Policy 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 Agenda Packet Page 129 of 465
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incorporate natural stormwater management solutions on-site as a condition of approval for discretionary projects, as appropriate.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

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

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

Policy 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 prioritize El Cerrito’s transportation needs, including emergency access and evacuation needs.

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FIRE HAZARDS
Fire hazards include wildfires, urban fires, and
structural fires. Historically, the wildfire season
extended from early summer through late fall
of each year, during the hotter, dryer months,
although it is increasingly a hazard that can
occur year-round. Fire conditions arise from a
combination of high temperatures, dry
conditions, plentiful fuel (such as dry plants or
other debris), and high winds.

Wildfires
Wildfires start on hillsides, forest, scrub, and
grassland environments, but may easily spread
into developed areas next to or mixed in with
these ecosystems, and from there may spread
into more developed urban areas. Fuel,
weather, and topography are primary factors
that affect how wildfires spread. In and around
El Cerrito, natural habitats provide highly
flammable fuel that is conducive to wildfires.

Wildfires can occur in areas of natural
vegetation, especially forests, brush and
scrublands, and grasslands. When vegetation
dries out and becomes highly flammable,
especially during hot, dry, and windy
conditions, it creates a wildfire risk.

Historically, wildfires have been most common
in late summer and fall, but they have become
increasingly a year-round event. Wildfires most
often ignite from human activities—such as
sparks from vehicles contacting dry vegetation,
downed power lines, or electrical equipment
failures—or from natural causes like lightning.

They may also be set deliberately. The hilly
areas of eastern El Cerrito and the
undeveloped lands of Wildcat Canyon Regional
Park to the east, outside City limits, face an
elevated wildfire risk.

There are no records of historic fires within the
City or in the immediate vicinity. However, the
surrounding East Bay Hills do have a history of
wildfire events. One of the most destructive
was the Tunnel Fire, also known as the
“Oakland Hills Firestorm,” which occurred on
October 19, 1991. The fire started on private
property near the Caldecott Tunnel, rapidly
spreading and burning 1,520 acres. It resulted
in 25 fatalities, 150 injuries, and the destruction
of approximately 3,000 homes. Other
significant events include the 1970 Fish Fire in
Oakland, which spread through the East Bay
Hills, and the 1923 Berkeley Fire. This fire
destroyed about 640 structures, and
highlighted vulnerabilities such as insufficient
fire breaks and limited water supply in the hills.

Within El Cerrito, the Hillside Natural Area has
experienced numerous smaller fires over the
past two decades, most ignited by human
activity and contained less than two acres.

Examples include a 2010 fire near Tamalpais
Avenue, a 2012 fire at the entrance to the
Recycling Center, and a 2020 lightning-caused
fire south of Moeser Lane. Although these
incidents were small, they demonstrate the
ongoing fire risk within the Hillside Natural
Area, particularly in grassland areas near
heavily traveled access points. More recent
wildfires have also occurred in the region,
including two wildfires along Highway 4 east of
Hercules in August 2022.Changing climate
conditions are expected to increase the wildfire
risk in and around El Cerrito. Warmer
temperatures brought on by climate change
can exacerbate drought conditions. Droughts
can kill or dry out plants, creating more fuel for
wildfires. Increased winds will result in more
erratic fire behavior, making fires harder to
predict and contain. Warmer temperatures are
also expected to occur later in the year,
extending the wildfire season, which is likely to
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begin earlier in the year and extend later than it
has historically.

Fire Hazard Severity Zones
The California Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection (CAL FIRE) establishes Fire Hazard
Severity Zones (FHSZ), designating each as
moderate, high, or very high severity. El Cerrito
has 329 acres (14 percent of the City’s land
area) in the very high severity zone, 147 acres
(6 percent) in the high severity zone, and 146
acres (6 percent) in the moderate severity
zone. Various State requirements apply in
some of these zones, including fire-safe
standards for development or redevelopment
activities, additional review and approval
processes for new development, establishing
and maintaining defensible space around
buildings and facilities, and disclosing the
presence of wildfire hazards during real estate
transactions.

To reflect the threats posed by wildfires, the
City has adopted local ordinances and
programs to reduce wildfire risk. In July 2025,
the City amended Chapter 8.30 of the El Cerrito
Municipal Code to adopt the most recently
available State-recommended FHSZ maps, and
to establish procedures for defensible space
and home hardening inspections within the
high and very high zones. The ordinance can
be accessed here:
https://library.municode.com/ca/el_cerrito/co
des/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT8HESA_C
H8.30FIHASEZODESPHOHARE. Current maps
are available at CAL FIRE’s Fire and Resource
Assessment Program, at
https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/fireresource-assessment-program. Future updates to the Safety Element will incorporate new
mapping data as it becomes available.

State law, established by Assembly Bill (AB) 38
in 2019, requires that properties in high and
very high FHSZs be inspected by the El Cerrito
Fire Department prior to the close of escrow. A
report is issued confirming compliance or
identifying corrective actions. Sellers must
disclose the results of these inspections, along
with any home hardening improvements or
vulnerabilities, to buyers before the close of
escrow.

While the City already had a robust vegetation
management program, this action updated
vegetation management standards (including
"Zone Zero" standards for the areas within five
feet of a building) and repealed outdated
roofing requirements for properties in very high
FHSZs. It also created a local requirement for
owners of real property in high or very high
FHSZs to have a home hardening and
defensible space inspection completed and to
disclose the result of that inspection to buyers
prior to the time of sale per State law. These
efforts better align the City of El Cerrito with
state law, decrease vulnerability to wildfires,
and assist residents in maintaining home
insurance.

CAL FIRE designates these zones for areas
where local agencies have responsibility for
fire protection (known as local responsibility
areas, or LRAs), and areas where the State is
responsible, even if local authorities provide
fire protection (known as state responsibility
areas, or SRAs). El Cerrito is an LRA, and the
unincorporated areas east of the City are a mix
of LRAs and SRAs. Figure S-10 shows the
FHSZs in and around El Cerrito. The City’s
Community View/GIS, available at the
following link:
https://www.elcerrito.gov/154/GIS-Maps,
provides a user-friendly way to view property
information, zoning, and land use patterns, and
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illustrates how development patterns are
aligned with fire safety considerations.

The City’s land use and housing plans,
including the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan
and the Housing Element, intentionally
concentrate new growth and higher-intensity
development outside of the very high FHSZ.

This approach reduces risks to people,
property, and critical infrastructure. This
strategy also helps protect natural hillsides and
provides a buffer between residential areas
and high fire-risk landscapes.

Wildland-Urban Interface Area
In addition to the FHSZ designations by CAL
FIRE, the City contains areas identified as a
Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI). The WUI is an
area where buildings (e.g., housing) and
infrastructure (e.g., cell towers and water
supply facilities) mix with flammable wildland
vegetation, allowing wildland fires to spread to
buildings and structures easily.

There are three distinct zones in the WUI.

1. The intermix zone contains housing
development or improved parcels
interspersed in an area dominated by
wildland vegetation subject to wildfire.

2. The interface zone contains dense housing
next to vegetation that can burn in a
wildfire but is not dominated by wildland
vegetation.

3. The influence zone contains wildfiresusceptible vegetation within 1.5 miles from the WUI or wildland-urban intermix
zones.

In the WUI area, efforts to prevent ignitions and
limit wildfire loss hinge on hardening
structures and creating defensible space
through a multifaceted approach that includes
engineering, enforcement, education,
emergency response, and economic
incentives. As shown in Figure S-11, most of
eastern El Cerrito lies within the WUI zone. The
WUI zones shown in this map are not formally
established by the State or City and are not
associated with any regulatory requirements.

They are included in this Safety Element to
help the City and community understand
wildfire risks in different parts of El Cerrito.

These zones may also inform insurance rates,
evacuation planning, and other associated
factors.

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Figure S-10 Fire Hazard Severity Zones
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Figure S-11 Wildland-Urban Interface Areas
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Structural Fires
El Cerrito is also at risk from structural fires.

Structural fires are often due to faulty wiring,
mechanical equipment, or combustible
construction materials in the built environment.

The absence of fire alarms and fire sprinkler
systems often exacerbates the damage
associated with a structural fire. Structural
fires are largely caused by human accidents,
although deliberate fires (arson) may cause
some events. Older buildings lacking modern
fire safety features may face greater risk of fire
damage.

Building construction standards help reduce
the risk of structural fires. Every proposed
construction project in El Cerrito is reviewed by
the El Cerrito-Kensington Fire Department for
compliance with the most recent version of the
California Fire Code adopted by the City,
including City amendments to the code.

Fire Protection
The El Cerrito-Kensington Fire Department
provides fire protection to all areas of El
Cerrito. There are no areas in the city that lack
fire protection service. The Fire Department
operates two fire stations in the City of El
Cerrito and one in the unincorporated
community of Kensington:
 Station 51 at 10900 San Pablo Avenue
 Station 52 at 1520 Arlington Boulevard,
El Cerrito
 Station 55 at 217 Arlington Avenue,
Kensington
In addition to local fire stations, the El CerritoKensington Fire Department participates in automatic and mutual aid agreements with
neighboring jurisdictions, Contra Costa County
agencies, CAL FIRE, and other regional, State,
and federal partners. These agreements
ensure that personnel and equipment can be
deployed quickly across jurisdictions to
respond to large-scale natural disasters,
including wildfires.

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Goals and Policies
Goal 4: Reduce El Cerrito’s risk of wildfire and provide timely and effective fire response.

Policy 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.

Policy 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 fireretardant 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.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

Policy 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 the Public Resources Code Section 4291 and Government Code Section 51182 for fuel modification to reduce fire danger.

Policy 4.7: Regional Wildfire Prevention. Continue to collaborate with the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, Alameda County Resource Conservation District, neighboring Agenda Packet Page 137 of 465
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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.

Policy 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 minimize community disruption.
 Undergrounding electricity infrastructure in Very High and High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

Policy 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 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 roadways of adequate width to support emergency response vehicles.

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

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

Policy 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 Cerrito-Kensington Fire Department to ensure that the Department is keeping pace with changes in local population.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

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

Policy 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.

Policy 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 Cerrito-Kensington 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.

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 Development and maintenance of defensible space and shaded fuel breaks.  Development of fire protection plans that include at a minimum:
 Risk analysis;
 Fire response capabilities;
 Fire safety requirements, including defensible space, infrastructure, and building ignition resistance;
 Mitigation measures and design considerations for non-conforming fuel modification;
 Wildfire education, maintenance, and limitations; and  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 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.

Policy 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).

Policy 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).

Policy 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 City-owned 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.

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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).

Policy 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.

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EXTREME HEAT AND SEVERE WEATHER
Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is one of the deadliest climaterelated hazards nationwide; the Center for Disease Control and Prevention noted a rise in
heat-related deaths—from 297 in 2004 to over
2,300 in 2023 .
viii, ix The rising frequency and
intensity of extreme heat events pose
significant public health concerns, especially in
areas such as El Cerrito that have historically
experienced milder temperatures and are
home to residents without access to climatecontrolled environments. Warmer temperatures and the urban heat island effect
can exacerbate extreme heat impacts in
densely populated areas, especially those that
have limited tree canopy. Figure S-12 shows
the relative levels of extreme heat in different
neighborhoods of El Cerrito.

Extreme heat is when temperatures are well
above normal conditions. In El Cerrito, the
extreme heat threshold is 88.7 degrees
Fahrenheit (°F), or hotter than 98 percent of
historic days. Five extreme heat days in a row
is considered a heat wave. When the daily
minimum temperatures remain significantly
above normal, warm nights worsen extreme
heat days because overnight temperatures do
not decrease to provide relief from high
temperatures. A warm night occurs when
temperatures remain above 60°F in El Cerrito.

The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention recognize extreme heat as a
substantial public health concern. Seniors,
persons with chronic illnesses or disabilities,
persons experiencing homelessness, outdoor
workers, low-resourced people of color,
immigrant/linguistically isolated communities,
and households in poverty are among those
most vulnerable to extreme heat.

According to the U.S. Census, approximately
82 percent of all housing in El Cerrito was built
prior to 1980,x which is unlikely to have air
conditioning and may lack effective insulation.

During extreme heat days, temperatures in
poorly insulated homes may reach
uncomfortable or dangerous temperatures.

People living in these homes are at higher risk
for heat-related illnesses from extreme heat
events, especially people who are predisposed
to heat-related illnesses.

Walking, biking, and other modes of active
transportation become more difficult in
extreme heat. These activities carry greater
health risks when temperatures are very hot,
especially for people who are already
vulnerable to extreme heat and in areas with
little or no shade coverage. Extreme heat can
limit active transportation options and
disproportionately affect those who rely on
them.

Extreme heat also stresses infrastructure
networks. Higher air conditioning demand
during extreme heat days risks overloading the
electrical grid and causing power outages.

Very high heat can degrade transportation
systems by softening and buckling asphalt and
warping rail lines. These impacts reduce public
transit capacity, as trains must operate at
lower speeds, resulting in delays and increased
risk of damage. Additionally, rising
temperatures harm local ecosystems by
increasing water temperatures in local lakes
and streams, harming fish and plant species.

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Figure S-12 Extreme Heat in El Cerrito
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The warmer temperatures brought on by
climate change are likely to cause an increase
in extreme heat events locally. In El Cerrito, the
state projects that the number of extreme heat
days is expected to rise from a historical
annual average of 3 to 9 days by the middle of
the century (2035 to 2064), and an average of
17 days by the end of the century (2070 to
2099). Additionally, the number of warm nights
is expected to rise from a historical annual
average of 5 to 47 nights by the middle of the
century (2035 to 2064), and to an average of
119 nights by the end of the century (2070 to
2099).
xi
Severe Weather
Severe weather poses a significant threat to El
Cerrito and the greater region, disrupting daily
life, compromising safety, and affecting
infrastructure and ecosystems. Severe weather
is usually caused by intense storm systems,
although some strong winds can occur without
a storm. The types of dangers posed by severe
weather include injuries or deaths, damage to
buildings and structures, fallen trees, roads
blocked by debris, fires sparked by lightning,
downed power lines, flooding, storm drain
overflows, and infrastructure failure. Heavy rain
can cause widespread flooding, often
overwhelming drainage systems and leading to
significant disruptions in transportation,
emergency response, and access to essential
services. Severe weather often produces high
winds and lightning that can damage
structures and cause power outages. Lightning
from these storms can ignite fires and cause
explosions that damage buildings and
endanger people. High wind events can also
exacerbate the risk of wildfires in El Cerrito and
across the region.

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and other
electrical utilities have begun to occasionally
“de-energize” or turn off the electricity for
power lines that run through areas with an
elevated fire risk. Public Safety Power Shutoff
(PSPS) events are intended to reduce the risk
of power lines sparking or being damaged and
starting a wildfire. A PSPS event may occur at
any time of the year, usually during high wind
events and dry conditions. While PSPS events
have been smaller and less frequent recently,
these events still pose a risk to PG&E
customers across Contra Costa County,
including El Cerrito. According to records of
PSPS events, the hillside neighborhoods of El
Cerrito experience an average of one PSPS
every two years, and neighborhoods closer to
the bayshore experience a PSPS approximately
once every five years.

People who depend on medical devices, such
as oxygen concentrators or ventilators, are at
greater risk during power outages, as are those
who need electricity for climate control to keep
indoor temperatures safe. The loss of power to
communications and other critical
infrastructure disrupts access to goods and
services.

Climate change is expected to cause an
increase in intense rainfall and strong storm
systems, such as atmospheric rivers. This
increase means that El Cerrito could see more
intense weather resulting from these storms in
the coming years and decades, although such
an increase may not affect all forms of severe
weather. Heavy rainfall can increase the
frequency and severity of other hazards,
including flooding and landslides.

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Goals and Policies
Goal 5: Reduce risk from and provide timely and effective response to extreme heat and severe weather.

Policy 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.

Policy 5.2: Shading and Heat-Mitigating Materials. Use heat-mitigating materials and install shade structures, both green and built infrastructure, at parks, schools, along public streets and trails, and at other public spaces to reduce ground surface temperatures.

Policy 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.

Policy 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 they are well-equipped, accessible, and 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.

Policy 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 pavement materials, highalbedo surfaces, shade trees, and other green infrastructure. Help residents connect with contractors and financial assistance programs to implement these improvements.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

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Policy 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.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

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DROUGHT
A drought is an extended period when
precipitation levels are well below normal.

Drought may affect domestic water supply,
energy production, public health, wildlife, and
contribute to wildfire. Like most of California
and the western United States, El Cerrito
chronically experiences drought cycles. The
U.S. Drought Monitor recognizes a five-point
scale for drought events: D0 (abnormally dry),
D1 (moderate drought), D2 (severe drought),
D3 (extreme drought), and D4 (exceptional
drought). According to the U.S. Drought
Monitor, the most intensive drought conditions
in recent years were during most of 2014 and
2021, when all of Contra Costa County was
classified in “extreme” drought. As of March
2025, El Cerrito was not facing drought
conditions, but eastern Contra Costa County
was classified as abnormally dry, and over half
of California was in some level of drought.

During severe drought conditions, water
shortages are common, and water restrictions
may be imposed to meet essential community
needs.

El Cerrito’s water supply comes from imported
water delivered by the East Bay Municipal
Utility District (EBMUD). Approximately 90
percent of EBMUD’s water supply begins at the
Mokelumne River watershed in the Sierra
Nevada and extends 90 miles to the East Bay,
passing through the Central Valley and
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The
Mokelumne Aqueducts convey the Mokelumne
River supply to local storage and treatment
facilities in Contra Costa and Alameda
counties.

Drought in California is cyclical, driven by largescale climate patterns. Although droughts are a regular feature of California’s climate,
climate change is leading to more frequent,
prolonged, and intense droughts statewide.

Overall, long-term precipitation levels are
expected to remain similar to historic levels in
El Cerrito, potentially increasing slightly by the
end of the century.xii However, there are likely
to be more years with extreme levels of rainfall,
both high and low, because of climate change.

This is expected to cause more frequent and
intense droughts, compared to historical
norms, which cause soil to dry out, and
harden, which can trigger landslides in the
subsequent rainy season.

Reduced winter precipitation levels and
warmer temperatures have decreased the size
of the Sierra Nevada snowpack (the volume of
accumulated snow), making less fresh water
available for communities throughout
California, including the imported water supply
for El Cerrito. A continued decline in the
volume of the Sierra Nevada snowpack is
expected, which may lead to lower volumes of
available imported water. More precipitation is
expected to fall as rain instead of snow, and
the snow that does fall will melt earlier,
reducing the Sierra Nevada spring snowpack
by as much as 70 to 90 percent.
xiii How much
snowpack will be lost depends in part on future
precipitation patterns, the projections for which
remain uncertain. However, even under wetter
climate projections, the loss of snowpack
would pose potential water shortage issues
and exacerbate drought conditions.

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Goals and Policies
Goal 6: Secure a resilient water supply and use water supplies sustainably.

Policy 6.1: Drought-Tolerant Landscaping. Require drought-tolerant 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.

Policy 6.2: Water-Efficient Development. Require the installation of water efficiency measures in new private development and 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.

Policy 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.

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HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS
Human health hazards, including bacteria,
viruses, parasites, and other pathogens, pose
significant concerns in El Cerrito. These
conditions can result in physical injuries,
fatalities, and mental health issues and
exacerbate pre-existing conditions like asthma
and allergies. Rats, mice, ticks, and mosquitos
are common vectors, meaning they often
spread the pathogens that can cause illness.

Rising temperatures and changing
precipitation patterns due to climate change
promote the proliferation of disease-carrying
vectors. Many of these pathogens also
reproduce more rapidly in warmer conditions,
compounding the risk of transmission. Warmer
conditions and wetter years allow for increased
populations of mosquitoes and ticks,
extending their geographic range and
spreading diseases like West Nile virus,
dengue fever, and Lyme disease.xiv As
temperatures rise and extreme weather events,
such as heavy rainfall, become more frequent,
these vectors can spread more broadly,
transmitting diseases that threaten public
health.xv
Populations most vulnerable to human health
hazards are those who spend a significant
amount of time outdoors (such as outdoor
workers or persons experiencing
homelessness), those with fragile immune
systems or existing illnesses (which may
include persons with chronic illnesses and
seniors), those who may live in substandard
housing, or who do not have access to health
insurance and medical care.

Heatwaves, another increasing hazard due to
climate change, can directly impact human
health by causing heat-related illnesses and
deaths while worsening respiratory conditions
due to increased air pollution. The combination
of these factors suggests that human health
hazards will become more widespread and
severe as climate change progresses, making
proactive public health measures even more
critical. The impacts of these health hazards
extend beyond individual well-being.

Widespread disease outbreaks can place strain
on healthcare systems, increase economic
burdens, and affect community-wide mental
health.

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Goals and Policies
Goal 7: Protect the health of El Cerrito residents.

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

Policy 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.

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

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

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

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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND

RESPONSE
Local Emergency Response
Emergency preparedness and response in El
Cerrito is a coordinated effort involving all City
departments, which together constitute the
City’s emergency organization during an
emergency, under the leadership of the City
Manager, who serves as the Director of
Emergency Services, as established in El
Cerrito Municipal Code (ECMC) Chapter 2.28
and the City’s adopted emergency plan.

The El Cerrito Police Department provides law
enforcement services and the El CerritoKensington Fire Department delivers fire prevention and suppression services. Other
departments such as Public Works also play
key roles and have important responsibilities
during emergency response efforts.

The City’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
guides these efforts by outlining roles,
responsibilities, and coordination among
departments, stakeholder agencies,
community-based organizations, the business
community, and residents. The EOP is regularly
updated by staff and approved by the City
Council, and it identifies operational strategies
and plans for managing inherently complex
and potentially catastrophic events. The EOP is
available online at:
https://www.elcerrito.gov/DocumentCenter/Vi
ew/20415/Emergency-Operations-Plan
During emergency events, or in anticipation of
one, the City will activate its Emergency
Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate
response and recovery efforts across
departments and with regional, State, and
federal partners. The EOC’s organizational
structure, as outlined in the City’s EOP, serve
as a clear hierarchy and system for situational
awareness, resource management, and
providing public information. The City is
committed to maintaining EOC readiness
through regular training and drills for City staff,
testing communication linkages with external
agencies, and reporting on EOC preparedness
activities to the community.

The Fire Department also conducts regular
training exercises with residents, including the
Community Emergency Response Team
(CERT) program. El Cerrito's CERT program is
run by a partnership between the City and the
Fire Department to provide residents with
hands-on training in disaster first aid, disaster
preparedness, basic firefighting, light search
and rescue, damage assessment, and how to
turn off utilities. Through CERT and other
preparedness activities, the City equips
community members with the skills and
knowledge needed to assist themselves, their
families, and their neighbors during
emergencies.

Emergency planning
The State of California requires all State,
regional, and local agencies, including PG&E
and EBMUD, to maintain their own emergency
plan relating to the infrastructure that they
install and maintain. In the event of an
emergency, the City relies on PG&E to
implement its emergency plan, with City
support as needed. When an incident occurs
anywhere in El Cerrito, the Police Department
and/or the Fire Department is typically the first
to arrive at the scene, where they secure the
area and then determine which other agencies
need to be involved.

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The City of El Cerrito website’s Alert Center,
allows residents to view all issued alerts and
emergencies in the area and can be accessed
at https://www.el-cerrito.org/AlertCenter.aspx.

The City also provides various emergency
alerts through posts on social media platforms
and the City’s Nixle system. El Cerrito residents
may register with Contra Costa County’s
Community Warning System, an emergency
notification system maintained by Contra
Costa County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency
Services. This system provides alerts and
critical information during emergencies or
disasters, including instructions on protective
actions such as sheltering in place, lockdowns,
evacuations, or avoiding certain areas.

Residents receive CWS alerts via phone calls,
text messages, emails, sirens, and social
media to stay informed about life-threatening
hazards.

Emergency Evacuation
With advanced warning, evacuation can
effectively reduce injury and loss of life during
a catastrophic event. Primary potential
emergency access and evacuation routes
include San Pablo Avenue, which runs northsouth along the western portion of the City, and Arlington Boulevard, runs north-south along the
eastern portion of the City. Other potential
evacuation routes include Cutting Boulevard,
Potrero Avenue, and Moeser Lane, which run
east-west and connect Arlington Boulevard to
San Pablo Avenue. Figure S-13 shows the
potential evacuation routes throughout the
City, although the recommended evacuation
routes in any given situation will depend on the
specifics of the emergency. These evacuation
routes face potential disruption from flooding,
wildfire, landslides, or an earthquake, which
may block roadways, damage the roadway
surface, or collapse bridges and overpasses.

Figure S-14 shows residential parcels with
evacuation constraints. All of these parcels are
at least a half mile from a major roadway and
have access to only one emergency evacuation
route. The lack of multiple emergency access
points limits roadway access for these
properties, which may create difficulties if
there is a need to evacuate.

As part of the Safety Element Update, the
project team assessed emergency evacuation
times, consistent with California AB 747, which
requires that all general plan safety elements
identify evacuation routes and their capacity,
safety, and viability under a range of
emergency scenarios. The study assesses
evacuation under different scenarios,
evaluating roadway capacity and the time
needed to evacuate. The evacuation study is
included as an appendix to this Safety Element
(Appendix A).

This study focused on the use of private
vehicles for evacuations, consistent with the
focus on roadways under State law. While
private vehicles are likely to be the primary
means of evacuation in most scenarios, some
El Cerrito residents may lack access to private
vehicles. People may evacuate on foot, by
bicycle, using public transit or school buses, or
other means, depending on their specific
circumstances and the nature of the
emergency. Additionally, some residents who
initially evacuate by car may have to leave their
vehicles and evacuate on foot due to roadway
congestion or the speed of the hazardous
conditions, as has happened in some recent
wildfires across California.

The evacuation study modeled an evacuation
from three different scenarios: 1) an earlymorning hazardous material spill on San Pablo Avenue, 2) a midday wildfire originating near
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the Rifle Range Road trailhead, and 3) a midday
wildfire in Wildcat Canyon Regional Park that
prompts widespread evacuations. This study
found that fully evacuating the affected areas
may take up to 60 to 140 minutes for the
hazardous material spill, up to 70 to 80
minutes for the Rifle Range Road wildfire, and
up to 110 to 160 minutes for the Wildcat
Canyon wildfire. These are general estimates
that may be affected by numerous factors in
an actual emergency, and that most persons in
affected areas would likely be able to evacuate
sooner.

The report provides a set of recommendations
based on the results of the analysis, such as
identifying multiple evacuation destinations in
different locations to allow for more
evacuation routes and shorter evacuation
times; coordinating with other jurisdictions to
maintain the designated evacuation routes that
serve the City; prioritizing undergrounding
utilities and upgrading power poles on main
evacuation routes to minimize downed wires
on these routes; and conducting communitywide evacuation exercises to test the recommendations and plans associated with
scenarios in the evacuation study. This Safety
Element incorporates many of these
recommendations into the goals and policies
discussed in this section.

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Figure S-13 Potential Evacuation Routes
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Figure S-14 Evacuation-Constrained Parcels
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Goals and Policies
Goal 8: A community prepared for an effective response and recovery in the event of emergencies or natural and human-caused disasters.

Policy 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.

Policy 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 S-10, 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.

Policy 8.3: Emergency Notification and Communication. Promote participation in the City’s Emergency Alert E-Notifications 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.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

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Policy 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.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

Policy 8.11: Inter-Jurisdictional Coordination for Evacuation Route Maintenance. Collaborate and plan with the 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.

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

Policy 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 City-owned 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.

Policy 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.

Policy 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.

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