Mayor Councilmembers
Gabe Quinto William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Rebecca Saltzman AGENDA Carolyn Wysinger
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TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2026
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:15 PM)
Council Chambers - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito
Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81662278200?pwd=5z6u7EAkTsoeDxUIpIPhcab9aoiakm.1 Meeting ID: 816 6227 8200 Passcode: 670827 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 View:
1. Cable T.V. Broadcast on KCRT Channel 28
2. Livestream Online at www.elcerrito.gov/CouncilMeetingMaterials Public Comments:
1. In-person, by submitting a request to speak to the City Clerk.
2. Via Zoom, using the "Raise Hand" feature to request to speak.
3. By phone, dialing *9 to "raise your hand", and *6 to unmute.
4. Online, using the "Submit Comments" feature on the meeting event.
5. Via email to [email protected] indicating Public Comments – Agenda Item #.
Written comments received by 11:00 AM 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 posted after the meeting.
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 are available via zoom.
Conduct: This meeting is held pursuant to City Council Rules of Order and Procedure.
Agenda Packet Page 1 of 45
Mayor Councilmembers
Gabe Quinto William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Rebecca Saltzman AGENDA Carolyn Wysinger
6:15 PM ROLL CALL - CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OR OBSERVATION OF A
MOMENT OF SILENCE
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Third Public Hearing on Transition to District-Based Elections – Presentation of Initial Draft Maps and Sequence of Elections Notice was published on 5/30/2026, draft maps were publically posted 06/02/2026 at www.elcerrito.gov/districts.
Action Proposed: Conduct a third public hearing regarding transitioning to district-based elections for City Council members, including reviewing draft maps, soliciting public input, and providing direction to staff on the draft maps and sequence of elections for district-based Council elections in accordance with Elections Code § 10010.
Contact: Sky Woodruff, City Attorney; Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management
3. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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 2 of 45
AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 2.A.
Date: June 9, 2026
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Sky Woodruff, City Attorney; Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management
Subject: Third Public Hearing on Transition to District-Based Elections – Presentation of Initial Draft Maps and Sequence of Elections
ACTION PROPOSED
Conduct a third public hearing regarding transitioning to district-based elections for City Council members, including reviewing draft maps, soliciting public input, and providing direction to staff on the draft maps and sequence of elections for district-based Council elections in accordance with Elections Code § 10010.
BACKGROUND
On April 21, 2026, the City Council adopted Resolution 2026-24 declaring its intention to transition to a district-based system for electing members of the El Cerrito City Council.
This action was taken in response to the March 17, 2026 letter received from Rexroad Law alleging that the City's current at-large election system violates the California Voting Rights Act ("CVRA") and threatening litigation if the City declined to voluntarily change to a district-based election.
Although the City denies its at-large election system violates the CVRA or any other provision of law, the City Council has determined that the public interest would best be served by transitioning to a district-based electoral system due to (1) the high cost to defend against a CVRA lawsuit, (2) the risk of losing such a lawsuit, which would require the City to pay the prevailing plaintiffs' attorneys' fees, and (3) the availability of changing to district elections under the safe harbor provision.
The City Council, an elected legislative body serving the residents of El Cerrito, is currently elected in an at-large election system, where each of the five Councilmembers are elected by registered voters of the entire city, regardless of residence, as opposed to a district-based election system, where each Councilmember must reside in a specific district within the City, and is voted on only by voters within that district.
California Elections Code section 10010 provides a process whereby a jurisdiction can expeditiously change to a district-based election system and avoid the high cost of litigation under the CVRA. Under this process, a jurisdiction can limit the amount of its liability to prospective plaintiffs and their attorneys (the "safe harbor provision"), and avoid litigation so long as the jurisdiction completes the process within 90 days of the adoption of the resolution of intention. While the CVRA allows for extensions to this timeframe with agreement of the potential plaintiff, the City was unable to obtain an agreement for extensions.
Agenda Packet Page 3 of 45
Agenda Item No. 2.A.
Transition Process under the Safe Harbor Provision
California Elections Code section 10010 requires that a jurisdiction changing to districtbased elections under the safe harbor provision do all of the following within 90 days from the date the legislative body adopts a resolution of intent to transition to districtbased elections:
• Before drawing a draft map or maps of the proposed boundaries of the districts, hold at least two public hearings over a period of no more than 30 days, at which the public is invited to provide input regarding the composition of the districts. • After all draft maps are drawn, published, and made available, release at least one draft map and, if members of the governing body of the political subdivision will be elected in their districts at different times, provide the potential sequence of the staggered terms of office and elections.
• Hold at least two additional hearings over a period of no more than 45 days, at which the public is invited to provide input regarding the content of the draft map or maps and the proposed sequence of elections.
o The first version of a draft map shall be published at least seven days before consideration at a hearing. If a draft map is revised at or following a hearing, it shall be published and made available to the public for at least seven days before being adopted.
• Adopt an ordinance establishing district-based elections pursuant to Elections Code section 10010(a).
In order to provide tools for community input, and to draw preliminary maps based on community and City Council feedback, the City Attorney has retained Redistricting Partners, LLC, a demographer who serves as an expert in analyzing census data to ensure that the final district map adopted by the City Council considers all of the necessary criteria, as set forth in Elections Code Section 21130(c), including geographic contiguity and compactness, preservation of neighborhoods and communities of interest, uses easily identifiable boundaries, and does not favor or discriminate against a political party.
It's important to note, however, that despite the accelerated 90-day transition process, based on the deadlines imposed by the Contra Costa County Elections department related to district maps, it has been determined that the earliest election feasible for the new district-based maps to take effect will commence with the November 2028 General Municipal Election. As such, elections for City Council seats taking place in November 2026 will continue to use the current at-large election system.
Completed Actions to Date
Detailed information, materials, and videos regarding completed actions for the districting process are available at www.elcerrito.gov/districts. • April 21, 2026: Adopted Resolution of Intent to Transition to Districts • May 5, 2026: 1st Public Hearing held
Agenda Packet Page 4 of 45
Agenda Item No. 2.A.
• May 12, 2026: Virtual Community Workshop held
• May 14, 2026: Community Outreach at Bike to Wherever Day event • May 19, 2026: 2nd Public Hearing held; Council direction to proceed with drafting maps with 5 districts
• June 3, 2026: Community Workshop #2 held in City Council Chambers Remaining Public Hearing and Events Schedule
The proposed schedule for the remainder of the districting process includes tentative dates to hold additional community outreach events, public hearings, and other relevant actions required under the safe harbor provisions. This tentative schedule was developed to be as transparent and informative as possible given the 90-day restriction to complete the process. Should the potential plaintiff decide to negotiate terms of an agreement to extend the period of time for this transition, a revised schedule would be brought back to the City Council at a future date.
• June 9, 2026: 3rd Public Hearing
o Receive presentation and public input on draft maps and potential sequence of elections
• June 16, 2026: 4th Public Hearing
o Additional public input on draft maps and sequence of elections, Council to select final map
• July 7, 2026:5th Public Hearing
o Approve final map, sequence of elections, and Ordinance to change to District-Based Elections
• July 21, 2026: Adopt Ordinance
o Adopt the Ordinance to change to District-Based Elections
ANALYSIS
Before drawing a draft map or maps of the proposed boundaries of the districts, the City was required to hold two public hearings to receive public input regarding the composition of districts. These hearings were held on May 5 and May 19, 2026.
Coinciding with a community workshop held on May 12, a district mapping tool was launched on the City’s website at www.elcerrito.gov/districts. This interactive tool allows members of the El Cerrito community to provide input by submitting their own maps for consideration. A printable map to draw lines and submit to the City was also made available. In addition, community members are able to submit a “Community of Interests Form” for consideration in drawing district boundaries.
Following the second public hearing that was held on May 19, and direction from the City Council to proceed with 5 districts, the City’s demographer began the process to review all of the community feedback received, as well as the required criteria outlined below to prepare draft maps for consideration by the community and City Council.
Agenda Packet Page 5 of 45
Agenda Item No. 2.A.
On June 2, 2026, the City published three draft maps created by Redistricting Partners to the City's Districting webpage to make them available to the public for review in advance of this third hearing. Also posted on the City's website by or on that date, were twenty-one maps that were submitted by members of the public as well as three Community of Interest Forms received by that date.
The format for this third public hearing will include the City’s demographer presenting information on specific criteria required in determining district boundaries, reviewing public input and maps received, and presenting draft maps for consideration.
Part of this process is to encourage public input and Council discussion by providing several different distinct maps to consider. After taking public testimony, the City Council is asked to provide feedback on the preferred draft map(s) and any changes to be made. The demographer will take that direction and refine the proposed map(s), which will be considered during the fourth public hearing, scheduled for June 16, 2026.
District Formation Criteria
In creating the district boundaries, the City must ensure compliance with the following criteria mandated by the CVRA and the Federal Voting Rights Act:
• Each district must contain a nearly equal population; • The districting plan must be drawn in a manner that complies with the Federal Voting Rights Act and the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution; and, • The districts must not be drawn with race as the predominant factor.
Additionally, Election Code section 21130 requires cities to adopt districts using the following criteria to the extent practicable, which are set forth in order of priority:
• Districts shall be geographically contiguous.
• To the extent practicable, the geographic integrity of any local neighborhood or local community of interest must be respected and maintained. A “community of Interest” is a population that shares common social or economic interests that should be included within a single district for purposes of its effective and fair representation.
• District boundaries should be easily identifiable and understandable. To the extent practicable, districts shall be bounded by natural and artificial barriers, by streets, or by the boundaries of the jurisdiction.
• To the extent practicable, and where it does not conflict with the preceding criteria, districts shall be drawn to encourage geographical compactness.
The City's demographer will present maps that comply with these criteria.
Agenda Packet Page 6 of 45
Agenda Item No. 2.A.
Next Steps
Following the third public hearing, the demographer will take direction provided by the City Council and refine the proposed map(s) for consideration by the community and City Council.
In addition to the drawing and consideration of maps, the City Council also must determine the order of elections – that is, which two or three districts will be on the ballot in November of 2028, and which remaining districts will be on the ballot in November of 2030, as staggered terms are required under state law. The City is required to provide examples of district numbers and sequencing of elections, so examples are provided in this presentation, with odd number districts up for election in 2028 and even number districts up for election in 2030. Following Council direction on this matter, the final numbering and sequencing of district elections may be adjusted.
The City will continue to conduct community outreach efforts to solicit feedback and input on the draft maps and sequence of elections and continue refining the draft maps at a fourth public hearing, scheduled for June 16, 2026 at 6:15 PM with a goal of selecting a final map to put forward for approval at the fifth public hearing, scheduled for July 7, 2026.
Public Outreach
In addition to the formal public hearing process, the City is continuing to implement a robust effort to encourage participation and inclusivity as a part of the districting process, including:
• Hosting a dedicated page for districting on the City’s website at www.elcerrito.gov/districts, which includes information on the districting process, how to provide public input, upcoming public hearings and community events, documents and details of past actions, draft maps and community input submissions.
• Utilizing an interactive online tool for community members to easily submit input on communities of interest and potential district boundaries, in addition to providing paper-based options for submitting feedback.
• Conducting in-person outreach around the community, at the Community Center (June 10, 2026), and at the annual City of El Cerrito/worldOne July 4th Festival (July 4, 2026).
• Translating key outreach collateral and documents, including frequently asked questions and instructions on how to provide input, into Spanish and Chinese (Simplified), the two most commonly spoken languages in El Cerrito other than English.
• Using a variety of public communication channels to engage members of the community and solicit feedback throughout the development of potential maps and the transition to district-based elections, including social media, enewsletters, and other City outreach channels.
Agenda Packet Page 7 of 45
Agenda Item No. 2.A.
STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
This action supports the City’s Strategic Plan Goal(s) of:
• High Performing Organization; and
• Livability and Belonging.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
This section is not applicable to this agenda item.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
There are no financial considerations or action required for this hearing. Costs associated with holding the hearing are covered under the funds appropriated by the City Council to complete the transition process.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved of this item and all actions are in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Reviewed by:
Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:
1. Presentation
2. Supplemental Materials (posted 6/9/2026)
Agenda Packet Page 8 of 45
Third Public hearing
June 9, 2026
Agenda Packet Page 9 of 45
What is the CVRA?
The California Voting Rights Act is a state law that
prohibits the use of At Large Election Systems in local government if there is Racially Polarized Voting.
“At Large” is defined as anything other than a system in which an elected official lives in a district, and is only elected by members of that district. Does not include “multi-member” districts.
Districts are being drawn under this expedited process, but will not be done in time for the 2026 election. The first election under these lines will be in 2028.
2 Agenda Packet Page 10 of 45
Required Redistricting Criteria
There are a number of criteria that are required under the FAIR MAPS Act (ranked):
• Relatively equal size - people, not citizens
• Contiguous – districts should not hop/jump
• Maintain “communities of interest”
• Easily identifiable and understandable lines,
following natural and man-made boundaries
• Keep districts compact – appearance/function
Traditional redistricting principles used throughout the country and written into state law
3 Agenda Packet Page 11 of 45
The FAIR MAPS Act adds more criteria to the process.
• Not consider Incumbents / Candidates.
• Not draw districts to advantage or disadvantage a political party.
• Hold minimum set of hearings, encourage public engagement. • Posting of all districting/redistricting information on a website that is maintained for the next 10 years.
Additional Redistricting Rules
Criteria required beyond Traditional Principles
4 Agenda Packet Page 12 of 45
Online Mapping Tool
https://www.udrawthelines.com/
5 Agenda Packet Page 13 of 45
Public Submissions
6 Dozens of maps drawn on
Districtr Tool with a variety
of different layouts and
prioritizing different
communities of interest. - San Pablo Corridor - Downtown/Urban Density - School District Areas - Hillsides/Open Space/Fire - Other Criteria Agenda Packet Page 14 of 45
Public Submissions
7 Agenda Packet Page 15 of 45
Public Submissions
8 Agenda Packet Page 16 of 45
Public Submissions
9 Agenda Packet Page 17 of 45
Public Submissions
10 Agenda Packet Page 18 of 45
Public Submissions
11 Agenda Packet Page 19 of 45
Public Submissions
12 Agenda Packet Page 20 of 45
Public Submissions
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Public Submissions
14 Agenda Packet Page 22 of 45
Draft Maps
15 Agenda Packet Page 23 of 45
Draft Maps: Draft A
• Total Population Deviation: 5.5%
• Based on School District
Attendance Areas
• Compact Shapes
• Maintains Hillside Area
Agenda Packet Page 24 of 45
17 Agenda Packet Page 25 of 45
18 Agenda Packet Page 26 of 45
Draft Maps: Draft B
• Total Population Deviation: 4%
• Eastern Hills Together
• Compact Shapes
• Easily Understood
Agenda Packet Page 27 of 45
20 Agenda Packet Page 28 of 45
21 Agenda Packet Page 29 of 45
Draft Maps: Draft C
• Total Population Deviation: 5%
• Creates Hillside District
• San Pablo Corridor Seat
• Follows major streets
• Compact (except for Dist 5)
Agenda Packet Page 30 of 45
23 Agenda Packet Page 31 of 45
24 Agenda Packet Page 32 of 45
City of El Cerrito
First two public hearings devoted to community of interest testimony gathering and education on districting process Public Hearing Schedule
May 5, 2026 First public hearing
May 19, 2025 Second public hearing
June 9, 2026 Third public hearing (first maps hearing)
June 16, 2026 Fourth public hearing
July 7, 2026 Fifth public hearing (vote on maps)
25 Agenda Packet Page 33 of 45
Public Maps: FAIR MAPS Act Assessment
Districtr ID: 113 (“0.29% population deviation”) Date of submission: 6/8/2026
0.3% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Submitter notes: “I just wanted to see how close to zero percent I could get. ” Districtr ID: 111 (“Equal Population 2026”) Date of submission: 6/6/2026
0.7% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Districtr ID: 109 (“Balanced San Pablo plan”) Date of submission: 6/5/2026
1.5% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Submitter notes: “1.52% deviation! D1, 3, 4: distinct hillside central neighborhoods, single family homes w shared wildfire, evacuation, slope, vegetation issues. D2: San Pablo Ave community, uniting those w interest in del Norte BART, City Hall, renters, small business, parking. D5: Plaza BART area - commercial redevelopment, high-density housing, Fairmount neighborhood.
Boundaries are similar to school zones but not identical. Natural boundaries major streets. Racial ethnic communities not fragmented” Agenda Packet Page 34 of 45
2 | Page
Districtr ID: 105 (“equal population. One distict high Asian”) Date of submission: 6/3/2026
2.2% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Districtr ID: 104 (“Draft C”) Date of submission: 6/2/2026
5.4% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Submitter notes: “Gives an option of maintaining the San Pablo Corridor while also maintaining the area southwest of the freeway.”
Districtr ID: 103 (“Draft B”) Date of submission: 6/2/2026
3.9% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Submitter notes: “Maintaining the hills on the eastern side of the City.” Agenda Packet Page 35 of 45
3 | Page
Districtr ID: 99 (“Draft A”) Date of submission: 6/2/2026
5.6% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Submitter notes: “Based on school zones”
Districtr ID: 89 Date of submission: 5/27/2026
2.2% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Districtr ID: 88 Date of submission: 5/27/2026
2.7% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Agenda Packet Page 36 of 45
4 | Page
Districtr ID: 84 Date of submission: 5/26/2026
4.2% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Submitter notes: “Two districts are made to include residents most affected by noise from transit (freeway, BART...). Each of these is centered around one BART station, with Moeser as the dividing line. One district captures the Richmond Complete Streets Project area. The Hillside Natural Area, Motorcycle Hill, and Madera Open Space are kept together.”
Districtr ID: 83 Date of submission: 5/26/2026
7.8% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Submitter notes: “Two districts are made to include residents most affected by noise from transit (freeway, BART...). Each of these is centered around one BART station, with Moeser as the dividing line. Three districts are divided approximately north/south in the hills.”
Districtr ID: 80 (“East/West split”) Date of submission: 5/26/2026
2.2% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Submitter notes: “split based on east/west lines”
Agenda Packet Page 37 of 45
5 | Page
Districtr ID: 79 (“North South split”) Date of submission: 5/26/2026
1.0% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Submitter notes: “Districts split based on true North/South lines with 1.02% pop deviation.”
Districtr ID: 75 Date of submission: 5/22/2026
2.1% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Districtr ID: 73 (“east to west”) Date of submission: 5/22/2026
7.1% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Agenda Packet Page 38 of 45
6 | Page
Districtr ID: 70 (“All Districts Representative”) Date of submission: 5/21/2026
3.4% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Submitter notes: “A map where every district contains part of the key different geographies that divide the city. San Pablo corridor, flats, and hills. ” Districtr ID: 68 (“2026”) Date of submission: 5/21/2026
2.2% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Submitter notes: “Equal population, compact, multifamily grouped, denser together”
Districtr ID: 67 Date of submission: 5/20/2026
3.1% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
- Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Agenda Packet Page 39 of 45
7 | Page
Districtr ID: 65 Date of submission: 5/20/2026
1.6% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Districtr ID: 60 (“SPASP growth expectation”) Date of
submission: 5/20/2026
3.3% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Submitter notes: “The two districts containing the San Pablo Ave. Specific Plan (SPASP) development area intentionally including less population in this map tool because the 2020 census data is probably already under-counting these areas, based on recent developments, and they are expected to grow much faster than other areas. This bias should probably be even greater to avoid having to update the districts to re-balance for equal population in just a few years, based on expected development patterns.”
Districtr ID: 58 (“Minority-opportunity district”) Date of submission: 5/17/2026
3.6% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
- Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Submitter notes: “Assembles a district designed to give a minority community a realistic opportunity to elect its preferred candidate.” Agenda Packet Page 40 of 45
8 | Page
Districtr ID: 57 (“Anchored in Parks and BART”) Date of submission: 5/17/2026
4.9% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Submitter notes: “Districts drawn anchored by transit plazas and parks” Districtr ID: 54 Date of submission: 5/16/2026
4.9% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Districtr ID: 52 Date of submission: 5/16/2026
7.0% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Agenda Packet Page 41 of 45
9 | Page
Districtr ID: 50 Date of submission: 5/16/2026
1.1% Total Deviation
4 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Demographer notes: Four District Plan
Districtr ID: 48 Date of submission: 5/16/2026
9.9% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Districtr ID: 47 (“A watershed moment”) Date of submission: 5/15/2026
7.0% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Submitter notes: “This attempts to somewhat follow the water shed of the creeks of el cerrito”
Agenda Packet Page 42 of 45
10 | Page
Districtr ID: 45 Date of submission: 5/15/2026
7.0% Total Deviation
5 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Submitter notes: “purple gets hills on the north, weird bright green gets the half the flats and base of the hills, gold gets south flats and hill base, blue gets downtown business district and weird dark green gets the hills who have less people, but they got money so they'll manage”
Districtr ID: 37 (“Hills / High Fire Danger and San Pablo”) Date of submission: 5/13/2026
3.8% Total Deviation
4 Number of Seats
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and identify?
Compact?
Submitter notes: “Initial Effort to include Hills / High Fire Danger and San Pablo Corridor”
Agenda Packet Page 43 of 45
CITY HALL 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Telephone (510) 215-4305 Fax (510) 215-4379 http://www.elcerrito.gov
SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA MATERIALS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 9, 2026
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:15 PM)
Agenda Item No. 2.A. – Third Public Hearing on Transition to District-Based Elections – Presentation of Initial Draft Maps and Sequence of Elections
Public Comments
Agenda Packet Page 44 of 45
Allow sender | Block sender
From: Betty Buginas
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public comment on special meeting June 9, 2026 item 2a Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 6:14:54 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.
Of the three professionally prepared maps, C best fulfills the intent of the law. (Two maps submitted by community members, 67 and 58, appear similar, but I have not compared the details of the three maps so I have no thoughts on that.)
Although district 5 is not compact, it represents a distinct population that’s near San Pablo Ave and the bus routes and has a high concentration of apartments.
District 3 represents the hilliest area, which has its own challenges. In addition to the steep grades, it tends to have narrow streets, some without sidewalks, and is at greater risk from wildfire.
Districts 1 and 2 represent two opposite ends of town. District 1 is most impacted by any changes around Del Norte BART. Its residents might feel that anything located in the Plaza area would be too far away from them, while District 2 is going to feel the impact of the major changes to the make up of their neighborhood from the Plaza BART transit oriented development, including increased parking demand and traffic congestion.
District 4 represents the center of the city and would be most impacted by anything that happens around the Community Center/Cerrito Vista Park area and includes a big chunk of Richmond Street and there’s a lot of concern about the changes being made there.
The division also does a good job of making sure that concerns about earthquakes, slides, and flood risk are represented.
These districts do a good job of ensuring that different viewpoints on important issues in the city will be represented.
I don’t think the districts should follow the school attendance boundaries since those were created based on very different criteria.
Hopefully, if the person representing a particular area can articulate the concerns of their neighborhood other council members will be sympathetic to those concerns because of course one vote is not enough to get anything done.
Betty Buginas
El Cerrito
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