MEMORANDUM

TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Karen Pinkos, City Manager DATE: September 19, 2019 SUBJECT: City Manager’s Update

At this week’s City Council meeting we heard a wonderful presentation from our EC STARS, the students in our annual summer internship program for students from El Cerrito High School in partnership with the West Contra Costa Unified School District. This is our seventh year working with ECHS on this program and, once again, we had a fantastic group of interns. I’ve noticed over the years that one of the best outcomes of this program is that not only do the students benefit, but so does our City team, from the quality of work we receive and allowing staff to have the experience of working with, and teaching, new talent. It is always a joy for me to work with students. I’m particularly proud of our intern in the City Manager’s office, Michelle Li, who wrote an article about her and her colleagues’ experience in the current edition of the City’s News and Views Newsletter. Congratulations to this year’s EC STARS…I can’t wait to see what you will do next!

I want to thank the Kensington Fire Protection District Board for their partnership as they and the City Council recently signed an extension of our agreement to provide Fire services to the Kensington community. Our agreement is a model for success, and benefits all residents, businesses, and visitors of El Cerrito and Kensington. To celebrate, everyone is invited to attend the Kensington Fire Protection District’s annual Fire Prevention Week Open House on Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Kensington Fire Station, 217 Arlington Avenue. This year, the Board Members of the District and the Council will honor the partnership between Kensington and El Cerrito with a celebratory cake cutting at 11 a.m. The Open House will be fun for all ages, with lots of safety information on hand, 24-hour emergency kits, fire hats for the kids, and of course…firefighters! I looked forward to seeing the community at the Open House!

Karen Pinkos City Manager City of El Cerrito

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• CITY MANAGEMENT • PUBLIC WORKS • EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES • RECREATION • COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT • UPCOMING EVENTS • FIRE • PERSONNEL UPDATES • POLICE • ATTACHMENTS/FLYERS

CITY MANAGEMENT

Measure H - Improve and Maintain El Cerrito Parks and Recreation Facilities Measure H (the renewal of Measure A) will be on the special November 2019 ballot to continue a dedicated funding source—at the current rates with no increases—to improve and maintain our parks and recreation facilities and programming space.

Measure A was originally passed in 2000 and rebuilt and renovated the El Cerrito Swim Center; rehabilitated Canyon Trail Clubhouse; improved access and renovated the restrooms at Harding, Huber, and Poinsett Park clubhouses; and funded capital improvements at the Swim Center over the years, including the installation of the Splash Park, new heaters, landscape improvements, and energy efficiency upgrades. We are happy that we were able to accomplish these projects with this dedicated funding. Now, there are new goals, projects, and ongoing needs to meet community expectations for the City’s park and recreational facilities, which are essential to providing high quality services.

Measure H, if passed by voters, would extend Measure A at the current rates, which is $58.46 per year for single-family homes (other rates for other property types), so the City could continue to fund maintenance and improvements at our parks and recreation facilities as detailed in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which are essential to providing high quality services. These funds would be restricted only for the maintenance and enhancement of El Cerrito’s parks and recreation facilities, as described in the Master Plan.

More information on the ballot measure can be found at el-cerrito.org/2019Measure and anyone with questions can contact City Clerk Holly Charléty at [email protected] cerrito.ca.us.

Several Opportunities to Volunteer for your Community The City has several vacancies on Boards and Commissions, including two vacancies on the Human Relations Commission, one vacancy on the Design Review Board, and one vacancy on the Arts and Culture Commission. Boards and Commissions are directly responsible to the City Council and fill advisory and/or quasi-judicial roles. Commissions are composed of citizens, while members of boards are selected for their special expertise. For more information on these and other current vacancies, please visit www.el-cerrito.org/commissions. Applications can be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. For more information, please contact the City Clerk at 510- 215-4305. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE (CONT’D)

New City Hall Gallery Space Exhibit The Arts & Culture Commission is pleased to announce the new exhibit in the City Hall Gallery Space is “Apron Stories” by former El Cerrito Creative ReUse artist in residence Sandy Drobny.

Next time you are at City Hall, come upstairs and check it out! The show features aprons woven with repurposed plastic shopping bags and created by the artist. The exhibit is open until September 27, 2019.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The City is pleased to offer the following employment opportunities:

Childcare Aide (Temporary/Seasonal) Childcare Teacher (Part-Time Summer and School Year) Police Cadet (Part-Time) Police Officer - Lateral and Academy Graduate Police Officer – Reserve Van Driver (Part-Time) Water Fitness Instructor (Aquatics Specialist II)

Apply today at www.el-cerrito.org/jobs

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The Community Development Department welcomes two new staff members. Toni Casados is our new Administrative Clerk Specialist. She supports a variety of programs, with a focus on the rent registry, business licenses and residential parking permits. Toni brings over 10 years of customer service experience to the City.

Yvette Madrid-Martinez is serving as our new Permit Technician. Yvette supports the Building Division by assisting customers though all stages of the building permit process. Yvette brings a rich background with experience in customer service and the construction industry.

Both Toni and Yvette share a passion for customer service and a desire to serve the residents and businesses of El Cerrito.

FIRE

Tri-City Safety Day The El Cerrito Fire Department will be hosting the annual Tri-City Safety Day on September 21 from 11 a m. to 3 p.m. at the El Cerrito Plaza in front of Lucky’s. Everyone is invited to see a display of emergency vehicles and equipment from El Cerrito, Richmond, Albany and Kensington as well as talk with the police officers and firefighters.

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Many other agencies will have tables with information. Children can also experience the Fire Safety Trailer (repeats every 30 minutes) to learn fire safety tips in the house. Plus, watch a demonstration of the "Jaws of Life."

State Fire Season Activity The 2019 fire season is in full swing with numerous fires burning across the state. Most of the fires in Northern have been caused by dry lightning storms.

Earlier this month, Battalion Chief Jose Castrejon was deployed with a strike team of five engines from Contra Costa County to the Red Bank Fire near Red Bluff. The fire is now 95% contained with about 8,900 acres consumed. Fortunately, only 2 structures were destroyed. Captain Chris Renshaw was also deployed as a fire line medic with numerous crews and is responsible for treating injuries and arranging for their extrication to the hospital.

Battalion Chief Kevin Janes was deployed to in Plumas County near the Nevada border. This fire, while currently at almost 50,000 acres, is not threatening any structures at this point.

Both the Red Bank Fire and the Walker Fire fires are in very steep and isolated areas. Since the fire season started, there have been a total of 180 fires statewide. Over 10 acres have burned for a total loss of 134,000 acres and 37 structures damaged or destroyed. None of these fires have resulted in a loss of life.

Vegetation Management & Abatement The Fire Prevention Division continues to inspect properties in the City for compliance with the City’s Vegetation Management Ordinance. This year has been extremely critical with the number of citations at slightly less than 1,000 parcels and over 200 failed re- inspections. Due to the number of citations, we pushed the Cost Hearing back to the October 15 meeting. Inspections and abatement will continue through the next month and a presentation will be made at the October 15 meeting.

Welcome to the Fire Department Joel Ferreira-Clifton started as a probationary firefighter on Sunday, September 15. Joel has worked for the Mill Department and Marin Departments. He has an extensive fire background, as well as spending his time working on restoring cars. Joel will be a great asset to the Fire Department.

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POLICE

Get Ready! Be Ready! Wildfire Evacuation Guide The El Cerrito & Kensington wildfire preparedness and evacuation guide has been sent to every home and business in El Cerrito and Kensington. The booklet is designed to help you protect your family, home, and neighborhoods as we approach wildfire season. Please review the information in the packet and commit to improving your ability to withstand a wildfire or other emergency.

Register with the Contra Costa County Community Warning System Please take a moment to register your cell phone with the Contra Costa County Community Warning System (CWS). CWS will alert you when life-threatening incidents, like wildfire or power shutdowns, occur. cwsalerts.com

Swearing In, Promotion, and Awards Ceremony On August 24, the Police Department held a Swearing In, Promotion and Awards Ceremony. The department welcomed new volunteers and employees. Officers Danielle Hernandez, Talvinder Singh and Mark Conner and Records Specialist Frances Nubla swore their oaths of office. Stephanie Ware was recognized for her promotion to Police Corporal and Officer Humberto Rivera was recognized with the Distinguished Service award for his life-saving intervention with a suicidal person.

Community Engagement Activities On September 7, the El Cerrito Royale celebrated Grandparents Day. The Police Department hosted a booth and talked with grandchildren at the event. The same morning, a contingent of Police Officers attended the memorial service for Police Volunteer David Ponti, who passed away on August 25.

The Police Department also hosted a “Back to School Water Play” event at Arlington Park on September 8. Community kids swarmed the park and played capture the flag against Police Officers and Explorers. A Hawaiian ice truck was on hand to provide refreshments. Check out El Cerrito Police on Instagram to see photos of the event.

PUBLIC WORKS

Promotion - Public Works The Public Works Department is excited to announce the promotion of Eddie Nodal to Administrative Clerk - Specialist in the Operations + Environmental Services Division. Eddie has worked for the City of El Cerrito for more than 10 years, most recently working at the Recycling + Environmental Resources Center in various roles, including

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Administrative Clerk and Forklift Operator, and has close to 20 years of customer service experience. In his new role, he will support the Maintenance team at the Corporation Yard and will be responding to inquiries from the public regarding maintenance of City facilities and infrastructure as well as various City programs.

El Cerrito Receives Statewide Beacon Award for Sustainability This year, El Cerrito is receiving a Beacon Award from the Institute for Local Government, honoring the City’s commitment to sustainability and demonstrated environmental achievements. The Beacon Award recognizes an agency’s holistic approach to addressing climate change by fulfilling five elements relating to sustainability. Beacon Spotlight Awards recognize agencies that excel in one or more of the five elements individually. Last year, the City received three Spotlight awards, honoring El Cerrito’s substantial reductions in the City’s natural gas use and energy use, as well as significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across the community. This year, the City has met the other two elements, by demonstrating significant reductions in the City’s municipal greenhouse gas emissions and for demonstrating overall sustainability best practices. As a result, the City is receiving the prestigious statewide Beacon Award!

The Spotlight awards and the full Beacon Award recognize the leadership of the City of El Cerrito in taking actions to address climate change. A brochure highlighting El Cerrito's Sustainability Best Practices can be found at el-cerrito.org/newgreen.

For more information, please contact [email protected] or (510) 525-7622.

Clean Water Program Annual Report At the end of August, Public Works staff submitted the 2018-19 Annual Report for the City’s Clean Water Program to the Contra Costa County Clean Water Program (CCCWP) and ultimately the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Board). The report highlighted El Cerrito’s continued efforts to meet and exceed the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit. Notable highlights included:

• The City’s robust public outreach and education campaign through more than 20 newsletter articles and events • Numerous completed and proposed development projects that are being reviewed and monitored for compliance; and • The city-wide implementation of trash capture devices.

For example, the report showed that through the City’s installation of 157 trash capture devices, source control measures (e.g. El Cerrito’s single-use bag ban), and regular cleanups, El Cerrito was able to claim a 92% reduction in the trash load. In addition, the City implemented two major Clean Water Program initiatives in this reporting period, including the development and submittal of a Green Infrastructure Plan, and the approval and implementation of a program to manage PCBs in the building demolition process. Every year this report highlights the significant efforts undertaken by the City to meet the requirements of our permit through public outreach, municipal operations,

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trash reduction, green infrastructure, illicit discharge detection and elimination, and new development and construction review. For more information, please contact the City’s Clean Water Program Coordinator, Will Provost, at [email protected] or (510) 525-7622.

Compost Giveaway Twice each year, the City offers free compost that was created using local yard waste and food scraps, to residents. The program, which recently ran from August 24 to August 30, offered 5 cubic feet of compost to each household. During that time, the El Cerrito Recycling + Environmental Resource Center provided more than 20 cubic yards of compost to more than 100 residents. For more information about the compost giveaway, please contact [email protected] or (510) 559-7686.

Canyon Trail Clubhouse Improvements In August, Public Works Staff completed work, in coordination with the Recreation Department and Prospect Sierra School, to improve the Canyon Trail Clubhouse facility to be capable of housing daily educational programs for children. The improved facility and new partnership will enable the City to offer improved services to all community members.

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RECREATION

Fall Youth Sports The Recreation Department is offering a variety of youth sports this Fall season. New sessions of popular programs such as Gymnastics, Swim Team, and Girls Volleyball began in early September. New athletic programs are also being offered this month, including Quick Start Tennis at Cerrito Vista Park and Girls Basketball Group Training at Korematsu Middle School. There have already been over 400 enrollments in the youth sports programs being offered between September and December 2020.

Fall Swim Lessons Begin August 29 was the last day of Swim Lessons for the Summer 2019 season. After a weeklong break, Fall Swim Lessons began Saturday September 7. Fall Swim Lessons run on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. through October 24.

The Fall rECguide is Here!

Check out the Fall rECguide online at https://www.el-cerrito.org/656/Recreation- Brochure and register for fall classes, trips and programs today at www.el-cerrito.org/onlinereg or at one of our office locations (El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane or Midtown Activity Center, 10940 San Pablo Ave).

Environmental Awareness Art & Essay Contest: A Creative Challenge for Teens The El Cerrito Recreation Department will host its first annual Environmental Art & Essay Contest this fall. The contest invites teens who live in or go to school in El Cerrito to explore the theme “The Most Important Step to Reducing our Environmental Footprint” and transform their ideas into impactful art or writing pieces. A workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 9, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. during which contestants can brainstorm the theme, pick up supplies, start their project, and/or get help with outlining and proofreading.

Submissions will be accepted September 25 through October 30, and the winner will be announced at the Art & Essay Showcase on Friday, November 15. Winners will receive prizes including $50 Visa gift cards, museum passes, whale watching tours and more! For more information or entry details visit el-cerrito.org/1373/Environmental-Art-Essay- Contest. See flyer below.

The contest is being sponsored by the El Cerrito Environmental Quality Committee and the El Cerrito Arts and Culture Commission.

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Monthly 50+ Bulletin Check out the monthly 50+ Bulletin for ongoing and upcoming activities and programs for adults that take place at the Midtown Activity Center and Hana Gardens Senior Center. Available online at www.el-cerrito.org/50Plus or at the Midtown Activity Center (10940 San Pablo Ave). See schedule below.

Subscribe & Follow For up to date information on all the happenings brought to you by the El Cerrito Recreation Department, please subscribe to our email newsletter rECnews at www.el- cerrito.org/recreation. Follow us: Instagram - @ecrecreation | Facebook - @ecrecreation | Twitter - @ElCerritoREC

EL CERRITO LIBRARY

Project Second Chance Adult Literacy Program Project Second Chance, Contra Costa County Library’s adult literacy program, offers free literacy tutoring to adults struggling with basic reading and writing skills at public locations throughout the county, including the El Cerrito Library. Tutoring is conducted by trained community volunteers who meet one-on-one with their students for an hour and a half, twice a week.

Several prospective tutor orientation sessions will be held this fall. No teaching experience or degrees are required; good tutors are empathetic, patient, able to give clear directions, and willing to learn new skills themselves. For more information about enrolling in Project Second Chance as a student or becoming a tutor, visit ccclib.org/psc or call (925) 927-3250.

UPCOMING EVENTS

 October 2 (Wednesday) – Senior Resource Fair, 9:30am-11:30am Location: El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito Contact: Bridget Cooney, [email protected], (510) 559-7677, www.el-cerrito.org Get the latest information about transportation, housing, health & wellness, city & county services, volunteer opportunities and more! There will be a presentation, “Don’t Get Scammed!” at 10:45am. This is a FREE event with door prizes. FREE lunch while supplies last. FREE Easy Ride for this event available to El Cerrito residents ages 65+.

 October 3 (Thursday) - East Bay SunShares Workshop, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Loca�on: El Cerrito City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Avenue Contact: sunshares@bc3s�ay.org, bayareasunshares.org, or (510) 525-7622 To register for the workshop, community members can sign up at elcerritosunsharesworkshop.eventbrite.com.

 October 3 (Thursday) – El Cerrito Plaza: BART Transit Oriented Development Community Open House, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Location: Hana Gardens Senior Center, 10870 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito Contact: bart.gov/about/business/tod/el-cerrito-plaza The City of El Cerrito and BART are in the early stages of planning a transit-oriented, mixed-use

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development at El Cerrito Plaza BART Station. BART staff will be on hand to answer questions related to the development process and talk about issues related to parking, transportation, and access.

 October 5 (Saturday) - Fall Citywide Garage Sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location: Various locations around El Cerrito Contact: [email protected] or (510) 559-7686 Keep waste out of the landfill while discovering your community and finding great deals. Visit el- cerrito.org/garagesale for sale locations.

 October 7 through 25 - City Hall Gallery Space Exhibit Loca�on: El Cerrito City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Ave The Gallery Space will host an exhibit on the early days of Creedence Clearwater Revival, the most famous band to ever come out of El Cerrito, which will feature items such as ar�s�cally- designed album covers, posters, and other promo�onal material and photographs. A recep�on will be held on Friday, October 11 at 7pm; the recep�on is free and open to the public.

 October 12 (Saturday) - Litquake at the Library, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Loca�on: El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave Contact: Alison Peters, (510) 526-7512, [email protected]; ccclib.evanced.info San Francisco's Litquake comes to El Cerrito, in honor of the event's 20th anniversary. Former El Cerrito Poet Laureate Maw Shein Win will host an evening of readings by local poet laureates, current and former, to include: Ciera-Jevae Gordon, Richmond (current); Maw Shein Win, El Cerrito (former); Dani Gabriel, El Cerrito (current); Lisa Rosenberg, San Mateo County (former); Aileen Casinetto, San Mateo County (current); and Rebecca Black, Albany (current).

 October 13 (Sunday) - Creedence Clearwater Revival Event, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Loca�on: El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane Contact: elcerritohistoricalsociety.org Alec Palao will discuss the quartet’s local background and their appren�ceship as the Blue Velvets, Visions, Golliwogs, and finally Creedence, using rare visuals and audio, along with insights gleaned during his extensive work on the group’s catalog. Presented by the El Cerrito Historical Society. Refreshments served.

 October 13 (Sunday) – El Cerrito Rotary’s Sip & Savor Fundraiser, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Location: Berkeley Country Club, 7901 Cutting Blvd., El Cerrito Contact: Sarah DiBenedetto, [email protected], (510) 559-7001, el-cerrito.org/sipandsavor We are excited to announce that the El Cerrito Recreation Department David Hunter Memorial Scholarship Fund has been selected as a beneficiary of the El Cerrito Rotary’s Sip & Savor event. Enjoy a delightful afternoon of Sips & Savors from around the Bay: wineries, spirits, breweries, artisan breads & cheeses, olive oil & vinaigrette, gourmet dips, chocolates, desserts, BBQ Tri-Tip and more!

 October 22 (Tuesday) – Mystery Week Writer’s Panel, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Location: El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. To celebrate Mystery Week, El Cerrito Library hosts a panel of writers from Mystery Writers of America, NorCal Chapter! Local authors, including Mark Coggins, S.A. Lelchuk, Gigi Pandian, Terry Shames, and Kelli Stanley, will speak on the joys, foils, and foibles of writing mysteries, with UC Berkeley librarian Randal Brandt.

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 October 23 (Wednesday) – Spooky Stories Writing Workshop for Teens & Tweens 23, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Location: El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. Do spooky, scary, suspenseful tales enchant and excite you? Would you like to create some of your own? Come fill the page with tales of ghosts, haunted houses, witches, goblins, zombies, and other supernatural phenomena and "curious incidents." Thrills and chills will inspire our creative journey! For teens and tweens ages 10-18. Registration recommended.

 October 26 (Saturday) - Halloween FestiFall, 10:30 a m to 5 p.m. Location: El Cerrito Community Center & Swim Center, 7007 Moeser Lane Contact: [email protected], (510) 559-7000, http://www.el- cerrito.org/821/Halloween This year’s Halloween FestiFall will feature a Carnival, Haunted House, and Trunk-or-Treat which will run 12:00PM-5:00PM and will include a Food Truck, Face Painting and Bounce House. New this year is our Pumpkin Splash from 10:30- 11:30am in the Recreation Pool (no water slide) and Splash Park. Cost: Just the Pumpkin Splash OR just the Carnival/Haunted House is $7.00 per person. "All In" (Splash, Haunted House, & Carnival) is $10.00 per person. Face Painting $4.00 cheek/$6.00 face.

 October 26 (Saturday) - El Cerrito Free Folk Fes�val, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Loca�on: El Cerrito High School, 540 Ashbury Ave. The El Cerrito Art and Culture Commission is proud to once again co-sponsor this all-day festival presented by the San Francisco Folk Music Club. The festival offers two stages of music performances, music and dance workshops, a family program and spaces for spontaneous jams. Join in to listen, learn, play and enjoy performances and workshops from world-renowned and local musicians alike. The festival is free and open to the public. Visit elcerritofolkfest.org for more details. This event is sponsored by the El Cerrito Arts and Culture Commission.

 October 30 (Wednesday) – HICAP 2020 (Medicare Counseling), 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Location: Hana Gardens Senior Center, 10870 San Pablo Ave. Contact: Mark Deleon, [email protected], (510)559-7677, el-cerrito.org/282/Special- Events-Talks Are you in a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare HMO in Contra Costa County? Have you gotten a notice that your plan may be changing or leaving the area? Did you get a mailer in tiny print from your Medicare drug plan about next year and wonder what it means? Registered HICAP Medicare counselors will present plan changes for 2020. HICAP is a volunteer-based program that provides impartial third-party information. It is sponsored by the federal Administration for Community Living, the California Department of Aging, and the Contra Costa County Area Agency on Aging. This talk is co-sponsored by the Rossmoor Office of Counseling Services. No Selling. Just help. For more information about HICAP visit the website at cchicap.org.

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PERSONNEL UPDATES

New Hires Toni Casados, Administrative Clerk - Specialist Yvette Madrid-Martinez, Permit Technician Joel Ferreira-Clifton, Probationary Firefighter

Promotion Eddie Nodal to Administrative Clerk - Specialist

ATTACHMENTS

• Boards, Commissions, and Committees Vacancies • September 50+ Schedule • Senior Resource Fair • Environmental Awareness Art & Essay Contest: A Creative Challenge for Teens • Halloween FestiFall • Creedence Clearwater Talk

September 19, 2019 Page 12 of 12 Back to the Top VACANCIES ON EL CERRITO’S BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION (1 Vacancy) C. C. MOSQUITO & VECTOR CONTROL DIST. (1 Vacancy) COMMITTEE ON AGING (4 Vacancies) CRIME PREVENTION COMMITTEE (10 Vacancies) DESIGN REVIEW BOARD (1 Vacancy) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (7 Vacancies) HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION (2 Vacancies) URBAN FOREST COMMITTEE (8 Vacancies)

The El Cerrito City Council is seeking applicants interested in serving on its Boards, Commissions and Committees. There are several opportunities for El Cerrito residents to serve their community. If you are interested in volunteering, please submit an application to the City Clerk, 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530. Vacancy information and the application form may be obtained by contacting the City Clerk at 215-4305 or by downloading the application form from the City’s website at http://www.el-cerrito.org/.

Members of Boards, Commissions and Committees provide an invaluable service to our community. The detailed study and considered recommendations or our local advisory bodies are often catalysts for innovative programs and improved services. Serving as a commissioner or committee member can be a rewarding experience for community service minded residents. It is an excellent way to participate in the functioning of local government and to make a personal contribution to the improvement of our community. Commissioners and Committee Members are appointed by the City Council for terms of four years. Commission and committee meetings are generally held once a month during evening hours. The City Council conducts its recruitment on a continuous, ongoing basis. Please consider submitting an application now! For additional information please contact Holly Charléty, City Clerk at 215-4305, [email protected]

September 19, 2019

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

CITY OF EL CERRITO 50+ BULLETIN || SEPTEMBER 2019 10940 San Pablo Ave. El Cerrito, CA 94804

CoCo Café Nutrition Program MIDTOWN ACTIVITY Lunch Menu for ages 60+ ($3 Donation) *Substitute meal available upon request. CENTER Call (510) 559-7677 before 12pm the day prior to make your reservation. *Ask about FREE Easy Ride to lunch for El Cerrito Residents ages 65+. MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 2 3 KRABBY CAKE 4 TURKEY SALAD 5 CHEESE OMLET 6 CREAMY MUSHROOM SANDWICH W/ SALSA CHICKEN OVER NOODLES CENTER CLOSED 9 VEAL PARMESAN A 10 CURRIED CHICKEN 11 BEER BATTERED 12 CHICKEN TAMALE 13 PORK AFRITADA LA ROMANO SALAD FISH W/ ENCHILADA OVER STEAM RICE GRANDPARENTS DAY! SAUCE & CHEESE 16 TURKEY ENCHILADA 17 SPAGHETTI & 18 CHICKEN FIESTA 19 VIRGINA STYLE 20 HEARTY BEEF STEW MEATBALLS W/ SALAD BAKED HAM PARMESAN CHEESE 23 CHICEKN & WHITE 24 ROAST TURKEY 25 CHEESE TORTELLINI 26 SWISS BEEF PATTY 27 TUNA SALAD BEAN CHILI SANDWICH W/ PESTO SANDWICH

30 STUFFED BELL Midtown Activity Center celebrates PEPPER Hispanic Heritage month – September 12th Please RSVP (510)559-7677.

94530 CA Cerrito, El 346 PERMIT

Avenue Pablo San 10890 94520 CA CONCORD

DIVISION SERVICES SENIOR PAID POSTAGE U.S.

CERRITO EL OF CITY STANDARD PRESORTED

ACTIVITY SCHEDULE MIDTOWN ACTIVITY CENTER Registration is available online at www.el-cerrito.org/onlinereg and in the Midtown Activity Center at 10940 San Pablo Ave. For more information call 1-510-559-7677 or email [email protected]. Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 9:30am-4pm 9am-10:30am 10am-11am 9:30-10:30am 9am-11am Artisan Bread Spanish Feldenkrais: Fitness/Mat World Folk Distribution Intermediate Awareness Thru Workout Dance (FREE) (#355506) Movement (#355504) (#355508) (Chair work) (#355503) 10am-11am 9:30am-10:30am 10am-12pm 9:30am-12pm 10am- Feldenkrais Fitness/Mat Elder Tech Smart *Mahjong 3:30pm Awareness Thru Workout Phone & Tablet w/Instruction *Mahjong Movement (#355504) Tutoring (Drop-in: $2) (Drop-in: $2) (Floor Work) By Appointment (#355503) 10am-3pm 10am-12pm 9:30am-12pm 10am-11am 10am-12pm Alzheimer’s Computer Help Memoir Guitar *Canasta Respite Program Workshop Writing Lessons (Drop-in: $2) Pre-Approval Sept. 18 (#355512) (#355509) Required. Call By Appointment 510-559-7677 10am-12pm 1pm-3pm 1:30pm-3pm 11:15- iPhone/iPad HICAP 12:30pm-4pm Women’s 12:15pm Class (#355308) Counseling *Mahjong Support Group *Sing-Along (FREE) (Drop-in: $2) Pre-Approval (Drop-in: $2) 1st, 3rd & 4th Tues Required. Call By Appointment (510) 220-5043

1pm-2:30pm 1pm-4pm 1:30-3:30pm 12:30pm-4pm Visually Impaired *Open Paint Studio Beginner *Mahjong Support Group (Drop-in: $2) Bridge (Drop-in: $2) (FREE) Lessons 2nd Tues (#355100) 2pm-2:45pm 2pm-4pm 1:30-3:30pm Balance Ikebana *Bridge Training & Fall 2nd & 4th Tuesday Experienced Prevention Players Resumes Sept 16 (Drop-in: $2) 3pm-5pm Pre-registration *Drop-in fees Drawing Class is required for are paid (Contra Costa most classes. onsite. College)

MON-FRI OTHER SERVICES Coco Café Lunch Program: 12pm Lunch served Blood Pressure Check: First Thursday of each $3 donation Age 60+, $5 fee under 60yrs) Month from 11am-12pm (FREE) Easy Ride Paratransit Shuttle Service ($2/ride) Hairdresser: 9:30am-1pm *By Appointment Podiatrist: One Friday each month *By Appointment 9am-4:30pm (EC residents only) Massage: Tuesday & Thursday, 9:30am-12pm *By Cyber Café Computers FREE, 8:30am-4pm Appointment Senior Peer Counseling (Referral Service) Saturday Bridge Game ($5 fee)

ACTIVITY SCHEDULE HANA GARDENS SENIOR CENTER 10870 San Pablo Ave. El Cerrito, CA 94530 ~ (510)559-7677 ~ [email protected]

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Tai Chi Barre Exercise Hatha Yoga Senior Ensemble Qi Gong 10-11am 10-11am 12:30-2pm 9am-10:15am 10-11:30am (#355511) (#355501) Focus on the lower body Resumes September 4 Learn to sing popular Learn to promote developing strength and (#344528) songs in 4-part Harmony relaxation and Yoga for Health & flexibility in your legs. (Drop-in: $2) increase circulation though acupressure Wellness (#344529) Chair Fitness Hatha Yoga 12-1pm and movement. 7:30-9pm 10:30-11:15am Let’s Get Moving Resumes September 5 (#344524) Starts September 4th Chair Fitness 3-4pm (#344528) Strengthens arms and 10:30-11:15am Starts September 3rd legs while seated. Brain Boost Maintain or improve (#355505) Starts September 6th 1-3pm Strengthens arms and your balance, flexibility Starts September 5 and strength through legs while seated. Current Events Learn tips and tricks to (#355504) exercises. (#355507) boost your brain Discussion Group 2-4pm (Drop-in: $2) power! (#355510)

DAY TRIPS (#355801) Day Trips include cost of transportation and lunch, or otherwise specified. September 19 John Muir House & Visitor, Martinez $45 Moderate Walking October 9 San Francisco Zoo (self-guided tour & lunch on your own) $40 Heavy Walking

October 16 Ratzlaff Ranch Apple Picking, Sebastopol $45 Heavy Walking

October 30 Pardee Home High Tea and Tour (additional date added) $60 Light Walking

November 7 Wells Fargo Museum & Cable, SF $45 Moderate Walking

November 21 Vacaville Premium Outlets $30 Moderate Walking

December 4 Pier 39 & Ghirardelli Square, SF $35 Heavy Walking

December 11 Holiday Golden Tea Garden, Hayward $55 Light Walking LUNCH TRIPS (#355802) Lunch Trips include transportation. September 25 Treasure Island Institute of Fine Dining $30 Light Walking October 23 Boudin Bakery Museum& Boudin Bistro $45 Light Walking November 13 Claim Jumper Restaurant $30 Light Walking EASY RIDE: Shuttle Service EASY RIDE: Shopping Trips $2 per ride (M-F, 9am-4pm) $5 Roundtrip (Wednesdays) Easy Ride Shuttle Service provides transportation to Upcoming Dates: 9/4, 10/9, 11/6 & 12/18 El Cerrito residents 65 & older or 18 & older with a Choose your location from Lucky, Trader Joes, Pacific disability. Program registration is required for this East Mall, Albany Target or Costco. Registration is service. Registration forms available at the Midtown required. To sign up call (510)559-7677 or email Activity Center. [email protected] .

ACTIVITY SCHEDULE MIDTOWN ACTIVITY CENTER Registration is available online at www.el-cerrito.org/onlinereg and in the Midtown Activity Center at 10940 San Pablo Ave. For more information call 1-510-559-7677 or email [email protected]. HIKING & WALKING TRIPS Midtown Activity Center & TRIPS2:30pm0am8:30am-2:30pm- (Fee:2:30pm8:30am $12/Trip) - Hana Gardens Senior Center Sept 6: Lake Temescal (1-mile WALK, LVL 1) CLOSED Sept 20: Land’s End (3-mile2:30pm HIKE, LVL 4) Oct 4: Gardens at Heather Farms (1-mile WALK, LVL 1) September 2nd - Labor Day Oct 18: Garin/Dry Creek Regional Park (2.5-mile HIKE, LVL 4) Nov 1: Jack London Square (1-mile WALK, LVL 1) SENIOR PRESENTATIONS

Trail Terrain Levels: To RSVP, call 510-559-7677 or email [email protected] Level 1: Paved flat Level 2: Paved, some inclines Feldenkrais Method: Awareness Through Level 3: Unpaved, flat Level 4: Unpaved, some inclines Movement Workshop Wednesday, September 11 at 1p.m. BIRDING TRIPS Hana Garden Senior Center, 10870 San Pablo Ave. Join Instructor Jane Neilson who will lead the

8:30am-2:30pm (Fee: $12/Trip) group in a sample lesson and describe the Sept 13: Lake Merritt principles of the method. Sept 27: Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge HICAP 2020 (Medicare Counseling) Oct 11: Hayward Regional Shoreline Wednesday, October 30 at 1-2p.m. Oct 25: MLK, Jr. Regional Shoreline Park Hana Garden Senior Center, 10870 San Pablo Ave. Volunteers from Contra Costa County HICAP Nov 8: Starkweather Shoreline Park Medicare Counseling will be presenting an Nov 22: Bedwell Bayfront Park overview of the 2020 changes affecting Please note: All Birding, Hiking, Walking, Luncheon & Medicare Prescription and Advantage Plans in Day Trips depart from the Contra Costa Civic Theater Contra Costa County. You’ll learn about your parking lot located at 951 Pomona Ave in El Cerrito. coverage options and receive helpful handouts. SENIOR SNIPPETS SENIOR RESOURCE FAIR Note: Full Articles are available online at WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2019 www.el cerrito.org/98/Committee-on-Aging or visit the 9:30AM-12PM Midtown Activity Center. EL CERRITO COMMUNITY CENTER 7007 Moeser Lane TRANSPORTATION: Travel Training for seniors is available in El Cerrito. Special presentation on SCAMS! Learn more Learn the many agencies serving our community, how to use a about programs, services and volunteer Clipper Card and what applications might be useful for your opportunities available to seniors in the smartphone. community. To learn more or to sign up for a ride TRANSPORTATION: Richmond Paratransit has partnered with Lyft to to the event, call (510) 559-7677 or give low-cost rides to those registered with Richmond Paratransit. You Email [email protected]. must live in Richmond or an unincorporated area of West Contra • FREE event with DOOR PRIZES! Costa to qualify. Call Richmond Paratransit for more information • FREE Lunch! *while supplies last (510) 307-8027. • FREE Easy Ride available for El Cerrito Residents VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: The El Cerrito Recreation Department and EC Library are organizing activities between seniors and children. ACTIVITY SPOTLIGHT Senior volunteers Needed. Contact Midtown Activity Center if you Chair Fitness: Wednesdays, 10:30-11:15am are interested: (510) 559-7677 Learn exercises that strengthen arms and legs LEGISLATIVE: An amendment to Proposition 13 will be on the 2020 while seated. Movements help develop ballot. Currently businesses are taxed when they go on sale after flexibility and endurance. Judy Katz is the 1978 when Prop 13 passed. instructor. Activity #355505-01 MEDICAL: A promising new blood test for Alzheimer's disease is 94% accurate. OFF-SITE SENIOR PROGRAMS: Zumba Gold, Lap Swim, Water Aerobics, Water COMMITTEE ON AGING Walking, Adult Swim Lessons, Acrylic & Next COA Meeting: Wed, September 18th at 3pm. Meetings Watercolor Arts, Pottery, Pickleball, Taiji Quan are held at El Cerrito City Hall Council Chambers located at and Tennis. Details available in the current issue 10890 San Pablo Ave. of the rEC guide and online www.el- cerrito.org/recreation.

CITY OF EL CERRITO SENIOR RESOURCE FAIR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2019 9:30AM-12PM EL CERRITO COMMUNITY CENTER 7007 MOESER LANE, EL CERRITO LEARN MORE ABOUT: TRANSPORTATION EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES HOUSING AND ENTERTAINMENT HEALTH AND FITNESS COUNTY AND CITY SERVICES VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AND MUCH MORE!

FREE event with DOOR PRIZES! Bring a friend or neighbor!

FREE Lunch! sponsored by Beacon Home Care

FREE rides available to El Cerrito residents Get your FREE Flu Shot by Safeway!

*Bring current Medicare card

For more information call (510) 559-7677 or e-mail [email protected]

Alec Palao Collection

The El Cerrito Historical Society presents

CREEDENCE: The First Decade 1959-1969

TWO FREE EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED!!

Fortunate sons Creedence Clearwater Revival took a full ten years to become one of the world’s top rock & roll acts, much of that time spent as residents of their hometown, El Cerrito. 2019 marks not only fifty years since the first of eight US Top Five hits with ‘Proud Mary,’ but sixty years since their inception at Portola Junior High.

Friday 11th October El Cerrito City Hall 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito Reception for the second floor gallery exhibit curated by Grammy-nominated producer Alec Palao, featuring rare photography, images and artwork illustrating the early days of CCR. 7pm to 8:30pm (exhibit open to public from October 7th thru October 25th)

Sunday 13th October El Cerrito Community Center 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito Alec Palao discusses the quartet’s local background and their apprenticeship as the Blue Velvets, Visions, Golliwogs and finally Creedence, using rare visuals and audio, along with insights gleaned during his extensive work on the group’s catalog. 2pm to 3pm . Refreshments served. For information on both events, please contact Dave Weinstein: [email protected]

Chills, Spills, and Mystery Writing Thrills Tuesday, October 17 | 6:00 p.m.

To celebrate Mystery Week: El Cerrito Library hosts a panel of writers from Mystery Writers of America, NorCal Chapter. Local authors, including Mark Coggins, S.A. Lelchuk, Gigi Pandian, Terry Shames, and Kelli Stanley, will speak on the joys, foils, and foibles of writing mysteries with UC Berkeley librarian Randal Brandt. Join us for a thrilling evening!

Randal Brandt Mark Coggins S.A. Lelchuk Gigi Pandian Terry Shames Kelli Stanley

El Cerrito Library 6510 Stockton Avenue 94530 | 510.526.7512 Mon 12-8 ▪ Tues 12-8 ▪ Wed 10-6 ▪ Thurs 10-6 Fri 10-5 ▪ Sat 10-5 ▪ Sun 1-5

For special accommodations, please contact the Library with 72 hours notice.